12 October 2026
South Korea's exports in the first 10 days of October 2026 reached a record $26.1 billion, according to Korea Customs Service data released on 12 October.
The previous high for the period was $15.3 billion, set in the first 10 days of October 2025.
Semiconductor exports rose 170.9 per cent to $12.1 billion; ship exports fell 13.4 per cent to $682 million.
Imports rose 65.5 per cent to $22.3 billion, leaving a trade surplus of $3.8 billion.
Exports to China rose 167 per cent to $7.59 billion and those to the United States 159.9 per cent to $3.65 billion.
Exports, 1-10 Oct 2026:
$26.1 billion
Chip exports:
$12.1 billion (+170.9%)
Trade surplus:
$3.8 billion
Why it matters for exams: Trade data on a major Asian economy and the semiconductor boom are standard economy questions.
Kerala PSCUPSCBank
In plain words
Korea Customs Service Korea Customs Service — South Korea's customs agency, which publishes trade figures for each 10-day period of a month.
11 October 2026
South Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs raised its travel alert for Saudi Arabia to Level 3, the second-highest level, effective 10 pm on Sunday, 11 October 2026.
South Korean nationals were advised to leave Saudi Arabia unless they had urgent business; those planning to travel there were told to cancel or postpone their trips.
The decision followed a meeting Foreign Minister Cho Hyun held with South Korean diplomatic missions in 15 West Asian nations, including Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Iran and Israel.
It came after Houthi attacks on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh.
Cho urged diplomats in the region to take extra care in protecting nationals.
Alert level:
Level 3
Effective:
10 pm, 11 October 2026
Missions consulted:
15 West Asian nations
Why it matters for exams: Shows how a country protects its citizens abroad during the Saudi-Houthi conflict, and names South Korea's Foreign Minister.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
Houthis Houthi movement (Ansar Allah) — An armed group based in Yemen that controls Sanaa and much of northern Yemen.
11 October 2026
On Sunday, 11 October 2026, South Korea's National Intelligence Service (NIS) said intelligence cooperation with the United States remains active across many areas.
It listed North Korean missiles, North Korea's conventional military capabilities, international relations, cybersecurity and counterintelligence.
The NIS said intelligence sharing takes place "in a reciprocal and mutually beneficial manner".
It acknowledged that Washington has restricted some North Korea nuclear-related intelligence since a March dispute after Unification Minister Chung Dong-young publicly named Kusong as a North Korean uranium-enrichment site.
The NIS is headed by Director Lee Jong-seok; the main opposition People Power Party has called for the dismissal of Chung and Lee.
NIS Director:
Lee Jong-seok
Site named in March:
Kusong
Why it matters for exams: Intelligence sharing is a pillar of the South Korea-US alliance against North Korea's nuclear and missile programmes.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
NIS National Intelligence Service — South Korea's main intelligence agency, which works under the direct control of the President.
Counterintelligence Counterintelligence — Work to detect and stop spying by foreign intelligence services.
12 October 2026
A Realmeter survey released on 12 October 2026 put President Lee Jae Myung's approval rating at 35.2 per cent, down 2.2 percentage points from the previous week.
Disapproval rose 1.6 percentage points to 61.4 per cent.
The survey of 1,504 adults, commissioned by the Asia Business Daily, had a margin of error of 2.5 percentage points at a 95 per cent confidence level.
In a separate survey of 1,004 adults, the main opposition People Power Party had 41.3 per cent support, up 2.9 points, and the ruling Democratic Party 35.5 per cent, down 7 points.
Approval:
35.2%
Disapproval:
61.4%
People Power Party / Democratic Party:
41.3% / 35.5%
Why it matters for exams: Names South Korea's President, its ruling party and its main opposition party.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
Margin of error Margin of error — The range within which a poll's result is expected to differ from the true figure.
11 October 2026
In a post on X late on Saturday, 10 October 2026, President Lee Jae Myung said he would keep visiting ordinary neighbourhoods with minimal security and engaging people through social media, despite criticism.
He wrote that "the president is the people's foremost public servant".
Lee compared his situation to that of the late President Roh Moo-hyun, who was also criticised for an informal style.
On Sunday, 11 October, Seong Ghi-hong, senior presidential secretary for public relations and communication, said Lee had pledged to communicate "more actively and directly with the public" on his flight home from a state visit to Mexico late last month.
President:
Lee Jae Myung
Recent state visit:
Mexico
Why it matters for exams: Identifies South Korea's President and recalls a former President, Roh Moo-hyun.
Kerala PSCUPSC
11 October 2026
The Kia Tigers lost 4-1 to the Lotte Giants on Sunday, 11 October 2026, at Gwangju-Kia Champions Field, missing a chance to clinch the third seed in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) postseason.
Han Dong-hee hit a grand slam off Tigers starter Adam Oller in the sixth inning.
The Tigers (78-63-2) and the LG Twins (78-64-1) meet in Gwangju on Monday, 12 October, at 6:30 p.m.; the winner takes the No. 3 seed.
The Doosan Bears clinched the No. 5 seed; the wild card round begins on Wednesday, 14 October, and the best-of-five first round on Saturday, 17 October.
Result:
Lotte Giants 4, Kia Tigers 1
Kia Tigers record:
78-63-2
LG Twins record:
78-64-1
Why it matters for exams: Baseball is South Korea's most popular professional sport; the KBO and its clubs appear in sports general-knowledge questions.
Kerala PSCSSC
In plain words
KBO Korea Baseball Organization — The body that runs South Korea's top professional baseball league.
Grand slam Grand slam (baseball) — A home run hit with all three bases occupied, scoring four runs.
Background
With South Korea's exports at a record in early October 2026, its trade ties with India are a standing exam topic.
India and the Republic of Korea (South Korea) established diplomatic relations in 1973; the 50th anniversary was marked in 2023.
The Korea-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) was concluded in 2010, and both sides have agreed to expedite negotiations to upgrade it.
Relations were elevated to a Special Strategic Partnership in 2015.
In a joint press statement issued during President Lee Jae Myung's state visit to India, the two sides set a goal of US$50 billion in bilateral trade by 2030.
Diplomatic relations:
1973
CEPA concluded:
2010
Special Strategic Partnership:
2015
Trade goal:
US$50 billion by 2030
Why it matters for exams: The milestones of India-South Korea relations (1973, 2010, 2015) are frequently asked in both PSC and UPSC papers.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
CEPA Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement — A trade agreement covering goods, services and investment; India's with South Korea was concluded in 2010.
Background
With weekly polls tracking President Lee Jae Myung's approval, the rules of South Korea's presidency are worth knowing.
The President is elected by nationwide direct ballot and is head of state, chief administrator, commander-in-chief, chief diplomat and chief policy maker.
The President serves a single five-year term, with no additional terms allowed.
The Prime Minister is appointed by the President and approved by the National Assembly, and supervises the administrative ministries under the President's direction.
The President presides over a Cabinet of 15 to 30 members; agencies under the President's direct control include the Board of Audit and Inspection and the National Intelligence Service.
Presidential term:
Single five-year term
Cabinet size:
15 to 30 members
Why it matters for exams: Comparative questions on executive systems often ask about South Korea's single five-year presidential term.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
Board of Audit and Inspection Board of Audit and Inspection of Korea — South Korea's supreme audit body, placed directly under the President.