Vietnam Insider

South Korea is facing a serious manpower crisis that threatens its ability to defend against North Korea, as projections show the country’s active-duty forces could shrink to just 270,000 soldiers by 2040.

Active forces cut nearly in half

According to the Ministry of National Defense, South Korea’s standing army—currently around 450,000—will fall to 290,000 by 2030, 260,000 by 2035, and just 150,000 by 2040. Including officers, the total force would be about 270,000.

In contrast, North Korea maintains 1.2 million active troops, backed by a strict conscription system requiring men to serve 10 years and women 7 years. This means that by 2040, South Korea’s army will be only a quarter of Pyongyang’s size, far below the minimum ratio of one-third recommended by U.S. military doctrine for effective defense.

Experts warn of defense risks

A report by the Korea Institute for Defense Analyses (KIDA) stresses Seoul needs at least 500,000 troops to repel a potential invasion. Despite South Korea’s technological edge in weapons and training, analysts caution that numbers still matter on the battlefield.

Researchers suggest extending conscription, introducing a mixed draft-volunteer system, and even considering mandatory service for women. They also propose investing in advanced technologies such as quantum surveillance systems, AI-powered combat robots, drones, and precision missiles to offset manpower shortages.

Government’s modernization push

President Lee Jae Myung, visiting troops on September 21, vowed a “smart, elite military” built on cutting-edge technology. He highlighted South Korea’s 2.6 million reservists, robust economy, and strong defense budget as critical strengths that go beyond raw troop numbers.

“We cannot measure our defense capability by manpower alone,” Lee wrote on Facebook, pledging to expand defense industries, increase spending, and strengthen multilateral security cooperation.

A growing national security challenge

South Korea’s record-low birth rate, the world’s lowest, is the driving force behind the troop shortage. Without drastic measures, experts warn the country will struggle to field even 300,000 soldiers by 2040.

“The decline in military manpower is a direct threat to national security and demands urgent, coordinated action,” said Professor Cho Sang Geun of KAIST.

As North Korea shows no sign of easing its massive conscription system, Seoul faces the challenge of maintaining credible defense capabilities with fewer soldiers, relying increasingly on technology, strategy, and alliances.

Vietnamese-American singer Lynda Trang Đài has filed a request to join Florida’s Pretrial Diversion Program—a move that could allow her to avoid prosecution for petty theft if she fulfills specific conditions, including community service.

Court grants delay for diversion program

According to legal documents from Orange County Court, Florida, both prosecutors and the defense agreed to temporarily suspend her case while procedures for the diversion program are completed. The court has officially approved the motion, putting her trial on hold.

Under Florida law (Section 948, Chapter 8), the Pretrial Diversion Program applies to first-time offenders or those with only one prior non-violent misdemeanor. Instead of facing prosecution, participants are given the chance to take responsibility, undergo rehabilitation, and complete community-based requirements. Successful completion leads to dismissal of charges, while failure sends the case back to standard criminal proceedings.

What Lynda Trang Đài must do

As part of her six-month agreement, the singer must comply with several obligations, which may include:

• Counseling or therapy sessions

• Drug screening and education programs

• Community service work

• Supervision by a case manager

• Payment of administrative fees and restitution

If she meets all requirements, prosecutors will file a nolle prosequi (dropping the case), clearing her record.

Background of the case

Lynda Trang Đài (real name: Lynda Trangdai Le Ngo) was arrested by Orlando police on January 5, 2025, for allegedly shoplifting items worth over $100—a misdemeanor under Florida law. She was released the following day after posting $1,000 bail.

In a conversation with fellow singer Quang Lê, she described the arrest as “bad luck” and said her lawyer was working to clarify the case. She also expressed hope that fans would not lose faith in her.

If successful in the diversion program, the singer will avoid a criminal record, giving her the chance to put the incident behind her and continue her career.

Hanoi has just been honored as one of the Top 10 street food cities in Asia, according to the UK-based magazine Time Out. The Vietnamese capital ranked second place, just behind Penang (Malaysia), beating other famous destinations like Singapore and Bangkok.

Hanoi – Vietnam’s street food paradise

As the only Vietnamese city in the ranking, Hanoi has earned international praise for its vibrant and authentic food culture. Unlike fine-dining restaurants, Hanoi’s charm lies in its sidewalk eateries and bustling street stalls, where simple yet flavorful dishes win the hearts of both locals and travelers.

According to Time Out, Hanoi is a “culinary heaven” where visitors can stumble upon delicious dishes everywhere—from quiet alleyways and winding staircases to lively street corners.

