The Antenna

Lee says dialogue, encounter essential paths toward peace: report

EVIAN-LES-BAINS, France — President Lee Jae Myung on Tuesday described dialogue and encounter as essential paths toward peace, highlighting South Koreans' longing for lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula. The president made the remarks in an exclusive statement released to Fides News Agency, the Vatican's news agency, on the theme of World Youth Day 2027, which is set to be hosted by Korea next year. Lee "presented dialogue and encounter as essential paths toward peace," the news agency reported. "Our peninsula remains divided, and we understand deeply the longing for reconciliation and lasting peace," he was quoted as saying. He noted that World Youth Day's focus on encounter and dialogue speaks to a universal truth, saying, "Peace begins when people meet, listen to one another and recognize their shared humanity." Noting the ongoing division of the Korean Peninsula, the president added, "Peace on the Korean Peninsula and peace in the wider world are deeply connected." The president highlighted that Korea looks forward "with great anticipation" to welcoming Pope Leo XIV, noting his pr

Asian Games goes digital: Virtual taekwondo added for 2026

Virtual taekwondo is officially heading to the Asian Games, marking a major milestone for the digital discipline just days after a high-profile showcase in Italy. World Taekwondo announced Monday that virtual taekwondo has been added to the official program for the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games. The inclusion was ratified by the Asian Games Organizing Committee Board and approved by the Olympic Council of Asia. The Asian Games competition is scheduled for Oct. 2 at the Toyohashi City General Gymnasium in Japan. It will feature a 16-player, single-elimination bracket open to male and female athletes between the ages of 17 and 35. Unlike traditional taekwondo, the technology-driven format is designed to remove traditional barriers such as weight class, age and gender. By focusing on technique and speed rather than raw physical force, it creates a structure that allows diverse athletes to compete on even terms. Competitors face off in a 4-by-4-meter physical space wearing VR headsets and five motion sensors on their upper bodies, knees and lower legs. Real-time motion-tracking technology t

Lee arrives at Geneva Airport for G7 summit in France

President Lee Jae Myung arrived at Geneva Airport on Tuesday en route to Evian-les-Bains, France, to attend a Group of Seven (G7) summit. France is the final leg of the president's European trip, his first visit to the region since taking office a year earlier. Lee was scheduled to attend G7 sessions in Evian later in the day and again Wednesday as the leader of an invited partner nation. The summit is expected to address a wide range of issues, including the wars in Ukraine and Iran, global financial instability and the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI). Lee will return home Wednesday, wrapping up his 10-day Europe trip.

Kim Si-woo seeking major success at US Open in midst of best PGA Tour season

Enjoying the best season of his career on the PGA Tour, Kim Si-woo will tee off at the third major tournament of the season in search of elusive success on the game's biggest stages. Kim will be one of three Koreans in the field at the U.S. Open starting Thursday at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton, New York. Kim, a four-time PGA Tour winner, is the top-ranked Korean player at No. 18, the highest position of his career. He has set a career high with eight top-10 finishes this season in 16 starts, including a pair of runner-up showings. Kim is No. 4 in the FedEx Cup points standings, the only player inside the top five without a victory in 2026. The 30-year-old has mostly been a non-factor at majors throughout his career, with just one top-10 finish in 36 appearances. This will be his 10th U.S. Open start, and his best performance to date came in his debut in 2017, when he tied for 13th at Erin Hills. He has missed the cut four times at the U.S. Open. The two other Koreans teeing off this week will be Im Sung-jae and Tom Kim. Im will make his ninth consecutive U.S. Open start. He h

Korea, UAE discuss energy supply ties amid supply chain uncertainties

Korea and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) discussed strategic cooperation in the energy sector, including joint oil reserves and nuclear power plants, the industry ministry said Tuesday. Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan met with Musabbeh Al Kaabi, chief executive officer (CEO) of upstream at Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, to discuss the stable supply of crude oil, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources. During the meeting, Korea was briefed that imports of the 24 million barrels of crude oil secured from the Gulf nation under an agreement reached in March were proceeding smoothly. The two sides also discussed a wide range of issues related to bilateral energy cooperation, including establishing a new supply route bypassing the Strait of Hormuz through large-scale infrastructure projects. Kim additionally asked for the UAE's support and attention for competitive Korean firms seeking to participate in energy projects in the Middle Eastern nation. The industry minister also met with Sharif Salim Al Olama, undersecretary for energy affairs at the UAE's energy ministry, to d

Value of SK Group's listed firms exceeds W2000 trillion

The combined market value of SK Group's listed firms exceeded 2,000 trillion won ($1.3 trillion) for the first time Tuesday, mainly fueled by the recent surge of its memory chip maker, SK hynix Inc. The market capitalization of 19 listed firms making up the business conglomerate stood at some 2,019 trillion won, up 2.51 percent from the previous session's close, according to the Korea Exchange. In particular, SK hynix soared 4.11 percent to close at about 2.38 million won per share. The market value of the company stood at 1,697 trillion won, accounting for 84.06 percent of the conglomerate's total. Meanwhile, the combined market value of Samsung Group, which has Samsung Electronics Co. under its wing, rose 1.81 percent to 2,552 trillion won.

Mirae Asset Securities considers compensation over failed SpaceX share allocation

Mirae Asset Securities has officially apologized to domestic investors who participated in pre-subscription for SpaceX shares, and said it is considering monetary compensation. According to sources, Mirae Asset Securities Vice Chairmen Kim Mi-seob and Heo Sun-ho sent messages to investors Monday, explaining that the company proceeded with the subscription process after meeting all legal qualifications and requirements to offer IPO shares to domestic clients. Mirae Asset Securities was listed as an underwriter in the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's Form S-1 filing. “We made every effort to secure an allocation until the very end, but due to the final decision made at the discretion of the lead U.S. underwriter, no shares were allocated,” the message read. “We once again offer our deepest apologies for having to deliver such a disappointing outcome to the customers who participated in this subscription,” it added. Mirae Asset Securities had participated as a global co-underwriter for SpaceX, which was listed on the U.S. stock market Friday. The brokerage had initially pla

What makes Netflix's 'Teach You a Lesson' so popular globally

The Netflix original series "Teach You a Lesson" is taking the world by storm. The drama follows the Korean Educational Rights Protection Bureau, a fictional government-sanctioned vigilante squad deployed to reclaim classrooms ruined by out-of-control teenagers and toxic parents. It has firmly established itself as a massive hit, drawing passionate audiences across Asia, Europe and South America alike. According to the global OTT ranking site FlixPatrol, the show claimed the top spot worldwide on Tuesday, ranking No. 1 in 44 countries, including Korea, Brazil, Chile, France, Germany, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia. Highly relatable Many viewers have found the drama relatable. Taking to social media to share the educational realities in their own countries, viewers worldwide noted with a mix of comfort and dismay that Korea's struggles are identical to their own. "I expected this to be just a simple story of bullies getting their comeuppance, but the dialogue, characters and sense of justice are incredibly relatable," wrote one U.K. viewer on Reddit. "Even though it's a Korean sho

Slovakia strengthens its position as hub for Korean investment in Europe

As Korean companies accelerate their expansion into Europe, Slovakia is emerging as one of the continent’s most attractive gateways, leveraging its strategic location, advanced manufacturing base and growing cooperation with Korea in robotics, artificial intelligence (AI) and research. Officials from the Embassy of the Slovak Republic and Slovakia’s investment promotion agency say bilateral ties are entering a new phase, moving beyond traditional manufacturing into high-value sectors such as AI-driven automation, semiconductors, industrial robotics and joint research. “Slovakia’s goal is not simply to attract more factories, but to bring in investment with added value,” Michal Dutko, head of the Slovak Investment Office in Korea under the Slovak Investment and Trade Development Agency (SARIO), told The Korea Times at the Slovak Embassy in Seoul. “That is why we are focusing on robotics, AI, semiconductors and cooperation between universities and research institutions,” Dutko said. Robotics has become a strategic priority for Slovakia as the country prepares its workforce fo

Alumni group of Army academy urges gov't to reconsider push to merge military academies

An alumni association of the Army's military academy on Tuesday criticized the government for "hastily" pushing to integrate the academies of the three military branches, calling on the government to reconsider the move from scratch. The Korea Military Academy Alumni Association expressed "deep" concerns about the Lee Jae Myung administration's push to establish an integrated military school comprising the Army, Navy and Air Force, citing the possible weakening of national security. The group claimed the government was pushing to merge the three military academies and relocate them to the county of Jangseon in South Jeolla Province by 2028. "The Korea Military Academy Alumni Association expresses deep concern over the weakening of national security that the government's current hasty plans will bring," it said. "Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back does not know what he is doing, given his lack of experience in the military," Park Pan-joon, president of the association, said, adding the group is reviewing filing damages claims for the "hasty" integration that it claimed may neglect due process.

Lawmakers fight to stop the Trump administration's dismantling of $386 mil. ocean observatory project

SEATTLE — A group of Democratic senators and one Republican, as well as two Democratic House committees, sent letters Monday to the National Science Foundation asking it to reverse course on its plan to dismantle a sprawling ocean monitoring network, with House lawmakers going further and accusing the agency of acting illegally. The Ocean Observatories Initiative is a network of more than 900 ocean sensors built at a cost of $386 million. Over the last decade it has tracked ocean circulation, marine ecosystems, climate change and extreme weather , producing data freely available to the public and informing more than 500 scientific publications. The project was slated to run another 15 to 20 years. The National Science Foundation had directed the removal of most of the system’s instruments from waters off Oregon, Washington, Alaska, North Carolina and Greenland by 2027 — a decision scientists said came with no warning and no scientific review. The independent federal agency, which was established by Congress, described the move not as a cancellation but as a “descoping” aligne

700-year-old St. Vitus Cathedral in Prague inaugurates new organ

PRAGUE — Prague’s St. Vitus Cathedral had its new organ inaugurated on Monday, giving the 700-year-old building, the largest in the Czech Republic, a proper instrument to accompany religious services and concerts. Prague archbishop Stanislav Pribyl was set to bless the organ at a ceremony as part of a mass, with music played by the Czech Philharmonic and featuring “The Luzany Mass” by Antonín Dvořák and works by Georg Friedrich Handel, Camille Saint-Saens and Joseph Haydn. “St. Vitus Cathedral has gained a new voice,” Pribyl said in a statement. “A voice that will not speak with words but will still speak to the heart.” A series of eight concerts to present the new instrument will follow in the days to come. The instrument with four keyboards was build in the workshop of Gerhard Grenzing in El Papiol near the Spanish city of Barcelona. The renowned German organ builder has constructed almost 140 organs and reconstructed more than 90 historical instruments in many countries. Once completed in Spain, the new organ was disassembled and its parts were gradually transported t

Some Iranian Americans wave protest flags, others cheer as Iran play World Cup opener

INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Iran kicked off their World Cup in Los Angeles on Monday, drawing 2-2 with New Zealand in front of a crowd that consisted of both fans cheering them on and Iranian Americans waving symbols of protest against the Tehran government. The run-up to the match had been one of extraordinary drama off the pitch, with the team playing on U.S. soil barely 24 hours after a peace deal was announced to end the war that began when the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran in February. The footballers had flown into the U.S. on Sunday from their training base in Tijuana, Mexico. In Los Angeles — home to the biggest Iranian community outside Iran, many of whom fled the country after the Islamic Revolution — Iranian American football fans said they had been left torn between excitement at seeing the team on the world's biggest stage, anger at Tehran's crackdown on protesters and concern about Washington's bombing campaign. Though most Iran fans at the stadium passionately backed their team, many signalled opposition to the government in Tehran by holding up pre-revolutionary flags — t

Manager for KBO's best team in June trying to stay in present

Trying to return to the postseason in South Korean baseball this year after missing out in 2025, the Doosan Bears have put themselves in the thick of the race by winning five consecutive series. They have the best record in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) so far in June, with an 8-3-1 (wins-losses-ties) mark entering Tuesday's game against the KT Wiz. At 33-31-2 for the year, the Bears are holding down the fifth and final postseason spot. Before hosting the second-ranked Wiz at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul, Bears manager Kim Won-hyong tried to stay on an even keel. "Obviously, we're playing better than earlier in the year," he said. "But the important thing is we haven't even played half of the season yet." After the Wiz, the Bears will take on first-place LG Twins on the weekend. "People say this week will be a tough test for us, and I think every week will be hard from here on," Kim said. "I think we're firing on all cylinders with our pitching and hitting at the same time. I just hope this will continue as we take on some really good teams." In addition to owning the KBO's bes

Hanwha raises KAI stake to 9.04%, becomes No. 2 shareholder

Hanwha Group has increased its stake in Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) to 9.04 percent, further strengthening its presence in the nation's aerospace and defense sector. Hanwha Aerospace said Tuesday in a regulatory filing that it secured a 6.5 percent stake in KAI, achieving ahead of schedule its previously announced plan to invest 500 billion won ($331 million) in the company by the end of this year. Hanwha Systems also expanded its holdings in KAI to 1.53 percent through an additional 125 billion won investment. Combined with the 1.01 percent stake held by Hanwha Aerospace USA, Hanwha Group now owns a total of 9.04 percent of KAI, making it the company's second-largest shareholder after the state-run Export-Import Bank of Korea, which holds a 26.41 percent stake. Also on Tuesday, Hanwha Aerospace's board approved an additional 500 billion won investment to acquire more KAI shares by year-end. Based on KAI's closing price of 154,900 won, the purchase would raise Hanwha Aerospace's stake to about 9.81 percent, bringing Hanwha Group's combined ownership in KAI to more than 12 percent. H

Big Mac shock in Mexico: A reporter's World Cup reality

My first meal in Mexico got off to a rough start. After arriving in Guadalajara on June 8 to cover the 2026 FIFA World Cup, I headed to a nearby shopping mall restaurant with a junior colleague from my company. Because of a long layover during our flight, we had skipped lunch, and I wanted to treat her to a proper meal upon arrival. I still regret that decision. We ordered tacos, a quesadilla, a Coca-Cola and a bottle of Corona beer. When the bill arrived, it totaled 755 pesos (about 73,000 won), not including a 10 percent tip. At that moment, my heart started racing to the rhythm of a salsa beat as a terrifying thought crossed my mind: What if the company refuses to reimburse this expense? Determined to repent for my extravagance, I vowed to survive on the instant noodles and microwavable rice meals I had brought from Korea. Then I found a lifeline. At a traditional market in Zapopan — Zona de Fondas Mercado Municipal de Zapopan — tacos were selling for just 15 pesos (about 1,450 won) each. Delighted, I bought four of them for roughly 5,800 won. A few days later, I went on a quest to c

Weak won fuels demand for dollar-denominated insurance, but FX risks persist

When a life insurance agent recommended a dollar-denominated annuity earlier this month as a way to benefit from strong U.S. currency, a Seoul office worker immediately signed up, attracted by the prospect of tax-free returns and potential foreign exchange gains. Soon after, however, the worker found himself scouring online forums, questioning whether undisclosed fees and future currency swings could erode the promised benefits. “Since the first premium has not yet been collected, I’d like to cancel the policy if there are major drawbacks that weren’t fully explained to me," he wrote on Blind, an anonymous community app. His concerns highlight the double-edged nature of dollar-denominated insurance products: A stronger greenback can enhance returns, but currency fluctuations can also magnify costs and reduce eventual payouts. Demand for U.S. dollar-denominated insurance products has jumped this year as the Korean won continues to trade at historically weak levels against the dollar. Under these policies, both premiums and payouts are made in dollars. They typically offer higher retu

2026 World Cup hydration breaks turn into ad breaks as criticism mounts

FIFA’s newly introduced hydration break system for the 2026 World Cup is increasingly coming under fire, as criticism mounts that the breaks have essentially become cash-grab opportunities for broadcasters to air advertisements. British daily The Guardian reported Monday that a broadcasting mishap occurred during the World Cup opener between Mexico and South Africa, when U.S. broadcaster Fox cut to advertisements during a hydration break and failed to return to the game in time, resulting in viewers missing 10 seconds of play after the match resumed. Hydration breaks were first used at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil when temperatures during matches rose above 32 degrees Celsius. At this year’s World Cup, FIFA decided to introduce three-minute breaks in each half of every match, regardless of the temperature, as a measure to protect players. But the breaks soon came under a critical gaze when broadcasters began using the breaks to air commercials. By simple math, three-minute breaks in each half amount to six minutes per match. Multiplied by 104, the total number of games, that adds up

Iranian official says end of war includes end of Israel’s occupation of Lebanon, state TV reports

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Iran’s top diplomat was quoted as saying Tuesday that the end of the Iran war included the end of Israel’s occupation of Lebanon. Iranian state television quoted Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi making the comment to foreign diplomats in a briefing. It did not air the remarks, but put them in an on-screen graphic. It also quoted Araghchi as saying that Israel’s continued occupation of southern Lebanon would violate the memorandum of understanding reached between the United States and Iran. It remains unclear what is in the interim agreement as it has yet to be released publicly in full.

Korea in consultations with US, Iran on Hormuz transit following peace deal

Korea has begun consultations with the United States, Iran and other relevant countries regarding navigation through the Strait of Hormuz following the signing of a preliminary deal aimed at ending the monthslong war in the Middle East, the foreign ministry said Tuesday. According to U.S. officials, President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance and Iran's parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf inked the memorandum of understanding (MOU) that would extend the countries' ceasefire for 60 days, during which negotiations will take place to address nuclear and other issues to reach a final peace deal. A large number of vessels, including two dozen Korea-linked ships, have been stranded in the waterway, which Iran has effectively choked off with threats of missile and drone strikes amid the war. "We are assessing the details related to maritime transit and have begun necessary communication with relevant countries, including the U.S. and Iran," ministry spokesperson Park Il said during a regular press briefing. According to Park, the government is closely monitoring a range of factor

Seventeen's The8, Vernon to launch new unit V8 with debut EP

The8 and Vernon, both members of K-pop boy group Seventeen, will debut a new subunit, V8, later this month, the group's agency, Pledis Entertainment, said Tuesday. The duo will release its first EP, "V8," on June 29 as the group's sixth official unit following BSS, Jeonghan x Wonwoo, Hoshi x Woozi, S.Coups x Mingyu and DK x Seungkwan. The album explores themes of recovery and growth discovered through wandering and confusion from the past, the agency said. It will feature eight tracks, including lead single "singasong," an electronic song rooted in hyperpop, and co-composed by German DJ and producer Mechatok alongside the two members. Other tracks include "Friend," "Beat," "Mia," "Coloring," "girlsnboys," "8DM" and the digital-only "rat race." "Girlsnboys" was written, composed and produced by Pharrell Williams, a 14-time Grammy Award winner, with longtime Seventeen collaborator and producer Bumzu also contributing to the track. V8 will hold its first standalone concerts on July 11-12 at the KINTEX convention center in Goyang, west of Seoul, in what will be the first Seventeen unit show t

Prospects of US-Iran deal open door for Korean builders, tech firms

The prospects for a peace deal between the United States and Iran are raising hopes for Korean firms to participate in postwar reconstruction efforts in the Middle Eastern country, with opportunities spanning the construction, energy and consumer electronics sectors. It is said that the Donald Trump administration plans to ease sanctions on Iran and also create a $300 billion investment fund to support the country's economic recovery. Should sanctions be eased, Iran's infrastructure and domestic economy could see renewed growth, creating opportunities for Korean companies to return to a market they once actively served. According to industry officials, major Korean construction companies, energy firms and consumer goods companies are reviewing potential opportunities linked to Iran’s reconstruction. The International Energy Agency said key energy assets had been damaged in more than 40 locations across nine countries, while independent research company Rystad Energy estimated the reconstruction market to be worth as much as $58 billion. Given their extensive track record in the region,

Jeju Forum seeks to invite North Korean UNESCO official to participate remotely

The organizers of the Jeju Forum, an annual event held in Jeju Island on themes of peace, are seeking to invite a North Korean UNESCO official to participate remotely in this year's edition, which is set to take place next week. If realized, the official will become the first North Korean to take part in the South Korean-hosted forum since its launch in 2001. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Unification, the forum organizers are working to invite Chang Gwang-chol, chief of the Education Policy Section at UNESCO’s Division for Policies and Lifelong Learning Systems, as a speaker for a session titled “UNESCO and the Future of Education: Challenges and Prospects” on June 26. The unification ministry said forum organizers had filed a notification in advance to communicate with Chang. Under South Korean law, contact with North Korean nationals requires prior approval from the unification ministry, even if the communication is related to participation in an academic or international event. “The organizers submitted the contact report in advance, and we a

State auditor considering accounting audit of election watchdog over ballot shortages

The Board of Audit and Inspection (BAI) is considering conducting a financial audit of the embattled National Election Commission (NEC) that has been under massive criticism over ballot shortages in the June 3 local elections, sources said Tuesday. The state auditor is cautiously weighing the accounting audit option, while monitoring the progress of joint police and prosecution investigations, as well as a parliamentary probe, the sources said. The election watchdog is an independent constitutional organization that is not subject to a full-fledged performance audit, a measure aimed at shielding the agency from political influence. But an accounting audit is deemed permissible because it carries no political implications. Should an accounting audit happen, it is expected to focus on whether the budget for printing ballot papers was appropriately allocated and executed. It could also help determine where the responsibilities lie for the shortages. "We're monitoring the situation while looking into various possibilities," a BAI official said. Calls have been mounting for the NEC's dismantle

UN secretary-general candidates to speak at Jeju Forum next week

The Jeju Forum for Peace and Prosperity opens on Jeju Island next week, bringing together candidates for the position of the next United Nations secretary-general alongside policymakers and scholars to debate cooperation in an increasingly divided world. The 21st edition of the annual international security forum runs from June 24-26 at Haevichi Hotel & Resort Jeju and Jeju Stone Park, under the theme "Reinventing Cooperation in a Fragmented World." The three-day program includes up to 68 sessions spanning U.S.-China power games, artificial intelligence (AI) governance, the Korean Peninsula security situation, climate change and the role of local governments in global affairs. A plenary on June 25 titled "Reimagining Multilateralism: A Dialogue with U.N. Secretary-General Candidates" is among the most closely watched events on the agenda. Confirmed participants include Michelle Bachelet, former president of Chile and former U.N. high commissioner for human rights; Maria Fernanda Espinosa, former president of the 73rd U.N. General Assembly and former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ecuad

GS launches AI training program for young job seekers

GS Group is joining a government-led initiative to train young job seekers in practical artificial intelligence (AI) skills, as Korea accelerates efforts to build a workforce ready for an AI-driven economy. The group announced Monday that it will launch its youth training program, 52g ReBoot Camp, in July as part of the public-private initiative led by the Ministry of Employment and Labor and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources. The program is designed to offer hands-on experience in applying AI tools in the real world to participants who are facing challenges in employment. It will recruit around 120 participants from Seoul and Yeosu, South Jeolla Province, for a total of 520 hours of training. Its goal is to strengthen participants’ AI capabilities while equipping them with the problem-solving skills required by the industry. “As AI technology continues to expand across industries, it is becoming increasingly important for young people to develop practical AI skills and problem-solving experience that align with real-world business needs,” a group official said. “By le

Lee wraps up visit to Italy, heads to France to attend G7 summit

President Lee Jae Myung left Italy on Tuesday en route to Evian-les-Bains, France, to attend a Group of Seven (G7) summit. The presidential plane carrying Lee and his entourage took off from Leonardo da Vinci International Airport for Geneva, from where the Korean president will travel by land to the French resort town of Evian, the final stop of his ongoing trip. The president has been in Europe since last Tuesday, his first visit to the region since taking office a year earlier, to expand Korea's diplomatic outreach to Europe. In Italy, the second stop of his trip following his earlier visit to Belgium, Lee held talks with President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, agreeing to elevate their countries' bilateral relations to a special strategic partnership and explore cooperation in semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI) and other strategic areas. He also held talks with Pope Leo XIV and reaffirmed the Vatican's support for Seoul's efforts to build peace on the Korean Peninsula. In Evian, Lee is scheduled to attend the G7 summit later in the day and on Wednesday

Rival parties agree to launch 45-day parliamentary probe on election ballot shortage

The rival parties agreed Tuesday to conduct a 45-day parliamentary investigation into the National Election Commission over ballot shortages reported during the recent local elections, party officials said. The ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) and the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) agreed to put the plan to a vote at a parliamentary plenary session on Thursday. The special parliamentary committee will be chaired by the PPP, according to the officials from both parties. Ballot shortages were reported at more than a dozen polling stations in Seoul during the June 3 local elections, temporarily disrupting voting and prompting protests. Last week, the DPK and the PPP separately submitted requests for a parliamentary probe, though they differed over the scope of the investigation and the number of seats to be allotted to each party on the committee.

JTBC files for court receivership as costly World Cup, Olympics deals push JoongAng Group into crisis

A court froze the assets of five JoongAng Group subsidiaries and affiliates, Monday, after they filed for court receivership amid a financial crisis driven largely by the Korean media conglomerate's costly bids for exclusive broadcasting rights to major international sporting events. The Seoul Bankruptcy Court issued preservative measures and a general prohibition order against JoongAng Holdings, the group's parent company, as well as JTBC, Contentree JoongAng, Megabox JoongAng and JoongAng P&I. The JoongAng, the group's flagship newspaper, is said to pursue a restructuring workout process following the rehabilitation filings by the parent company and its affiliates. The preservative measures bar the companies from disposing of assets or making preferential repayments before formal rehabilitation proceedings, while the general prohibition order freezes creditor claims, blocking enforcement actions, attachments or auctions until then. Last week, JTBC defaulted after failing to repay a 20.6 billion won ($13.6 million) debt coming due, citing a sharp contraction in the television advertisi

US-Iran peace deal unlikely to cool BOK's rate-hike bets

A tentative ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran has fueled hopes of lower oil prices, but expectations for a Bank of Korea (BOK) rate hike remain largely unchanged as inflation risks persist, analysts said Tuesday. The BOK has maintained a hawkish tone in recent months, citing inflationary pressures fueled by the Iran conflict. The U.S.-Iran ceasefire agreement, announced Monday and expected to include plans to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, has eased immediate concerns over energy supply disruptions in the Middle East. Analysts cautioned, however, that the implications for Korea's inflation outlook remain uncertain and will require closer monitoring in the coming months. Even if shipping through the key waterway returns to normal, damaged energy infrastructure in the Middle East could take time to recover, and global supply chains may not immediately return to pre-Iran war conditions, they said. Analysts also noted that changes in oil prices typically take time to feed through to consumer inflation, meaning any easing in price pressures is unlikely to be immediate. Joo Wo

KOSPI climbs for 4th session on ceasefire optimism, though momentum weakens

KOSPI continued its upward trajectory Tuesday, following news of a ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran, though the pace of gains slowed compared with the previous session. The country’s benchmark index opened at 8,696.55, up 150.57 points, or 1.76 percent, extending its winning streak to a fourth consecutive session. The rally, however, lost momentum as trading progressed, with the index briefly falling to 8,540.41 around 10 a.m. It later rebounded to close at 8,726.60, up 180.62 points, or 2.11 percent. The gains were notably more modest than Monday’s 5.20 percent surge. Overnight on Wall Street, all three major indexes ended higher as investor sentiment improved after Washington and Tehran agreed to formally sign a peace accord in Geneva on Friday. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 0.92 percent to a record close. The S&P 500 added 1.65 percent, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite jumped 3.07 percent. Oil prices also fell sharply as geopolitical tensions eased. Brent crude and U.S. West Texas Intermediate futures declined 4.9 percent and 4.8 percent, resp

Lee grapples with headwinds following local elections as party rift, ballot shortage issues deepen

President Lee Jae Myung is grappling with a difficult political moment at home, as a widening rift with ruling party leadership and a public backlash over ballot shortages in the June 3 local elections are pulling down his approval ratings. These political headwinds prompted Lee to remain focused on developments at home even during his diplomatic tour in Europe, leading to him convening an unprecedented virtual meeting with senior presidential aides in Seoul and commenting on political issues through social media. The unease between Cheong Wa Dae and the leadership of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) has grown following the party's less-than-satisfactory local election results. The DPK won 12 of the nation's 16 metropolitan mayoral and provincial governorship elections. However, it lost the Seoul mayoral race — widely regarded as the bellwether of national elections. The outcome, coupled with defeats in closely watched battleground districts in the parliamentary by-elections held concurrently with the local elections, fueled criticism of DPK Chairman Jung Chung-rae and trigge

Upstage launches AI agent strategy with new ecosystem push

Upstage unveiled an ambitious push into artificial intelligence (AI) agents on Tuesday, launching a new corporate structure that integrates its proprietary models, an agent platform and a major consumer-facing portal service. The startup announced the launch of Upstage Company, a group comprising Upstage and its recently acquired companies, AI agent platform Timely and internet portal Daum’s operator AXZ. The move reflects the company’s strategy to vertically integrate AI models, agent technologies and large-scale user platforms into a single ecosystem as part of its vision of pushing AI for all. “The launch of Upstage Company marks a meaningful first step in connecting, for the first time in Korea, a powerful AI model, agents and a platform used by everyone,” Upstage CEO Kim Sung-hoon said during the company's media day in Yeouido, Seoul. “We will move beyond enterprise AI and usher in an era of AI for everyone.” Central to the strategy is Upstage’s focus on AI agents, in which autonomous and workflow-based agents carry out complex tasks, rather than standalone chatbot ser

Thai Embassy rolls out events marking 68th anniversary of Korea-Thailand ties

The Royal Thai Embassy in Seoul is rolling out a series of high-profile bilateral events over the coming weeks, spanning startup diplomacy, cultural exhibitions, a cabinet-level visit and a business forum, as the two countries mark the 68th anniversary of diplomatic relations. The first event takes place Wednesday, when the embassy launches the Seoul-Thailand Startup & Innovation Space at the Thai ambassador's residence. The platform is designed to connect Thai and Korean entrepreneurs, investors and innovators. The launch program includes a reverse pitching session by Korean investors — among them SparkLabs, BlueTide Capital and the Korean Business Angels Association — followed by pitches from 10 Thai startups and one-on-one business matching sessions. Next, Sawasdee Seoul Thai Festival 2026, with the theme of "Creative Life and Creative Heartbeat," takes over Cheonggye Plaza in central Seoul on June 20-21. The two-day public event will feature Thai cuisine, pop music performances, traditional dance, arts and crafts, and tourism promotions. National Assembly member Kwak Sang-eon is

Sungkyunkwan University research team designs crystal for artificial neuronal cell mimicking

A Sungkyunkwan University research team has developed an optoelectronic synaptic device that mimics the functions of human neurons and synapses at the device level, the university said Tuesday. The team led by Kim Tae-sung, professor at the School of Mechanical Engineering, has designed a van der Waals (vdW) crystal through a single-step sulfurization process using mixed plasma. The developed device operates under optical stimuli, offering a structural solution to configure semiconductor materials for brain-inspired computing. A van der Waals crystal is a type of layered material in which atoms or molecules are held together mainly by van der Waals forces rather than strong chemical bonds such as ionic, covalent or metallic bonds. The team’s research findings were published online in the international journal Advanced Materials on June 3, under the title, “Designable van der Waals Crystal for Artificial Neuronal Cell Mimicking.” Professor Kim is the corresponding author of the study. Co-first authors include Lee Jin-hyoung, Kim Gun-hyoung, Lee Dong-ho, Son Seo-woo and Seok Hyun-ho.

