The Antenna

Canada intends to buy Saab early warning aircraft, says Carney

Canada has entered into negotiations to buy a fleet of GlobalEye early warning aircraft from Sweden's Saab, Prime Minister Mark Carney told reporters on Wednesday. The GlobalEye is based on Bombardier's Global 6500 jet. Boeing's E-7 Wedgetail plane had also been in contention.

Iran says draft deal with US would reopen Hormuz shipping, end naval blockade

Iran's state TV said Tehran had obtained a draft of an initial, unofficial framework for a memorandum of understanding with the United States on ending their conflict. Under the framework, Iran would restore commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz to pre-war levels within a month, while the United States would withdraw military forces from Iran's vicinity and lift a naval blockade. State TV said the framework, which excludes military vessels and envisages Iran managing ship traffic through the strait in cooperation with Oman, was not yet finalised and that Tehran would take no steps without "tangible verification". It added that if a final agreement was reached within 60 days, it could be approved as a binding U.N. Security Council resolution. The emerging U.S.-Iran MoU stems from indirect talks launched after the war that began in February, with Pakistan playing a central mediating role between Tehran and Washington. The war erupted after a sharp escalation between Iran and Israel earlier this year, with both sides exchanging missile and drone attacks that disrupted shipping in

Indonesian group tourists to be offered temporary visa-free entry to Korea

A temporary visa waiver program for Indonesian group tourists visiting Korea will begin this week, officials said Wednesday. Under the program, Indonesian tour groups of three or more people will be allowed to travel in the country without visas for up to 15 days from Thursday through the end of December this year, according to the justice ministry. The move came after the government decided to ease visa and entry requirements for foreign tourists during a tourism strategy meeting chaired by President Lee Jae Myung in February as part of efforts to promote inbound tourism across the country. The temporary visa-free program is expected to help boost the nation's tourism industry, according to the Korea Immigration Service. The government also introduced measures to prevent illegal stay, including requiring Korean travel agencies to register a list of their tourists on a government website 24 hours before their entry. The justice ministry said it will check the lists to see whether they include high-risk individuals, such as those subject to entry restrictions or with a history of illegal s

LG Twins manager appreciates catcher's value despite hitting slump

LG Twins catcher Park Dong-won is on pace for his least productive offensive season since 2018, but his manager Youm Kyoung-youb believes the 36-year-old backstop is still a valuable member of his Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) club thanks to his defense and game-calling chops. After matching his career high with 22 home runs and 25 doubles last year, Park is stuck at just three homers and five doubles after 43 games so far this season. He may fail to reach double figures in home runs for the first time since hitting only six in 2018, though he played just 39 games then. Park's slugging percentage is .347, which would be his lowest for a full season. Youm said Wednesday, though, Park is still the most trusted backstop for his pitching staff. With the exception of Song Seung-ki, who has developed a strong partnership with backup catcher Lee Ju-heon, all the other starters prefer to pitch to Park, Youm added. "That's why he keeps getting into our lineup even when he's struggling at the plate," Youm said in his media availability before a road game against the Lotte Giants at Sajik Base

Giants manager putting rookie outfielder through trial by fire

Kim Dong-hyun, rookie outfielder for the Lotte Giants with serious power potential and impressive minor league numbers, may have looked overmatched at times in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) so far. But his manager Kim Tae-hyoung is willing to be patient with the 21-year-old and wants him to learn from his mistakes. Kim Dong-hyun, a sixth-round draft pick by the Giants in 2024, made his KBO debut on April 19 this year. But after going hitless in two at-bats in that game, he was sent back to the Futures League, the KBO's minor league, the very next day. The young slugger then marked his return to the KBO on Saturday by hitting a double and a triple to drive in two runs. With his max-effort swings, Kim even drew comparisons with Munetaka Murakami of the Chicago White Sox, the Japanese slugger who leads the American League with 19 home runs, The skipper inserted Kim in the starting lineup in each of the next two games as well, but the youngster went 0-for-6 with a strikeout. Still, Kim Dong-hyun was back in the lineup for Wednesday's game against the LG Twins at Sajik Baseball Stadi

Park Eun-bin 'had a blast' playing chaotic hero in Netflix’s ‘The WONDERfools’

From an autistic lawyer in “Extraordinary Attorney Woo” to a genius surgeon and serial killer in “Hyper Knife,” Park Eun-bin consistently inhabits her characters, whether protagonist or antagonist. This time, she returns to Netflix as a spirited young woman swept up in the turn-of-the-millennium mood. In Netflix’s superhero comedy adventure “The WONDERfools,” Park plays Eun Cha-ni, a jobless 27-year-old known around her neighborhood as a walking disaster. After unexpectedly gaining the power of teleportation, Cha-ni, together with a group of unlikely comrades gifted with superhuman strength, adhesive secretions and telekinetic abilities, sets out to protect peace in her neighborhood. The uncanny pull of ‘The WONDERfools’ “Uncanny” was the word Park used when asked to describe her first impression of “The WONDERfools.” She first read the draft script on a flight to the United States, where she was headed to attend the Critics Choice Awards and the Grammys following the global success of “Extraordinary Attorney Woo.” The script had been handed to her by directo

Iranian anti-ship missiles attacked Korean vessel in Hormuz: gov't

The Korean government said Wednesday that Iranian anti-ship missiles attacked a Korean vessel in the Strait of Hormuz earlier this month, based on an inspection by a Korean government team. “Much evidence suggests that Iran (is behind the attack),” Park Yoon-joo, first vice minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said during a briefing, Wednesday. It was the first official confirmation by the Korean government regarding the exact cause of the incident. Suspicions had also been raised that the damage might have been the result of drone attacks. Park said the inspection team reached its conclusion after investigating the HMM Namu, the Panama-flagged cargo ship operated by Korean shipping company HMM, which has been anchored at a port in Dubai following the attack. Debris from the flying object used to attack the ship was also present for their inspection. “The investigation showed the attack was highly likely to have been made by Noor-series anti-ship missiles developed by Iran," Park said. "Two missiles were fired; the first missile failed to explode and the second one exploded

Korea eyes Latin America as next frontier for booming arms exports

Korea’s defense industry is turning its attention toward Latin America, where rising security concerns and military modernization campaigns are opening new opportunities for exporters eager to expand beyond Europe and the Middle East. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Wednesday that it held a government-business meeting focused on expanding Korea’s presence in the Latin American defense market and strengthening cooperation between public agencies and private companies. The meeting was chaired by Choi Jun-ho, director general for Latin American and Caribbean affairs, and included officials from the Defense Acquisition Program Administration and the Korea Research Institute for Defense Technology Planning and Advancement. Executives from major defense-related companies including HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, Korean Air, Korea Aerospace Industries, Hyundai Rotem and LIG Defense & Aerospace also attended. Participants discussed changing security conditions across Latin America, where governments are increasingly seeking to strengthen border control, public security and military readine

One month in Korea? Long-term 'living travel' packages are taking off

As foreign visitors to Korea reached a first-quarter record of 4.76 million this year, demand also grew for travel packages built around "one-month living programs," where visitors spend an extended period experiencing daily life and culture more closely. Creatrip, an inbound travel platform, said Tuesday that booking revenue for these monthlong stays rose 272 percent year over year between Jan. 1 and May 10. By country, Taiwanese tourists accounted for 60 percent of the total booking value, the largest share, jumping 172 percent from the same period last year. Hong Kong remained in second place for the second consecutive year. Japanese tourists emerged as a key market, making up 10 percent of the bookings. Creatrip attributed the spike to the global popularity of Korean media and the rise of remote work, which allows travelers to immerse themselves in the local culture. "Packages linking Korean language schools with accommodations and cultural programs, such as traditional hanbok attire and taekwondo martial arts, proved highly popular among long-term visitors," the company said. This ar

Seoul battles loneliness with festivals, bingo

Seoul is offering citizens points, festivals and even bingo cards in an ambitious attempt to tackle one of urban life’s most stubborn modern problems: loneliness. Beginning Thursday, the Seoul Metropolitan Government will launch the first round of its 2026 “365 Seoul Challenge,” a citywide participation program designed to encourage residents to leave their homes, reconnect socially and build healthier daily routines through outdoor and community activities. Under this year’s slogan, “Let’s Go Outside and See the Sun,” participants can choose from 31 challenges ranging from park workouts and walking trails to visits to the Seoul International Garden Show and Han River festivals. City officials say the initiative has become one of Seoul’s signature anti-isolation policies after early surveys showed measurable changes in participants’ behavior and emotional well-being. Seoul residents age 14 and older are eligible to join the program, with registration opening at 9 a.m. Thursday through the official challenge website. Participants can create personalized bingo boards by se

Lee warns against price gouging by accommodations in Busan ahead of BTS concerts

President Lee Jae Myung on Wednesday warned against some businesses in Busan that have sharply raised their prices ahead of upcoming concerts there by K-pop superband BTS, insisting that such a short-sighted business practice may tarnish the image and eventually the economy of the entire city. "Busan seems to need reform as it is losing its image because of so-called price gouging related to BTS concerts," Lee said during an event in the southeastern city. His remarks came one day after RM and other members of BTS addressed the issue during an online livestream event, saying there was little they could do but that they hope businesses that have exorbitantly raised their prices would "give it a break." The group is set to perform in Busan from June 12-13. "It would significantly damage the image of entire Busan if talk of accommodation price gouging resurfaces when it hosts a large-scale event," the president warned. He cited inhospitality, price gouging and racial discrimination as examples of factors harming the tourist industry, saying overpricing by a small number of accommodations wo

Hantavirus cases from cruise outbreak rise to 13 following new case in Spain, WHO says

GENEVA — The number of cases of Hantavirus linked to a cruise ship at the centre of an outbreak has increased to 13, the head of the World Health Organization said on Wednesday. "Spain reported a new case among the passengers who are in quarantine, which brings the total number of cases to 13," WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a post on X. Among them three died, but there have been no new deaths since May 2, Ghebreyesus said. "The situation remains stable. Passengers who got sick are receiving needed care, while others remain in quarantine," Ghebreyesus said. In the last two weeks all remaining passengers, crew members and medical staff disembarked the MV Hondius luxury liner at the centre of the outbreak. Hantaviruses are rodent-borne viruses that can infect people and cause illness. The WHO estimates there are 10,000 to 100,000 human cases globally each year, with severity varying by strain.

Korea to open massive 'K-Heritage House' at UNESCO session in Busan

BUSAN — The Korea Heritage Service (KHS) announced on Wednesday plans to establish a "K-Heritage House" roughly twice the size of a soccer field at the upcoming UNESCO World Heritage Committee session in Busan in July. The initiative aims to use the committee session as a milestone event to firmly cement the global footprint of both K-heritage and K-culture. "During the assembly, we will establish the K-Heritage House, covering about 13,254 square meters at BEXCO in Busan, to promote K-heritage and K-culture to the world," KHS chief Huh Min said during a briefing in Busan, Wednesday, 50 days before the session's opening. "Through this World Heritage Committee session, we are anticipating three major effects: elevating our national standing, promoting the host city and boosting the local economy. The estimated economic impact is 137.2 billion won ($100 million)." President Lee Jae Myung was also briefed during his visit to Busan and echoed the importance of the event for promoting Korean culture and heritage. "No matter what anyone says, the driving force behind K-culture, which now lead

Koramco bets on talent development through AI, overseas training programs

Koramco Asset Management and its affiliate, Koramco REITs Management and Trust, are ramping up efforts to strengthen employees’ hands-on expertise as the firms deepen their sector-focused investment strategy, rolling out initiatives ranging from overseas training and an in-house MBA program to artificial intelligence (AI) education, the company said Wednesday. About 50 employees have participated in the company’s flagship overseas training program so far, visiting more advanced real estate markets such as Japan and Singapore to study large-scale mixed-use developments, global REITs and investment platform models firsthand. Koramco also recently launched an in-house MBA course in partnership with Hanyang University’s Graduate School of Real Estate to provide more structured training for midlevel managers and key talent. The two companies have been expanding digital training as well. Since late last year, Koramco has operated AI-focused programs covering practical tasks such as visualizing investment memorandum materials, modeling loan and dividend-return scenarios under different m

Lee’s OPCON push revives debate over USFK role as alliance eyes post-transfer future

President Lee Jae Myung’s renewed push for the transfer of wartime operational control (OPCON) from Washington to Seoul is provoking discussion over the future of the Korea-U.S. alliance and U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) after the transition. The discussion comes as Seoul accelerates its defense agenda, saying the transfer would be possible "even tomorrow," while Washington increasingly views the alliance in broader regional terms. Security experts say the issue is gradually moving beyond potential scaling down of the USFK after OPCON transfer toward the more fundamental question of what role the force would play afterward. Lee has reaffirmed his commitment to pursuing OPCON transfer as soon as possible. His administration initially aimed to take over before the end of his term in 2030, but earlier this year the government seemingly moved up the target date to 2028. During a meeting at the Navy Submarine Command at Jinhae in Changwon, South Gyeongsang Province on Tuesday, Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back said Korea would face “no major problems” even if OPCON was transferred tomorrow. Lee

Incheon's Gyeongwonjae by Walkerhill retains 5-star status

Gyeongwonjae by Walkerhill in Songdo, Incheon, has retained its five-star rating, maintaining its status as Korea’s first five-star traditional hanok hotel. The hotel recently secured recertification by the Korea Tourism Association after scoring over 90 percent of the possible 600 points in a hotel rating assessment, the Incheon Free Economic Zone (IFEZ) said Wednesday. The assessment combines scheduled on-site inspections with unannounced evaluations Opened in 2015, the hotel has become one of Incheon’s landmark hospitality properties that blends traditional hanok architecture with modern hotel services. The latest certification follows a series of rebranding and service enhancement initiatives after the Daeil International Hospitality Group took over as the new hotel operator in May last year. Since then, the hotel has rolled out premium upgrades, such as redesigning its lobby layout to improve guest flow, installing new signage and a totem created in collaboration with national intangible cultural heritage artisan Choi Ki-young, as well as upgrades to in-room amenities and consum

Seoul overpass collapsed during inspection of deflected section, city gov't says

Workers on the Seosomun overpass had already detected a dangerous deflection in the structure hours before it collapsed, but continued to work on the span rather than leave the site, the Seoul Metropolitan Government said Wednesday in its first detailed account of the accident. According to Lim Choon-keun, head of the city government's infrastructure bureau, workers began cutting the S9 slab — the ninth deck segment spanning the railway — of the 60-year-old overpass at around 1:30 a.m. Tuesday. Roughly an hour later, they detected a deflection of about 29 millimeters between two girders and halted the operation. By midafternoon, as engineers and officials were back on the span to inspect the damage and discuss whether to shut down road and rail traffic below. At 2:33 p.m., without warning, a 15-meter section collapsed onto the tracks, killing three people and seriously injuring three others. Asked why the workers were sent onto a section that had already shown dangerous signs, the official said it was probably difficult to assess the damage from outside. “To check the condition of

Chinese dissident escapes to Korea by rubber boat: attorney

SEOUL — A Chinese dissident who has long been a thorn in Beijing's side has escaped from China to Korea on a rubber boat, his lawyer confirmed on Wednesday. Dong Guangping, a former policeman who was imprisoned for his activism, was found by Korean authorities on Monday night drifting off the country's west coast on a 3.3-metre rubber boat with a 9.9-horsepower engine, according to police. He was taken to shore for questioning on suspicion of violating immigration laws. The man's lawyer, Kim Joo-kwang, confirmed his identity to AFP. He declined to say from where Dong launched his boat. Dong, 68, is known for his opposition to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and his advocacy for political reform and human rights. He was dismissed from his work as a policeman after signing a petition a decade after Beijing's 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown, according to US-based advocacy group Human Rights in China. He later spent about three years in prison from 2001 for "inciting subversion of state power", UN experts said, and was detained again in 2014 over Tiananmen-related activities. Dong fled to T

Chip rally, ETF debut propel KOSPI to record close above 8,200

KOSPI extended its rally Wednesday and climbed above the 8,200 level to set another high after breaching the 8,000-point mark for the first time a day earlier. Investor sentiment was buoyed by a sharp rally in U.S. technology stocks and growing expectations surrounding the launch of single-stock leveraged exchange-traded funds (ETFs) tied to Samsung Electronics and SK hynix. Samsung Electronics also received a boost after its wage agreement was approved in a labor union vote with 73.7 percent support. The deal eased concerns over short-term strike risks, reinforcing positive sentiment toward the tech giant's stock. The benchmark index opened at 8,242.12, up 194.61 points, or 2.42 percent, from the previous session, and at one point surged 5 percent to 8,450.26, marking its first-ever move above the 8,400 threshold. It later pared some gains to close at 8,228.70, up 181.19 points, or 2.25 percent, rewriting its record closing high just a day after reaching the previous milestone. The strong gains in early trading prompted the activation of a buy-side sidecar, temporarily suspending progra

BLACKPINK star steals spotlight with 'unmatched aura'

Jennie once again proved why fans say no one does fashion quite like her. The BLACKPINK star dominated the spotlight Tuesday at a photo wall event for French luxury brand Chanel’s 2026 Metiers d’Art collection show held at the Centre Pompidou Hanwha in Yeouido, Seoul. Jennie drew attention with a bold styling combination that balanced a daring top with masculine-inspired classic tailoring, creating a look that felt both sensual and effortlessly confident. She wore a deeply plunging V-neck bodysuit featuring straps on the back that highlighted her slim silhouette. White trim details along the chest line and gold accents added a luxurious feel to the striking outfit. For contrast, Jennie paired the bodysuit with wide-leg trousers that elongated her proportions while giving the look a polished structure. Symmetrical gold buttons along the waistband reflected a subtle marine-inspired aesthetic, while a side stripe detail added a formal yet fashion-forward edge. The singer completed the styling with layered crystal and pearl bracelets on her left wrist and carried a black jacket and patter

Why Korean won is still above 1,500 despite easing Middle East tensions

Even as Korea remained one of Asia’s top performers with its benchmark KOSPI smashing through the 8,000-point mark and a record current account surplus, the Korean won has remained stubbornly weak against the U.S. dollar — an unusual divergence that is puzzling investors and policymakers alike. Ordinarily, strong exports, rising stock prices and robust external balances would support a stronger currency. Instead, the won has struggled. This year alone, the won-dollar exchange rate closed above the psychologically important 1,500-won threshold on 19 trading days, surpassing levels seen during the global financial crisis. The won finished onshore trading at 1,501.2 won per U.S. dollar in Seoul trading on Wednesday, 3.1 won stronger than the previous session. The won’s underlying value has weakened as well. According to the Bank for International Settlements, Korea’s real effective exchange rate index — a widely used measure of a currency’s global purchasing power — fell to 85.06 in April, the lowest level since March 2009. The government has largely portrayed the weak won as

Budget ministry vows proactive support for AI industry

Korea's budget ministry said Wednesday the government will take proactive steps to support domestic artificial intelligence (AI) companies as part of a broader effort to strengthen the country's competitiveness in the sector. Deputy Minister for Budget Cho Yong-beom made the remark during a meeting with AI startups, including FuriosaAI, held in Seoul, noting his agency will do its part to establish a homegrown AI ecosystem amid intensifying global competition. "In order to become one of the world's top three AI powerhouses, the next year or two will be a golden opportunity to mobilize the country's capabilities," Cho said. The deputy minister said Korea plans to allocate 9.9 trillion won ($6.6 billion) this year to secure AI infrastructure, such as graphics processing units (GPUs). "In the AI semiconductor industry, which is led by a handful of big tech firms, such as Nvidia, it is notable that Korean companies are setting their sights on overseas markets and expanding their technological presence," he said. Cho said Korea will review fiscal projects related to the AI industry while restr

Lee calls for thorough preparations for Busan's hosting of UNESCO committee meeting in July

President Lee Jae Myung on Wednesday called for thorough preparations for Busan's hosting of a meeting of a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) committee in July. The president made the call during an event to review preparations as Korea's second-largest city is set to host the 48th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee from July 19-29. The committee is responsible for selecting properties for UNESCO's World Heritage List, and the upcoming committee is expected to bring together officials from 196 member states. It marks the first time Korea will host a session of the committee since joining the World Heritage Convention in 1988. Lee described the upcoming session as an "important occasion to showcase Korea's advanced cultural capacity and global leadership on the world stage," calling for all-out efforts for preparations. The president emphasized the need for thorough preparedness, particularly in transportation, accommodation and safety.

'Wild Sing' revisits K-pop's early days with heart and humor

At a time when retro is back in style, a movie filled with the late 90s, early 2000s aesthetics of the K-pop scene paying homage to first-generation acts, such as H.O.T. and Shinhwa, does not come as a complete surprise. In the Korean comedy "Wild Sing," starring actors Gang Dong-won, Uhm Tae-goo and Park Ji-hyun and directed by Son Jae-gon, the ensemble faithfully reenacts the earlier days of the K-pop industry as top-ranking idol dance group Triangle. Gang plays Hyun-woo, the group's good-looking but somewhat clumsy leader, while Uhm and Park portray Sang-gu, the youngest member of the group and rapper, and Do-mi, the trio's sole female member who serves as the actual leader of the group behind the scenes, respectively. The film does a solid job in reviving the aesthetics of the past, ranging from a sand-filled playground (which have been mostly replaced with urethane foam blocks) where Hyun-woo practices his head spins to televised broadcasts featuring live telephone votes by fans for top singers of the week. In terms of music style, it also captures the mid-90s mood of the K-pop scen

Jeju moves to cap car rental discounts, end price wars

Jeju officials announced Wednesday that the southern island will cap car rental discounts and standardize vehicle damage waivers, a sweeping regulatory effort to stabilize chaotic pricing and curb rising consumer disputes on the popular holiday destination. Under a legislative notice, rental companies on the island will be prohibited from discounting their registered daily rates by more than 60 percent. The rule, which replaces a decade-old rate-calculation regulation, follows a March amendment to the province’s rental car ordinance. The move aims to halt aggressive undercutting among the island's many operators, which officials say has fueled a race to the bottom that ultimately compromises service quality and safety. Under the new framework, base rental rates must be anchored to objective financial data, including corporate accounting records and financial statements. It also addresses the ambiguity of vehicle damage waivers. For the first time, the province will explicitly define available waiver types, deductibles, coverage limits and "lost-use" fees — details often buried in fi

New garden path winds from Gyeongbok Palace to Cheong Wa Dae

A once traffic-heavy corridor in central Seoul is being transformed into a tree-lined walking route designed to pull visitors out of cars and into the rhythm of the seasons. Jongno District said Wednesday that it completed a 4.3-kilometer roadside garden project linking areas around Gyeongbok Palace, Samcheong-ro, Hyoja-ro and Cheongwadae-ro. The project, developed over three years at a cost of 346 million won ($230,000), was designed to create a pedestrian-friendly green corridor where tourists and residents can experience seasonal landscapes while walking through some of Seoul’s most historically significant neighborhoods. District officials said the effort focused on blending urban greenery with historic surroundings near Gyeongbok Palace and Cheong Wa Dae. Old flower beds and aging planting areas were renovated, while plants of varying heights were arranged to create layered garden scenery along the streets. Hanging flower pots were also installed at pedestrian eye level to make flowers and greenery more visible throughout the route. The section along Cheongwadae-ro was renovated bet

Starbucks Korea payments drop 26% after controversial promotion sparks backlash

Payments at Starbucks Korea plunged more than 26 percent in just one week, industry data showed Wednesday, after a controversial promotional event on the pro-democracy uprising in the southwestern city of Gwangju in 1980 sparked national backlash. Operated by E-Mart, a subsidiary of Shinsegae, Starbucks Korea launched an online "Tank Day" promotion on the anniversary of the May 18 Gwangju uprising last week. The event was suspended within hours after drawing widespread public criticism. Starbucks Korea's weekly payment volume totaled 23.69 billion won ($15.81 million) between May 18 and Sunday, according to MobileIndex, a data platform operated by industry tracker IGAWorks. The figure marked a decline of 26.3 percent, or 8.47 billion won, from 32.16 billion won recorded during the previous week. The coffee company launched the discount event for "Tank" tumbler sets, along with a controversial phrase, "Put it on the table with a sound of 'Tak!'" The campaign came under fire, as the word "tank" evoked memories of the military clamping down violently on pro-democracy protesters. The word "T

Korea expands free hiking gear rentals across national parks

Hikers heading into Korea’s rugged national parks this summer will no longer need to arrive fully equipped, as the government sharply expands a free safety gear rental program aimed at preventing mountain accidents before they happen. The Korea National Park Service said Wednesday that it had expanded its free hiking equipment rental service to all 20 mountain-based national parks across the country, up from 12 parks last year. Beginning this month, the service added eight more parks, including Naejangsan, Gayasan, Juwangsan, Sobaeksan, Wolchulsan, Byeonsan and Taebaeksan. Geumjeongsan will begin rentals in July. The initiative allows visitors to borrow nine types of hiking safety equipment free of charge, including hiking boots, trekking poles, backpacks, knee protectors, emergency kits, crampons and hot packs. The program was first introduced as a pilot project at Bukhansan National Park in 2021 to reduce accidents caused by unprepared hiking. In 2024, it expanded to six urban-area national parks after being selected as a public service initiative by the Finance Ministry. Another six pa

Pizza Hut’s new Korea operator taps female CEO to rebuild struggling brand

Pizza Hut’s new operator in Korea is betting that a veteran field executive with decades of restaurant experience can revive one of the country’s most recognizable pizza chains after years of financial turmoil and franchisee strain. PH Korea said Wednesday that it had nominated Kim Jung-eun, a former executive vice president overseeing sales operations at Pizza Hut Korea, as its first CEO ahead of the company’s official launch on Sunday. PH Korea was jointly established by Wintergold and K-Clavis Investment Management to operate the Pizza Hut franchise business in Korea. The company said Kim’s appointment reflected a strategy centered on rebuilding trust with franchise owners and restoring the brand’s competitiveness in the crowded food delivery and dining market. Kim has spent 23 years in the food and beverage industry, including at Outback Steakhouse Korea, where she built a reputation as an operations specialist with extensive frontline experience. She began her career managing restaurant operations before moving into broader leadership roles overseeing sales and new business

Almonty Korea Tungsten donates festival winnings to elderly residents

Employees of Almonty Korea Tungsten turned a tug-of-war victory into a donation for elderly residents in a former mining town, handing over all prize money earned at a major regional festival to local welfare programs. The global mining company said Wednesday that about 30 employees participated as representatives of Sangdong-eup in the 59th Danjong Cultural Festival in Yeongwol, Gangwon Province, and donated the entire 800,000 won ($531) prize awarded by Yeongwol County to support older residents in the community. The donation was delivered to the Sangdong Community Security Council and will be used for meal support programs for elderly residents living alone and other vulnerable seniors in the area. Almonty Korea Tungsten placed third this year in the festival’s traditional kudzu rope tug-of-war competition after finishing as runners-up last year. The annual event, one of Yeongwol’s best-known cultural festivals, celebrates community unity and wishes for a plentiful harvest. Employees joined local residents in the competition and also volunteered at food stalls operated by the Sangd

Korea overhauls diaspora support as visa applications reach record high

A sweeping consolidation of Korea’s immigration policies has triggered an unprecedented surge in residency status changes among the country’s vast global diaspora, prompting the government to aggressively expand its domestic integration infrastructure. The Ministry of Justice said Wednesday that 36,561 ethnic Koreans living in the country had secured F-4 overseas Korean visas between Feb. 12 and May 12. The rush follows a highly anticipated policy shift earlier this year that streamlined and unified disparate residency qualifications. During that same brief window, a total of 47,632 individuals applied to transition to the F-4 status, with thousands of cases still under review. The rapid influx has exposed long-standing gaps in the state’s resettlement pipeline, prompting immigration officials to pivot from passive oversight to active civic assimilation. To cope with the demand, the ministry announced it will provide direct government funding to diaspora support centers for the first time since the initiative’s inception in 2008. Previously, these local entities operated on pre

Korea deploys drones to regrow scorched woodlands

In a novel marriage of automotive innovation and environmental conservation, Korea is turning to electric vehicle technology and autonomous drones to heal its wildfire-scarred landscapes. The Korea Forest Service, led by Commissioner Park Eun-sik, signed a landmark partnership Tuesday with automotive giant Hyundai Motor and social enterprise Tree Planet. The tripartite agreement, finalized during a ceremony at the National Institute of Forest Science, establishes a joint framework for eco-driven corporate governance aimed at tackling the climate crisis through smart, tech-driven forestry. At the center of the initiative is the "Ioniq Drone Station," a cutting-edge system that integrates Hyundai’s smart mobility technology with aerial drones to monitor and restore damaged ecosystems. The specialized stations, leveraging electric vehicle systems, serve as mobile command hubs that can deploy and manage drones in remote terrain. Under the new framework, this technology will be deployed across several critical fronts, including IT-based forest management, smart ecological restoration and

The desperate desert mirage of an Iran deal

The desperate desert mirage of an Iran deal

Trump gathers Cabinet as he looks to seal deal to end war

WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump will meet with his Cabinet on Wednesday at a precarious moment for talks aimed at ending the war with Iran, just days after insisting that his administration and Tehran had “largely negotiated” a settlement but with the negotiations still in a state of flux. As he prepares to huddle with his top aides, Trump is projecting confidence that he's closing in on a deal that will reopen the Strait of Hormuz and provide him a credible argument that Iran’s nuclear capability has been diminished enough to declare victory, winding down a conflict that's been politically unpopular for Republicans. But as things stand, Trump also risks finding closure to his war of choice comes with an unsatisfactory ending. The emerging deal puts off many critical issues to be resolved later and has already exposed the president to fierce criticism — even from some of his own supporters — that Iran's hardline leaders will emerge from the conflict battered but emboldened. It all comes to a head just as the midterm elections to determine control of Congress come in

KEPCO deploys AI-powered grid system to cut annual power costs by $73 mil.

The Korea Electric Power Corp. (KEPCO) is deploying an artificial intelligence (AI)-based power grid management system aimed at reducing annual electricity procurement costs by approximately 110 billion won ($73.4 million), as it seeks to improve efficiency and stability amid rapidly shifting power demand patterns. The state-run utility company said on Wednesday that it has overhauled its grid demand forecasting model using AI and optimized the operation of advanced power facilities, including static synchronous compensators (STATCOM), to enhance overall grid performance. The move comes as electricity consumption patterns in Korea are undergoing structural changes, driven by the rapid expansion of data centers, growing electric vehicle (EV) adoption and rising renewable energy generation. In regions such as the East Coast, where power generation capacity is abundant but transmission infrastructure remains limited, operators have repeatedly been forced to curb electricity output due to grid bottlenecks. To address the issue, KEPCO rebuilt its demand forecasting model using AI-driven big d

Lee to hold press conference on June 8 marking 1st anniversary of inauguration

President Lee Jae Myung will hold a press conference early next month marking the first anniversary of his inauguration, a senior presidential official said Wednesday. The press conference will be held June 8 at Cheong Wa Dae, where Lee will review the first year of his administration and unveil his policy vision and key tasks for the second year and hold a question-and-answer session with reporters, the official said. The event will last one hour and 40 minutes or longer and will be attended by more than 100 local and foreign reporters, said Lee Kyu-youn, senior presidential secretary for public relations and communication. It marks Lee's fourth press conference since taking office June 4, 2025. The press conference will cover three major areas — the economy, politics and diplomacy, and social and cultural issues, the senior official said.

ICE detainees dying by suicide at 'alarming' rate, AP investigation finds

Brayan Rayo Garzon was distraught. Detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, he was on his fourth day of isolation in a Missouri jail as he battled the fevers and chills of COVID-19. His request for mental health treatment had been put off, records show, and staff had forbidden Rayo from making his nightly call to his mother as a precaution intended to prevent the spread of illness. He pleaded with his jailers in handwritten notes to arrange a conversation with her. “I feel in my heart that she’s very worried about me,” he wrote in Spanish. A guard collected the note and walked away. Within an hour, jail records show, he was found unconscious in his cell. An autopsy determined he killed himself. Rayo’s April 2025 death was the first suicide in a spike among ICE detainees that has alarmed public health officials and jail experts. They said the unprecedented number of suicide deaths is an indication that authorities are failing to properly oversee the detention of tens of thousands of immigrants swept up in the Trump administration’s aggressive deportation strategy. An Asso

Mercedes-Benz Korea expands customer experience beyond vehicle ownership

Mercedes-Benz Korea is broadening its customer experience strategy by introducing new vehicle maintenance services, digital platforms and lifestyle-focused membership programs designed to keep customers connected with the brand even after purchasing a vehicle. The company said it recently launched the “Mercedes-Benz Mobile Service” in partnership with 11 authorized dealers nationwide, offering customers on-site vehicle inspection and light repair services at their preferred locations. Under the program, dedicated technicians from authorized Mercedes-Benz service centers visit customers directly to provide regular inspections and general repair services, reducing the need for customers to visit service centers and wait for maintenance appointments. The service is available through phone reservations with designated service centers. After consultation with a service adviser, the visit schedule, location and repair items are confirmed in advance before the service is carried out. Mercedes-Benz Korea is also strengthening its in-car digital service experience. In March, the company launc

BTS criticizes alleged Busan hotel price gouging ahead of concerts

BTS members have publicly criticized alleged price gouging by Busan accommodations, issuing a direct warning to business owners who are hiking room rates ahead of the group's concerts in the city next month. During a livestream on fan platform Weverse on Tuesday, BTS leader RM expressed his frustration over accommodation price hikes surrounding the event. "There is so much news regarding accommodations. It does not feel good," RM said. While acknowledging that room rates naturally fluctuate between peak and off-peak seasons, he urged business owners to exercise restraint, saying in the regional Busan dialect, "Let's not overdo it." Bandmates Suga and Busan-native Jimin agreed with his concerns. They said even their own relatives were struggling to find rooms and questioned whether charging several times the usual rate was too extreme. The remarks follow a growing online backlash against alleged price gouging in Busan. Fans criticized cases where some accommodations hiked rates to hundreds of thousands or even millions of won per night during the concert week. With BTS set to hold concerts

Starbucks must establish safeguards to prevent another ‘Tank Day’ controversy

Shinsegae Group Chairman Chung Yong-jin publicly apologized for Starbucks Korea’s controversial marketing campaign, which has been accused of justifying state violence during the 1980 Gwangju Uprising. During a news conference held Tuesday, Chung, who owns a 67.5 percent stake in Starbucks Korea, apologized for causing public outrage and said that he and other executives involved in approving the campaign would take responsibility. The controversy erupted last week when Starbucks Korea promoted a 503-milliliter tumbler called “Tank,” named after a water tank. The promotion, branded as “Tank Day,” was launched on May 18, the anniversary of the Gwangju Uprising. Starbucks Korea said the campaign was intended simply to market its newly released tumbler and encourage customers to purchase it. However, many Koreans interpreted the campaign differently because of the historical significance of May 18, 1980 — a dark chapter in modern Korean history when military forces opened fire on pro-democracy protesters in the southwestern city of Gwangju, resulting in a massacre that claimed

FTC chief says no probe planned for Starbucks amid marketing controversy

Korea's antitrust watchdog has no grounds to investigate Starbucks Korea over the coffee chain's controversial marketing campaign allegedly mocking the 1980s democracy movement, though it would be a "serious" issue if done intentionally, its chief said. Ju Biung-ghi, chairman of the Fair Trade Commission (FTC), made the remark during a press conference held in the central city of Sejong on Tuesday in response to questions about the watchdog's potential action against the Korean unit of the global coffee chain. "(Starbucks Korea) claims to have used the word 'tank' in a neutral way, but if it is revealed that the company had other intentions, it should apologize to the public and customers," Ju said. "If the phrase used in the marketing campaign was intended to deceive customers, that would be a serious issue," he added. The FTC chairman, however, said Starbucks Korea has not currently violated local fair trade rules, noting the agency has no grounds to pursue regulatory action against the company. "Mocking the tragic incident during the country's move toward democracy is an issue of publi

Childbirths soar to 7 year-high in March amid growing number of new marriages

The number of babies born in Korea shot up nearly 20 percent in March to a seven-year high from 2025 amid a higher number of marriages, government data showed Wednesday. A total of 25,200 babies were born in March, jumping 19.4 percent from a year earlier, according to the data from the Ministry of Data and Statistics. It marked the highest number since 27,049 tallied in March 2019. The number of newborns has been on an upward trend since July 2024. Over the January-March period, the total number of births came to 75,013, up 14.8 percent from a year earlier. It was also the highest since the first quarter of 2019. The country's total fertility rate, the average number of children a woman is expected to have in her lifetime, rose 0.15 from a year earlier to 0.93 in March. The rate still remains well below the 2.1 births per woman needed to maintain a stable population without immigration. The number of marriages in March rose 10.1 percent from a year earlier to 21,112. The figure rose for 22 consecutive months through January before tumbling in February on the fewer number of working days d

Don’t just build smaller houses, get people to like them

My Manhattan apartment is about 800 square feet, the same size as my upstairs neighbors’ — except they’re a family of four plus a large dog. Much as that blows my mind, I also realize that, not so long ago, an 800-square-foot apartment for a family of four in New York would have counted as luxurious. How far we’ve come. A married couple living in a 2,000-square-foot house in suburban Salt Lake City recently told the Times that, though they always imagined having several children, they were now reluctant because they would need a bigger house, which they couldn’t afford. Even if they were just rationalizing their decision, there is a correlation between falling birthrates and rising home costs. The average size of a single-family house built in the 1960s was about 1,500 square feet, and homes within multifamily units were about 800 square feet. Now those figures are more than 2,000 square feet and more than 1,200 square feet, respectively. Over the last decades households also became smaller, decreasing from an average of 3.3 people in 1960 to 2.5 today. It’s almost as if ev

Rail services likely to operate at 80% of normal capacity after Seoul overpass collapse

Rail services nationwide are expected to operate at about 80 percent of normal capacity on Wednesday, the state-run rail operator said, following the partial collapse of an overpass near Seoul Station earlier this week. On Tuesday, the Seosomun Overpass, undergoing demolition in Seoul's western ward of Seodaemun, partially collapsed, killing three people and injuring three others. The debris damaged the power supply for the railway between Seoul Station and Sinchon Station, leading to suspensions or route changes for more than 130 trains on Wednesday, according to the Korea Railroad Corp. (KORAIL). KORAIL said it will likely operate a total of 552 rail services on Wednesday, compared with the initially planned 683, forecasting the operation rate for the day at 80.8 percent. The number of high-speed rail services, including KTX trains, is expected to be cut from 331 to 245, which would bring the operation rate to 74 percent. In order to mitigate crowding at Seoul Station, KORAIL earlier said it would operate slower Mugunghwa trains on certain sections, such as between the central city of D

Jeonbuk National University reopens art hall after extensive renovation

Jeonbuk National University has reopened an art hall following extensive renovation work, transforming it into a safer and more comfortable space for culture and the arts, the school said Tuesday. Yang O-bong, president of the university, held a reopening ceremony in the lobby of the Geon Ji Art Hall, a small theater at Jeonbuk National University's Samsung Art Center in Jeonju, North Jeolla Province, on Friday. The university said the renovation project was made possible through an 8 billion won donation from Kim Jeong-ok, chairperson of the Kim Hee-kyung Scholarship Foundation for European Humanities. The school noted that 6 billion won was invested in renovating the art hall as well as the Youngsan Hall, the main theater of the Samsung Art Center. “Geon Ji Art Hall was reborn thanks to Chairperson Kim’s valuable vision and dedication,” Yang said, “I hope the (reopened) art hall will become an open venue where members of our university as well as local residents can come together to enjoy culture and the arts.” Kim, senior school officials, professors and administrators of the

2 men stabbed at LG Electronics office in Seoul; suspect in custody

Two men were stabbed Wednesday at an LG Electronics office in western Seoul, with the suspect currently in custody, authorities said. The suspect stabbed the men — one in his 50s and the other in his 40s — at the company's office in Magok-dong around 11 a.m. The suspect, an employee of a partner firm of LG Electronics, claimed he was harassed by the victims. The victims, who sustained serious injuries in their ribs and arms, were taken to the hospital. Neither was in a life-threatening condition, officials said. The suspect was apprehended around noon near Digital Media City Station. Officials said he called the police to turn himself in while heading to a police station.

Sejong University launches Asia’s largest university-run AI virtual media studio

Sejong University has opened Team Studios Sejong, the largest artificial intelligence (AI) virtual media studio at a university in Asia, the school said Tuesday. The studio, equipped with state-of-the-art devices and facilities, was created by renovating a 990 square meter theater in the university’s Gwanggaeto Building. The studio opening was the result of an industry-academia cooperation agreement the university signed with SK Telecom, the largest mobile carrier in Korea, in November 2023. Since then, the school has carried out a range of joint research and collaborative projects with the company in the field of virtual media. During the process, SK Telecom donated large-scale LED walls and other advanced equipment previously used at its virtual studio in Pangyo, just south of Seoul, to the university. A school official said the donation was intended to support media research and industry collaboration by professors and students in the university’s comics and animation technology program, paving the way for the establishment of the studio. Team Studios Sejong is an AI-powered virtual

Hanwha Aerospace names new head of Australia subsidiary

Hanwha Aerospace, the powerhouse of Korea’s burgeoning defense sector, announced Wednesday the appointment of Kim Dong-hyun to lead its Australian subsidiary. The high-profile management shake-up comes as the company races to secure its foothold in the global arms market and execute a multibillion-dollar manufacturing push on the continent. Kim, who currently serves as the head of the company’s Land Systems division, will concurrently hold both executive positions. The decision underscores the company's strategic prioritization of Korea's defense alliance with Australia, where Hanwha has captured historic procurement contracts. In his dual role, Kim will assume immediate oversight of Hanwha’s critical operations in Australia. Chief among his priorities is steering the Hanwha Armoured Vehicle Centre of Excellence in Geelong, Victoria, which has officially transitioned into full-scale production. He is also tasked with the complex logistical challenge of cultivating a robust local supply chain ecosystem capable of sustaining advanced manufacturing. A veteran with more than 20 years a

Korea expands geopolitical focus to tech, space frontiers

As geopolitical tensions increasingly spill into new domains, Korea’s leading diplomatic think tank is turning its attention to the frontiers that will define the future of global conflict: artificial intelligence (AI), outer space and the high seas. The Institute of Foreign Affairs and National Security (IFANS), an arm of the Korea National Diplomatic Academy, said Wednesday that it will host a public forum, "IFANS Talks," on Tuesday. The open-door event aims to untangle how rapidly evolving technologies and shifting environments are reshaping modern warfare and international strategy. The policy pivot aligns with Seoul’s broader national agenda to expand its geopolitical footprint, positioning Korea as a pivotal global player — specifically aiming to achieve "G7+ diplomacy" through active international contribution. The symposium will bring together a trio of military and security strategists to address the multifaceted challenges confronting the peninsula and its allies. Sohn Han-byeol, a professor of strategy at Korea National Defense University, will open the discussion with

Seoul deploys AI, high-capacity pumps to combat summer floods

Facing the growing threat of localized torrential rains and typhoons fueled by climate change, the Seoul Metropolitan Government is radically modernizing its emergency infrastructure. The city unveiled Wednesday a comprehensive reinforcement of its rescue operations, integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and heavy-duty industrial hardware to protect the capital ahead of the summer flood season. Under a comprehensive disaster response plan running through October, the Seoul Metropolitan Fire and Disaster Headquarters will operate an integrated command system designed for rapid deployments during complex water-related crises. The centerpiece of this year's defense is a new fleet of specialized tactical vehicles. The city has deployed high-capacity hydraulic drainage vehicles to the flood-prone districts of Gangnam and Yangcheon. These advanced machines utilize hydraulic pumps capable of draining up to 50 tons of water per minute from depths of up to 30 meters, allowing engineers to selectively clear deep subterranean spaces and low-lying roads. These will work alongside low-clearance f

Miracle of Nami Island

On May 14, at the invitation of Marek Repovsky, Slovak Ambassador to Korea, I had the pleasure of visiting a special exhibition on Nami Island in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Biennial of Illustration Bratislava (BIB). Founded in 1967, BIB is the world’s oldest and most prestigious international biennale dedicated to children’s book illustrators, tracing the artistic evolution of picture books across cultures and generations. Co-organized by the Slovak Embassy in Seoul and BIBIANA, or International House of Art for Children, the exhibition, which runs through July 5 at the island’s Peace Gallery, presents an impressive retrospective of Grand Prix winners and award-winning illustrations from around the world. More than an art exhibition, it symbolizes the enduring cultural friendship between Slovakia and Nami Island. After touring the gallery, I walked through the island’s vibrant forest paths and unexpectedly encountered Bruno Jans, Belgian ambassador to Korea; Damir Kusen, Croatian ambassador to Korea; and Erika Sfascia, deputy director o

K-water partners with OpenAI on AI-driven climate, water management

Korea Water Resources Corp. (K-water) and OpenAI signed a memorandum of understanding Tuesday to develop artificial intelligence (AI)-powered water management technologies for climate change and disaster response, marking OpenAI's first collaboration with a climate-tech company worldwide, K-water said. Under the agreement, the two sides will cooperate in four key areas: accelerating AI transformation in water management, exploring generative AI solutions tailored to K-water, jointly developing AI technologies for climate disaster response and water management, and pursuing global expansion in climate and water-tech businesses. The partnership combines K-water's decades of operational expertise with OpenAI's globally competitive AI capabilities to strengthen responses to climate-related disasters such as floods and droughts, the state-run corporation said. K-water has been accelerating the adoption of AI-based technologies across the water management sector, including digital twin systems that recreate waterways in virtual environments and AI-powered water purification plants. The compan

SEVENTEEN donates to UNESCO to support education in Laos

K-pop boy band SEVENTEEN has marked its 11th debut anniversary with a donation to support underprivileged students in Laos. The Korean National Commission for UNESCO (KNCU) announced Tuesday that the boy band made the donation for its Bridge Programme, which will help Laotian students with primary school diplomas to attend secondary school. Although secondary education is free of charge, few kids enroll because of miscelleneous fees, which they can't afford. The donation amount was not disclosed. "We are deeply grateful for SEVENTEEN's continued support since 2022," KNCU Secretary-General Hong Hyun-ik said in a statement. "This contribution will help marginalized learners in Laos access public secondary education and build a better future." The donation is part of an initiative that dates back to August 2022, when Pledis Entertainment, SEVENTEEN's management label, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the KNCU to launch the #GoingTogether campaign, aimed at closing educational gaps in underserved communities. The partnership has since grown considerably in scope. In November 2

Gov’t applauds K-pop acts after historic 11-award haul at AMAs

K-pop artists won major categories at the 52nd American Music Awards this week, prompting Culture Minister Chae Hwi-young to send congratulatory messages Wednesday to BTS, KATSEYE and the singing voices of Huntrix from the animated film "KPop Demon Hunters" for their victories at one of the biggest music award shows in the United States. The haul underscored the genre’s evolution from a regional subculture into a dominant force in the global music industry, marked by both the triumphant return of established icons and the arrival of highly successful cross-cultural experiments. Leading the charge was BTS, the powerhouse boy group that claimed the night’s highest honor, Artist of the Year. The win marks the group's second time taking home the top prize, having made history in 2021 as the first Asian act to do so. Returning to full activities as a complete group this year, BTS also took home trophies for Best Male K-Pop Artist and Song of the Summer for their track "Swim," securing a hat trick. The ceremony also vaulted newer acts into the global spotlight. The multinational girl group

N. Korea's Naegohyang women football team welcomed home after AFC win

North Korea's women's football team Naegohyang received a grand welcome home ceremony in Pyongyang after winning a recent regional tournament, state media reported Wednesday. Players were greeted Tuesday by government and sports officials, as well as family members, at the airport, before their bus made its way through Pyongyang streets lined with cheering, flag-waving citizens, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). The Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea, also reported the team's return, with photos of smiling players holding bouquets of flowers. While North Korea's state media lauded the team's victory at the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Women's Champions League, they made no mention of the venue. The semifinals and the final of the event were held in Suwon, some 30 kilometers south of Seoul, last week. The players departed South Korea for China on Sunday before returning to Pyongyang, maintaining a stony-faced, restrained demeanor in what appeared to be a carefully staged display amid strained inter-Korean ties. Meanwhile, Nor

Korea, US begin joint analysis of Korean War remains

Korea and the United States on Wednesday began their joint efforts to analyze remains presumed to be American soldiers killed during the 1950-53 Korean War, Seoul's defense ministry said Wednesday. The ministry said its war remains excavation team and the U.S. Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) launched a two-day forensic identification of such remains. A team comprising a dozen experts will analyze the specifications of three sets of remains believed to belong to U.S. soldiers ahead of their planned repatriation to the U.S. next month. Two of the remains are presumed to be soldiers of the 2nd Infantry Division, each found in Yanggu and Hongcheon counties in Gangwon Province in 2010 and 2021, respectively. The other remains were discovered in the central city of Sejong in 2012 and are presumed to be associated with the U.S. Army's 21st Regiment, 24th Infantry Division. Korea and the U.S. have conducted a regular joint analysis of the remains of their soldiers annually since the founding of the ministry's excavation team in 2007.

OpenAI includes Korea in cybersecurity program

OpenAI will include the Korean government, public institutions and companies in its cybersecurity program, allowing access to its latest cybersecurity artificial intelligence (AI) models, its chief strategy officer (CSO) said Wednesday. “We believe AI can become a powerful tool for cyber defenders, helping them identify vulnerabilities faster, respond to threats more effectively and make software and systems more secure,” OpenAI CSO Jason Kwon said during a press conference in Seoul. “We want OpenAI to become a trusted partner to Korea.” In particular, Korea will participate in OpenAI’s Daybreak cybersecurity initiative. Under the initiative, Korean institutions will gain Governmental Trusted Access for Cyber (GTAC), a restricted-access tier that allows verified cybersecurity professionals to utilize specialized AI models to test cybersecurity vulnerability. Kwon said OpenAI will expand the TAC program to private companies in Korea that are involved in the country’s key industries. According to OpenAI, Korea’s participation in GTAC marks the first case in Asia alongside Ja

BBQ chicken expands in Vietnam with 1st Ho Chi Minh City location

Korea's largest chicken franchise, Genesis BBQ Group, opened a restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City, bringing its Vietnam operations south after establishing a foothold in the north, the company said Wednesday. The new BBQ Phan Xich Long outlet is located on Phan Xích Long street in the Phu Nhuan district, one of Ho Chi Minh City's most prominent food and beverage corridors. The casual dining restaurant spans approximately 317 square meters and seats 94 customers. Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam's largest economic hub and its most active market for retail, dining and franchising. The city's young demographic and rapidly expanding food delivery culture have made it a primary target for global food and beverage brands. Phan Xich Long street has grown in recent years into one of the city's most sought-after dining destinations, drawing younger consumers and office workers rather than the tourist-heavy traffic of more traditional commercial districts. BBQ currently operates more than 40 outlets in northern Vietnam, primarily in Hanoi, and said it plans to use the Ho Chi Minh City entry as a base for b

How shy Cambodian student became AI developer in Korea through GKS

Studying, finding employment and settling down in a foreign country is rarely a smooth process — even for recipients of the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), a government-funded program that covers tuition, living costs and language training for outstanding international students. What it cannot guarantee is that they stay. Sereimony Sek, a GKS alumna who arrived from Cambodia at 17 and now works as an artificial intelligence (AI) developer at a Seoul telecommunications company, says the difference often comes down to something simpler: whether students ask for help. “I think it’s important to seek help when we need it because I’ve seen some GKS students give up their scholarships and return home for various reasons,” she told The Korea Times in a recent interview. “Because we come here through the GKS program, we already have a strong support network around us, so students shouldn’t be afraid to reach out to others or ask for help.” Sek believes that such support systems and alumni networks can play an important role in helping international students adapt to life in Korea

Barrier-free tourism gains ground in Korea

Korea’s tourism industry is increasingly shifting its focus toward barrier-free travel, as government agencies and local authorities expand programs designed to improve accessibility for seniors, people with disabilities and other travel-vulnerable groups amid growing demand for inclusive tourism experiences. The push shows a broader recognition that tourism accessibility is no longer limited to physical infrastructure such as ramps or wheelchair paths, but is increasingly viewed as part of a wider social environment that determines whether all people can comfortably participate in travel and leisure activities. “Barrier-free tourism is one of the basic conditions of an advanced society,” Han Sang-il, a professor from the Department of Hotel & Tourism Science at Daegu Catholic University, told The Korea Times. “A society can be evaluated by how well it cares for socially vulnerable people, and tourism should also be an area everyone can enjoy equally.” The renewed attention comes as the government places greater emphasis on the tourism sector as a future growth industry. The M

Dongwha Electrolyte clinches orders from global battery maker in US

Dongwha Electrolyte has secured a new contract with a global battery cell manufacturer to supply electrolytes, the company announced Wednesday, adding a new customer to its North American client base. The company did not disclose the customer's name or the contract value, citing a confidentiality agreement between the parties. The products covered under the contract are nickel-manganese-cobalt ternary electrolytes for battery electric vehicles. They will be manufactured at Dongwha Electrolyte's Tennessee plant and delivered directly to the customer's local production facility. The new contract is expected to further diversify the company's portfolio. Dongwha Electrolyte has been steadily securing large global companies as new customers, primarily in the United States and Malaysia, building a more stable revenue base. The Tennessee plant, in particular, demonstrated its competitiveness shortly after its completion by being selected as a supplier to both battery cell manufacturers and automakers. Dongwha Electrolyte currently has annual production capacity of 86,000 metric tons in the Unite

Thinking about getting bangs? Go Youn-jung’s latest transformation is going viral

Actress Go Youn-jung turned heads in Seoul after showcasing two strikingly different styles in the exact same outfit — proving once again why fans are calling her one of Korea’s rising fashion icons. On Tuesday, Go attended the photo wall event for French luxury brand Chanel’s 2026 Metiers d’Art collection show held at the Centre Pompidou Hanwha in Yeouido, Seoul. The actress appeared at separate photo sessions in the morning and afternoon, with her noticeably different hairstyles quickly becoming a hot topic online. Go wore a layered black crochet dress that balanced elegance with subtle details. The sleeveless top featured a structured boat neckline and tightly woven textured fabric, while the skirt's semi-sheer design softly revealed her silhouette as she walked. A pearl button detail near the right shoulder added a refined touch to the monochrome look. Go paired the dress with a gold-and-black chain belt that highlighted her slim waistline and completed the styling with a black bucket bag. What especially drew attention, however, was how dramatically Go transformed the overal

Can Kim Soo-hyun recover from a year of scandal?

A year after actor Kim Soo-hyun broke down in tears at a high-profile press conference over allegations involving late actress Kim Sae-ron, the controversy has entered yet another dramatic phase. Kim Se-ui, head of controversial YouTube channel HoverLab, also known as Garo Sero Institute, was taken into custody this week as police reportedly concluded that audio files previously presented as evidence against Kim Soo-hyun were generated using artificial intelligence (AI) technology. According to the Seoul Central District Court on Tuesday, Judge Boo Dong-sik approved an arrest warrant for Kim Se-ui over allegations including defamation, attempted coercion, intimidation and violations of laws related to distributing illegally produced content. The court said there were concerns about destruction of evidence and flight risk. Kim Se-ui is accused of spreading false claims through YouTube broadcasts suggesting that Kim Sae-ron’s death was linked to Kim Soo-hyun. He also publicly alleged that Kim Soo-hyun dated Kim Sae-ron while she was still a minor, a claim the actor has repeatedly denied

Divorced singles and dating rookies learn how to love in new Korean reality show

A woman wanting to find love again meeting with a man who has never been in love: MBC Every1's new dating reality show “Dating Boarding School" is creating a ripple in Korean romance entertainment. The show, which premiered on April 14, sets an unconventional tone from the start by bringing divorced women, who hope to move on from their past and find new love, together with men who have never dated. The awkwardness is visible from the first episode, not only in what the participants say but also in their facial expressions and body language as they struggle to express interest without quite knowing how. That romantic awkwardness is the show’s central concept — and what sets it apart from other dating reality programs. Recent dating shows have often emphasized polished romance, emotional roller coasters, skillful flirting, razor-sharp calculations and psychological tactics, but “Dating Boarding School” turns that premise on its head. It instead offers viewers fumbling honesty and the charm of inexperience. Participants stumble through attempts to say they are attracted to one a

Incheon airport to expand Smart Pass corridors for faster boarding

Incheon International Airport will increase Smart Pass corridors to boost convenience for users of the smartphone app that allows faster identification process for boarding passengers. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport said on Wednesday it will increase Smart Pass entry points at Terminal 2 from two to three starting Thursday. Terminal 1 will also add a second Smart Pass entrance. With the expansion, Smart Pass corridors will account for 31 percent of all departure entrances at the airport. The government said up to 50 percent of departure entrances at the country's largest airport will be equipped with Smart Pass corridors by October. The system expansion addresses complaints that the three existing Smart Pass corridors are insufficient for handling growing passenger demand. The corridors’ locations, concentrated outside the terminals’ central areas, lowered accessibility. Smart Pass users, once joined by nonusers in security lines, said they could not feel the app’s purported rapid boarding process. Due to these inconveniences, passengers using Smart Pass only ac

Broadcaster apologizes for airing Stray Kids member Hyunjin’s childhood photo as murder victim

MBC Every1’s “Hidden Eye” production team apologized Tuesday for airing a childhood photo of Stray Kids member Hyunjin after falsely identifying it as a photo of a murder victim. The error occurred in December, when the true-crime commentary show used the photo as reference material while covering a murder case. It was later revealed that the image was a childhood photo of Hyunjin, prompting immediate complaints from fans. A production official for “Hidden Eye” apologized for the misuse of the photo in an interview with the Hankook Ilbo. “We have taken down the clips on YouTube, and the VOD for the episode in question has also been removed from most OTT (streaming) platforms,” the official said, acknowledging the production team’s mistake. The official explained that the error occurred while the crew was extracting reference photos from electronic devices used by the victim and provided by the bereaved family. The production team responded immediately after discovering the mistake, the official said, adding that it would double-check materials to prevent similar errors fr

Adobe taps tech veteran Fabio Tiviti to lead Asia expansion

Adobe appointed Fabio Tiviti as vice president of its Asia business, the company announced Tuesday, as the Silicon Valley design and marketing software giant moves to expand its footprint in Asia, the world’s fastest-growing artificial intelligence (AI) market. Tiviti will oversee Adobe’s enterprise operations across Korea, Southeast Asia and Greater China. He will report to Ben Goodman, the president of Adobe Asia Pacific and Japan. The appointment comes as global tech firms aggressively vie for enterprise clients in Asia, a region increasingly viewed as a crucial battleground for commercial AI deployment. Tiviti brings more than 25 years of technology sector experience in the Asia-Pacific region. He most recently served as group vice president at Workday, where he directed field operations and market strategies across Asia, Japan, Europe and the Middle East. He has also held senior executive roles at SAP and Infor. "Fabio brings proven experience driving growth and innovation," Goodman said in a statement, noting that the new executive's leadership would be pivotal in helping clie

Gov't to host global talent fair, connecting job seekers with employers

Korea's largest job fair linking domestic job seekers with foreign-invested and overseas companies opens Monday at Coex in southern Seoul, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources and the Ministry of Employment and Labor said Wednesday. The 2026 Global Talent Fair, or GTF, organized by the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) under the co-sponsorship of the two ministries, runs Monday and Tuesday at Coex Hall B and Conference Room E. The fair also supports employment for international students studying in Korea by connecting them with domestic companies. A total of 358 companies are participating this year: 137 foreign-invested firms operating in Korea, 121 overseas-based companies and 100 companies seeking to hire international students. Approximately 18,000 job seekers are expected to attend over the two days. Fifteen affiliated organizations, including the Human Resources Development Service of Korea, the National Institute for International Education, Seocho District, the Gyeonggi Job Foundation and the Financial Supervisory Service, worked together to identify hiring

North Korea's women becoming a global force

North Korea as world champions? It could happen as soon as next year. Of the teams that head to Brazil in 2027 for the Women’s World Cup, it has to be considered a serious contender. The nation has seen so much success in recent years, and there was more last weekend when Naegohyang FC went to Suwon Sports Complex for the Asian Football Confederation Women’s Champions League and beat Tokyo Verdy Beleza 1-0 to become just the second winners of the continental tournament. That club success follows national team glory. In 2024, the North Korean women won the U-17 and U-20 World Cups. The following year, they won the U-17 World Cup again. At the continental level, the youth squad has been impressive too, with the U-17 team winning the 2024 and 2026 Asian Cup tournaments. "We don't have enough time to explain the evolution of our national football programs," said Naegohyang head coach Ri Yu-il, who has also coached the national team. "We have a specialized player development system. Players are well-trained from a young age and as they grow older, they contribute to good performances at

Korea takes traditional spirits global with new pavilion in Hong Kong

The National Tax Service opened its first-ever overseas promotional pavilion for Korean alcoholic beverages at Vinexpo Asia 2026, a three-day trade fair running through Thursday at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The 75-square-meter K-SUUL Pavilion houses 16 exhibition and tasting booths, bringing together 12 Korean liquor companies for direct consultations with international buyers. Participants range from traditional craft breweries and regional distillers to major spirits producers, reflecting the sudden breadth of the domestic industry. Operated jointly by the tax agency and the Korea Alcohol and Liquor Industry Association, the pavilion is an integrated promotional platform intended to boost export competitiveness and expand global market access. The 12 participating companies include winners of the inaugural K-SUUL Awards held last December, a competition that drew 366 products from 175 small and midsized Korean producers. Following rigorous document screening and blind tastings, the finalists were selected by public vote and are being showcased in a dedicated sect

THURSDAY, May 28, 2026

585 BC-Solar eclipse, as predicted by Greek philosopher Thales, occurs while Lydians are at war with the Medes and leads to a truce. It is one of the cardinal dates from which other dates are calculated. 1431-Joan of Arc is accused of relapsing into heresy by donning male clothing again, providing justification for her execution 1588-King Philip II dispatches the Spanish Armada under the Duke of Medina-Sidonia from Lisbon, Portugal to invade England 1830-U.S. President Andrew Jackson signs the Indian Removal Act, a key law leading to the forced removal of the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Creek, and Seminole tribes out of Georgia and surrounding states, setting the stage for the Cherokee Trail of Tears 1936-Alan Turing submits "On Computable Numbers" for publication, in which he sets out the theoretical basis for modern computers 1972-White House "plumbers" first break in at the Democratic National Headquarters and install listening devices at Watergate Complex in Washington, D.C.

