Author: Seoul Reporter

Iran has fully lifted restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz for missile cooperation during the ongoing 10-day truce with Israel and Lebanon, officials announced on April 17, 2026.Iran’s Strategic MoveForeign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated on social media platform X that ship operations through the strait amid the Lebanon front will return to normal. However, he emphasized that Iran intends to use this development for a decisive retaliation against adversaries.Sources confirm Iran normalized passages by leveraging ship routes from nations that joined the boycott. Despite U.S. participation in the boycott, the waterway now operates without prior constraints.Trump’s Sharp ResponseFormer U.S. President…

South Africa Proposes Crypto Rules Under Exchange ControlsSouth Africa issues draft regulations to integrate cryptocurrencies into its foreign exchange control framework, targeting cross-border capital flows and financial risks.3132New Capital Flow Management RegulationsThe Capital Flow Management Regulations now encompass cryptoassets, addressing vulnerabilities from emerging financial instruments. Officials aim to enhance oversight, clarify exemptions, permissions, and conditions, while introducing administrative sanctions for violations.31Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announces the draft, open for 30 days of public comment following a recent government notice.30Combating Illicit ActivitiesThese measures combat money laundering, terrorist financing, and illicit financial flows. They complement existing rules by the Financial Sector Conduct…

Seoul Badminton Champion Honored at Presidential CeremonyTop-ranked women’s singles badminton player An Se-young accepted the 4.19 Democratic Uprising Peace Award at the presidential office in Seoul on April 17. The accolade recognizes her public disclosure of illegal hiring practices by the vice president within the badminton federation.During the 7th annual 4.19 ceremony, An Se-young addressed the audience, stating, “This award is not my personal achievement but the result of the hard work and passion of many people who joined me.” She emphasized, “Even during busy times, seeing myself honored shows the nation’s true meaning to dedicated individuals.”An Se-young added, “I…

Lee Jae-myung, leader of South Korea’s main opposition Democratic Party, called for tougher screening processes for national vessels planning to transit the Strait of Hormuz during a key National Assembly session on April 17, 2026.Assembly Session Focuses on Hormuz Cooperation FeesDelivering his statement at 9:12 p.m., Lee emphasized the need to bolster requirements for South Korean ships involved in Hormuz-related cooperation efforts. Officials indicate these measures aim to ensure compliance and security amid ongoing regional tensions.Global Leaders Convene in ParisThe discussions aligned with an international summit in Paris, where leaders from 40 countries gathered to address Hormuz cooperation. French President…

Kura Oncology (NASDAQ: KURA) shares rose 9% after investigators unveiled preliminary data from the FIT-001 trial. The study evaluates darlifarnib combined with cabozantinib in patients with cabozantinib-refractory clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), demonstrating notable tumor shrinkage.Impressive Response Rates in Refractory PatientsAnalysis of 16 ccRCC patients previously treated with cabozantinib revealed a 44% objective response rate and 94% disease control rate. Tumor reduction occurred in 75% of cases. Treatment durations ranged from eight weeks to 56 weeks, with six patients continuing therapy at the data cutoff.These responses particularly involved patients who had shown stable disease on prior cabozantinib, highlighting darlifarnib’s…

WaFd, Inc. (NASDAQ: WAFD) surpasses analyst forecasts with actual results for two consecutive quarters, announced after Thursday’s market close. Earnings per share reach $0.83, topping the $0.75 consensus estimate. Revenue climbs to $197.38 million, exceeding projections of $190.51 million.Earnings HighlightsThe company reports net income of $65.50 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2026, with earnings per share at $0.82. This marks a 2% increase from the prior quarter’s $64.20 million and a 17% rise year-over-year from $56.30 million. Net interest margin expands 4% to 2.81% from 2.70% in the previous period.Net interest income grows from $171 million to $178…

Analysts at RBC Capital Markets have reduced their price target for IBM (NYSE:IBM) from $361 to $330, while upholding an Outperform rating ahead of the company’s upcoming first-quarter earnings.IBM Stock Trades Below Recent HighsIBM shares currently trade at $251, marking a roughly 23% decline from the 52-week high of $324.90. Valuation metrics, including a price-to-earnings ratio of 21.97 and a PEG ratio of 0.3, position the stock as undervalued relative to long-term growth potential in IT services and hybrid cloud operations.RBC anticipates IBM’s next quarterly results, due on April 22, will align with expectations. Analyst Matt Swanson highlighted positive overall…

In a candid admission after Hanwha’s sixth straight defeat, manager Kim Kyung-moon shouldered full responsibility for the team’s struggles. The Eagles fell 1-6 to the Samsung Lions on April 17 in Busan, extending their losing streak amid mounting pressure.Coach’s Direct AccountabilityKim Kyung-moon expressed deep remorse during a post-game interview, stating, “It’s all my fault. Even if players push hard, when direction from above falters, nothing works right.” He emphasized his role as director, declaring the outcome as his personal failing despite the lopsided scoreline.Further reflecting, Kim noted, “No matter how badly we lose 1-6, that’s no excuse to overlook it.…

Apple’s iPhone shipments in China climbed 20% quarter-over-quarter, marking the strongest growth among major vendors despite an overall smartphone market contraction.China Smartphone Market Faces HeadwindsThe Chinese smartphone sector experienced a 4% decline in shipments from January to March, driven by corporate challenges and chip shortages. Data highlights persistent supply constraints affecting various models, from legacy devices to new releases.Apple Climbs to Second PlaceRobust demand for the iPhone 17 series, combined with promotional pricing and government subsidies, propelled Apple to second position in market share. Excluding foreign brands, Apple led growth among the top six vendors, securing 19% share.Huawei maintained first…

The Samsung Lions hold a slim lead in the KBO standings, but both they and the LG Twins desperately need a victory from their ace pitchers. Jack O’Loughlin of the Lions and Im Chan-kyu of the Twins, both still searching for their first win of the season, square off on April 17 at Daegu Samsung Lions Park.Tight Standings Heighten StakesSamsung boasts an 11-1-4 record, edging out LG’s 11-5 mark by just 0.5 games for first and second place. The Lions also lead in home runs hit. This matchup carries extra weight as both teams chase the innings leader title in…