Kumho Petrochemical invests in migratory bird conservation

Major chemical conglomerate Kumho Petrochemical Group is expanding its environmental stewardship efforts through a habitat restoration project for migratory birds in Korea's southwestern coastal region. The group said Tuesday that five affiliates — Kumho Petrochemical, Kumho P&B Chemicals, Kumho Mitsui Chemicals, Kumho Polychem and Kumho T&L — are participating in the initiative in Yeosu, South Jeolla Province. The project involves paddy fields surrounding Yeosu Gasari Ecology Park, a key habitat for migratory birds. Kumho plans to invest 260 million won ($172,000) over the next three years in partnership with Thanks Carbon, a provider of corporate environmental project solutions. Under the project, the company will transform idle paddy fields into seasonal wetlands that can provide food and shelter for migratory birds during the winter months, when farming activities are suspended. Wetlands created on fallow farmland are widely recognized as an effective ecological restoration method because they support biodiversity while enhancing soil carbon storage capacity, helping mitigate cli

NMIXX’s Sullyoon reveals health condition after breaking down in tears on stage

NMIXX member Sullyoon has opened up about suffering from back pain after fans expressed concern over her recent emotional appearance during the group's world tour. Through a fan communication platform, Sullyoon addressed the incident in which she was seen crying during a performance. “I think I may have overexerted myself during the dress rehearsal before the show. It started hurting then,” she said. “I put on a pain relief patch and took some medicine before going to sleep, but when I woke up, it had gotten a little worse.” The singer revealed that she is currently receiving various treatments, including laser therapy. She also explained that both her agency and medical staff had advised her to rest. “Both the company and the hospital told me it would probably be best to take a break, but I really wanted to perform on stage, even if only for a little while,” she said, emphasizing that it was her own decision to continue performing. Sullyoon also shared some details about her treatment. “I got an injection while lying face down, and I ended up crying so much that the bed was

FitFlop expands in key Korean market

British premium footwear brand FitFlop is stepping up its expansion in Korea, a market it sees as a key growth driver. Operating through 5,500 stores and 2,000 retail partners across 88 countries, the company is now focusing on raising its profile in Korea. Central to that strategy is a new partnership with Samsung C&T Fashion, the fashion arm of Samsung C&T. Korea has emerged as a key market for FitFlop globally, according to FitFlop Chief Commercial Officer David Schuttenkopf. In an interview with The Korea Times, he highlighted the distinct preferences of Korean consumers compared with those in other markets and explained how the company is tailoring its products to meet their specific footwear needs. "Korea is super important. It is at the intersection of fashion, innovation and culture," said Schuttenkopf at FitFlop's newest pop-up store in Seoul's trendy Seongsu area on June 10. A day before its public opening, the store hosted K-pop stars Nayeon of TWICE and YoungK of Day6, who were invited by Samsung — not to mention hundreds of fans outside. "Korean consumers are amongst the

Jang Wonyoung airport footage: IVE star's behavior fuels debate over politeness in Korea

A short video of IVE member Jang Wonyoung has sparked debate online over her conduct at Gimpo International Airport, with critics questioning her interaction with airport staff and supporters saying footage from another angle showed more context. Videos of Jang at the airport circulated widely online after she left Korea on May 30 with other IVE members for a scheduled event in Shanghai, China. The debate began after footage appeared to show Jang standing in front of an airport employee with her arms crossed and receiving her passport with one hand, a gesture considered impolite in Korea. Some online users also criticized her because the footage seemed to show her wearing a hat and not lowering her mask all the way during an ID check, a mandatory part of departure procedures. Some critics said the airport employee had asked Jang to remove her mask and hat for identity verification, but that she did not appear to fully comply. Comments on YouTube and other platforms included "Why is she acting like that when they are checking her identity?" and "How would she feel if she were that employ

Toyota Motor Korea launches RAV4 with bolstered hybrid lineup

YEONGJONG ISLAND, Incheon — Toyota Motor Korea has launched the all-new RAV4 flagship SUV, introducing a bolstered eco-friendly lineup that features a new motorsport-inspired plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant aimed at capitalizing on the surging demand for hybrid vehicles here, the Japanese carmaker said Tuesday. The revamped six-generation RAV4 highlights the automaker’s willingness to shift its focus away from traditional gasoline models into hybrid and PHEV options. The highlight of the latest model is the addition of the PHEV GR Sport trim, which blends Toyota’s Gazoo Racing motorsport identity with SUV practicality. The performance-oriented trim boasts specialized tuning to minimize microscopic vibrations and body roll during cornering, complemented by the carmaker’s Electric Power Steering mapping that delivers an intuitive, firm steering response. The emphasis on hybrid technology reflects Toyota’s cautious approach to the absolute electric vehicle transition in Korea. The automaker is well-positioned to absorb residual demand for Japanese vehicles in the domestic market, pa

Samsung Electronics to hold executive meeting to discuss business plans for H2

Samsung Electronics will kick off a global strategy meeting Tuesday to discuss key business strategies for the second half of the year, according to industry sources. Samsung holds global strategy meetings every June and December, bringing together top executives and heads of overseas subsidiaries under the leadership of each business division. The meetings come as the Korean tech giant seeks to expand companywide support for its transformation initiative driven by artificial intelligence (AI). The company earlier announced plans to fundamentally transform its work processes and corporate culture by fully integrating AI across its operations. According to the sources, Samsung will begin the three-day meetings with its mobile business division Tuesday. The mobile business is expected to discuss supply chain conditions and global demand prospects following the end of the Middle East conflict amid concerns over a weaker earnings performance in the second half of the year. Samsung's ongoing AI transformation efforts are also expected to be a major agenda item, with the company seeking to buil

Kosdaq firms struggle with rising workload amid shareholder reform push

Complaints are mounting among investor relations officers at listed companies as workloads surge amid the government’s push to enhance corporate value and strengthen minority shareholder rights, industry officials said Tuesday. They said compliance pressure has intensified due to a series of new requirements, including expanded English-language disclosure obligations, mandatory reporting of shareholder meeting voting outcomes and stricter executive compensation disclosure standards. The government has been advancing sweeping reforms to the corporate disclosure framework as part of broader efforts to upgrade the local capital market and narrow the so-called Korea discount, which refers to the chronic undervaluation of Korean equities. Financial regulators have gradually expanded mandatory English disclosures since January 2024. Earlier this year, the requirement was extended to all KOSPI-listed firms with assets exceeding 2 trillion won ($1.3 billion). Under the initiative, all companies listed on the benchmark market will be required to provide English-language disclosures starting in

Korea’s youngest-ever local election candidate to debut as idol in Japan

A young Korean man who once sought to become the country’s youngest local council member is now preparing to debut as an idol in Japan. Oh Shin-haeng, who drew national attention four years ago when he ran in the local elections as an independent candidate at age 18, finished fourth in the Japanese audition show “Produce 101 Japan Shinsekai” on June 9. The result earned him a place in the program’s final group and a chance to begin a new career as a Japanese idol. In 2022, Oh became the youngest candidate in Korean history to run for elected office after a revision to the Public Official Election Act lowered the minimum age for candidates from 25 to 18. The change applied to elections for the National Assembly, heads of local governments and local councils. Then 18, Oh ran for a seat representing Muan County Council’s second electoral district in South Jeolla Province in the first local elections held under the revised law. However, he finished last with 990 votes, or 5.88 percent of the vote. All four seats in the district went to candidates from the Democratic Party of Korea

6.7 magnitude earthquake shakes part of Indonesia, causing scattered damage

PALU, Indonesia — A 6.7 magnitude earthquake shook part of central Indonesia’s Sulawesi island Tuesday, causing scattered damage and rattling residents of a city devastated by a quake and tsunami eight years ago. The strong shaking sent people fleeing into open areas in and around Palu, a city of about 400,000 people and the capital of Central Sulawesi province. Several hospitals evacuated patients, some with IV drips, outdoors as a safety measure. Images from the area showed heavily damaged structures with partially collapsed roofs, shattered walls and debris scattered across the streets. The National Disaster Management Agency said information on the damage, possible casualties and displaced people was still being gathered. “We have evacuated all guests from the hotel, including several guests who remained in their rooms,” said Effendi Natali, a general manager of a four-star hotel in Palu. “They all panicked, which is a natural reaction during an earthquake, but everyone is safe,” Natali said, adding that the hotel sustained only minor damage. The initial quake was centered

Han River triathlon draws 893,000 as Seoul pushes inclusive sports model

A sprawling summer festival along the Han River has drawn nearly 900,000 visitors, transforming Seoul’s waterfront into what city officials are calling a new model for inclusive public sports. The Seoul Metropolitan Government said Tuesday that the third edition of the “Relaxed Han River 3-Event Festival,” held June 5 to June 7, attracted 893,272 visitors across Ttukseom and Jamsil Hangang Parks. The event blended swimming, cycling and running with large-scale cultural programming, positioning itself as one of Seoul’s signature summer gatherings. City officials said 25,000 participants completed the triathlon-style course, which emphasized finishing over competition and was designed for a range of fitness levels from beginner to advanced. The festival expanded this year to include foreigner-only swimming events, a children’s triathlon segment called “Iron Rookie,” and a disability swimming competition, reflecting what organizers described as a broader commitment to accessibility. A foreign participant in the swimming event said the experience was more difficult than expected

El Nino bad season forecast

El Nino bad season forecast

A papal visit as peace messenger

President Lee Jae Myung's meeting with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican last week may ultimately be remembered as more than a diplomatic courtesy. By formally inviting the pontiff to South Korea for World Youth Day 2027 in Seoul, Lee has created an opportunity not only for a landmark religious event but also for a renewed international effort to advance peace on the Korean Peninsula. The significance of a papal visit to South Korea should not be underestimated. As the spiritual leader of more than 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide, the pope commands a unique moral authority that transcends national borders and political divisions. His presence in Seoul during World Youth Day — a global gathering of young people from across the world — would shine an international spotlight on South Korea's democratic vitality, cultural dynamism and commitment to global engagement. Yet it is not the prospect of a visit to Seoul alone that has captured public attention. More consequential is the possibility, however distant, of a papal visit to Pyongyang. According to officials, Lee and Leo discussed peace o

KAIST unveils breakthrough that could slash AI data center cooling power

As artificial intelligence systems demand ever more computing power, a team of Korean researchers says it has found a way to tackle one of the industry’s most expensive and stubborn problems: heat. Researchers at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology said Tuesday they have developed a liquid cooling technology capable of reducing the power needed for semiconductor cooling to roughly one-tenth of current levels while delivering significantly higher efficiency. The team said the technology integrates microscopic cooling channels, thinner than a human hair, directly into semiconductor chips and combines them with a manifold structure that distributes coolant through multiple pathways. The design is intended to shorten the distance coolant must travel, reducing energy losses while improving heat removal. Researchers said previous manifold microchannel cooling systems often suffered from uneven coolant distribution, with some channels receiving more flow than others. To address that problem, the team optimized the structure so that coolant moves more evenly throughout the sy

Conflicting recordings bring new twist to Kim Soo-hyun controversy

A new television report has added another twist to the controversy surrounding actor Kim Soo-hyun, claiming that the same informant provided conflicting audio recordings to different parties before allegations against the actor gained widespread attention. MBC's investigative program "Straight" reported Sunday that an informant who later supplied an audio file to YouTube channel HoverLab, also known as Garo Sero Institute, had previously approached Kim Soo-hyun's agency with a recording that allegedly contained the opposite account. The report focused on police findings related to materials that were publicly released as evidence supporting allegations that Kim Soo-hyun had dated Kim Sae-ron when she was a minor. The allegations became a major topic in South Korea last year after HoverLab head Kim Se-ui released what he said was an audio recording of late actor Kim Sae-ron discussing a past relationship with Kim Soo-hyun. The recording was widely circulated online and cited by some as a key piece of evidence supporting claims that the relationship began while she was underage. According

G7 leaders open summit talks on Ukraine, Middle East as Zelenskyy joins in France

EVIAN-LES-BAINS, France — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy joined world leaders at the Group of Seven summit of major industrialized nations Tuesday for talks on ending the war in Ukraine after more than four years of conflict sparked by Russia’s full-scale invasion. Zelenskyy was welcomed by French President Emmanuel Macron ahead of a morning working session with G7 leaders to discuss the war. The Ukraine talks come on the heels of U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement of an agreement to end the 3 1/2-month-old U.S. war against Iran. Trump said he had good conversations on Sunday with both Zelenskyy and Putin. “Now that this (Iran) is finished, we’re going to be focusing on that,” he said at the G7 summit. Five of the seven leaders, representing Britain, Canada, Germany, Italy and Japan, were huddled in conversation with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen before the start of the first session on Ukraine. Trump was missing. Macron, too, hadn’t arrived yet because he was with Zelenskyy. In recent weeks, the Iran conflict has overshadowed the war in U

Korean missile maker, Rheinmetall eye joint venture as Europe races to bolster air defenses

A leading Korean defense company and one of Europe’s biggest military suppliers are moving to deepen ties as demand for air defense systems accelerates across the continent. LIG Defense & Aerospace (LIG D&A) said it has entered a strategic partnership with Rheinmetall Air Defence to pursue advanced air defense opportunities in Europe and among NATO members, including discussions on establishing a joint venture in Europe. The agreement was signed Sunday at the Eurosatory international defense exhibition in Paris. The companies said they are exploring ways to provide integrated air defense solutions tailored to growing European demand for multilayered protection against a wide range of aerial threats. As a first step, the two companies are holding detailed discussions on creating a joint venture that would support localized development, production and sales activities in Europe. The collaboration would combine LIG D&A’s medium- and long-range air defense missile systems with Rheinmetall’s expertise in very short-range air defense systems. The companies also plan to jointly develop a ne

Seoul taps delivery riders to spot, report danger early

The people who know Seoul’s streets best are being asked to do more than deliver food. The Seoul Metropolitan Government said Tuesday it has launched the 2026 Seoul Citizen Safety Guardians program, enlisting 20 delivery riders to help identify hazards such as potholes, flooding risks and damaged infrastructure before they lead to accidents. The initiative, which officially began with a launch ceremony Monday at Jeon Tae-il Memorial Hall in Jongno District, will run through September and is designed to strengthen citizen-based safety monitoring across the city. City officials said the program draws on the mobility and on-the-ground experience of delivery riders, who travel dozens or even hundreds of kilometers each day and are often among the first to encounter potential dangers in neighborhoods and along major roads. Participants will receive training on safety reporting procedures and emergency response measures before beginning field activities. While carrying out delivery work, riders will report potholes, flooding, fallen objects, damaged facilities and other hazards through Seoul

Red Velvet sets August return, ending 2-year wait for full group comeback

After more than two years away from group promotions, Red Velvet is preparing to return to the spotlight with a new album and a fan concert timed to the anniversary of its debut. SM Entertainment said the five-member group will make its comeback in August, marking its first full group release since “Cosmic,” which was released in June 2024. The announcement immediately fueled anticipation among fans, who have been waiting for the return of all five members together. The company also unveiled details Sunday for “2026 Red Velvet FAN-CON 'A Day in Red & Velvet,'” a two-day event that will bring the group together with fans as it celebrates its 12th debut anniversary. The fan concert will take place at Korea University’s Hwajeong Gymnasium on Aug. 1 and Aug. 2. According to SM Entertainment, the performances will feature a selection of songs spanning Red Velvet’s career, along with interactive segments designed to engage fans. The opening night carries particular significance as it marks the anniversary of the group’s debut. The event is expected to serve as both a celebration of

Korea expands multilingual lifeline for migrant women facing violence

Migrant women experiencing domestic abuse, sexual violence, stalking or other forms of violence in Korea will soon have easier access to help in their native languages under a new government outreach effort announced Tuesday. The Ministry of Gender Equality and Family said it has produced web posters in 11 languages to raise awareness of support services available to migrant women affected by violence, including information on eligibility, available assistance and reporting procedures. The posters are available in Vietnamese, Chinese, Filipino, Mongolian, Russian, Thai, Khmer, Uzbek, Japanese, Lao and Nepali. The ministry said the materials will be distributed through 20 immigration and foreigner offices nationwide, seven regional labor offices and local administrative welfare centers to ensure that migrant women are aware of available support regardless of language barriers or immigration status. The ministry said all migrant women who experience violence, including marriage migrants, migrant workers and undocumented migrants, are eligible for assistance. Women affected by domestic viole

Hyundai Wia makes European defense debut with AI-based weapon system, mobile artillery

Hyundai Wia is taking its defense ambitions to Europe, unveiling a lineup of artillery and artificial intelligence (AI)-powered weapon systems at one of the world’s largest defense exhibitions as the company seeks a bigger role in the continent’s military modernization drive. The company said Tuesday it is participating for the first time in Eurosatory 2026, a major international defense exhibition being held from Sunday through Thursday at the Nord Villepinte Exhibition Centre in Paris. More than 2,100 companies from 70 countries are taking part in this year’s event, according to Hyundai Wia. At the center of the company’s display is a lightweight 105mm self-propelled howitzer mounted on a light tactical vehicle. Hyundai Wia said the system weighs less than half as much as wheeled self-propelled artillery currently deployed by the Korean military while maintaining a maximum firing range of 18 kilometers. The system is designed to operate alongside a fire-control vehicle and an ammunition transport vehicle, allowing rapid deployment and battlefield support. The company said the pla

Why Korea’s accession to CPTPP is important

With the U.S. tariff regime and the rise of protectionism, as well as supply chain disruptions stemming from the conflict in the Middle East, regional and plurilateral trade agreements like the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) are gaining more steam and importance in keeping free trade flowing, diversifying trade, supporting growth and maintaining economic resilience. Countries such as Costa Rica, the Philippines, Indonesia and Thailand either have started the accession process or are considering it, following the United Kingdom's successful entry in 2024. Business leaders of Korea and Japan have also expressed their collective view on the significance of Korea joining the 12-member CPTPP at the annual Korea-Japan Business Council on May 20 in Tokyo. Amid this new trade environment, media reports last week indicating that the Korean government is set to apply for membership in the CPTPP in late June are encouraging. Equally encouraging is that Japan will reportedly support Korea’s accession to the CPTPP without requiring Seoul to lift the

Free BTS concert gift bags flood secondary markets at exorbitant prices

Free gift bags that BTS gave to fans at its Busan concerts flooded secondary markets within a day, with some overseas listings topping $400. Dozens of listings appeared on eBay and Korean secondhand trading apps Danggeun Market and Bunjang under titles such as "BTS Arirang Busan Concert Gift Set" and "BTS Busan Fan Gift." Sellers on eBay priced some listings at about $460 without any confirmed sales, Tuesday. On Danggeun Market and Bunjang, the sets traded for 100,000 won ($66) to 250,000 won. The gift bags included a clear PVC swim bag, an official BTS umbrella, a hand towel set, perfume, sheet masks and several photo cards featuring messages and signatures from BTS members. The photo cards, selling separately for 50,000 won to 120,000 won, made the sets highly coveted among fans. Sellers sought to cash in on the demand. One overseas eBay seller described the bag as "a product that has never been sold to the general public, an ultra-rare collectible that any fan of (BTS) must own." Another overseas seller said the item is "in very good condition as it is unopened" and offered worldwide

[PHOTOS] Fans prove just as passionate as players at 2026 World Cup

Fans of Argentina take part in a prematch rally in support of the Argentina national soccer team in New York's Times Square, June 15. AP-Yonhap

How far back does 'Hipdang-dong' go?

For years, a sign above a side street next to Exit 1 of Sindang Station on Seoul Metro lines 2 and 6 announced that visitors were entering the “Seoul Central Market Furniture District.” Then, in 2023, this was replaced by a new sign reading “1946 Hwanghak Furniture Street.” The sign raises several questions, particularly as an accompanying information board outlining the history of the area's furniture and rice markets fails to explain why it bears the date 1946. It explains that in 1950s and 1960s the area was known as the "largest grain wholesale and retail market in the country" which “prospered to the extent that it distributed over 70% of the rice consumed by Seoul citizens at the time,” and also notes that it was at a rice shop there in 1938 that Hyundai founder Chung Yu-yung first honed his business skills. It also notes that the area was once known for “specializing in furniture for newlyweds,” though now it “primarily deals in commercial furniture,” particularly for the food service industry, but makes no mention of the fact that furniture stores and factor

Election protesters agree to allow sports officials to enter ballot-counting center

Election protesters agreed Tuesday to allow sports officials inside a gymnasium used as a ballot-counting center for the June 3 local elections, potentially ending a 12-day standoff between the sides, the leader of the main opposition party said. Rep. Jang Dong-hyeok of the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) announced the deal after meeting with the protesters in front of the Olympic Park Handball Gymnasium in southern Seoul, where they have been demanding a rerun of the elections tainted by unprecedented ballot shortages at 26 voting stations across the nation. Officials from sports organizations under the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee have been unable to access their offices inside the gymnasium since June 5, when the protesters began the blockade to prevent the removal of ballot boxes that were brought there for vote counting. The vote count for the local elections has already been completed. Under the agreement with the organizations and the police, two members per organization will be able to enter the gym at a time to retrieve items they need for their work, Jang said. The

An American general's statue

In Korea, June is designated as the "Month of Patriots and Veterans," a time to honor those who sacrificed for the nation’s survival and freedom. For many of us, however, remembrance often feels abstract, confined to ceremonies or history books. Yet sometimes, related memories come back to us in usual surroundings. In my case, it was during a routine walk through the Children’s Grand Park in my neighborhood. Amid playgrounds and shaded paths, I noticed a statue I had long passed without much thought: the bronze figure of John B. Coulter (1891–1983). He was a U.S. Army general whose name is unfamiliar to most Koreans today. As the deputy commander of the Eighth U.S. Army during the 1950-53 Korean War, he played a crucial role in combat operations. Still, unlike generals such as Douglas MacArthur and Walton Walker, whose fame mainly rests on battlefield victories, Coulter distinguished himself by his commitment to Korea’s recovery. After the war, he was deeply involved in stabilizing civilian life, supporting concrete and practical reconstruction as the agent-general of United Nati

Bank of Japan hikes interest rate to 31-year high

TOKYO — The Bank of Japan hiked interest rates to a 31-year high Tuesday as it battles inflation caused by the Middle East war, even after Washington and Tehran agreed a peace deal. The central bank for the world's fourth-largest economy raised its benchmark rate 25 basis points to 1.0 percent, the highest since 1995 and marking the first increase since December. The widely expected decision followed rate increases by the European Central Bank and Bank Indonesia last week after the conflict caused economic havoc and rising prices worldwide. With U.S. inflation at a three-year high, expectations are growing that the Federal Reserve will follow suit, albeit not at new boss Kevin Warsh's first rate-setting gathering this week. Officials at the Reserve Bank of Australia — which has hiked three times this year — and the Bank of England are also tipped to stand pat when they decide over the coming days. The United States and Iran agreed a deal at the weekend to end their three-month Middle East war on all fronts and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, through which about a fifth of world oil pas

Dongwha Natural Maru becomes 1st Korean wood flooring brand to receive carbon storage certification

Dongwha Enterprise's building materials brand Dongwha Natural Maru said Tuesday it has received official certification from the Korea Forest Service for the carbon storage capacity of its wood-based flooring products, becoming the first domestic wood flooring brand to receive such recognition. The certification is issued under Korea's wood product carbon storage labeling system, which measures and discloses the amount of carbon dioxide sequestered in wood products made from domestically harvested timber. The scheme is grounded in the Act on the Sustainable Use of Timber, which promotes carbon storing and other environmental functions of wood. Five products received certification: the Gangmaru line's Jin Origin, Jin Grande, Jin Grande Square and Jin Terra; along with the laminate flooring line Crogen. The products store between approximately 34 and 38 kilograms of carbon dioxide per 3.3 square meters — roughly equivalent to one pyeong, a traditional Korean unit of floor area. Installing Jin Origin or Jin Grande Square across a typical 84-square-meter apartment is estimated to sequester

Seoul Donghaeng Store reopens after monthlong renovation

Seoul Donghaeng Store, a farmers' cooperative store run by the city near Anguk Station, reopens Tuesday following a month of renovations aimed at improving visitors' shopping experience and expanding programming. The permanent store — located on the first floor of the Anguk Building annex in Jongno District — sells agricultural and regional specialty products sourced from small farms and producers across Korea, offering city residents competitively priced goods while providing producers with a reliable sales channel. For the reopening, the city has reorganized product displays, added category signage to help shoppers navigate the space faster and installed new digital signboards visible from outside the store. A companion Naver Smart Store will reopen June 29 with updated product listings. To mark the reopening, the store will hold events from Tuesday through June 19, including free rice cake giveaways for all visitors, a prize draw for purchases of 30,000 won ($20) or more and tastings of local fruit ade beverages. Apple, white peach and blueberry farmers will visit the store in per

Tourists in Seoul trade World Cup fever for taekwondo

While much of the world had its eyes glued to the 2026 World Cup, a small plaza in central Seoul filled up on Sunday instead with the sound of “kihap” as visitors lined up to kick, punch and bow their way through a hands-on taekwondo class. Under a summer sky at Namsangol Hanok Village, tourists from different parts of the world followed an instructor’s count — “One and two, easy, good!” — as they practiced basic stretches and front kicks on a mat laid out in front of a traditional Korean pavilion. Some in sneakers and shorts tried to mirror the black belt teacher leading the session, while others laughed as they struggled to keep their balance. This class came after a 30-minute taekwondo showcase featuring wooden board-breaking, traditional dance and K-pop-style choreography, before the performers waved visitors onto the mat to try the moves themselves. All participants, especially the children, appear to have enjoyed it. Vince Ward, an American from Kansas City whose parents were in town visiting, said he signed up as soon as he spotted the program being advertised. “We

LS Electric to showcase ultra-high-voltage transformers, DC solutions at Munich energy expo

LS Electric said Tuesday it will exhibit its full lineup of power infrastructure products at EM-Power Europe 2026 in Munich next week, targeting a European market where electrification policy is driving a sharp rise in grid investment. The Korean electrical equipment maker will participate in EM-Power Europe — one of four trade shows under The smarter E Europe, Europe's largest energy industry expo — at Messe Munchen from June 23-25. The company's exhibit theme is "Total Solution Provider for a Smarter Power System," encompassing products ranging from ultra-high-voltage transformers down to DC distribution solutions. The centerpiece of LS Electric's booth will be a 132kV, 90MVA ultra-high-voltage transformer. The company has been accelerating its push into Europe's high-voltage segment after signing a 62 billion won ($45 million) supply contract for 400kV-class transformers with a German energy firm earlier this year. Also on display will be a 1,500kVA cast-resin transformer and a 35kV medium-voltage switchgear unit. LS Electric obtained Europe's Environmental Product Declaration cert

Seoul to roll out hidden-camera YouTube series promoting tap water during World Cup

Seoul city is launching a two-episode hidden-camera YouTube series featuring Korean comedians to promote Arisu, the city's tap water, during public World Cup viewing events. The series, titled "Muldeun Akma Eungwondan" — loosely translated as the "Water-Bearing Cheering Squad," a play on the Red Devils, Korea's official football supporters' group — stars comedians Shin Gyu-jin and Kim Yong-myung. The concept is inspired by the hydration break, a stoppage introduced at this year's World Cup around the 22nd minute of each half to allow players to rehydrate in hot conditions. The city says the same principle applies to fans at outdoor viewing events. The first episode was filmed June 12 during Korea's group-stage match against the Czech Republic, in which the national team rallied for a 2-1 comeback win. The two comedians posed as pub staff and served Arisu to spectators, later revealing their identities and conducting on-camera interviews about hydration habits. The second episode, to be set during Korea's June 19 match against Mexico, will feature the pair roaming the Gwanghwamun publi

Seoul to host character game event at Mount Nam

Seoul will host an outdoor game event at Mount Nam — one of the capital's most popular recreational spaces — this Saturday, centered on the city's official mascot characters and promoting the ecological value of the urban mountain. The event, titled "Game Challenge with Haechi and Soul Friends!", will take place June 21 near the octagonal pavilion at the summit of Mount Nam and is open to all visitors free of charge. Haechi is Seoul's mythical guardian mascot, and the Soul Friends are a group of companion characters associated with the four cardinal guardian deities of traditional Korean cosmology — Jujak (Vermilion Bird), Baekho (White Tiger), Cheongnyong (Blue Dragon) and Hyeonmu (Black Tortoise). The event is part of the city's ongoing Sustainable Namsan project and is designed to help visitors engage with the mountain's ecosystem in an interactive, lighthearted way. Participants can pick up a stamp card at the information desk and try four themed mini games, one per character: a shooting game targeting invasive species, a jigsaw puzzle, a trail etiquette game and a water-flow c

Gov't launches anti-corruption training for Zimbabwe officials

The Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission (ACRC) began a four-day anti-corruption capacity-building training program for Zimbabwean government officials Tuesday, jointly organized with the Korea International Cooperation Agency. The training, running through June 19, is a follow-up to a memorandum of understanding signed in March 2025 between the commission and the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC). Twelve officials from the Zimbabwean body are taking part, ranging from a minister-level commissioner to bureau directors and working-level staff. The program is designed to share Korea's internationally recognized anti-corruption systems and build participants' capacity to design and implement anti-corruption policy from the ground up. On the sidelines, ACRC Chairperson Jeong Il-yeon is set to hold a bilateral meeting with ZACC Commissioner Patrick Tendai Mukorera to discuss deepening cooperation between the two countries. Korea has become a widely cited model for simultaneously achieving rapid economic growth and improving public sector integrity. The country's ranking on Trans

Seoul selects 4 cities to receive urban policy transfers under ODA program

Seoul has selected four overseas cities to receive transfers of the capital's urban policies under its 2026 Seoul ODA Challenge, the city's official development assistance program for developing-country municipalities. The selected cities and projects are San Salvador Centro in El Salvador and Banda Aceh in Indonesia, both for an outdoor library program; Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan for a community fitness program; and Bangkok in Thailand for pedestrian crosswalk design consulting. The Seoul ODA Challenge, launched in 2024, draws on the city's policy expertise — built across fields including transportation, smart city systems and water infrastructure — to help cities in developing countries address urban challenges. Since 2006, Seoul has run 128 ODA projects with 87 cities and organizations across 49 countries. This year marks the first introduction of a "Project Track" for soft-infrastructure initiatives, expanding beyond the program's traditional hard-infrastructure consulting focus. The outdoor library and fitness programs were drawn directly from Seoul's top-rated citizen policies of 202

Korea Startup Forum inks MOU with Indian chambers at K-Founder Network debut

The Ministry of SMEs and Startups held the inaugural "K-Founder Network in India" forum in India on Monday, bringing together roughly 70 Korean startup founders, local venture capitalists, accelerators and government officials. The K-Founder Network is a government-backed initiative designed to help Korean entrepreneurs operating abroad build self-sustaining communities. The ministry plans to connect early-stage Korean startups with established founders already active in target markets, reducing the trial-and-error of overseas expansion. India is the pilot country, with expansion to France, China and the United States planned later this year. The network, launched in April, is chaired by Lee Cheol-won, CEO of Affinit, a Korea-founded fintech company operating in India. "Connecting Korean founders in India is the most important thing," Lee said. "This network creates the foundation for startups that previously had no knowledge of each other to exchange ideas and collaborate." On the sidelines, the Korea Startup Forum — the private association running the program — signed a memorandum o

N. Korea touts economic achievements ahead of key party meeting

North Korea's state media outlets on Tuesday highlighted economic achievements ahead of a key party plenary meeting later this month, in an apparent bid to rally workers behind the ruling Workers' Party of Korea (WPK). The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported Tuesday that industrial output has climbed 105 percent since the WPK's ninth congress in February, attributing the achievement to the drive and determination of workers and factory managers across the country. The KCNA cited the Sangwon Cement Complex in North Hwanghae Province as a model for what the party expects from workers nationwide. The complex, a facility with an annual production capacity of 2 million tons, reportedly hit 107 percent of its daily production target throughout March and met its quotas in the two months that followed. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un visited the plant March 1, marking his first inspection of an economic site since the congress. A local coal mine also drew praise, with the KCNA report claiming it exceeded its production target by more than 1,000 tons. Similar gains were cited in chemicals a

University of Seoul, Hanyang University researchers develop wearable electrical stimulation suit

A research team at the University of Seoul has developed a textile-based electrical stimulation suit capable of delivering both full-body tactile stimulation and therapeutic functions in collaboration with Hanyang University researchers. The findings were published in April in the international scientific journal Nature Communications under the title, “A lightweight durable full-body electrical stimulation suit for haptic feedback and therapeutic applications.” The University of Seoul said the study has been highly recognized as a next-generation neural interface technology that integrates electrophysiological stimulation-based tactile interfaces with therapeutic functions. The university’s team was led by Kim Sun-hong, professor at the Department of Chemical Engineering, and Park Dong-wook, professor at the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering. The Hanyang University team was led by Jung Yei-hwan, professor at the Department of Electronic Engineering. The developed suit is a wearable system designed to deliver electrical stimulation throughout the human body, enabling who

BTS concert boosts foreign spending at Busan's traditional markets

Foreign tourist spending in Busan rose during the week of BTS' concert in the city, with traditional markets among the biggest beneficiaries, according to data released by BC Card Tuesday. The card company analyzed spending by about 54,700 foreign visitors who used overseas-issued payment cards at affiliated businesses in Busan during the June 7-13 concert week. BTS marked its 13th anniversary with a large-scale concert in Busan on Friday and Saturday, drawing about 55,000 fans to the stadium. City officials estimated that about 200,000 foreign visitors traveled to the city before and after the event. During the concert week, total foreign card spending in the city increased 5.7 percent from the previous week and 73.3 percent from the same period a year earlier. The number of transactions rose 38 percent from the previous week and 97.3 percent from a year earlier. Traditional markets saw particularly strong gains. Spending by foreign visitors at traditional markets nearly doubled from a week earlier, rising 99.8 percent, while the number of transactions increased 16.1 percent. These figure

Citi becomes 1st to launch tokenized depositary receipt service for private shares

Citi has become the first to launch a blockchain-based depositary receipt service for shares in private companies, aiming to make it easier for issuers to reach investors and for investors to access private market opportunities, the company said Tuesday. The launch comes as private companies remain unlisted for a longer period of time, prompting many to seek alternative ways to provide liquidity to shareholders without relying on often fragmented secondary markets. The new offering, called the Digital Depositary Receipts, applies Citi’s traditional depositary receipt framework to private company shares. Using blockchain infrastructure operated by SIX, a Swiss financial market operator and one of the world’s first fully regulated digital central securities depositories, the service tokenizes depositary receipts backed by private market equity. Under the model, Citi acts as both issuer and custodian of the digital receipts, handling issuance, settlement and safekeeping. The company said the structure is designed to simplify transfers of ownership and broaden investor access while allo

Next generation of climate orators head to Songdo for Green Project 2026

Amid deepening global concerns over climate change, up to 200 Korean students will gather in Songdo next month to pitch concrete environmental solutions — entirely in English. The Korea regional round of the Green Project Public Speaking Championship (GPPSC) 2026 will be held July 25-26 at the University of Utah Asia Campus in Songdo, Incheon. Hosted by New Era Academy, a Seoul-based debate and public speaking education firm, and sponsored by The Korea Times, the two-day tournament challenges young speakers to combine classical oratory with substantive environmental policy. Rather than simply lamenting ecological decline, this year's prepared speech division requires participants to address a specific prompt: "An Environmental Solution." Competitors must formulate, articulate and defend actionable strategies for sustainability, testing both their rhetorical skills and structural thinking on complex climate issues. The format demands that speakers survive rigorous impromptu rounds as well, where they must synthesize arguments on tight deadlines. The competition is divided into two age

Appeals court upholds acquittals of former officials accused of cover-up in 2020 NK border murder case

An appellate court on Tuesday upheld acquittals of a former senior presidential official and a former Coast Guard chief over an alleged cover-up of the 2020 murder of a South Korean fisheries official by North Korea. The Seoul High Court found former National Security Adviser Suh Hoon and former Coast Guard Commissioner General Kim Hong-hee not guilty on charges of drafting false public documents in connection with the alleged cover-up. In September 2020, the fisheries official, Lee Dae-jun, was fatally shot by North Korean troops near the de facto maritime border in the Yellow Sea after going missing while on board a fishery inspection ship. His body was later burned by North Korean soldiers. At the time, then President Moon Jae-in's administration said Lee had sought to defect to the North, but prosecutors have argued the announcement was driven by concerns the incident could worsen inter-Korean relations. In its ruling, the appellate court said that while the Moon administration's announcement contained "rash" or "definitive" language, it could not be seen as drafting or distributing

Singer Lim Young-woong donates $132,200 to help low-income patients

Singer Lim Young-woong donated 200 million won ($132,200) to Korea University Medicine on his birthday Tuesday to help low-income patients, the hospital said. Lim and his agency, Mulgogi Music, each contributed 100 million won and made the donation in the name of his fanbase, known as "Hero Generation." The singer has marked his birthday each year with donations to support the vulnerable, disaster relief efforts and programs for children and adolescents. The hospital said the money will be used to help cover treatment costs for low-income patients at its Anam, Guro and Ansan branches.