Kakao's labor, management to engage in 2nd mediation talks as strike looms

A labor union at Kakao, the operator of Korea's popular messenger service, and the company's management will undergo a second round of mediation with the Gyeonggi Regional Labor Relations Commission later Wednesday, industry sources said. The mediation procedures, set to take place at 3:00 p.m., come after the two sides failed to narrow differences in the first round of wage talks held May 18, according to sources. If the regional labor office decides to suspend the mediation, unionized members at Kakao's headquarters will secure their rights to strike, along with unions at four of the company's affiliates. The five labor unions had voted last week in favor of a walkout after wage negotiations with management fell through. The latest development comes amid broader calls for performance-based bonuses and profit sharing in Korean companies, sparked by the recent labor-management dispute at Samsung Electronics. Kakao's union is reportedly seeking to include restricted stock unit grants, a form of equity compensation from the company, in the official performance-based incentive pool.

Investigators quiz ex-JCS chairman over alleged role in martial law

Kim Myung-soo, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), appeared before special prosecutors Wednesday for questioning over his alleged involvement in an insurrection related to former President Yoon Suk Yeol's imposition of martial law. The second comprehensive special counsel team led by Kwon Chang-young began questioning Kim as a suspect in the morning on suspicion of performing key duties under the short-lived martial law imposed Dec. 3, 2024, which a Seoul district court has ruled had led to an insurrection, sentencing the former president to life imprisonment. Kim, a retired admiral, is accused of taking part in the alleged insurrection by forming a martial law command even after watching the controversial deployment of martial law troops to the National Assembly. Kwon's team views Kim's alleged issuance of a fragmentary order to the Army Special Warfare Command and the Capital Defense Command to prioritize martial law affairs as an act of complicity in insurrection. The team reportedly found indications during questioning of Lee Seung-oh, former chief director of operati

Samsung Electronics bonus agreement approved, strike averted

More than 70 percent of Samsung Electronics’ labor union members on Wednesday approved a tentative wage agreement reached between union leaders and management, bringing a monthslong dispute over performance bonuses to a close, at least for now. According to the unions, 55,333 of the 57,332 eligible members of the Samsung Electronics Labor Union (SELU) participated in the vote, with 44,606 voting in favor of the agreement, for an approval rate of 80.6 percent. At the National Samsung Electronics Union (NSEU), 7,283 out of 8,261 members voted, with 1,536 approving the agreement, translating to an approval rate of 21.1 percent. The combined approval rate stood at 73.7 percent, surpassing the majority threshold required for ratification. The tentative agreement was signed on May 20, just hours before the unions were set to stage a general strike the following day. Voting on the agreement was conducted from May 22-27. “Though there were some disappointments during the wage negotiations, I believe labor and management reached a meaningful agreement after continuing dialogue and discussion

Smart and dumber

Smart and dumber

Kim Soo-hyun's agency says 'truth proven' through arrest of YouTuber charged with defamation

Actor Kim Soo-hyun's agency said Wednesday that "truth has been proven" following the arrest of a conservative YouTuber charged with spreading false and fabricated information about the actor over his relationship with late actress Kim Sae-ron. On Tuesday, the Seoul Central District Court granted the arrest warrant for Kim Se-ui, operator of the YouTube channel Hover Lab, who is accused of defaming the actor by falsely claiming that the actor had dated the late actress while she was a minor and that pressure from his side to repay a debt led to her death early last year. The YouTuber is also accused of creating doctored audio recordings of the late actress using artificial intelligence technology to falsely claim she had sexual relations with the actor when she was in middle school. "At last, the truth has been proven through a legally established process and a thorough probe. ... (We) deeply thank investigative authorities for their efforts in uncovering the truth based on objective evidence," Gold Medalist, which represents the actor, said in a statement. The agency noted that the vari

BTS' 'Swim' hits 500 mil. Spotify streams milestone

"Swim," the latest hit from K-pop supergroup BTS, has surpassed 500 million streams on Spotify, becoming the first song released this year to reach the milestone globally, the group's agency BigHit Music said Wednesday. The track from the septet's fifth studio album, "Arirang," is an upbeat alternative popsong about navigating life's challenges, with lyrics co-written by BTS front man RM. Released in March, "Arirang" made history as the first K-pop album to spend three consecutive weeks at No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard 200. "Swim" also topped the Billboard Hot 100, becoming the band's seventh chart-topping single. All tracks from the album have exceeded 100 million streams on Spotify, including "No. 29," an experimental piece composed solely of the sound of the Sacred Bell of Great King Seongdeok. Songs, such as "Body to Body" and "Hooligan," have each surpassed 200 million streams as of this month. BTS won three awards at the American Music Awards in Las Vegas on Monday (U.S. time), including Artist of the Year. In an acceptance speech, the members said they hoped their music would encoura

A garden of heroes that both Trump and Mamdani can support

Democrats have rolled their eyes at President Donald Trump’s plan for a National Garden of American Heroes in Washington, but they’re looking at it all wrong. An outdoor showcase of classical sculpture depicting major historical figures is a brilliant idea — and the best part is: It already exists! It just needs a little TLC, and the country’s 250th anniversary is the perfect opportunity to provide it. The Hall of Fame of Great Americans was dedicated 125 years ago this month at New York University’s Bronx campus, on a bluff overlooking Manhattan — and it was practically made to appeal to Trump. It’s a paragon of neoclassical colonnaded architecture, conceived by the beau-ideal of Beaux-Arts and Renaissance revivalism, Stanford White. Its nearly 100 outdoor sculptures of iconic Americans were crafted by masters like Daniel Chester French, Augustus Saint-Gaudens, and James Earle Fraser. And its plaques were designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany, the artist renowned for his jewelry and glass designs. It’s a tour de force of American monumentalism. When it opened in 1901, it w

KRX issues buy-side sidecar for KOSPI on steep rise

The Korea Exchange (KRX) on Wednesday activated a trading halt on the main bourse due to a sharp rally led by tech firms. A buy-side order in the Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) futures was suspended for five minutes at around 9:06 a.m., according to the KRX. The benchmark KOSPI opened at 8,242.12, up 194.61 points, or 2.42 percent, and further extended gains. A buy-side sidecar is triggered when the KOSPI 200 Futures index increases 5 percent or more for at least one minute.

Seoul shares sharply up late Wed. morning on AI-driven tech rally

South Korean stocks traded sharply higher over the 8,400-point level late Wednesday morning, driven by renewed optimism for tech shares related to artificial intelligence (AI). After starting 2.42 percent higher, the benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) extended gains to 356.24 points, or 4.43 percent, to 8,403.75 as of 11:20 a.m. Overnight on Wall Street, AI-fueled optimism pushed up the S&P 500 and Nasdaq to hit record closing highs, offsetting concerns that U.S. strikes on Iran dampened prospects for peace in the Middle East. The S&P 500 gained 0.61 percent, and the Nasdaq Composite rose 1.19 percent, while chipmaker Micron surged 19 percent to hit $1 trillion in market value for the first time. In Seoul, chip giants Samsung Electronics and SK hynix led the rally. Samsung Electronics rose 6.52 percent and SK hynix shot up 12.13 percent to become the second South Korean company to top 1,500 trillion won ($1 trillion) in market value. Leading K-pop agency Hybe climbed 0.42 percent, and defense giant Hanwha Aerospace gained 0.88 percent. However, most shares traded in negativ

Services of over 120 KTX trains disrupted due to Seoul overpass collapse

Operations of more than 120 KTX high-speed trains have been suspended or undergone route changes after the partial collapse of an overpass near Seoul Station earlier this week, the state-run rail operator said Wednesday. On Tuesday, the Seosomun Overpass, undergoing demolition in Seoul's western ward of Seodaemun, partially collapsed, killing three people and injuring three others. The falling debris impacted power lines for the railway between Seoul Station and Sinchon Station, suspending KTX services between Seoul Station and Haengsin Station in Goyang, north of Seoul, according to the Korea Railroad Corp. (KORAIL). It also halted Gyeongui Line services between Seoul Station and Susaek Station in northwestern Seoul. Due to the incident, more than 120 KTX trains on the Gyeongbu Line, which connects the capital and the southeastern port city of Busan, Honam Line, Gyeongjeon Line, Donghae Line and Jeolla Line have either been suspended or undergone route changes. In order to mitigate crowding at Seoul Station, KORAIL will also operate Mugunghwa trains on certain sections, such as between t

Prosecution launches team to probe deadly Seoul overpass collapse

The prosecution said Wednesday it will launch a team to investigate the collapse of an overpass in Seoul that killed three people and injured three others the previous day. The Seoul Western District Prosecutors Office said in a notice to the press that the 11-member team, including four prosecutors and six investigators, will work closely with the police and labor officials to determine the cause of the accident and who is responsible, and provide swift assistance to the victims. The Seosomun Overpass in western Seoul partially collapsed during demolition work Tuesday, killing the chief supervisor of an engineering company, the site manager and an outside expert. The three injured were workers who suffered injuries to the waist, head and ribs, officials said. "We will ensure the investigation proceeds smoothly as the team works together with the police from the warrant application stage," a prosecution official said. Police said they carried out a forensic examination of the site from midnight until 4 a.m. together with the National Forensic Service and the Korea Occupational Safety and

S. Korea captain Son Heung-min putting team ahead of individual glory at World Cup

HERRIMAN, United States — Gearing up for his fourth FIFA World Cup this summer, South Korea captain Son Heung-min is closing in on a record in a career full of many. Son has netted three goals so far in his World Cup career, tied with retired stars Ahn Jung-hwan and Park Ji-sung for the most by a South Korean player. Son had a goal in his World Cup debut in Brazil in 2014 and had two more four years later in Russia. One more goal will make Son, 33, the best South Korean goal scorer in World Cup history, but the Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) star insisted Tuesday he wasn't paying much mind to his individual stats. "Obviously, it's impossible not to be hearing about these records. People have been telling me about them, and fans have taken great interest in them," Son told reporters at Zions Bank Training Center in Herriman, in the Salt Lake City metropolitan area, the site of the national team training camp. "But I've just not been thinking too much about them. If I put the team above all else and worry about how I can best help the team first, then goals will naturally follow. That

Top diplomats of N. Korea, Singapore hold talks in Pyongyang

North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui has held talks with her Singaporean counterpart Vivian Balakrishnan in Pyongyang, state media said Wednesday, in the first visit by a Singaporean foreign minister to North Korea in eight years. On Tuesday, the two discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations and deepen cooperation in "multiple areas," as well as "regional and international matters," according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). Balakrishnan was greeted upon arrival at Pyongyang International Airport the previous day by Vice Foreign Minister Pak Sang-gil and Ro Kil-song, North Korea's ambassador to Singapore. North Korea's foreign ministry also hosted a welcoming dinner for the Singaporean delegation, the report said. The Pyongyang stop is part of Balakrishnan's five-day Northeast Asia tour from Sunday to Thursday, which also includes visits to China and South Korea. Singapore has maintained a relatively cordial relationship with North Korea, most notably providing the venue for the historic first summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jon

US military reaffirms defense commitment to Asian allies after NK missile launches

WASHINGTON — U.S. Indo-Pacific Command on Tuesday reaffirmed America's defense commitment to regional allies, hours after North Korea fired multiple close-range ballistic missiles and artillery rockets toward the Yellow Sea. In a statement, the command said that it is aware of the missile launches and is consulting closely with allies and partners. "Based on current assessments, this event does not pose an immediate threat to U.S. personnel or territory, or to our allies," it said. "The United States remains committed to the defense of the U.S. homeland and our allies in the region." Pyongyang conducted the latest missile launches amid speculation that Chinese President Xi Jinping may visit North Korea soon following his separate meetings with U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier this month.

N. Korea tests new lightweight missile launcher, tactical cruise missiles under Kim's watch

North Korea has tested a newly developed lightweight multipurpose missile launching system and multiple tactical cruise missiles, state media said Wednesday, with leader Kim Jong-un overseeing the test as part of Pyongyang's ongoing weapons modernization drive. The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) published the report a day after South Korea's military detected the launch of multiple close-range ballistic missiles (CRBMs) and artillery rockets toward the Yellow Sea from the Jongju area of North Phyongan Province. CRBMs refer to ballistic missiles that have a relatively short range of less than 300 kilometers. Tuesday's test was "part of the plan for modernizing the artillery and missile armed forces to attain the five-year goal for national defense development," the KCNA report said. The test "analyzed and estimated the power of special mission warhead of tactical ballistic missile, the reliability of 240mm controlled artillery rocket with expanded firing range which employed an ultra-precision autonomous navigation system, and the AI-guided hit accuracy of tactical cruise missile," it

Korean investors increase bets on China's tech stocks despite broader market weakness

Korean investors have increased their exposure to China's technology and advanced manufacturing sectors during a recent pullback in mainland China stocks, suggesting continued appetite for artificial intelligence (AI) and hard-tech themes despite broader market weakness, according to market analysts on Monday. They turned net buyers of several China-focused exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and technology stocks on Thursday, when mainland Chinese markets saw a notable decline. The buying was concentrated in products tracking robotics, semiconductors power-grid equipment and electronics supply chains. The investors also accumulated ETFs tracking China's technology and innovation themes, including products tied to China's STAR Market. They bought a net $3.21 million worth of the China Asset Management Co Robot ETF during the market sell-off, according to data from SEIBro, a portal maintained by the Korea Securities Depository. That was followed by Shenzhen Fastprint Circuit Tech, a leading Chinese printed circuit board maker, with net purchases of $2.73 million, and Guangdong Fenghua Advanced

No vision, just vouchers? School chief candidates woo voters with cash promises

The education superintendent elections were once a battleground for dueling visions of philosophy and big ideas. A decade ago, conservative and liberal candidates clashed over whether to prioritize increasing student rights or preserving teachers’ authority and how far to expand parental choice alongside public schooling. That debate has all but disappeared. Ahead of the June 3 elections, the most visible campaign promises have little to do with teaching and learning. Leading candidates across the nation, regardless of their political views, are competing on how much cash or financial support they can channel directly to students and parents. In Seoul, incumbent Superintendent Jung Geun-sik pledged to move beyond the existing tuition-free system by making education for children aged three to five effectively free, while also eliminating many out-of-pocket costs for older students. Currently, parents pay no public school tuition but still cover expenses such as transport and field trips. Under his plan, the education office would fully fund education, meal, after-school and care costs

[LEE’S 1ST YEAR IN OFFICE] KOSPI heading toward 10,000: Fundamentals, policy fuel Korea’s market rally

Korean stocks have extended an unprecedented rally despite uncertainties stemming from the Middle East conflict, with the benchmark KOSPI soaring from the 2,000-point range to above 8,000 within a year of President Lee Jae Myung taking office. KOSPI’s gains this year, the strongest among major G20 economies, have been driven largely by a global semiconductor supercycle fueled by rising artificial intelligence (AI) demand, which boosted earnings at Samsung Electronics and SK hynix, alongside the government’s market value-up and stock market revitalization policies. KOSPI closed at 2,770.84 on June 4, 2025, the day Lee took office. Less than a year later, the index finished at 8,047.51 on Tuesday, surpassing the 8,000 mark on a closing basis for the first time after briefly topping the level intraday on May 15. The rally continued Wednesday, with KOSPI reaching 8,228.70, up 181.19 points, or 2.25 percent, and setting another closing high just a day after the previous milestone. Data released by business tracker CEO Score on May 13 showed that the combined market capitalization of Kore

Trump to hold full Cabinet meeting at Camp David

President Donald Trump is expected to hold a meeting with his full Cabinet on Wednesday at Camp David, White House officials confirmed Tuesday. The meeting comes amid uncertainly after new U.S. attacks on Iran on Monday, which U.S. officials say didn't violate a cease-fire. Iranian officials say that they were "a gross violation" of said cease-fire and threated retaliation. Trump said during the weekend that a peace deal has been "largely negotiated," though he walked that back with posts Monday before the attacks. The president said in a later post that any deal "will either be a great and meaningful one, or there will be no deal." He also said he has made a "mandatory" request that Middle Eastern countries must sign the Abraham Accords to normalize relations with Israel as part of any deal and demanded Iran hand over "nuclear dust" first. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, meanwhile, said a deal could take "a few more days," The Hill reported. Trump has rarely visited Camp David, a president retreat in Maryland. This will be his second visit in his second term, CNN reported. The president

China says it hopes Iran war parties can meet each other halfway

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Tuesday he hoped parties in the Iran conflict can stay committed to pursuing a ceasefire and continue to meet each other halfway. Iran said on Tuesday the United States had violated the ceasefire after the U.S. conducted what it called defensive strikes in southern Iran, while U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said negotiating a deal to halt the conflict could "take a few days." "We hope that the parties concerned can stay committed to pursuing a ceasefire and continue to meet each other halfway, so that peace can return to the Middle East as early as possible," Wang told reporters at the United Nations in New York after chairing a meeting of the 15-member Security Council. "As we have been saying, it takes more than one cold day to freeze three feet of ice, and long-standing issues cannot be resolved overnight," Wang added. "However, every step forward in the negotiation brings more hope to peace, and one day earlier the conflict is ended means less civilian casualties."

Trump declares himself in perfect health after physical exam

WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump, who turns 80 next month, said "everything checked out perfectly" after having his physical on Tuesday at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, following a year of public attention on apparently minor health issues. Trump offered no details of the physical in a brief Truth Social post saying he had completed his six-monthly exam. Trump frequently casts himself as more energetic and fitter than Joe Biden, his Democratic predecessor who left office last year at age 82 after facing questions about his fitness for the job. Still, recent photographs showing a blotchy neck rash have added to questions about Trump's health, following images in July 2025 of swollen ankles and a bruised hand concealed with makeup. Trump, whose birthday is June 14, became the oldest person to assume the presidency when he began his second term in January 2025. The visit to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center was Trump's third in 13 months. Trump maintains an active golf schedule, but joked about his relative lack of exercise at a recent Oval Office event w

Louvre heist to be turned into film

PARIS — Last year's brazen robbery of the Louvre — when thieves made off with jewellery worth some $100 million — is set to become a movie and a documentary series, a publisher said on Tuesday. French director Romain Gavras — whose work includes 2025 Hollywood film "Sacrifice" starring Anya Taylor-Joy and music videos including most recently a hypnotic schoolboy choreography for GENER8ION — will draw inspiration from the investigative book "Main basse sur le Louvre" (literally "A grab at the Louvre"). Film rights to the book about the October 19, 2025 heist had been sold to the production company Iconoclast while rights for a documentary series were acquired by a British producer, the Flammarion publishing house said. The book, written by three journalists, from French dailies Le Parisien and Le Monde, and weekly glossy magazine Paris Match, is to hit bookstores on Wednesday. According to trade magazine Le Film Francais, the movie project is in development, though neither the title nor the cast has been announced. The Louvre heist sent shockwaves around the world and sparked a s

Wall Street nears records as US stocks catch up to global gains

NEW YORK — The U.S. stock market is ticking toward records Tuesday as it catches up with climbs for others around the world from the day before, when President Donald Trump said negotiations were “proceeding nicely” with Iran on ending their war. The S&P 500 rose 0.4 percent after trading resumed following Monday’s holiday. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was down 111 points, or 0.2 percent, as of noon Eastern time, and the Nasdaq composite was 0.8 percent higher. All three indexes are near all-time highs . The indexes pared gains from earlier in the morning as fighting continued in the region , and the U.S. military said it carried out “self-defense” strikes in southern Iran, including on missile launch sites and boats placing mines. Markets have rallied in the past on hopes for a coming end to the war with Iran, only to see the conflict drag on. The price for a barrel of Brent crude, the international standard, rose 4.1 percent to $100.10, but that reclaimed only some of its 7.1 percent plunge from Monday. The price for a barrel of U.S crude oil, meanwhile, fell 2.8 perce

America's tech-filled classrooms are facing backlash against school-assigned devices

Just a few years ago, America’s public schools were rushing to get every child a laptop. Los Angeles middle school teacher Anna Soffer remembers it well: “The idea was that technology is the future, so we need to put tech in every child’s hands.” Now, the conversation has flipped. After pouring billions of dollars into laptops, tablets and learning apps, many schools are facing a digital reckoning. Classrooms have become saturated with screens, and a growing number of parents, teachers and school districts are saying it is time to scale back. “The Chromebook is just a world of distraction,” says Soffer, who teaches sixth-grade English and history. She favors pen-and-paper assignments but is required to use laptops and online apps for certain activities. “Every day, I’m battling, ’Who would you rather listen to, Ms. Soffer or Minecraft?'” The Los Angeles Unified School District, where Soffer teaches, recently became the first major school district to say it will stop giving devices to its youngest students. It is part of a new screen time policy taking effect in the f

Iran partially lifts longest internet shutdown in history, data shows

Iran has partially lifted the internet blackout that has been in place for more than two months, live data from internet watchdogs showed on Tuesday. Netblocks, an organization specializing in internet blackouts, wrote on X that the shutdown was "the longest nationwide internet shutdown in modern history," with Iran almost completely cut off from international networks for 2,093 hours. The organization warned that it was still unclear whether the restoration will last. Data from the IT company Cloudflare also showed an increase in web traffic on Tuesday compared to previous weeks. Iranian sources said President Masoud Pezeshkian had on Monday ordered the blockade on international internet connections to be lifted, though no timeline for restoring access was provided. Iranian media reported in mid-May about a possible lifting of the blockade on June 5. The government had almost completely blocked access to the global internet in the country since the start of the war with Israel and the United States on February 28. Since then, Iranians have only been able to use the so-called "national inte

Gen Z turn to ‘dopamine sites’ for quick comfort

At 2 a.m., Kim, a 25-year-old office worker, opens a site designed to look like a food delivery app, though he has no plan to order. He chooses menu items, drops them into a cart and simulates the experience of placing an order. "It somehow feels like I actually ordered something," he said. Kim said the habit helps him resist late-night cravings. “There are many times when I crave food late at night but hold back to save money. It feels like a real delivery app, so I somehow keep looking at it,” Kim said, referring to a site whose name is a spoof of a food delivery app. "I don't end up ordering anything, but it feels like it relieves a little stress," Kim said. So-called “dopamine sites” — online spaces that offer quick stimulation — have recently spread among young people in Korea. The fake food delivery site is one example, recreating the experience of using a delivery app without the transaction. Users can browse menus, select items and place them in a cart without sending an order. Some listings include delivery times and star ratings, making it feel closer to a real app. T

Iran condemns US strikes as a show of 'bad faith' and warns of consequences

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Iran on Tuesday denounced U.S. strikes a day earlier as a sign of “bad faith and unreliability” as negotiations continue toward a possible deal to end the war. The U.S. military has characterized Monday's strikes in southern Iran as defensive, saying targets included missile launch sites and boats placing mines, and said the U.S. acted with “restraint" in light of the weekslong ceasefire. Iran's foreign ministry called the strikes a ceasefire violation and warned that Washington would bear responsibility for “all consequences,” without details. “The Islamic Republic of Iran will leave no act of aggression unanswered,” it added in a statement. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard on Tuesday said it had shot down and deterred drones and a fighter jet that entered its airspace, according to Iran’s official Mizan news agency, which did not specify when the incident occurred. It wasn't immediately clear what the developments would mean for negotiations. The strikes came after Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf went to Qatar as part of the

Ghana welcomes Pope's apology over Catholic Church's role in slavery

The West African nation was one of the main gateways for the transatlantic slave trade.

Israeli strike in Gaza City kills new head of Hamas's military wing

Hamas says Mohammed Odeh was killed alongside his wife and two children in a strike on a residential building.

Rare komusubi title win bodes well for Wakatakakage’s future

Wakatakakage is just the 11th man since 1931 to claim sumo's most important prize while ranked at komusubi.

Water safety warning after nine people die during heatwave

Experts say water temperatures remain very cold, and that cold water shock could make swimming difficult.

Female submariner says Navy colleague raped her at Faslane

Jake Wilson, from Gosport in Hampshire, denies rape and has lodged a special defence of consent.

Labour has 'no coherent plan' for country, says Blair

The ex-Labour PM says Sir Keir Starmer's government is in the "wrong position" ahead of the next election.

Government to submit draft extra budget for fiscal 2026 on June 3

Totaling over ¥3 trillion, the draft extra budget is aimed at increasing reserve funds in light of Middle East tensions.

Iran says draft deal with US would reopen Hormuz shipping

Iran's state TV said Tehran had obtained a draft of an initial, unofficial framework for a memorandum of understanding with the United States on ending their conflict.

Former member of German militant group jailed for armed robberies after 30 years on the run

Klette was finally caught in a flat in Berlin in 2024 and put on trial last year.

'Like a prisoner being released' - Relief for Iranians as internet shutdown ends

The government imposed the blackout after the start of the war with the US and Israel in February, cutting most Iranians off from the outside world.

Around 100 firefighters tackle Golders Green blaze

The fire at a supermarket "is not believed to be suspicious", London Fire Brigade says.

Japan weighs criminal penalties for nuclear plant data fraud

The plan is being considered following earthquake risk data fraud by Chubu Electric Power over its Hamaoka nuclear power plant in Shizuoka Prefecture.

Maga candidate's win in Texas primary gives Democrats hope in Senate battle

Ken Paxton's victory sets up what will be a closely watched contest in November's midterm elections.

Five people found alive after week trapped in flooded Laos cave

The search is continuing for a further two villagers who are still missing, rescuers say.

Barcelona in talks with Newcastle to sign Gordon

Barcelona join Bayern Munich in the race to sign Newcastle United forward Anthony Gordon.

India's 70ft Messi statue to be moved after 'swaying in the wind'

A giant statue of Argentina legend Lionel Messi is set to be taken down in India over safety concerns after it is spotted "swaying in the wind".

Iran says ’low’ possibility of return to war with U.S.

The statement came a day after Iran accused the U.S. of breaching the ceasefire in place since April.

Global risks to Irish economy intensified - Central Bank

The Central Bank has warned that global risks to the Irish financial system arising from the Middle East conflict, artificial intelligence (AI), and cyber attacks have intensified.

Emergency payment for disabled people needed - McDonald

Follow live developments from the Oireachtas with Leaders Questions under way and the Oireachtas Committee on Health is sitting

Man to go on trial for murder of farmer Michael Gaine

A 54-year-old man has been returned for trial to the next sittings of the Central Criminal Court, charged with the murder of Co Kerry sheep farmer Michael Gaine.

What the energy cap changes could mean for your bills

Typical annual household bills will rise by 13% when the new energy cap takes effect on 1 July.

Spider-Noir turns Spider Universe black and white

The show starring Nicolas Cage will be available to watch in both colour and black and white.

Hundreds of dead sharks found washed up on Welsh beaches

The dead fish, at Saundersfoot and Pembrey beaches, were probably part of a discarded catch.

Student loans inquiry finds many did not understand terms

The Treasury inquiry is looking at student loan plans in England and whether repayment terms are "reasonable".

Travelling solo and sharing rooms – what is life like on tennis’ lower rung?

Sleeping in a transit van is one of the money-saving tricks used by those on the lower rung of the tennis circuit.

Ebola-hit DR Congo faces 'catastrophic collision' of disease and conflict, WHO warns

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said fighting in DR Congo was hampering efforts to stop spread

Blair calls for ‘coherent plan’ before Labour ousts Starmer

Labour's electoral losses earlier this month sparked an internal rebellion as near a quarter of the party's members of Parliament called for Starmer to go.

Ahern attends Eid celebrations at Croke Park

Hundreds of Muslims have gathered for the 7th celebration of Eid in Croke Park.

Bad Bunny joins Toy Story 5 cast as voice of forgotten pizza toy

The Puerto Rican star will make a cameo in the latest in the animated Disney film franchise.

First unit of JAXA’s new ISS resupply craft completes missions

The HTV-X1 delivered supplies to the international space station and then carried out missions in orbit around the Earth in and after March this year.

First Aer Lingus flight re-created 90 years later

A restored Aer Lingus aircraft has landed in Bristol after taking off from Weston Airport in Dublin, recreating the first flight for the airline, which took off on the same route on this day in 1936.

Sturgeon defends 'no comment' police interview after SNP funds probe arrest

The former SNP leader's solicitor says her response was "standard" and she later provided written answers to detectives' questions.

Iranian ambassador arrives at foreign ministry

Anti-ship missiles developed and used by Iran are believed to have been used in an attack against a South Korean vessel in the Strait of Hormuz earlier this month, the foreign ministry said Wednesday. The ministry, however, reserved a decision on which actor in Iran launched the attack or whether it was intentional. "Technical analysis concluded that the unidentified airborne objects were likely Noor-series anti-ship missiles developed by Iran," First Vice Foreign Minister Park Yoon-joo said at

Man charged over fatal shooting of award-winning farmer

The body of Charles Kinston, 23, was found in a field in Derbyshire on 29 January 2024.

Pope establishes commission to relaunch ‘House for the Relief of Suffering’

Pope Leo XIV signs a chirograph creating a new steering commission to relaunch the House for the Relief of Suffering Foundation, established in the Italian city of San Giovanni Rotondo by Saint Pio of Pietrelcina.

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Pope Leo XIV receives Prime Minister of Spain in the Vatican

Ahead of Pope Leo XIV's Apostolic Journey to Spain in June, Pope Leo XIV receives the Prime Minister of Spain, Pedro Sánchez Pérez-Castejón, in the Vatican.

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NASA reveals plans for permanent Moon base by 2032

Nasa has unveiled far-reaching plans for its first Moon base that could see people living and working on the lunar surface within six years.

Rotunda Hospital to develop Parnell Sq site, cttee told

The Rotunda has said it believes its future has been clarified and that it will be remaining on its Parnell Square site.

53% of complaints to garda ombudsman deemed admissible

Just over half of the 2,700 complaints against gardaí received by the office of the police ombudsman were deemed admissible.

Indonesian group tourists to get visa-free entry to Korea starting Thursday

The Ministry of Justice said Wednesday it will allow Indonesian tour groups to enter Korea without a visa from Thursday until the end of December, as part of efforts to boost inbound tourism. Under the new program, groups of three or more Indonesian tourists organized by designated travel agencies will be allowed to stay in Korea visa-free for up to 15 days. The ministry said the measure was discussed at the National Tourism Strategy Meeting in February and finalized after consultations with the

I won fantasy football in my first ever season - without using AI

Danish medical student Erik Ibsen, 23, says it's "insane" he beat more than 11 million FPL players.

Watch: Trump is transforming Washington by adding his face everywhere

Sarah Smith visits places across the US capital where the president has hung banners, renamed a site or is rebuilding something.

RM, President Lee call out Busan lodging price hikes

President Lee Jae Myung has called for stronger action against accommodation price gouging in Busan ahead of BTS' June concerts, as soaring room rates and alleged reservation cancellations continue to draw criticism from fans and the public. The issue drew fresh attention after BTS members addressed the controversy during a livestream Tuesday evening. RM, the group’s leader, asked businesses in Busan dialect not to “overdo it,” referring to reports of sharp hotel price hikes, and expressed disap

Seoul says HMM vessel probably hit by Iranian-made anti-ship missile

Seoul said Wednesday that at least one of the projectiles that struck the South Korean-operated vessel HMM Namu in the Strait of Hormuz earlier this month was highly likely to have been an Iranian-developed anti-ship missile, while stopping short of formally assigning direct responsibility to Tehran. Speaking at a press briefing at the Government Complex Seoul, First Vice Foreign Minister Park Yoon-joo said the joint investigation team recovered one unexploded warhead from one of the two project

Quebec politicians fight for right to have Canadiens watch party in the Outaouais

Provincial politicians in Quebec have unanimously backed a motion calling for the National Hockey League to allow public Montreal Canadiens watch parties in the Outaouais.

Pope Leo XIV decries recent intensification of attacks in Ukraine

During his Wednesday General Audience, Pope Leo XIV appeals for peace following the latest Russian attacks on Ukraine, stressing that war does not solve problems; it worsens them, for “wherever missiles and drones fall, hopes also collapse; homes and places of worship are destroyed, and innocent lives are shattered.”

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‘Double the gains’: Leveraged Samsung, SK products ignite retail frenzy

South Korea’s first single-stock leveraged products tied to Samsung Electronics and SK hynix surged by double digits in their trading debut Wednesday morning as the Kospi held firmly above the 8,000 level. Samsung Asset Management dominated trading activity, while Hana Asset Management posted the highest returns. According to the Korea Exchange, Samsung Electronics rose 2.68 percent, or 8,000 won, to close at 307,000 won ($204.35), while SK hynix climbed 9.31 percent to close at around 2.243 mil

Employer sentenced for forklift abuse of Sri Lankan worker

The Gwangju District Court has handed a suspended prison sentence to an employer who abused a Sri Lankan worker at a brick factory in Naju, South Jeolla Province, according to legal circles Wednesday. The employer, a 54-year-old man surnamed Jeong, was sentenced to one year in prison, suspended for two years. The court also ordered him to complete 80 hours of community service. The company that operated the brick factory was fined 5 million won ($3,300). Jeong was accused of tying the 31-year-ol

Busan mayoral debate takes unusual turn as candidate proposes lie detector test

Tuesday’s televised debate among Busan mayoral candidates took an unusual turn when a minor opposition candidate proposed that his rival take a lie detector test. Much of the debate followed the usual course, with the two main-party candidates — Democratic Party of Korea’s Chun Jae-soo and People Power Party’s Park Heong-joon — exchanging barbs and accusations over alleged irregularities in each other’s past endeavors as government minister and Busan mayor. Chun formerly served as oceans and fis

Nuno to stay as West Ham boss after relegation

Nuno Espirito Santo will stay on as West Ham manager to lead their fight to get back to the Premier League at the first attempt, the club says.

Japan told that universities are a key to startup success

The dean of the University of California's business school explains how innovation infrastructure can be developed.

Busan launches low-cost lodging campaign ahead of BTS concerts

A growing number of religious groups, universities and public institutions in Busan are joining a "fair lodging" campaign ahead of BTS’ upcoming concerts in the city, offering free or low-cost accommodation to fans amid soaring hotel prices. According to the Busan Metropolitan Government, local temples, churches, universities and public organizations began participating in the campaign following reports of accommodation prices sharply increasing around the concert period. Among the participating

Pope at Audience: Liturgical tradition and renewal drive evangelization

During his weekly General Audience, Pope Leo XIV reflects on Vatican II's 1963 Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, Sacrosanctum Concilium, and emphasizes the importance of liturgical progress that also preserves sound tradition.

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Swedish defense officials visit Hanwha as Nordic demand for artillery system grows

Sweden’s senior defense officials visited Hanwha Aerospace’s production facilities in South Korea on Wednesday, amid growing defense cooperation between Nordic countries and the Korean defense giant as Europe accelerates rearmament efforts. Hanwha Aerospace said Peter Sandwall, Sweden's state secretary to the minister for defense, visited the company’s plant in Changwon, South Gyeongsang Province, during a broader visit to South Korea for bilateral defense consultations. Sandwall and other senio

Korea’s mountain parks expand free safety gear rentals

The Korea National Park Service is expanding its free safety gear rental service to all 20 mountainous national parks this month, with foreign visitors also eligible to use the program. Foreign visitor-friendly guidelines will be introduced this year after 158 rentals by foreign visitors were recorded last year. The KNPS plans to provide English brochures and promotional materials at rental stations and expand overseas promotion through social media. With the addition of eight new parks this yea

Worker killed in soil collapse accident at Gangnam sewer maintenance site

A construction worker in his 60s died Wednesday after being buried in a soil collapse at a sewer pipe maintenance site in an apartment complex near Suseo Station in Gangnam-gu, southern Seoul, police said. According to the Seoul Suseo Police Station, a 3.5-meter-high pile of soil around the site collapsed at around 12:20 p.m. while the worker was installing formwork. He was taken to a nearby hospital in cardiac arrest but was later pronounced dead. Two other workers at the site escaped before th

At least 31 killed in Israeli attacks on Lebanon

Israeli attacks on southern Lebanon killed 31 people yesterday, the Lebanese health ministry said, as Israel said it was intensifying attacks despite a truce in its war with Hezbollah.

Israel says it killed Hamas' new armed wing chief in Gaza

Israel said it killed Hamas's newly appointed armed wing chief in Gaza, while intensifying ⁠military pressure there and expanding operations in Lebanon.

Nikkei ends almost flat after topping 66,000

The index of 225 selected issues listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange's Prime section hit a high of 66,428.81 on Wednesday morning.

Lee Jung-hoo eyes weekend return from injured list

San Francisco Giants outfielder Lee Jung-hoo could return as early as this weekend after being placed on the 10-day injured list with lower back tightness. According to The San Francisco Chronicle, Lee resumed workouts on Tuesday and is expected to rejoin the Giants during their road series against the Colorado Rockies beginning Friday. Giants manager Tony Vitello said before Tuesday’s home game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Oracle Park that the club hoped Lee would be ready to return by t

Why is Europe the world's fastest warming continent?

Europe, which is in the throes of a record-smashing heatwave this week, is the world's fastest-warming continent and stretches into an even more rapidly heating Arctic.

Air New Zealand cuts another blow to regions, airport industry group says

An airport industry group says further cuts to Air New Zealand's schedule is another blow for the regions.

Errant Ukrainian drones fuel tensions on NATO’s eastern flank

The airspace incursions have occurred as Ukraine uses exploding drones to hit Russian Baltic ports that handle nearly 40% of national oil and gas exports.

Energy bills to rise for millions as impact of Iran war hits

A household using a typical amount of energy will pay £221 a year more, under the regulator's new price cap.

60 Palace 'troublemakers' ordered to leave Leipzig

Police say 60 Crystal Palace fans classified as "known troublemakers" have been ordered to leave Leipzig while two arrests were made before the Europa Conference League final.

Two killed in separate road collisions in Clare, Wexford

A man in his late teens and a woman in her 80s have died following separate road collisions in counties Wexford and Clare.

In a single day, three democracies pushed back against Chinese transnational repression

That three liberal democracies acted against Beijing's long arm on a single day was not coordinated – but perhaps it should have been.

House prices to rise around 4% this year - BOI

House prices are expected to rise by around 4% this year, according to the latest analysis from Bank of Ireland.

5 people found alive after a week trapped in a cave in central Laos

Five villagers stuck in a flooded cave in central Laos for more than a week were found alive, rescuers said Wednesday, but two others are missing.

Gulf Harbour body trial: accused seeks return of deported women

Evidence from the five women was needed for "open justice" and the "search of truth", Kaixiao Liu told the court.

Race tightens in key battlegrounds as blackout period begins Thursday

Opinion polls are suggesting that several races may be closer than originally expected in in the June 3 local elections, as Korea heads into a polling blackout. The latest polls indicate that about half of the races for 16 major mayoral and gubernatorial posts are tightening. Earlier expectations were for a landslide victory for the ruling Democratic Party of Korea, following strong wins in the 2024 National Assembly election and the 2025 presidential election. Opinion polls suggested that many

Seoul shares scale to new peak on extended chip rally

South Korean stocks rose for the fourth consecutive session to a new peak of over the 8,200-point mark Wednesday, driven by a strong rally by Samsung Electronics and SK hynix. The local currency gained against the US dollar. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index gained 181.19 points, or 2.25 percent, to close at a record 8,288.7, after rising as high as 8,457.09. The index opened 2.42 percent higher and extended gains to surpass the 8,450-point level early in early trading, with a buy-

Spurs needed 'complete reset', says under fire CEO

In a wide-ranging exclusive interview with BBC Sport, Tottenham chief executive Vinai Venkatesham talks about a number of issues the club needs to address.

Man killed in bear attack identified as MMA fighter Hrishikesh Koloth from India

The man killed in a rare fatal bear attack in northern Saskatchewan on May 8 wanted to be an MMA fighter. Originally from Kerala, India, Hrishikesh Koloth, 27, was working at a uranium exploration site in northern Saskatchewan when he was attacked by the bear.

Trump's scandal-plagued pick wins Texas Senate primary run-off — and Democrats see an opening

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton ousted four-term U.S. Senator John Cornyn on Tuesday, riding President Donald Trump's endorsement to a lopsided victory for the Republican Senate nomination.

Former Giants manager’s daughter consulted ChatGPT before reporting altercation

Shinnosuke Abe resigned from his position Tuesday following his arrest on suspicion of physically assaulting his daughter.

Climate change fueling growth of antibiotic-resistant salmonella

New research suggests warming temperatures and shifting rainfall patterns could accelerate the spread of hard-to-treat infections.

Samsung workers accept wage deal that averts chip plant strike

The agreement avoids what could have been a damaging strike for Samsung and the tech industry amid shortages in the memory chip sector.

Thai beer heir sexual abuse allegations ignite rare public reckoning

The high-profile case within the wealthy Thai beer brewing family has prompted a wave of painful accounts from survivors of unconnected abuse in the conservative country.

Bank of America sharply lifts Korea outlook on AI chip boom

Bank of America has sharply raised its 2026 growth forecast for South Korea, citing an artificial intelligence-driven semiconductor boom that it said is strong enough to lift exports, investment, consumption and government revenue. The bank upgraded its 2026 GDP growth forecast for Korea to 3.1 percent from its previous estimate of 1.9 percent, calling the revision "a clear shift to above-trend expansion," according to its report released Tuesday. It also raised its current account surplus proje

Samsung seals strike-averting wage deal amid bonus backlash

Samsung Electronics and its labor unions signed their 2026 wage agreement Wednesday, formally ending weeks of negotiations after union members approved a last-minute bonus deal that narrowly averted a planned strike. But the agreement is expected to fuel backlash over wide bonus gaps between chip and nonchip employees, and shareholder opposition over profit-linked payouts. The signing ceremony was held at Samsung's employee training center in Giheung, after the deal was approved by a union vote

Musinsa posts record Q1 as stores, exports fuel growth

Musinsa said Wednesday it posted record first-quarter sales as strong growth in its online platform business and expanding offline operations offset the fashion industry’s seasonal slowdown. The company reported consolidated sales of 363.6 billion won ($242 million) for the January-March period, up 24.1 percent from a year earlier. Operating profit rose 8.2 percent to 19 billion won. On a stand-alone basis, sales climbed about 25 percent to 335 billion won, while operating profit jumped 45.5 per

NZ wireless internet provider warns of Starlink's rural broadband monopoly risk

Rural New Zealand risks relying too heavily on one satellite internet provider, the government is being warned.

How did K-pop collect 11 titles at AMAs?

K-pop artists and related acts claimed a combined 11 trophies at the American Music Awards in Las Vegas on Monday, one of its strongest showings yet at a major US awards ceremony. The night was led by BTS, which won all three categories in which it was nominated, including the top honor artist of the year, best male K-pop artist and song of the summer with "Swim," from the group's fifth studio album Arirang. Katseye, the global girl group formed by Hybe and Geffen Records, also won all three cat

Five rescued after being trapped in Laos cave for a week

Five of seven people trapped in a flooded cave for a week in Laos have been found alive, Laotian and Thai rescuers have said.

New Pizza Hut Korea operator names first CEO

PH Korea said Wednesday it appointed former Pizza Hut Korea Chief Operating Officer Kim Jung-eun as its first chief executive ahead of the revamped pizza chain’s official launch next month. PH Korea, established by Winter Gold and Kclavis Investment to operate the Pizza Hut brand in Korea, is set to begin operations as the country’s Pizza Hut franchise headquarters on June 1. Kim has more than two decades of experience in the food service industry. She previously served as delivery director at O

Are foreigners really ditching Kospi — or doubling down?

Foreign investors may be selling South Korea hard, but they are sitting on a bigger slice of the market than before. The benchmark Kospi has been on a dizzying rally in recent sessions, hitting a fresh closing high of 8,228.7 and an intraday record of 8,457.09 on Wednesday. Yet foreign investors remained net sellers, unloading 449 billion won ($300 million) worth of shares during the session. The trend extends well beyond a single trading day. Over the past months, overseas investors appear to b

1st generation K-pop star revisits struggles of trainee years on stage

People spend their lives chasing success, hoping to reach something brighter. On that journey, there are moments when we wonder whether the light we are chasing will truly make us brighter, or whether it is too distant, merely a dream we can never reach. Singer and actor Danny Ahn described his latest stage role in the play "At the Boundary of Light and Darkness" as a reflection on this idea. The production, which wrapped on Monday at the Sejong Center in Seoul, follows two parallel figures of d

Lee to lay out second-year's agenda in anniversary news conference

President Lee Jae Myung will hold a news conference next month to mark the first anniversary of his inauguration and lay out his vision for the second year of his presidency, Cheong Wa Dae said Wednesday. The news conference will be held at 10 a.m. on June 8 at Yeongbingwan, a guesthouse within the Cheong Wa Dae presidential compound, Lee Kyu-youn, senior presidential secretary for public relations and communication, said during a briefing. “This news conference will serve as an opportunity to l

GC Biopharma sells US vaccine unit to Eli Lilly in $1.5b deal

GC Biopharma said Wednesday that it would transfer its US affiliate Curevo Vaccine to Eli Lilly and Company in a deal worth up to $1.5 billion. Under the agreement, Lilly will acquire all shares of Curevo and secure rights to amezosvatein, the affiliate’s herpes zoster vaccine candidate currently under development. The deal includes an upfront payment upon closing as well as milestone payments tied to future development and commercialization achievements, GC Biopharma said. The company said the

A sanctuary quietly housed lions in Ontario cottage country — then came the uproar from neighbours

Some people living near the Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary in the Parry Sound, Ont., area say a compound with lions rescued from a Quebec zoo was too close for comfort last summer. The sanctuary's executive director says she wouldn't automatically rule out accepting a lion or tiger in the future, if asked.

[Reporter’s Notebook] 'Wait, we are doing what with the Education Ministry?'

When the Education Ministry announced in April that it would crack down on unapproved international schools, the schools themselves were not the only concern. Many of these institutions operate like schools while being registered as private academies. Some hire foreign teachers on E-2 visas, which are issued for foreign language instruction, but ask them to teach other subjects. While previous crackdowns have resulted in deportations, ministry officials said the planned inspections would target

Decoding Shinsegae chair’s two apologies

Shinsegae Group Chair Chung Yong-jin on Tuesday stood in front of dozens of cameras, bowing in apology to take full responsibility of Starbucks Korea’s recent “Tank Day” marketing controversy. A week earlier, he released a written apology on May 19, the day after Starbucks Korea had come under fire for slogans that critics linked to the country’s pro-democracy movements in the 1980s. The overlapping parts in both apologies acknowledged that the incident left a deep scar on the souls and bereaved

Auckland's new hybrid electric ferry will be ready for commuters in June

The first of two electric ferries was taken out for a test run on Wednesday.

Police issue arrest warrant for potential mastermind in Tochigi murder case

The man fled to China after the incident in which a 69-year-old woman was killed at her home during a break-in.

Wegovy, Mounjaro face tighter controls in Korea

The South Korean government is moving to tighten access to injectable weight-loss medications, closing prescription loopholes and cracking down on overseas purchases amid concerns of misuse. According to the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety on Wednesday, the ministry is working to designate glucagon-like peptide-1 obesity treatments as drugs of concern for abuse. Wegovy and Mounjaro, which have been selling rapidly in Korea, are included in the planned designation. These medications can help wei

Korea readies first UNESCO Heritage summit as showcase of cultural clout

President Lee Jae Myung called for thorough preparations for South Korea’s first hosting of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, saying the summit should serve as a showcase of the country’s cultural clout and global leadership. Lee made the remarks while chairing a preparatory meeting on Wednesday in Busan for the 48th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, which will run July 19-29. The meeting, the largest international conference in the field of world heritage, marks the first time

Korea Zinc weighs Australia expansion amid critical minerals push

Korea Zinc, the world’s biggest refined zinc smelter, is weighing a potential expansion of its Australian refining operation amid growing calls for a three-way critical minerals supply chain linking South Korea, the US and Australia. Political and business leaders in Townsville, North Queensland, are pushing for Korea Zinc’s Australian subsidiary Sun Metals Corporation to expand into an integrated processing facility covering copper, lead and other critical minerals, according to Australia local

Fury announces plans to fight in Dublin this August

Tyson Fury has announced plans to fight on 1 August in Dublin - one week after Anthony Joshua makes his comeback.

Wellington rates rises whittled down to 5.8 percent

The Wellington council's vote on rates comes at a time of change for how the city's residents pay their rates bill.

New Danish chamber sees shared industrial future with Korea

Until recently, Denmark was one of the few European countries without its own chamber of commerce in Seoul. That changed Tuesday with the launch of the Danish Chamber of Commerce in Korea, a move inaugural chairman Jan Benggaard sees as reflecting deepening economic ties and growing business opportunities between the two countries. The chamber launches with 34 member companies, including Maersk, Novo Nordisk, Copenhagen Offshore partners, CS Wind and Lego, as Korean industrial capabilities gain

OpenAI brings GPT-5.5-Cyber to Korea in security push

OpenAI said Wednesday it is launching a cyber action plan for South Korea to help government agencies, public institutions and companies strengthen defenses against AI-driven cyber threats, with the country set to gain access to its security-focused model GPT-5.5-Cyber. “We want OpenAI to become a trusted partner to Korea,” OpenAI Chief Strategy Officer Jason Kwon said during a press briefing in Seoul. “Our goal is not to keep advanced cyber capabilities in the hands of a small number of organiz

'Te reo influencer' named first Professor of te reo Māori at Victoria University.

The more content in te reo that is shared on social media, the more people have access to it and the more it is heard, says Professor Hona Black

The footballer setting record straight after 46 years

Roly Gregoire, Sunderland's first black player, sometimes wishes he had never played football because of the racist abuse he found too painful to talk about for 46 years.

Two more arrests over dating app assaults in Invercargill's Queens Park

Those arrested join four people who have already appeared in court in connection with the incidents.

Students join India's first Korean language quiz program

Students from a dozen schools in India took part in the country’s first Korean language and culture quiz program for elementary and middle school students, the Education Ministry said Wednesday. K-Quiz India 2026 was held Tuesday by the Korean Education Center in India as part of an agreement reached during President Lee Jae Myung’s visit to New Delhi in April, according to the ministry. Fifty students from 12 schools took part in the program. Three schools — Arwachin Bharti Senior Secondary Sch

Alpha Drive One returns with breezy summer single 'OMG!'

Rookie boy group Alpha Drive One returned Tuesday with the prologue single “No School Tomorrow.” The group dropped the two-track physical single, featuring the lead track “OMG!” and the side track “Good Life.” Set against the backdrop of an unexpected school closure, “No School Tomorrow” captures the sense of freedom and youthful excitement that comes with spontaneous rebellion. Lead track “OMG!” is a hip-hop R&B song that combines energetic hip-hop beats with trendy synthesizer sounds. The trac

BTS’ ‘Swim’ becomes first 2026 release to surpass 500 million Spotify streams

BTS’ “Swim,” the main track from the group’s fifth LP “Arirang,” has surpassed 500 million streams on Spotify, becoming the first song released in 2026 to reach the milestone. According to Big Hit Music on Tuesday, the song exceeded 500 million cumulative streams on the global audio streaming platform as of May 26. Released in March as the main track of “Arirang,” “Swim” delivers a message about continuing to move forward at one’s own pace amid life’s rough waves. RM participated extensively in

Rice consumption in fiscal 2025 the lowest in seven years

The drop coincided with last summer's "Reiwa rice riots" when the staple disappeared from supermarket shelves and prices surged nationwide.

Azerbaijan marks its 108th Independence Day in Seoul

Azerbaijan celebrated its 108th Independence Day in Seoul on Tuesday, underscoring ties with South Korea and Baku’s growing role in regional and international affairs. The national day marks the founding of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic on May 28, 1918 — regarded as the first democratic republic in the Muslim world — ending nearly two centuries of Iranian and Russian rule. Addressing diplomats, government officials, members of civil society and the Azerbaijani community in Seoul, Azerbaijan

’My job is going’: U.K. workers squeezed out by AI

In the U.K., where services account for around 80% of the economy, AI has become flexible, fast and inexpensive competition for many white-collar workers.

Hyundai Glovis CEO tours Europe to revive growth

Hyundai Glovis CEO Lee Kyoo-bok has begun a business tour across eight European countries as the logistics arm of Hyundai Motor Group looks to revive growth in its second-largest global market. According to industry sources Wednesday, Lee departed Sunday for visits to Austria, the Czech Republic, Germany, Greece, the Netherlands, Poland, Slovakia and Turkey through early next month. Sources said the decision to focus on Europe rather than the Americas — Hyundai Glovis’ largest revenue-generating

In Busan, Lee invokes Kim Young-sam's legacy to push maritime vision

President Lee Jae Myung cast Busan and the broader southeast as the launchpad for South Korea’s next leap as a maritime power, invoking the late conservative President Kim Young-sam in the city that formed the bedrock of Kim’s political career. Lee delivered his remarks at the annual Ocean Day ceremony held Wednesday in Busan, which has emerged as a key battleground ahead of the June 3 elections, as the ruling Democratic Party of Korea seeks to make inroads into the conservative stronghold. Lee

Canada and Bahamas impose Ebola-related travel bans

The entrance ban of residents from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and South Sudan comes as the WHO raised the risk of ​the Bundibugyo strain to "very ⁠high."

Weverse Company appoints Yang Zoo-il as new president

Weverse Company, operator of global fandom platform Weverse, announced Wednesday that it has appointed Yang Zoo-il as its new president. Yang will officially assume the role on June 1. The appointment comes as part of Weverse’s growth strategy aimed at further advancing its services and strengthening its operations as a leading fandom platform brand. Yang began his career as a developer at NHN, a South Korean IT and online gaming company, and later served as CEO of NHN Ticketlink, NHN Bugs and N

Anthropic names first Korea chief ahead of Seoul office launch

Anthropic, the US developer of the Claude AI model and a chief rival to OpenAI, said Wednesday it has appointed Choi Ki-young, former head of Snowflake's Korea operations, as the first country head of its Korean unit ahead of the formal opening of a Seoul office. Senior executives will visit Seoul within weeks to establish the office and meet major corporate customers. Anthropic registered its Korean entity, Anthropic Korea, in July 2025. Choi brings more than 30 years of experience in the techn

Government backs down on last-minute homeschooling law change

Erica Stanford faced community backlash about new requirements on parents homeschooling their children.

North Korea, Singapore ministers hold talks amid renewed ‘Singapore channel’ speculation

North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui met with Singaporean Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan in Pyongyang on Tuesday, state media reported Wednesday, amid growing attention to Pyongyang’s recent diplomatic outreach. The talks held at the Pyongyang Assembly Hall also marked the first visit by a Singaporean top diplomat to the North in eight years. According to the Korean Central News Agency, the two sides discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations and expand cooperation in “multiple

[Treasures from National Museum of Korea] Melon-shaped Celadon Bottle

Melon-shaped Celadon Bottle Period - Goryeo Dynasty Materials - Celadon Category - flower vase Dimensions - H. 22.6 cm, (mouth) D. 8.4 cm, (bottom) D. 7.4 cm Designation - National Treasure Widely celebrated for its translucent jade-green glaze and refined inlay decoration, Goryeo celadon first emerged between the late ninth and early 10th centuries before reaching its peak in the 12th century. Celadon wares from this golden age are distinguished by their innovative use of inlay techniques, in w

Is Kim Soo-hyun returning to screen?

The YouTuber who alleged actor Kim Soo-hyun had dated the late Kim Sae-ron when she was underage has been arrested, shifting industry attention to whether the actor will return through the Disney+ series “Knockoff.” The Seoul Central District Court on Tuesday issued an arrest warrant for Kim Se-ui, head of HoverLab, which operates the YouTube channel Garo Sero Institute, on charges of defamation and manipulating evidence using artificial intelligence. The arrest has many questioning whether Kim

Yoo Young-kuk rediscovered in landmark retrospective

At the age of 48, Korea’s abstract art pioneer Yoo Young-kuk opened his first solo exhibition in 1964 after devoting himself fully to painting. That had meant giving up on juggling art with his other work as a fisherman and running his family’s brewery business in his hometown of Uljin, North Gyeongsang Province. He turned away from academic posts as well, believing that an artist should commit fully to developing their own artistic world. The year marked a turning point for Yoo, whose iconic mo

North Korea touts AI-guided tactical weapons in latest missile tests overseen by Kim

North Korea said Wednesday that leader Kim Jong-un oversaw tests of new weapons in what analysts described as growing efforts to modernize Pyongyang’s tactical strike capabilities with advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence-guided targeting. The Korean Central News Agency reported that the Missile Administration and the Academy of Defence Sciences conducted tests of a lightweight multipurpose missile launching system and a multiple tactical cruise missile weapon system Tuesday

Status Orange thunderstorm issued for Cork

A Status Orange thunderstorm warning is in effect for Cork, with five counties under a yellow alert amid high temperatures, which could reach up to 31C in some areas.

Watch: Leaving Cert English last-minute study tips

With one week to go until the Leaving Certificate written exams get under way with English Paper 1, students may be wondering what to prioritise over the coming days.

WW I Canadian soldier with ties to Cape Breton identified

A previously unidentified grave in northern France has been identified as that of Sgt. Norman Harold McLennan.

Canadians may ask AI for medical advice but don't want it replacing humans, poll suggests

A new poll on artificial intelligence and health care suggests that while some Canadians may be turning to chatbots for medical advice, they're far less comfortable with the technology being used to make medical decisions or replace a visit with a doctor.

Israel says it killed new Hamas military wing leader in Gaza

Israel said on Wednesday it had killed Hamas's newly appointed armed wing chief in Gaza, days after it killed his predecessor, while intensifying military pressure in Gaza and expanding operations in Lebanon.

Woman fined for stalking ex-boyfriend from 30 years ago

A woman in her 50s was fined 10 million won ($6,650) for stalking a former boyfriend she had dated 30 years earlier by repeatedly calling him and sending him a gift, according to a local court. The Chuncheon District Court in Gangwon Province said Saturday that the defendant was found guilty of violating the Act on the Punishment of Stalking. Prosecutors said the defendant first contacted the victim in June 2024, sending him a bottle of perfume as a gift. The victim had explicitly told the defen

Japan welcomes Philippines’ Marcos at Imperial Palace

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s visit is the first state guest visit to Japan by a Philippine president since 2015.

Property problems preventing state schools going charter - Seymour

David Seymour claims about 20 state schools have investigated the charter model and a conversion could happen at "almost any moment".

Hong Su-hyeon wins gold at ISSF Munich World Cup shooting event

South Korea’s Hong Su-hyeon claimed gold in the men’s 10-meter air pistol event at the 2026 International Shooting Sport Federation Munich World Cup. Hong scored 241.4 points in the final held in Munich, edging Switzerland’s Yason Solari, who took silver with 239.3 points. Taiwan’s Hsieh Hsiang-Chen secured bronze with 218.5 points. Despite late pressure from Solari, Hong maintained his composure to finish atop the podium. “I was nervous and felt a lot of pressure, but I tried to stay calm and f

2 stabbed at LG office in Seoul; suspect turns himself in

South Korean police said Wednesday that the suspect in a stabbing attack that injured two people earlier in the day was arrested after turning himself in. Local police received reports at around 11:18 a.m. that two victims were stabbed on the second floor of an LG Electronics office in Gangseo-gu, western Seoul. The victims, both LG employees, sustained severe but non-fatal injuries and were taken to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment. The 60-year-old suspect is reportedly an employee of

Japan enacts bill enabling digital issuance of local government bonds

At a plenary meeting, the Upper House passed legislation to revise multiple laws related to local autonomy, based on proposals from local governments.

Thunder top Spurs to move to brink of NBA Finals

Oklahoma City will head to San Antonio for Game 6 on Thursday with a chance to clinch the series.

N.L. justice officials can't say how many cases are tossed after trial delays. So we tracked them

The Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Justice says it does not have data on how many cases have been tossed due to R v. Jordan. So CBC manually tracked court dockets, attended hearings virtually and in person, and reviewed court audio to gather our own statistics over the past year and a half.

Son Heung-min says World Cup still brings ‘childlike excitement’

Preparing for his fourth World Cup, Son Heung-min says the excitement feels no different from the first time. “When it comes to the World Cup, I feel like a child again,” the South Korea captain told reporters before a training session for the FIFA World Cup at Zions Bank Training Center in Herriman, Utah, on Tuesday. Son arrived at the team hotel late Monday after playing for LAFC. He appeared energized as he met reporters ahead of his first national team training session. The 33-year-old said

Posco expands smart factory push for SMEs

Posco has begun recruiting participants for its co-growth smart factory support program for small and medium-sized enterprises as it steps up efforts to strengthen the manufacturing competitiveness of Korean suppliers, the steelmaker announced Wednesday. The program, jointly operated with Korea’s Ministry of SMEs and Startups, supports factory automation and digital transformation for small and mid-sized manufacturers. Since launching the initiative in 2019, Posco said it has invested a cumulati

Hanwha Aerospace names new Australia chief

Hanwha Aerospace said Wednesday it appointed Kim Dong-hyun, head of its land systems business division, as the new chief of its Australian subsidiary as the company accelerates local defense production and supply chain expansion in the country. Kim will retain his current role while concurrently leading the Australian business. In Australia, he will oversee operations at Hanwha Armoured Vehicle Centre of Excellence, or H-ACE, in Geelong, Victoria, which recently entered full-scale mass productio

Upset Uber customers charged for monthly memberships they say they never signed up for

Man denied dental coverage under national plan says insurer 'playing games' with Canadians

Antlers from poached stags found in Central Otago police search

The prize stags were shot and killed on private land in the Bendigo area earlier this month.

