hostage

March 3 (Asia Today) — South Korea’s exports are riding a semiconductor boom, but lawmakers risk undermining that momentum by delaying legislation tied to a major U.S. investment plan.

According to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, exports in February reached $67.4 billion, the highest ever for the month, despite fewer working days due to the Lunar New Year holiday. Exports have set new monthly records for nine straight months since June.

Still, vulnerabilities are emerging. Automobile exports fell 20.8% from a year earlier in February, reflecting the impact of U.S. tariffs on specific items. Even after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down reciprocal tariffs, the administration of President Donald Trump has continued to pursue tariff measures. Lawmakers should move swiftly to pass the Special Act on Investment in the United States to remove potential grounds for further trade friction.

Semiconductors once again drove export growth. Chip exports surged 160% from a year earlier to $25.1 billion, marking the third consecutive month above the $20 billion mark. The gains reflect increased artificial intelligence investment by global technology firms and a sharp rise in memory chip prices. The price of DDR4 8Gb DRAM has climbed 863% over the past year, while 128Gb NAND prices have risen 452%.

But heavy reliance on semiconductors has deepened disparities across industries. Of the country’s 15 key export categories, only five posted gains last month, including computers, wireless communication devices, ships and biohealth products. Exports of auto parts, petrochemicals and steel declined amid global oversupply and tariff pressures.

Geopolitical risks add further uncertainty. The recent U.S. airstrikes on Iran have heightened concerns about instability in the Middle East. According to the Korea International Trade Association, every 10% increase in global oil prices reduces South Korea’s export volume by 0.39%. A prolonged conflict could jeopardize the government’s goal of achieving $800 billion in annual exports this year.

Against this backdrop, the ruling Democratic Party and the opposition People Power Party remain locked in a dispute over passage of the Special Act on Investment in the United States, which would support a planned $350 billion investment in America.

On Sunday, Han Byung-do, floor leader of the Democratic Party, warned that his party would take “a major decision” if the opposition continued to block proceedings. The People Power Party has boycotted related committee activities in protest of separate judicial reform bills passed by the majority party.

While the ruling party bears responsibility for pushing through controversial judicial legislation, it is also unwise to hold a bill tied to national economic interests hostage to partisan conflict. The government has already conditionally approved Google’s request to export high-precision map data in an effort to avoid giving Washington grounds for additional tariffs.

Failure to pass the investment bill in the coming days could carry further costs. Both sides should exercise strategic flexibility to safeguard national interests amid mounting external risks.

— Reported by Asia Today; translated by UPI

© Asia Today. Unauthorized reproduction or redistribution prohibited.

Original Korean report: https://www.asiatoday.co.kr/kn/view.php?key=20260302010000303

Feb. 12 (UPI) — A teacher who was among three people injured during a hostage situation at her school in southern Thailand has died, provincial officials announced Thursday.

Sasiphat Sinsamosorn was pronounced dead at 2:06 a.m. local Thursday at Hat Yai Hospital, where she was receiving treatment for wounds sustained a day earlier when a gunman allegedly entered Patongprathankiriwat School, in Hat Yai District, located in the southern Thailand province of Songkhla.

Authorities have identified the alleged gunman as a 17-year-old boy. Provincial officials alleged the boy, “acting in a deranged state and armed with a firearm,” entered the school at about 4 p.m. Wednesday afternoon.

Preliminary findings show that the suspect had attacked a police officer with a knife, wresting away the government-issued 9mm firearm before entering the school, where he took Sinsamosorn and several students hostage.

A standoff ensued.

At about 6:15 p.m., police confronted the boy. During the confrontation, Sinsamosorn and a 16-year-old student were struck by gunfire. The boy, who was also injured, was then subdued by police, ending the two-hour standoff.

Sinsamosorn and the alleged assailant were transported to Hat Yai Hospital, while two students, both girls, were transported to Songklanagarind Hospital.

Officials said Sinsamosorn was shot in the left side of the chest and underwent surgery, but died early Thursday from severe blood loss.

A formal funeral rite bathing ceremony of the deceased presided over by Education Minister Narumon Pinyosinwat was scheduled for 4:30 p.m. Thursday, the Songkhla Provincial Public Relations Office said in a statement.

Sinsamosorn was a teacher and director at the school.

Officials have identified the two injured students as Nattawan Thongphasmkaew, a 16-year-old girl who was shot in the left side of her waist, and 19-year-old Manassanum Anyphonphalakarn, who sustained minor injuries to her chin and neck when she jumped from the second floor of the school building out of panic amid the incident.

The provincial government said Thongphasmkaew underwent surgery and is in stable condition. “Fortunately, the bullet did not strike any vital organs,” the Songkhla Provincial Public Relations Office said Thursday.

Anyphonphalakarn was discharged from the hospital, according to officials.

The Ministry of Education said it is preparing to propose a special salary promotion and a request for the bestowal of a royal decoration for Sinsamosorn.

Authorities said the alleged assailant has a history of psychiatric treatment related to substance abuse and was discharged from hospital in December.

A motive is under investigation, with preliminary information indicating that the alleged attacker’s young sister was enrolled at the school.