Nearly half the world's children exposed to three or more climate risks: UNICEF

UNITED NATIONS, United States — More than one billion children face at least three overlapping climate hazards, UNICEF warned Monday, while highlighting the disproportionate impact in some regions of the world. For the report, the UN agency cross-referenced data showing where the roughly 2.4 billion children on the planet live with the geographic distribution of the eight most common climate impacts. They are coastal flooding, river flooding, drought, tropical storms, heat waves — at least three days above a high temperature threshold, which varies by country — extreme heat, wildfires and sandstorms. The report primarily focuses on the 1.1 billion children who are exposed to at least three risks, with the most common combination being drought, extreme heat (above 35 degrees Celsius) and heat waves. That combination affects some 296 million children, including 74 million in Nigeria, 34 million in Pakistan and 32 million in India. The number of children in this three-or-more category has increased sharply over the past 20 years. Almost all children — some 2.3 billion — are exposed

Europe’s new economic playbook gives S. Korea larger strategic role

The agreements announced during President Lee Jae Myung’s June 10 summit in Brussels suggest that the European Union increasingly views South Korea as more than a conventional free trade partner. The Digital Trade Agreement attracted the most attention, but it was only one part of a broader shift in the relationship. The agreements announced in Brussels suggest that Seoul and Brussels increasingly view economic cooperation through the lens of economic security, technological competitiveness and geopolitical uncertainty. That shift does not mean that South Korea is becoming an insider in Europe’s economic system or that bilateral trade disputes have disappeared. Seoul’s ongoing efforts to secure favorable treatment under new EU steel restrictions demonstrate that economic interests continue to diverge in important areas. What has changed is the context in which those disagreements take place. Europe’s approach to international economic relations is evolving, and South Korea appears to be one of the countries most likely to benefit from that change. A different category This week’

Korea launches $2.2 mil. fund to boost indie K-pop labels

The Korean government is stepping in to fortify the "backbone" of the K-pop industry, launching a new initiative aimed at helping midsized and small music agencies expand globally. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, alongside the Korea Creative Content Agency, said Tuesday they selected 10 indie K-pop groups for the inaugural "Global Leap Forward Support" project. Under the initiative, each selected agency will receive up to 300 million won ($218,000) annually for up to three years to finance international promotions, music videos and overseas tours. The intervention comes amid growing concerns over market polarization. While global K-pop exports surged 32.4 percent year-on-year in 2025, the market remains heavily dominated by a handful of conglomerate-backed "Big Four" entertainment giants. According to government data, major conglomerates spent an average of 43.1 billion won on music production in 2023, compared to a meager 1.49 billion won on average for smaller agencies. Furthermore, major label acts performed abroad 20 times more frequently than their indie counterparts. T

Korea, Uzbekistan discuss bilateral ties, energy cooperation at policy consultation meeting

Senior diplomats from Korea and Uzbekistan have held a bilateral policy consultation meeting and discussed ways to enhance cooperation in energy, critical minerals and other areas of mutual interest, Seoul's foreign ministry said Tuesday. Deputy Foreign Minister Chung Eui-hae and her Uzbek counterpart, Mirvohid Azimov, convened the 18th Korea-Uzbekistan policy consultation meeting in Tashkent on Monday, according to the ministry. Both sides discussed ways to enhance practical cooperation in energy, transportation, infrastructure and various other sectors, and also pledged to expand collaboration in critical minerals, healthcare, digital technology and climate response. The officials discussed preparations for the successful hosting of the inaugural Korea-Central Asia Summit, scheduled for Sept. 16-17. "Chung requested Uzbekistan's continued support and cooperation for our policies and efforts aimed at achieving peaceful coexistence on the Korean Peninsula, and the Uzbek deputy minister expressed his understanding and support," the ministry said. Following the meeting, Chung paid a courtes

Trade minister discusses measures addressing US forced labor-linked tariffs

Korea's trade minister on Tuesday discussed countermeasures against Washington's proposed tariffs on dozens of countries, including Asia's fourth-largest economy, over their alleged failure to enforce import bans on products made through forced labor. Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo met with officials from related ministries to discuss the progress of Seoul's talks with Washington regarding the issue, as well as follow-up measures, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources, without elaborating on details. The discussions came as the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) recently proposed imposing tariffs of 10 percent or 12.5 percent on products from 60 trading partners over their alleged failure to enforce import bans on products made with forced labor. Korea is among the dozens of economies that would face the 12.5 percent levy. "The government will work closely with related ministries, with national interests as the top priority, while enhancing the competitiveness of our businesses and diversifying export markets," Yeo was quoted as saying by the ministry. During

'Colony' sweeps box office charts across Asia

Director Yeon Sang-ho's zombie thriller "Colony" has swept the box-office chart in countries across Asia, becoming one of most-watched Korean films in some countries, the film's distributor said Tuesday. The Korean film had attracted 1,511,802 admissions in Malaysia as of Sunday, becoming the most-watched Korean film in the local box-office chart to date, according to Showbox. Yeon's previous zombie thrillers "Train to Busan" (2016) ranked second, followed by "Peninsula" (2020) at No. 3, it added. In Indonesia, "Colony" attracted 1,062,394 cumulative admissions, becoming the second most-watched Korean film in the country, while the film garnered 347,438 admissions in the Philippines to also become the second-most watched Korean film in the country. The film ranked among the top five most-watched Korean films ever released in Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand. "Colony" is the latest zombie thriller from director Yeon. It follows biotechnology professor Se-jeong (Jun Ji-hyun) and a group of survivors who fight to escape a building locked down by a virus outbreak. The blockbuster also stars Koo

Jeju’s ‘Vitamin C diplomacy’ revives dormant model of North Korea engagement

For years, North Korea has rejected all dialogue with Seoul, denouncing reunification and spurning offers of aid. But Jeju Island’s announcement this week that it sent medical equipment, citrus saplings and other supplies to North Korea suggests that another channel for engagement may still be open: South Korea’s local governments. While North Korea has not confirmed the transfer, local governments have long served as alternate pathways to exchanges with Pyongyang, from Jeju’s “Vitamin C diplomacy” to tourism projects pursued by border provinces. Jeju’s latest success could provide a template for renewed cooperation. However, experts caution that it is still too early to gauge Pyongyang’s openness to engage with South Korean local governments based solely on this initiative, despite the glimmer of hope it offers after years of stalled inter-Korean ties. The Jeju deal The Jeju government said Monday it had provided North Korea with roughly $100,000 worth of medical equipment, hallabong citrus saplings and other goods, after engaging in discussions with a North Korean organiza

Seventeen's Joshua to speak at UNESCO headquarters in Paris next week

Joshua of K-pop boy group Seventeen will deliver a speech at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris next week as a youth goodwill ambassador of the organization, his agency said Tuesday. The appearance on June 25 will be part of the "Going Together — For Youth Creativity & Well-Being" program, a global youth initiative launched jointly by Seventeen and UNESCO, according to Pledis Entertainment. The Korean American will speak on behalf of the group to deliver a message of support to young people worldwide. The event will be attended by UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany and livestreamed on the organization's official YouTube channel. Seventeen was appointed a youth goodwill ambassador for UNESCO in 2024 and donated $1 million to establish a global youth fund. The fund supports projects aimed at strengthening youth confidence and resilience through music, arts and sports, fostering creative youth communities and promoting mental health. Last year, the group also donated proceeds from a charity auction to mark the International Youth Day.

Korea's KF-21 fighter jet passes gov't-led flight safety evaluation

Korea's first homegrown KF-21 fighter jet has received a flight safety certification from the government, the state arms procurement agency said Tuesday. The KF-21 fighter jet earned the airworthiness certification on Monday, following the completion of a series of tests from April 2021 to 2026, according to the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA). A DAPA review committee approved that the aircraft had met all 745 requirements across 14 assessment areas, including electronic systems and aircraft structure. The decision comes after the fighter jet had passed a combat readiness evaluation in May. Korea plans to deliver 120 KF-21 jets by 2032, with 40 initially produced aircraft focused on air-to-air capabilities to be delivered by 2028, followed by 80 additional jets with air-to-ground and air-to-ship capabilities. It will deliver the first batch to the Air Force in the second half of this year, with additional units to be delivered in phases.

Rebuilding Korea Party elects new floor leader

Rep. Kim Joon-hyung of the Rebuilding Korea Party was elected floor leader of the minor political party Tuesday with unanimous support from all 12 lawmakers. Kim, the party's chief policymaker, was the only candidate in the election held during a general meeting of the party's lawmakers at the National Assembly. He previously headed the foreign ministry-affiliated Korea National Diplomatic Academy during the Moon Jae-in administration, before entering politics by winning a proportional National Assembly seat in the 2024 parliamentary elections. He also serves as a member of the parliamentary Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee. The minor party is set to hold a national convention next month to pick a new leader after former Justice Minister Cho Kuk, who founded and led the party, stepped down this month following the June 3 local elections. Cho failed to secure a seat in the Pyeongtaek-B constituency in Gyeonggi Province, where he ran in a parliamentary by-election held alongside the local elections. The minor party also failed to win any of the 16 key mayoral and gubernatorial posts

TXT's Yeonjun to release 2nd solo album in July

Yeonjun of boy band Tomorrow X Together (TXT) will release his second individual album next month, his agency BigHit Music said Tuesday. The EP, titled "No Labels: Part 02," is set to drop July 10 at 1 p.m., marking the first release from Yeonjun in about eight months after his first solo record, "No Labels: Part 01." The upcoming album is expected to further highlight Yeonjun's musical identity and personal storytelling. In his previous release, Yeonjun took part in songwriting, composition and creating the choreography, proving his potential as a rising solo artist beyond his activities with TXT. TXT, meanwhile, is currently holding a special concert series, titled "2026 TXT Moa Con in Japan," to mark the group's seventh debut anniversary. The tour, spanning eight shows across four Japanese cities, has sold out in advance. Following performances in Fukuoka on Tuesday and Wednesday, the group will wrap up the tour in Hyogo on June 23 and 24.

Voter choices

Voter choices

US says Hormuz to be toll-free under Iran deal

WASHINGTON — The United States said Monday that ships will move toll-free through the Strait of Hormuz under an Iran peace deal signed by President Donald Trump, and insisted Tehran would have to fulfill its commitments before getting any economic benefits. They included a possible $300 billion reconstruction fund for the war-battered country, but the release of funds will be "tied to performance," a senior Trump administration official said in a call with reporters. Trump, U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf electronically signed the so-called memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Sunday, the officials said. "The president wanted to sign it personally because he wanted to show his dedication to the process," one of the US officials said on condition of anonymity. But Vance admitted the brief outline deal kicks the thorniest issues — especially Iran's nuclear program — down the road. "The MOU is about a page and a half, so it is a very general document," Vance told CNN. Vance will lead technical talks this week and attend a physical sig

From Epic Fury to the future: Korea advised to look beyond weapons exports

The opening hours of Operation Epic Fury may ultimately be remembered not for the number of targets struck, but for what they revealed about the changing nature of modern war. According to reports, U.S. and Israeli forces were able to identify, prioritize and engage a vast number of targets across Iran within an extraordinarily compressed timeline. The significance was not simply the use of advanced aircraft, precision-guided munitions or long-range strike capabilities. Modern militaries have possessed such platforms for decades. The more important development was the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), data fusion, cloud computing and decision-support systems into the operational process. For more than a century, military power was measured primarily in ships, tanks, aircraft and missiles. Epic Fury suggests that military advantage in the 21st century may increasingly be measured by something less visible: software, data and the speed of decision-making. This should be of particular interest to Korea. While Korean defense exports continue to achieve remarkable success around t

Seoul stocks trade higher late Tuesday morning on US-Iran deal optimism

Seoul stocks were trading higher late Tuesday morning, as investor sentiment was lifted following a U.S.-Iran agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) was up 145.52 points, or 1.7 percent, to 8,691.5 as of 11:20 a.m. Overnight, U.S. stocks rallied after U.S. President Donald Trump said a preliminary agreement to end the conflict with Iran had already been signed and the Strait of Hormuz would be "completely opened" Friday. The S&P 500 rose 1.7 percent, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq 100 gained 3.1 percent, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average reached a record high. Oil prices retreated. Brent crude fell 4.76 percent to $83.17 per barrel, while U.S. WTI dropped 4.87 percent to $80.75 per barrel, easing concerns over inflation. Market top-cap Samsung Electronics edged up 0.89 percent, while industry rival SK hynix rose 2.91 percent. Defense firm LIG D&A jumped 18.82 percent after announcing a partnership with German defense firm Rheinmetall to cooperate in air defense systems. Daewoo Engineering & Construction surged 22.71 percent on expec

Inequality in Évian

RIO DE JANEIRO — Nestled between mountains and a pristine lake, Évian-les-Bains, the French town where G7 leaders are gathering this month, evokes an image of stability and prosperity. Yet beyond the summit venue lies a world marked by deepening economic insecurity, political fragmentation, climate change, and distrust in institutions. And at the center of these interconnected crises is a challenge that governments continue to treat as an afterthought: rising inequality. This G7 summit puts “global imbalances” at the top of its agenda, with French President Emmanuel Macron warning that the international economy is becoming a theater of confrontation rather than cooperation. But if G7 leaders are serious about addressing that problem, they must tackle inequality head-on. That means abandoning the mistaken view that inequality is primarily a problem for developing countries. Extreme disparities in income, wealth, opportunity, and political influence have become a defining feature of the global economy, affecting rich and poor countries alike. In OECD countries, the wealthiest 10 p

Protecting the First Amendment

The First Amendment needs all the help it can get these days. Many progressives want restrictions on “hate speech,” while Democrats weren’t shy about pushing private companies to censor “misinformation” during the pandemic. Meanwhile the FCC under a Republican president has threatened to use its licensing authority to punish broadcasters over perceived political slights. It is against this backdrop that unlikely bedfellows Sens. Ted Cruz, Republican of Texas, and Ron Wyden, Democrat of Oregon, last week introduced the JAWBONE Act, formally known as the Justice Against Weaponized Bureaucratic Overreach and Expression Act. The authors argue that their proposal is necessary to “hold government accountable for censorship and violations of the First Amendment.” The bill would make it easier for U.S. citizens to sue over federal government infringements of free-speech rights. “Evidentiary and doctrinal hurdles preclude remedies even in cases where the government clearly bullied companies into censoring speech,” Sens. Cruz and Wyden note. Under the legislation, government age

The Griffin MSI and Obama center are creating a new chapter on the South Side

We come to this moment from different directions. But today we stand in the same park, seeing the same thing: Something extraordinary is happening on Chicago’s South Side. For almost 100 years, the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry has been a place where generations have come together to learn, imagine and see themselves as part of something bigger. And on June 19, the Obama Presidential Center joins in that tradition, attracting new energy, new visitors and new opportunities to the South Side. As neighboring institutions that share deep commitments to education, public service and community impact, the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry and the Obama Presidential Center are already working together to ensure the best start possible for the new museum. The museum will close to the public on June 18 to help the Obama Presidential Center prepare for its grand opening. And then, on June 19 and beyond, we’ll jointly welcome thousands of visitors to this singular place — a place that’s already full of natural beauty and now will be even more accessible. Consider what is now a

Injured players return to training for S. Korea ahead of Mexico match

ZAPOPAN, Mexico — With a couple of injured players back on the field Monday, South Korea trained as a full squad for the first time since arriving in their World Cup base camp in western Mexico. Defender Kim Tae-hyeon and midfielder Bae Jun-ho were both full participants in the training session at Chivas Verde Valle in Zapopan, near Guadalajara, with the Taegeuk Warriors gearing up for their second Group A match against Mexico. The kickoff is at 7 p.m. Thursday (local time) at Estadio Guadalajara, or 10 a.m. Friday (South Korean time). Bae had been sidelined since suffering an ankle injury during a friendly against Trinidad and Tobago on May 30 in Utah. Kim picked up an ankle injury of his own while training last Tuesday for the group stage match against Czechia. National team officials initially ruled Kim out of the remainder of the group stage, but the center back has recovered to a point where he will be available against Mexico. He is one of just two left-footed center backs on the team, along with Lee Gi-hyuk. With Kim not available, Lee played the full match against Czechia. Kim n

N. Korea's Kim congratulates Xi's 73rd birthday with message, flowers

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has sent a congratulatory message and flower basket to Chinese President Xi Jinping on his 73rd birthday, Pyongyang's state media said Tuesday. Kim wished Xi "good health and greater success in leading the cause of socialist construction in China" in the message delivered the previous day through North Korea's ambassador to China, the Korean Central News Agency reported. A ribbon on the flower basket read, "I warmly congratulate Comrade General Secretary Xi Jinping on your birthday," according to the report. The gesture follows Xi's two-day state visit to Pyongyang last week, his first trip to North Korea in nearly seven years. During the visit, the two agreed to deepen cooperation across politics, economy and culture, pledging to strengthen high-level communication and open a new chapter in bilateral relations.

Seoul 'melting pot' for global music talent, says producer behind BTS hits

A Swedish music producer who has worked with the biggest names in K-pop — BTS, SuperM, Tomorrow X Together, ENHYPEN, LE SSERAFIM and ATEEZ — said Seoul has become a "global melting pot" for music talent, surpassing creative hubs like Stockholm and Los Angeles, as top songwriters worldwide increasingly look to Korea for the best opportunities. "I saw an opportunity that seemed more impactful by coming to Seoul rather than going to the States, and not by a small margin," Alex Karlsson said at a music industry conference hosted by the French Embassy in Seoul, June 8. Karlsson was speaking at "From K-pop to Global Pop: Rethinking Music Without Borders," the opening panel of "Fête de la Musique+ 2026," a Korea-France cultural exchange event held in Seoul. For Karlsson, Korea's appeal as a creative base comes down to access and structure. He said the country draws top-tier global talent at a scale unmatched by European music hubs, while its systemized approach to music production offers a creative framework he finds valuable rather than limiting. "Koreans love their systems, and I think t

10th Korean Refugee Film Festival returns with focus on refugee-led storytelling

After a year's absence, the anticipated 10th edition of the Korea Refugee Film Festival (KOREFF) is back with four major films made in Korea and Europe. The festival, founded in 2015 to bring refugee stories to the Korean public through cinema, is also part of the 75th anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention this year. This year's festival will feature two film premieres: “Allies in Exile” by Syrian refugee filmmaker Hasan Kattan, and “A Lighter Between Invisible Bars” by Liam Han, a refugee from Myanmar living in Korea. The program is rounded out by two European productions, “Green Border” (2023) by Agnieszka Holland, and “Souleymane's Story” (2024) by Boris Lojkine. Over the past decade, the festival has provided a platform for filmmakers, activists, refugees and members of the public to explore the realities of forced displacement through culture and storytelling. Stefan Maier, deputy representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Korea, said the festival’s central theme this year is “Festival of Refugees,” or the idea that refuge

KIS makes its move into digital asset industry

Korea Investors Service (KIS) continues to monitor the digital asset landscape in Korea and is exploring the feasibility of market participation, subject to the establishment of a regulatory framework, according to CEO Patrick Yoon. KIS, one of Korea's leading credit rating agencies and an affiliate of Moody's, has established a dedicated digital assets team and is developing methodologies that could be used to assess Korean won-backed stablecoins once legislation is in place. "Once won-backed stablecoins are created, an ecosystem needs to be built to ensure they can be used effectively. They need to function well not only in Korea but also overseas for a proper stablecoin system to take shape. We believe there is a role that KIS can play in that process," Yoon said in a recent interview with The Korea Times. "If we can establish a stablecoin assessment system tailored to Korea, the digital asset market can be evaluated more transparently and various risks can be managed more effectively," he added. The preparations come as lawmakers and financial regulators continue discussions on a leg

What to know about deal to end Iran war

ISLAMABAD — Iran and the United States are trumpeting their tentative agreement aimed at ending their war as a victory. But so far there is no word on what’s actually in it. The memorandum of understanding, brokered mainly by Pakistan, starts with the simultaneous lifting of Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz and the U.S. blockade of Iran’s ports, according to Pakistani officials. The two sides will then begin 60 days of negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program and the potential lifting of sanctions, they told the AP, speaking on condition of anonymity because the text is being kept confidential. That would leave the adversaries more or less where they where they were 3 ½ months ago — before Israel and the U.S. on Feb. 28 launched their war on Iran, which has left thousands dead across the region, triggered a global energy crisis and shook the American economy with an inflation surge. Much remains unknown, including whether the deal says anything about Iran’s missile program or support for its regional allies like Lebanon’s Hezbollah, two issues that the U.S. and Is

Trump arrives with Iran deal to meet wary world leaders at G7 summit

EVIAN-LES-BAINS, France — U.S. President Donald Trump joined global leaders on Monday at the Group of Seven summit at a French lakeside resort, where relief over a deal to end the Iran war was tempered by unease over new U.S. tariff threats aimed at France. Trump was met at the G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains by Emmanuel Macron's chief of protocol ahead of a bilateral meeting with the French president. According to a prior planning document, Macron had been due to welcome Trump himself. "Everything is very nice, thank you," Trump told reporters as he arrived, just hours after securing a preliminary deal with Iran that is one of several issues G7 leaders will wrestle with during the June 15 to 17 summit. They will also seek common ground on the war in Ukraine, tackling global economic imbalances and sourcing critical minerals outside of the dominant supplier China. Leaders wary of Trump Global leaders are increasingly wary of the United States and, underscoring the tensions, Trump told the New York Post before leaving for France he would "have no choice" but to apply 100% tariffs on Frenc

US officials say Iran pact signed, Hormuz traffic will rise significantly

WASHINGTON — The United States and Iran have signed a memorandum of understanding to end a near four-month war, senior U.S. officials said on Monday, adding that a formal signing ceremony would take place on Friday and shipping traffic in the Strait of Hormuz would significantly but gradually ramp up. The memorandum of understanding has been signed by President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance and Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, one U.S. official said. After weeks of negotiations, the news that Washington and Tehran had agreed to end the war brought relief to markets, although risks remain given the pact defers potentially complicated talks on containing Tehran's nuclear program. While still a framework, the deal marked the biggest breakthrough toward resolving the conflict that has killed thousands and upended energy markets since it began with joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran in February. The MOU will provide a structure for how the U.S.-Iran relationship will operate in the future, said the official, speaking on the condition of anonymity in a briefing

Global shippers cautious on Hormuz transit despite US-Iran deal

TOKYO/COPENHAGEN — Shippers in Asia and Europe said confidence in resuming transit through the Strait of Hormuz could take weeks to rebuild and navigation will only restart once safety is assured, after the U.S. and Iran agreed a framework deal to reopen the waterway. U.S. and Iranian officials are expected to sign a memorandum of understanding to end their war and reopen the strait on Friday. Global oil prices fell about 5 percent on Monday in response. President Donald Trump said in a Truth Social post that ships loaded with oil are starting to move out of the strait, "going along the Southern 'Highway,' which is totally safe, secure, and pristine". There were no significant tanker crossings visible in vessel-tracking data on Monday, aside from one LNG carrier, however ships have been quietly moving barrels along Oman's coast for weeks, sailing "dark" with U.S. navy support. The data, which captures only vessels actively transmitting their positions, showed dozens of tankers clustered on both sides of the Strait of Hormuz. Shippers welcomed news of the deal, but are waiting for more

Trump celebrates 80th birthday with Iran deal and UFC cage fights at White House

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump marked his 80th birthday on Sunday by hailing an initial agreement to end the war in Iran and staging a once unfathomable cage-fighting show on the White House's storied South Lawn. Trump had been touting the emerging deal for weeks and the continuing conflict threatened to overshadow the UFC mixed martial arts extravaganza, where combatants inside a wire-mesh Octagon tried to punch, kick, chop and pummel each other into submission. Ahead of the event, however, the president said an agreement to end the conflict “is now complete." He declared that the U.S. will end its blockade of Iran, and that the Strait of Hormuz would reopen. Crucial details still need negotiating over the coming weeks, however. Top administration officials and Republican leaders attended the fights, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and House Speaker Mike Johnson. Polish President Karol Nawrocki was also at the White House. It started with Trump and UFC chief Dana White walking together from the Oval Office to the Blue Room Balcony to survey the Octagon, standing for th

Lee vows to ensure proper overseas voting rights of Koreans abroad

ROME — President Lee Jae Myung on Monday pledged efforts to ensure proper overseas voting rights for Koreans abroad, calling administrative issues in preventing such rights a "serious problem." The president made the remarks during a meeting in Rome with South Korean residents in Italy, part of his first European tour since taking office in June last year. "South Korean voters being unable to exercise their voting rights due to administrative issues ... constitutes a serious problem," Lee said. "I will work to resolve the problem as soon as possible." The remarks came amid ongoing protests in South Korea demanding a rerun of the June 3 local elections after ballot paper shortages at some polling stations partially disrupted voting. The president emphasized South Korea's enhanced national stature, saying the country had transformed from once an imperial colony of Japan into a democracy respected around the world, while pledging support for the protection of South Koreans overseas.

Oil falls 5% to 3-month low as US, Iran reach deal to reopen Strait of Hormuz

HOUSTON — Oil prices slumped 5 percent to a three-month low on Monday amid a broad selloff after the U.S. and Iran said they agreed terms to end their war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Brent crude futures fell $4.38, or 5.02 percent, to $82.95 a barrel by 10:54 a.m. EDT (1455 GMT) and U.S. West Texas Intermediate was at $80.28, down $4.60, or 5.42 percent. Both contracts fell to their lowest levels since March 10 on Monday after tumbling more than 3 percent on Friday. WTI futures fell as much as $5 during the session. The U.S. and Iran will sign a memorandum of understanding in Switzerland on Friday, said the prime minister of Pakistan, whose country has served as a mediator. Trump said on Sunday that the Strait of Hormuz would be open "toll free" and that a U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports would also end, though it remains in effect pending completion of the ceasefire agreement. Iran's semi-official Mehr news agency said the draft deal called for reopening the Strait of Hormuz within 30 days under Iranian arrangements. "With a wall of oil supply very possibly on the way, the

From wild grasses to traditional crafts, Korean gardens trace deep roots of K-culture

The letter “K” seems to be used everywhere these days for nearly anything Korean. Yet long before the Latin alphabet reached the Korean Peninsula, there were mountains and flowers and people who lived alongside them. That is why gardening, bringing together traditional culture and Korea’s natural landscape, is emerging as a new language of Koreanness. The theme for this year's competitions, held as part of the Seoul International Garden Show, was “The Wave of Seoul.” The show, which opened May 1 and runs through Oct. 17, challenged participants to capture Seoul’s identity and cultural appeal through the language of gardens. Winners were selected in three categories: international, student and citizen. Although they each presented interpretations of their own, all the participants agreed that their inspiration came from Korea’s landscapes and traditional culture. Putting overlooked wild grasses center stage Gardening is increasingly becoming less confined to landscape specialists and more accessible as a hobby for ordinary citizens. The winners of the citizen category, Cho Ki

Lee welcomes US-Iran ceasefire deal, hopes for resumption of safe Hormuz shipping

SEOUL/ROME — President Lee Jae Myung on Monday welcomed a ceasefire deal reached between the United States and Iran, expressing hope it will help restore regional stability and allow vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz to resume safe operations. In a post on X, Lee described the agreement as "an important step" toward resolving a situation the international community has long sought to address and praised U.S. President Donald Trump's leadership, as well as the diplomatic efforts of the parties involved and other relevant countries. "Through this agreement, I look forward to the swift restoration of peace and stability in the Middle East, and the establishment of a foundation for the safety and prosperity of the people of the region," Lee said in the post written while visiting Italy, part of his first European tour since taking office in June last year. He also expressed hope that global energy supplies will stabilize and that all vessels, including Korean ships and sailors affected by navigation restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz, will be able to safely resume operations as so

A reporter's quest for rare 'Sonny cup' in Mexico

Son Heung-min’s popularity has surpassed that of David Beckham, at least in the World Cup host city of Guadalajara, Mexico. The proof was not found in a poll or a marketing report, but on McDonald’s shelves. Among the collectible cups featuring some of football’s biggest names, the Korean national team captain’s edition was the one that kept selling out. At 11 a.m. Saturday, I headed to a McDonald’s near where I was staying with one goal in mind. I wanted to secure a "Sonny cup." My motives were not exactly noble. I had heard that the Son edition had not been released in Korea, which made it seem worth collecting and reselling before I had even seen one. I quickly did the math. If I could buy one in Mexico and resell it on secondhand marketplace app Karrot Market, it might help with household finances. As a father of two young children, I allowed myself to call it household budgeting. The cup's absence in Korea appeared to stem from local advertising arrangements. Son is the commercial face of Domino’s Pizza in Korea, which likely made it difficult for McDonald’s, a rival

SF confident abortion legislation will pass in Dáil

Sinn Féin has expressed confidence that its legislation to remove the mandatory three-day wait period for abortion in early pregnancy will pass through the Dáil.

Man tells court he punched Parnell Square accused

A man described as "extraordinarily brave", has told the Central Criminal Court he punched another man who was trying to cut little children with a knife on Parnell Square in November 2023, as he needed to be "put down".

Joint declaration signed in Geneva against use of AI in warfare

The World Council of Churches is among the 226 signatories of a document calling on technology companies and governments to “cease supplying” artificial intelligence systems for use in the “military kill chain” and to “take all necessary measures” to prevent violations of international humanitarian law and human rights.

Read all

AI to be used to identify plants at risk of extinction

AI has been identified as a potential turning point in the "race against extinction" faced by botanists trying to save plants.

Aughinish probe will not overshadow EU presidency - Burke

Minister for Enterprise Peter Burke has insisted the start of Ireland's EU presidency on 1 July is not a deadline for when the initial investigation into the Aughinish Alumina controversy must provide answers.

Swedish man jailed for four years for coercing wife into sex with 120 men

The 61-year-old was found to have coerced his wife into sexual acts with men he found online in exchange for payment.

FBI thwarted plot targeting White House UFC event, Patel says

US media say the plan would have involved a drone attack. The FBI boss says multiple suspects are in custody.

Hungary's MPs block return of Orbán, limiting rule of PM to eight years

The vote fulfils a promise by new PM Péter Magyar to stop his predecessor from becoming prime minister again.

'Borgo Dialogues' launched in Castel Gandolfo

The 'Borgo Dialogues', a new international forum for dialogue on environmental topics, are set to be inaugurated in the papal gardens of Castel Gandolfo.

Read all

Donaldson sex abuse trial jury asked to recall visible 'pain and hurt' of accusers

Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, the former Democratic Unionist Party leader, is on trial for 18 sex abuse charges, including one count of rape, all of which he denies.

Thames Water closer to nationalisation after government objects to rescue deal

The environment secretary says the deal does not do enough for consumers or the environment.

Prince George to attend Eton College from September

He will follow in the footsteps of his father, the Prince of Wales, who also attended the private school.

Social media firms face €35m fines over AI nudifier tools

Social media firms will face fines of up to €35 million by the end of this year if they continue to allow their AI tools to be used to create non-consensual sexual images of men, women and children online.

Naomi Campbell arrives at court for charity ban appeal

British supermodel Naomi Campbell has arrived at court in the UK to give evidence in her appeal against a five-year ban from being a charity trustee.

Will gaming sites be included in under-16s social media ban?

A ban is coming - but it's still not clear what it will mean for sites including Roblox, YouTube and WhatsApp.

Man bailed after woman pushed into path of bus on Putney Bridge

A man is bailed after being arrested in the case of a woman who was pushed into the road in 2017.

Giving Ukrainian children hope that strengthens hearts in times of war

The Secretary of the Youth Commission of the Kyiv-Zhytomyr Diocese of the Roman Catholic Church in Ukraine speaks to Vatican News about faith formation during wartime, large-scale diocesan gatherings, children’s letters to the front line, and personal sources of spiritual resilience.

Read all

Livramento's World Cup in major doubt after injury

England defender Tino Livramento could miss England's World Cup campaign after suffering a fresh injury on the eve of the Three Lions' tournament opener.

S. Korea, UAE discuss energy supply ties amid supply chain uncertainties

South Korea and the United Arab Emirates discussed strategic cooperation in the energy sector, including joint oil reserves and nuclear power plants, the industry ministry said Tuesday. Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan met with Musabbeh Al Kaabi, chief executive officer of upstream at Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, to discuss the stable supply of crude oil, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources. During the meeting, South Korea was briefed that imports of the 24 million barre

Trump’s Anthropic crackdown sets off AI alarms for U.S. allies

U.S. allies must now confront a future in which the White House can pull the plug on AI sales abroad as it pleases.

High school student under probe for leaving semen and urine in teacher's classroom

A high school student on Jeju Island is being investigated for allegedly entering an elementary school teacher's classroom on multiple occasions and leaving behind semen and urine, police said Tuesday. According to Seogwipo Police Station and the Jeju Teachers' Union, the student allegedly sneaked into an elementary school near his high school in April and left semen in a teacher's personal tumbler kept in a classroom. On June 4, the student came back to the same classroom, where he urinated on

Complainants didn't take case against Donaldson 'for fun'

Two women who claim they were abused by former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson as children reached "turning points" in their lives which prompted them to make a police complaint, his trial has heard.

Airport identity check controversy over Ive's Jang Won-young prompts stronger guidance

A recent controversy involving IVE's Jang Won-young during an airport identity verification check has prompted Korea Airports Corporation to strengthen guidance on passenger screening procedures. Korea Airports Corporation said Monday it will step up efforts to inform travelers about identity verification procedures, including by posting related information on its website. The K-pop star drew criticism online after a video showed her lowering her mask only briefly while undergoing an identity ch

First Aquablation prostate treatments at Mater Hospital

The first procedures of a treatment called Aquablation therapy have been performed in the Republic of Ireland at the Mater University Hospital in Dublin.

Tuchel's England deal includes performance clause

Thomas Tuchel's England contract extension is subject to a performance clause, says FA chief executive Mark Bullingham.

Magnitude 5.5 quake jolts Tokyo area

The quake, measuring a lower 5 on Japan's seismic intensity scale, struck southern Ibaraki Prefecture at 7:46 p.m. There was no threat of a tsunami.

Police probe Gunpo obstetrics clinic over newborn's death

Police have launched an investigation into possible medical negligence at an obstetrics and gynecology clinic in Gunpo, Gyeonggi Province, where a newborn who suffered respiratory distress shortly after birth died nearly two months later. According to the Gunpo Police Station Tuesday, the infant was born at the clinic on April 15 and was transferred to a university hospital after developing breathing difficulties of unknown cause. The baby was later diagnosed with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy

When will social media ban start, and which apps will be affected?

The measures will see apps including TikTok and Snapchat banned for UK teens early in 2027.

Starmer pleased 'justice has been done' after arson attacks on property connected to him

The prime minister said he was "very pleased for my family's sake" that two men had been convicted of the 2025 arson attacks.

Russian artist and Putin critic shot dead in Poland

Robert Kuzovkov, who used the pseudonym Semyon Skrepetsky, has been known for his caricatures of politicians including Vladimir Putin.

European trade union leaders meet in Dublin

Senior trade union leaders from across Europe are meeting in Dublin to discuss a plan to develop trade union capacity in conflict resolution and peacebuilding.

Pope Leo to visit UN World Food Programme in Rome

Pope Leo XIV will visit the headquarters of the UN World Food Programme (WFP) on June 22, according to the Prefecture of the Papal Household.

Read all

Williams sisters to play together at Wimbledon

Serena Williams is given a wildcard to play alongside older sister Venus in the Wimbledon women's doubles.