Data reveals alarming obstetric violence toward Indigenous women in Quebec

A group of researchers looking into obstetric and gynecological violence toward Indigenous women in Quebec's health-care system have released new data. That data, which comes from testimony about incidents that span from 1956 to 2023, paints an alarming picture about the different ways the bodily autonomy of Indigenous women have been violated in Quebec's health sector.

Off Campus is your new hockey romance TV obsession, and it's got a lot of Canadian connections

Heated Rivalry might have some racy competition on its hands — and the rival that's lacing up its skates is another steamy hockey streamer with a Canadian pedigree. We've highlighted some of the show's connections to the country.

St. Catharines, Ont., issues order to clean up abandoned, contaminated site of former GM plants

The City of St. Catharines, Ont., has issued a “repair, replace or demolish” order to owners of a long-abandoned and contaminated site that used to be two auto parts manufacturing plants once run by General Motors.

Hezbollah’s cheap, easy-to-get drones have Israeli soldiers diving for cover

Israel’s government says Hezbollah’s use of small commercial drones is a tactical concern, but not a game-changer. Nonetheless, Israel says it will escalate its attacks on Lebanese targets to try to address the growing threat.

Mizuho CEO floats idea of first outsized BOJ hike since 1990

Masahiro Kihara says whether the BOJ raises rates in June or July is unlikely to have a big impact on the market unless the increase is large.

How long will the heatwave last?

Following the hottest May day on record, Simon King looks at how many more days of heat you can expect.

Wall Street’s AI winner hunt leads to seasoning maker in Japan

The beneficiaries of the artificial intelligence buildout are spreading far beyond technology high-flyers.

How the intel bill showed Japan’s new political reality

The debate surrounding the National Intelligence Council Law revealed less about Japan's intelligence system than the current contours of the country's new political reality.

Built for speed: Inside Japan’s child protection system

In Japan, sources such as schools, neighbors, and the 189 hotline all feed into a child protection system designed to surface potential risks early, even when certainty is low.

Budget 2026: Health industry hopes for continuation of funding levels

Here's what a few key players in the industry will be looking for when documents land on Thursday.

Early heat wave shatters Europe records

The UK smashed a century-old temperature record for the second time in 24 hours Tuesday as a spring heat wave scorches parts of Western Europe, triggering government warnings about risks to life. Several drownings were reported in Britain and France as people tried to cool down. A temperature of 35.1 degrees Celsius was recorded at London's Kew Gardens, Britain's Met Office weather service said, breaking the 34.8 C record set a day earlier at Kew. The provisional readings smashed the long-standi

Former Braves and Swallows slugger Bob Horner dies at 68

Horner hit 31 home runs and batted .327 in 93 games for the Yakult Swallows in 1987.

Relief from GPs after Manage My Health inquiry backs ministry vetting

The Privacy Commissioner's report into the hack of patient portal Manage My Health has called for the vetting of providers to be done centrally, through the Ministry of Health.

70% of companies in Japan have no rules on social media conduct

A survey found that most firms leave posts to individual judgment despite concern about information leaks and online conflicts.

Former U.S. cybersecurity chief urges IT reform in Japan

Systems that have been deployed in Japan for 20-30 years have "many weaknesses," says Chris Inglis, the first U.S. national cyber director.

Japan’s younger generation enjoys genderless fashion

Many Japanese apparel companies are working to expand their product lineups and improve store environments to cater to the growing trend of genderless fashion.

AI to be used in reading breast cancer scans from next year

The Health Minister says artificial intelligence will "support, not replace" skilled clinicians in breast cancer diagnosis.

EU firms warm to China even as tensions spiral over export surge

A new survey found about 35% of respondents were optimistic about their industry growing in China over the next two years, up from a record low of 29% in 2025.

First charge laid under new stalking and harassment laws

A 39-year-old man has been charged on the day the rules came into effect.

Two Wintec campuses evacuated after security threat

Security staff are carrying out a sweep of the campuses.

Ireland to significantly exceed 2030 climate limits - EPA

Ireland is going to significantly exceed its greenhouse gas emission targets for 2030, the Environmental Protection Agency has said.

Person arrested after fire truck stolen in Auckland's Piha

Police pulled the vehicle over on Hillsborough Road.

Women shoulder 70 percent of mental load - expert

Emotional labour can spiral from 'do we need milk?' all the way to worrying the kids will have osteoporosis at 85.

'You need to start listening to your young ones': Māori students speak out ahead of Budget

With the Budget expected to confirm the end of the fees-free tertiary scheme, Māori students say the move risks turning young people away from higher education.

St Cuthbert's College investigating allegations against former staff member

Emails sent to parents and staff say the review will look at concerns that boundaries between students and staff were crossed.

'Alarming' youth unemployment hits poorest communities hardest

The share of young people without jobs is nearing 15% and some school leavers are facing a near impossible battle.

'Shocking' rise in school suspensions for racist, ableist and homophobic abuse

Education experts and charities are calling for a national anti-bullying strategy in schools.

Group 'urgently' calls for 'blanket ban' on sunbeds

A new coalition is "urgently calling" for the Government to set out a timeline for when it will introduce a "blanket ban" on sunbeds.

Magnitude 6.8 earthquake possible on Auckland faultline - study

The Mangatangi faultline runs alongside the Hunua Ranges and is now considered active.

Tasman district councillor criticised for attending 73 meetings online

Tasman District Mayor Tim King told Morning Report that remote access was a useful tool but should not be the preferred option.

Fianna Fáil to support move to legalise nuclear energy

Fianna Fáil agreed to support a move to legalise nuclear energy at its parliamentary party meeting last night.

'Bittersweet' - Irish peacekeepers return from Lebanon

Over 160 Irish peacekeepers were welcomed home by family and friends at Dublin Airport, following a six-month deployment with the UN Interim Force in Lebanon.

#TheMoment a kid negotiated his game souvenir with an MLB player

Twelve-year-old Adam Molnar tells The National about the moment he negotiated with Esmerlyn Valdez after catching the Pittsburgh Pirates player’s first home run ball and walked away with a signed bat instead.

Joe Biden sues U.S. Justice Department over planned release of conversations with biographer

Former U.S. president Joe Biden sued the U.S. Department of Justice on Tuesday, seeking to bar the release of audio recordings and transcripts of ‌private conversations with his biographer in 2016 and 2017.

Authors versus AI and the risks to government public sector push

Experts foresee a threat to the government's plans to push for much more AI in the public service, at a "pivotal" time for scores of lawsuits globally.

1 dead, 9 others missing and feared dead in Washington state chemical tank implosion

A massive chemical tank holding millions of litres of a highly corrosive liquid imploded and collapsed Tuesday at a Washington paper mill, killing at least one worker and leaving nine others unaccounted for with no hope for rescue, authorities said.

Privacy commissioner to monitor security upgrades after Manage My Health hack

Thousands of New Zealanders' health data was illegally accessed last year, with more than 70 percent of those impacted in Northland.

$100m Budget allocation for two new courthouses in Rotorua, Nicole McKee announces

Courts Minister Nicole McKee has announced a $100 million Budget allocation, which will pay for two new courthouses in the district.

'It's like waking up in another world' - mysterious illness keeps knocking out teen

When 14-year-old Amelia wakes up, she doesn't know who she is or what her parents look like. After two years, doctors don't know why.

Evacuation order related to overheated chemical tank near Los Angeles is fully lifted

Officials say they are lifting evacuation orders for the final 16,000 residents who live near a damaged chemical tank in California, after earlier declaring that the risk of a catastrophic explosion had largely passed.

Aucklanders' rates bills to rise by 7.9 percent on average after council vote

Auckland councillors voted on Tuesday, 14 to seven, to accept an annual budget proposed by Mayor Wayne Brown.

'Falling through the cracks': Researchers call for better trauma recovery

A study of more than 200 patients who suffered severe trauma has highlighted the pressing need for a patient-centred approach, researchers say.

Why Did Teenage Rapists Avoid Custody?

Sentences of boys spared custody over rape referred to Court of Appeal.

Judge orders former B.C. mayor to pay $160K in damages in defamation lawsuit

A former mayor of Harrison Hot Springs has been ordered to pay a local real estate agent $160,000 in damages after losing a defamation lawsuit.

Pope: Help the suffering people of Gaza and respect human rights of all

Speaking to journalists outside Castel Gandolfo on Tuesday evening, Pope Leo renews his appeal for humanitarian assistance in Gaza, warns against the use of artificial intelligence in warfare that disregards human life, and highlights ongoing dialogue with AI company Anthropic.

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Israeli forces kill man who threw stones in West Bank

Israeli forces have killed a Palestinian man inside the Jenin refugee camp in the northern West Bank, according to Israel's military and the Palestinian health ministry.

Residential school survivors testify in front of international tribunal

A panel of residential school survivors provided witness testimony on Tuesday to the Permanent Peoples Tribunal, an international independent court of opinion investigating Canada's responsibility for the residential school system and the human rights violations associated with it.

Public sector workers still looking for jobs after two years

One jobseeker who took voluntary redundancy in 2024 has applied for more than 130 jobs without any success.

Report finds Gloriavale families living in overcrowded hostels with 'narrow' homeschooling curriculum

The Education Review Office found that Gloriavale parents were not meeting legal homeschooling requirements.

Activist Erin Brockovich takes on US data centre boom

US environmental activist Erin Brockovich, made famous by the film bearing her name, has launched a citizen platform tracking data centre projects across the country.

Mock hangings at Montreal pro-Palestinian rally being investigated by hate crimes unit

Montreal police say its hate crimes unit is investigating an incident that took place at a pro-Palestinian rally this weekend.

Congolese aid worker says he narrowly escaped angry mob outside Ebola hospital

There have been at least three attacks in recent weeks against health-care facilities in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where misinformation is rapidly spreading alongside a rare type of Ebola that, as of yet, has no vaccine.

Should tradies warm-up like athletes?

A 40-hour week in the construction industry is comparable to the output and movement of athletes, according to one physio.

Encyclical Update: What Does Pope Leo XIV Mean When He Calls To “Disarm AI?”

Something that frustrates me with modern media, both faith based and secular, is the obsession to be the first to get “a scoop.” One of those...

Woman held over Durnin probe released without charge

A woman held in relation to the investigation into the disappearance and murder of six-year-old Kyran Durnin has been released without charge.

NASA reveals first plans for a moon base

NASA has provided the first look at its plans for its moon base, which include several robotic missions to the surface of the moon as early as this year.

Canadians increasingly struggle to keep up with mortgage payments, report says

Canadians are increasingly struggling to pay their mortgages, particularly in high-priced Ontario and British Columbia markets, a new report from Equifax Canada says. Mortgage delinquency balances are up 32 per cent nationally compared with last year.

Liberal MP Steven Guilbeault to resign: sources

Retired GP leaves inquiry saying he had 'a bus to catch'

A retired Cavan GP accused of professional misconduct over his social media posts during the Covid-19 pandemic walked out of a fitness-to-practise inquiry held by the Medical Council after claiming the case was designed "to target lawful free speech".

Louvre heist to be turned into film

Last year's brazen robbery of the Louvre - when thieves made off with jewellery worth some $100 million (€88 million) - is set to become a movie, a publisher said.

Canada clamping down on travel, immigration from central Africa amid Ebola outbreak

Canadian officials are clamping down on travel and immigration from multiple countries in central Africa as the region continues to face a fast-spreading outbreak of Ebola, citing the upcoming FIFA World Cup as a key reason to tighten the borders.

Farmers urged to avail of supports to improve safety

Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon has encouraged farmers to avail of financial supports so they can invest in equipment to help make their work environment safer.

IDF expands ground operations in Lebanon - Israeli media

Israeli media has reported that troops had begun ground operations beyond the so-called "Yellow Line" in south Lebanon, which runs around 10km deep inside Lebanese territory.

Countries condemn Russian 'threats' to embassies in Kyiv

Almost 50 countries have condemned what they said are threats by Russia against embassies in Ukraine in a joint statement at the United Nations.

Inflation rate could be higher than previous estimates

The inflation rate for this year could be higher than previous estimates, according to the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance.

What Is Magnifica Humanitas and why should you care?

Nigerian Catholic priest Fr. Oliver Ikenna Nwagbara, a member of the Congregation of Christ the Emmanuel (CCE) and Assistant Pastor at Good Shepherd Parish in the Archdiocese of Halifax-Yarmouth, Canada, is often called the "Digital Pastor." He shares his insights on Pope Leo XIV’s encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas

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How to stay safe in the summer heat

Across the country, people are slathering on the suncream and digging out their summer shorts. Here are some tips to stay safe.

No one will be stopped from taking Israel stand - Collins

Republic of Ireland captain Nathan Collins says no player will be discouraged from taking a stand over the Boys in Green's Nations League fixtures against Israel if they wish to do so.

Woman may become the first deafblind person to summit Everest

Karolina Pakėnaitė, who is from the United Kingdom, is training to become the first deafblind person to summit Mount Everest. Leon Lu, an assistant professor at U of T Mississauga, is helping design a haptic vest to help get her to the top.

Temperature records fall as Western Europe swelters under intense heat wave

The U.K. has smashed a century-old temperature record for the second time in 24 hours as a spring heat wave continued to scorch parts of Western Europe, triggering government warnings about risks to life.

One arrested after man found with suspected gunshot wound in Mount Wellington

Emergency services found the seriously injured man at a property on Mount Wellington Highway just after 6.30am on Tuesday.

Ukraine: Caritas supporting displaced people at the Belarus border

The only humanitarian corridor currently open to Ukrainian citizens is the Mokrany–Domanove border crossing, where Caritas Ukraine and other organisations have assisted more than 2,500 displaced people over the past year.

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Three teens dead after being in water at beauty spots

Three teenagers were found in water in separate incidents across England on Bank Holiday Monday.

4 dead, 5 hurt in crash between train and school bus in Belgium

A crash between a bus and a train traveling at high speed in northern Belgium killed four people, including two children, and injured five other children, prosecutors said Tuesday. The injured children were taken to the hospital in a serious condition, spokeswoman Lisa De Wilde said at a news conference. The accident happened at a level crossing during the morning rush hour near the town of Buggenhout, about 30 kilometers northwest of the capital, Brussels. De Wilde said that the dead included the driver of the minibus and an escort as well as two children. She said that the cause of the accident had not been established. Investigators are questioning witnesses and checking for images from cameras mounted nearby. “What we do know is that the barrier was closed and the red light was on,” she said. A spokesperson for Belgian rail operator Infrabel said that the train was estimated to be traveling at about 120 kilometers per hour as it approached the crossing and had “no time to brake.” “The impact was extremely violent,” the spokesman, Frédéric Sacré, told RTBF public broadca

Israeli Embassy denies detention, mistreatment of Korean activists

The Israeli Embassy in Korea claimed Tuesday that Israeli forces had neither detained nor mistreated South Korean activists who were released last week after being captured aboard aid vessels bound for the Gaza Strip. In a statement, the embassy asserted that the two Korean citizens were not held in detention. "Upon their arrival at the port of Ashdod, the two individuals were processed immediately and deported through an expedited procedure. This further calls into question the allegations they have made," the embassy said. The two Korean activists returned home Friday. Kim Ah-hyun was aboard an aid vessel seized by Israeli forces in waters off the Gaza Strip, while Kim Dong-hyeon's ship was intercepted near Cyprus, both earlier last week. They were released Wednesday and flew home together. Kim Ah-hyun had earlier attempted to enter the territory via an aid flotilla in October without authorization. She had been detained by Israeli forces during her first attempt and was later released. Before her latest attempt, the Korean government had revoked her passport. The activist claimed she had

Korea, EU to push for stronger cooperation in critical minerals, supply chains

Korea and the European Union agreed Tuesday to push for deeper cooperation in critical minerals, supply chains and other economic security issues, Seoul's trade ministry said. The two countries held the second round of the special committee meeting on economic security and emerging trade issues virtually, jointly led by Vice Trade Minister Park Jung-sung and his EU counterpart Denis Redonnet, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources. In the meeting, the two sides agreed on the need to deepen bilateral cooperation in supply chain and technology security amid heightened global supply chain volatility and an intensifying technology war among major economies. In the critical minerals sector, they agreed to push for stronger cooperation in supply chain diversification as well as the stockpiling and recycling of critical minerals as both South Korea and the EU have a high dependence on imports of such materials, according to the ministry. The ministry said Park also asked the EU to consider granting a grace period for the planned implementation of its battery regulations, hig

EU summons Russian envoy after 'threat' to foreigners to leave Kyiv

The EU summoned Russia's top diplomat in Brussels after Moscow warned foreign citizens and diplomats to leave Kyiv and threatened fresh strikes on Ukraine's capital, a spokeswoman said. "Russia's threat to foreign citizens and diplomats to leave Kyiv is an unacceptable escalation," EU spokeswoman Anitta Hipper posted online, adding the envoy had been told Moscow must "stop hitting civilians."

BP ousts chairman over 'serious concerns' about governance

British oil giant BP said Tuesday that it had removed Albert Manifold as chairman after less than one year in the role, citing "serious concerns" about governance, standards, oversight and conduct at the company. "The board has been surprised and disappointed to learn of governance oversight and conduct issues it deems unacceptable and has taken decisive action," Amanda Blanc, a senior independent director at BP, said in a statement. The company said board member Ian Tyler has been appointed interim chairman with immediate effect.

Staunch president, docile diplomats

For decades, Korea’s foreign policy establishment has prided itself on caution, restraint and alliance management. Its diplomats often described these traits as sophisticated — the habits of a mature middle power navigating a dangerous neighborhood. Yet the recent handling of the Israeli seizure of aid vessels carrying two Korean activists exposed the dark underbelly of that carefully cultivated image: a culture of bureaucratic self-preservation that too often mistakes timidity for prudence. The situation revealed not only a disagreement over diplomatic tactics, but the widening gap between a Korean public that increasingly demands a confident, sovereign foreign policy and the entrenched elite in those circles who are conditioned to avoid discomfort at almost any cost. In particular, the episode highlighted the contrast between political pressure for transparent and assertive action and the instinctive caution of Korea’s traditional diplomatic establishment. Figures such as National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac and Second Vice Foreign Minister Kim Jina symbolize this mindset, whi

Handong Global University showcases future of AI education

Handong Global University hosted a showcase of artificial intelligence (AI)-based education initiatives earlier this month, drawing more than 100 university faculty, staff and administrators from across the country to the Kim Young-gil Grace School Chapel on campus. The event, organized by the university's AI Innovation Center under its broader Glocal University project, featured five sessions covering AI-integrated curriculum design, competency-based education models, AI courseware applications, personalized learning support systems and security protocols for generative AI tools in academic settings. Two international experts delivered keynote presentations. Dale Johnson, director of digital innovation for the University Design Institute at Arizona State University, outlined structural shifts in the learning environment in the AI era, drawing on nine months of joint development with Handong on the High Touch High Tech education model. Philippa Kim, director of partner programs for Asia at the Minerva Project — an educational organization that licenses its rigorous, seminar-style curri

Korea mulling timing of oil release with possible supply crisis in August: official

Korea is taking a cautious approach with the timing of its oil stockpile release under the agreement among International Energy Agency (IEA) members amid concerns there could be a global oil crisis in August, an industry ministry official said Tuesday. Earlier this year, Seoul pledged to release 22.46 million barrels of oil from its strategic reserves by June 9 under a joint plan adopted by 32 member nations of the IEA as part of efforts to help address disruptions in oil markets sparked by the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran in late February. But Yang Ghi-wuk, deputy minister for trade, industry and resources security, told reporters in a regular press briefing that the Seoul government is trying to cautiously determine the timing of the release as the option should be used as a "final" card for the worst situation. "Concerns over (a possible oil crisis) have somewhat eased recently with news that the situation in the Middle East may get better, but until just a few days ago, there have been projections that oil supplies may suffer disruptions if the effective closure of the Strait of Ho

3 dead, 3 injured as Seoul overpass collapses under demolition

A collapse at an overpass demolition site left three people dead and three others injured in Seoul on Tuesday. According to fire and city authorities, the collapse occurred at around 2:33 p.m. at the site of the Seosomun Overpass demolition in Seodaemun District, central Seoul. Officials say part of the bridge deck suddenly caved in during safety inspection work, falling onto workers and vehicles below. Among the 12 workers present at the site, three men — one in his 50s and two in their 60s — were killed. Three others sustained injuries to the head, waist, ribs and other parts; all were transported to nearby hospitals. The incident occurred while engineers were carrying out a safety assessment following the discovery of a subsidence gap during slab-cutting work earlier in the day, according to officials. Lee Jong-un, head of the Seodaemun Fire Station’s disaster safety bureau, told reporters it appears that the girder collapsed while they were inside. Girders are structural beams that support the weight of a bridge deck. Emergency responders arrived at the scene within minutes. At

Son Heung-min dismisses hair loss rumors ahead of World Cup camp

Korean national team and Los Angeles FC forward Son Heung-min, 34, posted on social media on Tuesday, sharing a photo of himself smiling to directly address concern that he might have alopecia areata. "It is not alopecia. Please do not worry," he said. "There is nothing to be stressed about, see you at the World Cup." The speculation began the previous day during a Major League Soccer match against the Seattle Sounders. Television cameras showed what appeared to be a bald spot on the back of his head during the 15th-round home game. The forward has yet to score in 13 league games this season, but has nine assists. This sparked debate about his scoring drought and led fans to wonder if he was under extreme stress, prompting his direct clarification. Immediately after the Seattle match, Son took a two-hour flight from Los Angeles to Salt Lake City, Utah, to join the national team's pre-World Cup training camp. It will be the fourth World Cup for Son, who will train with the squad ahead of final warmup games against Trinidad and Tobago on Saturday (local time) and El Salvador on June 4. This

Samsung to allow employees to use outside AI models starting June

Samsung Electronics will allow its employees to use generative artificial intelligence (AI) models developed by other companies, such as ChatGPT, starting next month, according to an internal memo Tuesday. The tech giant plans to officially launch an external generative AI service sometime in June targeting its employees in the device experience (DX) division, representing the company's display, mobile and home appliance businesses, the notice said. Samsung is also reportedly pushing to open a live-in training course to teach AI utilization sometime in the second half, with around 2,000 of executives from Samsung Electronics and its major affiliates expected to attend, industry insiders said. Previously, employees at Samsung were only allowed to use its internal AI model, Samsung Gauss, due to security concerns. Employees will have to receive security training to receive access to outside AI models, according to company officials. Usage of external AI models will remain limited at the company's semiconductor, or device solutions (DS) division, company officials added. The policy change co

Rival party leaders, mayoral candidates halt campaigning after overpass collapse incident

The leaders of the ruling and main opposition parties stopped their campaign activities Tuesday after an overpass in western Seoul partially collapsed, killing at least 3 people. Rep. Jung Chung-rae, leader of the ruling Democratic Party Korea (DPK), who was set to attend a campaign event in Andong, about 190 kilometers southeast of Seoul, cancelled his campaign stop. "I hope the relevant authorities do their utmost in the rescue efforts. I canceled my campaign event in Andong and am on my way back to Seoul," he wrote on Facebook. During a campaign rally in western Seoul, Rep. Jang Dong-hyeok, chief of the main opposition People Power Party (PPP), also said he will cancel the remaining campaign activities for the day. Immediately after the incident, Seoul mayoral candidates suspended their election campaigns. "The top priority for now is swiftly rescuing the people and dealing with the accident," Chong Won-o, the DPK's candidate for Seoul mayor, wrote on Facebook, urging authorities to do their utmost to prevent further damage. Chong's camp officials told reporters he will immediately visi

US will no longer have safe haven in the region, Iran's supreme leader says

DUBAI — Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei said on his Telegram channel on Tuesday that Gulf powers will no longer be a shield for United States bases and the U.S. will no longer have a safe haven in the region, as Tehran and Washington discuss a framework to end their three-month-old war.

Cosmax breaks down K-beauty at New York Suppliers’ Day

Cosmetic original design manufacturer Cosmax highlighted latest cosmetic technologies and market trends at a global forum in New York, where a special session was dedicated to K-beauty and its worldwide boom. This year’s New York Society of Cosmetic Chemists (NYSCC) Suppliers’ Day, held May 19-20, dedicated a session to examining technologies and principles developed by Korean companies. Cosmax said Tuesday that two of its officials took part in the large-scale program titled “Next Generation K-Beauty Trend.” The NYSCC said the session was aimed at highlighting a “global phenomenon in which the popularity of K-beauty has evolved beyond a passing trend into a global movement.” Cosmax officials and other experts at the forum pointed to “K-skincare philosophy” as a key reason for K-beauty’s global success. They analyzed that an approach prioritizing “prevention” and “skin-first” health has resonated with global consumers via social media, driving the continuous growth and global expansion of Korean beauty products. They added that while the skin care market previou

Why Korea's college graduates are falling behind high school graduates in job market

In a striking reversal of Korea’s long-held belief that a university degree guarantees better job prospects, college graduates in their late 20s are now facing higher unemployment rates than those with a high school diploma, government data showed Tuesday. According to the Ministry of Data and Statistics, the unemployment rate for university graduates aged 25 to 29 stood at 7.7 percent in the first quarter, higher than the high school graduates’ 7 percent for the same age group. This reversal first appeared in 2023 and has persisted for four consecutive years — the longest stretch since the agency began compiling the data in 2000. The pattern seems to be unique to people in their late 20s, as university graduates still have better chances of landing jobs across nearly every other age bracket. Experts say the shift reflects a labor market reshaped by changing hiring practices and artificial intelligence (AI). Large corporations, long considered the ultimate destination for young degree holders, are increasingly prioritizing experienced, job-ready recruits over entry-level office wor

Pope calls for robust regulation of AI in manifesto that ponders future of humanity

VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV called Monday for robust regulation of artificial intelligence and for its developers to work for the common good rather than profit, issuing a sweeping manifesto on safeguarding humankind as the technology impacts everything from work to war. “Magnifica Humanitas” (Magnificent Humanity), Leo’s first encyclical , has been eagerly awaited ever since history’s first U.S.-born pope announced days after his election that he considered AI to be the biggest challenge facing humanity today. In the text, Leo denounced the “culture of power” driving the AI race, especially in developing ever more sophisticated methods of remote warfare. He declared that it was “not permissible” to entrust irreversible, lethal decisions to AI systems, setting up another flash point between the American pope and the Trump administration, which has worked aggressively to deregulate AI development. “Artificial Intelligence now demands to be disarmed, freed from logics that turn it into an instrument of domination, exclusion and death,″ the pope told a special Vatican

KOSPI hits fresh record above 8,000 on foreign buying, easing oil fears

The benchmark KOSPI hit another record Tuesday, closing above the 8,000-point milestone for the first time. The previous closing high stood at 7,981.41, set on May 14. After opening at 8,070.91, up 223.20 points, or 2.84 percent, from the previous session, the index maintained strong upward momentum and climbed to 8,131.15, surpassing the previous intraday high of 8,046.78 recorded on May 15. It eventually closed at 8,047.51, up 199.80 points, or 2.55 percent, from the previous session. Foreign investors began the session as net sellers but later shifted to net buying, marking their first net purchase in 13 trading sessions. Heavyweight shares led the rally, with Samsung Electronics advancing 2.22 percent, SK hynix surging 5.72 percent and Hyundai Motor gaining 5.19 percent. Investor sentiment improved on hopes for progress in ceasefire negotiations between the United States and Iran and expectations that the Strait of Hormuz would remain open. Reports suggested the two sides were nearing a memorandum of understanding that could pave the way for a final agreement. Easing geopolitical conce

Financial watchdog's clampdown on single-stock leveraged ETFs marketing sparks industry backlash

Ahead of the highly anticipated debut of leveraged exchange-traded funds (ETFs) tied to Korea’s two memory chip titans — Samsung Electronics and SK hynix — the country's financial watchdog is drawing complaints from asset managers by tightening restrictions on promotional campaigns, according to industry officials Tuesday. The products, set to launch Wednesday, will be the country’s first leveraged ETFs linked to individual stocks. Conventional leveraged ETFs track broader market benchmarks such as the KOSPI 200 or the S&P 500, allowing investors to place amplified bets on the direction of the overall market. The new funds apply that same structure to single stocks. A total of 16 ETFs will launch, allowing investors to double the daily gains or losses of Korea’s two biggest chipmakers. That structure makes the products inherently high-risk, as losses can pile up just as quickly as gains. Financial authorities have already introduced safeguards, including mandatory pretrading education. But they have also gone a step further. The Financial Supervisory Service recently issued gui

Think tank revises up Korea's 2026 growth outlook to 2.5% on robust exports

Korea's economy will likely grow at a sharper-than-expected pace of 2.5 percent this year thanks to strong exports, mainly led by the semiconductor industry, a state-run think tank said Tuesday. The revised projection by the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade (KIET) represents a 0.6 percentage-point increase from its previous estimate of 1.9 percent growth presented late last year. Despite energy supply volatility caused by the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran, the think tank said it made an upward revision considering a continued increase in exports and investment sparked by the strong performance of the semiconductor and IT sectors, and the government's expansionary fiscal policy. Korea's yearly exports will likely reach an all-time high of $924.4 billion in 2026, rising more than 30 percent from last year, on the back of rising demand for semiconductors and ICT products for artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure, the KIET said. The country's yearly exports surpassed the $700 billion mark for the first time in 2025. With record exports, the country is expected to enjoy

Welcome voice on moral AI

A moral voice has emerged with force and authority, prompting people to consider what it means to be human, beyond seeing ourselves as cogs in the accelerating development of artificial intelligence (AI). Pope Leo, in his much-awaited first encyclical, called for external regulation of AI, which he said can disrupt people's social and professional roles while desensitizing people to remote warfare. Leo, the first U.S.-born pope, has been critical of the unbridled progress of AI since his election a year ago, categorizing it as one of the biggest challenges facing humanity. Concerns have been growing over the possible consequences of AI dominance in all aspects of life, risking an "AI dystopia" if the technology is not regulated properly. It is now high time to deeply ponder the true meaning of the pope's admonition and double down on efforts to come up with a global consensus on how to utilize AI to protect human beings and ensure the concept of a "more moral AI." In his first major document, Leo suggested that technology is not inherently antagonistic to humanity but called for alertn

As Marco Rubio visits New Delhi, what could it mean for US-India ties?

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit to India this week will give Washington an opportunity to “get the optics right” regarding ties between the two sides, amid friction over unresolved trade issues and broader international cooperation. Rubio stressed cooperation on trade, energy, defence and maritime security in meetings with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar on Sunday as he arrived in New Delhi. Jaishankar said that the two countries have a comprehensive global strategic partnership “that impacts and influences other regions.” On Tuesday, Rubio also held talks with top diplomats of India, Australia and Japan as part of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, which came at a time when the group’s effectiveness appeared at odds with Washington’s assertive trade positions with its allies. “This visit, more than anything else, is about getting the optics of India-U.S. relations right, because I think there is a lot of concern that the Trump administration is either not invested enough in India or that the way it i

Dispute deepens between Samsung Electronics labor unions

The dispute between labor unions at Samsung Electronics is deepening over a tentative wage agreement reached between management and a semiconductor union last week, with employees from the company’s device division seeking a court injunction to block the agreement from being approved through an ongoing vote. With more than 90 percent of eligible employees having voted as of 10 a.m. Tuesday, 24 hours before the voting closes, the agreement, which allows large bonuses only for the company’s chip division employees, appears likely to pass, given that semiconductor employees account for the majority of voters. However, the outcome of the injunction request could still become a variable. Samsung Electronics Company Union (SECU), the company’s third-largest labor union, filed the injunction request with Suwon District Court on Tuesday, asking the court to halt the voting process. The majority of SECU members are from the company’s Device Experience (DX) division, which covers mobile, home appliance and other network devices. “The representative union turned a blind eye to the equali

K-pop wins big at 2026 AMAs in historic night

K-pop made history at the 52nd American Music Awards (AMAs) on Monday (local time), with acts tied to the genre taking some of the night's biggest prizes at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. K-pop juggernaut BTS took home Artist of the Year, beating out a star-studded field that included Bad Bunny, Bruno Mars, Harry Styles, Justin Bieber, Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga, Morgan Wallen and Sabrina Carpenter. It marked the group's second Artist of the Year win at the AMAs, having previously claimed the honor in 2021, and its first in-person appearance at the ceremony in five years. The group kicked off the night with a pre-taped performance of "Hooligan" from its latest album "ARIRANG," which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 with 641,000 equivalent album units sold in March. The seven-member group also claimed Song of the Summer award for "SWIM" and Best Male K-Pop Artist. RM delivered the acceptance speech for Song of the Summer, saying, "When we made this album, we had a lot of pressure and we tried to figure out what kind of music felt the most like us right now. We have to keep c

K-pop rookie And2ble makes official debut

K-pop boy group And2ble will make its official debut Tuesday with the release of its first EP, its agency said. YH Entertainment announced that the album, titled "Sequence 01: Curiosity," is scheduled for release at 6 p.m. And2ble brings together four former members of project boy group Zerobaseone — Zhang Hao, Ricky, Kim Gyu-vin and Han Yu-jin — alongside Yoo Seung-eon, formerly of boy group Evnne. All five members are re-debuting together as the new act. The agency introduced the record as the opening chapter of the musical journey of And2ble, exploring curiosity as a fundamental human emotion. The lead track, "Curious," reflects the band's ambition to embrace change without fear, according to YH. Members Zhang Hao and Ricky contributed to the lyrics for the song. The EP will feature a total of five tracks, including "Curious," "Aura" and "Sugar Rush."

580 mil. sheets, largely unread: Election pamphlet waste problem returns ahead of June 3 vote

With the June 3 local elections approaching, election pamphlets are set to arrive at households nationwide, but concerns are growing that the mass mailings waste resources while going largely unread. Under the Public Official Election Act, election pamphlets must be mailed to every household no later than 10 days before election day. This year's election pamphlets were sent out by Sunday and are expected to arrive by month's end at the latest. The law caps pamphlets for local government heads at 12 pages and those for local council members at eight. The environmental cost is steep. According to the National Election Commission (NEC), election pamphlets for the 2022 local elections totaled 580 million sheets and weighed 12,853 tons, enough to consume some 210,000 trees. Yet few voters actually read them. A survey of 6,820 eligible voters by the Korean Government Employees' Union between February and March found that just 11 percent read the pamphlets in detail, while 52 percent skim them and 37 percent do not read them at all or throw them away unopened. Some lawmakers have tried to move

Hailey Bieber’s surprise Korea trip has fans buzzing

Hailey Bieber is drawing attention after unexpectedly revealing a trip to Korea, with fans quickly speculating about the reason behind her visit. On Monday, the model and influencer shared a series of photos on social media with the caption “KR♥,” documenting moments from her stay in Seoul. The posts showed Bieber enjoying everyday Korean experiences across the city, including posing playfully inside what appeared to be a convenience store while holding snacks. She also shared a photo confirming she tried mango bingsu, the popular Korean shaved ice dessert that has become a must-try treat among tourists and celebrities visiting Seoul. In another photo, Bieber appeared to be fitting clothes while taking mirror selfies, further fueling online interest in her visit. Although Bieber has not publicly explained the purpose of the trip, many fans speculated online that the visit could be related to business meetings connected to her skincare brand ventures. The surprise Korea visit quickly spread across social media and online communities, with fans especially reacting to the contrast betwe

Unification ministry produces documentary series on N. Korean newspaper

The unification ministry said Tuesday it has produced an online documentary series aimed at helping the public better understand the Rodong Sinmun, North Korea's key newspaper, as part of a government initiative to expand public access to North Korean media content. The first of the five-part series, titled "Reading Rodong Sinmun," was released on the ministry's official YouTube channel, with the rest of the series set to be released sequentially in the coming weeks. The first episode features Lim Eul-chul, a professor at the Institute for Far Eastern Studies of Kyungnam University, delivering an overview of the official newspaper of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea. The series will also feature former Unification Minister Kang In-duk, who played a key role in the working-level negotiations for the July 4 inter-Korean Joint Statement adopted in 1972. The ministry said it expects the series to help promote objective understanding of Rodong Sinmun, and spur broader public interest in North Korea and issues concerning the Korean Peninsula.

Foreign ministry urges N. Korea to respond to peace efforts following missile launch

The foreign ministry urged North Korea to cooperate with Seoul's efforts to promote peace on the Korean Peninsula on Tuesday, shortly after Pyongyang fired multiple missiles in its latest missile launch. According to the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), North Korea launched multiple close-range ballistic missiles (CRBMs) from the Jongju area in North Pyongan Province toward the West Sea at around 1 p.m., marking its eighth missile launch this year. "We once again call on North Korea to respond to our peace policy and efforts to ease tensions," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Park Il said at a regular press briefing. "As a government that firmly supports nuclear nonproliferation, we will continue efforts to make substantive progress in resolving the North Korean nuclear issue through a phased and practical approach in close coordination with the international community while maintaining the goal of complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula."

Samsung labor settlement reveals Korea’s new industrial strategy

The tentative agreement signed between Samsung Electronics management and its labor union coalition on Wednesday night averted an unprecedented 18-day general walkout through a state-engineered compromise. Crucially, it also marks the birth of a new corporate-political playbook in Korea, where state pressure and minority shareholder litigation are combined to neutralize union leverage in vital hi-tech sectors. This settlement represents a significant departure from standard collective bargaining outcomes. By transforming the financial architecture of the bonus pool from immediate cash allocations to equity-linked instruments with multi-year vesting locks, the compromise established a precedent for managing labor actions within Korea’s strategically vital export industries, which introduces corporate governance frameworks as a structural counterweight to union demands. Strategy of deterrence The Lee Jae Myung administration’s approach to the dispute exposed the sharp tension between its public emphasis on labor-management coexistence and the state’s reduced tolerance for operational

Lotte ties retail, hotels, cinemas into one digital pass in ambitious online push

Lotte Department Store is bundling shopping, travel, dining and entertainment into a single online campaign, a move that underscores how Korea’s retail conglomerates are increasingly blurring the lines between commerce and lifestyle platforms. The company said Tuesday that it will run a groupwide promotion called “L.Pass” on its app, Lotte Department Store Mall, from May 28 to June 7, bringing together seven affiliates across the Lotte Group. Participating companies include Lotte Department Store, Lotte Duty Free, Lotte Hotels, Lotte World, Lotte Cinema, Lotte Mart and Lotte GRS, creating what the company described as a unified “omnichannel” experience spanning retail and leisure. At the center of the campaign is a digital funnel that directs users from a single landing page into each affiliate’s promotional offers, designed to encourage cross-platform engagement within the Lotte ecosystem. Customers who enter the L.Pass interface are prompted to select one of the seven affiliates, unlocking targeted discounts and benefits tied to that business unit. On the app, the company is

From coffee grounds to animal fat, Korea turns to organic waste to power airplanes

Korea is moving to turn discarded coffee grounds and animal fat into a new type of aviation fuel, launching a major research program aimed at securing supply chains for sustainable jet fuel as global carbon rules tighten. The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment said last Wednesday that it will formally launch a national research and development initiative focused on producing high-quality biofuels, including sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), from organic waste generated by the food industry. The state-backed program comes as international aviation emissions frameworks prepare to mandate stricter carbon reduction targets, increasing pressure on airlines and fuel exporters to adopt low-carbon alternatives. To kickstart the initiative, ministry officials hosted an inaugural briefing last Wednesday at Withspace in western Seoul alongside key public agencies and corporate partners, including the Korea Environmental Industry & Technology Institute and industrial developer LTM Metal. Under the program, the government will oversee an investment of 48.7 billion won ($32.3 million) through

Samsung Electronics brings AI heat pumps to major residential projects across Poland

Samsung Electronics is moving deeper into Europe’s low-carbon housing market, supplying artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled heat pump systems and integrated building management software to a large-scale residential development spanning four Polish cities. The company said Tuesday that it will provide high-efficiency heat pump solutions and its SmartThings Pro platform to a multifamily housing project led by Polish energy provider Ekopark. The development covers about 2.5 million square meters and includes roughly 370 residential buildings across Białystok, Przeworsk, Nakło and Bielsk Podlaski, all in eastern and southeastern Poland. Samsung said the deployment reflects rising European demand for electrified heating systems as governments tighten emissions targets and expand subsidies for low-carbon technologies. The company will supply its DVM S2 outdoor heat pump units, which include an “Active AI” function designed to learn from real-time environmental conditions and optimize energy use. The system is paired with DVM Hydro Unit indoor modules that can deliver hot water and heat

South Korea pushes to build 1st nuclear-powered submarine by mid-2030s

Korea is seeking to build its first nuclear-powered submarine by mid-2030s, the government said Tuesday, adding that construction will be done domestically. It also pledged to use low-enriched uranium fuel and comply with international nonproliferation obligations. The Ministry of National Defense announced the country's first road map for the development of nuclear submarines, laying out the government’s approach to developing and acquiring the platform and publicly presenting the framework for the project. “This is the first official road map outlining how Korea will systemically develop and acquire a nuclear-powered submarine capability,” Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back said while presenting the plan during the inaugural meeting of the Future Defense Strategy Committee held at the submarine command at Jinhae in Changwon, South Gyeongsang Province. The plan comes after an agreement reached during a summit between President Lee Jae Myung and U.S. President Donald Trump last October, when Washington expressed support for Seoul's development of a nuclear submarine and its pursuit of c

Eligible foreign voters triple since 2014, hitting record high for June 3 elections

The number of eligible foreign voters for the June 3 local elections has tripled since 2014, according to government election agency data, with Ansan, Gyeonggi Province, topping all cities and districts nationwide. National Election Commission data compiled by The Korea Times shows 151,532 foreign residents are registered to vote in the upcoming local elections, up from 48,428 in 2014. In Korea, foreign nationals aged 18 or older are granted the right to vote in local elections — for mayors, governors, district heads, local councilors and education superintendents — three years after obtaining an F-5 permanent residency visa. Ansan, the most ethnically diverse city in the country, topped the list with 10,174 eligible foreign voters. Two other Gyeonggi Province cities — Bucheon with 8,581 and Suwon with 7,895 — followed. All three host major industrial complexes and offer convenient commutes to Seoul plus affordable housing, making them attractive to foreign workers and immigrants. Within Seoul, Guro District holds the highest number of eligible foreign voters at 6,736, driven la

Hyundai Rotem wins 2 state-backed R&D projects for AI robotics

Hyundai Rotem has secured two state-backed research and development projects aimed at advancing unmanned robot technologies powered by physical artificial intelligence (AI), as it works to strengthen future battlefield capabilities. The company said Tuesday it has been selected to lead two national initiatives. The first, commissioned by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources, focuses on developing an integrated control system for multiple types of robots that can be operated using natural-language commands. The second, commissioned by the Agency for Defense Development (ADD), involves building a physical AI-based simulator and a modular robotic platform. The industry ministry-led project aims to create software that allows operators to control different unmanned robots through spoken or written instructions. Today, unmanned systems are usually operated one by one using remote controls or manually input commands. The new system is designed to let a few operators manage several different platforms at once. Hyundai Rotem plans to apply the technology to its HR-Sherpa unmanned groun

Korea legalizes telemedicine for foreign patients to boost medical tourism

Korea is expanding medical frontiers beyond its physical borders, legalizing telemedicine for international patients in a bid to solidify its position as a premier global health care hub. The Ministry of Health and Welfare announced Tuesday the promulgation of a revised law that establishes a formal legal framework for remote medical care tailored specifically to foreign nationals. Set to take effect next year after a 12-month grace period, the legislation marks a major shift by regulatory planners seeking to maintain momentum in an industry that drew a record 2.01 million international patients last year. Under the newly amended Act on Support for Overseas Medical Expansion and Attraction of Foreign Patients, licensed doctors, dentists and traditional medicine practitioners at designated medical institutions can provide digital consultations, remote monitoring, clinical diagnoses and prescriptions to overseas patients using advanced information and communications technology. Unlike the stricter domestic telemedicine rules established under the Medical Service Act which limit remote ca

42 conglomerates under tight scrutiny on heavy debts; Samsung tops list

Korea's financial watchdog said Tuesday it has placed 42 highly indebted conglomerates under closer watch for debt reduction efforts, with Samsung Electronics topping the list for the first time in eight years. According to the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS), the conglomerates with total borrowings exceeding 2.56 trillion won ($1.7 billion) from local banks were designated as heavily indebted corporate groups this year. The number of heavily indebted conglomerates marked the highest level since 2014, up from 41 a year earlier. Samsung Electronics rose to the top spot from third place last year. Dongkuk Steel Mill, SK Shipping and two others were newly added to the list, while three companies, including E-Land, were removed, the FSS said. The outstanding loans of the 42 heavily indebted companies totaled 386.9 trillion won as of last year, up 15.1 trillion won, or 4.1 percent, from a year earlier, the FSS said. The FSS said the principal creditor banks will sign restructuring and turnaround agreements with financially vulnerable conglomerates to systematically manage credit risks and r

HD Hyundai 1% Nanum Foundation seeks nominees for 4th HD Hyundai Honor Awards

The HD Hyundai 1% Nanum Foundation said Tuesday it has opened nominations for the fourth HD Hyundai Honor Awards, accepting applications through July 10 via its website at 1percent.or.kr. The awards, established in 2023 to recognize individuals and organizations devoted to helping marginalized and vulnerable members of society, carry a total prize pool of 300 million won ($200,000) this year. The foundation has consolidated the previous four-category structure into two awards: the HD Hyundai Honor Award, worth 200 million won, and the HD Hyundai 1% Nanum Award, worth 100 million won. Nominations may be submitted by heads or staff of local government agencies, educational institutions and social welfare organizations, on behalf of individuals or groups who have dedicated themselves to supporting socially disadvantaged people. Nominees will be screened through document review and field investigation before a final selection panel composed of outside experts and HD Hyundai employees. Winners will be announced in November and honored at a ceremony in December. At last year's third edition, t

Chungnam National University opens Korean language center in Tashkent ahead of campus launch

The Ministry of Education said Monday that Chungnam National University (CNU) has opened a Korean Language Education Center (KLEC) in Uzbekistan, marking the first step toward launching a full campus in Tashkent later this year. CNU signed a memorandum of agreement in April with two Uzbek institutions — Tashkent Perfect University and Bukhara Innovation University — to operate a program under the CNU name. The planned Chungnam National University in Tashkent (CNUT) is scheduled to open in the second half of 2025, with all courses taught in Korean. The newly opened KLEC will help incoming and enrolled students build the Korean proficiency needed to follow university-level instruction. CNUT students will complete their first two years in Uzbekistan using CNU's curriculum, textbooks and learning management system. Students who achieve Level 4 or higher on the Test of Proficiency in Korean will be eligible to complete their third and fourth years at CNU's main campus in Daejeon and graduate with a CNU degree. The ministry said CNU's Uzbekistan push grew out of five years of agricultural

Van Leeuwen ice cream opens in southern Seoul for Korean debut

A New York-born ice cream brand favored by global celebrities is set to make its debut in Korea this summer in Seoul’s Gangnam District, as premium dessert competition intensifies in one of Asia’s most closely watched food retail markets. A Twosome Place, the Korea-based cafe operator, said Tuesday that it will officially launch Van Leeuwen in Korea and open its first store near Gangnam Station, a major transit and commercial hub served by Subway Line 2 and the Shinbundang Line. The brand, founded in 2008 as a yellow ice cream truck in New York, has built its reputation on a “less is more” philosophy centered on high-quality ingredients and French-style ice cream enriched with extra egg yolks. Van Leeuwen said its signature vanilla bean flavor uses Madagascar bourbon vanilla and has been widely praised in the United States as one of the best versions of the classic flavor. Other offerings planned for the Korea launch include Sicilian pistachio made with nuts grown near Mount Etna and Earl Grey tea ice cream infused with bergamot and cream. The company said it avoids artificial add

Nongshim signs distribution deal with India's top commerce platform Blinkit

Nongshim said it signed a distribution agreement with Blinkit, India's leading quick-commerce platform, and held a launch event in Gurugram, India, on Friday to introduce Shin Ramyun Kimchi Stir Fry noodles exclusively through the service. Blinkit, which holds approximately 50 percent of India's quick-commerce market, will use its delivery network to bring the Shin Ramyun brand to consumers in major metropolitan areas, including New Delhi and Mumbai. Nongshim said it chose to debut the kimchi stir fry variant first, citing stir-fried noodle preferences among Indian consumers and the platform's popularity with younger, digital native shoppers. India's e-commerce market was valued at roughly $90 billion in 2025 and is projected to nearly triple to $240 billion by 2030, according to the Korea International Trade Association. The quick-commerce segment is expected to grow at an even faster rate, from $8 billion to $50 billion over the same period, more than sixfold. The launch event featured a pop-up booth styled around Korean street food, along with a photo zone. Local social media influenc

Cheering for two Koreas: How South Koreans welcomed North in football clash

Choi Seon-hee sat in the pouring rain at the Suwon Sports Complex on a cold Wednesday evening, watching something that hadn’t happened in South Korea in nearly eight years: a North Korean sports team competing for a trophy on the South’s soil. “We are still one people. We are compatriots,” Choi, a woman in her 50s who travelled from Ansan city, told NK News at the stadium about 20 miles south of Seoul. “I want them to leave with that kind of warm feeling.” Choi was one of roughly 5,760 spectators who gathered at the stadium as Suwon FC Women hosted the Pyongyang-based Naegohyang Women’s Football Club in the 2026 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Women’s Champions League semifinals — the first inter-Korean women’s club football match held in the South. At the half-filled stadium, the visiting team won 2-1 in a match that prompted speculation over whether football could become an alternate channel for inter-Korean contact, despite deepening political tensions. Naegohyang’s captain Kim Kyong-yong pounced on Suwon’s defensive error in the second half to score the winn

Korean financial firms, pension funds' overseas private debt investments near $37.2 bil.

Korean financial companies and pension funds' investments in overseas private debt funds totaled nearly 56 trillion won ($37.2 billion) this year, data showed Tuesday. Financial companies had invested 30.5 trillion won in overseas private debt funds as of end-February, while pension funds funneled 25.4 trillion won into such assets, according to data compiled by the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS). The combined amount marked a 32.7 percent increase from 40.7 trillion won recorded at the end of 2023. Financial companies' investments had accounted for 0.42 percent of their total assets worth 7,315.3 trillion won as of the end of 2025. The FSS said it plans to closely monitor related investments and maintain close cooperation with relevant ministries. Private debt funds are high-risk investment vehicles that pool capital from investors to provide loans directly to private, non-investment-grade companies, typically offering floating-rate returns.

KRX provides tailored insider trading prevention training for listed firms

The Korea Exchange’s (KRX) Market Oversight Commission has offered tailored training aimed at strengthening unfair trading prevention among listed companies, the KRX said Tuesday. The program, held May 18 at its Seoul headquarters, drew about 60 executives and employees from about 40 listed firms. It was designed to bolster internal control systems and enhance corporate compliance capabilities against insider trading and other unfair market practices. Focusing on employees with greater access to sensitive corporate information, including those working in disclosure, finance, accounting and investor relations, the training offered role-specific content incorporating frequently discussed issues and notable violation cases. Participants received guidance on unfair trading regulations, representative breach cases and recent regulatory changes, including expanded sanction measures. The session also introduced the K-ITAS insider trading alert service, the exchange’s reporting and reward schemes and procedures for filing unfair trading reports and claiming rewards. “Preventing unfair trad

Far cry from Samsung: Public sector researchers in Korea make $39,800 a year

Samsung Electronics is still feeling the aftershocks of its labor dispute, with tensions resurfacing as union members vote on a tentative wage agreement. Semiconductor researchers have bristled at performance bonuses worth hundreds of millions of won, arguing that the payouts were still smaller than those received by employees in other divisions. Meanwhile, new government data shows that full-time science and engineering Ph.D.s newly hired by Korea’s public research institutes earned an average starting salary of just 48 million won (around $32,000). The finding has raised concerns of a drastic — and increasingly entrenched — pay gap among science and engineering professionals. Monday's tentative agreement between Samsung Electronics and its labor unions showed that an employee at the company’s semiconductor research lab with an annual salary of 100 million won would receive a total of 600 million won before taxes this year. The amount includes 50 million won under the existing overall performance incentive system, and an additional 440 million won in special bonuses secured th

Cultural showcase in Bangkok reimagines hanbok for modern era

Korea is expanding its cultural diplomacy beyond the screens of Netflix and the stages of K-pop, launching an integrated initiative to embed traditional lifestyle and fashion goods in international markets. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism on Wednesday hailed the successful debut of KDAY, a comprehensive lifestyle festival in Bangkok that drew more than 6,000 visitors over the weekend. Held at the Siam Paragon NEX Hall, the two-day event signals a tactical shift by state planners looking to tie commercial exports directly to traditional aesthetics. The centerpiece of the showcase was a contemporary reimagining of the hanbok, the traditional Korean attire. Six design brands presented a runway exhibition featuring modernized garments adapted for daily wear. To deepen regional engagement, organizers enlisted Nichkhun, a Thai-born member of the K-pop group 2PM, to lead cultural talk shows and fan sessions exploring the history and modern relevance of the clothing style. The selection of Thailand as the inaugural site reflects market data. According to the 2025 Global Hallyu Trend

Starbucks Korea crisis blamed on historical ignorance, approval chain failure

A lack of sensitivity toward one of the country’s defining pro-democracy movements, along with a broken approval chain that failed to screen for potential issues, were identified as the main causes behind Starbucks Korea’s recent marketing fiasco, which critics said inappropriately referenced Korea’s democratization movement of the 1980s. Four executives of Shinsegae Group, whose affiliate Emart is the largest shareholder of the coffee chain operator, on Tuesday disclosed the findings of a weeklong internal investigation into Starbucks Korea following the launch of the controversial “Tank Day” promotion on May 18. They admitted there were “serious loopholes in the company’s system for marketing planning and risk management.” Shinsegae Group said the “Tank Day” promotion, launched on the same date as the annual commemoration of the 1980 Gwangju Democratic Uprising, was conceived and submitted for approval by five employees in Starbucks Korea’s e-commerce division. The investigation found that some of the employees lacked sufficient awareness of the country’s democ

Seoul turns 2026 color ‘Morning Yellow’ into everyday fashion, lifestyle goods

Seoul is bringing its official city color into daily life with a new line of products that stretches from stationery and fashion accessories to eco-friendly home goods, turning a branding campaign into a citywide lifestyle push. The Seoul Metropolitan Government said Tuesday that it is launching 13 products inspired by “Morning Yellow,” the city’s designated color for 2026, through partnerships with 11 companies including Noroo Paint, KCC, LG Chem and Monami. The color, unveiled in December 2025, was drawn from the yellow glow of Seoul’s morning sunlight and follows previous city colors Sky Coral and Green Aurora. City officials said the project was designed to make Seoul’s visual identity more visible in residents’ everyday routines through commonly used items such as towels, hats, bags and pens. Noroo Paint and KCC released standardized paint products and color books featuring Morning Yellow, allowing the color to be applied consistently across public spaces and consumer products. A promotional “Color Sound” video produced by Noroo Paint, combining imagery and sound insp

Doosan Enerbility lands turbine supply deals valued at $318 mil.