Among its recommendations are iconic spots such as:

• Bánh Mì 25 in the Old Quarter

• Phở Cô Minh on Hàng Trống

• Bánh Cuốn Bà Lộc

• Bún Chả 74 Hàng Quạt

These humble eateries, often run by generations of families, continue to shape Hanoi’s culinary identity.

Street food as a magnet for international visitors

Vietnam welcomed nearly 1.7 million international visitors in August 2025, raising the 8-month total to 13.9 million arrivals—a 21.7% year-on-year increase. Hanoi remains one of the country’s top draws. In the first three months of 2025 alone, the city welcomed 7.3 million visitors, including 1.85 million international tourists.

Experts say one of Hanoi’s strongest attractions is its street food culture, which not only satisfies culinary curiosity but also creates lasting memories for travelers.

Influencers help spread the flavor of Hanoi

Street food in Hanoi has also inspired countless international YouTubers and food bloggers:

• Ted Aroi from Taiwan spent days exploring 10 different phở eateries, praising the broth and affordable prices. He ranked phở at Gốc Gạo as his favorite, calling it the best balance of flavor and quality for only 50,000 VND per bowl.

• Suhyang from South Korea, with more than 700,000 YouTube subscribers, shared her excitement about Hanoi street food even before landing at Nội Bài Airport. She enjoyed dishes like bánh mì nem khoai, phở trộn, cơm rang dưa bò, trà chanh, and sữa ngô, promising to return for more.

Their experiences, widely shared online, have helped cement Hanoi’s reputation as a global street food hotspot.

Challenges and the road ahead

While Hanoi’s street food scene is a cultural treasure and an economic lifeline for small vendors, challenges remain. Issues like sidewalk encroachment, hygiene, and food safety must be addressed to ensure sustainable growth.

Experts believe that if managed well, Hanoi can successfully build its image as the Street Food Capital of Asia, making it not just a tourist attraction but also a cultural passport that connects Vietnam with the world.

Asia’s Top 10 Street Food Cities (Time Out)

1. Penang, Malaysia

2. Hanoi, Vietnam

3. Singapore

4. Mumbai, India

5. Chiang Mai, Thailand

6. Bangkok, Thailand

7. Tainan, Taiwan

8. Osaka, Japan

9. Phnom Penh, Cambodia

10. Chengdu, China

Police in Ho Chi Minh City are investigating a tragic accident in which a man suspected of drunk driving crashed his car into a motorbike, killing a mother and her two young sons.

The crash happened on the evening of September 20 on DH507 Road in Phước Thành Commune, Phú Giáo District (formerly Bình Dương, now part of HCMC).

Fatal crash details

According to police, Nguyễn Đức Thanh Nam, 32, was driving a five-seat car when he collided with a motorbike ridden by Nguyễn Thị Thu Vân, 36, who was returning home with her sons, aged six and two, after visiting their grandmother.

• The impact threw all three victims onto the roadside.

• The mother and her six-year-old son died instantly.

• The two-year-old was rushed to Phú Giáo Medical Center but succumbed to his injuries.

• The driver was also injured and is under investigation.

The vehicles were badly damaged, with the car only stopping after crashing into a rubber tree nearly 10 meters from the point of impact.

Alcohol violation confirmed

Traffic police said Nam failed to yield when entering the main road. Blood tests revealed a blood alcohol concentration of 50mg/100ml, confirming alcohol use.

Under Decree 168, such a violation—if it had not caused an accident—would result in a fine of 16–18 million VND ($630–710) and suspension of the driver’s license for 16–18 months.

Dangerous road conditions

Locals said DH507 Road, which connects HCMC with Đồng Nai, is about 12 meters wide but has sharp curves and lacks street lighting, making it particularly dangerous at night.

Vingroup is set to expand its footprint in Hà Tĩnh with a massive 21.4 trillion VND ($840 million) investment in an EV supporting industry factory complex at the Vũng Áng Economic Zone.

According to Hà Tĩnh Economic Zone Authority, the project has received official approval and will cover 132 hectares across designated plots CN4-1 and CN4-2 in the zone’s central industrial area.

Key project details

• Total investment: 21.4 trillion VND ($840 million)

• Equity contribution: 3.21 trillion VND (15%) from Vingroup subsidiary Vinhomes Industrial Park Hà Tĩnh

• Project scope: Leasing factories and infrastructure for EV component and supporting industry manufacturers

• Timeline: Construction begins late 2025, operational by June 2027

The facility will provide state-of-the-art infrastructure and supporting works to attract domestic and foreign suppliers to join Vietnam’s fast-growing electric vehicle (EV) supply chain.

Boost for Hà Tĩnh’s economy

Once operational, the project is expected to drive further investment into the province, strengthen its industrial base, and create new jobs.

