The following is the first summary of major stories moved by Yonhap News Agency on Tuesday.
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■ (LEAD) Lee stresses importance of U.S. alliance, says differences can arise between countries
SEOUL -- President Lee Jae Myung on Tuesday stressed the importance of the country's alliance with the United States, while highlighting that differences can arise between countries.
The president made the remarks at a Cabinet meeting, where he also insisted that diplomacy should be focused on safeguarding national interests and that a submissive stance should be shunned in pursuing diplomacy.
https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20261013004151315?section=national/politics
President Lee Jae Myung (C) attends a Cabinet meeting in Seoul on Oct. 13, 2026. (Yonhap)
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■ Seoul shares sharply down late Tue. morning on tech sell-off
SEOUL -- Seoul shares extended their losses late Tuesday morning, as fresh woes over rising competition from China and artificial intelligence (AI) valuations emerged ahead of major corporate earnings reports and the release of U.S. inflation data.
After opening 3.1 percent lower, the benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) fell 386.25 points, or 6.05 percent, to 5,997.99 as of 11:20 a.m.
https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20261013005500320?section=economy-finance/economy
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■ IMF raises S. Korea's growth forecast to 3.3 pct amid chip supercycle
SEOUL -- The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Tuesday raised its growth forecast for South Korea in 2026 to 3.3 percent, citing strong semiconductor exports that more than offset the fallout from the Middle East war.
The Washington-based organization released the assessment in the World Economic Outlook report, raising its forecast by 0.7 percentage point from its July projection. The revised figure exceeded its global growth forecast of 3.1 percent.
https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20261012006600320?section=economy-finance/economy
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■ (2nd LD) N. Korea reports test-firing of 'tactical' ballistic missile to improve weapons systems
SEOUL -- North Korea has test-fired a tactical ballistic missile to upgrade a key component of its weapons systems, which it called a "big success," the country's state media reported Tuesday.
The report came a day after South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) detected multiple ballistic missiles launched from the Pyongyang area toward the East Sea.
https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20261013000752315?section=nk/nk
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■ (LEAD) Trump says he 'may' meet N. Korean leader Kim during upcoming Asia trip
WASHINGTON -- U.S. President Donald Trump said Monday that he may meet North Korean leader Kim Jong-un during his upcoming trip to Asia, raising the possibility of renewed summit diplomacy between Washington and Pyongyang.
Asked by a reporter at the White House on whether he plans to meet Kim during the trip, Trump replied, "I may," adding, "That'll be exciting, won't it? But I get along with him."
https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20261013000651315?section=national/diplomacy
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■ Drought conditions reported in 97 regions nationwide
SEOUL -- Drought conditions have been reported in 97 regions across the country, with the situation particularly severe in Yeongcheon, North Gyeongsang Province, the interior ministry said Tuesday.
Water storage levels in agricultural reservoirs nationwide stood at just 70 percent of the average for a normal year, the ministry said in its October drought report.
https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20261013004700315?section=national/national
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