Doosan Enerbility announced Tuesday it has signed two consecutive long-term parts procurement contracts with Korea Southern Power (KOSPO) covering three gas turbines at the Goyang Changneung combined heat and power plant and the Hadong combined cycle power plant, with the deals totaling approximately 480 billion won ($318.6 million). The contracts follow a gas turbine supply agreement the two companies signed in February and cover hot-section parts supply, component repair and refurbishment, consumable materials, and technical support services. Both plants are targeting commercial operation in December 2029, and the service contracts will typically run for 10 or more years from that point, aligning with major maintenance cycles. Doosan Enerbility said the agreements are significant because they secure a long-term service relationship alongside turbine supply, allowing the company to lock in scheduled maintenance planning from the earliest stage of plant operation. The contracts are based on the company's Advanced Mass Reflow-Molded Underfill-based wafer-level packaging process, which has

SK hynix unveils self-cooling iHBM chips to combat AI overheating

SK hynix on Tuesday revealed its new high bandwidth memory technology iHBM, which embeds a proprietary cooling element inside the HBM package to substantially reduce heat generation in artificial intelligence (AI) computing environments. The company said heat management has become a critical bottleneck as HBM stacks more layers and operates at higher speeds to keep pace with surging AI workload demand. Heat concentration is most acute at the die-to-die physical layer (D2D PHY), the high-speed data interface between the HBM base die and AI processor dies. Controlling power density in that zone has emerged as a key differentiator in next-generation HBM development. iHBM addresses the problem by placing integrated cooling elements (ICE), directly within the D2D PHY area. ICE uses electrically non-conductive but thermally conductive silicon material to form a dedicated heat path inside the package, replacing the indirect routing of heat through core dies used in conventional HBM. SK hynix said the approach lowers thermal resistance by more than 30 percent compared with existing designs and ma

Seoul expands arts subsidies to cultivate new generation of theatergoers

Seoul is expanding financial subsidies for the arts, betting that heavily discounted access to theater, classical music and dance will cultivate a new generation of theatergoers while shielding small performing arts groups from economic headwinds. The Seoul Metropolitan Government said Tuesday that it will expand two municipal initiatives — the Seoul Youth Culture Pass and the Spring Day of Performance program — designed to eliminate the financial barriers that often insulate high culture from adolescents and young adults. Under the centerpiece Youth Culture Pass, residents aged 21 to 23 are eligible for an annual stipend of up to 200,000 won ($152) to spend on plays, musicals, traditional Korean music and museum exhibitions. Since its introduction in 2023, the voucher system has funded admission for roughly 100,000 young citizens, according to city data, which noted a domestic satisfaction rate of 87.2 percent this year. Municipal officials intend to scale up the program next year by transitioning to a rolling application process, extending expiration dates and widening the applic

Customs agency to ease rules on US crude routed through third countries

Korea's customs agency said Tuesday it has simplified regulations to allow U.S. crude routed through third countries to remain eligible for benefits under the bilateral free trade agreement (FTA), in line with efforts to stabilize the supply amid tensions in the Middle East. The Korea Customs Service said the new rule, effective Tuesday, will ease procedures for importers to receive benefits under the bilateral FTA for U.S. crude imported to Korea after being transshipped through third countries. Previously, if crude oil was imported and additionally shipped through a third country, such as Mexico, it was not immediately eligible for preferential treatment under the FTA. "We decided to proactively ease complicated procedures, under which importers were required to submit documents from transit countries to qualify for FTA benefits," the customs agency said. The customs agency added it is consulting with Malaysian authorities to speed up the process for issuing certificates of origin, which currently takes around six months, in an effort to facilitate crude imports from the Southeast Asia

Parks across Seoul to host diverse public gardening, landscape programs

The Seoul Metropolitan Government is rolling out an array of public gardening programs across its major green spaces, aiming to weave nature and hands-on horticulture into the daily lives of urban residents. The initiative, curated by the Seoul Western Park and Recreation Center, will take place across World Cup Park, Seonyudo Park and Boramae Park, offering everything from urban sketching to expert-led ecological tours. At World Cup Park in western Seoul, organizers are opening registration for the summer session of its popular "Garden Drawing" series. Running for six weeks on Saturday mornings from June to July, the workshop guides participants through the basics of pen sketching and watercolor painting directly within the park’s manicured fields, including Pyeonghwa, Noeul and Haneul parks. In a nod to sustainability, the program is partnering with the Amorepacific Foundation to provide custom paint palettes manufactured from recycled cosmetics. Sketches completed by participants will be featured in a public exhibition in November. Further inland, Seonyudo Park — a famed ecologic

The news feels Kafkaesque

The news feels Kafkaesque

Nation of 50 million kings, queens

In a general sense, it would not be entirely misrepresentative to point out that in the vast majority of households in Korea, if you are born a son, the sincere hope and “shoot for the stars” objective of your parents would be for you to become the next president or, secondarily, end up in the vicinity, with expectations gradually and more pragmatically turning to more realistic ambitions of you becoming a doctor, lawyer or the like. And so begins a lifelong journey of hypercompetition, where, truly, the only people that want you to do better than them are, indeed, your parents. Perhaps the environment has been fostered from our history of challenges and division, or has resulted from associated growth pains due to our nation's unprecedented and exponential development within a relatively brief period, or more so from a heavily concentrated economy, resulting in a near zero-sum ecosystem for the segments of the market remaining open and available. On a positive note, this resulted in Korea boasting one of the most educated and professionally apt populations in the world, with approx

Tigers, Bears release Asian quota players

Two Korean baseball clubs each released their Asian quota players Tuesday. The Kia Tigers first waived their struggling Australian shortstop Jarryd Dale. Dale was signed as the Tigers' Asian quota player for this season. In 34 games, Dale batted .256 with a home run and six RBIs, while also making nine errors, the most in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO). The Tigers sent him down to the minors on May 11. Dale had been batting .364 in six games there, but the Tigers still didn't find room for him. Dale had a strong start to his first KBO season, recording a hit in each of his first 15 games — the second longest such streak for a foreign-born hitter in league history. But the Tigers found his defense lacking after trying him at shortstop, second base and first base. The KBO introduced the Asian quota system this season, allowing clubs to sign players from Australia, Japan or Taiwan with prior experience in those leagues. Dale was the only position player to fill the Asian quota, but the Tigers are now said to be seeking to replace him with a pitcher. Later in the day, the Doosan Bears

Seoul expands hunt for global unicorns with high-stakes startup prize

Korea’s capital is ramping up efforts to position itself as a premier global tech hub, leveraging the international momentum of K-culture to lure promising foreign startups into its ecosystem. The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced Tuesday that it was launching the "2026 Seoul Unicorn Challenge," a prominent international startup competition aimed at discovering innovative companies and embedding them within the city’s rapidly growing venture network. The initiative reflects a broader strategy by municipal officials to upgrade Seoul's domestic startup landscape to global standards while forging cross-border corridors for local firms. Established in 2020 as the "Korea Challenge," the competition underwent an institutional pivot in 2023 to allow non-Korean entrants. Past graduates have secured significant venture capital. The 2025 grand prize winner BeringLab, an artificial intelligence translation developer, successfully raised 3 billion won ($2.2 million) during a pre-Series A round following its victory. This year, the city has adjusted its quotas to heavily favor internationa

How a $66 ride helped veteran golfer Yang Ji-ho make Korea Open history

Veteran Korean golfer Yang Ji-ho is drawing attention after revealing that a last-minute decision by his wife led to one of the most dramatic victories in Korean golf history — and a massive payday. Yang captured the Kolon Korea Open on Sunday at Woo Jeong Hills Country Club in Cheonan, South Chungcheong Province, finishing at 9-under-par 275 to win the prestigious national championship. The victory was historic in more ways than one. Yang became the first player ever to win the Korea Open after advancing through the qualifying rounds, completing what local media described as a “once-in-a-generation reversal.” The win also earned him 700 million won ($512,000) in prize money and bonuses combined. But according to Yang, he nearly never made it to the tournament. Yonhap News reported that Yang had originally planned to skip the Korea Open qualifiers after a disappointing finish at the KPGA Founders Cup earlier this month in Yeongam, South Jeolla Province. Despite competing in the final round champion group, he ended the tournament tied for 17th and felt physically and emotionally exha

Pro-Pyongyang Korean group in Japan drops reunification goal at 1st congress in 4 years

Chongryong, the largest organization of pro-Pyongyang ethnic Koreans in Japan, has stripped all references to unification on the Korean Peninsula from its rules, signaling an ideological shift in line with North Korea's hardened stance toward Seoul. The organization held its 26th general congress in Tokyo over the weekend, its first in four years, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) and the Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea, on Tuesday. Unification language was notably absent from the meeting, marking a sharp contrast to the previous session four years ago, where "independent unification movement" featured prominently as a key objective. References to cooperation with the pro-Seoul Mindan organization were also removed. Instead, Chongryong vowed to protect members' rights, nurture younger generations and uphold the ethnic identity, according to the reports. The shift mirrors North Korea's increasingly adversarial view of the South, which it now treats as a separate, hostile state, rather than a partner for reconciliation. Seoul's un

Too hot to exercise outside? These indoor moves can still get you fit

Click here for more articles by Kormedi.com. Outdoor exercise is still manageable for now, but as summer approaches, intense heat can make it difficult to stay active outside. Experts say it is a good idea to prepare one or two workouts that can easily be done indoors during the hottest months. So which indoor exercises provide the biggest results in the shortest amount of time? According to U.S. health and lifestyle magazine Prevention, the following exercises are effective for weight loss and building a toned physique. Push-ups Push-ups are one of the most classic strength-training exercises. They help strengthen the chest, shoulders, arms and even the abdominal muscles. To perform a push-up, start in a plank position with your hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. Keep your body in a straight line from head to toe. Lower your chest toward the floor by bending your elbows, then push yourself back up while engaging your chest and arm muscles. Beginners can start with one set of five repetitions. People at a more intermediate level can do two sets of 10 and more advanced athletes

N. Korea fires CRBMs, artillery rockets toward West Sea: JCS

North Korea fired multiple close-range ballistic missiles (CRBMs) and artillery rockets toward the West Sea on Tuesday, South Korea's military said, amid speculation that Chinese President Xi Jinping may visit North Korea soon. The Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said it detected the missiles launched from the Jongju area of North Phyongan Province at around 1 p.m., without elaborating on the details. CRBMs refer to ballistic missiles that have a relatively short range of less than 300 kilometers. The missiles flew some 80 kilometers before landing at sea, the JCS said, noting it is analyzing the exact specifications of the launch with the U.S. side. The JCS said North Korea fired various types of projectiles, including CRBMs and shells from multiple rocket launchers in what appeared to be a rare launch of a mix of such weapons. The launch is also believed to have involved "suicide drones." "We have stepped up surveillance and monitoring in preparation for possible additional launches and are closely sharing related information with the United States and Japan while maintaining a full readine

Korea, US launch joint excavation for Korean War remains

The Ministry of National Defense Agency for KIA Recovery and Identification (MAKRI) and the U.S. Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) have assembled a joint survey team of roughly 10 personnel to locate the remains of American service members killed or missing during the 1950-53 Korean War. The survey runs Tuesday through June 26. The team will operate across six regions nationwide: Hongcheon in Gangwon Province; Yangpyeong in Gyeonggi Province; Changwon in South Gyeongsang Province; Mungyeong and Sangju in North Gyeongsang Province; and Yeongdong in North Chungcheong Province. Two of the six sites — Hwachon and Duchon townships in Hongcheon, and Yangdong township in Yangpyeong — were identified by the DPAA as survey location candidates at a January trilateral working-level coordination meeting with Korean, U.S. and Australian officials. Both areas saw casualties from the U.S. 2nd Infantry Division during the Chinese offensives in February and May 1951; 13 personnel went missing in Hongcheon and 37 were killed or went missing in Yangpyeong. In Changwon's Masan Happo District and

Korea expands Latin American footprint with advanced farm tech tests in Bolivia

Korea is turning to Bolivia’s rugged farmlands to test a new generation of export-ready agricultural machinery, betting that tractors built for the Andes could unlock wider markets across Latin America. The Rural Development Administration said Tuesday that it has begun joint research and development with Bolivia’s National Institute of Agricultural and Forestry Innovation to create customized farm machinery tailored to local agricultural conditions. The project also involves the Korea Agricultural Machinery Industry Cooperative and Korean exporters seeking to expand into emerging overseas markets. Last month, the two agencies signed a technology cooperation agreement that lays the groundwork for jointly developing tractor attachments designed specifically for Bolivian farms. Officials said the initiative marks a shift from traditional technical assistance programs toward export-linked research based on local agricultural infrastructure and field data. The Rural Development Administration said the partnership will cover the full development process, including machinery design, local f

SHINee announces new mini album ‘Atmos’ featuring moody, nostalgic tracks

SHINee is returning just in time for the start of summer, leaning into romance, memory and emotional aftershocks with a new album suffused with rain-drenched imagery and sleek pop production. The veteran K-pop group said Tuesday that its sixth mini album, “Atmos,” will be released June 1 at 6 p.m. across major music streaming platforms. The six-track album includes the title song “Atmos,” along with B-side tracks that explore different shades of love, longing and fleeting connection. Among the new songs is “HOURS,” a funk-pop track layered with disco influences, groovy bass lines and half-time rhythms that give the song a polished but nostalgic feel. The lyrics center on a desire to gather not only shared memories and romance from the past, but also the moments yet to come with a loved one. Another track, “Still Raining,” blends pluck synth with laid-back rhythmic instrumentals to create what the agency described as a dreamy R&B pop atmosphere. The song captures the emotional jolt of feelings that arrive unexpectedly “like a sudden shower,” while reflecting on memories

Korea showcases AI water treatment tech to global development banks

Inside a water treatment plant south of Seoul, Korea is making its pitch to become the world’s next hub for artificial intelligence (AI) cooperation. Officials from many international organizations visited the Korea Water Resources Corp.’s AI-powered treatment facility in Hwaseong on Thursday, where Korean officials demonstrated how AI is already managing critical public infrastructure. The visit followed Wednesday’s “Global AI Hub Vision Declaration” ceremony, where the government unveiled plans to position Korea at the center of international AI cooperation aimed at addressing climate change, public health and development challenges. More than 20 senior officials attended the site visit, including vice president-level executives from the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), along with representatives from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the Central American Bank for Economic Integration and United Nations agencies. At the facility, the Korea Water Resources Corp. demonstrated AI systems that a

Korea rolls out lodging discounts to revive shrinking regional economies

Korea will hand out 300,000 lodging discount coupons this summer in a sweeping push to steer travelers beyond the capital region and into rural communities struggling with population decline. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism said Tuesday that it will launch the “2026 Summer Lodging Sale Festa” from Thursday, June 11, through Friday, July 31, offering discounted accommodations in 85 regions outside the capital that have been designated as depopulation risk areas. The program is designed to stimulate domestic tourism during the summer season while injecting new spending into local economies facing demographic decline. Under the program, travelers booking one-night stays can receive discounts of 20,000 won ($13) or 30,000 won depending on the price of the lodging package. New discounts introduced this year offer up to 70,000 won off accommodations for consecutive stays of two nights or more. Officials said the expanded discounts are intended to ease travel costs while encouraging higher spending at local businesses. Eligible accommodations include hotels, resorts, condos and pe

BABYMONSTER to release digital single 'SUGAR HONEY ICE TEA'

Girl group BABYMONSTER will release a new digital single, "SUGAR HONEY ICE TEA," on June 8 at midnight, its company YG Entertainment said Monday. The release comes roughly one month after the group's third extended play, "CHOOM," dropped on May 4, marking a swift turnaround for the seven-member act. YG Entertainment has previously pledged to shorten album production cycles and expand its artists' release schedules, and Monday's announcement reflects that commitment. YG Entertainment unveiled a teaser poster on its official blog to kick off the promotional campaign. The image shows a street poster featuring bold typography on a neon green background. Executive Producer Yang Hyun-suk had previously hinted at the single's title, which suggests a summer-themed concept. "As the title 'SUGAR HONEY ICE TEA' suggests, it will be BABYMONSTER's summer song that will cool off the scorching heat," the agency said in a statement. "In addition to promoting the new single, we plan to fill the summer with music video releases for tracks from the third EP, 'CHOOM,' so please look forward to it." The announc

Unicorns are not built by individuals — they are engineered by nations

The first successful ascent of Mount Everest by Edmund Hillary took place in 1953. During the decade that followed, only around 150 people managed to reach the summit. Today, however, Everest is climbed by hundreds every year. Did human capability suddenly evolve? Hardly. What changed was not the climber, but the system surrounding the climber. Oxygen tanks, fixed ropes, Sherpa support, sophisticated weather forecasting and, above all, a highly organized base camp transformed the “impossible mountain” into a “manageable challenge.” Everest teaches us a profound lesson: the probability of success is determined not only by individual effort, but by the design of the environment itself. The divided city of Nogales on the U.S.-Mexico border offers another revealing example. The people on both sides share the same ethnicity, cultural roots etc. Yet the quality of life differs dramatically between Nogales, Arizona, and Nogales, Sonora. Household income, public infrastructure, safety and economic opportunity are sharply unequal. Is this merely a difference in talent or work ethic? More

Discover Seoul from sky to river with the perfect Yeouido travel combo

As spring blends into the early summer travel season, Korea is welcoming a historic influx of international visitors. For travelers looking to experience Seoul from entirely new perspectives, two attractions have quickly emerged as definitive night and waterfront experiences: SEOULDAL, a tethered helium balloon that soars into the sky, and the Hangang Bus, a sleek boat cruising the iconic Han River. Because both attractions share Yeouido as their central hub, they offer a seamless, one-stop itinerary that lets you experience the multidimensional beauty of Seoul by day and by night. Located inside Yeouido Park, SEOULDAL is a vertical flight experience that takes passengers up to 130 meters into the air. It has rapidly become a bucket-list item for global travelers. It operates daily from 12 to 10 p.m., though it opens at 10 a.m. on weekends during the peak seasons of April to June and September to November. Each flight, lasting approximately 15 minutes, is priced at 25,000 won ($16.50) for adults, with a 10 percent discount available for holders of the Climate Card, Seoul's unlimited tran

Korea aims to open regular Arctic shipping route to Europe in 2030: ministry

Korea will work to open a regular shipping route connecting the country with Europe through the Arctic region in 2030 under a broader government initiative aimed at transforming the southeastern region into a global maritime hub, the oceans ministry said Tuesday. The government has been pushing to develop the southeastern port city of Busan and the surrounding region into a global maritime hub with the anticipated expansion of Arctic shipping routes. To this end, the government plans to conduct a pilot operation of a container vessel from Busan to Rotterdam in the Netherlands via the Arctic route in September, with a goal of starting regular operations of a Korea-Europe shipping route through the Arctic in 2030. The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries unveiled the plan during a Cabinet meeting held earlier in the day. Under the initiative, the ministry said it will work to transform Busan into a global maritime business hub, its neighboring city of Ulsan into an eco-friendly energy hub and the surrounding South Gyeongsang Province into a global supply chain hub with leading manufacturing a

BTS wins top prize again at American Music Awards

K-pop supergroup BTS clinched Artist of the Year, considered the top honor, at the American Music Awards (AMAs) held in Las Vegas on Monday (U.S. time), marking its second win in the flagship category. The septet beat global stars, such as Bad Bunny, Bruno Mars and Taylor Swift, to win the honor as it returned to the AMAs stage for the first time in five years. The group also took home Song of the Summer for "Swim," the lead track from its fifth studio album, "ARIRANG," during the ceremony at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. The win marks BTS' second Artist of the Year title following its historic first victory in 2021, when it became the first Asian act to claim the top prize. Nominees for the 2026 AMAs were chosen based on streaming, album and digital sales, radio airplay, and touring revenue, while the winners are determined entirely by fan voting.

YouTuber appears for arrest warrant hearing for alleged defamation against actor Kim Soo-hyun

A YouTuber accused of spreading false and fabricated information about actor Kim Soo-hyun appeared in court Tuesday for an arrest warrant hearing over his allegations. Kim Se-ui, operator of YouTube channel Hover Lab, is accused of defaming the actor by falsely claiming that Kim Soo-hyun had dated late actress Kim Sae-ron while she was a minor and that pressure from his side to repay a debt led to her death early last year. The YouTuber is also accused of creating doctored audio recordings of the late actress using artificial intelligence technology to falsely claim she had sexual relations with the actor when she was in middle school. "I do not acknowledge any of the charges," Kim Se-ui said outside the Seoul Central District Court. "It is a nonsense warrant that does not even sort out the basic facts." He disputed the basis for the warrant, vowing to file complaints against police officers and prosecutors who filed for it. Police filed for the warrant on defamation and other charges on May 14, after determining that Kim must have been aware the allegations against the actor were false. H

AI reshapes conservation efforts for Korea’s ecological backbone

Korea is turning to artificial intelligence (AI) to protect its most critical ecological asset from the accelerating threats of the climate crisis. The National Institute of Forest Science (NIFOS), an agency under the Korea Forest Service, announced a major technological initiative to systematically assess and safeguard the Baekdudaegan. This vast mountain system spans the length of the Korean Peninsula and serves as the region's core ecological spine and a critical sanctuary for biodiversity. The initiative leverages decades of comprehensive datasets accumulated by the state, including the National Forest Inventory and the Baekdudaegan Resource Status Change Survey. After aggregating this massive volume of data, researchers applied advanced statistical techniques alongside nine distinct machine-learning models. The result is a highly sophisticated, predictive mapping system detailing the distribution of 989 distinct biological species across the mountain range. This allows conservationists to analyze and categorize biodiversity health levels across the entire Baekdudaegan territory at

BTS' 'Swim' wins Song of the Summer at AMAs

"Swim," the latest hit from Korean boy group BTS, has been named Song of the Summer at the American Music Awards (AMAs), one of the three major U.S. pop music awards shows. "Swim" was announced as the winner at the ceremony held on Monday (local time) at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, beating nine competing songs, including Taylor Swift's "Elizabeth Taylor."

Korea, US launch joint monthlong project to locate Korean War remains

Korea and the United States on Tuesday launched a joint project to locate the remains of American soldiers who were killed or went missing during the 1950-53 Korean War, Seoul's defense ministry said. The project between the ministry's Agency for KIA Recovery & Identification and the U.S. Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) will run from Tuesday through June 26 at six locations across the country, according to the ministry. An investigation team, comprising a dozen personnel, will conduct the search in Hongcheon County in Gangwon Province and Yangpyeong County in Gyeonggi Province, where U.S. soldiers from the 2nd Infantry Division suffered casualties from a Chinese offensive in 1951. The other locations include Changwon in South Gyeongsang Province and Yeongdong County in North Chungcheong Province, where officials received tip-offs from residents who claimed to have witnessed U.S. soldiers killed or buried nearby. The joint search will serve as a preliminary step ahead of an all-out excavation project to identify areas where war remains are believed to be buried, as the allies are

Real actor or AI? 'Colony' child star goes viral for resemblance to Koo Kyo-hwan

Child actor Choi Woo-jin sparked online debate after viewers said his striking resemblance to Koo Kyo-hwan in "Colony" made his scenes appear to have been generated by artificial intelligence (AI). Choi plays the younger version of Seo Young-chul, Koo's character, in the sci-fi thriller. The child actor made a strong impression despite his limited screen time. The physical similarities prompted social media users to compare the boy's scenes to Koo's old graduation photos. Some viewers said on social media, "I thought it was made with AI." Choi's representative clarified the rumors on the actor's official social media. "Not AI. It is 14-year-old actor Choi Woo-jin," the post said. The viral moment coincides with a massive opening weekend for the zombie thriller. Released on Thursday, "Colony" topped the box office by drawing 1.28 million moviegoers between Friday and Sunday. The movie surpassed 1 million ticket sales on Sunday, making it the fastest film this year to reach the milestone. "Colony" marks director Yeon Sang-ho's return to the zombie genre after six years. The plot follows su

SK Bioscience to license vaccine technology to Colombia

SK Bioscience will license its vaccine technology to Colombia’s state-owned pharmaceutical firm VECOL and cooperate in establishing a local manufacturing site, as part of the Latin American country’s national vaccine localization initiative, the Korean drug developer said Tuesday. SK Bioscience signed an agreement detailing the partnership with VECOL, which is jointly leading the state initiative with Colombia’s Ministry of Health and Social Protection and the National Health Institute. Under the initiative, Colombia will invest $260 million over the next 10 years to strengthen national vaccine self-sufficiency and public health preparedness. VECOL is the lead entity responsible for overall project execution, while SK Bioscience will participate by licensing its vaccine and providing the technology and expertise required for manufacturing facility development and other operational know-how. As the initial product for the partnership, SK Bioscience will license out SKYVaricella, its proprietary varicella vaccine. The company said it plans to establish a local manufacturing system w

Actor Ha Ji-won shares health benefits of unsweetened soy milk

Click here for more articles by Kormedi.com. Actor Ha Ji-won recently showed herself enjoying a latte made with unsweetened soy milk. In a recent video uploaded to her YouTube channel, she demonstrated how to make a soy latte using low-sugar soy milk. After taking a sip, she commented, “You can really taste the unique nutty flavor of soy milk — it’s rich and savory.” She added, “You can get both calcium and protein from it,” joking, “I’m at the age where I need to start taking care of myself, too.” Debuting in 1996, Ha Ji-won rose to fame through hit dramas including "Damo," "Something Happened in Bali," "Hwang Jin Yi" and "Secret Garden." A soy latte is made by combining espresso with soy milk. Compared with regular milk, soy milk offers a nuttier flavor, milder sweetness and a heavier body. Since soy milk contains no lactose, people who experience bloating or digestive discomfort after consuming dairy may find soy lattes easier to enjoy. Soy milk may also support weight management. It is rich in dietary fiber and plant-based protein. Fiber promotes bowel movements and h

Samsung Display exclusively supplies 4 OLED panels for Ferrari Luce

Samsung Display said Tuesday it is exclusively supplying four OLED displays for the all-new Ferrari Luce, highlighting the growing role of OLED technology in premium automotive interiors. The Ferrari Luce, unveiled during Ferrari’s World Premiere event in Italy on Sunday, features three digital display zones throughout the cabin: a driver’s binnacle, a central control panel and a rear passenger control panel. Samsung Display is providing OLED displays in 12.9-inch, 12-inch, 10.1-inch and 6.3-inch sizes. The centerpiece is the driver’s binnacle, which Samsung Display said is the industry’s first multilayered OLED display structure. The system combines 12.9-inch and 12-inch OLED panels to create greater visual depth and a more analogue-like driving experience. The lower 12-inch panel displays background graphics and gauge indexes, while the upper 12.9-inch panel contains three circular openings that expose the underlying display. Around the openings, the upper display shows torque-shift indicators, pop-up alerts and tell-tales. Physical mechanical hands move within the space between

Industry ministry discusses AI transformation of battery industry with LGES

The industry ministry on Tuesday discussed ways to accelerate the artificial intelligence (AI) transformation of the battery industry, currently facing sluggish growth amid the electric vehicle (EV) market slowdown. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources met with representatives from leading battery maker LG Energy Solution Ltd. (LGES) to explore measures to help the domestic battery industry strengthen its manufacturing competitiveness under the government's initiative aimed at promoting the AI transformation of the manufacturing sector. In the meeting, which took place at LGES' smart manufacturing facility in the central city of Cheongju, the two sides discussed ways to support local battery makers in adopting AI technologies to improve production efficiency and maintain a competitive edge against global rivals, according to the ministry. The LGES has applied digital twin technology at its cylindrical battery production facility, increasing the production speed by more than 50 percent and reducing investment costs. "Manufacturing AI transformation has become an essential task fo

WEDNESDAY, May 27, 2026

1679-Habeas Corpus Act passes in England, strengthening a person's right to challenge unlawful arrest and imprisonment 1703-Saint Petersburg (Leningrad) is founded by Russian Tsar Peter the Great 1873-Heinrich Schliemann discovers "Priam's Treasure" a cache of gold and other objects in Hisarlik (Troy) in Anatolia 1905-Japanese fleet destroys the Russian East Sea fleet in the Battle of Tsushima, the only decisive clash between modern steel battleships in history 1940-British and Allied forces begin the evacuation of Dunkirk (Operation Dynamo) during World War II 1963-Jomo Kenyatta is elected as the first Prime Minister of Kenya 1999-International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia indicts Slobodan Milošević and four others for war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Kosovo 2006-An earthquake strikes Java, Indonesia, at 5:53:58 AM local time, devastating Bantul and the city of Yogyakarta and killing over 6,600 people

Lee calls for stepped-up efforts to acquire nuclear-powered submarines

President Lee Jae Myung on Tuesday instructed officials to accelerate efforts to fulfill South Korea's plan to acquire nuclear-powered submarines. The president made the call during a Cabinet meeting, highlighting the need to enhance the country's self-defense capabilities amid North Korea's growing nuclear and missile threats. In a fact sheet released after a South Korea-U.S. summit late last year, Washington expressed support for Seoul to build nuclear-powered, conventionally armed attack submarines, and to pursue civilian uranium enrichment and spent fuel reprocessing for peaceful purposes. "We need to accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence and drone technologies, while speeding up the introduction of nuclear-powered submarines, which are core strategic assets for future defense capabilities," Lee said. While presiding over a defense strategy committee meeting in South Gyeongsang Province later in the day, Lee described the envisioned submarines as "a symbol of our will to take responsibility for peace and security on the Korean Peninsula on our own." During the committee m

'Golden' beats Taylor Swift, Morgan Wallen to win AMA Song of the Year

"Golden," the breakout soundtrack hit from Netflix's animated film "KPop Demon Hunters," claimed Song of the Year at the American Music Awards (AMAs) on Sunday (local time) at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The song, performed by the fictional girl group HUNTRIX — consisting of real-life singers EJAE, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami — beat out a field of strong contenders, including Alex Warren's "Ordinary," Morgan Wallen's "I'm the Problem," Taylor Swift's "The Fate of Ophelia" and Ella Langley's "Choosin' Texas." EJAE and Rei Ami attended the ceremony to accept the award, while Audrey Nuna was absent. EJAE, who co-wrote the song alongside Mark Sonnenblick, thanked fans and the production team. "This movie, this song is fueled by the fans. You guys truly sealed the 'Honmoon,'" she said, a reference to the mythic barrier in the film that HUNTRIX maintains to protect the human world from the demon realm. She also took a moment to wish Rei Ami a happy 31st birthday, the occasion falling on the night of the win. Rei Ami in turn thanked fans, family and friends, calling it a year that

LIV Golf visits Korea amid uncertainty over future

LIV Golf, a renegade circuit launched by Saudi Arabia featuring former PGA Tour and European Tour stars, will make its second visit to Korea this week with its future thrown into uncertainty. LIV Golf Korea will be played from Thursday to Sunday at the par-70, 7,024-yard Asiad Country Club in the southeastern city of Busan. Last year, LIV Golf made its Korea debut at Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea in Incheon, some 30 kilometers west of the capital city. This is the eighth tournament of the 2026 LIV Golf season, and South Korea is the eighth different host country. It's also the second event since the Public Investment Fund (PIF), the sovereign wealth fund of Saudi Arabia that started LIV Golf in 2021, announced in late April that it will end its financial backing of the tour after this season. PIF is believed to have spent over $5 billion on LIV Golf but has decided to pull the plug because the golf tour was "no longer consistent with the current phase of PIF's investment strategy." LIV Golf has been scrambling to secure new sources of funding, while reports have claimed that it has also

IPEF members discuss response to supply chain disruptions caused by Middle East crisis

Members of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) held a virtual meeting Tuesday to discuss the response to global supply chain disruptions caused by the ongoing Middle East conflict, Seoul's industry ministry said. The fifth round of the IPEF supply chain response meeting was held and attended by nine member nations, including Korea, Australia, Japan and Singapore, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources. The IPEF is a global initiative launched by the United States in 2022. The arrangement has four pillars — trade, supply chain resilience, clean economy and fair economy. Korea is the chair country of the IPEF's supply chain crisis response network. In Tuesday's meeting, the IPEF members discussed the impact of the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran on their supply chains of crude oil, liquefied natural gas and industrial materials, and agreed to boost the joint response to global supply chain volatility through information sharing and diversification of shipping routes. They also discussed the selection process for the next chair country, as the end of Korea's term

Seoul shares trade over 8,000 on optimism for US-Iran deal, Hormuz reopening

Korean stocks traded higher over the 8,000-point level as investors were buoyed by progress on a Washington-Tehran peace deal despite new U.S. strikes on Iran. After starting 2.84 percent higher, the benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) extended gains to add 242.87 points, or 3.09 percent, to 8,090.58 as of 11:20 a.m. U.S. President Donald Trump said talks with Iran to extend the ceasefire and unlock the Strait of Hormuz are proceeding "nicely" and also warned of attacks "bigger and stronger than ever before." Later, U.S. forces conducted strikes in southern Iran in what they described as defensive actions. In Seoul, semiconductor, auto and shipbuilding shares led the rally. Chip giant Samsung Electronics rose 2.65 percent, and SK hynix jumped 6.59 percent. Top carmaker Hyundai Motor added 4.12 percent, and its auto parts affiliate Hyundai Mobis climbed 1.55 percent. Leading shipyard HD Hyundai Heavy Industries soared 9.56 percent, and Hanwha Ocean surged 11.21 percent. However, banking giant KB Financial Group retreated 0.38 percent, and leading retailer Lotte Shopping fell 1

Marine chopper development nears completion following successful weapons tests

The arms procurement agency said Tuesday a Marine attack helicopter under development has entered the final stage of development after successfully completing all weapons tests, including recent live-fire tests of air-to-air missiles. The homegrown Marine Attack Helicopter (MAH) has carried out live-fire tests for key weapons systems required in modern warfare, from turret-mounted machine guns and air-to-ground missiles to guided and unguided rockets, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) said. Launched in October 2022, the MAH program is aimed at developing an attack helicopter for multidimensional amphibious operations, expanding the Marine Corps' operational capabilities not only on the ground but also in the air. It conducted its first test flight of a prototype in December 2024. When deployed, the attack helicopter is expected to be tasked with guarding the MUH-1 Marionon helicopter conducting assault operations at enemy sites and providing combat support when requested by ground forces. DAPA said it plans to complete the development by August and enter mass productio

Beleaguered Shinsegae chairman apologizes for Starbucks crisis

Shinsegae Group Chairman Chung Yong-jin apologized to the public in person on Tuesday for the controversial "Tank Day" marketing event by Starbucks Korea, which has been criticized for disparaging the 1980 Gwangju Uprising and pro-democracy movement. The apology came eight days after the coffee chain's campaign was released on May 18, the anniversary of the Gwangju Uprising. It was the chairman's first in-person apology since he took over the group's leadership in March 2024. On May 19, he issued a written apology over the promotion. Emart, a Shinsegae Group affiliate, is the largest shareholder of Starbucks Korea. "Regardless of the reason, the fact that we have hurt the hearts of our citizens carries a heavy responsibility," Chung said during a press conference in southern Seoul. "I will make no excuses. All responsibility for this matter lies with me. It is my fault." He continued, “Everyone at Shinsegae, including myself, will remember our society's history and sacrifices, and always deeply understand and respect the hearts of the public." Chung said his group would review internal

US military says it carried out 'self-defense' strikes in Iran, including missile launch sites

WASHINGTON — The U.S. military said Monday that it carried out “self-defense” strikes in southern Iran, including on missile launch sites and boats placing mines. U.S. Central Command says the strikes were done “to protect our troops from threats posed by Iranian forces” but that it was “using restraint during the ongoing ceasefire.” President Donald Trump said Monday that any agreement to end the Iran war should include a requirement for several additional countries, including Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, to join the Abraham Accords, the U.S.-brokered agreements from Trump's first term aimed at normalizing relations with Israel. Trump said in a social media post that negotiations are “proceeding nicely” but tied any eventual agreement to expanded participation in the 2020 accords. The proposal came as the emerging Iran deal faced criticism from fellow Republicans who favor a harder line on Iran, and it could add new diplomatic complications to the negotiations. Trump pointed to Saudi Arabia and Qatar as countries that should “immediately” sign on, alongside Pakistan,

Healthy at last, oft-injured midfielder eyes quarterfinal berth at World Cup

HERRIMAN, United States — Korean international Hwang In-beom has spent most of the past half year rehabbing assorted injuries. The midfielder for Feyenoord in the top Dutch league hurt his calf in September, his thigh in November and then his ankle in March. The last of those ailments knocked Hwang out for the rest of his club season, a cause for concern for the national team that has been relying heavily on the 29-year-old midfielder. In a bid to get him back to health for the FIFA World Cup that kicks off June 11, the Korea Football Association assigned members of the national team medical staff to help with Hwang's rehab. The move has apparently worked, with Hwang claiming he's almost back to full health. "I can jump into training with the rest of the squad right away. There's no need for concern," Hwang told reporters at Zions Bank Training Center in Herriman, in the Salt Lake City metropolitan area. Korean players have set up training camp in the high altitude of Utah to prepare for matches in similar conditions in the Mexican city of Guadalajara next month. "I can feel my movemen

North Korea: Time for a major policy reset

North Korea today is a very different proposition from the North Korea of five years ago. The shift is prompting a reassessment in U.S. policy circles of how to deal with the maverick state. This reevaluation is marked by several recent articles on the new face of North Korea and how to handle it. The most original proposal is contained in a policy paper by a group of experts sponsored by the Global Peace Foundation and published by the National Institute for Public Policy (NIPP). It tears up most of the old diplomatic playbook to offer a comprehensive, long-term approach, within which all the more immediate issues can be accommodated. The fortunes of the country that is prompting these new approaches have changed dramatically. Five years ago, North Korea was in the midst of the most drastic COVID shutdown of any country in the world. The total closing of its borders reduced economic activity, leading to food shortages. Diplomatically, North Korea was isolated. Today, North Korea is solidly embedded in a quartet of nations that are statist dictatorships, committed to undermining and rep

Zombie thriller 'Colony' breaks 2 mil. admissions

The zombie spectacle "Colony" has drawn more than 2 million admissions following its release last week, data showed Tuesday, hitting the milestone at the fastest pace among films released this year. The Korean film had recorded 2,018,644 accumulated admissions Monday, just five days following its release on Thursday, according to the data released by the Korean Film Council. It maintained its No. 1 spot on the daily box office chart for a fifth straight day Monday with 517,011 admissions. The Hollywood film "Michael" came in second with 109,384 admissions, followed by the animated film "The Super Mario Galaxy Movie" at 38,095. "Colony" is the latest of director Yeon Sang-ho's zombie thrillers that include megahit "Train to Busan" (2016). It follows biotechnology professor Se-jeong (Jun Ji-hyun) and a group of survivors who fight to escape a building quarantined due to a virus outbreak. The blockbuster also features Koo Kyo-hwan as a lone wolf researcher who controls zombies, and Ji Chang-wook and Kim Shin-rok as survivors battling the zombies, alongside Jun.

The Navy’s new battleship is a boondoggle in the making

The U.S. Navy says it plans to buy 15 hulking “battleships” over the next 30 years. The number of such behemoths it actually needs comes closer to zero. The sooner Congress recognizes that fact, the better off American taxpayers, and indeed the Navy, will be. The president introduced the first new warship, dubbed the USS Defiant, in December. Having long touted the beauty and power of World War II-era battleships, he claimed that the new class of battleships would be 100 times more powerful than their predecessors and bigger than any current U.S. surface combatants. They’d bristle with cutting-edge weaponry — including lasers, hypersonic missiles and rail guns — and be armed with nuclear-capable cruise missiles. The Navy now says they’ll also be powered by nuclear reactors. Strategists who’ve studied the issue for the Navy say there’s a case for a warship somewhat larger than current Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, which displace less than 10,000 tons and carry a little under 100 vertical launch cells for missiles and interceptors. The war in Iran has underscored how vi

US military strikes Iranian boats, missile launch sites: CENTCOM

WASHINGTON — The U.S. military carried out strikes on Monday in southern Iran against targets including boats attempting to lay mines and missile launch sites, in what it described as defensive actions. U.S. Central Command said in a statement the strikes were designed "to protect our troops from threats posed by Iranian forces." "U.S. Central Command continues to defend our forces while using restraint during the ongoing ceasefire," said Navy Captain Tim Hawkins, a Central Command spokesperson.

Vegan jogger

Vegan jogger

Trump links normalizing ties with Israel to Iran peace deal

WASHINGTON — Top Iranian negotiators were in Doha Monday for talks to end the war with the United States, even as both sides downplayed prospects of an imminent deal. The fragile hope of an accord in recent days was dealt a fresh blow when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to "crush" Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon, while U.S. President Donald Trump made demands for a broad accord across the Middle East, involving normalization of ties with Israel, as part of any agreement with Iran. Amid fresh threats and hurdles from the U.S.-Israeli side, Trump enumerated pathways for Iran's enriched uranium, a key sticking point in efforts to end the war, in a post to his Truth Social platform. "The Enriched Uranium (Nuclear Dust!) will either be immediately turned over to the United States to be brought home and destroyed or, preferably, in conjunction and coordination with the Islamic Republic of Iran, destroyed in place or, at another acceptable location, with the Atomic Energy Commission, or its equivalent, being witness to this process and event," Trump wrote. It was not clear i

BTS eyes top prize again at American Music Awards

K-pop supergroup BTS is seeking to clinch its second Artist of the Year award, considered the top honor, at the American Music Awards (AMAs) as the ceremony takes place in Las Vegas on Monday (U.S. time). The septet is nominated in three categories this year, including the flagship Artist of the Year award, where it will compete against global stars, such as Bad Bunny, Bruno Mars and Taylor Swift. BTS will attend the ceremony at the MGM Grand Garden Arena for the first time in five years, having last appeared in 2021. The band is also nominated for Best Male K-pop Artist and Song of the Summer for "Swim," the lead track from its fifth studio album, "ARIRANG." A win for Artist of the Year would mark its second grand prize at the AMAs. In 2021, BTS made history as the first Asian act to win the top award, sweeping three trophies, including Favorite Duo or Group and Favorite Pop Song for its megahit "Butter." Nominees for the 2026 AMAs were chosen based on streaming, album and digital sales, radio airplay, and touring revenue, while the winners are determined entirely by fan votes. "Dracula"

Trump says Iran negotiations proceeding 'nicely,' warns of stronger attack if no deal is reached

WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump said Monday that peace negotiations with Iran are proceeding "nicely," while warning that if a peace deal is not reached, U.S. attacks would resume on a scale "bigger and stronger than ever before." Trump made the remarks on social media, stressing that an agreement with Iran will be a "great deal" or "no deal at all," as the United States and Iran are working to sign a framework that reports said would include extending their ceasefire for 60 days, reopening the Strait of Hormuz and continuing negotiations on Iran's nuclear program. "Negotiations with the Islamic Republic of Iran are proceeding nicely! It will only be a Great Deal for all or, no Deal at all — Back to the Battlefront and shooting, but bigger and stronger than ever before — And nobody wants that!" Trump wrote on Truth Social. His remarks came amid criticism from Democrats and some Republicans who have raised questions over the potential framework, which reports say would halt the fighting, but would not resolve Iran's nuclear quandary immediately. Among the critics in Congres

Thailand seeks deeper partnership with Korea through investment, innovation

Thailand and Korea are seeking to redefine bilateral relations long associated with tourism, food and cultural exchanges by building a deeper partnership centered on investment, industrial cooperation and innovation, Thailand's ambassador to Korea Tanee Sangrat said. In a recent one-on-one interview with The Korea Times, Sangrat said he has sought to expand the scope of Thailand-Korea relations since assuming his post in Seoul in April 2024, emphasizing that the two countries should increasingly be viewed not only through the lens of people-to-people exchanges, but also as economic and strategic partners capable of shaping future growth together. "Our relationship is broad-based. It is not only about culture and food. ... Those areas remain important because they form a strong foundation of our relationship, but we also want to highlight future-oriented activities and economic cooperation," Sangrat said. "Thailand today is also about technology, innovation and future industries." Thailand remains one of the most popular destinations for Korean travelers, with Thai cuisine, films and lif

Korean ETFs accelerate global push with listings planned in Hong Kong, US

As Korea’s stock market rally continues to draw global attention, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) linked to the country’s benchmark index as well as chip giants Samsung Electronics and SK hynix are set to debut in overseas markets including Hong Kong and the United States, industry officials said Monday. Hong Kong-based CSOP Asset Management plans to list a KOSPI 200 ETF on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in the second half of the year, which would mark the first ETF in the market directly tracking Korea’s benchmark index. The exchange already hosts leveraged ETFs tied separately to Samsung Electronics and SK hynix, which have attracted around 2.4 trillion won ($1.75 billion) and 7.9 trillion won in assets, respectively. “The introduction of a KOSPI 200 ETF could further improve overseas investors’ access to Korean equities,” said Lim Eun-hye, an analyst at Samsung Securities, adding that demand for Korean assets could continue expanding among Hong Kong pension funds and institutional investors. Meanwhile, in the U.S., leveraged ETF provider Leverage Shares has filed with the U.S.

Does fortune telling still impact marriage decisions in Korea?

Click here for more articles by Kormedi.com. Cases continue to emerge in Korea of weddings being canceled because of unfavorable fortune readings or compatibility predictions. One woman recently shared online that her engagement was abruptly broken off after her would-be mother-in-law consulted a fortune teller. The couple had already held formal family introduction meetings and nearly finished preparing wedding gifts and household items. But according to the woman, her intended's mother later declared that “their fortunes showed they could neither live together nor marry,” and unilaterally canceled the wedding. The story reignited debate over the influence of traditional fortune telling, called “saju” in Korean, and marital compatibility beliefs in modern society. According to a 2026 survey by Gallup Korea of 1,507 adults nationwide, 39 percent of respondents said that if a child or relative had extremely poor saju reading for marital compatibility with their partner, “it would be better not to marry.” Meanwhile, 59 percent said “marrying anyway is fine.” Opposition to

Court issues arrest warrant for HoverLab chief in Kim Soo-hyun defamation case

The Seoul Central District Court on Tuesday issued an arrest warrant for Kim Se-ui, head of the YouTube channel HoverLab, also known as Garo Sero Institute, on charges of defaming actor Kim Soo-hyun by falsely claiming that he dated the late actor Kim Sae-ron when she was a minor. The court cited concerns that Kim could destroy evidence or flee as grounds for issuing the warrant. Kim Se-ui appeared in a YouTube video in March 2025 and claimed that the 37-year-old actor had dated Kim Sae-ron when

Abuse survivors criticise Government over redress schemes

Survivors of institutional abuse have called on the Government to end "a pattern of exclusion" across State redress schemes.

Rescuers in Laos race to reach villagers trapped in flooded cave

Divers in Laos are scrambling to rescue seven villagers who have been stranded in a flooded cave for almost a week.

Stepmum guilty of 1978 scalding killing of girl, 5

Janice Nix punished Andrea Bernard by forcing her to take a scalding bath at their south London home.

BP chairman removed over 'serious' conduct concerns

Senior independent director Amanda Blanc says the board has been "surprised and disappointed" to learn of the issues.

Sentences of boys spared custody over rape referred to Court of Appeal

The sentences of boys spared custody over the rape of two girls in Hampshire will be referred to the Court of Appeal, the prime minister has said.

Sturgeon showed 'remarkable lack of curiosity' over SNP finances, says former MP

The former SNP MP has called for an independent inquiry into how Peter Murrell was able to embezzle more than £400,000.

Man pleads guilty over deaths of four migrants

A Sudanese national admits endangering others after an incident off the coast of France.

"He Was in Agony": Tennessee Issues 1-Year Stay for Tony Carruthers After Botched Execution Attempt

Tennessee death row prisoner Tony Carruthers was issued a one-year stay of execution last Thursday after prison officials were unable to find a backup injection vein in a botched execution attempt that left Carruthers suffering and in pain for over an hour. Nashville reporter Steven Hale attended the execution and describes his and fellow witnesses’ confusion as they heard the sounds of what Carruthers’s attorneys are calling “torture.” Per Tennessee’s lethal injection protocol, witnesses can only see inside the execution chamber once the injection process has begun. Carruthers, who has long struggled with mental health issues and represented himself in his trial, was convicted of triple homicide in 1996. He has always maintained his innocence, but courts have thus far blocked his requests for modern-day crime scene analysis that could lead to his exoneration. Tennessee resumed capital punishment last year, following a three-year moratorium put in place to review the state’s lethal injection protocols. Since its resumption, three people have been executed by the state, all by lethal injection. Carruthers would have been the fourth.

Eleven killed in Lebanon village as Israel intensifies strikes

Israel says it struck 100 Hezbollah infrastructure sites and fighters in Lebanon, after PM Benjamin Netanyahu vows to "crush" Hezbollah.

An African perspective on AI

An international Conference organized by the Dicastery of Communication and held at the Pontifical Urbaniana University last week saw panelists reflect on preserving human faces and voices, emphasizing the need to protect human dignity, identity, and creativity amid technological advancement.

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Rated - Liverpool's six signings from record summer spree

BBC Sport assesses the impact made by Liverpool's six signings last summer that totalled a record £415m.

HSE announces new autism assessment protocol

A new autism assessment protocol, which the HSE said will offer a standardised and more specialised route for assessment for children and young people and adults, has been announced.

"Designed to Break You": Gaza Flotilla Activists Faced Violence, Sexual Abuse in Israeli Detention

“I could hear screaming the whole time.” Our guests Alex Colston and Haitham Arafat spent days in Israeli custody after being abducted from a humanitarian mission sailing to Gaza. They share accounts of violence, abuse and torture at the hands of Israeli soldiers. “The process that they have there in the jail was designed to break you as a human,” says Arafat, a Palestinian American activist born in Gaza who has taken part in multiple missions attempting to break Israel’s long-standing siege. Over 100 members of his family have been killed in Gaza since October 7, 2023. While incarcerated, the activists were visited by Israel’s minister of national security, Itamar Ben-Gvir, who was recently banned from France after publicly ridiculing flotilla members. “They call us provocateurs, or they say we’re terrorists … and yet, whenever Ben-Gvir shows up to these things, he’s the one provoking us,” says Colston, a journalist who was previously detained by Israel while sailing with the Global Sumud Flotilla last year.

Four killed as school minibus collides with train in Belgium

Two schoolchildren, their chaperone and the minibus driver were killed in the crash, says a Belgian minister.

Hunting supporters say ban leaves dog owners at risk of prosecution

Northern Ireland is the only part of the UK where hunting with dogs is still permitted.

BP removes Irish chair over governance, conduct issues

BP has removed Irish chairman Albert Manifold with immediate effect, it said, citing governance oversight and conduct issues, only months after his appointment to help oversee a strategy revamp.

U.S. Bombs Iran Despite Peace Talks; Israel Strikes Lebanon to "Force Trump's Hand": Negar Mortazavi

We get an update on the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran from journalist Negar Mortazavi, following the Pentagon’s so-called self-defense strikes on two Iranian ships in the Strait of Hormuz Monday despite an official ceasefire and ongoing peace negotiations. The “chaotic” ceasefire “has been violated from day one,” says Mortazavi, who notes that Israel’s continuous attacks on southern Lebanon are delaying attempts to end the war — and that this is exactly the intention of the Israeli government. “Clearly, Netanyahu doesn’t want this war with Iran to end,” she says. “Every step of escalation is definitely going to harm the final outcome and narrow the path to a final agreement.” Mortazavi also comments on the new political reality for Iran’s Gulf neighbors in the aftermath of Iranian strikes on U.S. military bases hosted in the region. “The Iranian message is: If war comes to us, it will not stay inside our borders.”

Tajikistan calls for stronger global cooperation on water security

Tajikistan called Tuesday for stronger international cooperation on water security, warning that climate change and rising global demand are deepening water-related challenges around the world. Speaking at the Fourth High-Level International Conference on the International Decade for Action: Water for Sustainable Development in Dushanbe, Tajik President Emomali Rahmon said the gathering would help “strengthen cooperation and accelerate action” on one of the world’s most pressing issues. “Water i

Shueisha turns 100 with an eye on the future of manga

Japan's record-breaking manga publisher Shueisha marks 100 years in the business with a slew of projects that make its titles more accessible to readers.

Silicon Valley priest: Encyclical gives new impetus to Church–Big Tech dialogue

Fr. Brendan McGuire, a former engineer and now parish priest in California’s Silicon Valley, says Pope Leo XIV’s encyclical ‘Magnifica humanitas’ gives a new impetus to the Church’s engagement with those on the cutting edge of technology.

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World News in Brief: Sudan and Haiti updates, Afghan women’s rights

The United Nations is raising alarm over continued drone attacks in Sudan’s Darfur region after multiple strikes reportedly killed civilians and intensified fears for communities already trapped by the brutal conflict between rival militaries.

Middle East update: Airstrikes and evacuation orders in Lebanon, aid restrictions in Gaza

Intensified Israeli airstrikes overnight in Lebanon forced people to again flee their homes, while humanitarians in the Gaza Strip report continued restrictions in bringing aid into the enclave, the United Nations said on Tuesday.

Ukraine: Russian attack destroys humanitarian food aid in Dnipro

The World Food Programme (WFP) has deplored a Russian attack on a warehouse in Dnipro, Ukraine that destroyed “a significant quantity” of food aid destined for thousands in frontline areas.

International airlines urged to stick to safety measures in wake of Ebola outbreak

As a deadly Ebola strain continues to spread in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), with cases confirmed in neighbouring Uganda, the UN aviation agency is urging governments and flight operators to closely follow guidelines put in place following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Security Council LIVE: Founding principles of the UN facing ‘profound strain’, Guterres warns

The Security Council is meeting for a high-level debate on strengthening the UN-centred international system amid mounting pressure on multilateralism and deepening geopolitical divisions. Discussions are expected to focus on defending the UN Charter, reforming global governance and restoring confidence in the Security Council’s ability to respond to international crises.

Wars and geopolitical divisions constitute ‘dangerous erosion’ of world order, warns UN chief

The UN Charter is facing one of its gravest tests in decades, Secretary-General António Guterres told the Security Council on Tuesday, warning that wars, arms races, climate shocks and the erosion of international law are placing intense pressure on the multilateral system established to prevent a third world war.

[ANN] In Nepal, yak cheese is in crisis as Himalayan herding declines

DOLAKHA, Nepal (Kathmandu Post/ANN) -- A photograph posted by Prime Minister Balendra Shah on Saturday, showing him tasting yak cheese produced by the state-owned Dairy Development Corporation, set social media abuzz and rekindled public interest in one of Nepal's oldest commercial dairy products. But beneath the renewed attention lies a deepening crisis in an industry that once represented the pride of Nepal's Himalayan economy. Commercial cheese production stands as Nepal's very first industri

Headlines for May 26, 2026

U.S. Attacks Southern Iran as Ceasefire Negotiations Continue, Israel Attacks Lebanon’s Beqaa Valley, Killing 12 People, Israeli Strikes Kill at Least Five Palestinians at a Refugee Camp in Gaza, Police Officers in Spain Attack Activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla at Bilbao Airport, New Jersey Police Arrest 10 Activists Attempting to Stop Ammunition Shipment to Israel, 300 Detainees at Delaney ICE Jail Launch Hunger Strike to Protest Inhumane Conditions, Federal Judge Dismisses All Criminal Charges Against Kilmar Ábrego García, USCIS Says Most Green Card Seekers Must Apply from Home Countries, Bystander Is Wounded as Secret Service Service Kills Alleged Gunman Outside White House, Russia Warns Foreigners and Diplomats to Leave Kyiv After Deadly Weekend Assault, WHO Warns Ebola Is Spreading Faster Than Efforts to Contain It, Pope Leo Issues Encyclical Warning Artificial Intelligence Must Serve Humanity

Boy with Tourette's refused flight for bomb remark

Armed police march a 13-year-old and his family out of Gatwick after entry to a flight is refused.

Paul Cleary appointed Deputy Garda Commissioner

The Government has appointed Paul Cleary as Deputy Garda Commissioner, the second highest rank in An Garda Síochána.

Why reluctant 'guru' says Dutch will win World Cup

Economist Joachim Klement developed a forecast model which has kept a 100% record of predicting World Cup winners since 2014 - who does he think will win in 2026?

Iran media says negotiators seek $24b asset release in US deal

Iranian media said Tuesday that Tehran's negotiators were seeking the release of around $24 billion in frozen assets abroad as part of a process aimed at ending the war with the United States. The report by Tasnim news agency came as a top Iranian delegation was in Qatar, and after Tehran said it was finalising a 14-point framework for a deal on ending the war, which began with US-Israeli airstrikes against Iran on February 28. "Iran's frozen assets are to be released during the course of the ne

Streeting backs under-16s social media ban as government consultation concludes

The former health secretary accused regulators and politicians of being "asleep at the wheel" on the issue.

Nippon Life books its first impairment loss in current bond rout

Nippon Life Insurance, Japan's largest life insurer, wrote down ¥70 billion ($440 million) in the year ended March 31.

Israeli Embassy denies detention, mistreatment of S. Korean activists

The Israeli Embassy in South Korea claimed Tuesday that Israeli forces had neither detained nor mistreated South Korean activists who were released last week after being captured aboard aid vessels bound for the Gaza Strip. In a statement, the embassy asserted that the two Korean citizens were not held in detention. "Upon their arrival at the port of Ashdod, the two individuals were processed immediately and deported through an expedited procedure. This further calls into question the allegation

Gisèle Pelicot 'deeply shocked' by decision not to jail boys in rape case

The French rape survivor praises the bravery of a young girl for coming forward following the incidents in Fordingbridge.

'Anything is possible' for Benfica teenager Umeh

Former Ringmahon Rangers and Cork City man Jaden Umeh is eyeing a dream Republic of Ireland debut against Qatar tomorrow night as he continues to learn his trade at Portuguese giants Benfica.

Ebola needs swift response to prevent catastrophe - DR Congo governor

The governor of Ituri said the more time they lose, the closer the province is to disaster.

Overpass breakdown wreaks havoc in Seoul

The midday collapse of an overpass that killed three people and injured three in Seoul on Tuesday has sent shock waves through the capital and disrupted transportation for thousands of residents. “We have lived here for about four years and were always fond of that road,” said Kostis Daskalopoulos, 59. “It breaks our heart to see what happened today. ... We feel (it is) very tragic and send our deep condolences.” Part of the overpass fell to the ground at about 2:32 p.m., and authorities closed

Takaichi stresses ’great significance’ of retrial system reform

The government bill prohibits in principle public prosecutors from filing appeals against court decisions to start retrials.

Former Japan trading house head warns of naphtha supply crunch

Former Marubeni chair says Japan is likely to face a shortage of naphtha-derived chemical products as early as the end of June.

Lee Hye-young explores artistic value, freedom, desire through Hedda

Actor Lee Hye-young is on the floor stretching, as is the rest of the cast of the National Theater Company of Korea’s production of Henrik Ibsen's “Hedda Gabler,” preparing for a run-through of the play Thursday at the National Theater of Korea in Jangchung-dong, Seoul. “Hedda Gabler,” directed by the NTCK Artistic Director and CEO Park Jung-hee, is to be staged at the Drama Center Theater in Singapore from May 28-30, as part of this year’s Singapore International Festival of Arts. In a fitted l

Roberts and Davies return from injury for Wales

Ben Davies returns from a serious ankle injury while Connor Roberts could play his first game in a year for Wales against Ghana and Romania.

Dáil welcomes two new TDs following bye-elections

The Dáil has welcomed two newly elected TDs following last weekends bye-elections in Dublin Central and Galway West.

Two people receive specialist care after TT crash

Isle of Man TT organisers say all other spectators and the rider have been discharged from hospital.

Kerry and Donegal to face no further suspensions

There will be no further suspensions arising out of incidents in the Donegal v Kerry football championship match last weekend, RTÉ Sport understands.

Watch: Parents react to slush drinks' warning

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland has said that children aged 10 and under should not consume slush ice drinks containing glycerol due to potential side effects.

Muslim pilgrims endure Saudi Arabia's sweltering heat for pinnacle of Hajj

Muslim pilgrims from around the world congregated on Mount Arafat in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, the second official day of the annual Islamic pilgrimage, considered the pinnacle of Hajj.

Trump has annual medical exam, days before turning 80

US President Donald Trump has had his annual medical examination, days before his 80th birthday and amid mounting speculation about his health.

What are UV levels and how can you protect yourself?

Some UV exposure is essential for our wellbeing, but too much is damaging and can cause skin cancer.

Yoo Jae-suk's street-view mission makes it on Naver Maps. Where did he go?

Street-view images filmed around Gyeongbokgung by Yoo Jae-suk and Heo Kyung-hwan are drawing online interest after the footage was added to Naver's map service. In a recent episode of the MBC variety show "Hangout with Yoo" that aired on Saturday, the two comedians took on a mission to capture street-view imagery in Seoul's alleyways to mark King Sejong's birthday, celebrated on May 15. The segment paid tribute to King Sejong's achievements in cartography and measurement technology. According to

Call for tougher action on foreign vessels fishing in EEZ

The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Fisheries and Maritime Affairs has called for stronger enforcement of non-Irish vessels fishing in the country's Exclusive Economic Zone.

B.C. attorney general says hundreds of potential voyeurism victims have 'right to know' details from police

B.C. Attorney General Niki Sharma says people deserve to know whether they may be among the at least 652 women and girls filmed by a Saanich, B.C., man convicted of voyeurism and making child pornography — now known as child sexual abuse and exploitation material.

US launches new strikes on Iran, targeting missile sites and boats

US Central Command says the strikes were taken in "self-defence", while Iran reports it downed a US drone that entered its airspace.

Four dead after train hits school bus in Belgium

Four people, including two children aged 12 and 15, have died after a train hit a school bus in northern Belgium.

Four dead after train hits school bus in Belgium

Four people, including two children aged 12 and 15, have died after a train hit a school bus in northern Belgium.

Ireland declined invite to 'frugals' meeting in Brussels

Ireland has declined an invitation to attend a meeting of ministers from EU net contributor countries - the so-called frugals - ahead of a key ministerial meeting today on the next seven year EU budget.

How long could former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell spend in prison?

A hefty custodial sentence is almost certain after the former SNP chief executive embezzled £400,000 from the party.

Uber drivers in Victoria got a union contract. What does it mean for ride-hailing workers across Canada?

Councillors agree to an extra $15m for Christ Church Cathedral rebuild

The funds still depend on the government and the Anglican Church contributing the same amount.

Social media as bad for children as smoking, British doctors say

Britain is considering restricting children's access to social media, including a ‌possible ban for children under the age of 16.

Galway footballer Seán Fitzgerald joins Love Island 2026

Galway footballer Seán Fitzgerald is set to appear on the new series of ITV's Love Island, which kicks off next month.

'He showed why good managers need time' - who are this season's over-achievers?

Tony Pulis explains which Premier League managers have impressed him this season and, down the divisions, who else stands out.

Viral coastal ports face swimming ban in Korea

Small fishing ports that have become popular swimming spots along Korea’s coasts are set to face new restrictions, as authorities move to ban certain recreational water activities over safety concerns. To prevent a rise in accidents caused by diving and swimming, authorities will impose fines of up to 500,000 won ($332) for recreational water activities at fishing ports. Critics, however, argue that many of these places have long served as summer gathering spots for locals. Opposition has been p

BTS turns Las Vegas red with ‘Arirang’ citywide takeover

BTS transformed Las Vegas into a massive red-hued celebration of “Arirang” ahead of the group’s concerts in the US city, launching a large-scale citywide campaign tied to its ongoing world tour. The group kicked off “BTS The City Arirang — Las Vegas” on May 20 ahead of its four concerts at Allegiant Stadium, held May 23-24 and 27-28. After turning the city purple during its 2022 Las Vegas concerts, BTS returned this year with a citywide takeover centered on red — the key color of its fifth studi

Mirae Asset bets on foreign demand for leveraged Samsung Electronics, SK hynix funds

Mirae Asset Global Investments said Tuesday it will focus on attracting overseas investors through its launch of single-stock leveraged products tied to Samsung Electronics and SK hynix. The asset manager will list two Tiger-branded leveraged products on Wednesday on the Korea Exchange, each designed to track twice the daily performance of Samsung Electronics and SK hynix shares. The products attracted a combined 1.34 trillion won ($890 million) in assets under management ahead of launch, includ

Taiwan sends forces to monitor second Chinese ’combat’ patrol in a week

China has ‌pressured Taiwan ‌by increasing its military presence around the island, and Taipei is on high alert ​following a summit between the U.S. and Chinese leaders.

North Korea fires ballistic missile into Yellow Sea

Pyongyang may using the missiles tests to take advantage of eroding international norms to cement its nuclear status.

South Korea aims to launch first nuclear-powered submarine by mid-2030s

The move could reshape Asia's security landscape and escalate an underwater arms ⁠race.

China defense minister expected to again skip Singapore security forum

Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun will likely skip the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore this weekend, according to people familiar with the matter.

Gulf Harbour body trial: Victim's body found wrapped in layers of plastic bags, tied to stones

Four members of the same family have been accused of the kidnapping and manslaughter of Chinese woman Shulai Wang.

'Kidnap Game' sets pan-Asian cast led by Lee Joon-gi, Kentaro Sakaguchi

Lee Joon-gi, known for hit K-dramas including "Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo" and "Flower of Evil," is set to headline the multinational series “Kidnap Game” alongside Japanese actor Kentaro Sakaguchi and Taiwanese actor Alice Ko. “Kidnap Game” is a joint production involving creative teams from South Korea, Japan and Hong Kong. The series centers on simultaneous kidnapping cases unfolding across seven Asian cities — Seoul, Tokyo, Taipei, Singapore, Bangkok, Naha and Manila — as characters bec

‘We Are All Trying Here’ cast reflects on worthlessness, healing following finale

JTBC’s “We Are All Trying Here,” led by Hallyu stars Go Youn-jung and Koo Kyo-hwan and penned by acclaimed writer Park Hae-young, whose previous credits include beloved K-drama touchstones “My Mister” and “My Liberation Notes,” recently concluded its run after resonating with audiences through its portrait of deeply anxious individuals searching for meaning and connection. Anchored by Park’s distinctly lyrical and sentimental dialogue, the series explored themes of empathy and solidarity among p

Starbucks Korea offers full refunds for prepaid cards amid boycott backlash

Starbucks Korea on Tuesday said it will temporarily allow those with Starbucks’ prepaid cards to get full refunds regardless of the amount in the wake of its controversial “Tank Day” marketing campaign last week. According to Starbucks Korea, the refund period will run from June 1-14. Typically, the company would only allow refunds after customers spent more than 60 percent of the total prepaid amount. “With hefty responsibility and spirit of self-reflection, we decided to loosen the regulations

‘Quad’ diplomats tout ‘concrete’ deliverables in bid to resuscitate partnership

Officials emphasized a clear future for the four-nation grouping, announcing new initiatives on critical minerals, maritime security and energy security.

Record number of students in Japan need help learning Japanese

As of May 2025, a total of 84,759 students at public elementary, junior high, high and special needs schools required support, a government survey shows.

Why youths have become central to tokuryū crimes

The easy recruitment of younger people online has driven a shift from fraud to robbery, sometimes leading to murder.

Lower House approves bill to revise personal information protection law

The bill includes a provision requiring businesses that repeatedly commit violations to pay fines equivalent to the earned profit to state coffers.