Architect Byoung Cho debuts as artist

Architect Byoung Cho, known in Korea as Cho Byoung-soo, has long been celebrated for his earthbound architecture, earning him the nickname “the architect of the earth.” “My parents always told me that I should know where I came from,” Cho said Wednesday during an interview at BB&M Gallery in Seoul. “Every school vacation, they would send me to our family’s rural hometown in Sangju. Although I grew up in Seoul, there was a period when I preferred the countryside.” "I especially loved the smells a

University of Canterbury Students' Association admits charge for mass food poisoning

More than 100 Canterbury University students became unwell after eating a chicken souvlaki dinner at two halls of residence.

Injured Dutch hiker rescued from Seoraksan by helicopter

A Dutch hiker was rescued by helicopter from Seoraksan on Monday after an ankle injury left her stranded in the mountain. Local fire authorities said the 24-year-old hiker called emergency authorities at 7:14 a.m. after injuring her ankle near the Heeungak Shelter on Seoraksan in Inje, Gangwon Province. Unable to access the area by vehicle or land a helicopter, the Gangwon 119 Special Rescue Team carried out an aerial rescue, lowering rescuers from a firefighting helicopter to reach the hiker. S

'Daylight robbery but worth it' - what fans are spending

Fans in the US, Canada and Mexico are spending big on tickets, transport and accommodation - is it worth it?

Red Cross warns Ebola epidemic has not yet peaked

The Red Cross has said ⁠that the Ebola epidemic in the Democratic Republic of Congo had not yet peaked, voicing fears it could last for a ‌year.

Boy, 5, and mother injured in Kerry firepit incident

A five-year-old boy and his mother suffered severe burns following a fire at a social gathering in a housing estate in Kerry at the weekend.

Newsreader Tina Daheley to leave Radio 2 breakfast show

The move comes just a couple of weeks before Sara Cox takes over the show in July.

In Lim Yunchan's Mozart, the left hand carries the feeling

Pianist Lim Yunchan closed a five-concert, all-Mozart tour of Japan and Korea at Lotte Concert Hall on Monday, alongside Camerata Salzburg under Masato Suzuki. The collaboration was Lim's own idea. The 22-year-old, who in 2022 became the youngest winner of the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, proposed the series to Camerata Salzburg, the ensemble long resident at the Salzburg Festival and Mozart Week, on a single condition: that the music be all Mozart. The program paired two concert

Pope: The environmental crisis is a facet of the socio-economic crisis

In a video message for the Tenth Austrian World Summit, Pope Leo XIV highlights faith, hope and love as themes that can help reflect on the climate crisis, which goes beyond simple environmental matters, but touches on social, ethical and economic issues.

Read all

Watch: California wildfires rage near passing vehicles

The fires in Riverside County cover over 2,000 acres, say authorities.

Watching son at World Cup 'an out of body experience'

Judy Lopes, the mother of Cape Verde footballer Roberto 'Pico' Lopes, has said watching her son playing in the World Cup yesterday was like an "out of body experience".

Carney announces new sanctions against Russia following G7 meeting with Zelenskyy

SpaceX allocation fallout draws FSS probe

South Korea's Financial Supervisory Service is examining Mirae Asset Securities and several asset managers, including Korea Investment Management, over SpaceX-related investment products after they failed to secure IPO allocations despite marketing them as vehicles for gaining exposure to the highly anticipated listing. According to industry sources Tuesday, the FSS initially launched an on-site inspection of Mirae Asset Securities before escalating it into a formal examination. The probe also c

Hanwha raises KAI stake to 9%, becomes No. 2 shareholder

Hanwha Group affiliates have raised the group's stake in Korea Aerospace Industries to 9.04 percent, becoming the second-largest shareholder after the state-run Export-Import Bank of Korea and further solidifying Hanwha’s ambitions in the aerospace and defense sectors. Hanwha Aerospace, the group’s key defense unit, said Tuesday it acquired 3.02 million shares of KAI for 499.9 billion won ($332 million), bringing its total holdings to 6.33 million shares, or a 6.5 percent stake. Another affiliat

'Little hero', 12, rescued drowning friend from the sea by her hair

Tamika and Sofia-Ann were cut off by the tide and pulled under water by the waves at Abergele.

Upstage bets on full home-grown AI stack as Korea pushes 'sovereign AI'

South Korean firm Upstage said Tuesday it will pull its model, its workplace AI tools and a web portal into a single operation. The bet is that a home-grown AI system built end-to-end can compete without leaning on American or Chinese technology, a pitch the company is making as it prepares to go public. The ambition is not Upstage's alone. It is one of five firms the government picked last year to develop Korea's own AI models rather than rely on foreign ones, a push officials call "sovereign A

India blocks Telegram before retest exam to curb cheating

India blocked access to Telegram ahead of a retest of a nationwide medical college entrance examination, after a scandal last month over a question paper leak.

Bank of Japan takes rates to 1%, the highest level since 1995

Inflation and the weak yen forced its hand and made it difficult to wait and see any longer.

National Assembly to launch probe into ballot shortages, NEC reform

South Korea’s National Assembly is set to launch a parliamentary probe into ballot shortages reported during the June 3 local elections, after the rival parties agreed to pass an investigation plan at a plenary session set for Thursday. Rep. Cheon Jun-ho of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea and Rep. Kim Seung-su of the main opposition People Power Party, the senior deputy floor leaders in charge of parliamentary operations, reached the agreement Tuesday. The bipartisan move comes amid growing

Labor, businesses clash over industry-specific minimum wages

South Korean labor and business groups clashed Tuesday as the state wage-setting panel opened talks on a variable minimum wage, a proposal backed by employers and fiercely opposed by unions. The talks came a day after labor groups proposed raising the 2027 minimum wage by 16.3 percent to 12,000 won ($7.93) an hour. The sixth plenary meeting of the Minimum Wage Commission in Sejong focused on proposals to have different minimum wages depending on industry, one of the most divisive issues in this

Riize exudes confidence on ‘Do Your Dance’ comeback

Riize released its second EP, “II,” featuring the lead single “Do Your Dance,” on Monday. The album highlights the group’s free-spirited energy and confidence in six songs that include “Soar,” “D-D-Done,” “Overdrive,” “Like a Bomb” and “In a Loop.” According to SM Entertainment, “II” sold more than 910,000 copies within a day of its release, debuting at No. 1 on Hanteo Chart’s daily album chart. It also topped the digital album sales chart on China’s QQ Music and earned a Triple Gold certificati

Doctors referred to prosecutors over fatal Daegu ER refusal

Two doctors have been referred to prosecutors over allegations that they refused to treat an emergency patient without proper justification, leading to the patient’s death in Daegu three years ago, police said. Police sent the case to prosecutors in April after a three-year investigation into the March 2023 incident, in which several hospitals allegedly refused to accept the patient or provide first aid. The patient, a 15-year-old girl, had fallen from a four-story building in Daegu and suffered

Libyan crypto broker faces removal after losing suit over W94b scheme

A Libyan national who led an illegal cryptocurrency transfer scheme worth 94 billion won ($62 million) faces removal from Korea after a court upheld an order requiring him to leave the country. According to legal sources Tuesday, the Daejeon District Court recently ruled against the man, who had filed an administrative lawsuit against immigration authorities over the order issued last year in connection with crypto-related financial crimes. The court rejected his claim that he should be allowed

Concerns raised over minister's replacement of Medical Council leadership

ASMS executive director Sarah Dalton says the minister's move set a dangerous precedent in political interference with a regulatory body.

Deal may be seen as 'betrayal' in Israel, says former PM

Former prime minister of Israel Ehud Olmert has said that the potential peace deal between Iran and the US may be seen as a betrayal in Israel.

Affinity revives sale of Burger King Korea operator

Hong Kong-based Affinity Equity Partners has launched a sale process for BKR, the Korean operator of Burger King and Tim Hortons, reviving a divestment plan that was shelved four years ago, industry sources said Tuesday. According to the sources, the private equity firm has hired Deutsche Bank to explore a sale of its entire stake in BKR, which operates about 550 Burger King stores and 25 Tim Hortons locations in Korea. "The firm is considering a sale and evaluating various options, but no decis

Number of bookstores in Japan drops below 10,000 for the first time

Japan had 9,993 bookstores as of the end of March 2026 — just over 40% of its peak in fiscal year 1998.

Nikkei 225 breaks 70,000 on hopes for peace and after rate increase

The U.S. and Iran have reached a preliminary agreement that includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

Gulf Harbour body trial: Recordings reveal defendants discussing body disposal

Recordings played in court reveal residents at a house were discussing how to deal with Shulai Wang's body.

G7 leaders agree to 'increase pressure' on Russia

The G7 group of leading world powers agreed to up the pressure on Russia to end its war against Ukraine through more energy sanctions, a French diplomatic source has said.

The toll on Afghanistan of five years of Taliban rule

Afghans are asking the world: How long and to what extent must the Taliban continue internal repression and support for terrorism before the world recognizes the threat?

Sneaking a look at World Cup? Koreans find ways to watch on duty (or don't)

For years, South Korean soccer fans were used to pulling all-nighters to watch World Cup games after work. But this year is different. With all three of Korea’s Group A matches kicking off at 10 a.m. or 11 a.m. on weekdays, people are finding themselves juggling work or school, while trying to follow the sport’s biggest spectacle. As the Taegeuk Warriors are set to face co-host Mexico, the favorite to top Group A, at 10 a.m. Friday, fans are once again trying to find ways to squeeze the "Brunch

One person taken to hospital in critical condition following alleged assault

Cordons are in place in Auckland CBD as police investigate the incident.

Jeju culinary travel show airs in Japan

A travel program set in Jeju Island and featuring actor Yutaka Matsushige is set to air in Japan today as the island steps up efforts to draw more Japanese tourists. The hour-long program features Matsushige, who plays the lead in the popular Japanese food drama "Solitary Gourmet" and is widely recognized in Japan, alongside Hiroe Igeta, who appeared in "If You Like What You Hear," a Japanese TV series about chain-restaurant fare. Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, the Jeju Tourism Organizati

Takaichi proposes G7 framework for stockpiling critical minerals

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has pitched a plan for coordinating critical mineral stockpiles among the group and like-minded nations, amid China's tight grip on key supply chains.

Lee to meet G7 leaders as hopes grow for end to Iran conflict

President Lee Jae Myung began the final leg of his trip to Europe on Tuesday, bound for Evian-les-Bains, France for the Group of Seven Summit, held just as the anticipation grows for an end to the war in the Middle East. Lee's trip there from Tuesday to Wednesday comes as South Korea seeks to expand its role on the international stage and amid rising speculation about US President Donald Trump's intentions regarding North Korea. Lee will kick off his official activities at the G7 meeting upon hi

Trump says Iran deal going to a 'second stage'

US President Donald ⁠Trump has said that the Iran deal was going to a second stage, and ‌that ⁠the US would not be investing any money in Iran.

Fujitsu chairman quits following ‘woman-related’ improper behavior

Fujitsu said it has ​withdrawn Hidenori Furuta's candidacy as a nonexecutive director in the annual shareholders' ⁠meeting slated for later this month.

Iran 'most oppressed' team in tournament, head coach says

Head coach Amir Ghalenoei says his Iran side are the "most oppressed in the World Cup" after having last-minute travel restrictions imposed on them.

Japanese researchers find new ways to detect cyanide poisoning

The study, conducted by researchers from institutions including Kindai University and the Aichi Prefectural Police Department, was published in a toxicology journal in May.

Seoul stocks up for 4th day to finish above 8,700 on US-Iran deal optimism

Seoul stocks shot up by more than 2 percent Tuesday, extending their winning streak to a fourth day on optimism over a US-Iran deal to end the conflict and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The local currency weakened against the US dollar. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index added 180.62 points, or 2.11 percent, to close at 8,726.6. Overnight, US stocks rallied after US President Donald Trump said a preliminary agreement to end the conflict with Iran had already been signed and the Strai

Australia declares possible strongest El Niño in decades

Australia's weather bureau has warned that an El Niño weather pattern could intensify to become one of the strongest in decades.

Wellington's Johnsonville line to reopen after train derailment

Track repairs have now been completed after a derailed train crashed into a concrete safety barrier on 6 June.

Serena and Venus Williams to play doubles together at Wimbledon

Serena and Venus Williams are bringing their doubles partnership back at Wimbledon. The All England Club announced a doubles wild card invitation on Tuesday for the sisters to the tournament which starts in less than two weeks.

Kenya: Sisters of Mercy transform lives in Turkana East, changing status quo

In the arid and remote landscape of Lokori, in the Catholic Diocese of Lodwar, the Congregation of the Sisters of Mercy is transforming communities and restoring dignity among some of Kenya’s most vulnerable populations, many of whom are semi-nomadic.

Read all

Meet the Iraq player set to make history for Pakistan

Zidane Iqbal, a former Manchester United player, will make history when he plays for Iraq this summer, becoming the first player of Pakistani heritage to feature at a men's World Cup.

China’s Xi backs Myanmar’s president as two leaders meet in Beijing

Min Aung Hlaing is in China for a five-day state visit, his first trip ⁠to the country since the former Myanmar junta chief formalized his grip ⁠on power.

Sweden’s ‘good behavior’ law to revoke residency permits for legal behaviors

The Swedish government won the 2022 election on a promise to reduce immigration and crack down ‌on crime.

Arrest as gardaí probe death of woman, 80s, in Waterford

A man in his 30s has been arrested as part of an investigation into the death of a woman in Co Waterford.

Tunisia sack head coach just one game into World Cup

Tunisia sack Sabri Lamouchi one game into their World Cup, with former Morocco and Saudi Arabia manager Herve Renard replacing him.

Japan’s FTC raids six ice cream makers over allegedly creating price cartel

The companies raising suggested retail prices may have affected wholesale prices and raised costs for consumers.

Eight die in B-52 bomber crash during test mission in California

The aircraft had been on a "routine test mission" when the crash occurred, according to a statement from Edwards Air Force Base, which added that an investigation was underway.

Pacific Bishops' delegation visits Vatican to strengthen seminary formation

A delegation from the Episcopal Conference of the Pacific, led by its President Archbishop Ryan Jiminez, presents recommendations to Vatican Dicasteries from a comprehensive review of the Pacific Regional Seminary, in its effort to bolster priestly formation across Oceania.

Read all

Government urged to review paternity leave supports

A men's charity has called on the Government to establish a Paternity Leave Working Group to examine issues such as length of paternity leave, payment rates and workplace culture.

With war likely over, Iranian rulers must face demands of embittered population

Iran's powerful hard-liners and ordinary people both have high expectations, conflicting demands ​and little patience.

Hyundai Motor ruling expands bargaining rights for subcontracted workers

South Korea’s labor authorities have ruled that Hyundai Motor and Hanwha Ocean are legally responsible as employers for some subcontracted workers for collective bargaining purposes, a move that could significantly expand labor-management negotiations across the country’s manufacturing sector. The Ulsan Regional Labor Relations Commission ruled Monday in favor of 10 subcontractor labor unions seeking direct collective bargaining with Hyundai Motor, recognizing the automaker's “employer status” i

'It weighs on our mind': Midwives welcome Labour's maternity plans

Midwives say Labour's plan will help them sleep better at night, but ACT is unimpressed.

Can Korea afford a 12,000 won minimum wage?

South Korean labor and business groups clashed Tuesday as the state wage-setting panel opened talks on industry-specific pay floors, a contentious proposal backed by employers and fiercely opposed by unions. The talks came a day after labor groups proposed raising the 2027 minimum wage by 16.3 percent to 12,000 won ($7.93) an hour. The sixth plenary meeting of the Minimum Wage Commission in Sejong focused on differentiated rates, one of the most divisive issues in this year's negotiations. Labor

Eyes set on DP chair's future

Public attention is turning to Rep. Jung Chung-rae’s future ahead of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea's national convention set for August, as competition for power within the party intensifies. The four-term lawmaker is facing mounting pressure to resign from his post. Jung has chaired the party since August 2025, filling in for Lee Jae Myung, who stepped down after winning the presidential election in June 2025. Calls for his resignation intensified after June 10, when, in response to Lee’

BTS shows shine light on flaws in Busan's event management

BTS played two sold-out concerts at Busan Asiad Main Stadium on Friday and Saturday, drawing approximately 220,000 fans over two days as part of its ongoing “Arirang” world tour. While the concerts concluded without major safety incidents, they brought long-standing issues surrounding major K-pop concerts into the fore, including crowd management, accommodation pricing and illegal ticket resales. The most immediate controversy emerged on opening night, when the concert began approximately 75 min

What does the future hold for Rashford?

Barcelona decided not to trigger the option that would have allowed them to sign Marcus Rashford for £26m, so what does the future hold for the England World Cup star?

Jeju Uprising drama 'Hallan' heads to New York Asian Film Festival

Ha Myung-mi's "Hallan," a mother-daughter survival tale set during one of the darkest chapters of modern Korean history, will screen at the 25th New York Asian Film Festival, local distributor Whenever Studio confirmed Tuesday. Director Ha and lead actor Kim Hyang-gi will both attend the festival for talks with the audience, the studio said. The invitation comes paired with an off-screen tie-in: in partnership with the Jeju 4.3 Peace Foundation, the festival will host an exhibition in New York s

Department stores' hottest item this year: Their own shares

South Korea's department store operators have become some of the market's standout performers, as luxury shoppers and foreign tourists return in force, turning the once-stagnant sector into an investor favorite. Over the past six months, shares of Shinsegae, Lotte Shopping and Hyundai Department Store have surged 166.5 percent, 146.1 percent and 97.2 percent, respectively, as of Monday's close. Shinsegae stands apart, up more than 300 percent over the past year, far outpacing its peers. Industry

Why Korea's chip boom is stirring hopes far from Seoul

Across Korea’s southwest, politicians have spent the last week hinting that the country’s two chip giants may be preparing investments there. Samsung Electronics and SK hynix say they know nothing about it. The promise was put most plainly on June 6, when Min Hyung-bae, the incoming leader of the new unified Gwangju region, told a forum that the prime minister had leaned in and told him, quietly, that "something is coming." That something, he indicated, was a share of the semiconductor boom that

A changed Iran emerges from war

In what shape does Iran’s military, leadership and society find itself after 100 days of war and a preliminary peace deal?

Incumbent in Winnipeg's mayoral race has yet to make a campaign promise

One quarter of the way through Winnipeg's mayoral campaign period, incumbent Scott Gillingham has yet to make an election promise.

Risks of conflict, disease rise when homeless encampments encroach on urban coyote habitat, study cautions

Potential risks to human and animal health rise when people experiencing homelessness are forced to seek shelter in the same secluded, inner-city landscapes as urban coyotes, a new study cautions.

Japan set to enact bill criminalizing vandalism of the national flag

Backing from the opposition Democratic Party for the People paves the way for the bill's passage through the upper house, where the ruling bloc is a minority force.

After detention reform, migrants still face locked doors and long waits

At the National Human Rights Commission of Korea headquarters in Seoul, a former detainee at Hwaseong Immigration Detention Center recalled the day he was taken into custody. “Immigration officers stormed into my company cafeteria, stopped our meal, threw away our food, handcuffed all the undocumented workers and took us by bus to the detention center,” he said during a press conference Tuesday. The testimony added to rights groups’ broader criticism that Korea’s immigration detention system rem

After IPO setback, Korean ETF managers rush into SpaceX

South Korean asset managers are rushing to increase exposure to SpaceX through exchange-traded funds, as investor demand for the newly listed aerospace company remains strong. Leading the pack is Ace US Space Tech Active ETF, managed by Korea Investment Management, with SpaceX accounting for 26.41 percent of its portfolio as of Tuesday. The fund had initially sought to secure initial public offering allocations through Mirae Asset Securities but pivoted quickly to open-market purchases after the

Kim Hye-seong, Kim Ha-seong rank high in MLB All-Star voting

In the fan voting for the Major League Baseball All-Star Game, two Korean players -- Kim Hye-seong, who is currently playing in the minors, and Kim Ha-seong, who has been struggling badly at the plate -- have ranked surprisingly high. According to the interim results of the American League and National League All-Star fan voting released by MLB headquarters on Monday, Kim Hye-seong of the Los Angeles Dodgers has received 345,924 votes, placing fourth among National League second basemen. Kim Ha-

Lotte pushes AI agents across workplace

Lotte Group Chairman Shin Dong-bin took part in the group's "CEO AI Academy" earlier this month, building AI-powered services and developing an AI agent himself as the conglomerate accelerates its artificial intelligence transformation. The two-day program, held June 5-6, brought together the CEOs of 50 Lotte affiliates to review the group's AI transformation strategy and discuss future business applications of AI. During the training, Shin created AI services using vibe coding and developed an

North Korea slams Japan’s live-fire drill as rehearsal for reinvasion

North Korea on Tuesday slammed the recent large-scale live-fire drill carried out by Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force, claiming the drill was part of plans to complete what it called Japan’s capability for reinvasion. Nodong Sinmun, the North’s main Rodong Workers’ Party newspaper, said in an article published Tuesday that Japan’s "counterstrike" capability is “in essence, a preemptive attack capability.” The paper took issue with the drills conducted by Japan’s Ground Self-Defense Force on Jun

Auckland police warn against 'monk' scam

Police are warning those in the city centre not to engage with people dressed as monks reportedly demanding cash for bracelets.

Doughnut shop shuts down after back-to-back break-ins

The first time, the till was stolen. The second time it was an Uber Eats tablet. The owner is now fed up.

Why Kante is still crucial for France - Giroud

France's World Cup winner Olivier Giroud explains why N'Golo Kante is still an important part of Didier Deschamps' squad, eight years after planning to retire from international football.

Travel Korea market lands at Paris museum

The Korea Tourism Organization staged the 2026 France B2B Travel Mart in Paris and Lyon over two days from June 10, courting about 130 French travel industry figures as Korea and France mark the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations. The opening day in Paris unfolded at the Guimet Museum, where the agency tied its sales pitch to two Korean exhibitions on view there, "K-Beauty. Korean Beauty, Story of a Phenomenon" and "Silla : Gold and the Sacred. Royal Treasures of Korea." Juliette Morillot

Why more bears are entering urban areas

Five deaths have already been reported this year as of the beginning of June, with bears showing a growing willingness to roam closer to where people live.

Nexon CEO says context will define gaming winners in AI era

Artificial intelligence may be lowering barriers to game development, but Nexon Korea co-CEO Kang Dae-hyun believes the industry's most valuable asset remains difficult to automate: context. In a keynote speech at the 2026 Nexon Developers Conference on Tuesday, Kang identified "context" and "compound interest" as the two critical factors that will determine success in the AI era. "Now, games must compete through the depth of context, not based on how well they're made," he said. Kang presented

For Cha Jin-yeob, dance begins with conversation and ends with care

A group of travelers traverses an endless range of mountains with bundles slung over their backs. They sweep across the floor on their knees, shifting from side to side, and stooping under invisible burdens as they labor forward one step at a time. Then, as if momentarily released from gravity itself, they burst into free, weightless runs. At times, they move hand in hand. Moments later, they scatter across the stage, each tracing a different path. As bodies overlap and intertwine, they merge wi

MapleStory enters cinemas with 'Dear My Hero'

South Korea's hit massively multiplayer online role-playing game MapleStory is making the leap to the big screen with the release of its first animated film. "Dear My Hero" follows Aidan, a new recruit in the Cygnus Knights who joins the order out of admiration for the legendary Adversary. The story traces Aidan's journey as he confronts his limitations and forges his own path. The 32-minute film is rated PG-12. Tickets are available through Lotte Cinema's website and mobile app, and priced at 5

Emperor Naruhito visits palace museum in Netherlands

The emperor viewed exhibits such as paintings by court painters and toured rooms and a chapel while receiving briefings from the museum's head, the Imperial Household Agency said.

Park Ji-hoon isn't worried about hitting pause with military enlistment

The first half of 2026 marked a distinct shift in scale for Park Ji-hoon. Coming off his performance as the tragic young king Danjong in the historical epic "The King’s Warden" — which broke box-office records to become the second-highest-grossing Korean film of all time — the actor has found himself at the center of Korea's entertainment landscape. But rather than cash in on that momentum with another heavy dramatic vehicle, Park made a creative pivot with his follow-up project. In the comedy s

Serious concerns about maternity unit raised in NHS report days before landmark baby death case

A previously unpublished report details problems in Nottingham's maternity units before a major review.

Nearly half world's children exposed to climate risks: UNICEF

More than one billion children face at least three overlapping climate hazards, UNICEF warned Monday, while highlighting the disproportionate impact in some regions of the world. For the report, the UN agency cross-referenced data showing where the roughly 2.4 billion children on the planet live with the geographic distribution of the eight most common climate impacts. They are coastal flooding, river flooding, drought, tropical storms, heat waves -- at least three days above a high temperature

Polymarket traders clash over $345 million Iran peace market

Bets on a peace deal are in limbo because it was not clear if the announcement was enough to meet the conditions written into Polymarket's contracts.

Truck fire that blocked lanes on Auckland motorway extinguished

Motorists had been urged to keep windows closed and air conditioning off as the material of the rubbish on fire was unknown.

Internet banks join household debt clampdown

South Korean lenders are tightening access to unsecured borrowing as concern grows over surging household debt, with internet-only banks joining a pullback that started with major commercial lenders. K Bank went furthest among online lenders, suspending all new overdraft accounts through July 31, the company said Tuesday. It has also capped daily credit loan applications and plans to lower limits for high-income borrowers. Kakao Bank, the country's largest internet-only bank, said it will cut th

Medical care out of reach on 60% of inhabited islands

Six in 10 inhabited islands in South Korea have no medical facilities, leaving residents in many areas dependent on medical service vessels, government data showed Tuesday. Only 192 of the 480 islands with permanent populations had either public or private facilities providing medical care in 2024, according to a report compiled by the National Assembly Research Service based on data from the Korea Island Development Institute. Medical facilities as defined by the report do not include pharmacie

U.S. at odds with allies over how easy it is to reopen Hormuz

U.S. President Donald Trump said the Strait of Hormuz will be "completely open" by Friday. But at the G7 summit, it's clear that his European allies don't share his optimism.

Woman left traumatised by swinging says website 'facilitated abuse'

She wants to warn others after her husband pressured her into sex she did not want, she says.

Trust in major brands but news avoidance grows - report

The annual Digital News Report for Ireland 2026 shows that Irish people continue to trust major news brands, but are losing trust in news more generally.

Summer flights to Europe from Halifax up 40% as fewer Canadians choose U.S. for travel

Flights to Europe from Halifax are up 40 per cent for this summer over this time last year, which is significantly higher than other airports across North America.

Indian star Anushka Sen wraps filming on Jeju-set romance

Indian actor and social media personality Anushka Sen has wrapped production on "Jeju Olle" (working English title), a Jeju Island-set romance set for release across India, Southeast Asia and the Middle East. Producers Lucifer Productions and Storyworks said Monday that filming is nearly complete, with the 30th and final day of shooting slated for Tuesday. Sen has reportedly been based on the island since mid-April. "Jeju Olle" follows Alisha, a singer who comes to the island grieving the loss o

Māori, Pacific people and youth not prioritised in mental health support

Fewer people are able to access kaupapa Māori primary mental health services, and funding for these services has not kept pace with other mental health investment.

Some wave protest flags, others cheer as Iran plays World Cup opener

The run-up to the match had been one ​of extraordinary drama off the pitch, with the team playing on U.S. soil barely 24 hours after a peace ‌deal was ‌announced to end the war.

Labrador’s 1st Innu nurse receives honorary doctor of laws

Memorial University’s Labrador Campus hosted a historic convocation and recognized the decades of contribution made by Labrador’s first Innu nurse.

Wellington's flood affected residents call for financial support to future proof homes

Residents on Wellington's south coast and neighbouring suburbs woke to find their homes, businesses and cars submerged.

NH NongHyup Bank deepens ties with City of London

NH NongHyup Bank CEO Kang Tae-young met with Lady Mayor of the City of London Susan Langley and British Ambassador to South Korea Colin Crooks on Monday to discuss financial cooperation, digital assets and the bank's expansion in Europe. The meeting, held at NH NongHyup Bank's headquarters in Seoul, focused on ways to strengthen ties between Korean and British financial institutions, explore joint investment opportunities with the City of London and expand cooperation in emerging areas such as t

Starmer says UK to supply enriched uranium to Ukraine

The UK will supply enriched uranium to Ukraine for its nuclear power stations and impose new sanctions against Russia, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said.

Russians juggle phones and VPNs to skirt Putin’s digital iron curtain

The biggest crackdown of its kind has at times disrupted banking, transport and e-commerce, irritating people ahead of a September parliamentary election.

Goldman-backed Go soars 21% after biggest Japan IPO this year

The successful debut of the taxi-hailing app provider offers a much-needed tailwind for Japan's IPO market.

World Zionist Organization removed from Canada's West Bank sanctions draft before release: sources

An organization that works with the Israeli government to help with the expansion of settlements in the occupied West Bank was on a draft list of entities Ottawa was set to sanction, CBC News has learned.

More countries are pushing for youth social media bans. Is the world reaching a tipping point?

With an increasing number of countries considering or legislating social media bans for young users, there's a growing sense among experts that these restrictions meant to improve online safety are becoming more common and could represent a major reckoning for tech giants.

In good news for coral reefs, scientists identify where the toughest ones are

New research shows more than 150,000 square kilometres of coral reefs are resilient to the effects of climate change, far more than previously thought.

Five fall ill from E. coli outbreak at Nagoya Costco store

One of them, a boy under the age of 10, remains in serious condition.

Cape Verde holds Spain to a surprising 0-0 draw in the country's World Cup debut

ATLANTA (AP) -- Tiny Cape Verde, making its debut at the World Cup, pulled off a stunner, holding heavily favored Spain scoreless in a 0-0 draw on Monday. "This means everything for our country," Cape Verde coach Pedro Leitão Brito said. "We have always said that we wanted everybody to see our country, our team and we have shown organization and braveness and this is proof of what our country is about -- resilience and to try to overcome hardships." European champion Spain is one of the favorite

Iran deal presents political nightmare for Netanyahu

Donald Trump's ceasefire agreement with Iran leaves the Israeli PM trapped in a new political and security dilemma.

Bolivia roadblocks ease but shortages of basics persist

Roadblocks choking entry into Bolivia's main cities eased Monday but shortages of fuel, food and other basics remained after more than a month of protests against center-right President Rodrigo Paz. The protesters are calling for an end to US-backed Paz's economic reforms, designed to sweep away 20 years of socialist government, and are demanding his resignation. Over the past two weeks roadblocks denying delivery of essentials to cities like La Paz have fallen from more than 100 to 50 on Monday

Ecuadorean candidate to head UN calls for body to be shrunk responsibly

An Ecuadorean candidate for the United Nations secretary-general said on Monday that the world body remains essential but must be shrunk responsibly. Maria Fernanda Espinosa, a former foreign affairs minister and defense minister of Ecuador, is among ‌six candidates to succeed Antonio Guterres as UN chief after his term expires at the end of the year. Guterres' successor will face an enormous task of revitalizing an organization in crisis with declining stature. "I am under no illusion about the

‘Feel Thailand’s creative heartbeat’ in Korea: envoy

From sizzling street food and Thai tea to T-Pop, K-Pop and traditional massage, Thailand will bring the Sawasdee Thai Festival back to Seoul's Cheonggyecheon this weekend. Thai Ambassador Tanee Sangrat said the festival would give visitors the chance to experience Thailand without boarding a plane, and feel its "creative life and heartbeat." Marking its 11th anniversary this year, the festival runs Saturday and Sunday and is open to the public free of charge. Sangrat told The Korea Herald that t

Cuba quantifies impact of US oil blockade on children's health and daily life

Some of Cuba’s sickest people are feeling the effects of the US energy blockade, with surgeries delayed, kidney dialysis treatments disrupted and children with cancer facing a higher risk of death, according to a report published Monday by Cuban state-run media. The survival rate for children with cancer has fallen to 65 percent from 85 percent before the energy restrictions began in January, according to the report released by Cubadebate. It also said 100,000 children younger than 7 are no long

Iran and New Zealand play out entertaining draw

Iran drew their World Cup opener with New Zealand but emphatically won the support of the Iranian community inside SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, having overcome unprecedented obstacles just to play at these finals.

Iranian rulers must face demands of population

Iran's theocratic rulers have seen off a US military campaign but their real problems may be about to begin: managing the competing demands of hardliners buoyed by surviving the onslaught and those of ‌an impoverished, angry people. Iran's powerful hardliners are energized by a three-month confrontation they feel Iran has won. They want the leadership to take a tough stance in coming talks with the US and prioritise rearming, confident they can halt any internal dissent with force. Ordinary Iran

Netanyahu and Trump on collision course as US, Iran agree to halt war

Benjamin Netanyahu bet that his joint war alongside Donald Trump would topple Iran's clerical rulers and bolster himself ahead of elections at home, as the architect of a US-Israeli alliance ‌that would reshape the Middle East. Instead, Israel's longest-serving prime minister is on a collision course with Trump as the US president seeks to extricate himself from the war, with both men's goals unmet and Israeli military operations tied down in Lebanon. For now, Israeli officials have been cautiou

Stateless child in Korea granted legal status to stay

A 10-year-old child born in Korea who was stateless for two years after losing her citizenship will be granted a visa to stay in the country, the Ulsan Immigration Office said Tuesday. The child was a Korean citizen at birth. But the family registry was legally closed due to parental circumstances and she lost her citizenship. She was not registered under another nationality because by that point she had become estranged from her mother, a Vietnamese national. The Ulsan Immigration Office has de

Veteran Vozinha the Cape Verde hero as keeper shuts out Spain

Vozinha broke down in tears at the end of Monday's 0-0 draw with Spain after the 40-year-old was mobbed by his teammates following a stunning display.

Japanese government OKs basic plan to raise LGBTQ+ awareness

The plan calls for awareness-raising training programs and improved consultation systems, stating that unjust discrimination must not be tolerated.

Poorest on front line as arsenic hits nine times danger level in Mekong river

Doctors have found elevated levels of toxic arsenic in those who work on the river, which passes through China, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam.

Online sale scam costs seller $16,700

Banking Ombudsman Nicola Sladden says scam complaints have increased 18 percent in the first quarter of this year, the first rise since late 2024.

Strike to disrupt output at Australian LNG export plant, Inpex says

The Ichthys plant in Australia's Northern Territory accounts for about 2% of the world's output and has the capacity to export around 9.3 million tons a year.

Trump, Iran and the wily ‘art’ of the digital deal

For Tehran, the lack of ceremony allows it to minimize internal political backlash by portraying the deal as a temporary technical arrangement rather than a binding concession.

Giannis Antetokounmpo wants to join Miami Heat, says report

Talks with the Heat "have intensified over ​the last 7-10 ⁠days" and Antetokounmpo "has focused on wanting to be a member ⁠of the ​Miami Heat," ESPN reported.

