Yonhap News

South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back stated on August 20 that private research organizations estimate North Korea possesses 80 to 120 nuclear weapons, a range derived during a parliamentary session. U.S. President Donald Trump separately stated at the White House that North Korea has 57 nuclear weapons and plans to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong-un later this year. Ahn noted differing estimates between South Korea and the United States and that exact numbers are difficult to determine.

Kakao Corp. will divide its operations into KakaoAI, which will manage KakaoTalk along with AI, advertising, and commerce, and KakaoX, an investment vehicle for fintech, content, and mobility. The split completes January 1, 2027, with KakaoAI relisting January 27, 2027; shareholders receive shares in a 36:64 ratio and the company commits to 300 billion won in buybacks.

U.S. President Donald Trump directed a substantial reduction in joint military exercises with South Korea, citing his relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and South Korea's refusal to join a U.S. war against Iran. The announcement came via social media just before the annual Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises, which are designed to counter North Korean threats, and occurred without prior consultation with Seoul. South Korean President Lee Jae-myung addressed the matter in a cabinet meeting, while a Hankook Ilbo editorial described the move as evidence of a faltering alliance.

On August 19, 2026, Donald Trump confirmed to reporters that he expects to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un later that year. The comments occurred during a tour of a new White House helipad and included an estimate of North Korea's nuclear arsenal. No meeting details or preconditions have been announced.

Genesis introduced the GV90, an all-electric seven-seat SUV, at a world premiere in San Francisco. The vehicle features a 123.5-kWh battery with a claimed 500 km range and 22-minute fast charging, along with advanced safety and convenience systems. It is scheduled for U.S. sales in early 2026 and will be produced in South Korea.

North Korea conducted short-range ballistic missile launches on August 20, 2026, one week after a prior test on August 12. The launches followed U.S.-ordered reductions in the duration and scope of the Ulchi Freedom Shield military exercises. Multiple outlets confirm the timing, direction toward the East Sea, and statements from Kim Yo Jong regarding the drills.

SK Hynix announced a share buyback on August 19, 2026, via regulatory filing, with plans to allocate at least 50 percent of free cash flow from 2025 to 2027 toward shareholder returns including repurchases, cancellations, and dividends. Sources disagree on the exact scale of the initial buyback, with reports citing either 40 trillion won or 24.07 million shares valued at 40.43 trillion won. The company stated the action aims to enhance shareholder value due to shares trading below intrinsic value.

SK Hynix Inc. announced on August 19 a buyback of 24.07 million common shares worth 40.43 trillion won, to be executed from August 20 to November 19 and followed by cancellation of all acquired shares. The company also committed to allocating at least 50 percent of free cash flow from 2025 to 2027 toward shareholder returns through buybacks, cancellations, and dividends. The move follows a November 2023 pledge and occurs amid elevated demand in the memory-chip sector.

USFK Commander Gen. Xavier Brunson met South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back on August 18 following the start of the Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise. President Trump ordered a scaling down of the drills, citing his relationship with Kim Jong-un and South Korea's stance on Iran. The exercise, which began August 17 Seoul time, is scheduled to continue for 11 days through August 27.