Spill closes road after truck rolls in Bay in Plenty

The crash on Old Taupō Road was reported about 7.10pm.

BTS' next stop after the AMAs? The Grammys, says Derrick Milano

Fresh off sweeping all three of their nominations at the 52nd American Music Awards on Tuesday, including artist of the year, song of the summer for "Swim" and best male K-pop artist, BTS is now turning attention toward a goal no active K-pop idol group has yet achieved: winning a Grammy. For Derrick Milano, the Grammy-winning songwriter and producer who participated in six tracks on BTS' latest album "Arirang," the group's chances are real. "I think they're gonna achieve it," Milano said in an

FIFA Reveals 48 World Cup team bases

Defending champions Argentina and England will have their World Cup teams based in Kansas City, according to a list of training sites announced by FIFA on Monday. Of the record 48 teams competing in the global football showdown that begins next month, 39 teams will be based in the United States, seven in Mexico and two in Canada. "Team Base Camps are an integral part of the fabric of any FIFA World Cup," said Heimo Schirgi, 2026 FIFA World Cup chief operating officer. "They are where teams put d

[Photo News] Tilda Swinton in Seoul for Chanel Metiers d'Art 2026 collection

Actors Kim Go-eun, Go Youn-jung, Tilda Swinton and Lee Jung-jae attended the Chanel Metiers d'Art 2026 photocall on Tuesday at Centre Pompidou Hanwha in Yeouido, Seoul. The Seoul show restages Matthieu Blazy's first Metiers d'Art collection for Chanel, originally unveiled Dec. 2, 2025, at the decommissioned Bowery subway station in New York. That show marked Chanel's first Metiers d'Art presentation in the city in seven years. Launched in 2002, Metiers d'Art is Chanel's annual tribute to its cou

Buick LPGA Shanghai to offer $3.2m in prize money

The LPGA announced Monday that the Buick LPGA Shanghai will be held Oct. 15-18 at Sheshan International Golf Club in Shanghai with a total purse of $3.2 million. The tour added that the $3.2 million purse is the largest among LPGA events held in Asia. First launched in 2018, the tournament had previously been played at Qizhong Garden Golf Club near Shanghai. However, the 2020, 2021 and 2022 editions were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2025, Jeeno Thitikul won the tournament and earned

Yomiuri Giants manager arrested on assault charges

Shinnosuke Abe, manager of the Yomiuri Giants, was arrested by Tokyo police on suspicion of assaulting his daughter, Japanese media reported Monday. According to reports from Sports Hochi and Nikkan Sports, police arrived at Abe's home in Tokyo's Shibuya Ward at about 7:10 p.m. Sunday after receiving a call from a child consultation center and arrested him at the scene. He was released after questioning. Abe reportedly pushed his 18-year-old eldest daughter while attempting to break up a fight b

Half a billion dollar price-tag for Wellington water meter roll-out not 'credible' - mayor

Tiaki Wai wants to roll-out about 140,000 water meters, and says installing meters may cost $500-590 million.

Roaming dogs force South Aucklanders off the streets

"You never know when you're going to get attacked," says the owner of a six-year-old Bichon after several run-ins with uncontrolled dogs.

‘Next time, I’ll stab you’: Russia sees spate of wartime school attacks

There have been at least 14 reported attacks in schools and other educational institutions in Russia so far this year compared with 15 in the whole of 2025.

Samsung Asset draws record W2.4tr for Korea’s first single-stock leveraged products

Samsung Asset Management said Tuesday it will launch Korea’s first single-stock leveraged products tied to Samsung Electronics and SK hynix on Wednesday. The firm said it will list the Kodex Samsung Electronics single stock leverage and Kodex SK hynix single stock leverage products, which aim to deliver twice the daily returns of the underlying shares. The two products attracted a combined 2.4 trillion won ($1.6 billion) in assets under management ahead of launch, marking the largest-ever ETF pr

Tehran says U.S. violated ceasefire agreement when it launched strikes in southern Iran

Iran said the United States violated a ceasefire after the U.S. conducted what it called defensive strikes in southern Iran, while U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said negotiating a deal to halt the conflict could "take a few days."

Japan Cosmetic Association head guilty of bribing University of Tokyo researchers

The Tokyo District Court sentenced Koichi Hikichi to one year in prison for bribery linked to joint research with the university.

'Heat dome' over Europe scorches UK, France and Spain

Forecasters in Europe have warned of exceptional heat as record temperatures driven by a "heat dome" push temperatures well above seasonal norms across the continent.

One dead after crash between car and motorcycle in Auckland's Howick

The crash took place on Auckland's Pakuranga Road.

Watch: Dozens of light drones crash into Sydney harbour

Almost 90 drones fell from the sky over Sydney's Darling Harbour during a popular winter light show.

Seoul shares surge to new high of over 8,000 on optimism for US-Iran deal

South Korean stocks pulled off a new record high over the 8,000-point level Tuesday driven by optimism for a possible US-Iran peace agreement that would open the Strait of Hormuz. The local currency rose against the US dollar. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index gained 199.8 points, or 2.55 percent, to close at a record 8,047.51, extending its winning streak for the third consecutive session. It is the first time that the Kospi has closed over the 8,000-point level, following its bre

Thousands pray on Mount Arafat amid soaring temperatures

Thousands of people prayed on Mount Arafat at the climax of the hajj pilgrimage, as a punishing desert sun sent temperatures soaring towards 40C.

Lavrov tells Rubio to evacuate U.S. diplomats and citizens from Kyiv

Russia has regularly bombed Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv, since 2022, but on Sunday, Ukraine came under a massive Russian drone and missile barrage.

Ferrari unveils its first fully electric car

Ferrari has presented its first fully electric car, marking a high-stakes shift by the luxury sports carmaker as competitors including Porsche and Lamborghini scale back their EV ambitions, citing weak demand.

When war moves at machine speed, politics must not fall behind

Drones, electronic warfare, satellite imagery, battlefield software and rapid technological adaptation have become part of the daily reality of war in Ukraine.

'Magician' Monfils exits final French Open

Gael Monfils bows out of his final French Open in the first round, losing in five sets to compatriot Hugo Gaston, as tributes are paid to one of the great tennis entertainers.

Park Geun-hye's local election campaign appearance buoys conservatives

Former President Park Geun-hye appears to be once again taking a role in politics, appearing on the conservatives' campaign trail. Park visited the conservative stronghold of Daegu on Saturday, as well as Daejeon and the neighboring Chungcheong provinces on Monday. Her return comes as the major opposition People Power Party struggles to solidify its support base ahead of the June election. During her appearances, Park endorsed People Power Party candidates, namely mayoral candidates Choo Kyung-h

Next boss warns of 'dramatic' fall in entry-level jobs

Lord Wolfson tells the BBC Next now typically receives double the number of applicants for one role than it did two years ago.

SK Bioscience joins Colombia’s vaccine localization project

SK Bioscience said Tuesday it signed an agreement with VECOL, a state-run producer of animal health and biotechnology products in Colombia, for vaccine technology transfer and local manufacturing cooperation under the country’s national vaccine localization initiative. The project, jointly led by Colombia’s Health Ministry, National Health Institute and VECOL, aims to strengthen the country’s vaccine self-sufficiency and public health preparedness through a government-backed investment plan wort

ECB should hike rates regardless of Iran deal - Schnabel

The ECB should raise interest rates in June, even if ongoing peace talks with Iran yield a deal, as the conflict has been far longer than projected and high energy prices are spilling into the broader economy, board member Isabel Schnabel said.

In the footsteps of St. Rita: A Brazilian woman on mission in Italy

Sister Maria Atília Collet has found in the saint of impossible causes a guiding light for her own life and that of thousands of pilgrims. Before arriving in Roccaporena, the Italian town where Saint Rita was born in 1381, her religious mission took her from inland Brazil to Italy, Portugal, Spain and Mozambique. She spent over 15 years in the African country, where she deepened the human and spiritual experience that today guides her in welcoming pilgrims.

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Hwang eyes World Cup quarterfinal run

Hwang In-beom, the midfield engine of the South Korea national soccer team under coach Hong Myung-bo, said he is targeting a historic World Cup quarterfinal run in what will be his second appearance at the tournament. Hwang spoke to reporters Monday before national team training at Zion's Bank Training Center in Herriman, near Salt Lake City. The biggest question surrounding Hwang was his health after an injury. A key midfielder for South Korea since before the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, he had be

Abe exits as Giants manager after allegedly assaulting daughter

"I have caused great trouble to many baseball fans, pro baseball officials and the company through my family troubles," Shinnosuke Abe said.

Park Eun-bin: 'I simply trusted the team' despite Cha Eun-woo scandal buzz

Netflix's superhero comedy series "The WONDERfools" got off to a bruising start, overshadowed by co-star Cha Eun-woo's massive tax evasion scandal involving 13 billion won ($8.6 million), a figure unprecedented in the history of the Korean entertainment industry. But when the series premiered on May 15, it drew a new sort of attention. What initially looked like a campy superhero comedy revealed itself to be a heartfelt ensemble piece packed with richly textured characters. Park Eun-bin, who pla

What is going on with Ferrari and will Verstappen quit? F1 Q&A

BBC Sport F1 correspondent Andrew Benson answers your latest questions after the Canadian Grand Prix.

K-pop claims 11 AMAs wins

K-pop made one of its strongest showings yet at the 52nd American Music Awards this year, taking home 11 awards across the ceremony and winning in every category that had nominated K-pop acts or K-pop-related content. The AMAs, held Monday at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, saw K-pop artists and projects win in several major categories — including artist of the year, song of the year, new artist of the year and best music video. The American Music Awards are largely driven by fan engagement

North Korea resumes missile launch after one-month pause

North Korea on Tuesday launched projectiles towards the West Sea, South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said. According to the JCS, several ballistic missiles were fired at about 1 p.m. from a location near Chongju, North Pyongan Province. The JCS said that the launch included different types of missiles, including close-range ballistic missiles. The missiles covered about 80 km, and South Korean and US militaries are conducting a detailed analysis of the projectiles, the JCS said. South Korea's p

New May record temperature of 30.5C

A new Irish temperature record for May has been set, a day after the previous one was broken, as a Status Yellow heat warning remains in effect for eight counties.

Hyundai Rotem secures two national physical AI projects

Hyundai Rotem has secured two government-backed physical AI robotics projects, strengthening its position in autonomous systems for defense and industrial applications, the company announced Tuesday. The company was selected to lead separate research and development projects commissioned by Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and the Agency for Defense Development. The Industry Ministry project focuses on developing a language-based control system capable of operating multiple types o

Aging Seoul overpass collapses during demolition, leaving 3 dead

Three people were killed and three others injured Tuesday after part of the Seosomun overpass collapsed during demolition work in western Seoul, authorities said. The accident was reported at around 2:32 p.m. at the demolition site in Migeun-dong, Seodaemun-gu, according to fire authorities and Seoul city officials. Officials said part of the structure fell to the ground, crushing a vehicle used in the demolition operation. The victims who died were three men, including two in their 60s and one

Sonny Rollins, last jazz 'colossus', dies aged 95

Sonny Rollins, the 'Saxophone Colossus' whose hard-charging yet flowingly meditative works made him the last in a golden era of jazz greats, died on Monday. He was 95.

Seoul targets mid-2030s nuclear submarine launch, vows nonproliferation

South Korea has unveiled a road map to launch its first domestically built nuclear submarine in the mid-2030s, while pledging to fulfill its nuclear nonproliferation obligations. The plan was announced as the first agenda item at the inaugural meeting of the Committee on Future Defense Strategy, convened by President Lee Jae Myung at the Navy Submarine Force Command at Jinhae Naval Base in Changwon, South Gyeongsang Province, on Tuesday. The committee, chaired by President Lee, will discuss poli

Redistricting is making a mockery of American democracy

This history demonstrates something profound about the nature of democracy: The design of an electoral system makes a huge difference in the results it delivers.

Professors’ sexist remarks expose unchecked power on campus

A professor at a private university in Daejeon is under investigation after students accused him of making sexually inappropriate remarks during class. It is the latest case to raise questions about classroom misconduct and the power professors hold over students on South Korean campuses. According to students and local reports, allegations against the professor first surfaced in November last year on Everytime, a popular online student community platform. Students claimed the professor repeated

Korean submarine makes historic Pacific crossing as Seoul eyes Canada’s $39.6b deal

South Korea is stepping up its push to win Canada’s multibillion dollar submarine procurement project by combining a high-profile naval demonstration with expanded industrial partnerships and government-level diplomacy ahead of the expected June decision. The 3,000-ton ROKS Dosan Ahn Chang-ho arrived at Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt in Victoria, British Columbia, on Saturday after traveling some 14,000 kilometers from a major naval base in Jinhae, South Gyeongsang Province, via Guam and Hawaii.

Music in PyeongChang 2026 balances legacy and new voices

Three conservatory presidents on a single stage, a rare performance of a Strauss opera, and a debut soprano will anchor this summer's flagship classical music festival, its artistic director and cellist Yang Sung-won said Tuesday at a Seoul press conference. Music in PyeongChang's 23rd edition opens July 23 and runs through Aug. 2 at the Alpensia Resort in Gangwon Province, with 19 main-stage concerts, 10 community outreach concerts, five family outreach concerts, a chamber music mentorship prog

Two French Korean War veterans return for burial at UN cemetery

Andre Datchary and Jacques Grisolet, French soldiers who fought in the Korean War, were honored in a ceremony at Incheon Airport on Tuesday. The event was hosted by the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, with the ministry's deputy director Oh Kyung-jun receiving the remains. The ceremony, held under the title "From Here, Korea Will Honor You," was also attended by French Ambassador to South Korea Philippe Bertoux, the French defense attache and family members of the veterans. Datchary, w

$110m council loan backs Picton port rebuild for new ferries

The Marlborough District Council money is for the region's share of the $531 million port redevelopment, part of the $1.8 billion Cook Strait Ferry Replacement Programme.

Staff shortages at rural hospitals leave beds sitting empty - report

"If we don't have enough medical staffing in the EDs or up on the wards, then patients don't get seen," says a healthcare worker union.

Morgan Stanley hires SocGen’s former head of Japan regional bank sales

Naoyuki Kumon left Societe Generale earlier this year and started at Morgan Stanley MUFG Securities this week to work in a similar role.

Scientists recognised for finding major gap in childhood vaccine schedule

The discovery came after cases of invasive pneumococcal disease in children under 5 began to climb in late 2020.

England's Ella Toone on how she is navigating grief through football

England and Manchester United midfielder Ella Toone opens up about grief, football and preparing for her wedding without her dad in a new BBC documentary.

The Japan Times Destination Restaurants が今年の受賞レストランを発表

株式会社ジャパンタイムズ（本社：東京都千代田区　代表取締役会長兼社長　末松弥奈子）は第6回 The Japan Times Destination Restaurants の受賞レストランを発表しました。

'Forever chemicals' from airport run-off have these Canadians fearing for future generations

For decades, airports across Canada conducted firefighter training exercises that included the use of foams containing PFAS, often dubbed "forever chemicals." The impact of that contamination has people living near the Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., airport fearing for future generations.

Prudential Life Insurance posts 12.6% profit dip after employee fraud

It came to light in January that more than 100 former and current employees had fraudulently received about ¥3.1 billion from roughly 500 customers.

Samsung bonuses, cheap loans stoke chip-belt housing boom

Samsung Electronics’ new compensation package for chip employees is raising expectations that fresh liquidity could further boost apartment prices across South Korea’s semiconductor corridor. The company and its labor union agreed on May 20 to introduce a low-interest housing loan program for employees, alongside a revamped performance bonus scheme tied to semiconductor profits. Under the housing program, employees without homes will be able to borrow up to 500 million won ($370,000) for home pu

Bee species found in Christchurch after 65 years

"You just don't know until you start searching for them," says the scientist who found the cross-pollinating species after decades.

Sweeter diets, stress fuel rise in diabetes among Korean youth

Sweet desserts and abundant food delivery options have become a source of comfort for many young Koreans navigating their increasingly competitive and stressful lives. But those habits may be taking a toll: Diabetes cases among younger generations are rising faster than among older age groups. Experts stress the importance of early lifestyle management, warning that earlier onset of the disease increases the risk of complications because patients must live with the condition for longer. Accordin

Kospi closes above 8,000 for first time as chip rally surges

The South Korean benchmark Kospi closed above 8,000 points for the first time Tuesday on expectations of an end to the war in Iran as Washington and Tehran inched closer to a deal. The index even soared past the 8,100 mark during intraday trading. The Kospi closed at 8,047.51, up 2.55 percent from Friday's close, as markets were closed Monday for a public holiday. While the benchmark first breached the 8,000 level during intraday trading on May 15, Tuesday marked its first-ever close above the t

SK hynix’s iHBM tackles heat choking next-gen HBM

SK hynix on Tuesday introduced a packaging technology that builds cooling channels directly into its high-bandwidth memory chips to combat heat, one of the engineering challenges standing between today's AI memory and the next generation. High-bandwidth memory, or HBM, is the specialized memory stacked next to AI accelerator chips, and SK hynix is the world's leading supplier of it. As stacks grow taller and faster to feed AI workloads, they generate more heat, and that heat now caps how far the

Nongshim targets India’s rapid-delivery market with Blinkit tie-up

Nongshim is stepping up its push into India through a partnership with Blinkit, the country’s largest instant delivery platform. Through Blinkit’s delivery network, which accounts for roughly half of India’s rapid-delivery grocery market, Nongshim plans to expand sales of Shin Ramyun in major cities such as New Delhi and Mumbai. The Korean food maker recently held a launch event in Gurugram for Shin Ramyun Kimchi Stir Fry, targeting younger Indian consumers familiar with app-based instant delive

DIY and lifestyle store Hands exits Shibuya after 48 years

Beloved for its selection of stationery and crafts, as well as woodworking and gardening supplies, retailer Hands announced it will close its Shibuya location after 48 years.

SK hynix cuts staff turnover to 1% as Samsung lags: study

Two of the world's largest memory chipmakers are riding the same artificial intelligence boom, but in recent years one has held on to its workers far more tightly than the other. A study released Tuesday by corporate research firm Leaders Index found that by 2024, staff turnover at SK hynix had fallen to roughly 1 percent, while rival Samsung Electronics was losing staff at more than 10 times that rate. Part of the gap could be due to differences between the two firms' areas of operation. While

Twice wins best female K-pop artist at AMAs

Twice won best female K-pop artist at the 52nd American Music Awards on Monday, adding another major US accolade to the group’s growing list of achievements. The group beat fellow nominees Aespa, Blackpink, Illit and Le Sserafim in one of the ceremony’s most closely watched categories. Monday’s win marked Twice’s first trophy at the AMAs, though it was nominated in 2022. Following the win, the group shared a message through its official X account, thanking their fans, known as Once. “Thank you s

Hyundai builds new robot units to scale Atlas deployment

Hyundai Motor Group is accelerating its push into humanoid robotics by establishing new divisions to support the deployment of Atlas, a humanoid robot developed by its US-based subsidiary Boston Dynamics, across vehicle production lines. According to media reports on Tuesday, Hyundai created a software-defined factory promotion division and appointed Alpesh Patel as its executive vice president. SDF refers to a smart manufacturing facility where AI manages production, logistics and quality contr

Hyundai taps former Nvidia engineer to boost self-driving, AI

Hyundai Motor Group has hired former Nvidia autonomous driving expert Lee Hee-seok to its software research unit 42dot, amid the South Korean automaker’s push to strengthen its software-defined vehicles and self-driving technology capabilities. According to industry sources Tuesday, 42dot appointed Lee, an expert in computer vision technology, as vice president to lead research on vision-language action models. This marks the first time an executive has been brought in from outside the company s

Sailors from doomed Arctic mission with no survivors identified by DNA

The remains of sailors who died on an Arctic expedition are identified by researchers.

How a farmer caused 'the worst case of riverside destruction' in England

An ecologist says it'll take a generation for the River Lugg in Herefordshire to recover from damage done by farmer John Price

Son Heung-min joins World Cup camp

Son Heung-min of Los Angeles FC will join South Korea's national team camp Tuesday in Salt Lake City as he prepares for his fourth World Cup appearance. Son, who played in LAFC's 1-0 home win over the Seattle Sounders FC a day earlier, is set to link up with coach Hong Myung-bo's squad at its pre-tournament training camp in Utah. Widely regarded as Asia's greatest striker and still South Korea's most dangerous attacking weapon, Son is aiming to lead the country at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Nort

Mexican YouTuber faces backlash over Rising Sun flag in World Cup video

A Mexican YouTuber has come under fire for using footage of the Rising Sun flag in a video introducing the 48 countries competing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Seo Kyung-duk, a professor of liberal arts at Sungshin Women's University, on Tuesday criticized the YouTuber who runs a soccer-focused channel for using the flag that represented the Japanese Imperial Army. “The report came from a Korean resident in Mexico. The video has garnered more than 1.3 million views and 10,000 likes on YouTube,” th

Samsung wage vote clears court hurdle as internal rift deepens

A Korean court on Tuesday cleared the way for a vote on Samsung Electronics’ tentative 2026 wage agreement, rejecting a last-minute injunction from employees in the company’s nonchip business and exposing deepening tensions between its semiconductor and consumer electronics divisions. The Suwon District Court dismissed the request filed by five employees from Samsung’s Device eXperience division, which oversees smartphones, TVs and home appliances. The group, calling itself the Samsung Electroni

Emily nearly lost access to her baby because of a hair strand test and experts fear she's not alone

There are growing concerns over the way hair strand tests are being interpreted in the Family Court.

Jury is sworn in for trial of Jeffrey Donaldson

The jury in the trial of former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson on sex offence charges has been sent home for the day.

Apprenticeships should include consent education - study

Apprenticeship programmes should include workshops that educate on the issue of consent in sexual relations, according to a study.

Blackwater Valley Opera Festival to attract thousands

More than 5,500 visitors are set to descend on Waterford and east Cork for a week of opera, music, culture and dining experiences.

Her family hid his father on their farm during WW II. They just met for the 1st time

When Dina Van Dommelen-Samson and Nico Peltenburg met for the first time earlier this month, it felt like a family reunion instead of two strangers getting acquainted. Peltenburg was in Nova Scotia to visit, but he also hoped to meet the family of the man who hid his father during the German occupation of the Netherlands during the Second World War.

Herald Media Group hosts charity golf tournament for Hangeul promotion

Herald Media Group, publisher of The Korea Herald and Herald Business, held a charity golf tournament Thursday to support the global promotion of Hangeul, the Korean writing system. About 180 participants, including business leaders from Korea and abroad, artists and professional golfers, took part in the Herald Charity Golf Tournament at Serenity Country Club Chuncheon, Gangwon Province. Now in its fourth year, the charity event was first launched in 2023 to mark the 70th anniversary of The Kor

Israel expands ground operation beyond 'yellow line' in south Lebanon as clashes intensify

Israel is "deepening its operations in Lebanon," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday, while it remained unclear if a potential ceasefire deal with Iran would bring the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah to a halt.

Spotify names Can’t Be Blue as 2026 ‘Radar Korea’ artist

Spotify has selected indie band Can't Be Blue as a new artist for its 2026 "Radar Korea" program, the streaming platform announced Tuesday. Radar is Spotify's artist development program designed to support emerging musicians and help them grow into global acts. "We're truly honored and grateful to be selected as a Radar Korea artist," Can't Be Blue said in a statement. "We hope this opportunity helps us connect more closely with listeners around the world through music. We'll continue sharing st

Actor files lawsuit against TikTok operator over AI-generated voice use

The lawsuit, filed with the Tokyo District Court by Kenjiro Tsuda last November, is believed to be the first of its kind in Japan.

Scottish Parliament to move on new independence vote

Members of the Scottish Parliament are expected to back a call for Westminster to hand over the powers to allow a second Scottish independence referendum.

After 'embarrassing' spat last week, N.L. House of Assembly members commit to moving forward

Two members of Newfoundland and Labrador’s House of Assembly were asked to leave the legislature Monday as a result of a heated exchange last week.

Retired Interislander ferry cleared to make final sailing to India

The Aratere was sold to a company that would deliver it to a shipbreaking yard in India, but it has sat in Tasman Bay for months.

Lithuania-Korea defense partnership a ‘win-win’: security adviser

Defense industry cooperation between South Korea and Lithuania will be advantageous to both countries, said Lithuanian National Security Adviser Deividas Matulionis. In an interview with The Korea Herald, Matulionis described bilateral defense cooperation as a “win-win” partnership driven by shared security concerns and complementary military capabilities. “South Korea has developed its defense industry over many years, and you have everything that you need because you have always felt the need

Campaign trucks draw backlash over illegal parking, safety issues

Concerns are growing that campaign trucks are violating traffic rules and endangering pedestrians ahead of the June 3 elections, with some vehicles parked illegally near intersections, crosswalks and sidewalks. A post uploaded Friday to Bobaedream, an online community for car enthusiasts, showed a large campaign truck parked on a sidewalk near an intersection in Jinju, South Gyeongsang Province. As well as blocking a crosswalk, the truck appeared to obstruct the view of drivers attempting to tur

'Race against time' to contain Ebola outbreak in central Africa

Canadians with experience tackling Ebola are warning of major challenges in containing the spread of the virus in central Africa, as a fast-moving outbreak of the relatively rare Bundibugyo strain has hit more than 1,000 known infections.

Canada's World Cup team is training in the U.S. Why?

Charlotte, N.C., is playing host to the Canadian men's national soccer team's training camp this week ahead of the World Cup. Canada Soccer says the players will benefit from training in high heat and humidity, while spending time in an “isolated environment” to focus on preparations.

B.C. won't extend last call for World Cup games as Ontario did — and it's all about time zones

Two Canadian provinces — British Columbia and Ontario — are hosting FIFA World Cup games next month, but only one will allow you to buy booze until 4 a.m. during the tournament. Those keeping an eye on the moves say it likely has more to do with time zones than permissiveness.

A Quebec studio won game of the year. So why doesn't the game look Canadian?

Canadian settings or locations rarely take centre stage in video games, though it's slowly growing thanks to a handful of smaller independent studios.

Military to force disclosure of sexual, romantic relationships with a 'power imbalance'

Canadian military personnel must from now on proactively disclose any "emotional, romantic, sexual or family relationship" that involve people of different rank, seniority, position or experience.

RCMP investigator should lose job for having an intimate relationship with informant: ruling

A lead RCMP investigator who had a secret, intimate relationship with their confidential informant risked "the integrity of an active criminal investigation" and needed to be let go, according to a recently published conduct board decision.

Conservatives look to limit government powers in Liberals' controversial lawful access bill

Conservatives say they'll push to amend the Liberals' controversial lawful access bill, which would force tech companies to adjust their systems to aid police and security investigations, amid fears the bill is encroaching on Canadians' privacy and putting cybersecurity at risk.

The Ukrainians are doing better, now it’s the Europeans’ turn

Overall, the nature of the battlefield has changed in ways that blunt Russia's overwhelming advantages in manpower, artillery and armor.

California chemical tank explosion threat subsides

The threat of a toxic chemical tank explosion in southern California has subsided enough to allow some of the 50,000 residents who were evacuated to return to their homes, officials said.

Solar in space is a solution in search of a problem

The thinking behind space solar makes some sense: The sun doesn't always shine on Earth, which means solar panels on the ground aren't always gathering energy.

Knicks sweep Cavs to make first NBA Finals since 1999

The 37-point defeat was the Cavaliers' largest ever in a playoff home game.

Labrador attacked by group of dogs on Palmerston North walking track

"I just wanted to get Levi away from the dogs, I did not think about anything else."

Cyclone Gabrielle-damaged homes not undervalued, Ombudsman finds

The Hawke's Bay property owners felt they were not compensated for trauma or financial losses, as well as costs including rents, mortgage payments and consent costs.

Rural petrol station in Manawatū hit three times in same night by thieves

A rural petrol station owner says it was hit three times in same night by fuel thieves, taking about $3000 worth of fuel.

MUFG exploring options for stake in Indonesian lender Danamon, sources say

Indonesia has given listed companies up to three years to increase their public floats as part of reforms to boost transparency.

Pope says AI should be ‘disarmed’ to avoid dominating humanity

Pope Leo XIV said artificial intelligence should be "disarmed” to protect humanity from its dangers, adding his voice to a heated debate over the extent to which governments should regulate a technology that is reshaping the world.

Giants manager Abe resigns after arrest for allegedly assaulting daughter

Abe, 47, who was apprehended at his home, admitted to the allegation against him.

Auckland bus attack: Police urge public to stop sharing video of assault

A video that appears to show a woman being assaulted by a group of young people has been circulating on social media.

Person dies after car hits fence in Lower Hutt suburb Wainuiomata

Police say a person has died following a crash in the suburb of Wainuiomata.

Teen arrested as police probe bomb threats against organisations around country

The boy was charged after police searched a house in Invercargill.

Gulf Harbour trial: Police officer describes odour and hand as body found

Shulai Wang's body was found in layers of plastic bags floating near the Gulf Harbour marina in March 2024 by a member of the public.

Iran says new US strikes violate ceasefire

Iran has said the US violated a ceasefire after it conducted what it called defensive strikes in southern Iran, while US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said negotiating a deal to halt the conflict could "take a few days".

Man seriously wounded in suspected Auckland shooting

He was found seriously hurt at a property on Mount Wellington Highway, police say.

Budget 2026: What schools, universities and early childhood educators are looking for

The government goes into this week's Budget with an ambitious change programme for schools but providers say they're just feeling nervous and worried.

Police say staff investigation into additional irregular breath tests 'impractical'

The head of road policing says trying to figure out how many staff were involved would be "impractical".

Jazz great Sonny Rollins dead at 95

Sonny Rollins, the tenor saxophonist and restless genius whose bold, distinctive tone and constant experimentation kept him on the cutting edge of jazz for more than 50 years, died Monday at age 95.

Wave of child abuse cases shakes schools in Paris

A school assistant goes on trial accused of sexual mistreatment of children in his care, in the latest case to rock the Paris school system.

First search for 'Disappeared' Seamus Maguire under way

A search is under way in Co Antrim for the remains of Seamus Maguire, one of the so-called Disappeared.

Including services in OTB 'not implementable' - Taoiseach

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said that extending the scope of the Occupied Territories Bill to include services is "not implementable".

80 inspections identify potential consumer law breaches

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has said it has identified a number of potential breaches of consumer law during 80 unannounced inspections of businesses in six counties.

Govt approves change to how Ukrainians are accommodated

Minister for Justice and Migration Jim O'Callaghan has received Government approval to change how people from Ukraine are accommodated in Ireland.

Teachers, principals frustrated with slow delivery of money, research finds

The Aotearoa Educators Collective said educators heard big numbers in last year's Budget and expected to see the needs of more children being met but that was yet to happen.

#TheMoment a family of foxes moved in under the porch

Ashley Charriere tells The National about the moment a family of foxes nested under her porch in Mitchell, Man.

Fisher & Paykel Healthcare profit up 24%

Results exceeded market expectations and included an 18 percent jump in revenue for its hospital business.

Police probe potential Russian sanctions breach

Figures show the public made 43 reports to police while around 320 reports have come in from the 5000 companies and organisations that are "duty holders".

Iran's national soccer team to commute to U.S.-hosted World Cup games from Mexico

Iran's national soccer team will sleep in Mexico and travel to the U.S. on the days of its three World Cup matches after Washington declined to host the squad for the tournament, Mexican President ‌Claudia Sheinbaum said on Monday.

Would you trust AI to help you find 'the one'? Dating apps are betting it can

Most major apps are facing declining numbers, and many are now turning to AI, but the move raises concerns about the future of intimacy and dating.

Jesse Marsch extended as Canada's men's soccer coach through 2030 World Cup

Canada Soccer announced a four-year extension with men's head coach Jesse Marsch that will take his contract through the 2030 FIFA World Cup, the organization announced Monday.

Service marks 30 years helping those affected by homicide

In the last three years, more than 700 people annually have availed of the services provided by Support After Homicide.

Carney speaks to Israeli president about 'appalling treatment' of flotilla activists

Prime Minister Mark Carney called for an independent investigation into treatment of detained Gaza flotilla activists while speaking with Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Monday.

Tampa Bay Rays' Wander Franco found criminally responsible for abuse, but spared punishment in Dominican case

Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco was declared criminally responsible for the sexual and psychological abuse of a minor, but he will not serve a sentence for it, a Dominican judge ruled Monday.

Effectiveness of new anti-stalking law will depend on implementation, advocate says

A new law makes stalking a criminal offence punishable by up to five years in prison.

Care worker says temporary fuel tax relief would help

It's not unusual for care worker Mohit Kaushal to drive 1000km a week.

Rudd on Power Ballad: 'I wanted to film in Dublin again'

Paul Rudd has said that getting a chance to work in Ireland again was one of the main reasons he agreed to star in new Irish musical comedy Power Ballad.

Spaniard evacuated from hantavirus ship tests positive

A ⁠Spanish national in quarantine in a Madrid military hospital, who is among those evacuated from a cruise ship earlier this month, has tested positive for hantavirus, Spain's Health Ministry has said.

Police feared Artemiy 'Troy' Dubovskiy was planning terror attack, coronial inquest told

Artemiy Dubovskiy, who was known as Troy, is suspected of taking his own life early on 27 March 2019 after negotiating with police for hours.

Family seeks answers after Indigenous mother dies in delivery room at Saskatoon hospital

Family and friends of Jaali Sutherland-Weenie are calling for accountability from the health-care system after the young Indigenous woman died in hospital following a severe pregnancy complication.

Largest budget tabled in Nunavut's history promises more money for health, community infrastructure

Nunavut Premier and Finance Minister John Main tabled the largest budget in the territory's history Monday with major increases to spending on health, housing and social services.

A new slinky is in the world record books. This Connecticut family made it happen

It turns out everyone’s favourite childhood toy is actually a record-breaking stair master — and not the type we collectively dread seeing at the gym. According to Guinness World Records, the record for the most stairs descended by a slinky has been shattered, at 53.

The first significant heat wave of the year is expected to descend across the southern Prairies this week

It's about to get very hot across a large swath of Canada. The first long stretch of heat is expected across southern Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba this week where temperatures could reach higher than 32 C over several days.

Our Changing World: Hydrogen detectives

Can our reliance on imported energy be solved by using natural home-grown hydrogen?

Shining Star: Vera Rubin Discovers Dark Matter

A new entry for the Vatican Observatory Faith & Science Resource Center (Younger Readers): A book on astronomer Vera Rubin, friend of the Vatican Observatory.

Government to appoint new minister of state this week

A new minister of state at the Department of Agriculture is expected to be announced later this week.

Found a metal tube on the beach? It could still explode, warns N.S. military base

A beach cleanup crew recently found marine location markers that had washed up in Advocate Harbour, N.S. The Canadian Forces base in Greenwood says while these items may appear old, inactive or harmless, they can still post a serious danger.

Captain Alphonso Davies likely won't play in Canada's World Cup opener: coach

Captain Alphonso Davies will likely miss Canada's first game of the FIFA World Cup as he works his way back from a hamstring injury, head coach Jesse Marsch told reporters Monday. Marsch said he expects Davies to play in the tournament, but he likely won't be ready for the opener against Bosnia-Herzegovina in Toronto on June 12.

Police hope pollen analysis will help crack cold case of woman found dead in Vancouver's English Bay

A forensic analysis of pollen samples taken from the woman's sweater indicate she may have spent her final days in the Seattle or Portland area.

Tim Hortons commits to hiring 10,000 local employees, scaling back on temporary foreign workers

Delays ease on DART and Northern commuter services

Delays are easing across DART and commuter services in Dublin after a DART train broke down in Killester.

What Ireland's restored collision map reveals about road safety

The publication of the map follows longstanding calls for greater transparency around collision data and gives the public one of the clearest pictures in years of where serious and fatal crashes are happening.

Telescope, toilet seats bought by Murrell with SNP funds

A £1,200 space telescope, a designer bread bin worth £60 and two toilet seats, costing nearly £70, are among the items that former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell bought using money embezzled from the party.

Man, woman to remain in custody after infant found dead in wooded area outside Halifax

Two people charged after a newborn baby was found in a wooded area outside Halifax will stay in custody until their next court appearance, as the infant’s mother remained in hospital Monday in critical condition.

Ukraine's cultural, historical institutions heavily damaged in mass-scale Russian attack

Russia's sweeping barrage of missiles and drones on Ukraine over the weekend damaged some of the nation's most significant cultural institutions, in what officials condemned as a deliberate assault on Ukraine's history.

Spanish passenger from the MV Hondius cruise ship tests positive for hantavirus

A Spanish national in quarantine ‌in a Madrid military hospital, and who is among those evacuated from a cruise ​ship earlier this month, has ​tested positive of hantavirus, Spain's Health Ministry said on Monday.

Anna Rowlands: Pope Leo’s ‘Magnifica humanitas’ will have enduring impact

As Pope Leo XIV’s encyclical 'Magnifica humanitas' is unveiled, Professor Anna Rowlands, theologian at Durham University, tells Vatican News that such a powerful message—addressing both the benefits and dangers of our AI era—will leave an enduring mark on the Church and the world.

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Peru: Cardinals, bishops kneel before 'Sodalitium' victims

At a Mass of Reparation, Vatican delegates and Peruvian clergy knelt before farmers in Peru asking for forgiveness, following years of petitions from the indigenous community asking for “reparation” in response to abuses suffered at the hands of members of the "Sodalitium Christianae Vitae," an ecclesial organization dissolved in 2025.

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Singapore foreign minister to visit Seoul after stops in China, N. Korea

Foreign Minister Cho Hyun will meet his Singaporean counterpart, Vivian Balakrishnan, in Seoul this week, following the latter's visits to China and North Korea, the ministry here said Monday. The foreign ministry said Cho and Balakrishnan will explore ways to strengthen the countries' bilateral cooperation and discuss the state of affairs on the Korean Peninsula during their talks Thursday, while also exchanging views on regional and international developments. Singapore's foreign ministry had announced Sunday that Balakrishnan will visit China, North Korea and South Korea from Sunday to Thursday. Balakrishnan will be the first Singaporean foreign ministry to travel to South Korea since 2007. Unification Minister Chung Dong-young is apparently trying to arrange a meeting with Balakrishnan, though a ministry official told Yonhap News Agency that nothing had been fixed as of Monday evening. Singapore has maintained a cordial relationship with North Korea, providing the stage for the first summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in 2018. Considering Sin

Sweden hits smoke-free goal of under 5% daily smokers: report

STOCKHOLM — Sweden met its target of becoming smoke-free in 2025 with less than five percent of the population smoking cigarettes daily, though a quarter of the population still used nicotine daily in some form, such as vapes and snus, a report showed Monday. The number of daily smokers fell from 16 to 4.8 percent between 2003 and 2025, according to the report published by the Swedish Council for Information on Alcohol and Other Drugs (CAN). A country is considered smoke-free when less than five percent of its population are daily smokers. A report by Sweden's Public Health Agency in 2024 put the number at 5.4 percent. Its next survey was to be conducted sometime in 2026. According to the CAN report, women aged 50-84 were the largest group of daily cigarette smokers, at six percent. Sweden's success in reducing cigarette smoking has largely been attributed to the widespread use of snus, or moist snuff, which is placed under the upper lip either in pouches or loose. It can be made with tobacco or without, with the latter known as white snus which is often made with sweet flavourings that

Foreign ministry calls on Israel to investigate assault claims by activists

The foreign ministry said Monday it has pressed Israel to conduct a thorough investigation into claims by two Korean activists that they were assaulted by Israeli forces after being detained aboard aid vessels bound for the Gaza Strip. The ministry said it called in deputy Israeli ambassador to Korea to its office Saturday and conveyed its concerns over those allegations. The two activists, Kim Ah-hyun and Kim Dong-hyeon, returned home Friday following their release. Upon arrival, they both said they had been assaulted by Israeli forces, with Kim Ah-hyun claiming that she had lost some hearing in her left ear because she had been struck on that side of the face several times. The ministry said it demanded a thorough investigation into the matter and stressed that appropriate measures must be taken if inhumane acts by Israeli forces are found to be true. "The government expressed strong concerns over Israel's detention of two Korean nationals," a ministry official said. "We take seriously the testimonies by our nationals that there had been physical assaults by Israeli forces during their

Delivery Hero confirms takeover offer from rival Uber

Berlin — Shares in Delivery Hero surged on Monday after the company confirmed takeover interest from U.S. ride-hailing and food delivery giant Uber, fuelling speculation of a potential bidding war. The Berlin-based food-delivery service, which is listed on Germany’s MDAX index, said Uber had approached it with an offer of 33 euros ($38) per share for a full takeover. The proposed price was below Delivery Hero's closing share price on Friday. The stock jumped as much as 9 percent to 36.69 euros on Monday, giving the company a market value of just over 11 billion euros ($12.8 billion). Uber is already a significant shareholder in Delivery Hero. Analyst Giles Thorne of U.S. investment bank Jefferies said the 33 euros-per-share proposal appeared insufficient, noting that some investors were seeking more than 40 euros per share. How things proceed from here "is difficult to predict," he wrote. The Financial Times had earlier reported, citing informed sources, that Uber rival DoorDash had also approached Delivery Hero shareholders. DoorDash is reportedly primarily interested in Delivery Hero

Around 20 injured after spraying incident in Tokyo mall

TOKYO — Around 20 people were injured at a luxury shopping complex in central Tokyo on Monday after a man sprayed a substance inside, police and fire department officials said. Tokyo police spokesman Yusuke Koide told AFP that a man sprayed a substance at an ATM on the ground floor of the building, while a local fire department official said "around 20 people were injured" after a report of a "smell." The road in front of the mall — located in the touristy and upmarket shopping district of Ginza — was blocked off following the incident, and fire trucks lined the street. However, shoppers continued to come and go from the building using side entrances. An AFP reporter at the scene saw two people on stretchers being put into an ambulance, while firefighters and officials dressed in hazmat suits brought people from the mall into specialised trucks to examine them. "As of now, 19 people have been transported to a hospital," fire department official Ryosuke Kobayashi told reporters. Public broadcaster NHK said the injuries appeared to be light. It said the spray was believed to have contai

Pope Leo urges world to 'slow down' on AI in fervent first manifesto

VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo urged governments to slow down and closely regulate the development of AI systems in his first major document, released on Monday, warning that they spread misinformation, prioritize conflict and risk leading the world down a path of unending war. Leo, who has adopted a more forceful tone in recent months and has drawn the ire of U.S. President Donald Trump after criticizing the Iran war, made a range of impassioned appeals to world leaders in the lengthy text, known as an encyclical. The first U.S. pope called for ownership of AI data not to be left solely in private hands, for policy-makers to protect the rights of workers and keep children safe from the technology, and urged the cooling of competition between AI companies. "What is needed is a more active political involvement that is capable of slowing things down when everything is accelerating," said Leo in the text, entitled "Magnifica Humanitas" (Magnificent Humanity). The pope called for "robust legal frameworks, independent oversight, informed users and a political system that does not abdicate its res

Hyundai Motor Group creates dedicated units for software-defined factory, robot components

Hyundai Motor Group has created units dedicated to advancing its software-defined factory (SDF) strategy and procuring robot components as part of broader plans to deploy Atlas humanoid robots at its auto manufacturing facilities, industry sources said Monday. The group recently created a position overseeing its SDF initiative and appointed Alpesh Patel, who serves as chief innovation officer at Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Center Singapore, according to the sources. An SDF refers to a factory where artificial intelligence (AI) controls and manages production, quality and logistics operations through software. The move is viewed as an initial step toward applying Hyundai Motor Group's SDF strategy across its global manufacturing network. Earlier, Hyundai Motor Group announced plans to establish facilities capable of producing 30,000 humanoid robots annually by 2028 and deploy 25,000 robots across Hyundai Motor Co. and Kia Corp. manufacturing plants. Under the plan, Atlas, developed by the group's U.S. subsidiary Boston Dynamics and unveiled at the CES 2026 tech trade show in Las Vegas,

From ‘Danjong oppa’ to military cook drama, Park Ji-hoon’s second act is exploding

Park Ji-hoon is having the kind of career moment few K-pop idols successfully achieve: dominating music, television and film all at once. The former Wanna One member has become one of South Korea’s hottest entertainers after a breakout run fueled by a high-profile historical film role, a solo music comeback and a highly anticipated Wanna One reunion project. Released in February, “The King’s Warden” surpassed 16 million moviegoers, an extraordinary result in South Korea’s struggling theater market. Park drew praise for his emotionally layered performance and intense screen presence, helping fuel word-of-mouth buzz surrounding the movie. As clips spread online, Korean viewers began affectionately referring to him as “Danjong oppa,” referencing the tragic young king from Korea’s Joseon Dynasty. The viral nickname quickly became part of the film’s cultural phenomenon, with many viewers saying they had “rediscovered” Park as a serious actor rather than simply a former idol. Although Park first rose to fame through K-pop, his acting career has been steadily building for y

[PHOTO] Honoring Canada's Korean War veterans

Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Kim Kyung-ryul, left, shakes hands with a Canadian veteran of the 1950-53 Korean War during a ceremony in Victoria, Canada, Sunday (local time). The naval commanders from the two countries paid tribute to Korean War veterans at a memorial site in the city ahead of a joint naval cooperation exercise involving a 3,000-ton class Dosan Ahn Chang-ho submarine. Courtesy of Republic of Korea Navy

Key US-Iran negotiator Munir in China with PM Sharif: Pakistan TV

ISLAMABAD — Islamabad's key negotiator between the United States and Iran, army chief Asim Munir, is in Beijing alongside the country's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for talks with Chinese leaders, Pakistan television showed on Monday. Munir was in Tehran on Friday and Saturday alongside Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi as part of ongoing mediation efforts to formally end the Iran war. China has said it would work with Pakistan to "make positive contributions to the early restoration of peace and stability in the Middle East." Sharif kicked off his four-day official visit to China in Hangzhou in eastern Zhejiang province on Saturday. Pakistan has emerged as a central mediator between the United States and Iran, hosting historic face-to-face talks last month that failed to yield a lasting agreement. China has played a quieter role, shepherding phone calls and meetings with officials of affected Gulf countries. Speaking to Chinese leaders in Beijing alongside Munir, Sharif said "the world is passing through a critical moment", Pakistan television showed. "Pakistan has played a sinc

Central Seoul district candidate pushes foreign tourist tax

The increasing number of international tourists visiting Korea has prompted calls to review the introduction of a tourist tax to cover local government expenses to address problems resulting from overtourism. The idea was floated recently by Lee Dong-hyun of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), a candidate for head of Jung District in central Seoul, with party leaders also supporting the suggestion. Lee has made an international tourist tax a centerpiece of his campaign pledges, promising to turn the tourism boom into benefits for residents. “Jung District is the most visited district in Korea among foreigners, yet the burden of waste and noise falls entirely on residents,” Lee said during a Sunday campaign rally. “But not a single benefit from that prosperity flows back to our residents. I will absolutely open the floodgates of our district's development through the introduction of a foreign tourist tax.” Jung District, located at the heart of Seoul, is home to some of Seoul's most iconic landmarks, including Myeong-dong, Mount Nam, Namdaemun Market, Dongdaemun Design Pla

Foreign ministers of S. Korea, Croatia discuss arms, energy cooperation

Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and his Croatian counterpart, Gordan Grlic Radman, met in Seoul on Monday to discuss ways to expand bilateral cooperation in the weapons and energy sectors, Seoul's foreign ministry said. Cho welcomed Radman's visit, which marked the first trip to South Korea by Croatia's top diplomat in eight years, and called for enhancing their future-oriented cooperation in areas ranging from the arms industry to batteries, according to the ministry. In response, Radman noted that practical cooperation between the two countries is expanding, citing bilateral memorandums of understanding (MOUs) the countries signed recently on defense and economy, as well as science and technology. The ministers agreed to push for an MOU on public safety, establishing a policy framework to allow their people to travel to each other's country more safely, the ministry said. They also agreed to accelerate discussions on a working holiday program and continue educational and research exchanges between their foreign ministries.

1 in 14 youths repeat self-harm attempts within 2 months

One in 14 people aged 24 and under who visit an emergency room in Seoul following a suicide attempt or self-harm returns within two months for the same reason, highlighting the need for stronger postcrisis care for young people. According to the findings of a joint research team from Seoul Metropolitan Government-Seoul National University Hospital Boramae Medical Center and Yonsei University College of Medicine, released this month, the 7.1 percent revisit rate was recorded among 1,445 people aged 24 and under who visited Seoul emergency rooms for suicide attempts or self-harm between 2015 and 2022. They made up 32.5 percent of the 4,452 total patients during the period. Among those aged 24 and under, 75.4 percent were female, with most attempts being impulsive and nonlethal, and 79.4 percent were discharged home. The study also identified several factors associated with higher revisit risk. Women were 1.93 times more likely than men to return, while the risk faced by those living alone was 1.57 times higher. A history of psychiatric treatment raised the risk by 2.41 times, and a prior

Korea's chip-led rally creates unexpected gains for farms, schools

As Korea’s stock market barrels through record highs on the back of the semiconductor rally, the boom is creating an unlikely windfall that extends far beyond the trading floor, into farms and schools. Behind it are two earmarked taxes that automatically rise in line with trading activity and financial firms’ earnings. But the surge is also exposing a policy dilemma. Critics have argued that these funds were already taking in more money than they could realistically spend. Now, with the market rally expected to generate tens of trillions of won in additional tax revenue, debate is growing over how to handle the overflow — and whether the country’s decades-old tax structure still makes sense, industry officials said Sunday. Unlike broad-based taxes such as income and corporate levies that flow into the government’s general budget, the special rural development tax and education tax are purpose-specific ones designed to fund designated policy areas. The rural development tax, introduced in 1994 after Korea opened its agricultural market to foreign competition, aims to support rur

Former pro-Yoon protest leader joins US State Department-linked board

Kim Jyung-hyun, a former protest leader who firmly opposed the arrest of former President Yoon Suk Yeol following his impeachment in late 2024, has been appointed to the board of governors of the East-West Center in Hawaii, according to his think tank and media reports. The Bexus Policy Research Institute, a Washington-based think tank, announced that Kim, a Korean American who holds dual citizenship, was nominated to the board on May 12 by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The 18-member international board was created by the U.S. Congress in 1960 as part of the East-West Center, a nonprofit diplomacy institution aimed at strengthening ties and mutual understanding between the U.S. and Asia-Pacific countries. A significant share of its budget comes directly from the U.S. federal government, and five of the board members are named by the U.S. secretary of state. According to a State Department letter revealed by Bexus, Kim was appointed to a three-year term on the board, effective immediately, with the secretary citing Kim’s work as an investigative journalist, army veteran and poli

TWICE’s Jeongyeon draws praise for return of ‘prime visuals’ after health struggles

TWICE member Jeongyeon is drawing attention online after fans praised her healthier appearance during the group’s ongoing world tour. On Sunday, Jeongyeon uploaded several behind-the-scenes photos to social media without a caption, but the images quickly spread across Korean online communities and fan accounts. The photos showed the singer backstage during TWICE’s current world tour, posing for mirror selfies in a sleeveless top decorated with pearl details and while wearing a performance microphone. Fans particularly focused on Jeongyeon’s sharper facial features and elegant styling, with many commenting that she appeared to have regained her “prime visuals” — a Korean entertainment phrase referring to a celebrity’s peak appearance. The renewed attention also brought back discussion of Jeongyeon’s past health issues. The singer previously revealed that she experienced significant weight gain after taking steroids during treatment for a herniated cervical disc in 2020. At the time, concerns over her health and changing appearance became a major topic online, with many fans

Broader stakes beyond bonuses

The recent wage agreement between Samsung Electronics management and its labor union may have averted a potentially devastating strike, but it has also ignited a far larger national debate. At the center of the controversy lies a critical question: How should extraordinary corporate profits be distributed in an era defined by technological transformation, widening wage inequality and fierce global competition? Samsung’s labor and management reached a tentative agreement to allocate a fixed portion of operating profit to special performance bonuses, narrowly avoiding what could have become the first large-scale strike in the company’s semiconductor division. The immediate crisis may have passed, but the implications of the agreement are only beginning to unfold. Semiconductors are no ordinary industry. In the age of artificial intelligence (AI), chips have become strategic assets tied directly to national competitiveness and economic security. The global semiconductor race is increasingly a contest of capital. Companies that fail to invest aggressively in advanced fabrication plants

[PHOTO] Beauty brand Age20’s heats up Hongdae

Visitors flock to a pop-up by Aekyung for its beauty brand Age20's near an Olive Young store in Hongdae in western Seoul, Monday. Last week, they launched the brand's globally popular makeup compact Signature Essence Pact Intense Cover for Olive Young, a chain store and hotspot for K-beauty and wellness brands. Aekyung has hired social influencer Choi Mina Sue, seen on the poster above, as ambassador for the product. Courtesy of Aekyung

Uber, Naver show interest in taking over Baedal Minjok

Woowa Brothers, the operator behind Korea's largest food delivery platform Baedal Minjok, is now for sale as German parent firm Delivery Hero has begun restructuring its portfolio. Most speculation over potential buyers has pointed towards a consortium between Uber, which owns and operates Uber Eats global food and grocery delivery business, and Naver, the largest local online portal and major e-commerce shopping platform. According to industry officials on Monday, Delivery Hero appointed JPMorgan Chase earlier this month as lead manager for the sale of Woowa Brothers, and has distributed teaser materials to major strategic investors and private equity firms. The estimated price for Woowa Brothers is 8 trillion won ($5.8 billion), roughly double the price that Delivery Hero paid when it acquired the company in 2019. Among the various companies mentioned as potential buyers, Uber and Naver are considered the most likely candidates. Given the hefty price tag, speculation has also emerged that the two companies may form a consortium, although Naver said it is reviewing various options and n

Parties place AI at center of local election pledges

Parties across Korea’s political spectrum are putting artificial intelligence (AI) at the heart of their campaign promises for the June 3 local elections, signaling a rare consensus that AI will shape everything from growth policy to welfare and public administration. Every parliamentary party now mentions AI in its official top 10 pledges, with candidates tailoring campaign promises to suit each region, though with different emphases. Proposals range from attracting a United Nations AI center to building AI-based administrative systems and expanding AI-enabled safety nets for older adults. The ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) lists its overall AI vision as one of the top three policy priorities of its candidates, promising to deploy the technology to fully realize the nation’s potential and improve public services. The centerpiece of the party’s plan is using AI not only for economic growth but also in core regional functions such as education and infrastructure. The party says it will help its candidates, if elected, build AI-powered infrastructure by massively expanding c

'Mount Gwanak for exams, Mount Acha for romance': Young Koreans seek luck in mountains, charms

Kim, 23, a university student who enjoys hiking as a hobby, visited Mount Bukhan last month after a friend recommended it. The trip was part of what young Koreans are calling “fortune hiking” — climbing mountains believed to improve luck. Recently, online posts claiming that Mount Bukhan brings success in business and leadership have spread widely on social media. Kim said the hike was meant to help “improve personal fortune.” “I actually started two new tutoring jobs after the hike,” Kim said. “I don’t think it happened because I went to the mountain, but it still made me feel good somehow.” Another college student, Choi, 22, said a visit to Mount Gwanak with family members came after the student’s mother saw a television program claiming that “wishes come true if you climb Mount Gwanak three times.” “At the time, I was going through a difficult period so part of me wanted to believe it,” Choi said. “We talked about our wishes together while climbing, and after some of the problems were resolved, I think it gave me emotional comfort.” Fortune hiking has

Samsung Electronics leads smartphone markets in S. America, Middle East, Southeast Asia in Q1

Samsung Electronics topped the smartphone markets in Central and South America, the Middle East and Southeast Asia in the first quarter on steady sales of its premium Galaxy S26 and budget Galaxy A series smartphones, industry data showed Monday. According to the data compiled by industry tracker Omdia, Samsung Electronics sold some 12.9 million units of smartphones in the Central and South American market in the January-March period, accounting for 37 percent of the total 34.8 million smartphones sold there over the cited period. Omdia said the performance was driven by solid sales of Galaxy A series smartphones as Samsung Electronics responded to market demand with a diversified product lineup. In the Middle East market, where smartphone sales fell 6 percent on-year to 11 million units in the first quarter, Samsung Electronics led the market with a market share of 34 percent on strong demand for the latest Galaxy S26 and Galaxy A series smartphones. The company also sold 4.6 million smartphones in the Southeast Asian market, accounting for 21 percent of all smartphones sold there in th

Shinhan Securities hosts George Washington University Korean studies delegation

Shinhan Securities hosted a student delegation from George Washington University's Institute for Korean Studies, as part of an overseas study program aimed at deepening understanding of Korea’s capital markets and financial industry, the company said Sunday. The delegation visited Shinhan Securities’ headquarters in Seoul's financial district of Yeouido, Friday, during the university’s summer study abroad program, organized under the theme “Korea in the 21st Century: Past, Present, and Future in the Age of Globalization.” The program, running through May 30, includes 12 participants, including students majoring in Korean studies and faculty members interested in Korean society and economy. During the visit, participants attended lectures and briefings on the structure and characteristics of Korea’s capital markets, trends in digital financial innovation and the outlook for future growth industries including K-content, semiconductors and artificial intelligence. The delegation also met with Shinhan Securities employees for a question-and-answer session on the country’s finan

Samsung Electronics employees now score ‘almost like lawyers’ in Korea’s marriage market

Employees at Samsung Electronics are reportedly seeing their value rise in Korea’s marriage market as the semiconductor boom fuels expectations of massive bonuses. According to matchmaking company Sunoo on Monday, Samsung Electronics employees recently saw their so-called “spouse index” rise from 84 to 87 points — approaching the level typically associated with lawyers, who score around 90 points. The spouse index is a matchmaking metric that evaluates marriage prospects based on factors including socioeconomic status, physical attractiveness and family background. A Sunoo official said in an interview with Yonhap News Agency that such scores rarely change significantly. “The spouse index usually barely moves, so a three-point increase is very unusual,” the official said. “It reflects how strongly people of marriageable age prioritize realistic financial conditions.” The trend comes as Korea’s semiconductor industry experiences another rise, with expectations of enormous performance bonuses for employees at major chipmakers. While SK hynix employees have not yet seen an o

‘Yield yields yield’

Attracting the attention of the entire nation, the labor-management negotiations of Korea's top global electronics company had continued, with both sides engaging in brinksmanship. Seeing the news, I remembered a tongue twister I learned from my British friend a long time ago: “Yield yields yield.” In the modern world, we are often told to fight, hustle and never give up. The mantra of our age is resistance: resist traffic, resist the boss, resist the temptation to check your phone during dinner. Yield means to surrender, give way or step aside. But curiously, the word yield also whispers a different philosophy, meaning to produce, generate or bring forth. The paradox is delicious: Sometimes, when we yield, we yield more. Take the morning commute: Drivers who refuse to yield at congested roads often end up yielding nothing but honks, curses and insurance claims. The stubborn refusal to let another car pass is a small act of defiance, but it rarely yields happiness. On the other hand, the driver who graciously yields the right of way discovers that traffic flows more smoothly, temper

LG Group enjoys rosy market outlook for robot business

LG Group companies are enjoying a rosy market outlook as expectations surrounding their robotics business plans continue to drive up stock prices. The stock price of LG Electronics closed at 237,000 won ($157) on Friday, up 68.2 percent from 140,900 won on April 30. Its market capitalization stood at 38.6 trillion won, ranking 23rd among companies listed on the benchmark KOSPI. The stock also hit the daily upper trading limit of 30 percent on Thursday, a rare occurrence for a large-cap company. Similar patterns are being observed among affiliates with business related to the robotics sector. During the same period, electronics parts firm LG Innotek stock enjoyed a 50.8 percent increase, while IT system company LG CNS rose 28 percent and LG Display gained 23.6 percent. Buoyed by strong performances from its affiliates, holding company LG Corp. also posted a 19.6 percent increase. Analysts said the companies’ robotics-related business plans appear to have received a favorable response from the market. “LG Electronics revealed plans at its shareholder meeting in March to establish a mass

Foreign investors dump $6.6 bil. in Samsung Electronics, SK hynix stocks last week

Foreign investors sold more than 10 trillion won ($6.6 billion) worth of shares in Samsung Electronics and SK hynix last week while extending their net-selling streak in the South Korean stock market to 12 trading sessions, data showed Monday. Foreigners offloaded a net 5.33 trillion won worth of SK hynix shares and 5.26 trillion won worth of Samsung Electronics shares during the week beginning May 18, according to the data from the Korea Exchange and Yonhap Infomax. Combined net sales of the two market bellwethers accounted for 73 percent of foreigners' total net selling of Korean stocks, which came to 14.45 trillion won over the cited period. The selling trend has continued over the past 12 trading sessions since May 7, when foreign investors turned net sellers. During the 12-session period, foreigners sold a net 19.53 trillion won worth of SK hynix shares and 18.87 trillion won worth of Samsung Electronics shares, accounting for 82.9 percent of their total net selling of 46.34 trillion won. Last week, Hyundai Mobis, Hyundai Motor, LG Electronics and Samsung Electro-Mechanics were also

Policy chief says high rates, prices, exchange rate are ‘cost of success’ in economic leap forward