Shohei Ohtani leads all players in early MLB All-Star Game voting

Ohtani, ‌31, is back to a full season ​of pitching and hitting for the first time since 2023 when he was a member of the Los Angeles Angels.

Police hunt for inmate who didn't return after compassionate leave

The public has been warned not to approach the 29-year-old if they see him.

Labour promises free maternity scans if elected

In addition to three free doctor visits a year, Labour is promising if elected, pregnant women will be eligible for free maternity scans.

Urgent work on medical scanning systems months overdue

The radiology information systems that underpin scanning have been so fragmented they have posed serious clinical risks for years.

No, there’s no plot to make you allergic to meat

Viral conspiracy posts claim there is a secret effort to spread ticks on US farms to trigger an allergy to red meat.

Uruguay held by battling Saudi Arabia in Miami heat

Maxi Araujo rescued a point for Uruguay to deny Saudi Arabia another famous World Cup win as the sides drew 1-1 in Miami.

Short-term lets bill to be strongest in Europe - Minister

The Minister for Housing has said he expects the Short-Term Letting Bill he has brought before the Cabinet will be the strongest legislation on the issue in any country in Europe.

What one country's experiment says about attempts to boost birth rates

Why did Hungary’s pronatalist approach deliver an early rise in births only then to fall back? And what lessons does it offer to other countries desperate to lift fertility?

Auckland road closed by hazardous substance spill

A truck carrying a container of the hazardous substance crashed on Blockhouse Bay Road.

Married at First Sight Australia allegations 'disturbing', says country's watchdog

The claims also prompted a response from UK media regulator Ofcom, who called them "deeply concerning".

Trains cancelled between Wellington and Porirua as person runs onto tracks

The "trespasser" caused chaos on the morning commute while police tried to catch them.

Recovery of Ebola patients offers rare moments of joy at epicentre of outbreak

There are glimpses of happiness in the Democratic Republic of Congo's fight against the virus that has killed more than 170.

Drink driving convictions decline especially amongst young people

Ministry of Justice figures show convictions are down 52 percent for those aged 19 and under and 38 percent for 20-24-year-olds.

Renewed appeal over 1986 murder of Terence McKeever

A renewed appeal for information has been issued over the murder of a man in Co Armagh 40 years ago.

Councillors 'disappointed' by Harris dereliction remarks

A national body representing county and city councillors has expressed disappointment at comments by Tánaiste Simon Harris that local authorities have not done enough to tackle dereliction.

Tánaiste: Govt to decide on fuel supports by end of month

Tánaiste Simon Harris said he hopes to make a decision by the end of the month on whether to continue the fuel support measures.

Eight dead in B-52 bomber crash in California

Eight people died when a US B-52 bomber crashed and erupted into a catastrophic fire shortly after takeoff at an air force base in California, officials said.

Judge notes Roche's 'appalling' behaviour at sentencing

A judge has noted how the "appalling" and disruptive behaviour of a violent criminal, who murdered his then partner's father in Co Wexford, persisted right up until his sentencing hearing.

Residents question why Eastbourne ferry included in Labour's transport cap

Even some Eastbourne commuters say subsidised public transport policy should not cover them.

Scottish tourist plays the bagpipes on Toronto subway | The Moment

Scottish tourists Martin Wilson and his brother John Wilson tell The National about the moment Martin played the bagpipes on the subway in Toronto while en route to watch Scotland compete in the FIFA World Cup.

Wellington's new water entity estimates $25b over 30 years for safe water, clean beaches

Tiaki Wai will spend $800 million in its first year as it takes over ownership and management of the region's water assets from 1 July.

World Cup 2026: Saudi Arabia 1-1 Uruguay recap

It's Saudi Arabia and Uruguay in Group H after Cape Verde's earlier heroic opening drawn with European Champions Spain.

Investigation after woman's body found in Co Waterford

An investigation is under way following the discovery of a woman's body in Co Waterford.

World Cup 2026: Iran 2-2 New Zealand recap

Iran and New Zealand draw in Los Angeles in Group G, after Belgium fought back to earn a draw with Egypt a few hours earlier.

Uruguay's Maxi Araujo scores late equalizer in 1-1 draw with Saudi Arabia

Abdulelah Al-Amri scored on a rebound in the 41st minute for Saudi Arabia, and Uruguay's Maxi Araujo responded with an equalizer in the 80th as the teams played to a 1-1 draw in their World Cup opener on Monday.

Man, 70s, dies after being hit by Luas on Marlborough St

A man in his 70s has died after being struck by a Luas on Marlborough Street in Dublin.

EU vote to see boost in supports for airline passengers

Airlines will be legally obliged to seat families with children under the age of 14 entirely together on flights without having to pay extra fees, under proposed law changes put forward by the European Parliament.

'A slap in our face': NZ-Iranian disappointed at peace deal without regime change

A peace deal aiming to end the three-month war between US and Iran

Americanswers… on 5 Live! Is Trump still fit for the job on his 80th birthday?

Donald Trump is now the second oldest president in US history

Ghana takes Thomas Partey's World Cup entry fight with Canada to Federal Court

A Federal Court judge is scheduled to hear an injunction application Tuesday from Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey, whose bid to enter Canada for the World Cup was denied over rape and sexual assault charges in England.

The U.S. and Iran's deal to make a deal | About That

The United States says it has reached a deal to end the war with Iran and reopen the Strait of Hormuz — but much remains unclear about exactly how it will work. Andrew Chang breaks down statements from both sides to explain what we know about the terms, and the factors that might prevent it from going ahead smoothly.

Images provided by The Canadian Press, Reuters, Adobe Stock and Getty Images

New privacy bill would give Canadians right to request companies delete AI deepfakes

The federal Liberal government has introduced a new piece of legislation it says will tighten privacy rules and regulations for companies handling Canadians' data.

Esther Goddard Gets An Asteroid Named For Her!

Esther Goddard, wife of rocket pioneer Robert Goddard, gets an asteroid named after her!

Prisoners to receive calls directly to cells under pilot

Prisoners at the women's Dóchas Centre and the Training Unit at Mountjoy Prison will be allowed to receive phone calls from listed friends and family directly to their cells under a pilot project.

'We need help': Food rescues facing risk of closure

The food rescue and food bank sector is calling on the government to develop a national policy around food security as many charities risk facing closure.

'Technostress' causing older people to feel shut out by digital world, research finds

Endless apps, pop-ups, passwords, updates, downloads, and deepfakes - the relentless march of the digital age is enough to make anyone's head spin.

Deportation order issued to man convicted in Bishnoi gang attack at B.C. home of Punjabi musician

A member of Canada's Immigration and Refugee Board has issued a deportation order to an Indian national convicted of carrying out a fiery attack at the Victoria-area home of Punjabi musician AP Dhillon at the behest of the Bishnoi gang.

Foreign student fees reach all-time high of $1.3b, though student numbers below previous peaks

Universities and private tertiary institutes made more money than ever from international enrolments in 2025.

Wellington Water forges ahead month of overnight works on Holloway Rd despite opposition

Last week locals, the city council and Wellington Water staff held a heated meeting after residents were given less than two weeks' notice of the work.

Sister of 5 children killed in Elmira, Ont.-area crash details 'unimaginable reality' of loss

People are stepping up to help after five children died and other members of the same family were injured in a crash between a van and an SUV on Friday in Elmira, Ont. The second oldest daughter, who wasn't involved in the collision, is allowing CBC News to share an image of the family.

Protesters gather outside Montréal-Nord police station at centre of racism allegations

Bell Canada parent company slashing nearly 700 jobs as part of ongoing reorganization

Bell Canada's parent company, BCE, has confirmed it is cutting another 690 jobs as part of a reorganization effort that began late last year.

Probe into claims nurses told by PSNI to show ID to gangs

Police in Northern Ireland have urged anyone with information about claims that officers advised nurses to show ID to masked men during disorder last week to report it.

Runaway marsupial on Montreal's South Shore sparks animal trafficking concerns

For the last few days, a small marsupial has been on the loose on Montreal’s South Shore, after it likely escaped from illegal captivity, say animal rights advocates and Quebec's Environment Ministry.

Lopes stars as debutants Cape Verde claim famous draw

Shamrock Rovers defender Pico Lopes played his part in a famous night for Cape Verde as the World Cup debutants claimed a famous 0-0 draw with European champions Spain in Group H.

12 youths taken to hospital from B.C.'s Cultus Lake Waterpark after electrical incident

Twelve youths were taken to hospital after suffering injuries at the Cultus Lake Waterpark in Chilliwack, B.C., on Monday. Ken Hoff with the Coquitlam School District told The Canadian Press students from Minnekhada Middle School were believed to have sustained "unspecified" injuries.

UHW apologises after man dies from reaction to antibiotic

An inquest into the death of a 41-year-old man, who died due to an allergic reaction to an antibiotic that he was given at University Hospital Waterford, has returned a verdict of medical misadventure.

The Calgary Zoo's difficult history with polar bears

Polar bears have been at the zoo in Calgary since the 1930s, but there has been a series of mishaps — even deaths — over the decades. CBC’s Josiah Sinanan explains that history, and how the zoo has committed to adhering to new standards with the introduction of its latest bears.

Why drinking alcohol makes you reach for chips and nachos

Why do we sometimes feel an insatiable appetite for junk food while drinking?

Quarter of young people report high levels of psychological distress - report

Access to specialist services has decreased, alongside high rates of declined referrals, the Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission's report found.

Why did Russia slap this 17-year-old with a travel ban?

Most teens might be preoccupied with school, sports or a part-team job but Alexander Browder has another thing on his mind: a travel ban forbidding him from entering Russia. It’s part of a sanction the U.K.-born teen is facing from the Kremlin over a passion project he’s launched: an open source database of global cryptocurrency laundering.

Our Changing World: The challenge of making our capital city predator free

Wellington's predator free movement moves into unusual territory.

A 'cheat code': Why Abbey Murphy is the most unique prospect of PWHL draft

American forward Abbey Murphy blends toughness with game-breaking skill. Those attributes should serve her well as she's expected to be selected in the top three at the PWHL draft on Wednesday in Detroit.

Fans gather to support Pico Lopes in World Cup clash

Football fans have gathered in Tallaght to watch Cape Verde play Spain in their Group H World Cup opener in Atlanta as Robert 'Pico' Lopes plays for the island nation.

UK teacher found guilty of murder, sexual abuse of baby

A secondary school teacher in the UK has been found guilty of the murder and sexual abuse of a 13-month-old baby he treated as a "plaything".

Call for ticket revenue safeguards after Tickets.ie folds

Festivals left hundreds of thousands of euro out of pocket following the collapse of major ticket agency Tickets.ie have called for legal safeguards to protect revenues.

Can Washington force Israel to comply with a U.S.-Iranian deal it rejects?

A newly announced U.S.-Iran peace agreement faces a threat of collapse as an excluded Israel refuses to withdraw its military forces from southern Lebanon.

Officials say 8 people killed in B-52 crash after takeoff from California air base

A B-52 bomber crashed shortly after takeoff at a U.S. Air Force base in Southern California's Mojave Desert and burst into flames Monday, killing all eight people aboard, military officials said.

Carney 'welcomes' Iran peace progress as he arrives in France for G7 summit

Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada stands ready to help restore shipping in the Strait of Hormuz if an announced breakthrough in talks between Iran and the U.S. comes to fruition.

Love Island USA's executive producer James Barker has died in Fiji

James Barker, the executive producer of wildly popular television show Love Island USA, has died in Fiji.

Former garda jailed for six years over fatal hit-and-run

A former garda who admitted dangerous driving causing the death of a man in Drogheda two years ago has been jailed for six years.

Phoenix magazine to cease operations after 43 years

The Phoenix magazine is to cease operations after 43 years.

Tyra Banks sues Netflix over America's Next Top Model documentary, alleging defamation

Tyra Banks has filed a defamation lawsuit against Netflix and the directors of its docuseries Reality Check: Inside America's Next Top Model, alleging that the producers stripped down hours of interview footage to construct a false narrative.

Social Media Ban For Under-16s

Under-16s to be banned from social media Keir Starmer announces.

TDs to get free vote on bill to remove abortion wait time

Government TDs are to have a free vote on Sinn Féin legislation to remove the mandatory three-day wait period for abortion in early pregnancy.

Gavin Newsom says Trump directed U.S. Justice Department to investigate him

California Governor Gavin Newsom on Monday accused U.S. President Donald Trump of directing the Justice Department to undertake a politically motivated investigation of him and his wife.

Holy See signs agreement for renewable energy project near Rome

The Holy See signs a Memorandum of Understanding with APSA, Fondazione Fratello Sole and ACEA to advance the development of an agrivoltaic plant, aimed at supporting Vatican City State's energy needs through renewable energy production.

Read all

Defence closes case in Donaldson trial

The defence has closed its case in the trial of Jeffrey Donaldson and his wife on sexual offence charges.

World Cup contender Spain and Cape Verde play to surprising scoreless draw

An impressive performance by 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha helped Cape Verde play Spain, one of the favourites to win the World Cup, to a 0-0 draw on Monday. The first scoreless match is the biggest shock of the tournament so far.

Boy, 2, seriously hurt in nursery playground car crash

A 63-year-old woman is arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

France's Macron warns Iran against imposing Hormuz tolls

EVIAN-LES-BAINS, France — French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday warned Iran against imposing tolls on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, saying "everything" should be done so fees are not charged for passage through the key bottleneck. Iran's Fars news agency reported earlier that Tehran added a clause on imposing maritime service fees to the framework deal with the United States on ending the Middle East war, shortly before its announcement. "We defend international law and we will do everything in our power to ensure there is no toll," Macron told TF1 television ahead of the G7 summit in France, set to be attended by U.S. President Donald Trump. The details of the agreement have not been disclosed publicly. Macron said the accord had already been signed "electronically" and additional annexes would be "finalized" on Friday. "I don't want to enter into the details," he said. Macron said a joint France-U.K. mission to ensure the Strait opens was prepared to deploy "very quickly," with the French flagship aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle ready to be in the zone "on a timescale

Doosan Enerbility wins 530 bil. won power plant contract in Oman

Doosan Enerbility, a major Korean plant builder, said Monday it has won a 530 billion won ($350 million) contract with a consortium including the state-run Korea Western Power Co. to build a combined cycle power plant in Oman. The company said it has formed an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) consortium with China's SEPCO-3 for the construction of the 870-megawatt power plant in Duqm, 550 kilometers south of Muscat, the capital of the Middle Eastern nation. Doosan Enerbility will also manufacture and supply key equipment, including steam turbines and generators. The power plant, scheduled to be completed by 2029, will be built in a special economic zone at Duqm. The plant is expected to help meet the growing demand for electricity in southern Oman and improve the stability of power supply in the region. The project consortium includes Korea Western Power, Qatar's Nebras Power, the United Arab Emirates' Etihad Water and Electricity, as well as Bahwan Infrastructure Services of Oman. "We won the deal based on our experiences in carrying out projects in the Middle East and our

22 police officers disciplined over alleged involvement in martial law bid

Twenty-two police officers were slapped with disciplinary measures over their alleged role in former President Yoon Suk Yeol's botched martial law bid in 2024, police said Monday. A disciplinary committee under the Prime Minister's Office has decided to dismiss two officers and demote four others, as well as suspend 10 from their duties and hand down pay cuts for six officers, the National Police Agency said in a notice. The dismissed officers were two senior superintendent generals accused of playing key roles in blocking access to the National Assembly on the night of the martial law bid, when lawmakers voted to lift the decree. A senior superintendent general is the third-highest rank in the Korean police. Police also demoted Kim Joon-young, a superintendent general — the second-highest rank after the top-ranking commissioner general — by one rank to a senior superintendent, in what is widely considered an unusual move within the police organization. The measure came four months after a police task force requested disciplinary action against the officers in question in February.

Korea welcomes US-Iran peace deal, voices hope for safe Hormuz vessel passage

Korea on Monday welcomed a ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran aimed at ending their monthslong war, while voicing hope for the safe passage of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. "Our government welcomes the agreement reached between the U.S. and Iran, and the significant progress made toward restoring stability and peace in the region," foreign ministry spokesperson Park Il said in a statement. "We highly appreciate President Donald Trump's leadership that helped bring about the agreement, as well as the diplomatic efforts of the parties involved and relevant countries," he added. The spokesperson voiced hope that all vessels affected in the strait, including 24 Korean-linked vessels, will soon be able to resume safe operations. Seoul will continue to join international efforts to ensure freedom of navigation in the vital waterway, he added. Currently, 137 Korean sailors are still in the region after Iran blocked passage through the strategic waterway following U.S.-Israeli attacks in late February. Trump earlier said Washington and Tehran reached a peace deal, notin

Lee meets pope

President Lee Jae Myung shakes hands with Pope Leo XIV at the Apostolic Palace in Vatican City, Monday (local time). During their private meeting, Lee formally asked the pope to visit North Korea during his expected trip to Seoul for World Youth Day in August 2027, urging the Catholic Church to play a role in advancing peace on the Korean Peninsula. The Holy See reaffirmed its unwavering support for inter-Korean peace efforts. Courtesy of Vatican Media

Korea, Qatar discuss energy cooperation amid supply disruptions

Korea and Qatar have discussed cooperation in energy and other cutting-edge industries, Seoul's industry ministry said Monday, amid lingering supply disruptions caused by geopolitical uncertainties. Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan met with Qatari Energy Minister Saad bin Sherida Al Kaabi in Qatar, where the two sides reaffirmed Qatar's vow to prioritize supply of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Korea, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources. Qatar had declared force majeure on its long-term LNG supply contracts with Korea and other countries in March due to damage caused by Iran's missile attacks on its facilities. During the meeting, Qatar reaffirmed its commitment to giving top priority to Korea in the supply of LNG and condensate based on the strong mutual trust between the two countries. Kim also asked for the Middle Eastern nation's proactive support for Korean companies seeking to participate in new energy plant projects set to be launched after the war. In a separate event, Kim also met with Qatari Industry Minister Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al Thani, whe

Pope Leo XIV's visit to N. Korea depends on Pyongyang's determination: cardinal

ROME — Whether Pope Leo XIV would visit North Korea depends on how Pyongyang handles the matter, as the pope is willing to play a role in promoting peace on the Korean Peninsula, a South Korean cardinal has said. South Korea-born Cardinal Lazzaro You Heung-sik made the remarks to reporters Sunday as he celebrated a special Mass at the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls in Rome, attended by President Lee Jae Myung. The remarks came as Seoul seeks to leverage the Vatican's attention in its efforts to ease tensions and build peace with North Korea, including facilitating a papal visit to North Korea. The late Pope Francis had repeatedly expressed willingness to visit the North. "As I see it, it depends on North Korea," You said, adding it is up to the North to invite the pope and set the conditions for the visit. A visit to North Korea by Pope Leo XIV, an American by birth, may help mobilize Catholic support in the United States, which may in turn may make it possible for the Vatican to play a role in North Korea-U.S. relations, You noted. The cardinal also quoted the pope as having

Korean presidential office expresses cautious optimism on US-Iran deal

ROME — The presidential office on Monday welcomed a ceasefire deal reached between the United States and Iran, but said it should wait and see whether the agreement could immediately lead to a reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. A high-level presidential official made the remarks on condition of anonymity a day after U.S. President Donald Trump said a peace deal was reached to end the monthslong war with Iran. "I hereby fully authorize the toll free opening of the Strait of Hormuz, and, simultaneously herewith, authorize the immediate removal of the United States Naval blockade," Trump wrote on social media. "It is something we welcome," the Korean presidential official said, calling the agreement "progress in the right direction." "It is, particularly, more meaningful to us in that the agreement included an opening of the Strait of Hormuz as part of it," the official noted. But it remains to be seen whether the deal could facilitate an immediate reopening of the strait, the official also said, adding that further negotiations on nuclear issues could affect the ceasefire agreement.

[EXPLAINER] Institutions jockey for position in Korea's crypto market

Korea's crypto market was long defined by retail-led speculation. Now, the center of gravity is shifting to banks, brokerages and tech platforms as they race to secure an early foothold in the institutionalized market before the regulatory framework is finalized. According to Tiger Research, which tracked 196 partnerships across 150 institutions, the Korean market is seeing competition intensify on three key fronts: stablecoins, security token offerings (STOs) and custody. "The current race for partnerships is less about gaining a first mover advantage and more about shaping the regulatory landscape," said Kim Jeong-ho, a research analyst at Tiger Research. "Companies are trying to position themselves before the framework is finalized, so that the structures they establish now can influence future regulatory standards." Stablecoins: high on agenda, but stalled in National Assembly Stablecoins dominated last year's legislative agenda, but none of the related bills passed the National Assembly. Key issues remain unresolved, including issuer eligibility and a proposed 20 percent cap on majo

Seo In-guk, Kim Ji-hyun tackle tvN workplace romance 'See You at Work Tomorrow!'

Actor Seo In-guk is ready to set hearts fluttering once again in the upcoming romantic comedy series, "See You at Work Tomorrow!" Adapted from a hit Kakao Webtoon title that amassed over 200 million views, the drama centers on everyday office workers who faithfully clock in each morning despite emotional burnout and personal storms. By blending witty corporate satire with irresistible romantic tension, the series seeks to deliver the ultimate modern workplace romance. Seo steps into the role of Kang Si-woo, a meticulous team leader at Saeum Electronics who prioritizes logic, principles and efficiency above all else. In the office, Si-woo is notoriously dubbed the "three-no man" — signifying his total lack of smiles, people skills and apologies. "The role immediately triggered my desire to take on a new challenge," Seo said. "While expressing extreme emotions in high-stakes thrillers is difficult, pulling off the natural conversations and understated reactions of everyday life is equally challenging. Si-woo is a highly restrained character who keeps everything under strict self-control

North Gyeongsang designates 6 new wellness destinations for rest, healing

North Gyeongsang Province said Monday that it had newly designated six wellness tourism destinations in response to growing demand for travel that promotes both physical and mental well-being. The new additions are Sono Calm Gyeongju Wellness Pool & Spa in Gyeongju, Seonseonghyeon Cultural Complex in Andong, Sadamjae Stay in Mungyeong, St. Benedict Cultural and Spirituality Center in Chilgok, the Baekdudaegan National Arboretum in Bonghwa and the Uljin Yacht School. The latest designations bring the number of wellness tourism destinations in North Gyeongsang Province to 30. Sono Calm Gyeongju Wellness Pool & Spa, located in the heart of the Bomun Tourist Complex, offers running routes around Bomun Lake, a 1.65 million-square-meter artificial lake, as well as body balance classes, spa treatments and tea ceremony programs. The Seonseonghyeon Cultural Complex in Dosan-myeon of Andong, allows visitors to experience “Hwarinsimbang,” a health guide written by Joseon-era scholar Yi Hwang, and enjoy foot baths under the night sky. Another newly designated site, Sadamjae Stay in Mungyeong, fea

BIGBANG to launch 20th anniversary world tour in Goyang

BIGBANG will launch its 20th anniversary world tour with a concert in Goyang, just northwest of Seoul. Presales for the "BIGBANG 2026 WORLD TOUR IN GOYANG" begin at 7 p.m. on June 24, with a general sale to follow at 7 p.m. on June 25, YG Entertainment said Monday. Domestic tickets will be available through the Coupang Play mobile app, while international tickets will be sold via NOL WORLD. The group will perform three concerts at Goyang Stadium from Aug. 21-23. The shows are expected to draw significant interest, marking the K-pop group's first world tour in nearly a decade. The Goyang performances kick off a tour featuring 31 shows across 18 cities. The concerts promise stadium-scale production, highlighting the act's extensive 20-year discography. The stadium tour announcement follows BIGBANG's recent performance at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in Indio, California, in April. "We are sparing no effort on the tour's scale and production quality to meet the expectations of fans who have waited so long," YG Entertainment said. The tour spans North America, Europe, Oceania an

Nvidia CEO’s webtoon moment highlights global ascent of K-comics

A recent casual encounter between Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and Naver founder Lee Hae-jin has cast a fresh spotlight on the explosive growth and global influence of Korean webtoons, showing how digital comics have become a mainstream cultural medium. During his visit to Korea from June 5 to 9, the leader of the global artificial intelligence (AI) chip giant visited Naver’s 1784 headquarters in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, on June 8 to discuss massive AI infrastructure partnerships. At a welcoming event prepared by Naver Webtoon, the tech billionaire participated in a unique cultural event by filling out empty speech bubbles in a customized comic strip from the hit webtoon "The Greatest Estate Developer." Standing next to the Naver founder, the Nvidia CEO used the comic format to deliver a witty business message. "The more GPUs (graphics processing units) you have, the more you can work and the more happy you are," Huang said during his visit to the Naver office. He added that "GPU equals happy.” This created a viral moment that highlighted how a webtoon work is now naturally used as a c

Performer and storyteller: Violinist James Ehnes returns to Korea with Bruch concerto

For musicians who are hailed as prodigies from an early age, growing older can be a challenge. Audiences often remember childhood brilliance for decades and continue to expect extraordinary achievements. But world-renowned Canadian violinist James Ehnes, 50, has long viewed talent not as a special gift but as a responsibility. "If you discover something you love and excel at, you have a responsibility to develop that talent as fully as possible," he said in a past interview. Ehnes began studying the violin at age five and made his debut at 13, performing with the Orchestre Symphonique de Montreal. He sees himself as a musician who continues to grow. On June 16, Ehnes will perform Violin Concerto No. 1 by Max Bruch with the Dresden Philharmonic, one of Germany's oldest orchestras with a history spanning 156 years, at Bucheon Arts Center in Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province. Ehnes first came to Korea in 1997 as concertmaster of the Juilliard Orchestra, an ensemble made up of students from The Juilliard School in New York. Since then, he has continued to return for orchestral collaborations, chamb

UK PM announces ban on social media for under-16s

LONDON — British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Monday announced a forthcoming total ban on social media for children under 16, saying that such platforms are "making children unhappy". Starmer said that the government "will ban access to social media for all children under the age of 16", warning that these platforms are "exposing them to content that is dangerous" and "designed to be addictive". The government said the ban will "include platforms like Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and X" but not messaging services such as WhatsApp. He added he hoped to pass the regulation by late December and for the ban to come into force in spring next year. The prime minister also said the government would go further and take "world-leading action on gaming services and live streaming platforms". The government said in a statement it would also be considering overnight curfews and breaks in infinite scrolling for under 18s, and would announce more detail in July. Starmer said the upcoming ban was influenced by the experience of Australia, which in December became the first nation to

Trump's futile war

It is a relief that the war in Iran, which began with joint U.S.-Israeli air strikes targeting Iran's nuclear program, is halting. While short of a complete peace agreement, the U.S. and Iran said they will sign a memorandum of understanding Friday in Geneva that will reopen the Strait of Hormuz and stop the U.S. naval blockade. A period of 60 days of negotiations will allow the two sides to discuss the nuclear issue, as well as the easing of sanctions to help rebuild the Iranian economy. This is as close as it gets to a peaceful exit from 106-days of war. The two parties must commit to seeing it through. U.S. President Donald Trump wrote on social media, "The Deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete. Congratulations to all!" Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazeem Gharibabadi announced via X, formerly Twitter: “The immediate and permanent end of the war and all military operations on various fronts, including #Lebanon, will be announced starting tonight.” Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, as representative of the mediator nation, also confirmed with his own post

US-Iran deal eases pressure on supply chain, gov't cautious on fuel price cap

The United States and Iran are set to sign a peace agreement and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, easing concerns over crude oil supplies and broader disruptions to the global energy trade, but the Korean government is taking a prudent stance regarding the full normalization of supply chains. U.S. President Donald Trump announced on social media Sunday (local time) that “the Deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete,” adding he would authorize “opening of the Strait of Hormuz” and the removal of the U.S. naval blockade. The two countries have agreed on a framework deal to end the war, which is scheduled to be signed on Friday in Switzerland. The agreement is expected to improve crude import conditions for Korea, which sources roughly 70 percent of its oil from the Middle East as of last year, while also reducing pressures on shipping routes that have been strained for months by the conflict. The reopening of the critical oil chokepoint is set to help normalize supplies of petroleum and petrochemical products that faced delays and logistical bottlenecks after the war brok

Woori Bank, Hyosung sign $1.32 bil. financing deal for advanced industries

Woori Bank said Monday that it signed an agreement with Hyosung Group to provide up to 2 trillion won ($1.32 billion) in credit financing over the next five years to support investments in strategic industries. The agreement was signed at Hyosung Group's headquarters in Seoul, with Woori Bank CEO Jung Jin-wan and Hyosung Vice Chairman Lee Sang-woon attending the ceremony. Under the agreement, Woori Bank will provide up to 2 trillion won in financing over the next five years to major Hyosung affiliates, including Hyosung Corp., Hyosung Heavy Industries, Hyosung TNC and Hyosung Neochem, as the group expands investments in advanced industries. A key feature of the arrangement is a preapproved credit limit system, which allows financing capacity to be secured in advance of planned investments. The structure is intended to reduce the time required for companies to obtain funding when investment projects move forward. Under the arrangement, Hyosung will be able to draw on previously approved financing as investment plans are implemented, avoiding the need to repeat loan approval procedures for

Seoul stocks surge as US-Iran breakthrough boosts risk appetite

Korean stocks surged Monday after the United States and Iran reached a preliminary agreement over the weekend that includes the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, removing one of the biggest sources of uncertainty that had weighed on global markets for more than three months. The agreement effectively brings an end to the 106-day conflict that began on Feb. 28, with a formal signing ceremony scheduled for Friday in Switzerland. “The Deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete,” U.S. President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social before Asian markets opened. “I hereby fully authorize the toll free opening of the Strait of Hormuz ... Ships of the World, start your engines. Let the oil flow!” On the news, international crude prices fell back toward the $80 range as fears of supply disruptions eased. Brent crude, the global benchmark, and U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude both dropped over 4 percent to $83.53 and $80.58 per barrel, respectively. While still well above pre-Iran war levels, prices have retreated sharply from the peaks above $110 reached during the height of t

Korea weighs role in postwar Hormuz security initiatives

With a tentative U.S.-Iran peace deal expected to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the Korean government's attention is likely to shift to its potential role in postwar initiatives to restore freedom of navigation in the waterway, a key global trade route. While it has remained cautious about joining separate maritime security initiatives, one led by the U.S. and the other led by the U.K. and France, Korea may now accelerate discussions over its participation as tensions in the region are expected to be eased. President Lee Jae Myung, who will attend the G7 summit in France from Tuesday to Wednesday, is expected to discuss the issue with the leaders of participating countries. The Ministry of National Defense said Monday that it is reviewing ways to contribute to efforts aimed at ensuring freedom of navigation in the strait. “The government will determine specific options after comprehensively assessing local threats, deployment requirements and operational capabilities,” ministry spokesperson Chung Binna said during a briefing. She added that nothing has been decided regarding whether t

Inspection launched into teachers' training program related to China's Korean War propaganda

The defense ministry said Monday it has launched an internal inspection into how the operator of South Korea's war memorial museum came to include a visit to a facility in China that promotes Chinese propaganda about the 1950-53 Korean War in an overseas training program for teachers. A news report said the Korea War Memorial Organization, which operates the War Memorial of Korea, recently listed a memorial hall in Dandong, China, as part of the itinerary for teachers featuring historic sites related to anti-Japanese movements during Japan's 1910-45 colonial rule of Korea. The memorial hall in China offers public displays centered on the view that Chinese involvement in the war was an effort to assist North Korea in fighting U.S.-led Allied forces that backed the South. "An inspection is under way regarding the program in question, and we are looking into the exact accounts," ministry spokesperson Chung Binna told a press briefing when asked if the ministry views the program as appropriate. "Regardless of the reasoning, the defense ministry deems the itinerary a grave error in the first

SK Group chief, ex-wife fail to reach agreement in court mediation for asset division

SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won and his former wife, Roh Soh-yeong, failed to reach an agreement in a court mediation session for the division of their assets Monday, putting the high-profile divorce settlement case back to trial proceedings. The two sides had entered mediation for the asset division after the Supreme Court remanded the case to the Seoul High Court last October, while confirming the divorce. They have remained far apart on whether Chey's SK stocks should be included in the division. The Seoul High Court decided to end mediation and hold oral arguments on June 26, as the two sides apparently failed to narrow differences. Chey and Roh both appeared for their second mediation session earlier in the day, which marked the first time the two had faced each other in court since April 2024. Chey's side has argued that the stocks should not be considered as they were inherited or gifted, while Roh's side has claimed that they fall under marital property. In May 2024, the Seoul High Court ordered Chey to pay about 1.38 trillion won ($913 million) in asset division to Roh, recognizing

Trump's captionless Kim Jong-un photo sparks talk of renewed North Korea diplomacy

Hours after declaring an end to the war with Iran, U.S. President Donald Trump posted a captionless photo of himself with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un — a move experts say signals openness to renewed summit talks with Pyongyang, even if North Korea is unlikely to become an immediate priority for the administration. Trump uploaded the image to Truth Social on Sunday (local time), showing him walking with Kim through a garden in Singapore on June 12, 2018, during the summit at which the two leaders agreed to pursue denuclearization and improved bilateral ties. The post came roughly an hour after Trump announced the U.S. would sign a deal with Iran Monday, an agreement he said would bar Iran from possessing nuclear weapons and lead to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. “Barack Hussein Obama’s Deal with Iran, the JCPOA, was an easy, beautiful, smooth road to a Nuclear Weapon, which Iran would have had six years ago, and would have used long before now. My Agreement with Iran is the exact opposite, A WALL TO NO NUCLEAR WEAPON! In fact, they no longer want a Nuclear Weapon, nor

'Teach You a Lesson' inspires real-life proposal to protect Korean teachers

A think tank of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea proposed a dedicated agency to protect teachers from complaints and legal proceedings that currently burden them individually, modeled on a fictional body featured in the Netflix series “Teach You a Lesson.” A policy suggestion from the Institute for Democracy proposed bringing to life the Korean Educational Rights Protection Bureau, a fictional squad in the drama deployed to salvage classrooms from unruly students and toxic parents, sometimes through vigilante violence. The proposal envisions it as an education activity protection bureau within the Ministry of Education, handling protective procedures, conflict mediation and shared accountability. “The buzz around the Netflix drama 'Teach You a Lesson' reflects how popular culture is capturing the anxiety felt on school grounds ... The fictional agency in the drama is a fantasy, but teachers having to personally bear complaints, reports, investigations and lawsuits is a very real problem,” said Lee Gyeong-a, a research fellow at the institute. “The core is to prevent indivi

Who has the most symmetrical facial features at 2026 FIFA World Cup?