The development comes after a series of large-scale Vingroup projects in Hà Tĩnh, including:

• VinES EV battery plant (13 hectares, operational since mid-2023)

• VinFast Hà Tĩnh EV factory (360,000 m², inaugurated June 2025 after just seven months of construction)

• Planned 40 trillion VND deep-sea port and logistics hub

• A Kỳ Ninh coastal resort project in Kỳ Anh

Vũng Áng: Vietnam’s industrial growth hub

Established in 2006, the Vũng Áng Economic Zone spans over 22,000 hectares, hosting around 150 investment projects and employing nearly 20,000 workers. Major developments include the Formosa Hà Tĩnh steel complex and Vũng Áng I thermal power plant.

In the first half of 2025 alone, Hà Tĩnh attracted 20 new investment projects (including two FDI), tripling registered capital compared to the same period last year.

Vietnam has successfully mastered most of the core technologies in the oil and gas value chain, covering exploration, production, refining, petrochemicals, and advanced energy solutions, according to Petrovietnam Chairman Lê Mạnh Hùng.

Speaking at the group’s 50th anniversary celebration, Hùng said Petrovietnam has built a modern, comprehensive oil and gas industry with strategic energy infrastructure, contributing significantly to the country’s economic development.

Technological breakthroughs

Petrovietnam has developed expertise in:

• Oil and gas exploration and drilling

• Refining and petrochemicals, including ammonia, urea, and polymer materials

• Power generation from gas and steam turbines

• Advanced global contributions such as basement rock oil extraction, self-elevating drilling rigs, and graphene synthesis

The corporation has also built a highly skilled workforce of leaders, scientists, and industry experts.

A history of growth

Vietnam’s oil and gas journey spans three key phases:

1. 1956–1960: Early exploration with Soviet assistance, producing the first petroleum prospect maps.

2. 1961–1975: Establishment of the first exploration team and discovery of the first commercial gas flow in Thái Bình province.

3. Post-1975: Rapid growth following the creation of the General Department of Oil and Gas, which later became Petrovietnam.

Today, Petrovietnam is Vietnam’s largest contributor to the state budget. In 2024, the group reported record revenue surpassing 1 quadrillion VND (approx. USD 40 billion), equal to 9% of national GDP, and contributed 165 trillion VND in taxes.

Strategic ambitions

By 2030, Petrovietnam aims to become one of the world’s top 500 enterprises, with:

• 25% of revenue from science, technology, and innovation

• 30% from international business and exports

• Expanded investments in R&D, AI, and digital transformation

National importance

At the ceremony, General Secretary Tô Lâm praised Petrovietnam’s role in ensuring Vietnam’s “Five Securities” – national security, economic security, food security, defense security, and social security. He urged the group to continue leading in energy security, industrialization, and modernization.

Tô Lâm also called on Petrovietnam to:

• Complete national petrochemical and refinery complexes

• Develop offshore platforms, energy equipment, and eco-industrial hubs

• Accelerate digital transformation and international-standard governance

• Strengthen partnerships, public-private collaborations, and global integration

Vietnam’s fragrant rice export prices have jumped by up to USD 15 per ton this week, marking the second consecutive week of gains, according to the Vietnam Food Association (VFA). Premium fragrant rice reached as high as USD 465 per ton, Jasmine rice rose to USD 503 per ton, while 5% broken white rice held steady at USD 379 per ton.

Why are Vietnam’s rice prices rising?

Exporters in the Mekong Delta attribute the surge to tight supplies during the between-harvest period and renewed buying from African markets, taking advantage of favorable prices. Another major factor is preparation for the Philippines, Vietnam’s largest rice buyer, which is expected to resume imports soon.

Philippine Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. told lawmakers this week that the country’s rice production for 2025 would fall short of forecasts, at 12.6 – 12.8 million tons of rice, lower than earlier estimates of 20.46 million tons of paddy. This has fueled expectations that the Philippines will lift its temporary rice import ban earlier than the planned 60-day period.

The ban, effective from September 1 to October 31, 2025, was intended to support local farmers. As of September 11, the Philippines had already imported 3.1 million tons of rice, with Vietnam supplying 79% (2.47 million tons), followed by Myanmar, Thailand, Pakistan, and India.

Regional rice price movements

• Thailand: Prices are also rising. Standard 5% broken rice increased by USD 7 to USD 379 per ton, Jasmine rice climbed by USD 13 to USD 598 per ton, and premium Hom Mali varieties surged by up to USD 39, hitting USD 1,293 per ton. The rise was supported by a stronger Thai baht and growing Chinese demand.