The presidential policy adviser assessed that the Korean economy is taking a leap forward, brushing aside concerns over the triple burden of costly borrowing rates, high prices and a weak Korean won, calling them instead the “cost of success.” In a Facebook post titled “The cost of success,” Saturday, Kim Yong-beom, presidential chief of staff for policy, said these three factors are not “a precursor to crisis, but friction emerging as the Korean economy enters a new phase.” “While corporate performance is at an all-time high, interest rates and the exchange rate are rising, and housing prices are starting to heat up again, with markets and the media raising concerns about a crisis,” he said. “The problem lies not in the economy itself, but in the framework through which it is perceived,” he added. Kim’s post came as the lower bound of fixed mortgage rates at major commercial banks bounced back above 5 percent, while the benchmark interest rate remains unchanged at 2.5 percent since May last year. The Korean won is weakening against the U.S. dollar, with the exchange

Chipmakers’ record bonuses to fuel demand for houses, luxury cars

Massive performance bonuses by the world’s two largest memory chipmakers — Samsung Electronics and SK hynix — are expected to spur demand for premium imported vehicles and apartments in key semiconductor-linked residential regions, industry officials said Sunday. According to market tracker FnGuide, Samsung Electronics is expected to post operating profit of 343.5 trillion won this year. Under its recently signed labor-management agreement, which allocates 12 percent of operating profit to special performance bonuses, total payouts are estimated at about 41 trillion won. SK hynix is forecast to record operating profit of 255 trillion won, with 10 percent set aside for employee incentives, resulting in estimated payouts of about 25.5 trillion won. The combined bonus pool for employees at the two firms is projected to reach around 67 trillion won ($44.2 billion), driven by the ongoing artificial intelligence (AI)-driven semiconductor upcycle. Industry officials said the enormous cash injection could generate ripple effects across the economy, particularly boosting spending in the hou

Basketball legends’ daughters face off at Miss Korea pageant

The daughters of two Korean basketball legends are set to continue their fathers’ long-running rivalry — this time on the Miss Korea stage. Jeon Su-wan, 22, the eldest daughter of Jeon Hee-chul, head coach of the Seoul SK Knights, and Woo Seo-yoon, 23, daughter of former professional basketball player Woo Ji-won, have both entered the 70th Miss Korea Seoul-Gyeonggi-Incheon regional competition. The two contestants previously appeared on Seasons 1 and 2 of the tvN STORY reality show “When Our Kids Fall in Love,” where they gained attention for their looks and distinct personalities. Although they appeared in different seasons, the pair already drew public interest as daughters of famous basketball stars. Their fathers, Jeon and Woo, were longtime friends and rivals who attended Samseon Middle School and Kyungbock High School together before later playing for Korea University and Yonsei University, respectively. The two became major stars during the golden era of Korean college basketball, attracting large fan followings. After the launch of the Korean professional basketball leagu

Viewers question TV variety shows' exploration of infertility issures

Celebrity couples discussing pregnancy plans and fertility struggles have become a growing theme in South Korean television variety shows, reflecting a society grappling with record-low birthrates and rising infertility concerns. While such programs have been praised for openly addressing issues that were once considered taboo, criticism is also growing over increasingly explicit discussions aired on mainstream entertainment programs. Singer Bae Ki-sung and his wife recently revealed details of their efforts to conceive on the TV Chosun variety show “Lovers of Joseon.” The couple said they had been trying to have a child, with Bae revealing that he was even diagnosed with sudden hearing loss during the process. “One of my ears can barely hear now,” Bae said. “Because we wanted to have a baby, my wife and I had sex every day for eight days.” His highly personal confession was broadcast without much filtering, drawing mixed reactions from viewers. The issue is not limited to one couple. Comedian Kim Jun-ho and comedian Kim Ji-min have also publicly documented their efforts to pr

LG Energy Solution leads battery industry’s shift to AI-driven manufacturing

The battery industry is entering a new era of competition as companies move beyond labor-intensive expansion toward artificial intelligence (AI)-driven manufacturing and operations. Increasingly, leadership is expected to depend on how quickly companies can analyze data, improve productivity and accelerate innovation through AI. At the forefront is LG Energy Solution. In an April message to employees, CEO Kim Dong-myung described AI transformation, or AX, as “an essential task directly tied to survival” and “a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reshape the competitive landscape.” “Responding with simple quantitative expansion offers little chance of meaningful success,” Kim said, emphasizing the need to “change the rules of the game through AX centered on core assets and talent.” The company is already generating tangible results by integrating AI technologies across manufacturing and operations. One of the clearest examples is LG Energy Solution’s next-generation cylindrical battery smart factory project based on intelligent autonomous manufacturing, which recently wo

House GOP chickens out on war powers resolution

House GOP chickens out on war powers resolution

Loafers as comfortable as sneakers: Hybrid shoes become fashion’s latest obsession

Hybrid shoes are becoming one of the hottest trends in fashion. As consumers look for shoes that can seamlessly move between work, everyday life and outdoor activities while offering both style and comfort, the category is evolving from a novelty trend into a lasting fashion movement. Hybrid shoes that combine traditional silhouettes such as loafers, sandals and dress shoes with sneaker-style soles and cushioning technologies are rapidly establishing themselves as an independent category. The trend first gained attention in 2022 with the popularity of loafers and derby shoes, but the market expanded sharply from 2024 as sneaker brands including New Balance and Nike entered the market more aggressively. Last year, even luxury fashion house Louis Vuitton joined the trend by unveiling the "LV Sneakerina," a hybrid of sneakers and ballet flats. The biggest appeal of hybrid shoes is their ability to combine fashionable design with everyday comfort. One example is footwear brand FitFlop, which recently introduced products such as the iQ-Comff Tassel Leather Loafer and F-Mode Flow Knit Mary Jane

Incheon's Crocat House hosts group exhibition featuring 6 Korean, global artists

A group of Korean and foreign artists opened an exhibition at Crocat House, a new cultural and arts complex in Incheon that is transforming an old industrial waterfront zone into a platform for exhibitions, performances, pop-ups, seminars, busking and community events. The exhibition, titled "Felt Seams — What the Tide Erases, the Body Holds," tells a narrative in which seams emerge between body and world, memory and image, past and present, private feeling and shared space. Hence, six artists moving through different materials, places and sensibilities trace seams between what is felt and what remains. For Korean artist and curator Sung A Jang, art is less about fixed definitions and more about exchanges between ideas, people and spaces. Having grown up moving between Korea and the United States, she developed a fluid understanding of identity, belonging and place, which strongly informs both her art and curatorial approach. “I’m a third culture kid. I grew up hopping back and forth between Korea and the U.S. I see things as essentially fluid — identity, place, belonging, mediu

TUESDAY, May 26,2026

1896-Dow Jones Industrial Average begins with an average of 12 industrial stocks, the daily closing value is 40.9 1908-At Masjed Soleyman (مسجد سليمان) in southwest Persia, the first major commercial oil strike in the Middle East is made, rights acquired by the United Kingdom 1927-Henry Ford and the Ford Motor Company produce the last (and 15 millionth) Model T Ford / Tin Lizzie 1948-South Africa elects a nationalist government under D. F. Malan with an apartheid policy 2004-U.S. Army veteran Terry Nichols is found guilty of 161 state murder charges for helping carry out the Oklahoma City bombing

N. Korea to hold key party meeting in late June: KCNA

North Korea will convene a plenary meeting of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) next month for an interim review of state and party policies for this year, state media reported Monday. The WPK's political bureau has decided to hold the second plenary meeting of the ninth central committee in late June, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). The meeting will be convened "in order to have an interim review of the implementation of the party and state policies for 2026 and discuss the work in the second half of the year and a series of important issues," the KCNA said, without providing further details. The North has recently been holding plenary meetings regularly at the end of June and December, while also convening them when important issues need to be discussed. It remains to be seen whether North Korea will make major decisions regarding its policy stance against South Korea or the United States at the upcoming meeting, amid speculations Chinese President Xi Jinping may visit the North soon. The planned June meeting comes as North Korea seeks to implement follow-up m

Actress Gong Hyo-jin shares her go-to yogurt bowl recipe

Click here for more articles by Kormedi.com. Actress Gong Hyo-jin recently shared with fans her favorite way of eating yogurt. On her YouTube channel, Gong showed viewers around her home and talked about her current life. When a producer asked why she had lost weight, she said, “Everyone has a weight they personally want to maintain.” “I still eat only yogurt. I’m basically a yogurt person.” She said. “There’s nothing as light as yogurt. I make it myself. I pour chia seeds and blueberries into runny yogurt and leave it in the freezer or refrigerator. The chia seeds swell up, which makes it more filling.” The yogurt Gong enjoys is considered a good food choice for weight management. In particular, products such as plain yogurt or Greek yogurt with little added sugar can help provide protein while creating a sense of fullness with relatively little effort. Protein helps people feel full for longer after meals. Fermented dairy products like yogurt also supply probiotics, which can help maintain healthy gut bacteria balance, support digestion and nutrient absorption. However, s

How Shenzhen is becoming Asia's newest culinary hotspot

Driven by an affluent and youthful population, Shenzhen - aka China's Silicon Valley - has witnessed a boom over the past decade in high-end contemporary restaurants, offering everything from sophisticated modern Chinese gastronomy to Western fine dining. No longer famous for fake handbags and electronics, Shenzhen is making a name for itself as Asia's newest culinary hotspot. This transformation has deep roots. After Shenzhen was declared a special economic zone in 1980, the city experienced an exponential increase in employment opportunities almost overnight. Migrant workers flooded in from across China, and gradually this economic development gave rise to a middle class with disposable income and the free time to spend it. Yet the high-end dining landscape did not catch up until much later. As noted by Tata Dai, a China-based fine dining consultant, "Before the pandemic, high-end dining was limited to a few Cantonese, Chiu Chow, and five-star hotel restaurants, plus a smattering of Japanese and Western options." That is not to say Shenzhen was devoid of innovative restaurants pre-pan

Why Bangladesh could raise Indian red flags by buying a China-Pakistan fighter jet

Bangladesh's potential purchase of a Sino-Pakistani fighter jet could raise tensions in India's sensitive northeast, as relations between Dhaka and New Delhi remain tense, analysts said. According to Pakistani media reports, the country has transferred a fully operational simulator of a JF-17 Thunder Block III combat aircraft to Bangladesh. Fighter jet simulators replicate the experience of flying an aircraft and are used to train pilots in combat tactics and systems management. Jointly developed by the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex and Chengdu Aircraft Corporation, the fighter is one of the main combat aircraft operated by the Pakistan Air Force and has also been exported to Azerbaijan, Myanmar and Nigeria. Pakistan's reported transfer of the simulator follows a meeting between the two countries' air force chiefs in Islamabad in January which included "detailed discussions" on potential procurement of the jet, according to the Pakistani military. If confirmed, the purchase would boost Dhaka's air combat capabilities, replacing its ageing Russian-made MiG-29s and Chinese-made F-7s, also k

'No more BTS-style Cinderella stories': Young Korean fans and artists leave K-pop for trot

“It is undeniable that trot singers are more skilled and have better attitudes than some K-pop idols caught up in scandals. Many trot singers have gone through hardships in life, and they have the determination to overcome them. It is no wonder they are becoming more popular.” The comment was posted under a members-only Hankook Ilbo article about why Koreans in their 20s and 30s are increasingly turning to trot music. The apparent resentment toward repeated controversies involving K-pop idols — whether another military service dispute surrounding a male idol or a government probe into tax evasion allegations — offers a glimpse into why some young Koreans are shifting their attention to young trot singers. Trot refers to a Korean popular music genre that predates K-pop. Influenced by Japanese enka and Western musical styles, it dominated Korea’s music scene for decades and remained a favorite among older generations even after K-pop took over the charts. For many younger Koreans, however, the genre long carried an image of being old-fashioned and tacky. Recently, however, trot

KOSPI's daily turnover tops $26.4 bil. for 1st time amid stock rally

Average daily transactions in Korea's benchmark index surpassed 40 trillion won ($26.4 billion) for the first time this month amid a record-breaking market rally, bourse data showed Monday. The daily turnover of the Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) averaged 48.05 trillion won during the first 22 days of May, according to the data from the Korea Exchange (KRX). The figure marked the highest monthly average on record, surpassing the previous high of 32.23 trillion won set in February. The increase came as the KOSPI extended its rally to record highs this month. The index topped the 7,000-point mark for the first time on May 6 and briefly surpassed 8,000 during intraday trading on May 15. After volatile trading, the KOSPI closed at 7,847.71 on Friday, up 19 percent from the end of April. Heavy buying of market bellwethers, including Samsung Electronics and SK hynix, drove the surge in turnover. Combined daily trading value for Samsung Electronics and SK hynix averaged 20.57 trillion won over the cited period, accounting for 43 percent of the KOSPI's total daily turnover. "Despite conc

America must confront the growing crisis among young people

Monday’s act of terrorism against a San Diego mosque, in which two teenagers are accused of killing three people, should deeply disturb every American. Not only because of the hatred allegedly involved, but because of what it reveals about the growing emotional, moral and psychological instability consuming too many young people across this country. America is witnessing a dangerous generation of disconnected young people, increasingly detached from the value of human life itself. We’re no strangers to this phenomenon in Baltimore, which has long struggled with youth violence and where too many children grow up surrounded by trauma, drugs, broken families and hopelessness. The San Diego attack was not merely an isolated criminal act. It reflects the growing ability of extremism, online radicalization, hatred and nihilism to reach vulnerable young minds. Teenagers today are consuming endless streams of violent content, ideological rage, conspiracy theories, humiliation culture and social isolation through digital platforms that reward outrage and emotional instability. Young people w

AI anxiety won’t be eased by universal basic income

There is a palpable fear among American workers that AI is coming for their jobs. The answer to that fear, as I’ve argued, is to make job loss less scary by building a new unemployment program. An overhaul is long overdue, and it would help not only a vulnerable labor market but also workers whose fears are realized. But would it be enough? AI job loss is not happening in a bubble. It’s taking place in an economy thick with structural issues and marked by inequality. AI is poised to destroy good jobs, aka high-paying with benefits, which in the U.S. economy are too rare a quantity. All of which is to say: The fear of AI can be mitigated if we stop leaving the bottom of the labor market behind. Not all jobs are created equally. The obvious difference between good and bad jobs is pay. On average, the top 10 percent of workers earn about $250,000 a year, and the bottom 90% of workers earn about $45,000. That spread is increasing. Today it’s almost 6-to-1; before 1980, it was less than 4-to-1; in 1950, it was 3-to-1. And the lower the pay, the less likely that the job will offer non-wa

Using AI for school work

Using AI for school work

A cold shower for the AI mania

CHICAGO — Artificial intelligence (AI) tools will undoubtedly transform the nature of work. Large language models can already generate referee reports on my own research papers that rival those by human referees. Unlike humans, who are always pressed for time, an LLM “knows” or can access much more of the literature in an instant, and often exhibits fewer biases. AI points out my analytical weaknesses, checks proofs, and makes suggestions for improvement. Only rarely are human reports better, typically because they connect the dots and offer new insights. Nonetheless, the market euphoria around AI has become worrisome, especially given the extent of large-scale debt issuance by the sector. It is therefore worth considering where in the AI supply chain things could go wrong. The supply chain starts with producers and designers of AI infrastructure: firms like TSMC and Samsung, which fabricate chips; Nvidia, which designs them; and Cisco, which provides connectivity. Then come the hyperscalers like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft. They are building data centers both for the use of th

China launches crewed space flight as part of Moon ambitions

BEIJING - China launched its crewed Shenzhou-23 spacecraft and eased it into a successful docking with a space station early Monday as part of Beijing's ambitions to send humans to the Moon by 2030, state media said. During this mission, a Chinese astronaut is scheduled to spend a full year in orbit on the Tiangong space station, a crucial first in the Chinese lunar landing program. The Long March 2-F rocket blasted off in a cloud of flames and smoke on time at 11:08 pm (1508 GMT) Sunday night from the Jiuquan launch centre in China's northwestern Gobi Desert, video from state broadcaster CCTV showed. The spacecraft separated from the rocket around 10 minutes later and entered orbit, the Chinese Manned Space Agency (CMSA) said on social media. "The astronauts are in good condition, and the launch has been a complete success," it added. The craft docked successfully with the Tiangong space station after a flight of about 3.5 hours, the state news agency Xinhua reported, quoting CMSA. The mission marks the first spaceflight by an astronaut from Hong Kong: 43-year-old Li Jiaying (Lai Ka-ying

N. Korea's Kim sends condolences to Xi over deadly coal mine blast

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has sent a message of condolences to Chinese President Xi Jinping over a deadly gas explosion at a coal mine in northern China, state media reported Monday. A gas explosion at a coal mine in northern China's Shanxi Province on Friday killed 82 people and injured 182 others, while two remained unaccounted for, marking the country's worst mining disaster in nearly two decades, according to foreign media reports. "Upon hearing the sad news that a gas explosion accident at a coal mine in Shanxi Province of your country claimed heavy casualties, I express deep sympathy to you, Comrade General Secretary, and the Chinese party, government and people and to the bereaved families of the victims," Kim said in a message dated Sunday, according to the North's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). Kim also expressed hope that the Chinese people "will eradicate the aftermath of the damage as soon as possible" and that "the bereaved families will overcome their sorrow and regain a stable life."

Daegu race tightens as conservatives rally behind Choo

Early in the year, when parties began to select candidates for the June 3 local elections, the Daegu mayoral race appeared to favor liberal Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) candidate Kim Boo-kyum, as the conservative main opposition People Power Party (PPP) was mired in an internal feud over candidate selection. This raised speculation that the liberal candidate could gain an easy win in Daegu, long regarded as a conservative stronghold. That picture is changing. In the final stretch of the campaign, PPP candidate Choo Kyung-ho has narrowed the gap by leaning on his image as an economic policymaker, while conservatives have increasingly framed the race as a battle to keep Daegu in conservative hands. Polls show that the race has tightened significantly over the past month. In a survey of 800 Daegu citizens conducted from May 16 to 20 by Korea Research and commissioned by KBS, released on Thursday, Kim led with 40 percent support, narrowly ahead of Choo at 39 percent. The gap had narrowed steadily from 7 percentage points in a survey conducted by the same pollster between April 27 and 29, wi

Mystic appeal of Korea’s most uncommon temples

Korea’s Buddhist temples are experiencing an unprecedented surge in visitors as the nation celebrates Buddha’s Birthday, Sunday, highlighting how these sacred spaces have increasingly evolved into premier cultural and wellness destinations for both adherents and nonbelievers. According to data released by mobility platform Tmap Mobility, temple destination searches jumped 27 percent year-over-year last year, marking a 56 percent spike compared to data from two years prior. The historical and architectural grandeur of these sites remains a primary draw for many visitors, with Bulguk Temple, located in the historic city of Gyeongju, South Geongsang Province, topping the charts as the nation's most-visited Buddhist site last year. It was followed by Naksan Temple in Yangyang, Gangwon Province; Tongdo Temple in Yangsan, South Gyeongsang Province; and Haedong Yonggung Temple in Busan. For younger demographics, temples have also emerged as a popular canvas for digital storytelling. Several temples have recently gone viral on social media, becoming popular backdrops for millennial and Gen Z

Renault Korea’s Grand Koleos shines in alleys, on mountain roads

For decades, French vehicles have earned recognition for their ability to absorb minor road imperfections with ease while maintaining smooth and confident cornering. The need to maneuver through narrow urban streets and navigate sharp bends on mountainous roads led French automakers to develop suspension systems that focused on ride comfort and balanced handling. The narrow, winding streets of Paris and the twisting mountain roads of the Alps and Pyrenees have long demanded agility, composure and refinement from French automobiles — characteristics that have become hallmarks of the country’s automotive engineering. This driving philosophy became deeply embedded in the engineering of Renault, one of France’s most iconic carmakers, and that heritage is clearly evident in Renault Korea’s Grand Koleos. The SUV features optimized front and rear suspension systems, allowing it to absorb impact from uneven road surfaces while maintaining a stable posture during sudden directional changes. Vibrations transmitted into the cabin are effectively minimized over rough pavement, while the vehi

BOK's rate hike clock speeds up amid oil-fueled inflation pressure

The Bank of Korea (BOK) faces mounting pressure for further monetary tightening as a spike in global oil prices triggered by conflict in the Middle East fuels inflation and pushes up the won-dollar exchange rate. Market analysts increasingly expect the central bank to resume rate hikes in the second half of the year. BOK Gov. Shin Hyun-song is set to chair a Monetary Policy Board meeting on Thursday, his first since taking office in April, with markets closely watching for signals on his policy direction. The central bank has kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged for seven consecutive meetings after cutting it to 2.50 percent in May last year. The bank is widely expected to keep rates unchanged at the upcoming meeting, while signaling the possibility of future rate hikes. "In our base case, we expect BOK to deliver an evidently hawkish hold decision at 2.50 percent policy rate at the meeting," said Kim Jin-wook, chief economist at Citibank Korea. Surging oil prices and the won's sharp decline against the dollar are adding to inflation concerns and reinforcing expectations of monetary

IGoBart expands adventures beyond Seoul’s neighborhoods

Sitting down with Bart van Genugten, one of the most popular Korean travel vloggers both in and out of Korea, is like spending time with a sort of mythical creature. It’s always a unique experience meeting someone in real life whom you’ve watched for dozens, if not hundreds, of hours online on his YouTube channel, iGoBart. Many will know Bart from his “Welcome to my Dong” series, wherein he is attempting to visit, explore and document every single one of Seoul’s 467 neighborhoods, which are known in Korean, somewhat unfortunately to English speakers, as “dong.” A noble goal, to be sure, and one that is not even halfway finished, even after years. I sat down with Bart at a cafe in his neighborhood of Bomun-dong to talk about his larger mission — one that has seen him venturing beyond the borders of Seoul, and even Korea, in a handful of instances. But why leave Seoul? Isn’t Seoul the be-all and end-all of Korea? Bart muses, “Seoul is not Korea.” I press him to expand further. “If you go out (of Seoul), you have all these different cultures, different foods, different

Three arrested after shooting outside city bar

A number of roads have been closed after a shooting outside One Four One bar in Sheffield.

German YouTuber retains cheese roll champion title

Thousands of people brave high temperatures to watch the annual event on Cooper's Hill.

Oil prices slide on hopes of US-Iran peace deal

Trump said on Saturday that an agreement would include the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, without giving further details.

Four killed in eastern Ukraine as attacks intensify

Russian attacks killed four people and wounded more than a dozen others in eastern Ukraine, local authorities said.

'It's blue'- scientists find new deep-sea octopus

On the ocean floor near the Galapagos Islands, a submersible controlled by scientists came across a mysterious octopus as blue as the ocean and no bigger than a golf ball.

'It's blue'- scientists find new deep-sea octopus

On the ocean floor near the Galapagos Islands, a submersible controlled by scientists came across a mysterious octopus as blue as the ocean and no bigger than a golf ball.

Lamine Yamal in Spain squad but no Real Madrid players

Injured forward Lamine Yamal is named in Spain's World Cup squad, which does not feature any Real Madrid players.

Singapore foreign minister to visit Seoul after stops in China, N. Korea

Foreign Minister Cho Hyun will meet his Singaporean counterpart, Vivian Balakrishnan, in Seoul this week, following the latter's visits to China and North Korea, the ministry here said Monday. The foreign ministry said Cho and Balakrishnan will explore ways to strengthen the countries' bilateral cooperation and discuss the state of affairs on the Korean Peninsula during their talks Thursday, while also exchanging views on regional and international developments. Singapore's foreign ministry had

Democracy Now! Marks 30 Years with Angela Davis, Bruce Springsteen, Patti Smith, Michael Stipe & More

A special broadcast: Highlights from Democracy Now!’s 30th anniversary celebration at the historic Riverside Church, featuring Angela Davis, Patti Smith, Mosab Abu Toha, Michael Stipe, Hurray for the Riff Raff, Amy Goodman, Juan González, Nermeen Shaikh and a surprise appearance by Bruce Springsteen.

Police fire shots in air to disperse angry crowds at DR Congo Ebola treatment centre

Unrest between crowds trying to reclaim the bodies of suspected Ebola cases and authorities have continued.

Ex-SNP exec admits embezzling 400k from party funds

Former Scottish National Party chief executive Peter Murrell has pleaded guilty to embezzling more than £400,000, admitting diverting funds from the party which were used to buy items such as cars, a motorhome and luxury goods.

Ex-SNP exec admits embezzling 400k from party funds

Former Scottish National Party chief executive Peter Murrell has pleaded guilty to embezzling more than £400,000, admitting diverting funds from the party which were used to buy items such as cars, a motorhome and luxury goods.

House on fire in Auckland's Mt Roskill

A house fire in Mt Roskill's Bremner Avenue is now out.

Ebola epidemic spreading rapidly and outpacing containment efforts

There are more than 900 suspected cases of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and 220 suspected deaths, the head of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Ghebreyesus, said on Monday.

Food poisoning outbreak hits Incheon bus depot, threatening service

A suspected food poisoning outbreak among bus drivers on Yeongjongdo, Incheon, is expected to disrupt several bus routes Tuesday, city officials said Monday. The Incheon Metropolitan Government said 50 people reported symptoms such as stomach pain and diarrhea after eating at a cafeteria inside a public bus depot in Unbuk-dong, Jung-gu, on May 21. Five have been hospitalized. The city expects disruptions on five of the 14 routes departing from the depot, with six buses likely to be affected Tues

Who made Opta's team of the season?

Data analyst Opta looks at the numbers to provide its own Premier League team of the season.

5-year-old child bitten in head by coyote in Markham, Ont.

Police in York Region are warning the public after another coyote attack in Markham, Ont., on Sunday.

Takaichi unveils $19 billion extra budget, reassures on bond issuance

The supplementary ‌budget marks a reversal from Takaichi's previous remarks ruling out ​the need for extra spending.

Evacuation order lifted for some Californians living near damaged chemicals tank

Emergency officials lifted an evacuation order for some people who live near a damaged tank containing hazardous chemicals in Southern California, after temperatures inside the tank fell enough to eliminate the risk of a catastrophic explosion.

Pope makes historic apology for Holy See's own role in legitimizing slavery

VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Leo XIV made a historic apology on Monday for the role the Holy See itself played in legitimizing slavery and for having failed to condemn it for centuries, calling the Vatican’s record a “wound in Christian memory.” Past popes have apologized for Christians’ involvement in the trans-Atlantic slave trade. But no pope has ever publicly acknowledged, much less apologized for, the role that past popes themselves played in giving European sovereigns explicit authority to sub

Foreign ministry calls on Israel to investigate assault claims by activists

The foreign ministry said Monday it has pressed Israel to conduct a thorough investigation into claims by two South Korean activists that they were assaulted by Israeli forces after being detained aboard aid vessels bound for the Gaza Strip. The ministry said it called in deputy Israeli ambassador to South Korea to its office Saturday and conveyed its concerns over those allegations. The two activists, Kim Ah-hyun and Kim Dong-hyeon, returned home Friday following their release. Upon arrival, th

The painstaking work to uncover Peter Murrell's crimes

How dogged work by detectives and forensic accountants led to the former SNP chief executive's conviction for embezzlement.

Elderly man found burned to death in Asan yard: police

An elderly man was found burned to death in the front yard of a home in Asan, South Chungcheong Province, on Monday, prompting a police investigation. Police and fire authorities said a passerby called 119 at around 6:16 p.m. after finding a person collapsed in the yard of a residential home in Sinchang-myeon. Paramedics dispatched to the scene found the body of a man in his 80s who had been burned to death and handed the case over to police. The door to the home was locked at the time, and no f

Pope calls for robust regulation of AI in manifesto that ponders the future of humanity

VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Leo XIV called Monday for robust regulation of artificial intelligence and for its developers to work for the common good rather than profit, issuing a sweeping manifesto on safeguarding humankind as the technology impacts everything from work to war. “Magnifica Humanitas” (Magnificent Humanity), Leo’s first encyclical , has been eagerly awaited ever since history’s first US-born pope announced days after his election that he considered AI to be the biggest challenge fac

Pope Leo presents 'Magnifica humanitas’ calling for disarmament of AI

Pope Leo XIV presents "Magnifica Humanitas" as the Church’s response to the challenges posed by artificial intelligence, calling for AI to be “disarmed” from logics of domination, exclusion and war. Drawing parallels with Rerum Novarum, the Pope urges the global community to place technological progress at the service of human dignity, solidarity and the common good.

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Ex-Scottish leader's former husband admits embezzling party funds for lavish lifestyle

The estranged husband of former Scottish leader Nicola Sturgeon pleaded guilty Monday to embezzling more than 400,000 pounds ($746,000 Cdn) from the Scottish National Party to fund a lavish lifestyle when he was its chief executive.

Deal with US not imminent, Iran says

The US secretary of state earlier said that an agreement could possibly come on Monday.

Hyundai creates dedicated units for software-defined factory, robot components

Hyundai Motor Group has created units dedicated to advancing its software-defined factory strategy and procuring robot components as part of broader plans to deploy Atlas humanoid robots at its auto manufacturing facilities, industry sources said Monday. The group recently created a position overseeing its SDF initiative and appointed Alpesh Patel, who serves as chief innovation officer at Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Center Singapore, according to the sources. An SDF refers to a factory where

Clashes as Venezuelan prisoners protest over alleged mistreatment

The prisoners insisted their protest was peaceful but that security forces deployed to quell it opened fire.

Fianna Fáil needs plan to win back seats - O'Callaghan

A plan is needed by Fianna Fáil to win back seats in constituencies where the party has none, the Minister for Justice has said.

Park Geun-hye hits campaign trail for ruling party candidates

Former President Park Geun-hye called on voters in the central Chungcheong region Monday to give People Power Party candidates “a chance to work,” stepping up her campaign-trail appearances ahead of the June 3 local elections. Park visited the campaign office of Lee Jang-woo, the People Power Party candidate for Daejeon mayor, in Seo-gu, in what local media described as her first visit to Daejeon in about 20 years. Speaking to reporters after meeting Lee, Park praised him as a longtime political

The questions raised by the Murrell embezzlement controversy

Thecase has been hanging over the SNP like a toxic cloud since the police investigation began five years ago.

BREAKING: Pope Leo XIV’s First Encyclical on Artificial Intelligence

As I type, I am watching the fascinating press conference from the Vatican on Pope Leo’s first Encyclical – MAGNIFICA HUMANITAS. I would HIGHLY...

Wahine makes history as first Māori head of School of Nursing

A 17-year-old kōtiro stepping onto a nursing course could never have imagined she would one day become the first Māori head of the School of Nursing

Woman arrested in relation to Kyran Durnin investigation

A woman in her 50s has been arrested as part of the investigation into the disappearance and murder of six-year-old Kyran Durnin.

Metal detectorist finds WW2 soldier's cigarette case hundreds of miles from where he died

Stan Drew's cigarette case turns up in a Netherlands field, about 370 miles from where he died.

Pope urges Europe to support families amid demographic crisis

Pope Leo XIV warns that Europe’s demographic decline threatens intergenerational solidarity and the future of society, calling for renewed support for families and human dignity. Addressing European lawmakers, he says only a “fresh springtide for the family” can overcome the continent’s growing social and cultural sterility.

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Starmer 'appalled' by case of boys spared jail after raping teenage girls

The prime minister said it was "right" that the sentences were being urgently reviewed.

Temperatures in London hit 34.8C as May record broken

The UK has recorded its all-time hottest meteorological spring temperature as part of London reached 34.8C.

UK beats May heat record with 33.5C at Heathrow

The UK Met Office has said the temperature at Heathrow in west London has reached 33.5C, "provisionally beating the all-time May record".

Pope calls for artificial intelligence to be 'disarmed'

Pope Leo XIV has called for artificial intelligence to be "disarmed" and made "human-friendly" in a major text on the ethical challenges raised by the boom of the new technology.

Sun, superstars and other takeaways from Radio 1's Big Weekend

Olivia Dean, Zara Larsson and Fatboy Slim topped the bill - but it wasn't all about the music.

Pope Leo’s ‘Magnifica humanitas’: AI must serve humanity not concentrate power

Marking the 135th anniversary of Rerum novarum, Pope Leo XIV releases his first encyclical, entitled ‘Magnifica humanitas: On Safeguarding the Human Person in the Time of Artificial Intelligence.’ He appeals for the safeguarding of humanity, promotion of truth, dignity of work, social justice, and peace.

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Remaining human in the age of algorithms

Our Editorial Director reflects on Pope Leo XIV’s first encyclical ‘Magnifica humanitas,’ in which the Pope calls for technology to advance without causing the human heart to regress.

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Bernard Werber, R. O. Kwon, the Ven. Sunjae join Seoul Int'l Book Fair lineup

The 2026 Seoul International Book Fair, Korea’s largest book festival, will take place from June 24-28 at Coex in Seoul’s Gangnam-gu, according to the Korean Publishers Association. The fair will bring together about 530 publishers, literary organizations and copyright agencies from 18 countries, including South Korea. About 180 publishers and organizations from 17 countries, including France, Germany and the United States, will operate booths in the international exhibition hall. This year's th

Burkina Faso: Archbishop Soviguidi pays courtesy call on traditional monarch of the Mossi people

After presenting his credentials to President Ibrahim Traoré on 5 December 2025, Archbishop Éric Soviguidi, Apostolic Nuncio to Burkina Faso and Niger, has been meeting local authorities. Last week, he was received by the Moogho Naaba. the traditional monarch of the Mossi people in Burkina Faso.

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Gulf Harbour body trial: Rice bags around body led to the accused

The woman whose body was found floating in Gulf Harbour was denied food and locked up in a tent before her death, says the Crown.

Nikkei 225 stock average tops 65,000 for first time

Japan's benchmark index rose as expectations grew that a deal might be reached to end the military conflict between the United States and Iran.

How a B.C. town is finding new life, more than 50 years after its mine closed

A former Sea-to-Sky mining town is being recognized for its transformation into a new restored village with homes, businesses and historic buildings.

Premier League predictions - how accurate were BBC Sport pundits?

Last summer, 33 BBC pundits - plus AI and Opta's 'supercomputer' were asked to pick which teams would finish in the Premier League's top four, and in which order. How did they get on?

Avoid eye contact with crows, as they may remember you

As large-billed crows enter their fledging season in late May, attacks on people are expected to increase, prompting government warnings and the distribution of response guidelines to local authorities. According to the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment on Monday, the government has been advising people in South Korea to prepare for possible attacks by the birds since last week. Large-billed crows become highly protective of their offspring during the fledging season, when chicks often

Montrealers mark 150th anniversary of Mount Royal Park

It’s been a gathering place for generations of Montrealers, and it’s celebrating a milestone birthday. Mount Royal Park — a green landmark that’s synonymous with the city — is turning 150 years old.

AmCham Korea hosts Mick Mulvaney to discuss Trump 2.0 policy direction

The American Chamber of Commerce in Korea hosted a special luncheon in Seoul on Thursday featuring Mick Mulvaney, former acting White House chief of staff under US President Donald Trump, to discuss the future direction of US policy and its implications for Korea and global business. Held at the Grand Hyatt Seoul under the theme “The Return of America First: What Trump 2.0 Means for Business and Geopolitics,” the event brought together more than 120 executives and business leaders from multinati

Remains of 193 Japanese war dead added to National Cemetery

The addition brought the total number of people laid to rest at the Chidorigafuchi National Cemetery in Tokyo's Chiyoda Ward to 371,167.

LG Electronics OLED TVs top consumer reviews in 14 countries

LG Electronics said its OLED TVs ranked first in consumer media evaluations across 14 countries, strengthening its position in the global premium TV market. Consumer review organizations in the US, Europe and Australia gave LG OLED TVs top scores for picture quality, sound performance and overall viewing experience. In the US, Consumer Reports ranked LG OLED TVs highest across several categories, including models above 70 inches, 65 inches and 55-60 inches. The publication praised the 65-inch LG

Foreign ministers of S. Korea, Croatia discuss arms, energy cooperation

Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and his Croatian counterpart, Gordan Grlic Radman, met in Seoul on Monday to discuss ways to expand bilateral cooperation in the weapons and energy sectors, Seoul's foreign ministry said. Cho welcomed Radman's visit, which marked the first trip to South Korea by Croatia's top diplomat in eight years, and called for enhancing their future-oriented cooperation in areas ranging from the arms industry to batteries, according to the ministry. In response, Radman noted that p

Heavy rain, strong winds put government on alert

Heavy rain forecast to hit South Korea on Tuesday is expected to ease drought concerns in many areas, where precipitation has remained far below average over the past six months. But the rain is expected to bring strong winds and thunder, raising safety concerns as it comes less than a week after heavy rain hit southern regions. According to the Korea Meteorological Administration on Monday, rain currently falling on Jeju Island is expected to expand nationwide from Monday night. Total precipita

Japanese tanker Idemitsu Maru arrives in Aichi after exiting Strait of Hormuz

The oil tanker is the first to return to Japan through the strait since war broke out in Iran.

When dogs fly: Re-homed greyhounds could be flown to Australia

Greyhound Racing NZ was floating the idea of taking up to 70 dogs on a charter flight to Queensland - where racing was still legal.

Education secretary to ask competition watchdog to review hidden childcare costs

Bridget Phillipson will ask the competition watchdog to examine costs that families are still facing in government-funded childcare.

Which side were remarkable? Who were a shambles? Phil McNulty's season review

BBC Sport chief football writer Phil McNulty reviews every team's Premier League - and looks back at his pre-season predictions.

Rubio tours Taj Mahal as Iranian diplomacy picks up

As diplomacy intensifies on ending the Iran war, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio was spending the day not in negotiations but at India's world-famous monument to love, the Taj Mahal.

Derrick Milano approached BTS as 'a student' — and ended up shaping 'Arirang'

When Derrick Milano first walked into a Los Angeles studio to work with BTS, he did not even know which songs he would be touching. He only knew one thing: He did not want to arrive with the attitude of a hitmaker who already knew everything. Instead, the Grammy-winning songwriter behind tracks for Beyonce, Nicki Minaj and Megan Thee Stallion approached the sessions as "a student." That mindset eventually led Milano to become one of the most heavily involved contributors on BTS' latest studio al

Anger grows after China's deadliest coal mining disaster in years

On China's tightly-controlled internet, people are calling for justice and questioning how this happened.

Angels fans protest against management, demand 'Sell the team'

Reuters reported on Sunday that Los Angeles Angels fans held boycotts and protests inside and outside Angel Stadium during a home game against the Texas Rangers, calling for owner Arte Moreno to sell the team, as criticism over prolonged poor performance and management decisions continued to grow. The root cause is disappointments with performance and management. Since 2015 (85-77 record), the team has not had a winning season, and this year it sits at the bottom of MLB with a 19-34 record. Even

Messi joins ranks of billionaires

Argentine media outlet Ambito reported that Lionel Messi's net worth is estimated to have exceeded $1 billion, moving beyond salary and advertising income into investments and equity participation, and joining the ranks of global "billionaire athletes." Since 2007, Messi has earned more than $700 million from salary and bonuses alone and has built his wealth through endorsement deals, investment income and business equity stakes. Born in Rosario, Argentina, Messi is famously known for signing hi

Irish economic resilience cannot be 'taken for granted'

The International Monetary Fund has warned that Ireland's economic resilience cannot be taken for granted.

Kim Si-woo falls short at CJ Cup Byron Nelson

Kim Si-woo failed to hold onto the lead in the final round of the PGA Tour's The CJ Cup Byron Nelson event and finished in disappointing second place, three strokes behind the winner. Kim shot a 6-under-par 66 in the final fourth round, recording 7 birdies and 1 bogey at the TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney, Texaso on Sunday. As a result, he finished with a total of 27-under-par 257, but was overtaken by a comeback win from Wyndham Clark (30-under-par 254), settling for second place. This marks Kim S

What to do if you think someone has heat exhaustion or heatstroke

Know the signs and what to do if someone is unwell in hot weather.

Greek swimmer only athlete to beat world record at controversial Enhanced Games

Greek swimmer Kristian Gkolomeev beats a world record in the pool at the controversial Enhanced Games in Las Vegas.

[Photo News] CJ doubles down on US expansion

CJ Group Chair Lee Jay-hyun (left) underscored the importance of expanding the CJ Cup into a platform where Americans can experience Korean culture, the food and entertainment conglomerate said Monday. Visiting the CJ Cup Byron Nelson PGA Tour event for the first time this year, Lee called for leveraging the golf tournament to advance the group’s global businesses while creating more opportunities for young Koreans in global markets. (CJ Group)

NTT Docomo sells Tokyo land plots for ¥59 billion, joining boom

Foreign and domestic investors have been flocking to Japan's real estate market to buy properties that have risen in price but are still seen as having scope to gain.

'This is the way': Hyundai Steel taps Star Wars for green steel push

Hyundai Steel has released a promotional video in collaboration with the upcoming "Star Wars" film "The Mandalorian and Grogu," set to hit theaters Tuesday, highlighting its low-emission steelmaking technology. The trailer centers on Hyundai Steel’s electric arc furnace-blast furnace hybrid process, a carbon-reduction technology that cuts emissions by about 20 percent compared with conventional blast furnace production. Drawing on the film’s outer-space adventure storyline, the video parallels t

K-rail in motion: Woojin breathes new life into aging LA subway cars

Subway cars that once rumbled through darkened tunnels beneath Los Angeles, their steel exteriors stripped of shine, are ready to roll again half a world away. Painted canary yellow and fully reengineered, they run again on a test track in Osong, North Chungcheong Province. The resurrection was the work of Woojin Industrial Systems, a Korean rolling stock manufacturer. In 2024, it won a 300 billion won ($200 million) contract from the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority to o

Chinese EV retreat opens window for Hyundai in Canada

Major Chinese electric vehicle makers, including BYD, Chery and Geely, are scaling back their expansion into Canada — a strategic entry point to North America beyond the US market, where intensifying anti-China trade policies have effectively shut out Chinese EVs. Experts indicate the shift could help Hyundai Motor Group to defend its ground in the profitable market, where demand for high-margin SUVs and eco-friendly vehicles remains strong. According to a recent report by Automotive News Canada

Person dies as boat capsizes in Kaikōura

Two Transport Accident Investigation Commission investigators are travelling to the scene to secure evidence.

Iran and U.S. play down hopes for imminent breakthrough in war

U.S. President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social over the weekend that the U.S. blockade ​on Iran would remain "until an agreement is reached, certified, and signed."

Students sell personal alarms in tiny crocheted animals

Students say the idea for the alarms came from their own experiences with unwanted attention in public.

Pope Leo warns that AI challenges must be confronted with regulation, transparency in his 1st encyclical

Pope Leo urged governments to slow down the development of AI systems in the first enyclical of his papacy, warning that they spread misinformation, prioritize conflict and risk leading the world down a path of unending war.

Toshifumi Suzuki, pioneer of Japanese convenience stores, dies at age 93

Suzuki, who is most well known for bringing 7-Eleven stores to Japan, had most recently served as an honorary adviser to the company.

China’s Huawei reveals chip design breakthrough amid U.S. sanctions

China is seen as unlikely to reach Huawei's target through conventional manufacturing alone because of restricted access to advanced lithography tools and other technologies.

Ahn Eun-me turns Matisse's 'Unfinished Dance' into living circle at Paris museum

On Saturday evening, pink smoke rose above the Musee d'Art Moderne de Paris (Museum of Modern Art Paris) and drifted across the Seine, coloring the early summer sky against the backdrop of the Eiffel Tower. The scene was part of "White Savage Night, Night of Baekman," a performance by the contemporary dance choreographer Ahn Eun-me. The performance began in the museum lobby, where about 50 mediators participating in Ahn's long-running project "01min 59sec" spun alone throughout the exhibition sp

First Hong Kong astronaut launches into space onboard Chinese mission

The 43-year-old police officer and mother of three serves as the team's payload scientist.

Teenager's family thank community for 'love and support'

The parents of a 15-year-old girl who died while swimming at a beach in Co Dublin on Sunday have thanked the community for their support.

Teenage girl dies off Burrow Beach in Dublin

A teenage girl has died off Burrow Beach in Co Dublin.

Lotte promotes Korean brands in Europe with Madrid Expo

Lotte said Monday it will hold the 2026 Lotte-Korea Brand Expo in Madrid from May 27-29 to support the global expansion of Korean small and medium-sized enterprises. The Brand Expo is a co-prosperity program designed to help Korean SMEs expand overseas, jointly organized by Lotte, the Korean Commission for Corporate Partnership and Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency, with support from the Ministry of SMEs and Startups. This years’ expo will feature 50 Korean SMEs from sectors including beau

Overheating tank in US no longer at risk of exploding

Firefighters dealing with a dangerously overheating industrial tank of a hazardous chemical in California have eliminated the possibility of an explosion after a crack relieved some of the mounting pressure.

Crack in LA chemical tank 'may ease' threat of explosion

Authorities in California said they have discovered a crack in a damaged tank of toxic chemicals, potentially relieving pressure as the threat of an explosion has forced tens of thousands of residents to evacuate.

Irish Eurovision winners star in 70th anniversary video

Irish stars Dana and Johnny Logan are among the Eurovision Song Contest winners who feature in a special tribute video celebrating the contest's 70th anniversary and seven decades of being "united by music".

Taranaki residents fear 15m telecommunications tower will devalue properties

A couple who have owned a house in the Spotswood area for 12 years say the tower should not be built in a suburban zone.

Veteran Zerg champion defends title at ASL Season 21

Park Sang-hyun has defended his title on the final stage of the Google Play AfreecaTV StarCraft League, or ASL, Season 21, defeating Lee Young-ho four to three in a best-of-seven match to become the fourth player to repeat as an ASL champion. Lee, better known as his in-game moniker Flash, specializes in playing the Terrans in StarCraft. Looking to become the first five-time ASL champion, he took the early 2-to-0 set score, but Park stormed back to tie the scoreboard at 2-to-2, making the game a

Kakao Mobility becomes early test of Korea’s tougher listing rules

Kakao Mobility is considering a Nasdaq listing as pressure mounts from financial investors seeking an exit nearly nine years after their initial investment, as South Korea’s planned crackdown on spin-off listings of large conglomerates complicates the company’s domestic IPO options. According to investment banking sources on Monday, Kakao Mobility has selected Bank of America, Morgan Stanley and UBS as lead underwriters for a potential Nasdaq listing through American depositary receipts, or ADSs

Guardiola, Salah bid farewell

MANCHESTER, England (AP) -- Pep Guardiola fought back tears on the sideline as he brought 10 years at Manchester City to an end on Sunday. His final game ended in a 2-1 loss to Aston Villa on a day charged with emotion as he said goodbye to the fans he gave so much joy during a decade of dominance in English soccer. "I never could have imagined the amount of love I've found," said Guardiola, standing in the center of the field at the Etihad Stadium and addressing the crowd. "It is an incredible,

Teachers struggle to support children who refuse to attend school

One school principal in Miyagi Prefecture says more teachers are struggling to be accepted by the families of children who won't go to school.

Gulf Harbour body trial: Rice bags around body led to the accused

The woman whose body was found floating in Gulf Harbour was denied food and locked up in a tent before her death, says the Crown.

S. Korea a model in Ukraine's postwar reconstruction: governor

South Korea’s rapid industrial rise after the Korean War could serve as a blueprint for Ukraine’s reconstruction, according to Vitaliy Kim, governor of Ukraine’s Mykolaiv region. In an interview with The Korea Herald, Kim said Ukraine is looking to South Korea for investment, industrial technology and long-term strategic cooperation as it prepares for a recovery effort estimated at over $588 billion. “As an example, I want to see the model of South Korea in the 1970s, when they imported technolo

Stocks jump, oil and dollar ease on Iran war peace hopes

Stocks surged and the US dollar and oil prices slid today as the prospect of a deal to end the Iran war buoyed risk appetite, although a lack of clarity over when the Strait of Hormuz would open kept enthusiasm in check.

Iran and US play down hopes for imminent breakthrough

Iran and the United States both played down hopes for an imminent breakthrough in the three-month-old war, ⁠with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio saying there will either be a good agreement or Washington would deal with the country in "another way."

Disappointment as Carlingford Lough ferry suspended

Fianna Fáil TD in Louth Erin McGreenhan has said she is deeply disappointed that the Carlingford Lough ferry service has been suspended for 2026.

Politicians hijack Starbucks furor with fight over hate speech

The furor over a recent Starbucks marketing campaign has become a battlefield in the country’s political divide, with a poll released Monday suggesting it is now shaping shifts in support for the rival parties mere days before South Korea holds its local elections. The backlash over promotions by the coffee chain that were accused of trivializing the May 18 Gwangju Democratic Uprising has widened into a fight over how far the state should go to rein in freedom of expression — including whether f

S. Korea, Singapore foreign ministers to hold talks on peninsula, regional issues

Foreign Minister Cho Hyun is set to hold talks in Seoul on Thursday with Singaporean counterpart Vivian Balakrishnan, who is visiting South Korea following trips to China and North Korea, Seoul’s Foreign Ministry said Monday. According to the ministry, the two sides are expected to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation, review progress on follow-up measures from the two Korea-Singapore summits held earlier this year, and exchange views on developments on the Korean Peninsula. The mini

Korea's latest dessert trend sounds as good as it tastes

A new wave of fruit-shaped mousse cakes encased in thin chocolate shells is pulling morning lines to bakeries, with customers chasing the sharp crack of the coating as much as the dessert inside. The cakes, nicknamed "agjak" after the Korean onomatopoeia for a crisp snap, look so much like actual fruit that it's hard to believe it's a dessert on first glance. But the appeal extends beyond the visual with the first bite: a thin chocolate shell breaks with an audible crack, giving way to soft mous

Korea’s chip-driven rally fuels global ETF appetite

Hong Kong's CSOP Asset Management is preparing to roll out more exchange-traded funds tracking South Korean equities later this year, as a relentless rally in Seoul fuels global demand for exposure to Asia's best-performing major market. CSOP is working to list an ETF tracking the Kospi 200 index on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in the second half of this year, industry reports showed Sunday. The product would mark the first overseas-listed ETF tracking Korea's blue-chip index, giving offshore in

The political fight for American men

An interview with author and professor, Scott Galloway

Beef range with up to 23% lower carbon footprint launched

Tesco and Kepak have teamed up to launch what is described as a 'lower-carbon' beef range, which has a carbon footprint that research suggests is up to 23% lower than other equivalent beef products.

New beef range with 23% lower carbon footprint launched

Tesco and Kepak have teamed up to launch what is described as a 'lower-carbon' beef range, which has a carbon footprint that research suggests is up to 23% lower than other equivalent beef products.

U.S. military strikes targets in southern Iran, citing 'threats posed by Iranian forces'

The U.S. military carried out strikes in southern Iran Monday against ​targets including boats attempting ​to lay mines and missile ​launch sites, in what it described ‌as defensive actions.

Tottenham wins to relegate West Ham

LONDON (AFP) -- Tottenham secured Premier League survival at the expense of West Ham on Sunday. The Spurs knew a draw against Everton would realistically keep them up as they had a two-point advantage over West Ham and a significantly superior goal difference. Joao Palhinha released the mounting pressure at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium just before half-time, poking home after his header thundered back off a post, before being mobbed by his teammates. Just a few kilometers away, at the London St

‘Natural Wegovy’ egg recipe stirs weight-loss buzz in Korea

While the use of weight-loss injections such as Wegovy and Mounjaro grows in Korea, some people looking for cheaper ways to curb their appetites are turning to an egg-and-oil recipe that has circulated on social media. The recipe, usually made with boiled eggs, extra virgin olive oil and pepper, is promoted online as a way to increase the body’s secretion of GLP-1, a hormone linked to satiety and reduced food intake. Some users have compared it to injectable GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy and Mounja

Police seek witnesses after man stabbed at party

Police would like to hear from anyone with information about the Northland stabbing.

Woman accused of murder in Hokkaido girl’s fall from bridge pleads not guilty

Another accused of conspiring in the murder is currently serving a 23-year sentence.

Samsung wage deal nears approval as internal backlash grows

Samsung Electronics' tentative wage agreement is set to be approved this week, ending a five-month labor dispute that nearly triggered the company's largest-ever strike. But the workers the deal leaves out are going to court to stop it. Turnout in the union ratification vote passed 86 percent as of Monday morning, the fourth day of balloting, according to the company's largest union. The electronic vote closes at 10 a.m. Wednesday and approval is widely expected. Roughly 80 percent of that union

Huawei’s ’chip queen’ etches her name in China’s tech folklore

He Tingbo's career has tracked Huawei's rise, its struggle following U.S. sanctions, and then a rebirth as the ​core ​driver of China's mission to become a high-tech juggernaut.

Motorists told to fit chains in snowy conditions in Queenstown Lakes or face $750 fine

The $750 fine will be enforceable under the Queenstown Lakes District Council's traffic and parking bylaw.

Nidec boss hints at more M&A deals once scandals abate

CEO Mitsuya Kishida has underlined regaining trust as the Kyoto-based electric motor manufacturer's top priority.

Hiker found safe at home after triggering massive search on Cheolmasan

A woman who called emergency services after getting lost during a hike in South Korea was later confirmed to have returned home while police and fire authorities' search for her continued for another day, local reports said Monday. The woman, a Hong Kong national in her 50s, was confirmed to have returned to her residence in Seoul at around 9:40 a.m. Saturday, according to authorities. She first called 119 at about 9:06 p.m. Friday, saying she was lost while hiking. During the call, she reported

Professor faces penalty after saying female students could 'turn to prostitution if desperate'

A professor at a private university in Daejeon is under disciplinary review after students accused him of making sexually offensive remarks in class, including allegedly saying that 8 out of 10 women in Korea had likely earned money through prostitution. The case is currently being reviewed by the university’s disciplinary committee, after its faculty ethics committee recommended severe disciplinary action to the school foundation. The allegations first surfaced in November through posts on Ever

African heritage takes center stage at Seoul event

From Rwandan attire to Angolan sculptures and Egyptian mummies, the Grand Hyatt Seoul became a showcase of African cultures on Wednesday for this year’s Africa Day event. The gathering, held ahead of Africa Day on May 25, drew about 500 people to the hotel in Yongsan-gu, central Seoul, for a forum and cultural exchange event jointly hosted by the Korea-Africa Foundation, the African Group of Ambassadors in Korea and The Korea Herald. Outside the main venue, booths set up by 13 African countries

North Korea to hold major party plenary meeting next month

North Korea will convene a key plenary meeting of the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea in late June to conduct an interim review of this year’s party and state policies and discuss major tasks for the second half of the year, state media reported Monday. The decision was made during a meeting of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea, according to the Korean Central News Agency. The KCNA said the second plenary meeting of the Ninth Central Committee of the WPK

Foreign envoys applaud Africa Day 2026 in Seoul

Diplomats from more than 50 nations gathered Wednesday to celebrate Africa Day 2026, experiencing growing cultural ties between Africa, Korea, and the broader international community. Africa Day commemorates the founding of the Organization of African Unity — now the African Union — in 1963, marking liberation, unity and cultural heritage on the continent. This year’s event, jointly hosted by the African Group of Ambassadors, the Korea-Africa Foundation, and Herald Media Group, featured cultural

Fears for safety as influencers push synthetic peptides

Experts and drug safety advocates fear social media is driving a dangerous search for the perfect body.

‘Go to the nursing room for hot water’: Tourists’ Incheon Airport cup noodle hack sparks backlash

Travelers using nursing rooms at Incheon Airport to get free hot water for cup noodles have come under fire following complaints from parents who use the facilities for infant care. Footage circulating on Chinese media platforms, including China's most popular lifestyle and social commerce platform Xiaohongshu, showed Sunday that some tourists have been sharing a "travel hack" for making instant noodles at the airport. One user wrote that airport convenience stores do not provide hot water, but

Pope Leo's first encyclical focuses on AI concerns

Pope Leo XIV's much anticipated first encyclical Magnifica Humanitas, or Magnificent Humanity, focusing on artificial intelligence has been published by the Vatican.

Galway West: As the dust settles, eyes on future battles

The results of the count in Galway West will form part of the wider political analysis, after the dust settles on the proceedings here.

Bye-elections: 5 takeaways as Soc Dems and FG take seats

The votes have been counted and the dust is settling on the bye-election campaigns in Dublin Central and Galway West.

Bye-election sees new political reality in Dublin Central

The count may be done and dusted in Dublin Central but the attention of local political watchers is already turning to the next general election.

Victor Wembanyama leads way as Spurs rout Thunder to even series

San Antonio pulled even at 2-2 in the best-of-seven series, with Game 5 on Tuesday in Oklahoma City, and Game 6 back in San Antonio on Thursday.

Jury chosen for Shulai Wang manslaughter, kidnap trial

The four defendants, accompanied by Mandarin interpreters, chose to represent themselves.

African and Korean beats collide and connect

A cultural crossover that wove the percussive heartbeats of Korea and Africa into a single performance brought together the unifying theme of Africa Day 2026 at the Grand Hyatt Seoul on Wednesday. Directed by Seodo, the leader of Korean fusion group Seodo Band, the program traced an arc from awakening to communion, framing the evening as a meeting of two traditions rather than a side-by-side showcase. The first half, "Awakening," opened with Kulekan, a Seoul-based troupe led by Burkina Faso-born

Samsung tops emerging smartphone markets in Q1

Samsung Electronics ranked first in smartphone market share across Latin America, the Middle East and Southeast Asia in the first quarter, maintaining its lead despite weaker regional demand and rising smartphone prices. According to market research firm Omdia on Monday, Samsung shipped 12.9 million smartphones in Latin America during the January-March period, capturing a 37 percent market share and posting 9 percent on-year growth. The company recorded its highest quarterly market share in the

Samsung eyes record Q2 profit as union votes on wage deal

Samsung Electronics is forecast to post its strongest quarterly results on record in the second quarter, as a memory market reshaped by AI demand keeps prices climbing even as the wage settlement that pulled the company back from a strike still awaits a ratification vote closing Wednesday. According to financial data provider FnGuide, the analyst consensus for the April-June quarter stands at 165.48 trillion won ($109.7 billion) in revenue and 85.25 trillion won in operating profit, up 121.9 per

Korean banks race to defend turf ahead of stablecoin rules

Hana Financial Group's recent 1 trillion won ($662 million) bet on Upbit operator Dunamu was not just a crypto investment. It was a wager on whether banks can keep their place at the center of money as finance moves onto digital rails. Korea has yet to finalize who can issue won-backed stablecoins or how exchanges and fintechs can participate. But financial groups are not waiting. They are moving to secure the exchanges, card networks, wallets and remittance channels that could decide whether wo

Large-scale Russian attack on Ukraine leaves four dead and dozens injured

A hypersonic missile, which reportedly travels over 10 times the speed of sound, was used, Russia has confirmed.

Shinsegae chair to offer bow of apology as Starbucks anger continues

Shinsegae Group Chair Chung Yong-jin will apologize again over Starbucks Korea’s controversial “Tank Day” marketing campaign at a press conference Tuesday and announce the findings of the group’s internal investigation into the incident, the retail conglomerate said Sunday. According to Shinsegae Group, Chung plans to personally deliver an apology to those hurt by Starbucks Korea’s marketing campaign, released on the anniversary of the May 18 Democratic Uprising. The press conference will take p

Africa’s coexistence offers lesson for divided world: Assembly's Africa forum chief

Lee Hun-seung, chair of the National Assembly's Forum for Africa, praised Africa’s resilience and spirit of harmony across diverse cultures as values the world should learn from at a time of rising global tensions. “The fact that countries with different languages, cultures, histories and religions chose the path of cooperation and coexistence rather than conflict and confrontation continues to carry great significance for the international community today,” Lee said. Lee made the remarks during

Africa Day 2026 celebrates Korea-Africa friendship through culture, rhythm

The rhythmic beats of Korea’s traditional "samulnori" percussion blended seamlessly with the energy of African drums, creating a vibrant display of cultural unity at Africa Day Seoul. The event, jointly hosted Wednesday by the Korea-Africa Foundation, the African Group of Ambassadors in Korea and The Korea Herald ahead of Africa Day on May 25, brought together around 500 diplomats, government officials, business leaders and cultural figures at Grand Hyatt Seoul in Yongsan-gu, central Seoul. The

Foreign minister highlights Africa’s growing strategic importance at Africa Day event

Foreign Minister Cho Hyun on Wednesday emphasized Africa’s rising importance as a strategic partner for South Korea, citing the continent’s young population, abundant resources and growing role in global supply chains amid geopolitical uncertainty. Speaking at the 2026 Africa Day celebration, Cho said Africa was emerging as “a key hub for global connectivity and future growth” as global logistics and energy networks faced mounting disruptions due to geopolitical tensions. The event was jointly h

Father still searching for answers 29 years after Kobe child murders

For 70-year-old Mamoru Hase, whose son was one of two elementary schoolchildren killed by a 14-year-old boy in 1997, there is no such thing as closure.

Arrest warrant issued for man suspected of Hyogo mother-daughter murder

Kenji Oyama, 42, emerged as a suspect based on forensic analysis and security camera footage from around the scene.

Kospi rally goes beyond Samsung, SK hynix: JP Morgan

JPMorgan Chase & Co. Asia equity and quant strategist Mixo Das says South Korea's stock rally still has room to run, as the artificial intelligence-driven memory cycle, earnings upgrades and governance reform continue to support the bank's most bullish regional market call. In a May 10 report titled "Embracing the AI momentum; Kospi 10K?" Das and his team raised JPMorgan's Kospi base, bull and bear targets to 9,000, 10,000 and 6,000, respectively, only weeks after lifting them to 7,000, 8,500 an

'Disorder' at Canterbury school sees police attend, one hospitalised

One person was taken to hospital following an incident at a Canterbury high school.

Mysterious odor at luxury mall in Ginza leaves at least 25 feeling unwell

Police and the Tokyo Fire Department are investigating the cause of the odor.