Click here for more articles by Kormedi.com. As the 2026 FIFA World Cup unfolds across the United States, Canada and Mexico, an unusual ranking has drawn attention alongside the tournament's on-field action. Using facial analysis technology, artificial intelligence (AI) researchers compiled a list of the competition's "most attractive" players based on facial proportions. According to reports from Britain's Daily Mail and other media outlets, AI company DreamAI SRL analyzed the faces of select World Cup participants and found that Argentinian midfielder Rodrigo De Paul topped the list with a score of 74.18. Germany forward Kai Havertz finished second with 74.10 points, followed by England winger Noni Madueke in third with 73.29. Egypt captain Mohamed Salah ranked fourth with 73.27, while Brazil striker Endrick placed fifth with 73.25. Korean captain Son Heung-min recorded 73.24 points, placing sixth overall and finishing just 0.01 points behind Endrick. Fellow Korean Lee Kang-in ranked 15th. Ronaldo came in 45th with 70.98 points, while Brazil's Vinicius Junior was ranked 46th. The study

Netflix comedy 'Husbands in Action' promises big laughs, chemistry

The Netflix movie "Husbands in Action" is an action-comedy that follows the hijinks of a rescue operation put together by the ex-husband and current husband of a woman kidnapped by a criminal organization, according to director Park Gyu-tae as he introduced the film, Monday. "I've focused on situational comedy from clashing groups in my past works, but the biggest difference in this film is the action," Park said during a press conference in Seoul. The director, known for the 2022 comedy "6/45," added that the action sequences unfolding across various locations will be a key point for the audience to watch. The movie follows a desperate rescue mission by the elite narcotics detective and ex-husband Choong-shik (Jin Sun-kyu) who teams up with his former wife's handsome young veterinarian husband Min-seok (Gong Myung). Together they chase down a criminal group that has kidnapped Shi-nae (Kang Han-na), Min-seok's current and Choong-shik's former spouse. Throughout the movie, the two leads try to overcome their awkward relationship to navigate a series of dangerous situations while fighting

Benchmark rate for banks' mortgage loans up for 2nd month in May

The benchmark rate for banks' mortgage rates increased for a second consecutive month in May amid expectations that the central bank may raise its key rate down the road, data showed Monday. COFIX, or the Cost of Funds Index, a benchmark lending rate for mortgage loans, came to 2.90 percent last month, up 0.01 percentage point from the previous month, according to the data from the Korea Federation of Banks. COFIX is calculated based on the funding costs of eight domestic banks in Korea. They include Nonghyup Bank, Shinhan Bank, Woori Bank and Citibank Korea. At its latest rate-setting meeting last month, the Bank of Korea (BOK) kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 2.5 percent, marking the eighth consecutive on-hold decision. But the BOK said it would determine the timing of a future rate hike based on inflation trends as semiconductor-driven exports continue to support economic growth.

Unification ministry vows to press on with peace drive despite Pyongyang's rebuffs

The unification ministry said Monday it remains committed to respecting the North Korean regime and will not engage in hostile acts, after North Korea slammed South Korea's peaceful coexistence policy as a disguise of peace. "The unification ministry will unwaveringly proceed with measures to rebuild inter-Korean trust in support of President Lee Jae Myung's commitment to peace," Yoon Min-ho, the ministry's spokesman, said at a regular press briefing. He cited a string of goodwill gestures as evidence of Seoul's sincerity, including halting loudspeaker broadcasts along the border and moving quickly to express regret over drone flights into the North. "These reflect Seoul's resolve for peaceful coexistence," he said. The remarks came after a weekend of sharp accusations from Pyongyang. North Korea on Saturday lashed out at Seoul over its denuclearization goal, declaring South Korea is "an invariable enemy state obsessed with hostility and confrontation." The outburst came after South Korea and the European Union jointly condemned Pyongyang's military cooperation with Russia and its nuclear

Annual bastion of French busking marks diplomatic milestone in Seoul

For a single afternoon this month, the bustling student enclave of Sinchon will trade its typical K-pop soundtrack for Parisian jazz and French indie rock. The Seodaemun District Office said Monday it will host the 2026 iteration of the French street music festival Fête de la Musique on Saturday. The open-air event, co-organized with the Embassy of France in Korea, carries elevated diplomatic weight this year as Seoul and Paris mark the 140th anniversary of establishing formal diplomatic relations in 1886. Inaugurated in France in 1982 to celebrate the summer solstice through free, decentralized public performances, the Fête de la Musique concept has since expanded to roughly 120 countries worldwide. Seodaemun District adopted the template in 2017, transforming Sinchon — a neighborhood historically anchored by student activism and youth culture — into an annual hub for bilateral cultural exchanges. The festival schedule deliberately blends European and domestic sensibilities. The main stage will open at 5:00 p.m. with preliminary showcases by the local K-pop dance troupe Shining an

SK Telink, KEPCO, Starlink Korea launch satellite network initiative for power grid emergencies

SK Telink, Korea Electric Power Corp. (KEPCO) and Starlink Korea have launched a three-way partnership to deploy low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite communications technology across Korea’s power infrastructure, aiming to strengthen emergency communications capabilities during natural disasters and network outages. The companies said the initiative will begin at KEPCO’s headquarters in Naju and expand in phases toward a nationwide emergency communications network covering all 15 regional headquarters. The project is being positioned as a model for integrating global satellite communications technology into Korea’s public infrastructure systems. KEPCO operates thousands of facilities nationwide, including headquarters, regional offices, substations and field work sites. Maintaining communications during emergencies such as typhoons, wildfires and large-scale power outages has long been a challenge because terrestrial networks can be disrupted. The partners said LEO satellite systems provide a physically independent communications path that remains available even when ground-based infras

RIIZE doubles down on performance for highly anticipated return

K-pop group RIIZE returned Monday with its second mini album, "II," presenting a sharper, more self-assured sound that the members say reflects months of rehearsal and rising confidence on stage. In a distributed interview ahead of the release, the SM Entertainment group described the title track, "Do Your Dance," as a statement meant to be felt rather than interpreted. Below is an edited Q&A with the six-member group. Q. How does it feel to make a comeback? Wonbin: The album is filled with strong songs, and we feel confident returning to the stage. We want to show our music through performance rather than words. Sohee: It has been seven months since our last comeback, and we’re really thankful to fans for waiting. We’re confident in this album and hope many people enjoy it. Q. How would you describe “II”? Sohee: It’s a fun album from start to finish. I hope that feeling of enjoyment reaches fans as well. Anton: It represents a shift into a more active phase for RIIZE, moving from thinking to doing. Eunseok: It feels like a box of many colors, with each track showing a different sty

Gwanghwamun turns into stadium as Jongno hosts epic World Cup gatherings

In the heart of Seoul, one of Korea’s most iconic civic spaces is being recast as an open-air stadium, where thousands of fans are expected to gather to watch World Cup qualifiers together on a screen that normally carries advertising and cultural content. Jongno District said Monday that it will host three large-scale street cheering events at Gwanghwamun Square on June 19 and June 25, using the KT WEST digital display in Gwanghwamun Square’s advertising zone to broadcast matches featuring Korea’s national team live. The district said the kickoff event, held on Friday, marked the first time sports content was transmitted through the Gwanghwamun Square advertising zone, a system typically reserved for commercial and cultural media. Officials said the square and adjacent public areas, including Yukjo Madang and Nori Madang, will function as a unified viewing zone where fans can join to watch the games. The broadcasts will be accompanied by K-pop performances, artificial intelligence-driven stage effects and promotional giveaways, as the district seeks to turn matches into broader cu

Korea brings traditional arts to Busan stage for global heritage audience

As the southern port city of Busan prepares to host the 48th UNESCO World Heritage Committee meeting next month, Korean cultural officials are moving aggressively to position the summit as a premier international stage for the country’s performing arts. Rather than presenting traditional heritage as static museum artifacts, a pair of major performance initiatives aims to prove that Korea's ancient performance rituals remain a dynamic, living commodity. The Cultural Heritage Administration announced Monday a dual-track cultural blitz designed to captivate arriving foreign diplomats and international dignitaries. The centerpiece of the campaign, titled “Intangible Heritage Festival in Busan,” will run from July 20 to 29 at the BEXCO convention center. The festival breaks new ground for the industry by introducing the inaugural "Intangible Heritage Performance Art Market," a trade-fair model featuring 26 showcases aimed at establishing commercial distribution networks for traditional Korean performing arts both domestically and abroad. The festival’s artistic centerpiece is "Sanhwab

CJ CheilJedang to roll out land-grown Korean seaweed

CJ CheilJedang will roll out land-grown Korean seaweed through a new commercialization facility, as the company looks to capitalize on growing global demand for Korean seaweed while responding to rising seawater temperatures and other climate change-driven disruptions. The company said Monday it will establish the land-based farming facility in Cheonan, South Chungcheong Province, in August. The move marks a commercialization stage following the company's development of Korea’s first seaweed land farming technology in 2018, successfully cultivating seaweed in a 3-ton tank in 2021 and securing a dedicated seaweed variety in 2022. The facility is scheduled for completion in the first half of next year, and seaweed products produced there will be marketed under the Bibigo Seaweed brand. To support the project, CJ CheilJedang will establish cooperation programs with local governments and fishing communities. The facility will be equipped with multiple tanks and cultivation systems. Based on its proprietary seaweed variety, seaweed life cycle control technology and integrated quality manage

Hip Buddhism and Korea’s generational rupture

It’s not entirely inaccurate to link Korea’s post-war industrialization and headlong dive into capitalism with the rise of Protestantism. Its ascendancy eclipsed the traditional and indigenous religious landscape of Korea across a vast swath of Korea’s society, especially among the well-to-do and wanna be’s. This dominance extended into the Korean diaspora. Growing up in Paraguay when I was little, I remember hiding my parents Buddhist religious artifacts from other Korean friends who came to play since I knew that every Korean in Asuncion was a devout Christian with avowed hatred of Buddhism, which seemed backward and superstitious. Based on that trend line, Buddhism should be on its last legs in South Korea. The country is one of the most wired, urbanized, and secular societies in the world. Young people are delaying marriage, abandoning organized religion, and spending more time online than in temples. Yet one of the most unexpected cultural stories of the past two years has been the rise of “hip Buddhism.” In fact, the Korea Times recent published an article titled, “F

Seoul showcases its drinking water in Singapore

Municipal governments have long struggled with a persistent, deeply psychological public relations hurdle: convincing urban residents that the water flowing from their kitchen taps is genuinely safe to drink. Seoul is taking its domestic solution to that problem onto the global stage, using a major international exposition here to market its "Arisu" brand tap water while scouting for artificial intelligence (AI) to manage its future infrastructure. The Seoul Metropolitan Government said Monday that it will anchor a prominent "Seoul Water" promotional pavilion at the Singapore International Water Week Water Expo, which runs Tuesday through Thursday at the Marina Bay Sands convention complex. The exhibition is among the most influential industry fixtures in Southeast Asia, expected to draw more than 1,100 companies and roughly 20,000 public and private sector participants from over 100 countries. For Seoul officials, the gathering offers a high-profile forum to elevate the international prestige of Arisu. Korea has spent years aggressively upgrading its treatment facilities and running p

Korea offers bus discounts to move foreign tourists beyond Seoul

For the millions of foreign tourists who visit Korea each year, the boundaries of vacations are often defined by the limits of the capital's subway system. Venturing into the provinces has long meant confronting a fragmented, deeply analog intercity bus network whose digital reservation platforms remain largely inaccessible to holders of foreign passports and overseas credit cards. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, along with the Korea Tourism Organization, announced a coordinated monthlong campaign on Monday to dismantle these transit barriers. Partnering with international travel booking platform Klook and fintech firm Hanpass, the government will subsidize tickets and provide digital perks from June 15 to July 14 to encourage independent travelers to explore the country's rural interior. The initiative addresses a persistent bottleneck in Korea's tourism infrastructure. While the country fully integrated international credit card processing at bus terminals in July 2024, the government notes that awareness of English-language online booking channels remains critically low

As virtual idol groups multiply, can any match PLAVE's success?

The virtual idol market is expanding fast, and the field is getting crowded. A string of new groups have debuted in recent months, staking a claim in a space that one act has come to define — and none of them are close to catching it yet. OWIS, a five-member girl group under All My Anecdotes, the label founded by Kiss of Life creative director Lee Hae-in, debuted on March 23 with EP "Museum." While the real identities behind the virtual avatar members — Serene, Haru, Soi, Summer and Yuni — have not been officially confirmed, it is widely reported to include former NMIXX member Jini, former Lovelyz member Ryu Su-jeong, BigHit Music producer Adora, "Produce 101" contestant Lee Ruri and Lee Hae-in herself. B:DAWN under Duri Entertainment followed on May 6 with debut single "Beom." The group's five members — Dojin, Ion, Kangho, Woorim and Hansol — are built around the concept of former competitive athletes. The latest entry is MiiWAN, a five-member boy group under Abyss Company, whose debut album "Middle.i" drops Tuesday. A pre-release track, "Pluma," is already out. Emulating PLAVE

British Business Awards recognize innovation, excellence, community leadership

The British Chamber of Commerce in Korea honored companies and organizations advancing bilateral trade, sustainability, workplace inclusion and public health at its second annual British Business Awards on Friday, highlighting the growing role of business in strengthening U.K.-Korea ties. The awards, held Friday at the Four Seasons Hotel Seoul alongside the chamber’s annual King Charles III Birthday Dinner and in partnership with Dwight School Seoul, recognized organizations and initiatives across five award categories. This year's judging panel included The Korea Times' publisher and president Oh Young-jin, Dwight Seoul Head of School Tom Ferguson and British Ambassador to Korea Colin Crooks. Intralink, an international business development consultancy, received the U.K.-Korea Trade Award for its effort in helping British companies enter the dynamic Korean market by providing deep local expertise and prioritizing relationship-building, cultural bridging and long-term strategic partnerships over transactional wins. The company also helps Korean businesses gain their foothold in Britain

Shinsegae chairman to receive history lesson over 'Tank Day' fiasco

Shinsegae Group Chairman Chung Yong-jin will sit for a “history lesson” after the conglomerate’s Starbucks Korea rattled the country last month with its controversial “Tank Day” tumbler marketing campaign, which caused an outcry among the public and victims of the bloody crackdowns on key pro-democracy uprisings against a military junta in the 1980s. Shinsegae said on Monday that Chung will sit for a lecture on June 24, together with presidents of the group's nearly 50 subsidiaries. The lesson will be in two parts, covering historical consciousness and social sensitivity, delivered by professors from Sungkyunkwan University’s departments of history and sociology. Executives of Emart, which runs Starbucks Korea operator SCK Company, will hear the same lectures on Wednesday. Shop managers and store employees of more than 2,110 Starbucks cafes in Korea will hear it on June 22. To accommodate the class simultaneously for the cafe employees nationwide who number roughly 23,000 in overall, the company will close all Starbucks locations at 3 p.m. and play a recorded video of the le

Lee invites Pope Leo XIV to visit S. Korea for World Youth Day 2027

VATICAN — President Lee Jae Myung on Monday invited Pope Leo XIV to visit South Korea next year on the occasion of the country's hosting of World Youth Day 2027, a presidential official said. Lee offered the invitation during his meeting with the pope at the Vatican, held during the president's visit to the Holy See as part of his broader trip to Europe. The two leaders agreed to cooperate closely to ensure a successful hosting of World Youth Day 2027, and Lee "officially invited Pope Leo XIV to visit South Korea on that occasion," national security adviser Wi Sung-lac said in a press briefing. Lee also gave a briefing to the pope on South Korea's initiative to build peace on the Korean Peninsula, and the Vatican reaffirmed its unwavering support for facilitating peace on the peninsula, Wi noted. Another senior South Korean official said separately that the meeting between Lee and the pope also covered inter-Korean issues, with both sides sharing the view that cross-border dialogue and cooperation should be pursued despite difficulties in political situations. Lee and Pope Leo XIV also

Honoring doctor who led Korea’s nurses to Germany

In the mid-1960s, Korea was a nation reeling from the devastation of war, short on foreign currency and desperate for economic survival. Thousands of miles away, West Germany was experiencing its postwar Wirtschaftswunder (economic miracle), but faced a crippling shortage of medical labor. The man who bridged that gap was Lee Su-kil, a pediatrician whose structural legacy is being reexamined six decades later. The Overseas Koreans Agency on Monday named Lee (1928-2023) its "Overseas Korean of the Month" for June, marking the 60th anniversary of the historic migration he single-handedly orchestrated. While working at Mainz University Hospital in Germany in the early 1960s, Lee recognized an opportunity to simultaneously alleviate Germany’s nursing shortage and provide economic relief to his homeland. In 1965, operating largely on his own initiative, he mailed letters to roughly 10 German hospitals to gauge their willingness to hire Korean staff, subsequently coordinating the logistics with the Korean government. His efforts bore fruit in 1966, when an initial cohort of 128 Korean nurses

Netflix schedules live world tour for 'KPop Demon Hunters' to leverage global fandom

Netflix announced a live world tour for its blockbuster animated musical film "KPop Demon Hunters," a move expected to expand the entertainment giant's global monetization structure. Rather than concluding with the streaming success of a single title, the strategy establishes a multilayered business model extending to live musical performances, commercial merchandise, interactive fan events and brand collaborations. Netflix confirmed in May the global tour for the 2025 animated feature. The streaming company said the live performance "will bring elements of the two-time Oscar-winning film to life in spectacular ways," adding that host cities, dates and ticket information will be released in the second half of 2026. Released in 2025, the film broke streaming records and achieved global prominence, winning Best Original Song and Best Animated Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards, the 83rd Golden Globes and the 31st Critics Choice Awards. Netflix partnered with AEG Presents, a global live entertainment promoter whose portfolio includes the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival and int

KT rolls out AI store assistant to break language barriers for int'l customers

For foreign nationals and travelers in Korea, setting up a mobile phone plan has long been a notorious bureaucratic gauntlet, complicated by rigid registration laws and a steep language barrier. KT Corp., one of the country’s dominant telecommunications carriers, is betting that artificial intelligence (AI) can solve this persistent friction point at the retail counter. The company said Monday that it is introducing an "AI Multilingual Counselor" across its retail stores, a first for the Korean telecom industry. Developed to assist foreign customers in their native tongues, the digital assistant handles inquiries regarding complex pricing structures, data plans, contract terms and corporate membership perks. The system launches with support for more than 20 languages, including English, Chinese, Thai and Vietnamese. The initiative is part of a broader push by Korean conglomerates to apply AI in customer-facing operations, a trend the industry terms "AI transformation." Rather than replacing human capital, the digital counselors are designed to act as on-floor co-pilots. At high-traff

Korea deserves transparent, trusted election watchdog

A police-prosecution task force will summon election officials this week as part of its investigation into the National Election Commission (NEC) over ballot paper shortages during the June 3 local elections. Last week, investigators searched the NEC headquarters and six related facilities, seizing documents and computer servers. According to media reports, the probe will focus on identifying the root cause of the ballot shortages and determining who was responsible for the decision to print enough ballots for only 50 percent of the total number of eligible voters in some electorates. The task force must conduct a fair and thorough investigation into the election commission. It should also expand its probe to examine other issues and suspicions that have emerged since the local elections. The ballot shortage is merely the tip of the iceberg in an NEC-created scandal that has shaken the nation. Various irregularities have been reported. In the Incheon mayoral race, the vote totals for two candidates — one from the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) and the other from the main oppos

Korean firms express relief for eased uncertainties over US-Iran peace deal

Prospects of an imminent peace agreement between the United States and Iran have injected a wave of optimism into Korea's petrochemical, aviation and key manufacturing industries, as uncertainties surrounding oil prices and global logistics are expected to ease in the short term. The breakthrough comes as U.S. President Donald Trump said Saturday that a formal peace memorandum of understanding is slated for signing on Friday. Trump also said the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime chokepoint for global oil and cargo shipments, would be fully reopened immediately after the signing ceremony. The development has eased concerns over prolonged geopolitical risks for Korea's petrochemical industry, which has borne the brunt of the Middle East conflict among Korea's industries. The Hormuz blockade had severely disrupted the supply of naphtha, a key petrochemical feedstock, forcing domestic naphtha cracking centers (NCCs) to cut operating rates to as low as 50 percent and declare force majeure to overseas customers. Though structural challenges, including oversupply from Chinese rivals, remain, ma

Pete Hegseth dramatically changes the Pentagon

Pete Hegseth dramatically changes the Pentagon

Korea's media watchdog vows bold regulatory reforms

The chief of Korea's media watchdog vowed to foster a healthy media environment through bold regulatory reforms during a press conference held Monday. "We plan to foster a healthy media environment through bold improvements of old and unreasonable regulations, such as those related to broadcast advertisements and broadcast programming," Kim Jong-cheol, the chairperson of the Korea Media and Communications Commission (KMCC), said at a press conference to mark his first six months in office. The media watchdog is also planning to push forward with the establishment of a media development committee tasked with improving policies related to the media industry, Kim said. Some of the agendas to be discussed at the public-private committee include the restructuring of the funding systems for broadcasting, media and telecommunications sectors, the media watchdog chief added. Kim mentioned that his organization is keeping a close watch on the local broadcaster JTBC after two companies related to the broadcaster filed for bankruptcy later last week. Regarding the progress on the enforcement of some

Citibank Korea marks community day with neighborhood clean-up

Citibank Korea employees, their families and staff from client companies took part in a volunteer program on Saturday as part of Citi’s annual Global Community Day initiative, the lender said Monday. Launched in 2006, Global Community Day is Citi’s flagship volunteer campaign, bringing together employees worldwide for community-based service projects. More than 1.2 million volunteers have participated since its inception. Citibank Korea CEO Yoo Myung-soon joined employees in a neighborhood clean-up around Jeong-dong in central Seoul, home to the bank’s headquarters. The group picked up litter near historic sites and took part in a guided walk exploring the district’s cultural and historical significance. “Citibank Korea is committed to supporting local communities through Citi’s global volunteer initiatives,” Yoo said. “It was especially meaningful to have not only employees and their families, but also staff from our client companies, join us this year.” This year’s campaign began with the outdoor Harmony Concert on May 27 and has since expanded into a monthlong seri

South Korea back at work with Mexico on horizon

ZAPOPAN, Mexico — After enjoying a day off, South Korea returned to training Sunday to prepare for their next group stage match of the FIFA World Cup against Mexico. Both South Korea and Mexico won their first matches of Group A last week, with the former beating Czechia 2-1 and the latter blanking South Africa 2-0. South Korea and Mexico will square off at 7 p.m. Thursday at Estadio Guadalajara in Zapopan, western Mexico, or 10 a.m. Friday (South Korean time). The winner will be in a prime position to progress to the knockout phase as the group winner. South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo ran his players through light recovery work Friday, the day after the opening win, and gave them a full day off Saturday. Sunday's session started with some conditioning work, followed by passing and shooting drills. A national team official said tactical work got under way in earnest Monday. Two players working their way back from ankle injuries, defender Kim Tae-hyeon and midfielder Bae Jun-ho, rode stationary bikes on the sidelines and didn't participate in the full session. Both players may be available

PM promises extraordinary financial support for companies moving to regional areas

Prime Minister Kim Min-seok promised extraordinary financial support Monday to help facilitate corporate investment in regional areas as part of the government's push to create economic growth engines in non-metropolitan areas for balanced development. Kim made the remark during a meeting of the committee formed to promote balanced regional development, saying the government will mobilize all possible means to support corporate investment to create growth engines in eight regions, known as "five poles and three specials." The five poles refer to the capital area, the southeastern region, North Gyeongsang Province and Daegu, the central region and the southwestern region, while three specials refer to the three special autonomous provinces -- the island of Jeju, North Jeolla Province and Gangwon Province. "We will greatly expand support for research and development led by local regions while increasing investment in industrial startups," Kim said. "In order to support this, we're going to enact a special law on mega special regions." Kim also promised dramatic improvement in education, cu

Luxury hanok reshapes high-end tourism deep in mountains of Gangwon Province

For global jet setters, Korea’s cultural footprint is typically defined by Seoul’s neon-lit corridors and K-pop spectacle. But a quiet enclave tucked deep into the rugged mountains of Gangwon Province is making a bid to redefine the country’s luxury travel market, offering a slower, deeply traditional alternative to the urban rush. The Hanok Heritage, a sprawling 337,000-square-meter cultural complex in Yeongwol, about 100 miles east of Seoul, recently served as a primary host for "Explore Seoul with Connections 2026." The high-concept tourism initiative, organized jointly by the Seoul Metropolitan Government and the international luxury travel network Connections, aimed to introduce a side of Korea rarely featured in slick promotional campaigns. Over a three-day familiarization tour, travel advisors and agency executives from the United States, the United Kingdom, Spain, Lithuania and Hong Kong bypassed standard five-star hotels to stay in hanok — traditional Korean homes. The itinerary focused heavily on regional culture, preservation, gastronomy, architecture and wellness. Gu

Life after the curtain falls: What 'Wild Sing' asks of former idols

The performance has ended, but life must go on. The humor in "Wild Sing" begins when actors Gang Dong-won, Um Tae-goo and Park Ji-hyun subvert familiar screen images of bodies that might once have commanded a stage reduced to ordinary survival. Director Son Jae-gon turns the desperate comeback of the fictional Triangle, a once-popular 1990s co-ed trio that disbanded overnight, into a road movie. Through the collision of absurdist comedy with financial precarity, the film turns laughter into social recognition. The comedy soon dives into the realities of life. The group’s leader drifts from one minor gig to another, while another, crushed by debt, swallows his pride for a paycheck. These scenes move beyond comic humiliation to expose the damaged dignity of people pushed offstage and left to survive without applause. Most poignant is the group's only woman, who has traded her glamorous past for a suffocating marriage, only to escape back toward the stage. Their journey confronts an uncomfortable truth: The industry that once consumed these performers as commodities offered them no real

Smilegate, ‘GTA’ creator take stage at Tribeca to tease next big game

Korean video game publisher Smilegate stepped into the North American entertainment spotlight last week, anchoring a featured panel at the Tribeca Festival alongside Absurd Ventures, the new creative studio helmed by Grand Theft Auto co-creator Dan Houser. The joint appearance underscores a deepening alliance between the Seoul-based gaming heavyweight and the veteran storyteller, following Smilegate’s deal last year to secure global publishing rights for an unannounced high-budget, open-world action-adventure game based on Absurd’s original intellectual property, "A Better Paradise." The session, titled "Luminaries: Dan Houser's Absurd Ventures" and held during Tribeca’s Storytelling Summit, focused on how companies are navigating transmedia strategies — the practice of stretching a single narrative universe across video games, audio fiction, comic books and film. Lee Yi-jae, a Smilegate director overseeing global partnerships, joined Houser and his longtime creative collaborator Lazlow on stage. Lee detailed how the Korean firm evaluates intellectual property with cross-platfor

Korea eyes safe exit for 24 ships in Hormuz, weighs role in securing waterway

As the United States and Iran have reached a peace deal aimed at ending their war, South Korea is expected to put its diplomatic priority on securing the safe passage of 24 ships stranded in the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. President Donald Trump said Sunday (U.S. time) that the two sides had reached a peace agreement, with the strait set to reopen once the deal is formally signed Friday. The announcement followed months of hostilities that began with U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran on Feb. 28, and which effectively choked off the waterway. The 24 vessels, with a total of 137 Korean sailors onboard, have been pinned in ports across Qatar and the United Arab Emirates since the war shut down the waterway, one of the world's most critical shipping lanes for oil, fertilizer and other commodities. For South Korea, the closure hit hard as it depends on the strait for energy imports. Seoul has kept a back channel open with Tehran, pushing for secure safe passage for its vessels through a waterway thick with mines and military tension. The effort has been not without results. Last month, the HMM-operated U

Actor-singer Lee Jun-young to begin military service, leaving behind packed roster of projects

Korean actor and singer Lee Jun-young will enlist in the military on July 21, temporarily sidelining a surging television career that has made him one of the country's most popular young stars. Lee, 29, shared the news Sunday in a handwritten letter posted to his social media accounts, writing that he wanted his fans to hear about the enlistment directly from him. Conscription is mandatory for nearly all able-bodied Korean men, who must serve roughly 18 to 21 months, depending on the branch of the armed forces. The announcement comes at a creative high point for Lee. He is currently starring in the hit JTBC weekend drama, "The New Employee, Chairman Kang," which began with a modest 3.7 percent viewership rating but has steadily broken its own audience records each week. In the series, Lee plays a young man navigating a body-swapping mishap, a performance that local critics have praised for its grounded nuance despite the outlandish premise. While military service typically stalls a rising actor's momentum — a phenomenon known locally as the "military hiatus" — Lee has meticulously st

Protests over ballot shortages continue for 11th day

Protests demanding a rerun of the June 3 local elections marred by ballot shortages continued for the eleventh day Monday, though the number of protesters sharply declined from the weekend. About 200 protesters were rallying around SK Olympic Handball Gymnasium in Seoul's southern ward of Songpa as of 10 a.m., according to an unofficial police estimate. As many as 20,000 people had gathered in the area over the weekend. Protesters began gathering at the stadium, which served as a ballot counting site, on June 5, days after ballot shortages at some polling stations, mostly in Seoul, disrupted voting during the local elections. According to the National Election Commission (NEC), voting was temporarily suspended at 26 polling stations across the nation, and some voters reportedly returned home without casting their votes due to the lack of ballot papers. While the NEC apologized for the debacle, it said the ballot shortages do not warrant a rerun under the election law. A joint team of police investigators and prosecutors have been investigating the NEC over the shortages. The protesters at

[INTERVIEW] Life sciences company bBHC bets on regenerative medicine through Energy Water, novel stem cell platform

Life sciences company bBHC is seeking to position itself at the forefront of regenerative medicine through two technologies developed over decades by its founder and Chairman Lee Kye-ho: Energy Water, a proprietary structured water platform, and KHCs, a novel pluripotent stem cell technology. Founded in 1989 as a life sciences research company, bBHC has spent more than four decades developing technologies that Lee believes could contribute to both environmental sustainability and next-generation human healthcare. “At the center of our work is the idea that life itself can be influenced by the structure and behavior of water,” Lee said during an interview with The Korea Times at the company’s headquarters in Seoul. According to the company, Energy Water is a next-generation water platform developed through proprietary molecular structure control technology designed to enhance stability and functionality. The company says studies in livestock and agricultural systems have demonstrated the potential to improve productivity and growth efficiency. The technology is currently being comme

US-Iran deal offers relief to Korean economy, but lower energy prices may take time

A ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran and plans to reopen the Strait of Hormuz have eased one of the biggest external risks facing Korea's economy, but oil prices could take time to stabilize and return to pre-war levels, experts said Monday. U.S. President Donald Trump announced Sunday (local time) that Washington and Tehran have reached a peace deal aimed at ending their monthslong conflict, saying that the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz will reopen once the agreement is formally signed later this week. International oil prices retreated after the announcement. Brent crude fell to around $87 per barrel and West Texas Intermediate (WTI) dropped to around $84 per barrel, down from levels that had at one point approached $100 during the conflict. The latest development is particularly significant for Korea, which imports virtually all of its crude oil, with roughly 70 percent originating from the Middle East and much of it transported through the Strait of Hormuz. Earlier this year, the country scrambled to secure alternative crude supplies and shipping routes. Ex

Prosecutors seek warrants for HD Hyundai Oilbank employees in fuel-price collusion probe

Prosecutors are seeking arrest warrants for two employees of HD Hyundai Oilbank as part of an investigation into allegations that the country's four major refiners colluded to manipulate fuel prices, according to legal sources, Monday. The sources said the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office requested the warrants for two employees in the company's pricing division over allegations that the four refiners — SK Energy, GS Caltex, S-Oil and HD Hyundai Oilbank — coordinated in advance to raise or freeze prices of fuel and petroleum products sold in the domestic market. Prosecutors are expected to expand the investigation to other refiners once a court decides whether to approve the arrest warrants for the HD Hyundai Oilbank employees. The investigation centers on suspicions that the companies took advantage of heightened tensions in the Middle East to keep fuel prices at inflated levels. Prosecutors already searched the headquarters of the four refiners and the Korea Petroleum Association in March. The probe comes after President Lee Jae Myung called for a crackdown on illegal mark

Innocean, SBVA partner to support growth of AI, tech startups

Innocean, the marketing and advertising arm of Hyundai Motor Group, has partnered with venture capital firm SBVA to launch a corporate backing initiative for growth-stage tech startups, the companies said Monday. The program, dubbed “UP 2026,” marks a strategic shift for Innocean as it attempts to diversify beyond its traditional advertising roots into artificial intelligence (AI) adoption, data analytics and brand consulting for emerging tech players. The initiative pairs Innocean executives with more than 10 startups from SBVA’s portfolio. Participants include Blind, the popular anonymous professional social network; KREAM, a limited-edition sneaker and collectible resale marketplace; and Ohouse, a major home interior platform. Other companies involved span women's wellness app Queenit, on-demand service Laundrygo, and AI health care platform Gravitylabs. SBVA, which manages approximately 2.5 trillion won ($1.8 billion) in assets, rebranded in 2024 from its previous identity as SoftBank Ventures Asia. The firm has backed more than 100 global startups across AI, smart robotics an

Korea, Cambodia vow to expand economic ties building on FTA

Korea and Cambodia discussed ways to expand bilateral economic ties building on their free trade agreement (FTA), the trade ministry said Monday. Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo met with Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol in Seoul, who is visiting Korea for the Incheon-Cambodia Investment Roadshow set to be held Tuesday in Incheon, west of the capital, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources. The two sides exchanged views on a wide range of issues, including the achievements of the bilateral FTA, which went into effect in 2022, as well as cooperation on official development assistance (ODA) programs. The combined trade volume between the two countries came to $1.19 billion in 2025, rising sharply from $966 million in 2021. During the meeting, the Cambodian deputy prime minister noted that Korea's ODA projects in the Southeast Asian nation have been making significant contributions to its economic development, expressing hope for closer ties in the future. "Based on continued cooperation with Cambodia, the government plans to expand bilateral exchanges and support t

SK Plasma builds plant in Turkey to boost drug self-sufficiency

SK Plasma has broken ground on a plasma-derived therapeutics manufacturing plant in Turkey, moving a long-planned project to localize production of critical medicines into the execution phase. The company said Monday that it held a groundbreaking ceremony at the plant site in Çubuk, Ankara, through Proturk, a joint venture established with the Turkish Red Crescent. Under the project, Proturk will build a facility with annual plasma-processing capacity of 600,000 liters and a total floor area of about 36,000 square meters. The plant is scheduled for completion in the second half of 2028, with commercial production targeted for 2030. The facility is expected to produce albumin, intravenous immunoglobulin and factor VIII products, creating a domestic production base for plasma-derived medicines that Turkey has largely relied on imports to obtain. The project follows a shareholder agreement signed in November between SK Plasma and the Turkish Red Crescent covering construction of the plant and establishment of the joint venture. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan participated in the cerem

Exploring historical sites of Dokdo

In May 1881, amid growing foreign encroachment on the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), King Gojong appointed military officer Lee Gyu-won as inspector of Ulleungdo to respond to the illegal settlement of Japanese nationals on the island. Lee left Seoul on April 10 the following year, spent 15 days inspecting Ulleungdo and returned to Changdeok Palace on June 5 to report to the king. According to Lee’s "Uldosan Sea Records," the Japanese had erected markers without permission on Ulleungdo and written "(Great Japan’s) Songdo" — in Japanese, Matsushima — on them. "Those people are cunning and deceitful," Lee told Gojong, saying Joseon should send an official letter to Hanabusa Yoshitada, the Japanese minister, and another to Japan’s foreign ministry. Gojong’s reply became the starting point for a long trail of records, monuments and territorial claims. "Now that I see this, we cannot leave it neglected even for a moment," he said. "Even a single piece of land cannot be abandoned." Lee answered that he would deliver the royal instruction to senior ministers, saying even an inch of ance

LG Energy Solution courts battery experts in Chicago

LG Energy Solution said Monday it held a conference in Chicago to share its future vision and attract battery technology experts. The company hosted more than 40 researchers from leading U.S. universities and institutions at the Battery Tech Conference in Chicago on Saturday. The event served as both a technology showcase and a recruitment program, featuring LG Energy Solution CEO Kim Dong-myung and other senior executives. "Today, batteries are no longer just a product. They have become critical infrastructure powering virtually every aspect of the global energy ecosystem," Kim said in his opening remarks. "We organized this event to meet talented individuals who will help shape the future of the energy industry alongside us." Participants included master's and doctoral students, as well as researchers, from leading U.S. universities and research institutions, including Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Stanford University, the University of California, Berkeley, the University of Chicago and Argonne National Laboratory. They represented a diverse range of disciplines, including en

Labor groups demand minimum wage of $7.90 in 16.3% increase

Labor groups on Monday demanded a legal minimum wage of 12,000 won ($7.90) next year in what would be a 16.3 percent increase from this year's rate. The country's two umbrella labor unions — the Federation of Korean Trade Unions and the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions — disclosed their first minimum wage proposal during a press conference, saying the average increase of the past three years was less than the average inflation rate over the same period. The minimum wage is set each year by the Minimum Wage Commission, which is made up of labor, business and public interest representatives. The commission has been meeting regularly since April to decide on next year's rate, with the sixth plenary session scheduled to take place Tuesday. This year's minimum hourly wage is 10,320 won, up 2.9 percent from last year. The business circle has yet to announce its proposal, but market observers expect them to call for a freeze or a smaller increase.