• India: Prices continued to fall due to record stockpiles. Government reserves reached 48.2 million tons by the end of August, up 14% year-on-year – the highest in history. India’s rice exports are projected to hit a record 22.5 million tons in 2025, up nearly 25% from last year.

Outlook

Analysts believe Vietnam’s rice export prices will remain firm in the coming weeks, driven by tight supplies, robust overseas demand, and the Philippines’ likely return to the market.

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam – Super Typhoon Ragasa, which has intensified to Category 16 with gusts above Category 17, is forecast to enter the East Sea (South China Sea) on September 23. Its wide circulation is expected to trigger heavy rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds across Ho Chi Minh City and southern provinces.

Ragasa Strength Comparable to 2024’s Typhoon Yagi

According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF), Ragasa has reached super typhoon strength, with maximum sustained winds at Category 16–17, similar to the record-breaking Typhoon Yagi (Typhoon No. 3) in 2024. By September 25, the storm could make landfall in northern Vietnam, from Quang Ninh to Ha Tinh.

Impacts on Ho Chi Minh City and the South

Mr. Le Dinh Quyet, Head of Forecasting at the Southern Hydro-Meteorological Station, noted that while Ragasa may weaken upon landfall, its massive circulation will still influence the entire southern region.

From September 23–25, Ho Chi Minh City and neighboring provinces are expected to face:

• Widespread heavy rainfall

• Localized downpours with thunderstorms, lightning, and strong gusts

• Coastal areas, including Can Gio and southern Lam Dong, at higher risk of severe weather

By September 27–29, another tropical convergence zone could form over the southern seas, bringing a second round of heavy rainfall to the region.

Rainfall Forecast for Ho Chi Minh City & Surrounding Areas

Meteorologists forecast significant rainfall totals during the last 10 days of September:

• Central districts (Saigon, Cho Lon): ~100 mm

• Suburban districts (Binh Tan, Hoc Mon, Cu Chi, Nha Be, Tan Thuan): 130–140 mm

• Binh Chanh & Can Gio: up to 150 mm

• Neighboring provinces (Binh Duong, Ba Ria–Vung Tau): 120–130 mm

• Hotspots (Phu Giao, Xuyen Moc, Con Dao): 140–150 mm

Advisory

Authorities are urging residents in Ho Chi Minh City and the southern region to:

• Prepare for flooding in low-lying areas

• Avoid outdoor activities during thunderstorms

• Stay updated with official weather alerts

With two major rain events expected, late September will be a challenging period for Ho Chi Minh City’s weather, requiring vigilance and preparedness.

Hanoi, Vietnam – A shocking incident in which a coffee shop employee was assaulted after reminding a customer not to smoke indoors has sparked public outrage. At the same time, the keyword “CEO” (translated from the Vietnamese slang “tổng tài”) has unexpectedly surged into the top of Google Trends, with search volumes skyrocketing by thousands of percent.

“CEO” Figure in Viral Clip

The viral clip shows the confrontation inside a Hanoi coffee shop in Vinh Tuy Ward. A well-dressed man in a suit—dubbed “CEO” by netizens for his appearance resembling characters in Chinese romance dramas—was seen raising his hand as if giving a signal. Immediately afterward, another man stood up and struck the employee behind the counter, knocking him to the floor.

The “CEO” figure then gestured again and shouted “stop” three times, prompting the attacker to return to his seat.

Searches Spike on Google Trends

Following the clip, related search terms exploded on Google Trends. Phrases such as “CEO assault incident” jumped by more than 1,000%, while “CEO apology” rose by 900%. Other keywords like “CEO coffee shop video”, “CEO beating staff”, and “CEO scandal” also recorded sharp increases.

In Chinese and Vietnamese pop culture, “tổng tài” (CEO) is a popular term in romance novels and dramas to describe a wealthy, powerful, and handsome male executive. In this case, however, the label was used sarcastically to mock the man in the viral video.

Public Outrage and Calls for Accountability

The video has drawn widespread condemnation online. Many netizens criticized the assault as thuggish behavior and a blatant disregard for public rules and the law.

One commenter wrote: “This needs strict punishment. If incidents like this spread online, it will encourage uncivil behavior among young people.” Another added: “They acted like money and status put them above the law. That’s unacceptable.”

Actor Minh Luan also spoke out, calling the behavior “absurd and alarming.” He noted: “True power is shown through restraint and civility. Using violence in a public place, especially while smoking where it’s prohibited, shows a lack of respect for both others and the law.”

He emphasized that the case should serve as a wake-up call for individuals with a distorted sense of entitlement, urging authorities to handle it strictly as a lesson in civilized conduct.