28.6C reached at Shannon, breaking May temperature record

A temperature of 28.6C has been recorded in Co Clare, breaking the May record for Ireland.

Netanyahu's future uncertain as Israel starts to prepare for national election

While Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been focussed on “total victory” for Israel since the Hamas-led attack on the country on Oct. 7, 2023, his own victory in a coming national election is far from certain.

This Calgary woman won a $13K settlement — but says her paralegal kept the money

A Calgary woman got a $13,000 settlement in a civil case but says the paralegal who represented her never delivered the money. Her case is raising questions about the lack of paralegal oversight and consumer protection for the people who hire them — especially in Alberta.

Can banning scalpers fix the ticketing industry?

A growing chorus of artists, music industry managers and politicians is calling for new laws to ban pro scalpers from reselling sports and concert tickets online at huge markups.

Japan bond yield surge widens regional bank stock divide

When lenders have holdings that are vulnerable to higher yields, they're punished by investors for the unrealized losses.

Possible Southland council merger moves a step closer

Southland's mayor wants the region's four existing councils to merge into two unitary authorities

Xi strongly criticized Takaichi over Japan’s ‘remilitarization’ during Trump summit

The Chinese leader became visibly agitated over Japan's increased defense spending, in one of the most heated parts of his summit with the U.S. president, a media report said.

Drone games put Ukraine’s best military pilots to the test

Drone technology has transformed the war ‌in Ukraine, with enemy soldiers fearful of young men using video game consoles to operate strike drones packed with explosives.

Surf photographer attacked in water by 'shark or sea lion'

The finals day of the World Surf League's New Zealand Pro event was paused after a photographer was attacked.

'There was no one else like them' - Topp Twins' manager

Friends, colleagues and fans are paying tribute to the Topp Twins after the death of one of the sisters, Dame Jools, who was living with breast cancer.

Even at home, American shoppers are flocking to Japanese supermarkets

Aisles lined with signs written in kanji and hiragana transport shoppers doing their regular grocery shopping to Japan.

Sakura Internet eyes more spending to meet AI data center demand

The data center operator is eyeing an allocation of as much as ¥20 billion to ¥30 billion ($125 million to $190 million) this fiscal year, founder and CEO Kunihiro Tanaka has said.

School raises rights and dignity awareness through sexuality education

Guidelines from UNESCO and others outline eight key concepts of comprehensive sexuality education, including relationships, human rights, understanding gender and staying safe.

WHO urges action over 'fast moving' Ebola outbreak

Countries neighbouring the Democratic Republic of Congo are at great danger from Ebola and should act immediately to counter the deadly virus, the head of the World Health Organization has said.

Topp Twin and comedy icon Jools Topp dies at age 68

Dame Jools - one half of the Topp Twins, with her sister Lynda - brought joy to generations of New Zealanders.

Dread and denial at heart of deadly Congo Ebola outbreak

Many in the outbreak's epicenter are split between criticism of the government's response and denial of the disease's very existence.

Taiwan urges $630 billion asset management industry to scale up

Taiwan must scale up its largest asset managers if it hopes to compete as a regional financial hub against international rivals, according to the top financial regulator.

Why these are sobering times for alcohol companies

For years, the industry relied on drinking remaining deeply woven into social life and consumer culture, but health concerns and tighter budgets are prompting people to drink less.

Africa’s business capital is on the brink of financial collapse

Water and power outages are frequent in Johannesburg, and many of the abandoned high-rises in the city center have been appropriated by armed gangs who extract rent from squatters.

Three people plead guilty over fatal 2024 assault of Hokkaido university student

A total of six people have been indicted in the case of suspected robbery resulting in the death of a 20-year-old in Ebetsu, Hokkaido.

With ice cream and giant fans, hajj pilgrims battle searing heat

Saudi Arabia's National Center for Meteorology has predicted daytime temperatures this week would hover between 42 and 47 degrees Celsius in Mecca during the Hajj.

Billy T and Fred Award winners named for 2026

Comedian Joel Vinsen has won the prestigious Yellow Towel presented to him by last year's winner, Hoani Hotene.

Seawall repair to close part of Miramar Peninsula for months

The road will remain open to cyclists and pedestrians throughout construction, with traffic control in place.

As bee population collapses, U.S. apiarists fear research cuts

America's beekeepers are losing colonies at record rates, and many fear the shutdown of a key USDA bee lab will make the crisis even harder to contain.

On London’s streets, facial recognition tests the balance between security and liberty

Britain has long been one of the world's heaviest users of CCTV cameras in public spaces, and Londoners can be caught ​on film up to several ‌hundred times a day.

The Topp Twins: A life in pictures

One of the country's most beloved entertainers, Dame Jools Topp, has died at 68. As one half of the Topp Twins, Jools made countless appearances from the country to New York.

English requirements for Accredited Employer Work Visa expanded

The changes will apply from the beginning of next month.

Turkish riot police storm opposition party building

Hundreds of Turkish riot police firing teargas forced their way into the Ankara headquarters of the country's main opposition party, days after a court had dismissed its leadership.

How Saudi Arabia's spending spree reached the end of the line

MBS's Vison 2030 project seemed the stuff of science fiction. Now reality has bitten

The NZ firm that helped high-risk clients move millions

A NZ company moved piles of money for multiple clients that were later convicted of financial crimes.

People return to Auckland university building after suspicious item found

Police were alerted to a report of a suspicious item in the Sir Owen Glenn Building at the University of Auckland's Business School shortly after 11:15am on Monday morning.

Is it ok to baptise your child just to get into a Catholic school?

The ethics of a convenient baptism for a school application.

Country Life compares the different milks

Country Life speaks to a Massey University professor who specialises in nutrition and food chemistry about different types of milk - their pros and cons.

KiwiRail apologises for nationwide train disruption

Commuters in the capital faced delays of up to an hour.

Dunedin man accused of murder gets name suppression

The 37-year-old was arrested after the discovery of a body at a house in Somerville Street in Andersons Bay on Friday night.

Morocco wants tourists to visit Western Sahara. Some say it's tightening its control

The Moroccan government wants more Western holidaymakers to visit the territory it claims to own.

'It's just not right': Community midwives call for overhaul on pay, contracts

Midwifery is a "significant" commitment and lifestyle and it's time to look at how to support it and make it sustainable, the College of Midwives says.

Erskine-Smith nomination appeal dismissed by Ontario Liberal Party panel

A complaint alleging voting irregularities during a tense Ontario Liberal nomination meeting in Scarborough has been dismissed by a party arbitration committee.

She was told to marry in a country which bans girls' education. So she got in a taxi and fled

Nearly five years on from Afghanistan's school ban, young women say they have waved goodbye to their dreams.

'Kicked out of the system': Sexual abuse survivors braced for MSD contract cuts

The Ministry of Social Development said the funding would be redirected into a Sexual Violence Prevention initiative.

Surging cost of living leaves young professionals struggling

Some are relying on credit cards to manage their bills, while others are skipping meals and calling in sick to cope.

Former Education Ministry staffer lodges formal complaint over school curriculum rewrite

A former Education Ministry staffer wants more detail on the use of AI in drafting the changes, and says she's concerned the minister hasn't followed due process.

Locals want speed limit on Oriental Parade shared pathways

A Wellington residents' association is calling for a speed limit for cyclists and scooter riders on shared pathways.

34 Polish, Lithuanian nationals removed from State

Thirty-four Polish and Lithuanian men have been removed from the State on a chartered flight from Dublin, the gardaí have said.

Congo's Ebola outbreak complicated by aid cuts, armed rebels and anger

Arson attacks on Ebola treatment centres in the Democratic Republic of Congo underscore the serious challenges authorities face — including a backlash in local communities — as they try to stem an outbreak of the infectious disease that has been declared a global health emergency. On Sunday, Congolese authorities said suspected cases have now passed 900 in the east of the country, mainly in Ituri province, where the ongoing outbreak is centred.

At a glance: The Dáil's two newly elected TDs

A quick look at the two new TDs.

Coroner rules on death of Wednesday Davis in mountain-climbing accident

Wednesday Davis, a first-time mountaineer, died after sliding 250 metres down an icy slope.

Mantario Trail expected to reopen in late June after 'remarkable' progress in restoration: Manitoba Parks

A hiking trail in Manitoba's Whiteshell Provincial Park that closed and has been undergoing repairs after it was scorched in last year's wildfires is now expected to re-open in June.

Four from same family face trial for death of Chinese woman Shulai Wang

The accused in Auckland's High Court are from the same family, charged with kidnapping and manslaughter.

Kimi Antonelli claims Canadian Grand Prix for 4th straight F1 win

Formula One leader Kimi Antonelli charged to victory in a wild Canadian Grand Prix on Sunday, claiming his fourth-straight race win after teammate George Russell exited due to engine failure.

Interlake First Nations say Manitoba didn't consult them before blocking access to traditional hunting lands

A provincial gravel blockade along an access road east of Lake St. Martin tumbled earlier this week, as a group of First Nations in Manitoba's Interlake region gathered to remove it and get answers about why it was put there in the first place.

Gatineau, Que. group launches petition after NHL blocks organizers from hosting Habs watch party

A Gatineau group has launched a petition after the NHL wouldn’t let the Canadiens game be broadcast at the Slush Puppie Centre in Gatineau because the arena overlaps with the Ottawa Senators’ territory.

Watch: Africa Day celebrated in Dún Laoghaire park

Dún Laoghaire is one of the locations where Africa Day is being celebrated this year, with an event in the People's Park just beside the seafront and close to the town's harbour.

Hundreds attend vigil for man who died after assault

Around 500 people gathered for a vigil in memory of Alex Coughlan at the place where he was assaulted near Blanchardstown village earlier this month.

The Louise Casey Interview (Live at Hay Festival)

Baroness Casey on violence against girls and whether governments take reviews seriously.

Fitzgerald steps down as Antrim manager

Davy Fitzgerald has brought his two-season tenure with Antrim to an end.

Blue Jays hurler Dylan Cease placed on injured list with strained hamstring

The Toronto Blue Jays have placed starting pitcher Dylan Cease on the 15-day injured list with a left hamstring strain.

California officials say potential crack on overheated chemical tank could lower risk

Orange County Fire Authority Capt. Wayhowe Huang said officials will be continuing to evaluate the tank on Sunday after emergency crews spotted the potential crack overnight. As of Sunday morning, he said it does not appear that any of the highly volatile chemicals in the tank have leaked.

Lack of GSOC response to Moody's victim 'unacceptable'

Police Ombudsman Emily Logan has said the treatment of the first victim of former garda and violent abuser Paul Moody when a 2017 complaint against him was not acted on was "wholly unacceptable".

Iran and US closing in on deal to end war

The United States and Iran could strike a deal to end the Middle East war as early as Sunday, Washington's top diplomat said, while Tehran insisted the agreement would do nothing to limit its nuclear programme. Washington and Tehran have observed a ceasefire since April 8 while mediators push for a negotiated settlement, although Iran has imposed controls on Gulf shipping and the US has blockaded Iran's ports. On Sunday, during a visit to India, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters: "I do think perhaps there is the possibility that in the next few hours the world will get some good news." This came after US President Donald Trump posted on social media that the deal "has been largely negotiated, subject to finalisation between the United States of America, the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the various other Countries". Rubio said the agreement would start a "process that can ultimately leave us where the president wants us to be, and that is a world that no longer has to fear or worry about an Iranian nuclear weapon". Trump's post stressed that the Strait of Hormuz would be re

Lee offers condolences over deadly coal mine explosion in China

President Lee Jae Myung on Sunday expressed condolences over a deadly gas explosion at a coal mine in China's Shanxi province, voicing hope for a swift recovery from the tragedy. "I pray for the souls of those who lost their lives in the tragic accident, and express my deep condolences and sympathies to the bereaved families and to the people of China," Lee wrote on the social media platform X. He also posted the message in Chinese. Lee expressed hope that the situation will be brought swiftly under control through the efforts of the Chinese government and relevant authorities, and wished a speedy recovery to all those who were injured in the explosion. At least 82 people were killed in the gas explosion that occurred at the Liushenyu coal mine in northern China on Friday, according to media reports.

France's Macron condemns Russia's use of Oreshnik missile in Ukraine

PARIS — French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday condemned Russia's strikes on "civilian targets" and its reported use of a nuclear-capable Oreshnik hypersonic ballistic missile in massive overnight attacks on Ukraine. "Russian strikes against civilian targets in Ukraine continue... France condemns this attack and the use of the Oreshnik ballistic missile," Macron wrote on X, saying they signaled "the dead end of Russia's war of aggression." (AFP)

Building under construction in Philippines collapses, leaving 1 dead and 21 trapped

ANGELES, Philippines — A nine-story building under construction in a city north of the Philippine capital collapsed before dawn on Sunday, leaving at least one Malaysian tourist dead and at least 21 mostly workers trapped in the rubble, officials said. Two were located alive but could not be immediately extricated. At least 24 workers either managed to dash out of the building, where they mostly slept on the ground floor, or were rescued after the it crumbled to the ground around 2:30 a.m. in a crowded neighborhood of budget hotels, cafes, spas and rural houses outside a former U.S. Air Force base, officials said. A Malaysian tourist died and another guest was injured in a lodging house, which was partly hit by debris from the collapsing building in Angeles City in Pampanga province, Fire Superintendent Maria Lea Sajili said. Relatives of those trapped under concrete slabs, twisted iron bars and aluminum scaffoldings and other debris prayed and wept as they waited for word from about 700 rescuers gingerly scouring the rubble pail to create space for them to safely move into the collap

Russia kills 4 in massive Ukraine attack after vowing retaliation

KYIV, Ukraine — Russia pounded Kyiv with a massive missile and drone attack that killed four people, authorities said Sunday, after President Vladimir Putin threatened retaliation for strikes in Russian-occupied eastern Ukraine. Multiple rounds of loud explosions were heard in the Ukrainian capital throughout the early hours of the morning, AFP journalists reported, in a barrage the air force said involved 600 drones and 90 missiles. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said two people had been killed in the capital and dozens wounded, while the head of the surrounding Kyiv region said two people had also been killed there. Air defences intercepted 549 of the drones and 55 missiles, the air force said. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia had fired its nuclear-capable hypersonic Oreshnik missile and wounded 69 people in the capital in the barrage. "Three Russian missiles against a water supply facility, a market burnt down, dozens of residential buildings damaged, several ordinary schools, and he (Putin) launched his 'Oreshnik' against Bila Tserkva (in central Ukraine)," Zelensky

Trump says Iran deal 'largely negotiated', would reopen Strait of Hormuz

WASHINGTON/ISLAMABAD/NEW DELHI — Washington and Iran have "largely negotiated" a memorandum of understanding on a peace deal that would reopen the Strait of Hormuz, U.S. President Donald Trump said, as expectations rose that a breakthrough might be imminent in the three-month-old war. Trump said the emerging agreement being brokered by Pakistan would reopen the strait, the vital shipping passage whose closure has sparked a global energy crisis since the U.S. and Israel launched their war on Iran in February. He did not say what else would be included in an agreement. "Final aspects and details of the Deal are currently being discussed, and will be announced shortly," Trump wrote on social media on Saturday. Various media in the U.S. and Iran said the memorandum sets out a framework for ending months of fighting, lifting a U.S. blockade on Iranian shipping and reopening the waterway, which Iran has shut with threats to attack shipping. Plans for Iran's stockpile of highly enriched uranium, which Washington has insisted it give up, would be negotiated within 30 to 60 days, the reports sa

Shinsegae chief to issue in-person apology over Starbucks Korea's 'Tank Day' marketing controversy

Shinsegae Group Chairman Chung Yong-jin is set to issue a public, in-person apology on Tuesday over the controversy surrounding Starbucks Korea’s recent marketing campaign, which has drawn public backlash after critics said it inappropriately referenced Korea’s pro-democracy movement of the 1980s. “Chairman Chung Yong-jin plans to offer a direct apology to all those who were hurt by Starbucks Korea’s inappropriate marketing campaign carried out on the anniversary of the May 18 Uprising,” the group said in a press statement, Sunday. E-mart, an affiliate of Shinsegae Group, is the largest shareholder of Starbucks Korea. It added the venue will be held at Josun Palace in southern Seoul, a hotel owned by the group. The apology comes after the coffee chain launched a tumbler-related promotional event titled “Tank Day” on May 18, the date marking the annual commemoration of the Gwangju Democratic Uprising. The campaign drew criticism as the title was seen as evoking military vehicles used during the 1980 Gwangju crackdown under the military junta of Chun Doo-hwan, who became pre

Powerful bomb explodes near railway track in southwest Pakistan, wounding more than 30

QUETTA, Pakistan — A powerful bomb exploded near a railway track as a train carrying passengers passed through the southwestern Pakistani city of Quetta on Sunday, wounding more than two dozen people, officials said. The force of the explosion caused two of the train cars to overturn and catch fire, sending thick black smoke into the air, according to footage shared online. The attack happened in an area where security forces are usually stationed, badly damaging several nearby buildings and smashing more than a dozen vehicles parked along the road, according to witnesses and images circulating on social media. Doctors at local hospitals said they received more than 30 wounded people, several of them in critical condition. The outlawed Baloch Liberation Army, or BLA, which demands independence from Pakistan’s central government, has claimed responsibility for the attack in a statement sent to reporters. The militant group said it targeted a train carrying security personnel. Quetta is the capital of insurgency-hit Balochistan province. The oil- and mineral-rich region has long been th

Stony-faced N. Korean women's football team leaves S. Korea after tournament win

The North Korean women's football team left for China on Sunday en route to Pyongyang after winning Asia's top tournament in South Korea, maintaining a stony-faced, restrained demeanor in what appeared to be a carefully staged display amid strained inter-Korean ties. Naegohyang Women's FC arrived at Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul, at around 1:50 p.m. to board an Air China flight to Beijing for a stopover before flying back to Pyongyang. The team, led by head coach Ri Yu-il, walked in near-formation to the check-in counters, looking straight ahead, despite some pro-North Korea activists shouting congratulations on their victory and calling out, "Let's meet again next time." They disappeared through the departure gate in only about 10 minutes. Naegohyang Women's FC, comprising 27 players and 12 staff members, arrived in South Korea last Sunday via China, becoming the first group of North Korean athletes to travel to the South in eight years and the first-ever North Korean women's football team to set foot on South Korean soil. The North Korean women's team defeated Tokyo Verdy

LG hosts multicultural youth camp to foster global student growth

LG held a two-day immersive camp for middle school students from multicultural backgrounds on Saturday and Sunday, as part of its long-running multicultural education initiative, LG Global School. Over the weekend, the camp brought together around 90 students representing eight language backgrounds nationwide in Gangneung, Gangwon Province, for intensive training designed to strengthen bilingual proficiency and deepen cross-cultural understanding. Launched in 2010, LG Global School is the company’s corporate social responsibility program in partnership with government and academia. The program selects roughly 450 elementary and middle school students annually for a two-year curriculum. In partnership with academic institutions including Hankuk University of Foreign Studies and Seoul National University, it focuses on improving proficiency in eight languages — including Vietnamese, Chinese, Thai and Russian — while also strengthening students’ cultural and scientific competencies. More than 7,000 students have completed the program as of last year. LG positions multicultural youth a

Starbucks Korea’s ‘Tank Day’ gaffe spirals into political clash over boycott calls

The controversy over Starbucks Korea’s “Tank Day” promotion is rapidly escalating into a political clash ahead of the June 3 local elections. The government and the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) are intensifying their response to the coffee chain, which is accused of mocking the May 18 Gwangju Uprising and the 2014 Sewol ferry tragedy, while the opposition party has characterized government-led criticism and boycott campaigns as “state violence.” With the controversy emerging only two weeks before the elections, the conservative opposition bloc is reacting more sensitively to the liberal ruling party’s criticisms, as hate speech directed at the pro-democracy movement and the ferry sinking have largely come from far-right online groups associated with conservative politicians. Starbucks Korea came under fire last week after launching a “Tank Day” tumbler promotion on May 18 that evoked the military suppression in 1980 of pro-democracy protesters in Gwangju under the military junta led by Chun Doo-hwan, who became president later that year. The campaign was scrapp

Seoul superintendent candidate faces backlash over anti-queer campaign banners

Criticism is mounting against a Seoul education superintendent candidate over campaign banners, with civic groups accusing him of promoting hatred against sexual minorities. The banners for Seoul Metropolitan Superintendent candidate Cho Jeon-hyeok carry the slogan “expel queer homosexuality education,” and his campaign blog also pledges to block the annual queer festival held at Seoul Plaza in front of City Hall. The Korean coalition for sexual minority rights Rainbow Action, youth support center Dding Dong and Coalition for Anti-Discrimination Legislation released a joint statement Friday, condemning the banners as an act that denies the existence of LGBTQ students and openly promotes hatred. The groups expressed outrage over the public display of anti-LGBTQ sentiments during the election campaign, saying these messages undermine the democratic values that elections are meant to represent. They also criticized Cho, lamenting that someone lacking an understanding of the education system and the qualifications of an educator is running in the superintendent race. The groups urged the

1st-ever strike looms at Kakao as final mediation talks set for Wed.

Kakao’s first-ever strike hangs in the balance as the company’s labor union and management prepare to hold a second — and final — mediation session Wednesday. Unless the two sides reach a deal in talks overseen by the Gyeonggi Regional Labor Relations Commission, employees at the operator of Korea’s most widely used messaging app, KakaoTalk, and its four affiliates are expected to walk off the job. The union filed for mediation with the commission after wage negotiations with management broke down on May 18. The mediation period, which may be extended by up to 10 days with mutual consent, was subsequently extended following the first round of talks. Two days later, the union said workers at Kakao and four affiliates — Kakao Pay, Kakao Enterprise, DK Techin and XL Games — voted in favor of a strike. The union is also said to be considering a range of collective actions, including strikes, work-to-rule campaigns and slowdowns. The union is reportedly seeking performance-based incentives equivalent to around 13 to 14 percent of the IT giant's operating profit. It has also call

Musical actor drops out of show, issues apology over Starbucks post

Musical actor Jung Min-chan has stepped down from the ongoing musical "Diaghilev" after facing online backlash over a social media post showing him drinking a beverage at Starbucks Korea, which recently came under fire for a marketing campaign criticized as insensitive to a painful chapter in Korea’s modern history. On Saturday, Jung posted a lengthy apology on his Instagram, stating, "I sincerely apologize for causing discomfort and disappointment to many people due to my recent social media post." The controversy began after Starbucks Korea faced severe criticism for holding a promotional event named "Tank Day" on May 18, which marks the 46th anniversary of the May 18 Gwangju Uprising. In Korea, tanks are a sensitive historical symbol associated with violent military suppression of the 1980 pro-democracy uprising. Although Starbucks Korea issued an official apology, the incident triggered a boycott against the coffee franchise. Jung sparked outrage by uploading a photo of his visit to a Starbucks store on his social media. When online users criticized the post, his initial response w

Korea to open ETF, ETN trading to foreign investors

The Korean government is moving to allow foreign investors to directly trade exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and exchange-traded notes (ETNs) through omnibus accounts, expanding market access beyond individual stocks as authorities seek to attract more foreign capital into the local market. According to financial authorities, Sunday, the Financial Services Commission (FSC) is seeking revisions to regulations on financial investment business to allow foreign investors to directly invest in locally listed ETFs and plans to issue a prior notice in June. The proposed revision would expand the scope of assets tradable through foreign omnibus accounts — currently limited to stocks — to include ETFs and ETNs. The omnibus account system allows foreign investors to trade Korean equities directly through overseas brokerages, without the need to open separate accounts with local securities firms. The move follows remarks by FSC Chairman Lee Eog-weon during a press conference on Thursday. "There are growing requests from foreign retail investors who want to invest in Korean stocks, but the instituti

[PHOTOS] Happy birthday, Buddha

Staff members hang wish notes on lanterns at Jogye Temple in central Seoul, Sunday, marking Buddha's Birthday. Yonhap

Korean submarine arrives in Canada amid Seoul's bid for $39.6 bil. Canadian submarine deal

A Korean Navy submarine has arrived at a port in Canada for joint drills with the Royal Canadian Navy amid Seoul's push to win a Canadian submarine deal estimated at around 60 trillion won ($39.6 billion). The 3,000-ton ROKS Dosan Ahn Chang-ho entered a port at the Canadian naval base in Esquimalt, Victoria, on the country's southwest coast on Saturday (local time) after traveling some 14,000 kilometers via Guam and Hawaii on the first trans-Pacific voyage ever undertaken by a Korean submarine, the Navy said. It marked the first time the submarine had completed such a long voyage. The submarine departed from the naval base in Korea's southeastern port of Jinhae on March 25. A 3,100-ton Daejeon frigate traveled alongside the submarine. Two Canadian submariners joined Korean crew members in Hawaii for the final leg of the trip to Victoria. The Navy said the voyage demonstrates the ability of domestically built naval submarines to carry out long-term missions. "It highlights the submarine's operational capabilities, backed by high-quality onboard living conditions and the reliability of its

Over 350 pigeons flock around Seoul Station, topping city survey

Seoul Station had the highest concentration of feral pigeons of any surveyed location in Seoul last year, with as many as 351 birds recorded in a recent government study. These findings were published Sunday in a pigeon research report by Korea’s National Institute of Biological Resources (NIBR), which launched the study last year due to an increase in complaints and social conflicts related to wild birds. The research aims to inform measures addressing damage caused by urban bird populations. After surveying 45 major locations across Seoul, the researchers found that pigeons tended to cluster in areas with heavy foot traffic and frequent outdoor dining, such as parks along the Han River. The pigeon survey was conducted twice, in February and November last year, at 36 designated “feeding prohibition zones” and nine areas without such restrictions. Researchers also carried out additional surveys in key locations, including 14 feeding-ban zones and seven nonrestricted areas, in March, April, May, July and August. Among locations without feeding restrictions, Seoul Station recorded th

3 summits in East Asia: Diplomacy amid geopolitical uncertainties

This month, a series of summits was held in East Asia. The first summit was between the two superpowers: the United States and China. A few days later, summits between Korea and Japan, and then between Russia and China, followed. As the current international order undergoes significant geopolitical shifts, these summits have conveyed the participating countries’ overlapping and divergent strategic calculations. The summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping was held in the context of fluctuations in the geopolitical balance between the two nations. After decades of leading the international order as the post-Cold War superpower, the United States has struggled with domestic political polarization, tensions with traditional allies and prolonged conflicts with adversarial regimes such as Iran. China, despite its own internal socioeconomic challenges, has appeared relatively better positioned when it comes to geopolitical bargaining. Outwardly, the summit displayed a conciliatory affirmation of “constructive strategic stability” between the two super

Intolerable war crimes by Israel

Testimonies from international activists detained and deported by Israeli forces after boarding a Gaza-bound humanitarian vessel have provoked outrage far beyond the Middle East. According to several activists, including two Korean participants, they were beaten while kneeling with their hands restrained, repeatedly struck in the face and subjected to electric shocks, confinement and even sexual humiliation. Some reported injuries severe enough to cause hearing loss. Video released after the incident appears to show activists face down on the floor while Israeli soldiers violently grab and restrain them. If these allegations are true, this was not merely a harsh security operation. It was an act of state violence that directly challenges the most basic principles of international human rights. CNN reported that the Israel Prison Service told it the "allegations raised are false and entirely without factual basis" and that it "operates in accordance with the law." There may be legitimate debate over the tactics and judgment of humanitarian flotillas attempting to reach Gaza. Any vessel

Ruling party candidate suspends Ulsan mayoral primary over flawed poll claims

The ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) candidate for Ulsan mayor said Sunday he would suspend his participation in a primary with a minor party rival meant to choose a unified contender, just days before crucial elections widely seen as a political bellwether for President Lee Jae Myung. Rep. Kim Sang-wook of the DPK, who is running for mayor of the southeastern industrial city home to Hyundai Motor, had agreed with Kim Jong-hoon of the minor Progressive Party to select a unified candidate through a primary. "We have learned that the poll showed highly irregular patterns beyond what would normally be expected, with signs suggesting possible organized intervention by a certain group," Kim said in a statement. "We have concluded that it is no longer possible to proceed with the primary under the current method, as it could lead to an undemocratic situation where voters' rights could be undermined by manipulation by a certain group," he said of the two-day opinion poll that was set to end on Sunday. Still, Kim said he would continue to hold talks with the Progressive Party on selecting

Lee calls for review of closing down far-right website over promoting hate speech

President Lee Jae Myung has called for a policy review of tougher measures against online and offline hate speech and hateful behavior, targeting far-right websites accused of promoting or enabling such behavior. Lee made the suggestion on X, formerly Twitter, Sunday, while sharing a news report saying that young people believed to be users of the far-right online community Ilbe had visited Bongha Village, the hometown of former President Roh Moo-hyun, during a memorial ceremony for Roh on Saturday and allegedly behaved in provocative and mocking ways. The village, located in South Gyeongsang Province, is where Roh lived after leaving office. According to the news report, which cited an online post by a lawyer who serves as a board member of the Roh Moo-hyun Foundation, around 50 young people entered the memorial hall in the village and took photos while wearing Ilbe-related T-shirts and making hand gestures associated with the community. Ilbe has sparked numerous controversies over content considered offensive or derogatory toward political figures, social groups and victims of nationa

Suwon’s hidden gems

Not far from the western exit of Suwon Station, where the land has been farmed from time immemorial, sits a humble traditional hanok house and the nearby remnants of one of Korea’s early industrial developments. The house in Pyeong-dong, Suwon, now more than 100 years old, has been beautifully rebuilt using many of the original materials. Inside the house, some of the family’s original furnishings are on display in the very rooms where they were originally used. The typical “L” shaped configuration includes two main rooms, a wood-floored room called a "maru," a kitchen and a side room for storage and food preparation. Also on the property were an outbuilding for storage and additional living space, and a 1950s western-style two-story house built for the growing family. The western-style house has since been razed and the outbuilding has been converted into a museum, which displays family heirlooms and photos. This was the home of Choi Hak-bae, patriarch of the family that controls the SK conglomerate. Built in 1921, the house was the birthplace of the first two chairmen of Sun

Happy Birthday, Buddha!

My column is to offer praise and thanksgiving for Buddha's birthday, celebrated on May 25 this year. It’s also to give some reflections on the great world religion and my understanding of Buddhism in Korea. Existing in Korea roughly since the fourth century, Buddhism continues to have a profound influence on Korean politics, society and culture. I remember enjoying a meal at my friend's home to learn that the consumption of rice at the end of the meal reflects Buddhist culture and the valuation of what is simple. I also remember visiting Daewon Temple near Boseong to enjoy a meal with the head monk, who reminded me of the same message. I also remember a monk passing me by just by chance at Bulguk Temple in Gyeongju and asking me how I felt. Buddhism is a faith that aspires to release us from the transitory nature of things and to pursue enlightenment on this basis. I have thought of this as trying to understand the nothingness of the world and its cares, with its Hobbesian morass of interests, appetites and objects. A total of 500 million people think along these lines. Striving to i

Lee vows to build gov't that 'saves people's lives' on Buddha's Birthday

President Lee Jae Myung vowed Sunday to build a government that "saves people's lives" and to uphold the teaching that all people are equally worthy, as he attended a ceremony marking Buddha's Birthday. Lee made the remarks during a ceremony hosted by the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, as he has increasingly prioritized policies aimed at protecting public safety and addressing issues that directly affect people's daily lives, such as stalking crimes and other safety-related incidents. "We will build a country that looks after the lives of each and every citizen more carefully and listens to the voices of those at the lowest levels of society," he said in his speech at Jogye Temple. "Above all, I will do my utmost to build a government that saves people's lives and put into practice the teaching that all people are equally worthy and equal," he said. Lee said the Buddha's teachings have shared both hardship and joy over the years, helping people heal pain and embrace marginalized neighbors whenever the country experienced crises and sorrow. "Even at times of war, poverty, disasters and so

Starbucks Korea prepaid balances top $28 mil. amid regulatory blind spot

The combined balance of prepaid funds loaded onto Starbucks Korea cards stood at 420 billion won ($276 million) as of the end of 2025, data showed Sunday, raising concerns over a regulatory blind spot and prompting calls for tighter supervision by financial authorities. According to Starbucks Korea's audit report, the amount marked an 8.2 percent increase from 395 billion won a year earlier. Despite holding a massive amount of customer funds loaded onto prepaid cards, Starbucks Korea is not subject to regulations governing prepaid electronic payment instruments. Under South Korean law, prepaid instruments refer to payment methods used to purchase goods or services from third parties, which excludes Starbucks Korea's prepaid cards because the company acts as both the issuer and place of use. Experts say refunds are effectively limited because customers must use at least 60 percent of the remaining balance before requesting a refund. Starbucks Korea, meanwhile, has faced calls from activists and consumers to offer an unconditional refund policy following its recent controversial marketing e

KAIST, Gangnam Severance Hospital use AI to streamline psychiatric interviews

The standard intake interview in a psychiatric clinic is a delicate, time-consuming calculus: A clinician must extract highly structured medical histories while simultaneously evaluating a patient’s emotional state. Now, researchers in Korea are outsourcing the administrative half of that equation to artificial intelligence (AI), attempting to solve a chronic bottleneck in mental health triage. A joint team from KAIST and Gangnam Severance Hospital has developed a generative AI assistant designed to conduct preliminary psychiatric interviews. Built on a large language model, the system engages patients before they ever step into a doctor's office, mapping out symptoms and medical histories in real time to build a comprehensive clinical dashboard for the attending physician. The research — led by Lee Ui-chin and Lee Tak-yeon of KAIST, alongside Kim Eun-joo, a professor of psychiatry at Gangnam Severance Hospital — was presented this month at ACM CHI 2026, a premier international conference on human-computer interaction. Unlike rigid digital questionnaires, the conversational agent a

Korea's Middle East crude imports down 37% in April amid tensions

Korea's imports of crude oil from the Middle East slipped 37 percent in April from a year earlier amid prolonged geopolitical tensions in the region, data showed Sunday. According to data compiled by the Korea International Trade Association (KITA), Korea's total crude imports came to 8.46 million tons in April, down 22.8 percent from a year earlier. Imports from the Middle East fell 37.3 percent on-year to 4.49 million tons in April, accounting for 53.1 percent of the total. The figure marks a 12.1 percentage-point drop from 65.2 percent tallied a year earlier. Imports from Saudi Arabia, the biggest supplier, fell 37.6 percent on-year in April to 2.14 million tons, the KITA data showed. Combined crude imports from the United States, meanwhile, rose 13.4 percent to 2.14 million tons. The gap in import volumes between the United States and Saudi Arabia narrowed to just around 1,000 tons from 1.45 million tons in March. In line with the government's efforts to diversify import sources, Korea's crude imports from Australia came to 440,000 tons in April, up 89 percent from a year earlier. Impor

Mount Yeongchwi Azalea Festival

Azaleas are ubiquitous on the Korean Peninsula. These flowers are some of the first to bloom in early spring. Their persistent vitality is deeply linked to Korean emotions, especially deep sorrow. For this reason, the song “Azalea,” written by Kim So-wol in 1922, while the country was under Japanese colonization, is like a national anthem. The azalea itself seems identifiable with Korea, Koreans and Koreanness. It is one of most commonly recited poems in the nation. When you leave, weary of me, without a word I shall gently let you go. From Mount Yak in Yongbyon, I shall gather armfuls of azaleas and scatter them on your way. Step by step on the flowers placed before you tread lightly, softly as you go. When you leave, weary of me, though I die, I'll not let one tear fall. (Translated by David McCann) During the mid-1970s, I was a middle-school student. When I hiked four kilometers or so over a low mountain, I would recite this poem. Azaleas would appear there as early as March because the mountain was bare and had no trees. On my way home from school, I would pick up azalea petals and

Congress should stop dodging its responsibilities on Iran

Virtually from the moment U.S. bombs started falling on Iran on Feb. 28, the White House has been twisting itself into verbal knots to avoid calling the conflict a “war.” On May 1, the president declared that hostilities had officially “terminated,” as a fragile ceasefire had been in effect since April 7. When shooting subsequently resumed, the Pentagon described fresh attacks on Iranian naval speedboats as a “clinical application of defensive munitions.” Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently reiterated that the war had “concluded” after the U.S. had “achieved the objectives” of Operation Epic Fury. Most Americans can see through such euphemism. The Republican majority in Congress, which represents them, ought to open its eyes. Driving these rhetorical gymnastics is the 1973 War Powers Resolution. It requires the White House to notify Congress within 48 hours if U.S. forces engage in hostilities — and then to end the fighting within 60 days unless specifically authorized. That deadline passed on May 1. Meanwhile, other than defeating Democratic-sponsored measure

Remembering when we could afford tbings

Remembering when we could afford tbings

Is China building the world's largest naval support ship?

China appears to be close to launching the world's largest naval support ship. On Thursday, the China State Shipbuilding Corporation released a picture of one of its shipyards on social media as part of a message marking a new Chinese solar term, which showed a massive hull in a dry dock in the background. The photo prompted speculation among military observers that the hull was an auxiliary ship and triggered a debate about the future logistical capabilities of the People's Liberation Army Navy. The ship's upper deck and island superstructures appeared to be largely complete, suggesting it would soon be ready to leave the dock for its final fitting. The speculation about whether it really is a "mega-replenisher" stems from the People's Liberation Army Navy's shift towards blue-water operations. Because China has few overseas military bases, it will have to rely on auxiliary ships to provide vital supplies such as food and water or fuel and ammunition during these missions on the open seas. Currently, the PLA Navy's aircraft carrier groups are supported by two 45,000-tonne Type 901 Fuyu cl

Why the largest-ever US-Philippine drill, and Japan's role in it, is making China uneasy

A U.S. and Philippine-led military drill seen as targeting China grew this year into the largest yet, prompting Chinese experts to warn that the annual event will exacerbate regional instability amid heightened tensions in the Indo-Pacific. The decades-old drill called Balikatan, which means shoulder to shoulder, reached record highs in terms of scale, scope of participation and training complexity this year, according to a report published by the South China Sea Strategic Situation Probing Initiative (SCSPI) this week. From April 20 to May 8, seven countries — the Philippines, the U.S., Canada, France, Japan, Australia and New Zealand — sent 17,000 personnel to train along the Philippines' western sealine, stretching from the South China Sea to the northern Philippine island of Itbayat, just 155km (96 miles) from Taiwan's main island. Tensions have run high in the Indo-Pacific in recent years, with increasing incidents occurring between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea. And relations between Beijing and another participant, Japan, have been further tested, particular

N. Korea reports women's football win, makes no mention of S. Korean venue

North Korean state media reported Sunday that a North Korean women's football club won Asia's top tournament, while avoiding any mention that the final was held in South Korea. The North's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that Naegohyang Women's FC won the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Women's Champions League the previous day, defeating Tokyo Verdy Beleze 1-0 in the final. The KCNA reported that the North Korean players were awarded the championship trophy and gold medals, while Kim Kyong-yong, the captain, was named the tournament's most valuable player. However, the report did not mention where the final match took place. The match was held at Suwon Stadium in Suwon, about 30 kilometers south of Seoul, on Saturday. State media had reported Thursday that the semifinal venue was "in South Korea" when it covered the North Korean women's football team's victory over a South Korean team the previous day. None of North Korea's coverage of the tournament included details of the atmosphere at the stadium, such as cheers from an inter-Korean joint cheering squad organized by Sout

Remember their names

Remember their names

MONDAY, May 25, 2026

1720-The Ship "Le Grand St Antoine" reaches Marseille, bringing Europe's last major plague outbreak. Kills around 100,000. 1810-In the May Revolution, citizens of Buenos Aires expel the Spanish Viceroy Cisneros during Semana de Mayo 1914-British House of Commons passes the Irish Home Rule Bill 1942-First commercial fluid catalytic cracking facility begins production at Exxon, developed by the "Four Horsemen” research team at Exxon. The process now produces half the world's gasoline. 1961-JFK announces the U.S. goal of putting a man on the Moon before the end of the decade 2020-Video of African American George Floyd's arrest and murder while restrained in Minneapolis police custody shows he was pinned to the ground by police officer Derek Chauvin's knee for 8 minutes and 46 seconds, igniting widespread condemnation and nationwide protests

Top 5 firms account for 44% of Korea's exports in Q1: data

The top five companies, including Samsung Electronics and SK hynix , accounted for around 44 percent of Korea's total exports in the first quarter, data showed Sunday, amid soaring global demand for memory chips driven by the artificial intelligence (AI) boom. According to the Ministry of Data and Statistics, the five exporters posted combined outbound shipments of $95.7 billion, or 43.5 percent of the country's total exports of $219.9 billion, in the January-March period. The ratio marked a 14.8 percentage point jump from 28.7 percent recorded in the same period of 2025, reflecting Korea's growing dependence on major tech firms for exports. The top five companies saw their exports increase by $50 billion on-year in the first quarter, accounting for 82.8 percent of the country's total export growth during the period, the data showed. Experts said Korea's recent export gains were driven by the AI boom rather than a broader recovery in the global economy, noting the disparity may deepen further down the road. "The global economy is only enjoying prosperity within the AI industry's value cha

Korean high school pitcher Park Chan-min signs with Phillies

Korean high school pitching prospect Park Chan-min has signed with the Philadelphia Phillies. The Phillies announced the signing of the 17-year-old right-hander Saturday (local time), with MLB.com reporting that Park received a signing bonus of just over $1.2 million, the highest for any pitcher in the 2026 international signing class. The Phillies made a couple of trades in exchange for $750,000 in international bonus pool money, giving them enough financial flexibility to sign Park and persuade him to forgo an upcoming draft in the Korea Baseball Organization. Park, listed at 191 centimeters and 94 kilograms, has gone 6-0 with a 1.37 ERA over 46 innings in 12 outings this season for Gwangju Jeil High School in the southern city of Gwangju. Park has struck out 65 but issued only seven walks for the school that has produced four Major League Baseball (MLB) players — Kim Byung-hyun, Choi Hee-seop, Seo Jae-weong and Kang Jung-ho. Park has touched 151 kilometers per hour with his four-seam fastball and sits around the mid-140s. He also mixes in curveball, slider, changeup and splitter. The

Cartographic justice for Africa

CAPE TOWN/ADDIS ABABA — Maps are never neutral. They are instruments of knowledge, yes, but also of power, ideology, and often manipulation. Nowhere is this more evident than in the depiction of Africa. For centuries, the Mercator projection — still ubiquitous in classrooms, media, and digital platforms — has misrepresented Africa’s true scale, making one of the world’s largest landmasses appear deceptively small. At more than 30 million square kilometers (11.7 million square miles), Africa is larger than the United States, China, India, and much of Europe combined. Yet on most maps, it appears comparable in size to Greenland, a landmass that is 14 times smaller. Far from a harmless visual inconsistency, that distortion has long shaped narratives about Africa’s significance, resources, and potential. A global initiative, Correct the Map, seeks to address this imbalance, not merely by adjusting cartographic conventions, but by challenging the deeper distortions that shape how the world sees Africa — and how Africa sees itself. The Mercator projection, developed by the Flemis

Iran move World Cup base from US to Mexico

TEHRAN — Iran are moving their World Cup training base to Mexico after football's world governing body FIFA approved a request to transfer it from Tucson, Arizona, the head of Iran's football federation said on Saturday. The Iranian team will now be based in Tijuana on the border of Mexico and the United States during the tournament, federation president Mehdi Taj said in a video carried by the Fars news agency. "Fortunately, thanks to the meetings we had with FIFA officials... our request to change countries from the United States to Mexico, due to problems encountered in obtaining visas, was accepted by FIFA," Taj said. "We will therefore be based in Tijuana, near the Pacific Ocean. It is a city that lies between Mexico and the US, but it is located in Mexico. We have actually completed the team building there." Taj said that the move would help to avoid complications related to visas and that the squad could use Iran Air flights to travel directly to Mexico. Iran's participation in the World Cup has been in question for months because it is being co-hosted by the United States, which

Suspect 'down' after shooting at officers near White House, official says

WASHINGTON — Officers at a White House checkpoint responded to gunshots on Saturday evening, and a shooting suspect was "down" and taken to a hospital, a law enforcement official told Reuters. A person approached the checkpoint at 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue near the White House and started shooting at officers, according to the official. The suspect is "down" and was transported to George Washington Hospital, the official said. He did not specify the suspect's condition or how he was brought down. The suspect was identified as an emotionally disturbed person, the official said, adding that a "stay-away order" had been issued to the suspect previously. Earlier, the U.S. Secret Service said it was investigating the incident and FBI Director Kash Patel said his agency was supporting the probe.

Norway-set drama about political polarization ‘Fjord’ wins Palme d’Or at Cannes

Cristian Mungiu’s Norway-set drama about political polarization, “Fjord,” has won the Palme d’Or, handing the Cannes Film Festival ’s top honor for the second time to Mungiu, the Romanian director of “4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days.” At a 79th Cannes Film Festival that saw few films cause a stir, “Fjord” found wide admiration for its engrossing tale of what Mungiu called “left-wing fundamentalism.” It stars Sebastian Stan and Renate Reinsve as Romanian Evangelicals who move to Norway, but soon after have their children taken from them by child services for spanking them. “Today the society is split. It’s divided. It’s radicalized,” said Mungiu. “This film is a pledge against any type of fundamentalism. It's a pledge for these things we quote very often, like trauma and inclusion and empathy. These are lovely words but we need to apply them more often.” Mungiu becomes just the 10th filmmaker to win the Palme d’Or twice. His “4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days,” a Romanian abortion drama, won the award in 2007. The win for “Fjord” extends one of the movi

Na Hong-jin's 'Hope' falls short of Palme d’Or win at Cannes

Director Na Hong-jin’s film “Hope” fell short of winning the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival on Saturday, but the genre-bending work remained one of the most talked-about entries in this year’s competition. Set in a remote harbor village near the Korean Demilitarized Zone, "Hope" follows a police chief and a rookie officer as they confront a mysterious being. Anchoring the spectacle, the ensemble cast — including Hwang Jung-min, Zo In-sung and Jung Ho-yeon alongside Michael Fassbender, Alicia Vikander and Taylor Russell — gives performances anchored in fraught human reactions: fear, panic, denial and opportunism. Despite missing the top prize, “Hope” drew significant attention throughout the festival, emerging as a dark horse with its unconventional mix of thrills, comedy, action and science fiction. The film generated strong buzz at Cannes, selling to major international markets and mirroring the success of Park Chan-wook’s "Decision to Leave" (2022). Critics described it as a rare surprise in an otherwise subdued lineup. Na said the film stems from his contemp

Trump says framework of Iran deal 'largely negotiated,' with provision to reopen strait

WASHINGTON/ISLAMABAD/NEW DELHI — U.S. President Donald Trump wrote on Saturday that a memorandum of understanding on a peace deal with Iran is "largely negotiated," as both countries and mediators in Pakistan reported progress. Trump posted on social media that the emerging agreement would reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the vital shipping passage whose closure upended global energy markets after the conflict started in February when the U.S. and Israel launched strikes on Iran. Trump did not say what else would be included in an agreement. "Final aspects and details of the Deal are currently being discussed, and will be announced shortly," Trump said. Iran's Fars news agency reported early on Sunday that the agreement would allow Iran to manage the Strait of Hormuz. It said Trump's assertion that an agreement was nearly final was "inconsistent with reality." Iran had said earlier on Saturday that it was working toward a memorandum of understanding laying out an approach to ending the war after its top officials met with Asim Munir, the army chief of Pakistan. The Pakistani army said the n

Girl raped by boys spared jail tells BBC judge's decision was like 'rock in my face'

Speaking to the BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg, the girl, who is now 16, said: "What was the point in putting me through that?"

Temperatures of up to 27C expected tomorrow

Met Éireann is forecasting "very warm" temperatures of up to 27C tomorrow, with "long spells of sunshine".

'We got to the finish line': 9-year-old P.E.I. boy enjoys homecoming after heart transplant

Nine-year-old Maverick Bishop returned home on Saturday after spending 20 months in Toronto waiting for, then recovering from, a heart transplant.

Fine Gael bucks trend, Soc Dems soar in bye-elections

Fine Gael and the Social Democrats both won one seat each in the Galway West and Dublin Central bye-elections.

Iran's World Cup base changed from US to Mexico

Iran's World Cup training base has been moved from the United States to Mexico with the approval of FIFA.

Helmet worn by Canadian F1 great Gilles Villeneuve sells for record $1.25M US

Gilles Villeneuve's helmet from his final Formula One race in 1982 has sold for a record $1.25 million US, according to a motorsports memorabilia collector.

Bridgetown, N.S. street stung by internet outage that's lasted more than a week

Some Bell Canada customers in Bridgetown, N.S., have been without internet service since May 14 despite repeated calls for the service to be reconnected.

Saying goodbye to Football Focus after 52 years

After Football Focus broadcasts its final episode after 52 years on the air, former presenters and pundits reminisce about the good times.

Sunday's hurling championship results and reports

Plenty to be decided on the final day of the round-robin series in both Leinster and Munster.

Blast targeting train kills at least 20 in Pakistan

Officials say the train had been transporting military personnel home for Eid when it was attacked by armed separatists.

Emotional Kostyuk dedicates win to Ukraine

Marta Kostyuk dedicates her French Open first-round victory to Ukraine after Russian drones and missiles struck the country.

Khalida Popal and Javier Zanetti among football stars appointed UN Champions

With the World Cup just days away, 16 greats of the game have been appointed Football for the Goals (FFTG) Champions, using their profiles to raise awareness of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and advocate for a better future for people and the planet.

Displaced in Gaza: From home comforts to the shattering horror of war

In front of a simple tent in Gaza that offers no protection from the cold or the heat, in a crowded camp where tents lack privacy and basic services, Umm Ahmad sat down to speak to UN News about her life in Gaza before the war and what it has become now.

Massive Russian strike on Kyiv: ‘I hope my friends are alive’

The overnight Russian attack on Ukraine, which centred on the capital, Kyiv, reportedly involved some 90 missiles, including a powerful hypersonic ballistic missile and 60 drones. The senior UN official in the country called for an end to civilian harm.

Changes intended to 'copper-fasten' Kevin Bell trust

Colin and Eithne Bell, founders of the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust, have explained that they are not retiring but rather have recruited staff.

Blast on train in Pakistan kills dozens

A blast targeting a train carrying military personnel killed at least 24 people in Pakistan's turbulent southwestern province of Balochistan, a senior official said.

Probe of alleged inappropriate behaviour by former prince

Police in the UK investigating Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor are reportedly looking into an allegation that he behaved inappropriately towards a woman at Royal Ascot.

Tribe staking England claim with Lions share

Glamorgan's Jersey-born batter Asa Tribe continues to stake his claim for a senior call-up by impressing for England Lions against South Africa A.

Pope prays for Christians in China and Middle East

Following the Regina Caeli prayer, Pope Leo XIV entrusts Chinese Christians to the Virgin Mary, praying that they might be witnesses of “hope and peace.” The Pope’s thoughts also turn to those suffering from the conflict in the Holy Land.

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Pope Leo prays the Spirit may help build a fraternal world where peace reigns

At the Regina Caeli, the Pope urged everyone to invoke the Holy Spirit, who opens the doors to faith and encourages the Church to be “welcoming and hospitable to all.” And may the Holy Spirit help us overcome “resistance, selfishness, mistrust, and prejudice,” allowing fraternity to flourish.

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BBC at the site of China's worst mining disaster in more than a decade

At least 82 people have been killed after a gas explosion at the Liushenyu mine in China.

Stony-faced N. Korean women's football team leaves S. Korea after tournament win

The North Korean women's football team left for China on Sunday en route to Pyongyang after winning Asia's top tournament in South Korea, maintaining a stony-faced, restrained demeanor in what appeared to be a carefully staged display amid strained inter-Korean ties. Naegohyang Women's FC arrived at Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul, at around 1:50 p.m. to board an Air China flight to Beijing for a stopover before flying back to Pyongyang. The team, led by head coach Ri Yu-il, walked

Seven flotilla activists detained in Israel arrive back in UK

Activists from the flotilla have made numerous allegations of abuse and mistreatment, which the Israeli government denies.

Seoul moves to allow foreigners to trade S. Korean ETFs directly

South Korea's financial authorities are moving to allow foreign investors to trade domestic exchange-traded funds (ETFs) directly, a measure that could help draw more overseas money into Korean assets amid a record-setting rally in the benchmark KOSPI, sources said Sunday. The KOSPI has been among the world's best-performing stock indexes this year, rising 82 percent from 4,309.63 on the first trading day of the year to close at 7,847.71 on Friday, driven largely by strong gains in Samsung Elect

Lee vows to build gov't that 'saves people's lives' on Buddha's Birthday

President Lee Jae Myung vowed Sunday to build a government that "saves people's lives" and to uphold the teaching that all people are equally worthy, as he attended a ceremony marking Buddha's Birthday. Lee made the remarks during a ceremony hosted by the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, as he has increasingly prioritized policies aimed at protecting public safety and addressing issues that directly affect people's daily lives, such as stalking crimes and other safety-related incidents. "We will

Lee offers condolences over deadly China coal mine explosion

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on Sunday expressed condolences over the deadly gas explosion at a coal mine in China’s Shanxi Province that caused heavy casualties. In a message posted on X, Lee said he felt “profound regret and sorrow” upon hearing news of the accident and extended sympathy to the victims and their families. “I pray for the eternal peace of those who lost their lives in this sudden tragedy, and extend my deepest condolences and comfort to the bereaved families and the Chi

India, South Korea unveil Korean War memorial near DMZ

PAJU, Gyeonggi Province — India and South Korea on Thursday unveiled a memorial honoring Indian troops who served in the Korean War, in a ceremony near the Demilitarized Zone that highlighted the countries’ shared wartime history and growing strategic ties. The memorial, located at Imjingak Peace Park in Paju near the border with North Korea, commemorates the Indian Army’s 60 Parachute Field Ambulance and the Custodian Force of India, which took part in frontline medical operations and prisoner-

New Zealand showcases wines in Seoul

The New Zealand Chamber of Commerce in Korea on Saturday showcased premium New Zealand wines at its annual wine festival in Seoul, highlighting the country’s growing presence in South Korea’s premium wine market. Held under the theme “Where Wine Meets Art,” the event presented wine as “liquid art” shaped by terroir and time, while introducing Korean consumers to New Zealand’s wine culture, cuisine and lifestyle. “New Zealand wine is going from strength to strength in Korea’s premium wine market,

Bin-raiding for cans and bottles cost council over €500k

Dublin City Council has said bin-raiding by people looking for bottles and cans cost it half a million euro last year, leaving already-collected rubbish strewn around the streets.

Tyrone legend Frank McGuigan dies

The death has occurred of Tyrone GAA legend Frank McGuigan.

NZ at wild frontier of AI superhacking

NZ's National Cyber Security Centre warns organisations to get ready for 'a significant increase in vulnerabilities and incidents'.

Details emerge about potential Iran deal as Trump says not to rush

The potential deal will include Iran's commitment that it won’t pursue a nuclear weapon, and Tehran agreed to give up its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, according to two regional officials.

Vancouver isn’t shipping unhoused people to Prince George for World Cup, officials say. But rumours persist

The belief that unhoused people are being paid and provided buses to travel from Vancouver to other communities across British Columbia ahead of the World Cup has taken such a hold in Prince George that the city and multiple councillors have officially come forward to dispel the rumour.

Pope on Pentecost: The Paraclete enlightens minds and protects us

During his Mass for the Solemnity of Pentecost, Pope Leo XIV reflected on how the Holy Spirit continues to work wonders in our lives, saying that by enlightening minds and instilling new vitality in our hearts, the Paraclete “transfigures history, opening it to salvation, which is the gift that the Lord offers to everyone.”

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S. Korean submarine arrives in Canada amid Seoul's bid for US$39.6 bln Canadian submarine deal

A South Korean Navy submarine has arrived at a port in Canada for joint drills with the Royal Canadian Navy amid Seoul's push to win a Canadian submarine deal estimated at around 60 trillion won (US$39.6 billion). The 3,000-ton ROKS Dosan Ahn Chang-ho entered a port at the Canadian naval base in Esquimalt, Victoria, on the country's southwest coast on Saturday (local time) after traveling some 14,000 kilometers via Guam and Hawaii on the first trans-Pacific voyage ever undertaken by a South Kore

Russia strikes Ukraine with Oreshnik hypersonic missile

Russia has struck Kyiv and surrounding areas with hundreds of drones and missiles in one of the heaviest bombardments of the city since ⁠the start of the four-year war, firing an Oreshnik hypersonic missile near the capital.

Dean Penney found guilty of murdering his estranged wife

A 12-person jury has found Dean Penney guilty of first-degree murder in relation to the disappearance of his estranged wife, Jennifer Hillier-Penney, in 2016.

Green Parrot Cafe owner Kosta Sakoufakis dies aged 86

The Sakoufakis family took over the business in 1970 and Kosta became a co-owner in 1986.

Mayor determined to protect district's identity as potential merger looms

The government has given councils three months to decide how they want local government reorganised or risk having a new structure imposed from Wellington.

Galway West bye-election decided on 11th count

Fine Gael's Seán Kyne has won the Galway West bye-election after leapfrogging Independent Ireland's Noel Thomas on the 11th and final count.

As it happened: Seán Kyne takes Galway West Dáil seat

Follow live updates as the count concludes in the Galway West bye-election.

Politicians urged to end pre-election 'race-baiting'

Federation of Islamic Associations says community leaders want an urgent meeting with the prime minister.

Māori-owned data storage network hailed as significant step towards data sovereignty

Te Pā Tūwatawata will be available to marae, hapū, iwi or other organisations who wish to store their data within the protection of the Pā.

Gisborne mayor wants value of State Highway 2 recognised

East Coast leaders have asked the government to formally recognise State Highway 2.

Kindergartens Aotearoa expects Budget increase to be below inflation

Kindergartens Aotearoa is expecting to see an increase of less than the rate of inflation in next week's Budget.

Usyk survives huge scare to win with 11th round stoppage

Olexsandr Usyk survived a scare as he defended his WBC world heavyweight title by stopping Rico Verhoeven at the end of the 11th round in Egypt.

Weather experts concerned about public safety as Environment Canada disbands radar research team

From hail sizes to wind speeds, weather radars help Environment and Climate Change Canada track storms and issue public warnings. But the organization has recently disbanded its radar research team. Meanwhile, it's begun leaning on AI to help make forecasting more accurate. Weather experts say the changes will affect the country.

Can art heal the brain?

Kim Bung-nyun has spent more than a decade trying to answer one question: What does art actually do for the brain and body? The child and adolescent psychiatrist at Seoul National University Hospital began his work in 2014, when his team put 600 adolescents referred from the juvenile justice system through a six-month program combining cognitive behavioral therapy with art therapy: emotional literacy exercises, music therapy, and picture book bibliotherapy. About 100 of the participants — perpet

From sports day to matchmaking, Seoul’s luxury towers form their own league

Seoul’s luxury apartment towers are emerging not only as symbols of wealth, but also as hubs of exclusive social networking. Residents of Raemian One Bailey and Maple Xi, prestigious luxury apartment complexes in Seoul’s Seocho-gu where prices have reportedly surpassed 200 million won ($132,448) per 3.3 square meters, recently held a joint sports festival featuring screen golf, table tennis and basketball, according to news reports Friday. Organized by the residents’ association of Maple Xi in J

7-Eleven Japan gets K-beauty corner

7-Eleven stores across Japan will introduce dedicated sections for Korean cosmetics this September, eBay Japan said Thursday. According to eBay Japan, its online marketplace Qoo10 Japan has agreed with 7-Eleven Japan to launch “Qoo10 Pick,” a K-beauty section featuring Korean cosmetics popular on Qoo10 Japan. Qoo10 Japan has been conducting test sales at selected 7-Eleven stores across Japan since September last year, offering 24 products from eight brands. Based on the results of the yearlong t

Lee Ufan: ‘The process matters. Above all, encounters matter.'

VENICE, Italy -- Large brushstrokes spread across white canvases evoke both tension and harmony through rhythm and negative space. In another room, stones and steel plates face one another in silent confrontation. Korean-born artist Lee Ufan’s works may initially appear minimal and deceptively simple, but the artist says they emerged only after countless repetitions, effort and moments of contemplation. "Controlling strength is important (when painting). It only emerges after an enormous amount

Battle of the Makerfield bye-election begins in earnest

As the countdown to the Makerfield bye-election continues, who is the cream of the crop in Greater Manchester?

One dead in fatal crash near Tekapo

Police say State Highway 8 will be closed for some time.

'Incredibly special' bush reserve finally reopens in Auckland

Belfast Reserve first closed in 2019 when heavy rain washed out a footbridge, and five large slips triggered by the 2023 Anniversary Weekend storm made the bush impassable.

Suspect killed after opening fire on Secret Service near White House

Officials say a suspect approached a checkpoint near the building and opened fire, and that a bystander was wounded.

Woman abused by babysitter as a child says compensation can't fix police injustice

Michaela Allen reported abuse at the age of seven, but police errors meant no-one faced justice.

Trump slush fund stokes threat of Republican revolt

The Trump administration's announcement of an "anti-weaponisation" fund has stoked the threat of a rare revolt among the Republican Party, writes Washington Correspondent Jackie Fox.

Big fears in Big Tech over AI job losses

Recent job cuts announced by Meta has sparked concern in both business and political circles amid fears that the great AI job displacement is already under way, writes Correspondent Brian O'Donovan.

Is it really full steam ahead for a new Navan rail line?

Sixty-three years after Navan's rail line closed, it now seems the project is finally full steam ahead.

What next for heavyweight division after Usyk's win?