Ex-JCS chief attends arrest warrant hearing over alleged martial law role

A former head of the Joint Chiefs of Staff appeared before a court Monday to attend his arrest warrant hearing over his alleged involvement in former President Yoon Suk Yeol's failed martial law bid. Kim Myung-soo is accused of having played a key role in an insurrection during Yoon's martial law declaration on Dec. 3, 2024, when he served as the nation's highest-ranking military officer. Special counsel Kwon Chang-young's team has alleged Kim stood by as martial law troops were deployed to the National Assembly at the time and he took part in the establishment of a martial law command. The Seoul Central District Court will review the need to issue a warrant for Kim's arrest after hearing arguments from both sides. A decision on his arrest could be made as early as later in the day. Kwon's team believes Kim had been aware of the illegal nature of Yoon's martial law bid and the deployment of troops at the time, arguing that he did not take appropriate measures as the nation's top military officer. Kim's side has rejected the allegations, claiming then Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun took ov

Shinsegae to provide historical awareness training after Starbucks promotion backlash

Shinsegae Group Chairman Chung Yong-jin, along with executives and employees of Starbucks Korea, will undergo training aimed at improving historical awareness and social sensitivity following a controversial promotion linked to the 1980 pro-democracy uprising in Gwangju, the company said Monday. Starbucks Korea, operated by E-Mart, a Shinsegae affiliate, launched an online "Tank Day" promotion on May 18, the anniversary of the Gwangju democratic uprising. The event was suspended within hours after drawing widespread public criticism. According to the company, Chung and the chief executives of Shinsegae affiliates will participate in the training ahead of a meeting of affiliate heads scheduled for June 24. Executives of E-Mart-affiliated companies and employees at Starbucks Korea's headquarters will attend a training session on Wednesday. Partners, the company's term for store employees, will receive the training next Monday. All Starbucks stores nationwide will close early at 3 p.m. The coffee company launched the discount event for "Tank" tumbler sets, along with a controversial phrase,

Container shipping costs to Middle East rise for 3rd straight month in May amid lingering tensions

Container shipping costs from Korea to the Middle East extended their gains to the third consecutive month in May, the customs agency said Monday, amid tensions involving Iran. The average shipping charge for a 40-foot container from Korea to the Middle East rose 4.9 percent from a month earlier to 6.81 million won ($4,520) in May, according to data from the Korea Customs Service. It marked the third consecutive monthly increase since the figure stood at 3.72 million won in February. U.S. President Donald Trump, meanwhile, said Sunday (U.S. time) that a peace deal with Iran is now "complete," announcing his authorization of the "toll-free" opening of the crucial Strait of Hormuz and the "immediate" removal of a U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports. The average shipping charge for containers bound for the U.S. west coast rose 10.1 percent from a month earlier to 5.43 million won, while that for the east coast increased 9.9 percent to 5.63 million won. Shipping costs to the European Union gained 1.3 percent to 3.71 million won. The figures include freight rates, commissions and other charges

Corporate America is no meritocracy. Just ask women

Back in 2008, there were 12 women running Fortune 500 companies. Even though that equaled a measly 2.4 percent, it was still progress. A decade earlier, that number was 0.4 percent, or just two women (Jill Barad at Mattel Inc. and Marion Sandler at Golden West Financial Corp.). I remember these stats well because at the time I had just started at Fortune Magazine, where one of my first assignments was working on its Most Powerful Women in Business list that tracked the comings and goings of the handful of women who had managed to claw their way into the C-suite. Since then, I’ve used the count of female CEOs as a telling — albeit imperfect — measure of the advancement of women in corporate America. This year’s number has just been published and it’s alarming. Women run 55 Fortune 500 companies, or 11 percent. Objectively, this is an improvement. But if the growth continues at the same pace, it would take about 100 years for women to reach parity with men. What concerns me even more is that the number, while tied with last year’s record, didn’t even move an inch. If corpora

TUESDAY, June 16, 2026

1779-Spain declares war on Great Britain in support of France and the USA, starting the Great Siege of Gibraltar, which lasts 3 years, 7 months, and 2 weeks 1858-Abraham Lincoln says "A house divided against itself cannot stand" accepting Illinois Republican Party's nomination for the Senate 1904-Bloomsday, the date of the fictional events in James Joyce's novel "Ulysses" 1963-Soviet space mission Vostok 6 is launched with Valentina Tereshkova onboard, who becomes the first woman in space 1999 -Thabo Mbeki is elected second president of a democratic South Africa 2000-Israel complies with U.N. Security Council Resolution 425 after 22 years, which calls on Israel to completely withdraw from Lebanon. Israel withdraws from all of Lebanon, except the disputed Shebaa Farms.

Korea to run promotion booth at int'l defense exhibition in Paris this week

Korea will participate in a large-scale international defense and security exhibition in Paris this week to promote exports of homegrown arms products, the state arms procurement agency said Monday. Eurosatory 2026, slated to run from Tuesday to Friday in France, will be attended by the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), its affiliate research institute and the Korea Defense Industry Association. The biennial event is the world's largest land arms exhibition, attended by some 2,000 companies and bringing together a delegation from over 90 countries and 76,000 visitors. This year, the Korean booth will showcase real-life arms products from 12 small and medium-sized companies for potential overseas buyers. Separately, 21 Korean defense firms, including Hanwha Aerospace and LIG Defense & Aerospace, along with defense component manufacturers, will display a range of weapons systems near the main booth. During the exhibition, DAPA is also expected to arrange a "Korea Day" event featuring quizzes on weapons systems to lure participation. DAPA said it will continue to support the

Korea's currency strengthens on US-Iran peace deal

The Korean won rose to a nearly two-week high Monday after U.S. President Donald Trump has said Washington and Tehran have reached a peace deal. The won opened at 1,511.4 won per dollar, up 8.4 won from the previous session's close, and further gained ground to 1,504 won per dollar at one point in morning trading. In terms of intraday trading, it was the strongest level since June 1, when the won was traded at 1,500 won per dollar. As of 9:48 a.m., the won was traded at 1,506.8 won per dollar, up 7.9 won from the previous session's close. Trump announced the deal on social media, raising expectations that the war in the Middle East is nearing an end and the Strait of Hormuz would be soon reopened. Although the stance from Israel remains unclear, global oil prices dropped on the U.S.-Iran deal announcement. The won's strength also came after Korean Deputy Finance Minister Moon Ji-sung held talks with U.S. counterparts last week over recent conditions in the foreign exchange markets.

Korea, EU strike deal on sharing passenger data

Korea has signed an initial agreement on sharing passenger name record (PNR) data with the European Union (EU), marking the first deal of its kind by an Asian nation, the customs agency said Monday. The Korea Customs Service said PNR data includes the date of ticket issuance, flight itineraries, accompanying travelers and baggage information, which are essential for screening high-risk travelers at the border. The agency said the sharing of such information with EU authorities had previously been limited due to personal data protection regulations. "As only a limited number of countries, such as the United States, Canada and Australia, have similar agreements with the EU, the latest progress indicates Korea has established a crime response system in line with advanced nations," the agency said in a release. The agency said the agreement, once officially signed and implemented, will help Korea more effectively address attempts to smuggle hazardous materials, including drugs and firearms. Korea and the EU will make efforts to officially implement the agreement in the first half of 2027, the

KBO's best team in June set for duels against title contenders

Having been the best team in Korean baseball in June, the Doosan Bears will have their mettle tested this week against a pair of title contenders. The Bears, in fifth place in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) at 33-31-2 (wins-losses-ties), will open the new week with a three-game series against second-place KT Wiz (38-25-1) at home, Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul, from Tuesday to Thursday. Then it will be followed by a three-game set against the Jamsil co-tenants, the KBO-leading LG Twins (41-24-0), from Friday to Sunday. The Bears own the best winning percentage this month at 8-3-1, a run powered by the pitching staff that has put up a league-best 2.67 ERA. They have lost four out of six meetings so far against both the Wiz and the Twins this season. The Twins hold a two-game lead over the Wiz for the top spot, with both of them having won two straight games. Before taking on the Bears, the Twins will visit fourth-place Kia Tigers (34-31-1) in the southwestern city of Gwangju. The Wiz will play the Tigers for the weekend series at their home in Suwon, just south of Seoul. Elsewhere

Seventeen's Hoshi to drop new digital single during military service

Hoshi of K-pop boy group Seventeen, currently serving his mandatory military duty, will release a new digital single titled "Snapback" on Monday, his agency Pledis Entertainment said. The track, unveiled to coincide with the singer's birthday, blends old-school guitar sounds with a polished rhythm to create an upbeat mood. It playfully captures an irresistible attraction toward his love interest. Hoshi participated in both the lyrics and composition of the song set for release at 6 p.m., the agency added. The K-pop star enlisted in September last year and is serving as an active-duty soldier in the South Korean Army.

The first trillionaire

The first trillionaire

'Colony' breaks 5 mil. admissions, tops weekend box-office chart for 4th week

The Korean zombie thriller "Colony" broke 5 million admissions during the weekend as it reigned atop the weekend box-office chart for the fourth straight week, data showed Monday. The film added 301,053 admissions over the weekend, logging 5,212,824 accumulated admissions as of Sunday, according to the data released by the Korean Film Council, which compiles admissions from Friday through Sunday for its weekend chart. It is the second movie released this year to accomplish the 5-million milestone, following the Korean history drama "The King's Warden." "Colony" is the latest zombie thriller from director Yeon Sang-ho, known for "Train to Busan" (2016). It follows biotechnology professor Se-jeong (Jun Ji-hyun) and a group of survivors who fight to escape a building locked down by a virus outbreak. The blockbuster also stars 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. On the weekend chart, "Wild Sing," a Korean comedy film starring Gang Dong-won, ranked No. 2 as it attracted 205,100 admissio

KRX issues buy-side sidecar for KOSPI on sharp rise

Korea's bourse operator Monday activated a buy-side sidecar for the benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) as the index spiked sharply, boosted by a peace deal agreement reached between the United States and Iran. Program trading for the KOSPI-listed shares was suspended for five minutes shortly after the market opened, according to the Korea Exchange (KRX). The KOSPI rose 327.7 points, or 4.03 percent, to 8,451.32 as of 9:07 a.m. The KOSPI sharply gained ground as investors scooped up blue chip tech shares after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. and Iran have reached a deal to end their monthslong war in the Middle East and reopen the Hormuz Strait. A formal signing ceremony is expected to take place Friday. A buy-side sidecar is triggered when the KOSPI 200 Futures index increases 5 percent or more for at least one minute.

Oil, gas supplies could take months to return to normal after Iran deal, energy experts say

NEW YORK — High oil and gasoline prices and energy supply problems won't be solved overnight, despite an agreement to end the Iran war and open the Strait of Hormuz announced Sunday. It will likely take months before energy companies can resume operations to the point of meeting the world’s demand, according to energy experts. The slow pace of the process of shipping and refining crude oil, and doubts about the security of traveling through the strait mean the effect won't be seen immediately, they said. Ships loaded with crude oil have been stranded in the Persian Gulf for more than three months, unable to safely travel through the waterway, through which about a fifth of the world’s oil and gasoline supplies typically traveled before the war began. “It’s going to take time for people to feel comfortable and for insurance to be in place ... particularly to get people on the ground to restart some of these assets,” said Daniel Evans, global head of fuels and refining research at S&P Global Energy. First, ships that have been stranded will have to exit the strait, and then new

Seoul stocks sharply higher late Monday morning on US-Iran deal

Seoul stocks were trading sharply higher late Monday morning, as market sentiment improved after the United States and Iran reached an agreement to end their monthslong war, which includes the reopening of the Hormuz Strait. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) was up 386.85 points, or 4.76 percent, to 8,510.47 as of 11:20 a.m. U.S. and Iran's agreement to extend their ceasefire for 60 days and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, provided relief to investors who snatched up market heavyweights. Market top-cap Samsung Electronics advanced 3.95 percent, while industry rival SK hynix jumped 5.81 percent. Top carmaker Hyundai Motor rose 6.59 percent, defense giant Hanwha Aerospace moved up 3.15 percent, and major financial group KB Financial climbed 7.88 percent. The Korean won was quoted at 1,513.2 won against the U.S. dollar, up 6.6 won from the previous session.

A tale of two Republicans who crossed Trump

For those of us struggling to understand today’s Republican Party, this past week’s primary elections in South Carolina offered a useful case study. The key developments were these: Rep. Nancy Mace — a former conservative rising star who seems tailor-made for the Trump-era attention economy — finished fifth in her state’s Republican primary for governor. Meanwhile, Sen. Lindsey Graham — who seems like a relic from an earlier time in the Republican Party — easily dispatched a wealthy “America First” primary challenger. At first glance, none of this makes sense. Making matters more confusing, when it comes to the defining “issue” of our time — Donald Trump — Graham and Mace have both spent years criticizing him and then crawling back to him. Until, that is, one found the door locked. In 2026, Graham flourished, while Mace crashed and burned. Every zig and zag that led them here was all about Trump. Graham once was one of his fiercest critics. During that first presidential campaign, he called Trump a “demagogue,” “the world’s biggest jackass” and a “race-

Trump's 80th birthday presents: Iran deal and UFC fights

WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump marked turning 80 on Sunday by hailing an agreement to end the war in Iran hours before a birthday celebration that once would have seemed unfathomable: a cage-fighting show on the storied South Lawn of the White House. He had been touting the emerging deal for weeks, and last-minute strikes in the conflict had threatened to overshadow the ostentatious UFC mixed martial arts extravaganza — where combatants sealed inside a wire-mesh octagon try to punch, kick, chop and pummel each other into submission. Hour before the fights began, the president said an agreement to end the conflict “is now complete" and declared that the U.S. will end its blockade of Iran and that Strait of Hormuz would reopen, potentially easing high oil prices and skittish global markets. But the crucial details are still to be negotiated. Word of the deal will allow the president to be especially jubilant as he walks out of the White House for the fights. Cabinet leaders, Republican lawmakers and 4,000-plus spectators screaming themselves hoarse will join him in a tempo

Motives behind Xi’s visit to Pyongyang

Chinese President Xi Jinping’s two-day visit to North Korea raises numerous questions. Many observers are confused about his goals — why at this time, and what he achieved from the meeting. They believe Xi was concerned about Pyongyang’s connection with Moscow being too tight for Beijing’s diplomatic standing in their trilateral relationship. Does North Korean leader Kim Jung-un play China off Russia? Why was North Korean or Korean Peninsula disarmament not discussed? Could Beijing be acknowledging Pyongyang as a nuclear weapon state? My conclusion is no to the first two questions and yes to the last. After Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited Pyongyang in April, rumors spread that Xi would visit North Korea soon. Many thought a July visit would be a better option politically as it would mark the 65th anniversary of the friendship treaty between the two countries. No Chinese leader has visited on the event. After the foreign minister returned, Xi would then visit two months later. It would be odd to delay the visit beyond two months diplomatically. Naturally, a question ar

$7 is the new $4.5

$7 is the new $4.5

Lee Jung-hoo collects 2 hits, flashes leather for SF Giants

Lee Jung-hoo has returned to the hit column for the San Francisco Giants after going blank for two straight games, while also flashing the leather in right field for a defensive gem. Lee batted 2-for-4 and scored a run to help the Giants defeat the Chicago Cubs 5-1 at Oracle Park in San Francisco on Sunday (local time). Lee had gone 0-for-7 in the past two games following the end of his career-best 18-game hitting streak. This was his 24th multihit game of the year. Batting seventh in the lineup, Lee led off the bottom of the third with a single and then got an infield single to third in the fifth. Lee's biggest moment of the game came on the field in the top of the eighth inning, with the Giants up 4-1. With two outs and a runner at second for the Cubs, Michael Busch smoked the first pitch he saw from Logan Webb toward the right field corner. Lee chased it down with a running catch and held on to the ball as he crashed into the wall and then tumbled to the ground. The South Korean outfielder returned to the dugout to the chants of "Jung Hoo Lee!" from the stands. The Giants pulled ahead wi

N. Korea, Vietnam hold talks over cooperation on public security, law enforcement

The security ministers from North Korea and Vietnam held talks in Pyongyang over the weekend to discuss ways to expand cooperation on public security and law enforcement, Pyongyang's state media reported Monday. The North's Public Security Minister Pang Tu-sop met with his Vietnamese counterpart, Luong Tam Quang, on Sunday, and they exchanged "the successes and experience gained by the public security organizations … in the field of law enforcement," according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). They also "discussed the issues of expanding and developing bilateral exchange and cooperation," the report said. The Vietnamese delegation arrived in Pyongyang on Saturday, the latest in a string of Hanoi officials to make the trip to North Korea. Last month, Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung visited Pyongyang, meeting Jo Yong-won, chairman of the Supreme People's Assembly's standing committee, and North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui. That visit followed a summit in October between North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Vietnamese President To Lam — the first visit by a top Vietnamese

Trump says interim deal reached to end Iran war, Strait of Hormuz to reopen

ISLAMABAD — The United States and Iran have reached an initial agreement to end their war and open the Strait of Hormuz, offering relief to the Gulf region and global economy more than three months since fighting began. Details of the deal were not immediately released and Iran signaled implementation would not start until the signing, which key mediator Pakistan said would occur Friday in Switzerland. It was expected to extend the tenuous ceasefire reached in April so that negotiators can try to resolve thorny issues such as Iran's nuclear program and related sanctions. There was no immediate word from Israel, which together with the U.S. started the war on Feb. 28 but has expressed skepticism about the negotiations. But even as it became clear the parties still have days to influence what lies ahead, the announcements had an air of relief. “Congratulations to all!” U.S. President Donald Trump wrote on social media, adding: “I hereby fully authorize the toll free opening of the Strait of Hormuz, and, simultaneously herewith, authorize the immediate removal of the United States N

Korean duo finishes 2nd at LPGA team event

The Korean duo of Choi Hye-jin and Kim Hyo-joo has finished in second place at an LPGA team event, leaving the former in search of her maiden title on the tour. Choi and Kim ended up two strokes behind the American tandem of Gina Kim and Yana Wilson at 15-under 265 at the Dow Championship at the par-70 Midland Country Club in Midland, Michigan, on Sunday (local time). The South Koreans posted a bogey-free round of five-under 65, but it wasn't good enough against Kim and Wilson, who carded a 62 in the final round with six birdies and an eagle. The first and the third rounds had the alternate shot, or foursomes, format, in which teammates took turns hitting the same ball. The second and the final rounds were played in the fourball format, where players each hit their own ball and the better score of the two became the team's score on each hole. Choi and Kim began the final round with a one-stroke lead over Kim and Wilson at 10-under, as they were trying to become the second straight South Korean duo to win the Dow Championship after the tandem of Im Jin-hee and Lee So-mi. Choi and Kim went

Trump says Iran deal complete, Strait of Hormuz to reopen upon signing Friday

WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump said Sunday that the United States and Iran have reached a peace deal to end their monthslong war, noting that the crucial Strait of Hormuz will reopen once they sign the deal later this week. Trump announced the deal on social media, capping grueling negotiations to end the hostilities that started with the U.S.-Israeli attack on Iran on Feb. 28, as Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, a key mediator, said that the official signing ceremony for the deal will take place in Switzerland on Friday. "The Deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete. Congratulations to all!" Trump wrote on Truth Social." "I hereby fully authorize the toll free opening of the Strait of Hormuz, and, simultaneously herewith, authorize the immediate removal of the United States Naval blockade. Ships of the World, start your engines. Let the oil flow!" In a separate post, Trump cast the deal as a "great" one that will bring peace to the "whole" Middle East region. "Many presidents have tried to make Peace with Iran, and all have failed before me. The Leaders

When lies summon ancient tribe: Musical ‘The Tribe’ explores joy of being oneself

The Seoul Metropolitan Musical Theater is bringing back its original musical “The Tribe” with a significantly scaled-up second edition that sharpens its focus on “being true to yourself” and the power of solidarity. The show, which premiered in 2024 at the Sejong Center of the Performing Arts’ S Theater to strong word-of-mouth and solid ticket sales, now returns through June 27 with expanded choreography, music and character arcs that push the central questions of identity and honesty to the fore. The work began as a graduation project by Jeon Dong-min at the Korea National University of Arts before being developed into a full staging last year when it charmed audiences with its playful premise: Whenever someone lies, an ancient tribe appears and dances, exposing hidden truths. In the musical, that setup drives the story of Joseph and Chloe, characters who have long tried to match themselves to the roles that society expects. When they accidentally break an ancient mask on display in a museum, they trigger a strange phenomenon in which the tribe appears each time they lie, dan

Gaon Cable gains traction in US AI data center power infrastructure market

Gaon Cable, a subsidiary of LS Cable & System, is emerging as a key beneficiary of the artificial intelligence (AI) data center boom in the United States, as its U.S. subsidiary LSCUS secures a series of power infrastructure contracts linked to projects by global tech giants including Google, Meta and Amazon. LSCUS has been winning bus duct supply contracts for AI data centers since last year and recently secured additional projects worth about 4 trillion won ($2.9 billion), accelerating its expansion in North America. The growing attention surrounding the company centers on bus ducts, a product that has traditionally received less attention than cables, transformers or switchgear but is increasingly recognized as a critical component of AI-era power infrastructure. Bus ducts are high-capacity power distribution systems designed to efficiently and reliably deliver large volumes of electricity. Unlike conventional cable systems that rely on multiple bundles of wires, bus ducts use copper or aluminum conductors enclosed within a metal housing, enabling the stable transmission of large ele

Indie music festival answers Busan's calling

Five music venues across Busan will unite to host over 30 live music acts for the first-ever Busan Calling Music Festival on Friday and Saturday. Although seemingly only in its first year, the festival is actually a rebrand of last year's Debaser Fest, run by Jamie Finn, editor of Debaser Magazine. "I was never super keen on the name Debaser Fest. It was a decision made with deadlines approaching. So, to keep things simple, I named it after the mag," Finn admitted. "We've called it Busan Calling to reflect the aims of the fest, which is to build a bridge between the really underrated Busan music community and other musical places." Finn has been heavily active for years supporting the local music scene across Korea, publishing his own magazine, running a massive English-language Kakao group chat and organizing music festivals. As well as Busan Calling and Debaser Fest, he's also been running Block Party, a similar multivenue event in Seoul, for the last four years. Finn added that planning has already begun for Block Party's return to central Seoul's Haebangchon and Gyeongnidan in Septemb

Should chip tax bonanza be shared with workers, society?

Korea’s debate over how to share the spoils of a historic semiconductor boom is intensifying, with the government claiming the need for a new mechanism to share unexpected gains from chipmakers — including tax revenues and excess profits — even as business and labor clash over how far the state should reach into corporate earnings. Several top policymakers, including President Lee Jae Myung himself, have recently suggested a national-level — or even international — debate on how to use excess corporate gains, as part of efforts to narrow the pay gap between large and small firms. At the International Labour Organization conference in Geneva last Wednesday, Labor Minister Kim Young-hoon said that gains from the chip boom driven by artificial intelligence (AI) demand should serve as many as possible. “The benefits of AI should not be concentrated only in a few countries and companies, but should also translate into new opportunities for all nations and workers,” he said. Those gains are the result of a semiconductor boom that has sent profits soaring at Samsung Electronics an

Beyond stereotypes: New book delves into N. Korea’s real language culture

North Koreans' language habits may seem familiar even to those who have never witnessed them firsthand. Through portrayals of North Korean soldiers in films, comedians imitating North Korean speech, and television programs featuring North Korean defectors, many South Koreans feel they already have a sense of how North Koreans speak. Since the South Korean government reclassified the Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of North Korea's ruling Workers' Party, as general public material late last year, anyone can now easily access authentic examples of North Korean written language. Yet fully understanding the "Pyongyang Cultural Language," North Korea's version of the standard language, remains far from easy. Even the word for "mutual" has changed. While both Koreas once commonly used "sangho," North Korea now exclusively uses "hosang," rejecting the former as a South Korean-style expression found in terms such as the Korea-U.S. Mutual Defense Treaty. One can understand the desire to replace foreign loanwords with native Korean terms, but seeing even well-established vocabulary altered i

Owners of Santo Domingo nightclub to stand trial over roof collapse that killed 236

The sibling owners of the Santo Domingo nightclub where a roof collapse killed 236 people and injured more than 100 last year will stand trial for involuntary manslaughter, a judge ruled Monday.

McCullum worried for Stokes, no captaincy backing

Brendon McCullum refuses to be drawn on Ben Stokes’ future as England captain, but repeatedly speaks of his “worry and concern” for the all-rounder.

Russia was behind arson attacks targeting PM, BBC reveals

Evidence shows Russians directing the plot and stoking tensions with fake far-right and Muslim groups.

Cox and Baker to make Test debuts in second Test

Essex batter Jordan Cox and Hampshire fast bowler Sonny Baker will make their England debuts in the second Test against New Zealand.

US and Iran agree deal to end war; signing expected Friday

The US and Iran have agreed a deal to end the war, which mediator Pakistan says will be signed in Switzerland this week.

Read all

Fifa seeks explanation over VAR official's hand gesture

Fifa is seeking an explanation over a hand gesture made by video assistant referee Shaun Evans before Germany's 7-1 win over Curacao on Sunday.

DOJ Approves Paramount-Warner Bros. Merger Amid Fears Trump Allies Will Tighten Grip on Media

The Trump administration has approved media conglomerate Paramount’s $111 billion bid to acquire Warner Bros., one year after Paramount and Skydance Media signed a similar merger that placed Paramount’s movie studio, streaming service and broadcast network CBS under the control of the multibillionaire Ellison family, founders of Skydance and close allies of Donald Trump. The Warner Bros. merger, if completed, would bring an even larger slice of the industry’s market share into Ellison control. It’s been contested for months as a likely violation of antitrust laws amid a wider trend of corporate consolidation in the media and entertainment industry. “This has been one of the most shallow and corrupt merger review processes we’ve ever seen,” says Craig Aaron, co-CEO of the advocacy organizations Free Press and Free Press Action (not to be confused with Paramount Skydance’s conservative news outlet The Free Press), about the Justice Department’s greenlighting of the merger.

The deal will place two of the largest U.S. broadcast news networks — CBS News and CNN — under the control of a single company that “has shown it is willing to warp and manipulate news coverage to please the president,” Aaron says. He warns that the many violations of press freedom committed by CBS News since its acquisition last year could soon be seen at CNN, including “getting rid of independent journalists asking hard questions [and] spiking stories about crimes being committed by the Trump administration.” In a consolidated media landscape, he adds, “we get fewer and fewer choices, and we get more and more of the same kind of cookie-cutter content produced.”

Palestine Action ban is lawful, Court of Appeal rules

The Home Office had challenged a High Court ruling that the group's proscription should be quashed.

Social media ban - bold and blunt, but no silver bullet

The BBC's technology editor Zoe Kleinman on the big changes coming down the line for young people online.

S. Korea welcomes U.S.-Iran peace deal, voices hope for safe Hormuz vessel passage

South Korea on Monday welcomed a ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran aimed at ending their monthslong war, while voicing hope for the safe passage of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. "Our government welcomes the agreement reached between the U.S. and Iran, and the significant progress made toward restoring stability and peace in the region," foreign ministry spokesperson Park Il said in a statement. "We highly appreciate President Donald Trump's leadership that helped bri

How soon could the economy go back to normal after a US-Iran deal?

Experts warn the impact of the war will continue to affect the global economy for months to come.

Major Antiracist Rally Held in Belfast to Condemn Anti-Immigrant Riots Egged On by Elon Musk

Democracy Now! host Amy Goodman is in Belfast, where several days of racist riots have targeted immigrants and ethnic minorities with violence, threats and property destruction. It is the third consecutive summer of organized mob violence against immigrants in Northern Ireland, with roots in the extant paramilitary structures that remain there after decades of sectarian warfare. Our broadcast from the Northern Ireland capital features guests Sinéad Marmion, an immigration lawyer, and Patrick Corrigan, the Northern Ireland director of Amnesty International UK. Both were among the tens of thousands who attended a recent rally in Belfast condemning racism and standing in solidarity with immigrants. “The vast majority of people in Belfast, as across Northern Ireland, are antiracist and very welcoming to the people who have come here to make their lives from around the world,” says Corrigan. “We wanted to send, most importantly, a message to them, to say, 'You are welcome. This is your city. This is your home, just as much as it is ours.'”

As mob violence drives residents from their homes and leaves many fearing for their lives, “it’s the community that has picked up the pieces. It’s women in the community, it’s migrant women in the community, that have organized and mobilized the response. And our authorities have been left wanting,” says Marmion. “We have political parties that are stoking the flames and encouraging what they call a 'legitimate concern on immigration,' … and the conversation, resultingly, is always toxic.”

Stones goes from brink of retirement to World Cup 'pure joy'

John Stones' selection for England's World Cup squad may have raised a few eyebrows but the player says he had to "dig deep" to secure his place in the 26-man travelling party.

Accused 'hell-bent' on attacking children, trial hears

A childcare worker has described how a man accused of the attempted murder of three children came at one of the children in a crouched motion and began ferociously stabbing her.

France star Mbappe vows to increase defensive work

French captain Kylian Mbappe vows to increase his defensive efforts at the World Cup in the face of criticism.

Will Israel Blow Up Trump's Deal? Jeremy Scahill on Iran Talks, Strait of Hormuz, Nukes & More

More than 100 days into hostilities, Iran and the United States say they have reached a preliminary deal to end the war. Israel, however, is not a party to the tentative deal and says it plans to keep occupying areas of southern Lebanon — a position still contested by Iran and the key sticking point to the partial ceasefire deal agreed to by the U.S. and Iran in April. Although the new agreement is set to be signed Friday, Israel’s unrelenting assault on Lebanon could once again spoil any deal.

“This is going to become the center of whether any actual agreement takes place,” says Drop Site News's Jeremy Scahill, who joins Democracy Now! to break down what we know about this latest round of diplomacy. As the U.S. now intends to end the war without accomplishing its initial goals of regime change and nuclear capitulation, it appears that Trump has “finally accepted some version of his manufactured and almost entirely false victory narrative.” Scahill, who has spoken extensively to Iranian officials about the negotiations, says it remains to be seen if Iran can successfully “decouple” the U.S.-Israeli alliance from Israel's expansionary front in Lebanon, or whether it has relinquished too much of its own “strategic leverage” by agreeing to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

League of Ireland sides set for European draws today

Four Premier Division clubs will discover their opponents in European competition today and tomorrow, with Shamrock Rovers first up this afternoon in Champions League qualifying.

Russian strikes kill 11 and set historic cathedral in Kyiv ablaze

A Ukrainian drone attack in the Russian city of Tula, south of Moscow, killed three people.

Recurring delays in spinal treatment at CHI - review

A review of governance and equity in patient access and waiting lists management at Children's Health Ireland (CHI) has found there were recurring delays in treatment for orthopaedics, including spinal operations, as well as delays in urology and respiratory medicine.

Trump and thousands of others watch UFC fight on White House lawn

Justin Gaethje beat Ilia Topuria to win the lightweight championship in the main event.

Triple climate threats affect nearly half the world’s children

Drought, extreme heat and heatwaves are the most prevalent trio of hazards endangering millions of children globally, warned a newly released climate report by the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

Ukraine: Latest Russian attack kills civilians, damages cultural landmark

Several civilians were killed and dozens more were injured in the latest wave of overnight attacks in Ukraine that targeted the capital Kyiv, the city of Kharkiv and the country’s history and cultural heritage, the United Nations said on Monday.

While world waits for details on Iran-US accord, UN calls for Hormuz aid corridor

As representatives of Iran and the United States reportedly prepared to sign a new peace agreement at the end of the week, the UN on Monday stressed the urgent need to open an aid corridor to transit the choked-off Strait of Hormuz and prevent a global hunger crisis.

