Seoul: Today in Korean history marks significant developments in South Korea's diplomatic and media landscape. Notably, South Korea has established a liaison office in Hanoi, a strategic move that occurred about four months before the country reestablished its diplomatic ties with Vietnam. Initially formed in 1956, the diplomatic relationship between South Korea and Vietnam was severed in 1975 following the capture of Ho Chi Minh City by the People's Army of Vietnam, marking the end of the Vietnam War.

According to Yonhap News Agency, South Korea's media industry also faced significant developments. A special tax probe led to the arrest of Bang Sang-hoon, president of the daily Chosun Ilbo; Kim Byung-kwan, former honorary chairman of the daily Dong-A Ilbo; and Cho Hee-jun, former chairman of the Kukmin Daily, on charges of tax evasion. Conservative forces claimed that the probe, conducted under the Kim Dae-jung administration, was an attempt to control news media critical of the government.

In another event, the Seoul government announced the defection of Thae Yong-ho, a prominent North Korean diplomat who served as a minister at North Korea's embassy in London. Thae's defection to the South was confirmed by the government several days after his arrival in Seoul, marking a significant moment in inter-Korean relations.

Additionally, North Korea's Korean Central News Agency reported the testing of a "new weapon" under the guidance of leader Kim Jong-un, aimed at enhancing defense capabilities. While details were not extensively provided, experts noted that the test appeared to involve North Korea's version of the U.S. Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS).

In a different sphere, President Moon Jae-in and Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev agreed to expand bilateral partnerships in various sectors, including the Fourth Industrial Revolution, public health, and space exploration, during summit talks held in Seoul.