After Oleksandr Usyk beats Rico Verhoeven to retain his heavyweight world titles, who could he fight next?

Russia uses hypersonic Oreshnik missile in mass attack on Kyiv

Russia first used the multiple-warhead Oreshnik on the Ukrainian city of Dnipro in November 2024. It was used a second time in January in the western Lviv region.

Endangered Australian turtle numbers holding steady after record-breaking floods

A year on from the record-breaking flooding on New South Wales' Mid North Coast, experts say numbers of the Manning River turtles are at pre-flood levels.

Can diet changes reduce your biological age?

Researchers have analysed the biomarker differences in a small group of older Australians after putting them on a four-week diet.

21 people trapped under rubble after deadly building collapse in Philippines

A nine-storey building under construction in a city north of the Philippine capital collapsed before dawn on Sunday, leaving at least one Malaysian tourist dead and at least 21 people, mostly workers, trapped in the rubble, officials said. Two were located alive but could not be immediately extricated.

Rescuers race to find survivors after deadly Chinese coal mine blast

Chinese President Xi Jinping called for a thorough investigation and accountability of those responsible, after the deadly gas explosion happened Friday evening at the Liushenyu coal mine in the province of Shanxi.

Suicide bombing near a railway track in southwest Pakistan kills at least 23 people

The attack happened in an area where security forces are usually stationed, badly damaging several nearby buildings and smashing vehicles parked along the road, according to witnesses and images circulating on social media.

Why the stakes are so high in Spurs and West Ham's relegation shootout

Why the stakes could not be higher in Tottenham and West Ham's relegation shootout.

Happy Birthday RTE.ie! Three decades of Irish life online

Neil Leyden, Head of RTÉ.ie, looks back at the evolution of RTÉ's public service media website, thirty years after it first launched.

It's like the Olympics - except steroids are allowed

The first ever Enhanced Games are taking place this weekend in Las Vegas, with big names, big money and much controversy.

Alex Newhook jerseys flying off the shelves as Habs hype grows in St. John’s

After the Montreal Canadiens’ Alex Newhook clinched round two of the Stanley Cup series by scoring the winning goal over the Buffalo Sabres in Game 7, hype for the St. John’s–born player has been growing across the province.

Muslim leaders warn NZ facing worst anti-Muslim extremism in 20 years

Federation of Islamic Associations says community leaders want an urgent meeting with the prime minister.

Over $5M in donations flowed in after the Lapu-Lapu Day attack. Here's where it went

Several charities and 29 GoFundMe campaigns raised more than $5.5 million for those affected by the Lapu-Lapu Day Festival attack. As some survivors criticize a lack of consultation and ongoing support, one charity expert says direct cash transfers to victims is a proven strategy to maximize impact after a tragedy.

Outgoing Gov. Gen. says criticisms levelled against her French abilities were unfair

Outgoing Gov. Gen. Mary Simon says the criticisms levelled against her over her ability to speak French were "unfair" and it ultimately did not impede her connecting with Canadians while in the role.

Trump says US will not 'rush into a deal' with Iran

US President Donald Trump has said he told US negotiators "not to rush into a deal" with Iran amid anticipation that an agreement to end the war in the Middle East was close.

Wellington's Senior Regional Games gets a new name

Nuku Ora, formerly known as Sport Wellington, will host Active At Any Age at the Wairarapa Events Centre in Carterton on Tuesday.

California seeks solution as LA chemical tank heats up

Firefighters trying to keep a tank of hazardous chemicals in California from exploding or leaking brought in outside experts to help prevent a catastrophe, the incident commander said as some nearby shelters ran out of space for evacuees.

Crash blocks State Highway 1 at Piarere, Waikato

Police were called to the two-vehicle incident at 1.25pm.

Levain Artisinal Bakery confesses temporary closure due to E food safety grade

Levain co-owner Sean Vo said its initial claim that its temporary closure was for "family reasons" was not the "whole truth".

Pedestrian struck by car in Upper Hutt

The pedestrian suffered moderate injuries, police say

New James Bond game shows more vulnerable side to iconic British spy

The video game presents a young Bond before he has earned his "00" spy status.

'Six eggs used to be £1' - why everyday essentials cost so much more now

Six supermarket brand eggs cost £1 in 2022. How much are they now, why have they gone up, and is anyone profiteering?

Spurred on by the painful death of her dad, Natalie Cassidy trains as a carer

The actress's experience caring for her father inspired her to return to education in a new BBC show.

Protesters rally against planned AI data centres in Vancouver

Hundreds of people marched through Vancouver on Saturday to protest two planned AI data centres in the city, raising concerns about the amount of water and energy such facilities can use as the region faces tighter water restrictions.

East Africa wants to curb imports of used clothes. But it's not easy

Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania are major importers of used garments from the West and China.

I survived a missile strike in the Strait of Hormuz, but my friend has not been found

Sunil Puniya was on his first sea job when a missile struck the oil tanker Skylight at the start of the Iran war.

Schools urged to ease financial burden on parents

The Minister for Education has called on school principals to ease the financial burden on parents after some schools demanded the purchase of tablets and digital devices.

Deep strikes - Ukraine and Russia drone warfare escalates

The scale and intensity of drone strikes by Russia on Ukraine continue to escalate. Since spring, Ukraine's response has been to strike energy targets farther inside Russia, with more regularity than at any point since the start of Moscow's full-scale invasion.

£1.3bn upgrade of Belfast Port to test Dublin dominance

Plans were unveiled earlier this week for a £1.3bn upgrade to Belfast's port facilities over the next 25 years, which could help it challenge Dublin for a bigger share of all-island trade.

Gunman killed after opening fire near White House

A gunman who opened fire on Secret Service officers outside the White House has died after being shot, the agency said in a statement provided to US media.

Midnight Sun-derland: Zara Larsson electrifies the crowd at Big Weekend

The Swedish pop star treated the crowds to back-to-back, high-energy pop bangers on day two of the festival.

With Toronto Tempo’s latest loss, head coach Brondello reiterates process still a journey not a sprint

Toronto Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello has consistently walked the line between publicly demanding excellence from her team and acknowledging the reality that they are a first-year franchise in a very competitive league.

Sparks show why they're your favourite band's favourite band

Review - For a band that's been making hit records for over 50 years, Sparks still feel a little bit underrated, writes Nik Dirga.

White Ferns recover from nightmare start to win second England T20

Sophie Devine and Maddy Green strike half-centuries in decisive, record-breaking partnership to square the series.

Medical costs higher than inflation, as pressure on public system grows

One of the biggest drivers for health insurance claims last year was heart disease.

40,000 evacuate over LA chemical tank explosion risk

US firefighters warned a tank of toxic chemicals in California is heating up, adding to fears of a catastrophic explosion that has already forced tens of thousands of people to evacuate.

Doris: Right structures are in place for us to succeed

Caelan Doris says their chastening Champions Cup final defeat to Bordeaux-Begles hasn't dented his belief that Leinster can get back to the top of European rugby.

Suspected gunman fatally shot by Secret Service near the White House, authorities say

A person who approached a White House security checkpoint and began firing at officers has died, according to federal officials. A bystander was also shot and injured at the scene.

What is 'cycle syncing' and how might it affect menstruation?

Social media influencers are spruiking the trend as a natural way to manage period pain.

Political polarization drama Fjord wins Palme d'Or at Cannes

Cristian Mungiu's Norway-set drama about political polarization, Fjord, has won the Palme d'Or, handing the Cannes Film Festival's top honour for the second time to Mungiu, the Romanian director of 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days.

Jury finishes 3rd full day of deliberations with no verdict in Dean Penney murder trial

The jury is still out in Dean Penney's first-degree murder trial, after a full day of deliberations on Saturday with no verdict.

Russell & Antonelli 'both lucky not to crash' in Canada sprint battle

Kimi Antonelli says both he and Mercedes team-mate George Russell were "lucky not to crash" in the Canadian Grand Prix sprint race.

Iran 'getting a lot closer' to agreement with US, Trump says

Tehran also signals progress on talks but says the key issue of nuclear weapons is not part of an initial framework it is working on.

Some Canadians from Gaza flotilla returning home after detainment by Israeli forces

Some of the Canadians who were part of a flotilla attempting to break Israel's naval blockade of Gaza are set to return to Canada this weekend. The Canadians were detained by Israeli forces last week and reportedly abused in custody before being sent to Turkey.

California governor declares state of emergency due to overheating chemical tank

Nascar champion Kyle Busch died of pneumonia and sepsis, family says

The driver died aged 41 on Thursday after "overwhelming complications" from the illnesses.

Poor England beaten as New Zealand level T20 series

Sophie Devine hits a majestic 87 as New Zealand level the T20 series to set up a decider at Hove on Monday.

Red Cross volunteers die from suspected Ebola in DR Congo

They are thought to have caught the virus before the outbreak was identified, the Red Cross says.

Hottest day of year as 30.5C recorded and temperatures set to soar

Amber heat health alerts are in place for the Midlands, eastern and south-east England.

Donegal dismantle Kerry in ill-tempered Killarney battle

Donegal powered past Kerry 2-20 to 0-16 in Killarney as the Kingdom's All-Ireland SFC title credentials were left seriously damaged.

Deal with Iran to reopen Strait of Hormuz 'largely negotiated,' Trump says

Announcing progress on social media, Trump said final aspects and details of the deal are being discussed and will be announced "shortly."

Electronic music meets orchestra as DJ Black Coffee stuns O2 crowds

In London for one night only ahead of his Ibiza residency, this sell-out show represented far more than just a performance.

France suspends extra EU border checks at Dover after hours-long queues

The port said extra checks would be suspended, after travellers faced queues as temperatures soared.

Was Celtic's cup final a fond farewell for 'Larssonesque' Maeda?

All the indications are that Daizen Maeda will leave Celtic this summer, and if that is to be the case, signing off with a goal in a winning cause in the Scottish Cup final was no bad was to say goodbye.

2 people face charges after newborn found dead in wooded area near Halifax

Halifax Regional Police say the body of an infant believed to be connected with the case of a newborn previously reported missing has been found, and two people face charges in connection with the case.

Starmer urges TNT to make Champions League final free-to-air

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer calls on TNT Sports to make next Saturday's Champions League final between Arsenal and Paris St-Germain free-to-air.

First-half Bordeaux blitz smashes Leinster in Bilbao

Leo Cullen's were destroyed by a rampant Bordeaux-Begles, who were utterly dominant as they defended their title, with a 41-19 win at San Mames Stadium in Bilbao.

Magnificent Bordeaux thrash Leinster to retain Champions Cup

Bordeaux-Begles score five first-half tries to retain the Champions Cup title with a comfortable victory over Leinster in the final in Bilbao and prolong the Irish team's agony in European rugby's showpiece game.

South Korea's Hanwha showcases submarine as Ottawa mulls multibillion-dollar contract

The South Korean submarine ROKS Dosan Ahn Chang-ho arrived off the B.C. coast on Saturday in a flashy showcase of Hanwha Ocean’s bid to secure Canada’s multibillion-dollar submarine contract.

F1 great Prost 'injured as masked gang raid home'

Four-time Formula 1 world champion Alain Prost was injured when a masked gang raided his home near Geneva, Swiss media reports.

At least 82 killed in Chinese coal mine explosion

The blast in Shanxi province constitutes the country's worst mining disaster in 16 years.

EU border checks at Port of Dover suspended due to queues

New EU border checks at the port of Dover have been suspended as motorists queued for hours amid climbing temperatures at the start of a hot bank holiday weekend.

Could A Brexit Reset Mean A New Single Market? (Live At Hay Festival)

Newscast is live at Hay Festival and looking at the UK’s relationship with the EU.

Watch: Irish team back in Dublin after Everest climb

Team Ireland who successfully reached the summit of Mount Everest have returned home after their historic climb.

Highlights of Pope Leo’s visit to Acerra

The joy of the people of Acerra, in Italy's southern Campania region, for Pope Leo XIV's visit to their wounded land, was manifested throughout the morning as he met with clergy and residents who brought gifts, smiles and music wherever he went.

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US Green Card seekers must apply from home countries

The Trump administration has announced that most foreigners seeking a Green Card granting permanent US residency must apply from their home countries.

Gaza's battle with rising infectious disease risks

Civilians in Gaza continue to face daily violence and the spread of infectious disease – all being made worse by blockages of essential medical supplies.

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Trump says Iran peace deal 'largely negotiated'

US President Donald Trump has said ⁠that a memorandum of understanding on a peace deal has been "largely negotiated" with Iran and ‌will open ⁠the Strait ofHormuz, with details to be unveiled soon.

French mum and partner held until trial after sons abandoned by road in Portugal

The couple, who allegedly left the woman's sons on a roadside in southern Portugal, will remain in custody.

Bruno Mars concert in Toronto cancelled on Saturday due to poor weather: Rogers Stadium

The first in a series of Bruno Mars concerts to held in Toronto has been cancelled, according to Rogers Stadium.

Peru: Mass of Reparation for the victims of ‘Sodalitium’

A Mass of Reparation is celebrated in Peru for communities harmed by the now-suppressed “Sodalitium Christiane Vitae” as Church leaders renew calls for justice, healing, and accountability.

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NASCAR's Kyle Busch died after severe pneumonia progressed into sepsis, his family says

Kyle Busch died after severe pneumonia progressed into sepsis, resulting in rapid and overwhelming associated complications, according to a statement released by his family.

Church in Ghana looks forward to Pope Leo’s first encyclical

The Catholic Church in Ghana is actively preparing for the release of Pope Leo’s first encyclical, “Magnifica Humanitas,” aiming to align its response to technological advancements with the Pope’s upcoming guidance. A high-level workshop of key religious leaders on ethical and pastoral response to emerging technologies has just concluded in Accra. The encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas will be launched in the Vatican on Monday, 25 May.

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Man, 19, in Dublin court over UK child exploitation probe

A man appeared in court in Dublin on foot of a request by UK authorities in connection with a child sexual exploitation investigation which saw seven men charged in Norwich yesterday, it has emerged.

Saturday's football championship results and reports

The All-Ireland series throws in, with Donegal in Kerry, Cork hosting Meath and Kildare out west in Galway, a game live on RTÉ.

Putin vows retaliation after accusing Ukraine of hitting student dormitory

Ukraine says it struck Russia's elite Rubicon drone military unit in a Moscow-occupied region.

France bans Israeli security minister Ben Gvir

France has announced it had banned Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir from entry for a video mocking bound activists seized by Israeli soldiers on a Gaza-bound aid flotilla.

Investors doubt Brewdog founder's shares pledge for new beer brand

James Watt plans to launch a new brand and wants to give shares to those who lost money in the Equity for Punks scheme.

Inside Italy’s ‘Land of Fires’ as Pope Leo visits

Vatican News reports from the southern Italian town of Acerra, in the ‘Land of Fires’, as Pope Leo pays a pastoral visit. Michele Pannella and Alessandro Cannavacciuolo, from the association “Volontari antiroghi Acerra” (Acerra Anti-Fires Volunteers), describe the decades of environmental damage in the region.

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Champions Cup final recap: Leinster 19-41 Bordeaux

Leinster chase a fifth star in Bilbao ended in defeat as Bordeaux-Begles retained their Investec Champions Cup title in style.

Trump calls a climate projection 'WRONG!' Turns out, climate action is working

Hull to take legal action if they lose play-off final

Hull City owner Acun Ilicali vows to take legal action over the decision to reinstate Middlesbrough in the play-offs if the Tigers lose at Wembley.

Jackson smashes meeting record to win 200m

Two-time 200m world champion Shericka Jackson produces a dominant display to win the 200m Diamond League event in Xiamen.

Brush fire breaks out in Maple Ridge, B.C., forest

The Maple Ridge fire chief is asking people to avoid the area as crews work to put out the fire.

Ebola treatment tent set ablaze again in Congo, with 18 suspected cases leaving

An Ebola treatment tent was set on fire, leading 18 patients who are suspected of having Ebola to leave — one day after a tent in another community was burned down. The concerning outbreak is gripping East Africa.

'Shameful' more spent on benefits than jobs for young people, says Milburn

Reforms are needed of the welfare system to tackle the high numbers of young people not in work or education, says Alan Milburn.

WHO chief calls for urgent Ebola action and pandemic preparedness

The recent Ebola and hantavirus outbreaks demonstrate that the world is still vulnerable to rapidly spreading infectious diseases, Tedros Ghebreyesus, the head of the World Health Organization (WHO), warned on Saturday at the close of the 79th World Health Assembly in Geneva.

Review of landmark nuclear treaty breaks up without consensus, raising arms race fears

After four weeks of negotiations at UN Headquarters in New York, the 11th Review Conference of the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) ended on Friday without consensus on a final declaration.

From Kharkiv to the UK’s health service: Ukrainian doctor rebuilds her life – and helps others do the same

On 23 February 2022, in her home city of Kharkiv, Dr Inna Soldatenko finished work, collected her daughter from school, cooked dinner and prepared a lecture for her students. The next morning, she awoke to explosions.

Rubio meets Modi during India visit with energy high on agenda

The secretary of state wants to sell US energy to Delhi to make up for shortfalls caused by the Iran war.

Irish Gaza flotilla members arrive home

Eleven Irish citizens detained by Israeli soldiers when their flotilla was intercepted and boarded in international waters have returned home.

Completed count results from Galway West

Full breakdown of the results from the Galway West constituency.

Completed count results from Dublin Central

Full breakdown of the results from the Dublin Central constituency.

E-scooter and officer collide near Buckingham Palace

Two men were taken to a major trauma centre and the area around the palace gates was cordoned off.

Three new Ebola cases confirmed in Uganda

Uganda said on Saturday it had confirmed three new cases of Ebola, bringing to five the total since the virus outbreak was discovered in the east African country on 15 May.

Trump says he will not attend son's wedding

US President Donald Trump has said he would not attend the wedding of his eldest son, Donald Trump Jr, to Palm Beach socialite Bettina Anderson, because he has to stay in Washington for government business.

Independent Ireland ahead in Galway West with FG second

A complete tally in the Galway West bye-election suggests Independent Ireland's Noel Thomas and Fine Gael's Seán Kyne are neck and neck.

Social Democrats' Ennis wins Dublin Central bye-election

Daniel Ennis has won the Dublin Central bye-election on the ninth count for the Social Democrats.

Pope Leo in Acerra: 'Let us take responsiblity and serve life'

During his pastoral visit to Acerra, Italy, Pope Leo XIV addressed mayors and local residents of the town in the 'Land of Fires,' urging everyone to join together to correct course, and saying the principal meaning of his presence there was 'to confirm and encourage that stirring of dignity and responsibility that every honest heart feels when life springs forth and is immediately threatened by death.'

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Robots are reshaping how wars are fought

Unmanned drones and robots are changing how wars are fought, including on the battlefield in Ukraine. For The National, CBC’s Murray Brewster goes to Latvia where soldiers are training to take on the new enemy.

It Takes Two rapper Rob Base, who helped bring hip-hop to the mainstream, dead at 59

Rob Base, rapper and one half of the Harlem hip-hop duo Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock, has died after a battle with cancer at age 59.

History, expectation and Kilkenny stand in Dublin's way

There's an uneasy feeling for small ball followers in the capital ahead of Sunday's Leinster round-robin clash between Dublin and Kilkenny.

Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty Review Conference fails to reach agreement

A four-week conference at the United Nations to review the treaty to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons ends without an agreement.

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Charmain 'was on a mission' to find out who her prophet husband was. Then she died

After a whirlwind romance and quickfire wedding, she was mysteriously found dead in a bathtub in Ghana.

Reform councillor assaulted woman while working pub doors

Emma Beck was found guilty of assault by beating after shoving a woman in her 60s to the floor.

Pope in Acerra: A pastoral embrace for a wounded land seeking renewal

Pope Leo XIV, in the southern Italian town of Acerra, encourages the faithful to make room for a prayer that becomes service and for a faith that dares to touch the wounds of society.

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Lord’s Day Reflection: Proof that God enjoys a challenge

As the Church celebrates the Solemnity of Pentecost, Jenny Kraska offers her thoughts on the day's liturgical readings, reflecting on the theme, "Proof that God enjoys a challenge”.

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First Steps to Becoming an Historian of Astronomy

Twenty years ago I had my first history of astronomy publication -- a letter about Galileo and double stars, in Sky & Telescope magazine.

2 seriously injured as light aircraft crashes in Haenam

Two people were seriously injured when a light aircraft crashed in the southwestern county of Haenam on Saturday, authorities said. The aircraft went down at around 3:10 p.m. while en route from Muan Airport to Sani Airfield. The two -- an instructor and a student, both in their 20s, from Chodang University -- were taken to nearby hospitals. Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash. (Yonhap)

Coal mine gas explosion in China kills 90 people, state media say

A gas explosion at a coal mine in China’s northern province of Shanxi killed at least 90 people, state media reported Saturday. Official news agency Xinhua said the accident at Changzhi city’s Liushenyu coal mine happened on Friday evening. Around 247 workers were on duty at the time. The agency initially reported early Saturday eight people were killed and 38 were trapped underground. Nine were still trapped as of Saturday afternoon, Xinhua said. The cause of the explosion was under investigati

Authorities report 82 dead in China coal mine blast

Rescue teams were searching for two people missing in a coal mine blast in northern China that left at least 82 dead, state media has said.

Naegohyang wins AFC women’s title on South Korean soil

North Korean soccer club Naegohyang Women’s FC captured the AFC Women’s Champions League title on South Korean soil Saturday, defeating Japan’s Tokyo Verdy Beleza 1-0 in the final to become only the second club to win the tournament since its launch in 2024. The match, held in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, opened with Tokyo Verdy Beleza pressing high up the pitch, while Naegohyang sat deep and looked to counter with long balls. Tokyo Verdy Beleza midfielder Yuzuho Shiokoshi threatened in the 16th mi

Canada's John Gay set for debut marathon in Ottawa after serious injuries nearly forced him to retire

John Gay, a 2021 Canadian Olympian in the steeplechase, will toe the line for his debut marathon Sunday in Ottawa, something he and those close to him never dreamed possible as recently as a year ago.

Casting coup helps K-pop comedy hit the right notes

Before K-pop became the global phenomenon it is today, there was the 1990, the decade that laid the groundwork for Korea’s modern pop music industry. That era has found new life. A retro boom is evoking nostalgia among older generations while overwhelming younger audiences with a style that, ironically, feels fresh to them. Opening in theaters June 3, "Wild Sing" taps directly into that trend, blending 1990s music, throwback music videos and broad comedy. What further sets the project apart is i

Hanwha turns Korea’s industrial rise into global ETF strategy

As the US-China rivalry reshapes global supply chains around security and resilience, global investors are increasingly viewing South Korea as a long-term manufacturing beneficiary rather than simply a China alternative. Against that backdrop, Hanwha Asset Management is pursuing what it calls a “K-ETF export” strategy — packaging Korea’s strategic manufacturing sectors into globally listed exchange-traded funds through partnerships with overseas financial platforms. “Korea is moving beyond the l

'We eat not just for pleasure but for spiritual practice'

The Ven. Hyebeom pressed her fingertips into a mound of soaked glutinous rice, opening small holes for steam to pass through, then settled a cloth over the bamboo steamer. Buddha's Birthday is on Sunday, and she was preparing the lotus leaf rice often served in Korea's Buddhist temples. "We're making yeonipbap because it's May, Buddha's Birthday is here, and it's one of the most representative Buddhist dishes," she told The Korea Herald. The Ven. Hyebeom of Suwolam in Seongbuk-dong, Seoul, was n

K-beauty's next formula: Makeup that works like skincare

The luminous skin promised by elaborate skincare rituals has long been a draw for Korean cosmetics. The newer frontier, perhaps, is makeup that doubles as skincare. Products are now expected to care for the skin as much as they cover it, with heavy foundation yielding to sheer, breathable formulas rich in active ingredients. Demand for skincare-infused complexion products and premakeup preparation categories is rising, and export figures are climbing alongside it. Korean cosmetics exports hit a

As it happened: Ennis elected in Dublin Central

Follow live updates as Daniel Ennis is elected in Dublin Central with the count adjourned for the night in Galway West.

Absentee ballots readied for local elections

Election officials inspect absentee ballots and campaign materials at the Guro-gu Election Commission in Seoul on Saturday, ahead of mailing them to voters unable to cast their ballots in person for the ninth nationwide local elections. Absentee ballots are sent to voters who registered by May 15 because they are unable to vote in person due to reasons such as mobility impairments. Voters using absentee ballots must mail them back after voting so that they arrive at their district election commi

Ireland in the grip of a cocaine crisis

Drug misuse is around us all, legal and illegal, but if people rarely encounter it, or are unaffected by it, it continues at pace, writes Fergal Bowers.

Time and again: How consumer frenzies have a rich history

You might think the frenzy around Swatch's €400 pocket watch is proof that younger people have lost the run of themselves, but these kinds of consumer frenzies are nothing new, writes Adam Maguire.

Why are Ireland's electricity prices the EU's highest?

Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Correspondent Aengus Cox explores the factors behind why Ireland's electricity prices are the highest in the EU after Eurostat findings for the second half of 2025.

Will Ebola affect DR Congo's World Cup participation?

Will the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo affect its national team's participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, asks Dónal Ryan.

Significant Cork transport upgrades coming down the line

Cork's population is expected to grow between 50% and 60% over the next decade or so, and it is planned that billions of euro will be spent on an upgrade of public transport systems. In its scale, it is an unprecedented investment.

Site C dam naming met with disbelief in northeast B.C.

In a small log cabin along what used to be the Peace River in northeastern B.C., Ken Boon has amassed a half century's worth of memorabilia from protests to stop the controversial Site C dam.

Lee vows to carry on ex-President Roh's legacy at memorial ceremony

President Lee Jae Myung on Saturday vowed to continue the legacy of late former President Roh Moo-hyun by building a nation founded on fairness, inclusion and respect for human dignity. "After you left, so many 'Roh Moo-hyuns' were born and I am one of them," Lee said in his eulogy delivered at a ceremony marking the 17th anniversary of Roh's death held in the southeastern rural village of Bongha, where the late president lived after his retirement. "As president, I feel the immense responsibili

Bye-elections: 5 things to look out for as votes counted

As boxes open in Dublin's RDS and Salthill's Lawn Tennis Club for the counting of votes in the Dublin Central and Galway West bye-elections, here's five things to look out for as the counts unfold.

How do I follow counts from the bye-elections?

As counting gets under way as we await results from the Galway West and Dublin Central bye-elections, here is how to keep yourself informed across multiple RTÉ news platforms.

Actor Ryoo Seung-bum fined for bus-only lane violations, former agency apologizes

Actor Ryoo Seung-bum’s former agency, Y.One Entertainment, apologized Saturday after acknowledging that the actor had violated traffic laws by driving in bus-only lanes while using a company vehicle in 2024. “We paid the fines as soon as we received the notices,” Y.One Entertainment said. “There is no excuse. We sincerely apologize for failing to strictly comply with traffic laws.” The apology came after entertainment outlet TenAsia reported Friday that Ryoo had been fined multiple times for dri

Mongolian man gets suspended sentence for trying to exchange fake yen found at waste site

The Seoul Central District Court sentenced a Mongolian man to six months in prison, suspended for one year, for attempting to exchange 9.4 million won ($6,200) worth of counterfeit Japanese yen he found at his workplace, local media reported Saturday. The man found 100 fake 10,000 yen bills in November 2025 at a waste disposal company in Namyangju, Gyeonggi Province, where he worked, according to reports. He later attempted to exchange the bills at a currency exchange shop in Jung-gu, central Se

Kevin O'Leary wants to build a massive AI data centre in Utah. Some residents aren't happy

Celebrity investor Kevin O'Leary wants to bankroll an AI data centre in rural Utah he says would be nearly identical to his proposed $70-billion, 7.5-gigawatt AI data centre campus in northern Alberta. But the Utah project has already been met with fierce opposition from some in the community who are worried about the potential environmental impacts.

Trump's Board of Peace struggles to progress beyond far-from-perfect ceasefire in Gaza

U.S. President Donald Trump’s plan to rebuild Gaza is under growing strain as violence persists — more than 800 Palestinians have been killed since the ceasefire began — and his Board of Peace blames Hamas’s refusal to disarm for stalling progress.

More Canadians are struggling with debt. But there is help available

More than 37,000 people filed for insolvency in Canada in the first three months of 2026, the highest number of consumer insolvencies since 2009. Experts say many people don’t seek the help they need.

Your guide to the inaugural 'Steroid Olympics'

Two decorated Canadian athletes are among those competing at this weekend's inaugural Enhanced Games — which is either the future of sport or its downfall, depending on who you ask.

The Pizza Huts from your childhood are making a comeback. Here's why nostalgia sells

A Pizza Hut franchisee in the U.S. is betting big on nostalgia, bringing back its '90s decor, Pac-Man and salad bars.

Unions warn Carney government is considering sweeping changes to labour law — including the right to strike

Ottawa is currently consulting on potential changes to the legislation that protects more than a million Canadian workers in federally regulated industries — a process the jobs minister says is needed as Canada faces "immense stress."

SpaceX carries out mostly successful Starship test flight

SpaceX's Starship spacecraft splashed down into the Indian Ocean after the company performed a mostly successful test flight of the latest version of its enormous rocket.

UK officials suggested single market for goods with Europe

Industry figures briefed on the move said the idea has not been taken forward at this point, after EU scepticism.

NYC sees 70% increase in federal immigration arrests

New York City experienced a more than ⁠70% increase in federal immigration arrests since US President Donald Trump returned to the White House, according to a city audit.

Counting of votes continues in bye-elections

Counts have been returned in the Dublin Central bye-election with Social Democrats' Daniel Ennis leading after two counts while a first count is expected later this evening in Galway West.

Actor Jang Dong-joo deletes account after graphic post sparks concern

Actor Jang Dong-joo sparked concern among fans Friday after posting a graphic video on social media that appeared to show him injuring himself, before later deleting his account. In the post, Jang wrote that he had cut off his finger because he “hated it for making so many promises” he could not keep, adding, “Get a hold of myself. This is the last chance.” It also included an apology for uploading the video, saying he had posted it to “burn the resolution” over what he described as his “failed

40,000 people under evacuation orders after a chemical tank leak in Southern California

Authorities in Southern California on Friday were racing to figure out how to prevent the explosion of a storage tank that has been leaking a hazardous chemical used to make plastic parts, as some 40,000 people were under evacuation orders in the area. A storage tank holding between 22,700 and 26,500 liters of methyl methacrylate overheated Thursday, local time, and began venting vapors into the air at an aerospace plastics facility in Garden Grove, a city in Orange County, the county’s fire aut

China lowers coal mine disaster death toll to 82

Even at the lower number, the ​incident remains China's deadliest mining accident since 2009, when a gas explosion at the Xinxing Mine in Heilongjiang province killed 108 ​people.

Bill seeks to raise Korea immigration chief to vice ministerial rank

A bill has been introduced at the National Assembly to elevate the head of the Justice Ministry’s Korea Immigration Service to vice ministerial rank, in a move aimed at strengthening Korea’s immigration policy apparatus amid a growing foreign resident population, legal circles said Saturday. The bill, submitted by Democratic Party of Korea Rep. Chae Hyeon-il, seeks to amend the Government Organization Act to create a vice ministerial-level post overseeing immigration and foreign resident affairs

SpaceX carries out mostly successful Starship test flight

SpaceX's Starship spacecraft splashed down into the Indian Ocean Friday after the company performed a mostly successful test flight of the latest version of its enormous rocket. The voyage was not without a few glitches, but SpaceX employees shown on a livestream roared in delight following the trial flight that comes as the firm owned by Elon Musk prepares a potentially record initial public offering. The mammoth rocket blasted off into space at just after 5:30 p.m. local time. The company did

8 dead, dozens trapped in China coal mine blast

At least eight people have died and dozens are trapped underground after a gas explosion at a coal mine in northern China, state media reported on Saturday. The blast occurred at 7:29 p.m. Friday, local time, at the Liushenyu coal mine in Shanxi province, according to state news agency Xinhua. A total of 247 workers were underground at the time, of whom 201 had been brought to the surface safely as of 6:00 am on Saturday, Xinhua said. Eight people have been confirmed dead, while 38 remain trappe

Pyongyang brands Japan's security overhaul bid to become 'war state'

North Korea has stepped up its criticism of Japan's push to overhaul its key security legislation, denouncing it as "reckless militaristic acts." Pyongyang accused Tokyo of seeking to turn itself into a "war state" in a bid to revive "the Empire of Japan" and said that it "has exploited the good will of the international community to revive militarism," according to an article published by Rodong Sinmun, the official mouthpiece of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea, on Saturday. Pyongyang's late

The 'raucous' debut novel set entirely on one epic night out

Sufiyaan Salam has won an award from Stormzy, been nominated for a Bafta and made a video for Elton John.

Ice baths, almond milk and meditation: The secrets of Mo Salah's success

He's been hailed as an all-time great - but there's more to his success than meets the eye.

Ebola experts and survivor from outbreak a decade ago warn lessons must be learnt

Those caught up in West Africa's Ebola outbreak a decade ago on how best to tackle the current epidemic.

'Suddenly I could see myself': Why breast reductions are more popular now

For the first time, more people in the UK are choosing reduction procedures than enlargements.

How Panorama exposed rape allegations on Married at First Sight UK

Two women said they were raped by their on-screen husbands during filming of the Channel 4 show, MAFS.

Laughing, barking, waiting 30 minutes to answer: Manitoba NDP's conduct at committees questioned

The Manitoba government's behaviour at legislative committee meetings is under criticism after the premier laughed and made barking noises at the Tory leader and the justice minister took 30 minutes to respond to a question from an Independent MLA.

40,000 people under evacuation orders in California amid chemical tank leak

Authorities in Southern California on Friday were racing to figure out how to prevent the explosion of a storage tank that has been leaking a hazardous chemical used to make plastic parts, as some 40,000 people were under evacuation orders in the area.

Woman presumed drowned in Kamloops, B.C., river identified as Kenyan immigrant

A friend has identified the 24-year-old woman who is presumed drowned in a Kamloops, B.C., river after her car entered it last Sunday. Benina Jepkoech, who was originally from Kenya, arrived in B.C. last year.

Explosion at Staten Island dry dock leaves 1 dead, 36 injured

An explosion at a dry dock in New York City's Staten Island killed one person and injured 36 others on ‌Friday, as the blast occurred while firefighters were on the scene responding to a fire and attempting to ​rescue two people who were trapped, ​officials said.

Trump administration tells green card applicants to apply from abroad

Foreigners in the U.S. who want a green card will need to leave and apply in their home country, the Trump administration announced Friday, in a surprise change to a longstanding policy that sowed confusion and concern among aid groups, immigration lawyers and immigrants.

U.S. man loses appeal of $2.35M fine for starting wildfire in B.C.

A U.S. man whom investigators found likely started a wildfire in a sensitive ecological reserve in B.C.'s Sea-to-Sky region in 2018 has lost an appeal of a $2.35 million fine.

Colbert's farewell played it safe with warm, star-studded goodbye and no political bite

After CBS announced The Late Show's cancellation last year, Stephen Colbert warned viewers that "the gloves are off" — freeing the comedian to get political without consequence. But what unfolded on Thursday night seemed carefully calculated to comfort rather than confront.

Yves Sakila's death is being called Ireland's 'George Floyd moment'

Yves Sakila, a 35-year-old Congolese-born man, died last Friday after he was restrained outside a department store in Dublin, Ireland, by security guards.

Edmonton dog owner found guilty in fatal dog attack that killed 11-year-old boy

An Edmonton judge has found a dog owner guilty of criminal negligence causing death after a fatal dog attack killed an 11-year-old boy in 2024.

Offaly hurling's long fall and quick rise

This afternoon's Leinster SHC round-robin finale holds out the possibility of an Offaly breakthrough, after years of strife, writes Conor Neville.

911 audio reveals NASCAR's Kyle Busch was short of breath, coughing up blood day before death

NASCAR driver Kyle Busch experienced shortness of breath, felt he was overheating and was coughing up blood the day before his death, according to a 911 call obtained Friday by The Associated Press.

Job action averted as B.C. nurses reach tentative deal with province

British Columbia's nurses won't be taking job action, after reaching a tentative deal on a new collective agreement on Friday. It comes after members of the B.C. Nurses' Union voted 98.2 per cent in favour to give leadership a strike mandate earlier this month amid stalled contract talks. The union's last agreement expired in March 2025.

Leinster return to chase their Champions Cup 'obsession'

Neil Treacy looks ahead to Leinster's Investec Champions Cup final against Bordeaux-Begles, as Leo Cullen's side look to end their wait for a fifth title.

Remains of missing B.C. actor Stewart McLean found, homicide investigation continues

Stewart McLean was last seen at his residence in Lions Bay on May 15.

New protected marine reserve, larger than P.E.I., to be established on B.C.'s Central Coast

The reserve is within the Great Bear Sea, a diverse marine ecosystem that covers more than half of B.C.'s coast and includes glass sponge reefs, salmon, killer whales and migrating humpbacks.

Thousands protest Raúl Castro indictment outside U.S. Embassy in Havana

Thousands of Cubans gathered on Friday before the U.S. embassy in Havana to protest a U.S. decision to indict ‌former president Raúl Castro over the downing of two civilian airplanes 30 years ago.

Russia says Ukraine drones hit college dorm, killing six

Ukrainian drones have struck a college dormitory in the Russian-occupied region of Lugansk, killing six people and wounding dozens of others, Russian officials have said.

Tulsi Gabbard steps down as U.S. intel chief, citing husband's cancer diagnosis

Tulsi Gabbard resigned as U.S. President Donald Trump's director of national intelligence on Friday, saying she needed to step away as her husband battles cancer. She is the fourth cabinet official to depart during Trump's second term, all of them women.

Ebola survivor calls for compassion as fear, unrest spread during outbreak

Dr. Kent Brantly became critically ill with Ebola while on medical mission work during the 2014 outbreak. The U.S. physician survived, and is now watching with concern at the speed and spread of the current outbreak — which has no approved treatments or vaccines available.

Journalist's bid for higher grade fails at Labour Court

An RTÉ journalist has failed in his bid to be re-classified at a higher grade and secure additional compensation for his work on a project.

Gaza’s humanitarian emergency drags on

Gaza’s humanitarian emergency is deepening as public health risks surge and critical infrastructure remains in ruins.

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3 dead after boat capsizes off Savary Island in B.C.: RCMP

Powell River RCMP say three men are dead and two have survived after a boat capsized about 500 to 1,000 metres off the shore of Savary Island Thursday night.

Hundreds of Jan. 6 defendants prepare to seek compensation from Trump’s Anti-Weaponization Fund

Hundreds of people prosecuted for crimes related to the Jan. 6 assault on the U.S. Capitol in 2021 plan to seek compensation from the U.S. government once a new taxpayer-funded anti-weaponization program is up and running.

Gaza: 22 hospitals attacked since the beginning of the year

Currently, just over half of the hospitals in the Gaza Strip are functioning, along with around 58% of primary healthcare centres, although none of these facilities is able to operate at full capacity. According to the WHO, more than 43,000 people have suffered injuries requiring long-term rehabilitation, including around 10,000 children.

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Former Mayo footballer charged following serious assault

A former Mayo inter-county footballer has been before Castlebar District Court, after being charged in connection with a serious assault in the town last year.

Seven men charged over child sexual exploitation

They are charged with 40 offences as part of an investigation into group-based child exploitation.

Putin vows revenge after Ukraine attack kills at least 6, wounds dozens at student dorm

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday ordered his military ‌to prepare options to retaliate against Ukraine after he accused Kyiv of carrying out a deadly drone attack on a student dorm that he said killed six and wounded dozens of young people, with 15 still unaccounted for.

Burnham says Labour 'needs to change' at campaign launch

Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham has said support for him would be a "vote to change Labour" as he launched his campaign to return to Westminster and potentially challenge British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's leadership.

Gardaí informed of Hutch image near polling stations

The Dublin City Returning Officer said he has notified gardaí about the potential breach of the election laws.

Pope authorizes beatification of Lebanese 'founding father', 80 Spanish martyrs

Six decrees approved by the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints authorise the beatification of Patriarch Elias Hoyek and 80 martyrs of the Spanish Civil War, as well as recognizing four new venerables, including an Italian missionary in India and a young Cameroonian Carmelite.

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Two men in Dublin charged with stalking former politician

Two men have been before Dublin District Court charged with stalking a former senior politician.

UK net migration needs to fall further, says Andy Burnham

Labour's candidate for Makerfield also said government immigration reforms must "get the balance right".

Experts call for Re-turn infection control measures

Medical experts have called for the introduction of infection-control measures in the Deposit Return Scheme, citing the risk of microbial growth and exposure to liquid residue on bottles and cans.

Medical experts call for DRS infection-control measures

Medical experts have called for the introduction of infection-control measures in the Deposit Return Scheme, citing the risk of microbial growth and exposure to liquid residue on bottles and cans.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford slams 'ridiculous' court ruling that bars clearing an encampment

Ontario Premier Doug Ford says a judge's ruling on Thursday that the Region of Waterloo cannot clear an encampment in Kitchener to make way for construction crews to work on a new transit hub is "the craziest decision I've ever heard."

UK scientists developing new Ebola vaccine that could be ready in months

The rare species of Ebola involved - known as Bundibugyo - kills around a third of those infected and has no proven vaccine yet.

"AI Resist List": Karen Hao on Data Center Resistance, Tech Billionaires, "Empire of AI" & More

We speak with journalist Karen Hao, author of Empire of AI, about the Trump administration’s alliance with tech billionaires, efforts to regulate artificial intelligence technology, and rising local opposition to data centers across the United States.

“In 2025, these data center protests successfully stalled over $100 billion worth of these facilities,” says Hao. “It really does cut across political lines.”

Hao recently launched The AI Resist List with a group of fellow journalists, researchers and technologists. It’s a collaborative project to track and reshape how artificial intelligence is deployed around the world.

Pope Leo receives Irish PM Micheál Martin

Pope Leo XIV receives the Taoiseach of Ireland, Mr Micheál Martin, in audience in the Vatican.

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Minister complained to media watchdog over RTÉ coverage

Minister for Communications Patrick O'Donovan complained to Ireland's media watchdog about a lack of balance in RTÉ's coverage of fuel protests after they happened in April.

Lupita Nyong'o rejects criticism of Helen of Troy role

Critics including Elon Musk have claimed it's wrong to cast a black actress as the ancient Greek figure.

'We were not human to them,' says Irish flotilla member

An Irish activist, who was one of hundreds of flotilla protesters detained by Israeli authorities this week, has described where they were held as a "horror of a concentration camp".

Flotilla member describes 'sheer brutality' when detained

An Irish man who was on the flotilla Global Sumud Flotilla, said there is a sense of relief for those who were onboard but also a "realisation of what has happened".

Stephen Colbert Out at CBS as Trump Weaponizes Regulatory Power to Control the Media: David Sirota

Late-night comedian Stephen Colbert has ended his 11-year run as host of The Late Show on CBS. His program’s cancellation removes one of President Trump’s most vocal critics from the airwaves and comes after the comedian criticized his own employer for agreeing to pay $16 million to settle a lawsuit brought by President Trump. The settlement came as CBS parent company Paramount was seeking the Trump administration’s approval for a merger with Skydance, which the Trump administration approved just one week after CBS announced Colbert’s ouster. Trump’s FCC Chair Brendan Carr has openly gloated about the administration’s attacks on critics in the media and the defunding of outlets like PBS and NPR, which no longer receive federal money. Meanwhile, Paramount Skydance is seeking another megamerger with Warner Bros. Discovery, which would further concentrate media control in the hands of the billionaire Ellison family that has a long history of supporting Trump.

“We see this over and over again, where the Trump administration is weaponizing its power over mergers to try to get what it wants in the media space,” says David Sirota, editor-in-chief of The Lever and host of the Master Plan podcast.

McGuinness and O'Connor - a rivalry woven through time

From the summer of 1990 to their first clash in 2012, Donegal manager Jim McGuinness and Kerry counterpart Jack O'Connor renew a rivalry built over time in the Kingdom this weekend.

Morrisons planning to close 100 stores in next few months

It said difficulties had been exacerbated by "significant cost increases resulting from government policy choices".

Judith Chalmers, Wish You Were Here...? host, dies at 90

Television presenter Judith Chalmers, who hosted the ITV travel show Wish You Were Here...?, has died aged 90, her family has told ITV News.

Farage was issued with court judgement for £9,400 debt

Reform UK says Farage will appeal the County Court judgment because he had not been aware of the claim.

U.S. states paying to compensate people fired, jailed for negative Charlie Kirk posts

The zeal of some Republican officials and activists to punish those who made disparaging comments about Charlie Kirk after his September killing is coming back to haunt them.

"Politically Driven Epidemic": Ebola Response Hampered by Impoverishment & U.S. Global Health Cuts

The deadly Ebola outbreak spreading across the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo has killed at least 177 people, with more than 750 suspected cases reported in the DRC and neighboring Uganda, according to the World Health Organization. Health officials believe the virus may have been spreading undetected for months before the outbreak was identified, raising concerns that the scale of transmission could be far greater than initially understood. The epidemic has spread hundreds of miles away to South Kivu province, now under the control of the ⁠Alliance Fleuve Congo, which includes the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels.

Jimmy Munguriek, country director for the Democratic Republic of Congo at Resource Matters, tells Democracy Now! that poor road access, insufficient medical facilities and local stigma about the disease are making it hard to respond to the crisis. “Ebola outbreak is really, really a very urgent issue in the Mongbwalu region,” he says from Kinshasa.

We also speak with Matthew Kavanagh, director of the Center for Global Health Policy and Politics at Georgetown University, who says U.S. international aid cuts and the Trump administration’s withdrawal from the World Health Organization have hampered the response to Ebola. “This is not just an outbreak of a virus. This really is a politically driven … epidemic.”

Jury discharged in Ian Watkins prison murder trial

Rico Gedel and Samuel Dodsworth had been on trial at Leeds Crown Court accused of his murder.

Ukraine: UN alarmed by reports of deadly strike on dormitory in occupied Luhansk

The United Nations voiced alarm on Friday over reports of an overnight attack on a vocational school and dormitory in the town of Starobilsk in Ukraine’s Luhansk region which killed and injured multiple civilians, including children.

Security Council LIVE: Human cost of Ukraine war, a pattern that ‘defies’ international law, says senior UN aid official

The Security Council is meeting at the request of Russia which on Friday accused Ukraine of targeting a student dormitory overnight in the occupied Luhansk region, reportedly killing six people – including children – and injuring dozens. Kyiv has denied targeting the civilian building, saying it had struck a Russian military drone command headquarters, according to news reports. Follow live coverage below and for full meetings coverage of the council, click here.

Ebola risk ‘very high’ in eastern DR Congo as UN intensifies response

The UN is rushing emergency personnel, funding and supplies into eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to counter the fast-growing Ebola outbreak spreading through conflict-ravaged provinces.

Gaza: Life-saving medicines blocked as killing continues, disease gains ground

Dire conditions in Gaza marked by continuing violence, rodent infestations and the spread of infectious disease are being made worse by blockages of essential medical supplies, UN agencies warned on Friday.

World Urban Forum backs ‘Baku Call to Action’ on global housing crisis

A landmark gathering of more than 57,000 participants – the largest in the history of the World Urban Forum – closed on Friday in Baku with an urgent call to rethink how the world houses its people, as a new roadmap urges governments, cities and communities to act collectively on a crisis affecting billions.

Headlines for May 22, 2026

GOP Leaders Delay Vote on Iran War Powers Resolution Until June, “I’ll Be the One That Does It”: Trump Says He’s Ready to Attack Cuba, Syrian Child and Paramedics Are Victims of Latest Israeli Strikes on Lebanon, Deported Global Sumud Flotilla Activists Describe Torture and Abuse by Israeli Captors, Greenlanders Protest as U.S. Opens New Consulate in Nuuk, Senate Delays Vote on ICE Funding as GOP Revolts over Trump’s Ballroom and $1.8B “Slush Fund”, Advocates Demand Release of Karla Toledo, Tucson Activist Jailed by ICE, Immigrants at For-Profit ICE Jail in California Launch Hunger Strike Against Inhumane Treatment, Charges Dropped Against Chicago Anti-ICE Protesters Over “Gross Misconduct” by Prosecutors, Colorado Democrats Censure Gov. Jared Polis over Clemency for 2020 Election Denier, DNC Faces Backlash over Post-Election Autopsy That Makes No Mention of Gaza Genocide, Thousands Attend Funeral for Victims of Massacre at Islamic Center of San Diego, Death Row Prisoner Tony Carruthers Wins One-Year Reprieve After Tennessee Botches His Execution

Ireland calls for EU ban on occupied territories trade

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Trade and Defence Helen McEntee has called for the European Commission to bring forward proposals to ban trade with the illegal settlements in the occupied territories.

Ireland calls for EU ban on occupied territories trade

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Trade and Defence Helen McEntee has called for the European Commission to bring forward proposals to ban trade with the illegal settlements in the occupied territories.

Guardiola says 'nothing is eternal' as Man City exit confirmed

Manchester City confirm that Pep Guardiola will leave at the end of the season after a decade of unparalleled success.

Ex-boxer jailed over 'vendetta' attack on cousin

A former Irish boxing team captain has been jailed for six years for stabbing her cousin 12 times in a frenzied "vendetta" attack in Mullingar.

Pope: Church must restore ‘trust in technology,’ guide people to Christ

Meeting with participants in a Vatican conference on artificial intelligence, Pope Leo XIV encourages efforts to educate people about AI while leading them to Christ and a “restored trust in technology.”

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Nato chief welcomes US sending 5,000 troops to Poland

President Trump's announcement on Thursday night came ahead of a meeting of Nato foreign ministers.

Two men charged with Nicky Gordon murder in east Belfast

Intruders beat murder victim Nicky Gordon in his east Belfast flat with a brush shaft, a court has heard.

Public asked not to share footage of Dublin attack

An appeal has been issued to members of the public not to share video footage of a serious assault which led to the death of a 37-year-old man in Dublin.

Holy See calls for moral commitment to protect civilians in conflict

The Holy See highlights the urgent need to uphold international humanitarian law and protect civilians, noting increased attacks on religious sites and healthcare workers. Addressing the UN Security Council, it also raises ethical concerns over emerging wartime technologies and calls for peace built on dialogue.

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Rape sentences for teen boys unduly lenient, says Jess Phillips

The three teenagers avoided custodial sentences for their roles in the rape of two girls.

O'Brien starts but no place for Lowe in Leinster squad

Tommy O'Brien has been passed fit for Leinster's Investec Champions Cup final with Bordeaux-Begles in Bilbao, while James Lowe misses out on the matchday 23.

Stop blaming young people for being unemployed, says Amazon's UK boss

John Boumphrey says the education system "isn't necessarily producing young people who are ready for work".

Queues at Dover build in first half-term getaway with new EU checks

It is the first holiday period since the EU's new border system was fully implemented.

Pakistan seeks breakthrough in US-Iran peace talks

Iran's foreign minister has met Pakistan's interior minister to discuss proposals to end the US-Israeli war, Iranian media reported, with Iran and the US still at odds over Tehran's uranium stockpile and controls on the Strait of Hormuz.

Rocks 'hit brick wall' over reclassification with RTÉ

The partner of the late RTÉ presenter Seán Rocks said he "hit a brick wall" every time he tried to reclassify himself from a producer to a presenter.

'Tuchel's gambles and iron conviction position him as the anti-Southgate'

Thomas Tuchel proves he is the "anti-Southgate" in making tough calls for England's World Cup 2026 squad.

Guardiola says fading energy levels behind Man City exit

Pep Guardiola said he knew the end was near when he felt the energy that had driven him for a decade slipping away, as the Manchester City manager delivered an emotional explanation for his departure ⁠ahead of Sunday's Premier League finale.

Inquest told no further CCTV from Cloverhill incident

An inquest into the death of a prisoner while being physically restrained at Cloverhill Prison in Dublin six years ago has heard no further CCTV footage of the incident exists despite concern by some prison staff that some images might not be available as evidence in the case.

Carrick confirmed as Man Utd permanent boss

Manchester United confirm the appointment of Michael Carrick as their permanent head coach on a two-year contract.

Lebanon says Israeli strike kills six, including child

An Israeli strike on southern Lebanon has killed six people, including two rescuers and a child, the Lebanese health ministry said, despite a fragile ceasefire in the Israel-Hezbollah war.

Gold rush or red card? World Cup demand in B.C. uncertain with just weeks to kickoff

With just three weeks until the June 13 kickoff for the first of Vancouver's seven matches, some indicators of demand like hotel bookings and ticket prices are flashing warning signs.

Reality TV risks sinking 'into the gutter', warns ex-Channel 4 and Ofcom boss Michael Grade

Michael Grade's warning comes in the wake of allegations made by participants on Married at First Sight.

Maisie Peters on change, having a thick skin and her 'healed' sound

The singer shares what it has been like to grow up with her fans and the inspiration behind her new album.

By-Electioncast: Everything You Need To Know About Makerfield

Is this the most consequential by-election ever?

Cubans grapple with fuel shortages and blackouts as US steps up pressure

The BBC speaks to Havana residents after the US charges the country's former leader, Raúl Castro, with murder.

Stapleton returns as Ward names squad for final showdowns

Jessie Stapleton is back in the Republic of Ireland squad for the World Cup qualifiers against the Netherlands and France as the Girls in Green target a seismic final window to ignite their dreams of making it to Brazil.

Canadian Gaza flotilla activist says he was beaten for days in Israeli detention

A Montreal activist released from Israeli custody after being detained along with hundreds of others on a Gaza-bound aid flotilla said he was beaten, abused for days and stabbed in the hand by a prison guard, as Ottawa calls for accountability over the mistreatment of its citizens.

Unions stand down next week's planned ambulance strike

SIPTU and Unite have agreed to stand down a planned 72-hour strike by members of the National Ambulance Service next week following what the unions described as "constructive discussions" with the HSE at the Labour Court yesterday.

Persephone boat from The Beachcombers restored after heavy damage

A historic boat has been restored by members of the community and is back on display in Gibsons for everyone to enjoy.

Temperatures to hit 25C as 'real good weather' on the way

"Real good weather" is on the way, with temperatures expected to hit around 25 degrees Celsius in some parts of the country next week, according to Met Éireann meteorologist Linda Hughes.

Ebola situation evolving rapidly, Irish medic warns

Ebola is going to spread further due to tensions in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, an Irish medic with Médecins Sans Frontiéres has said.

Ethiopian Bishops appeal for protection of migrants and respect for human dignity

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Ethiopia issues a pastoral appeal calling for urgent protection of Ethiopian migrants, many of whom face grave risks along migration routes in Africa, the Middle East, and Europe.

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Twenty Oblate Bishops renew their call to mission during visit to Rome

As the Oblates of Mary Immaculate celebrate the congregation’s 200th anniversary, 20 missionary Oblate Bishops from 12 countries gather in Rome to renew their call to serve as “Pilgrims of Hope in Communion.”

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Rubio says Cuba is threat to US as Havana accuses him of 'lies'

Cuba's foreign minister accused Rubio of trying to "instigate a military aggression".

Andrew investigation could look into sexual misconduct allegations

The former prince was arrested in February on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

U.S. surprises, confuses NATO with about-face on troop deployment to Poland

U.S. President Donald Trump surprised NATO allies by pledging to send an additional 5,000 troops to ‌Poland, only hours before the alliance's foreign ministers met in Sweden on Friday amid deep divisions over the Iran war.

NATO welcomes US pledge to send 5,000 troops to Poland

NATO chief Mark Rutte has welcomed President Donald Trump's announcement that 5,000 US troops will head to Poland, after an earlier planned deployment was called off amid pressure for Europe to fend for itself.

Republicans leave D.C. earlier than planned amid increasing squabbles with Trump

It was a tumultuous day on Capitol Hill on Thursday as Senate Republicans abruptly left Washington without voting on legislation that includes money the Trump administration wants for an improved White House ballroom, while House Republicans rejected holding a vote on the war power, one that they risked losing for the first time.

Stephen Colbert says goodbye to The Late Show

Stephen Colbert opened the final episode of his long-running reign on The Late Show with a tribute to viewers, calling the US programme a "joy machine" after 11 years on air.

Jessie J announces she is cancer-free

Singer Jessie J has revealed she is officially cancer-free, saying she "sobbed for hours" after receiving the all-clear.

As it happened: Final votes cast in Galway, Dublin

A look back at developments during the day as voters in Dublin Central and Galway West went to the polls to elect new TDs.

CMAT: 'It's really nice to finally win in England'

Irish singer-songwriter CMAT has said "it's nice to finally win an award in England" after her record Euro-Country was named Best Album at the 2026 Ivor Novello Awards in London.

Taoiseach holds talks with Italian PM and Pope in Rome

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has held talks with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at the Palazzo Chigi in Rome.

Pope Leo 'has genuine desire' for end to wars - Taoiseach

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said Pope Leo XIV is determined to try to move the world in a direction away from war, following his 30-minute meeting with the Pontiff in the Vatican this morning.

Andrew investigation to include sexual misconduct claims

The police investigation into Britain's former prince Andrew will be long and complex, senior officers said, after his arrest earlier this year on suspicion of misconduct in public office, an offence that can include sexual impropriety.

Irish activist recounts moment from Israeli minister's video

An Irish activist who featured in footage posted online by the Israeli National Security Minister has spoken out about her treatment and what she witnessed while in Israeli detention.

Hamnet author Maggie O'Farrell on her new novel and keeping her Bafta in the basement

Maggie O'Farrell's new novel, Land, is published after the success of the film adaptation of Hamnet.

Parents of Southport survivors say anonymity has erased their girls from the story

The BBC has spoken to parents of some of the children who survived the knife attack, who believe they have been given insufficient support because of the anonymity order.

Dublin's Temple Bar celebrates 35 years of business

Dublin's Temple Bar was officially created in 1991 with legislation that provided tax breaks for its redevelopment and set up Temple Bar Properties to oversee it, writes John Kilraine.

Halifax mayor says office had 'good laugh' over Regina ad

"Halifax, you're not opening doors for me anymore" is the first line of a new social media ad targeting Halifax residents. It goes on to say, "It's time to move on" and links to liveinregina.com. Halifax Mayor Andy Filmore says he admires the "plucky spirit of it all."

Trip hazard solution for EVs at homes without driveways

To meet the target of 30% of cars being electric by 2030, a charging solution is needed for those people who want to switch, but do not have their own driveways.

N.L. doctors fear app lets patients see 'catastrophic' medical results without support

Physicians are calling for a change to prevent patients from receiving tragic medical news alone, without compassionate support from a health-care provider.

N.L. politician says he mistakenly shared post that calls for opponents to get a 'shit knocking'

A government MHA from Labrador says he shared a crude anti-Liberal Facebook post on Tuesday night "by accident," but says he laughed at the suggestion that Liberal MHAs "deserve a shit knocking" for supporting the shaky Churchill Falls MOU.

How Trump and his family keep profiting from his presidency

U.S. President Donald Trump and his family members have earned at least $2 billion from business ventures and investments that have benefitted from his past 16 months in the White House, according to research by watchdog groups and media outlets.

Ukraine makes some battlefield gains, but 'grey zone' along front is getting bigger

Ukraine has been recapturing some territory and in other areas are stalling Russian forces, but drones have made it much harder to determine just who controls what in the volatile grey zone.

14 Liberal MPs pen letter to Carney raising concerns over environmental backslide

More than a dozen Liberal MPs sent a letter to the prime minister at the end of April, before he signed the latest agreement with the Alberta government, to offer some recommendations — but also to express their unease with the situation.

Grilling pains: Why your BBQ may cost more this summer

Driving the increase in prices, industry experts say, is cattle supply, which remains tight after a series of droughts. But in spite of that, consumer appetite remains strong, with overall demand for beef at record levels.

This Ebola outbreak is particularly worrying. That doesn't mean it's a threat to Canadians

The deadly Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo is concerning for a number of complicated factors, but there's no reason for Canadians to panic, say people who have worked in the region. The UN says there are 148 suspected deaths and nearly 600 suspected cases, with two cases including one death in neighbouring Uganda.

Soccer icon Christine Sinclair honours late mother in new short animated film

Christine Sinclair's mother played an important role in the legendary Canadian soccer player's life. Now, Sandra Sinclair has an integral part in her daughter's short animated film, Christine Sinclair: Kind of a Big Deal, a seven-minute documentary about her life and career.

As Montreal strippers prepare to strike during F1, not all dancers on board with demands

A planned strike by Montreal strippers during Formula One weekend is exposing divisions within the city’s sex work industry. While organizers are calling for employee status, some dancers argue formal employment could increase discrimination, reduce flexibility and create new risks.

Stephen Colbert signs off: Late Show comes to a joyful end

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert closed Thursday with a 77‑minute finale packed with celebrity cameos and a musical send‑off led by Paul McCartney.

To card or not to card? Downtown Hamilton library ends restricting entry pilot aimed at curbing drug use and disruption

After two months, the Hamilton Central library branch is no longer restricting entry to people with library cards or special passes. The pilot was intended to prevent drug use in the space and the library has said it will present its findings to its board on June 18.

US execution called off after failure to find vein

The execution by lethal injection of an inmate in the US state of Tennessee was halted after medical staff were unable to find a vein, officials have said.

'We are resilient': As San Diego's Muslim community reels from mosque shooting, it refuses to be intimidated

Thousands attend funeral prayers for the three victims of Monday's deadly shooting at the Islamic Centre of San Diego.

Will Trump invade Cuba?

The US charges Cuba’s 94-year-old former president Raul Castro with murder.