Headlines for June 15, 2026

U.S. and Iranian Negotiators Say They’ll Sign a Deal on Friday to End the War, Israel Strikes Lebanon After Trump Touts Emerging Peace Deal with Iran, Gaza Death Toll Tops 73,000 as Israel Continues Daily Ceasefire Violations, Four Activists Sentenced as “Terrorists” for Sabotage at Israeli Arms Factory, Russian Attacks Kill 11 in Ukraine, Set Fire to Centuries-Old Monastery, Afghan Police Open Fire on Protesters Opposing Gender Apartheid, Killing Two, Lawmakers Demand U.S. Halt Plans to Deport Afghan Refugees to DRC, Trump Claims U.S. Strike Inside Venezuela Killed Gang Leader, Cuba’s Humanitarian Crisis Deepens as U.S. Blocks Delivery of Desperately Needed Fuel, Thousands March in Albania’s Capital to Oppose Jared Kushner’s Luxury Resort, Trump Celebrates 80th Birthday with UFC Cage Fights on White House Lawn, DOJ Clears Paramount’s Acquisition of Warner Bros., Claiming It Will “Increase Competition”, Donald Trump’s Name Removed from Facade of Kennedy Center

Man arrested for allegedly pushing woman in front of bus in 2017

A 44-year-old man is in custody over the incident where a woman appeared to be shoved into the path of a bus.

Police investigating after flagpoles flying Pride flag cut down in Ontario's Perth County

Ontario Provincial Police are looking for two persons of interest captured on surveillance cameras after flagpoles with Pride flags were cut down and rainbow flags were stolen from multiple Perth County schools. The Avon Maitland District School Board is calling it "a targeted, costly, and hateful act of vandalism."

EU children's social media ban being examined - Taoiseach

The Taoiseach has said that his preference would be for a social media ban for children to be implemented at EU level.

Irish man 'very wary' after Sydney shark attack

Sydney's Coogee Beach has reopened under the watchful eyes of lifeguards and drone surveillance, after a shark attack over the weekend left a woman critically injured.

Pope Leo XIV's visit to N. Korea depends on Pyongyang's determination: cardinal

Whether Pope Leo XIV would visit North Korea depends on how Pyongyang handles the matter, as the pope is willing to play a role in promoting peace on the Korean Peninsula, a South Korean cardinal has said. South Korea-born Cardinal Lazzaro You Heung-sik made the remarks to reporters Sunday as he celebrated a special Mass at the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls in Rome, attended by President Lee Jae Myung. The remarks came as Seoul seeks to leverage the Vatican's attention in its efforts

Drug dealer jailed for 10 years over threats to families

A 33-year-old violent drug dealer who admitted intimidating and threatening drug users and their families for money has been jailed for 10 years at the Special Criminal Court.

Another 10 crested ibises released in Ishikawa Prefecture

This brought the number of crested ibises, a special natural treasure of Japan, set free in Honshu to 18.

Norwegian crown princess's son found guilty of two counts of rape

Marius Borg Høiby, the 29-year-old son of Norway's Crown Princess Mette Marit, has been sentenced to four years in jail.

From the Tomb to the Resurrection: A split crossing between two shores

A parishioner of the Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza, now a refugee in Jordan, reflects on the toll the war has taken on the people of Gaza and on how the struggle to find peace and healing continues.

Read all

Lee invites Pope Leo XIV to visit S. Korea for World Youth Day 2027

President Lee Jae Myung on Monday invited Pope Leo XIV to visit South Korea next year on the occasion of the country's hosting of World Youth Day 2027, a presidential office said. Lee offered the invitation during his meeting with the pope at the Vatican, held during the president's visit to the Holy See as part of his broader trip to Europe. The two leaders agreed to cooperate closely to ensure a successful hosting of World Youth Day 2027, and Lee "officially invited Pope Leo XIV to visit South

New attempt to legalise assisted dying in England and Wales

Lauren Edwards says she will bring the exact same bill which was narrowly passed by the Commons but ran out of time in the Lords.

Pope welcomes the President of the Republic of Korea to the Vatican

In the morning, Pope Leo XIV welcomed President Lee Jae-myung of the Republic of Korea, who then met with Cardinal Secretary of State to discuss the good relations between the two countries.

Read all

Fresh Wicklow searches over Dullard, Jacob disappearances

Gardaí investigating the disappearance and murders of Jo Jo Dullard and Deirdre Jacob have been searching a piece of open ground on the Wicklow-Kildare border.

JR Tokai to run Disney shinkansen starting Friday

The Sparkling Dreams Shinkansen train will make up to two round trips a day mainly for Hikari and Kodama services between Tokyo Station and Shin-Osaka Station until mid-March 2027.

Pope to grandparents and elderly: God's loving eyes are upon you at all times

The Vatican releases Pope Leo XIV's Message for the Sixth World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly, to be held on the fourth Sunday of July, on the theme “I will never forget you (Is 49:15)."

Read all

Brazilian woman dies after rope-jumping instructors fail to attach cord

Three men have been arrested after instructors failed to attach a rope to her before helping her jump from a bridge.

Award-winning investigative journalist Roger Cook dies aged 83

The New Zealand-born reporter was credited with having invented the doorstep interview technique.

Pope encourages Syro-Malankara faithful in Europe to be messengers of hope

Pope Leo encourages Syro-Malankara Catholics living in Europe to remain rooted in their ecclesial heritage, and become "messengers of hope” as their Church prepares for its centenary.

Read all

EU eyes options for ban on goods from Israeli settlements

The EU's foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has said she will ask the European Commission to bring forward options on an EU-wide ban on the sale of goods from illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank.

SIPTU to support members who won't assist Israel game

SIPTU has said it will support members who refuse to assist in any way with the holding of football matches involving Israel.

Lee received by pope at Vatican

President Lee Jae Myung on Monday met with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican, on the second leg of his Europe visit. He was scheduled to depart for France later in the day, where he will attend the G7 meeting. After his audience with the pope, Lee was to subsequently meet Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin. Lee held his first talks with the pope since his inauguration in June 2025. The last meeting between a South Korean president and the pope was when President Moon Jae-in met later P

Australia demands answers after girl taken hostage is shot dead by Pakistan police

Pakistani police said the nine-year-old was mistakenly shot as they pursued a group of armed robbers.

World Cup hydration breaks - who are the winners and losers?

They have become a regular feature at World Cup games - but who are the winners and who are losers of the mandatory hydration breaks?

Pope Leo: 'Nostra aetate took a firm stand against antisemitism'

Pope Leo XIV meets with representatives of the United Jewish Appeal-Federation of New York on Monday, thanking the organization for work to help vulnerable populations, and stressing that in a world still wounded by division and conflict, the Vatican II Declaration 'Nostra aetate' called us "to move beyond past misunderstandings toward collaboration for the common good."

Read all

PM asks for advice on entitlements for ex-MPs

It comes after recent reports that millions of dollars had been spent subsidising travel for retired politicians over the last decade.

Mayor of Ibaraki city found dead in drainage ditch

Ibaraki Prefectural Police believe, based on surrounding circumstances, that Toyoji Sudo killed himself.

Govt probe into Aughinish to conclude in weeks - McEntee

The Government's investigation into the Aughinish Alumina refinery would conclude within weeks, Minister for Foreign Affairs Helen McEntee has said.

Canadian lynx one of big cat sightings in Welsh countryside

Fifteen "big cats" were reported to authorities in Wales between January 2020 and July 2025.

Lee vows dialogue with North Korea on June 15 declaration anniversary

President Lee Jae Myung on Monday pledged continued efforts to engage North Korea, saying peaceful coexistence is the only path to mutual prosperity for the two Koreas. Lee, who is currently on a state visit to Europe, made the remarks in a written congratulatory message sent to a ceremony marking the 26th anniversary of the first inter-Korean summit, held at the Kim Dae-jung Library at Yonsei University in Seoul. The message was read by Presidential Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik. “The government

Untreated wastewater discharged on Wellington's South Coast

The wastewater being is discharged into Tarakena Bay and is likely to be travelling along the coastline.

Parties move to file election petitions

South Korea's political parties are moving to file petitions with the election authorities to hold an election do-over before the Wednesday deadline. On Monday, floor leader Rep. Chun Ha-ram and supreme council member Kim Jung-chul of the minor conservative Reform Party filed election petitions challenging the local election results of 18 jurisdictions, including those for Seoul and Busan mayor, and the Gyeonggi Province gubernatorial election. Though many have reportedly filed related complaint

Global stocks soar and oil prices drop as U.S., Iran reach tentative deal to end war

Oil prices fell more than $4 US a barrel on news of a deal to end the fighting, as world markets responded positively to the developments. The S&P 500, Dow Jones Industrial Average and Nasdaq Composite all rose in early trading on Monday.

Museums and galleries struggle to balance books without govt funding

One museum's board chair tried to swim Cook Strait to raise funds for sprinklers earlier this year.

Man dead, four injured in two-car crash in Limerick

A man in his 40s was killed and two people were seriously injured in a collision in Co Limerick last night.

JTBC, key JoongAng Group affiliates file for court rehabilitation

JoongAng Group's flagship broadcaster JTBC has filed for court-supervised corporate rehabilitation, following four other affiliates of the Korean media conglomerate that have sought the same protection. The filings come after the group made a costly bet in 2019 on exclusive FIFA World Cup and Olympic Games broadcasting rights. The Seoul Bankruptcy Court will review whether the five companies — JTBC, JoongAng Holdings, JoongAng P&I, Megabox JoongAng and ContentreeJoongAng — have sufficient prospe

The mystery of Venezuela’s missing petrodollars

Venezuela's oil production is rising, yet its currency is depreciating, inflation is accelerating and foreign exchange remains scarce.

Labor Ministry seeks foreign human rights leaders

The Ministry of Employment and Labor is recruiting “Foreign Resident Human Rights Leaders” to help prevent basic human rights violations in workplaces and build a standing system to better protect foreign workers. Foreign residents with a strong understanding of living and working in Korea will be selected as human rights leaders. They will help identify possible human rights violations, provide guidance on remedy procedures and support foreign workers in seeking help. The human rights leaders w

David Seymour apologises after using violent rhetoric in email to abuse victim

The email exchange began with the woman raising concerns about an MP's spending and ended with Seymour saying: "Are you ready to accept you've just had a beating?"

Papal visit inspires Barcelona parish to continue mission of service and hope

Fr. Faustin John Mlelwa, an Augustinian priest and parish priest of Sant Augustin Parish in Barcelona, Spain, has described the recent visit of Pope Leo XIV to Barcelona and, in particular, to his parish as a blessing. Tanzanian-born Fr. Mlelwa shared the story of his priestly mission in Barcelona with Vatican News.

Read all

Peak oil demand arrives sooner than expected

Amid the disruptions caused by the US-Israeli-Iran war, countries have begun adapting to life with less oil.

Your favorite webtoon could finally win big

If you've ever rage-scrolled the comments under your favorite web comic series wishing it would get the recognition it deserves, now's your chance to have your say. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Creative Content Agency opened nominations for the 2026 World Webtoon Awards on Monday, and they've reworked how it all starts. There's no separate submission process this year; instead, the entire shortlist will be built from readers' picks. Anyone, anywhere can nominate up t

Britain to introduce legislation to ban under-16s on social media, Starmer says

Britain will ban children under 16 from using a range of social media apps including Snapchat, TikTok and YouTube to protect young people from harmful content and excessive screen time, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Monday.

Who’s afraid of ‘Japanese neo-militarism’? Nobody

More countries see a stronger Japan not as a danger, but a counterweight to China's actions and growing U.S. untrustworthiness.

What is the hottest Gen-Z tech trend? Anti-AI

Many of the models now being hunted online were released before their new owners were born.

Nikkei average closes above 69,000 for the first time

Expectations that turmoil in the Middle East would subside following the announcement of a deal to end the U.S.-Iran conflict led to broad-based buying of Tokyo equities.

Dublin set to host Donegal in Croke Park on Sunday

Reigning champions Kerry will welcome Armagh to Killarney and Donegal travel to Dublin in the standout All-Ireland SFC Round 3 ties to be played this weekend.

Former Prime Minister Dame Jenny Shipley is the new chair of the Waitangi National Trust

The former PM replaces Tania Simpson, who was the first female chair when she was appointed in July last year.

Dutch defense chief says Chinese naval encounter won’t deter Europe in Indo-Pacific

The Netherlands will continue its regular military deployments to the Indo-Pacific, Dutch Defense Minister Dilan Yeşilgöz-Zegerius has said.

Lebanon fighting eases after U.S.-Iran deal but displaced warned not to rush home

Fighting in Lebanon eased significantly on Monday but did not halt completely despite a U.S.-Iran deal to end the wider conflict, with an ‌Israeli strike killing one person and Hezbollah firing at Israeli troops in southern Lebanon.

New cooling products launched ahead of above-average summer heat

A survey of 1,000 people conducted in April and May found that one in four respondents felt the measures they took last year to cope with heat were "insufficient."

[Gianluca Benigno] The chair who can't cut

On June 16 and 17, Kevin Warsh will lead his first meeting as Chairman of the Federal Reserve. President Trump finally has the central banker he spent the better part of a year pursuing, confirmed in May by the narrowest Senate vote any Fed chair has ever received, 54 to 45. And the first thing the new chair will almost certainly do is disappoint the man who appointed him. He will not cut interest rates. That is not defiance. It is what the data now require. When Trump chose Warsh in January, th

Japan displays resilience in hard-fought stalemate with Netherlands

The 2-2 draw showed that even amid an injury crisis, the Samurai Blue can still trouble elite opponents.

'Zombies' and 'alien language': main opposition infighting continues

Internal friction in the main opposition People Power Party continues to escalate as more calls for a leadership overhaul are met with pointed fingers. Former lawmaker Yang Hyang-ja — who now sits on the People Power Party’s supreme council — called for the party’s leadership to take responsibility for the local election results and to resign. “The majority of the public and (party’s) supporters likely expected all leadership to step down after the election results,” Yang said at a People Power

Son of Norway's crown princess found guilty of rape

The stepson of Norway's Crown Prince Haakon was found guilty of rape and domestic violence and sentenced to four years in prison after a seven-week trial.

All-Ireland Football Championship draw recap

The Round 3 draw for the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship has taken place on RTÉ's Morning Ireland as well as the Tailteann Cup semi-finals. Read back on how it happened.

Seoul stocks up for 3rd day to land above 8,500 on U.S.-Iran deal

Seoul stocks closed sharply higher Monday to extend their winning streak to a third day, landing above the 8,500-point mark on the back of an agreement between the United States and Iran to end their monthslong war. The Korean won rose sharply. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index closed up 422.36 points, or 5.2 percent, to 8,545.98, after rising as high as 8,603.48. "The Kospi broke the 8,500-point mark as the breakthrough in peace talks opened a risk-on rally," said Lee Kyoung-min,

Now-37-year-old sentenced as youth in 2006 fatal stabbing of 19-year-old in Sask.

Pavelick was 19 years old on May 21, 2006, when he was stabbed during a graduation party at the Kinookimaw Campground near Regina Beach, about 45 kilometres northwest of Regina.

Myanmar’s president arrives in China seeking stronger trade ties

Myanmar has been diplomatically isolated since a 2021 military coup ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi.

Hurricanes storm past Golden Knights in Game 6 to grab Stanley Cup

Rod Brind'Amour became just the fourth ​person to both captain and coach a franchise to a Stanley Cup.

US musician Oliver Tree dies as two helicopters crash mid-air

The singer-songwriter is among six people presumed dead in air crash over Rio de Janeiro on Sunday.

Fertilizer prices rise in Japan due to Strait of Hormuz squeeze

While shortages like those for naphtha have yet to emerge, warnings of an international shortage have been issued amid uncertainties in the Middle East.

Panel to consider expanding victims’ involvement in criminal proceedings

There is currently no legal provision allowing victims in Japan to participate in or observe pretrial procedures.

Illicit tobacco: NZ govt needs to take swift action - Retail NZ

A tobacco industry report claims a third of tobacco in NZ was comprised of illicit products, but an anti-smoking advocate says the numbers do not add up.

Former Mazda engineer leads sports car museum project in Hiroshima

The hope for the museum is that it becomes the centerpiece of a broader initiative aimed at turning the surrounding area into a gathering place for motorsports fans.

Politically active youth find community at Seoul protests

As demonstrations over ballot shortages in the June 3 local elections entered their second week, the rallies in Jamsil in southern Seoul began drawing attention for another reason: the growing presence of young participants who say they are finding a rare sense of community among people with similar concerns. The gatherings, held near a vote-counting center, began after ballot paper shortages at polling stations triggered accusations that voters’ rights had been infringed. Election authorities h

Summer skin care is all about managing temperature, oil and sun

Summer has arrived, and skin starts to behave differently. Makeup that once lasted all day fades by the afternoon, and familiar products can suddenly feel heavy. Hot, humid weather raises skin temperature and pushes sebum production higher, which makes the season especially difficult for oily and combination skin. The core of summer skin care is managing heat rather than simply adding moisture. A rise in skin temperature increases sebum output and activates collagen-degrading enzymes, so even th

Move-on orders will 'criminalise children experiencing homelessness' - public health experts

The move-on Bill could create "a new pathway into the criminal justice system", according to a new briefing.

Graham Potter's journey from last-chance saloon to World Cup redemption

For a manager who was dismissed by West Ham in September after failing at Chelsea before that, few would have expected Graham Potter to be steering a nation to a winning start in the World Cup this summer.

Foreign tourists to get cheaper bus trips beyond Seoul

South Korea is launching a monthlong discount program for overseas tourists using intercity and express buses, as the government seeks to make regional travel easier and reduce the concentration of tourism in Seoul. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Tourism Organization said Monday that they will offer discounts on long-distance bus tickets for international visitors from June 15 through July 14, in partnership with global travel platform Klook and cross-border payment se

With Europe closed, migrants stalled in Mauritania limbo

Document checks, mass expulsions, coastal surveillance and smuggler arrests have caused migration from Mauritania to plummet over the past year.

Trump’s critical minerals pricing plan faces skeptical G7, divided industry

Negotiations for a Western trading bloc are stumbling over concerns about the plan's cost and governance.

When safety speaks 20 languages: Day in the life of foreign workers at building site with AI as their assistant

Yun Seung-uk, a safety team leader at Lotte E&C, stood at the podium as some 600 workers were getting ready for their morning meeting at a construction site in Seoul on Thursday. As he prepared to read the rundown of the day’s workload, large screens to his right and left, as well as 16 additional monitors, displayed images, action plans, and a window titled "AI translator." Once he began speaking, the window filled with three languages — Korean, Chinese and Vietnamese — almost in real time. For

Macron’s G7 legacy hangs on fickle AI funding and data centers

The French president is positioning France as Europe's AI powerhouse by leveraging on the nation's abundant supply of nuclear energy for data centers.

Watching World Cup in class? Schools beset by clashes over priorities

The classroom television was once part of the magic. For many Koreans, watching a World Cup match or one of Kim Yu-na's Olympic figure skating performances with classmates remains a vivid school memory — students gathered around a screen, cheering, shouting and sometimes crying together. That tradition has returned with the World Cup. South Korea’s opening match against the Czech Republic kicked off at 11 a.m. Friday, Korea time, and the team’s remaining group-stage matches are also scheduled du

Norway crown princess's son sentenced to 4 years in prison after rape conviction

Marius Borg Høiby, the eldest son of Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit, was sentenced to four years in prison Monday after being convicted of rape.

Interim Iran deal eases key risk for Korea's export-driven economy

The US and Iran's agreement to end their war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz has raised hopes in export-dependent South Korea of a normalization of global energy supplies and a resumption in shipments by vessels stranded for months in the Persian Gulf. But industry officials remain cautious, as uncertainties remain ahead of the formal signing of the agreement, and it will take time for maritime traffic to return to prewar levels. US President Donald Trump announced Sunday that a peace deal had b

Government to review fuel duty cuts as oil prices fall

Tánaiste and Minister for Finance Simon Harris says that the Government will consider whether it should continue temporary cuts on petrol and diesel in the next two weeks.

Driver in custody after alleged near misses on Auckland's southern motorway

A Mercedes-Benz was reportedly seen swerving across southbound lanes, narrowly missing several vehicles.

Kim Moo-yul asks what 'true education' really means

When a social media post from retired wrestling star John Cena unexpectedly crossed paths with the success of Netflix's "Teach You a Lesson," actor Kim Moo-yul found himself unsure how to respond. The moment stemmed from a viral online joke comparing Kim to Cena, a resemblance that gained traction as the series soared in popularity. The joke reached a new peak on June 10, when Cena shared a photo of Kim on his Instagram account. "I spent a long time wondering whether I should post something and

SpaceX miss exposes Korea's weak hand in global IPO race

Mirae Asset Securities' failure to secure any SpaceX initial public offering shares for its clients has reignited concerns that Korean brokerages remain at a disadvantage in the global IPO market, just as a new wave of blockbuster artificial intelligence listings, led by OpenAI and Anthropic, loom on the horizon. Industry officials said Monday the episode highlighted the limited influence Korean firms wield in the final allocation process of highly sought-after global offerings, potentially leav

Sogang Univ. to offer full scholarships to refugee-background students

Two refugee-background students will receive full scholarships to attend Sogang University each year starting from the 2027 spring semester, under a new agreement signed Monday between the university and the Justice Ministry. The ministry said it marks the first time a Korean university has partnered with the government to provide higher education support specifically for refugee-background students. The term refers to foreign students who have received humanitarian stay permits or have been rec

Ukraine and Moldova to begin EU accession process

The European Union will open the first part of the process for Ukraine and Moldova to join the bloc, following Hungary's lifting of its veto on the accession of Ukraine.

Kospi surges 5% as US-Iran deal to end war lifts energy fears

The South Korean benchmark Kospi surged over 5 percent Monday after the US and Iran announced an interim deal to end the war, easing concerns over disruptions to global energy supplies. Following the announcement, which included provisions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, the Kospi surged 4.95 percent at the open, triggering a buy-side sidecar, a five-minute trading curb. The index gradually extended gains throughout the day as normal trading resumed, closing 5.2 percent higher at 8,545.98. W

His colon cancer was originally misdiagnosed. Now he's encouraging screening as Ontario boosts capacity

Starting next month, Ontarians who are 45 years old will be eligible for colorectal cancer screening. Some patients and advocates question whether the province is ready for the additional pressure on the system, but Ontario says it's boosting capacity.

Air Force says no plans to purchase presidential plane, Air Force One lease likely to be extended

South Korea is expected to extend the lease for its presidential jet for another five years after the current contract expires, according to a document shared Monday. The document submitted by the Air Force to Rep. Kang Sun-young of the People Power Party states the Air Force plans to extend the lease of the presidential aircraft, known as Air Force One. The government also has no plan to purchase a presidential aircraft under the current administration, the Air Force added. South Korea's govern

Lee calls for restraint in election protests, rejects rigging claims

President Lee Jae Myung on Monday called on protesters rallying over the June 3 local election ballot shortages to avoid infringing on the rights of others, revealing that he has ordered authorities to deal sternly with those violating regulations. “Protesters should be careful not to let their expressions of opinion go so far as to infringe on the rights of others,” Lee wrote on X. Lee made the remarks while sharing a local news report that said sports organizations with offices inside Olympic

Nine killed, historic monastery on fire as Ukraine faces major Russian attacks

The fresh strikes came after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he had spoken to U.S. President Donald Trump and discussed efforts ‌to achieve ‌an end to the conflict.

Russian attacks kill 11 across Ukraine, set centuries-old religious site in Kyiv ablaze

Russia fired hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles at Ukraine's biggest cities in a nighttime bombardment that killed at least 11 people and set fire to a renowned religious site, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other officials said Monday.

Japan welcomes U.S.-Iran peace deal

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi expressed hopes for a final agreement on outstanding matters, including on Iran's nuclear issue, to be reached as soon as possible.

The 'Extreme Job' duo is back — and Netflix is betting their dumb fun goes global

The whacky cop comedy is the stuff of Korea's most reliable crowd-pleasers, a playbook run into the ground by everything from "Veteran" to the "Roundup" franchise. Upcoming Netflix original "Husbands in Action" locks right into that groove, then leans on the warm-fuzzies by reuniting the two leads from that genre's high-water mark: "Extreme Job." The 2019 smash hit — about a narcotics squad that runs a fried chicken joint as a stakeout front — drew more than 16 million admissions and still ranks

Hamilton earns 106th career victory at Spanish GP

Seven-time Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton captured his first win of the 2026 season Sunday, winning the Spanish Grand Prix at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya for the 106th victory of his career. The 41-year-old Ferrari driver crossed the finish line in 1:32:28.105 after completing the 66-lap race, ending a nearly two-year wait since his last victory at the Belgian Grand Prix in July 2024. It was also Hamilton's first win since joining Scuderia Ferrari following his move from Mercedes-AMG Pet

SK chief's divorce payout hinges on quadrupled chip stock

SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won and his former wife, Roh Soh-yeong, failed to settle their property dispute in mediation on Monday, sending the case back to formal arguments over a contested question that now controls its size: To what date should the stock price be pegged? Since the couple last argued the case in April 2024, shares in SK Inc., the holding company at the top of South Korea's second-largest conglomerate, have roughly quadrupled, lifted by SK hynix and global demand for memory chip

Ethnic communities back Labour candidate Rakesh Naidoo

Community leaders seek to know why the police ethnic manager's character has been questioned so publicly before any review has been completed.

Daichi Kamada's late goal gives Japan a 2-2 draw with the Netherlands in World Cup opener for both

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) -- Daichi Kamada and his Japanese teammates were minutes away from a World Cup -opening loss that wouldn't have been unexpected considering the opponent. His tying goal will be remembered for a long time in his homeland, especially if the country with some soccer momentum reaches the round of 16 again. Kamada scored when a header by teammate Koki Ogawa deflected off his head into the Dutch goal in the 88th minute, sending the Samurai Blue fans into a frenzy and giving Japan

As it happened: Trump says Iran war deal 'all signed'

Follow live reaction after the US and Iran announced they have agreed on a peace framework with a deal set to be signed on Friday.

Michael Sanderling finds a common 'soul' in Sibelius, Tchaikovsky

When Michael Sanderling returns to South Korea this month with the Lucerne Symphony Orchestra, he will lead the Swiss ensemble from a podium he reached via an unlikely route: nearly two decades as a principal cellist and not a single conducting lesson. The 59-year-old German conductor spent nearly 20 years as a principal cellist with the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra and the Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra before he turned to conducting full time. Those years in the orchestra, he says, allow him

Why was Seoul chosen as part of Pompidou's expansion abroad?

Centre Pompidou is undergoing a major transformation ahead of its 2030 reopening. In the meantime, the renowned French institution has increasingly looked beyond France for international partners, with Seoul emerging as one of the most significant. “The choice of Seoul as a partner city is no coincidence,” Centre Pompidou President Laurent Le Bon said in a recent written interview with The Korea Herald, citing the rapid growth of Korea’s cultural landscape and its increasing global influence. As

‘Customer harassment’ continues in Japan despite moves to end it

While ordinances have been helping many businesses across the nation to combat "customer harassment," they haven't been a silver bullet for such abuse.

Opposition polls above ruling party for first time during Lee's tenure

The conservative main opposition People Power Party's approval rating has overtaken that of the ruling party for the first time since President Lee Jae Myung took office last year, buoyed in part by the discontent over June 3 local election ballot shortage. According to a poll by Realmeter released Monday, the People Power Party's favorability came to 44.3 percent, up 3.2 percentage points from the previous week. Monday's figure was the highest since the fourth week of January in 2025, when form

Unregulated international streaming services devastating local broadcasters, screen content creators

The government is investigating charging international streaming platforms a levy, having a local content quota, or requiring direct investment into New Zealand production.

Kim, Choi fall short at Dow Championship

Kim Hyo-joo and Choi Hye-jin narrowly missed out on the title at the Dow Championship after surrendering the lead in the final round of the LPGA Tour event on Sunday. Kim and Choi carded a 5-under 65 in the fourth and final round at Midland Country Club in Midland, recording five birdies in the tournament, which carries a purse of $3.3 million. The South Korean duo had held the outright lead through the third round, but finished at 15-under 265 overall after being overtaken on the final day by t

Emperor and empress watch World Cup match with Dutch royals

According to the Imperial Household Agency, the Dutch side suggested the two couples watch the group match, held in Arlington, Texas, together on television.

LG Energy Solution hunts global talent in AI, next-gen batteries

LG Energy Solution said Monday it held its Battery Tech Conference in Chicago, stepping up efforts to recruit top global research talent in next-generation battery technologies, energy storage systems and artificial intelligence. As the company’s key platform for recruitment, the BTC was attended by more than 40 graduate students, doctoral candidates and researchers from leading North American universities and research institutions, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Stanford U

Trump seeks Iran exit, but risks loom

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -- With an agreement on a framework for a peace deal with Iran, US President Donald Trump may have found a way to begin extricating himself from an unpopular war while setting global markets on a path toward easing energy prices ‌that have spiked during the crisis. But he has settled for a deal that appears short of many of the goals he outlined in the early days of the conflict, potentially opening himself up to attacks from hawks in his own party and leaving the US looking

Rangers get off to hot start, hold off Red Sox

Willson Contreras homered twice ⁠on his 3-for-4 night and Masataka Yoshida went 2-for-4 with a double and run scored to lead ⁠the Red Sox.

Takaichi and Starmer use talks to push Japan-U.K. ties toward ‘quasi-alliance’

The two leaders also pledged more support for an embattled next-generation fighter jet project involving their countries and Italy.

Dig unearthing Ireland and Norway's Viking past

A team of archaeologists from Ireland and Norway are aiming to unearth more of the two countries' shared Viking past at an archaeological dig near Waterford city.

OnlyFans 'agents' control and threaten creators while taking half their earnings, BBC finds

Dozens of women on OnlyFans describe being exploited by managers who promised to help maximise profits.

Stuff stuns with ‘bold’ call on new Post editor

Analysis - Stuff has startled the media - and some customers - by picking former political strategist and lobbyist Matthew Hooton .

Fighting at the White House as fighting ends in Iran

Donald Trump last night got the 80th birthday present at the top of his wish list, when he, Iran and mediator Pakistan announced that both sides are closer than ever to ending the war.

G-Dragon dresses Korea for the World Cup

Soccer kits have long spilled over from the field to the streets, with big names in fashion having an increasing role in what players wear. For this World Cup, labels have rolled out national-team gear, collaboration collections and boots reworked for the street. One of the biggest collaborations unites Nike, G-Dragon's PeaceMinusOne and the Korea Football Association. Called "Tigers of Asia," the capsule pairs the KFA's signature design elements with PeaceMinusOne's daisy motif, framing the ide

Alcohol flush may not raise kidney disease risk, study finds

People who flush easily after drinking carry a genetic trait that makes them more vulnerable to higher risks of certain alcohol-related diseases, but a long-term Korean study suggests that the trait might not increase the risk of chronic kidney disease. The study found that people carrying the ALDH2 rs671 variant, which reduces the body’s ability to break down acetaldehyde, were not at a higher risk of developing chronic kidney disease. Acetaldehyde is a toxic byproduct of alcohol metabolism and

Shinsegae rolls out history education after 'Tank Day' controversy

Shinsegae Group said Monday it is launching groupwide education on Korean history and awareness of social issues for employees of Starbucks Korea and other Emart affiliates — including Chairman Chung Yong-jin — in an effort to rebuild trust following a marketing controversy. The move follows the backlash over Starbucks Korea's "Tank Day" campaign, which critics say referenced language associated with the May 18 Gwangju Democratic Uprising, a pivotal moment in South Korea's pro-democracy movement

SK Plasma breaks ground on Turkey plasma plant

SK Plasma said Monday it has begun construction of a plasma fractionation plant in Turkey, as the Korean biopharmaceutical company accelerates efforts to build a global manufacturing network. The facility, to be operated through a joint venture with the Turkish Red Crescent, will process up to 600,000 liters of plasma annually and produce key plasma-derived medicines including albumin, immunoglobulin and Factor VIII concentrate. The groundbreaking ceremony was held at the project site in Cubuk,

Atlas moves closer to real-world autonomy, KB says

Hyundai Motor Group's humanoid robot ambitions are accelerating as Boston Dynamics' Atlas nears the level of autonomy needed for industrial deployment, according to KB Securities. In a report released Monday, KB Securities analyst Kang Sung-jin said recent videos from Boston Dynamics, Hyundai Motor Group's US robotics subsidiary, suggest the company has made significant progress toward developing "general intelligence" for humanoid robots. General intelligence refers to the ability to adapt to u

Baby whose body was found on side of rural road was stillborn

Police still have concerns for the mother's welfare.

Coal-rich Mongolia aims to boost China trade ties despite dependence risk

Two-way trade is expected to reach $20 billion this year, President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh told ​Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

Deoksugung's Seokjojeon to host annual concert

A guitar and harp concert will be held on June 24 at Seokjojeon in Deoksugung, the palace's management office said Monday. Seokjojeon, the first Western-style stone building commissioned by King Gojong during the Korean Empire, was completed in 1910. Records show that Korea's first pianist, Kim Young-hwan, performed before the emperor there during a royal birthday banquet. The annual Seokjojeon Concert, launched in 2015 in partnership with the Kumho Cultural Foundation, draws on that musical leg

Innocean, SBVA launch startup growth platform

Innocean, the advertising and marketing arm of Hyundai Motor Group, said Monday it is partnering with venture capital firm SBVA to launch UP 2026, a growth platform designed to foster collaboration with high-growth startups and identify new business opportunities. SBVA, formerly known as SoftBank Ventures Asia, is a global venture capital firm affiliated with SoftBank Group. The firm invests in more than 100 startups across sectors including artificial intelligence, internet of things, and robot

BTS gift bags hit resale sites, angering fans

Gift bags handed out to those attending BTS’ Busan concerts have quickly appeared on secondhand trading platforms, prompting anger among fans after some concertgoers failed to receive them. Posts offering the bags for resale on platforms such as Karrot and Bungaejangter, as well as on social media, appeared soon after the BTS “World Tour Arirang” concerts at Busan Asiad Main Stadium held Friday and Saturday. The bags were given to fans as welcome gifts during the concerts. Packaged in a transpar

Yen short bets jump to nine-year high as carry trade revives

Leveraged funds increased their bearish positions on the yen to over 115,000 contracts in the week through June 9, the highest level since November 2017, data has shown.

Police struggle for clues as Incheon mutilated body probe enters sixth day

An investigation into a mutilated body part discovered at a public recycling facility in Incheon entered its sixth day on Monday, with police yet to identify the victim or determine where the remains were originally discarded. Officials have obtained dashboard camera footage and vehicle operation records from eight waste collection companies that delivered recyclables to the facility and are reviewing them to determine the initial disposal site, according to the Incheon Metropolitan Police and t

Sweden demolishes Tunisia 5-1 to seize control of World Cup group

Earlier in Group F, Japan scored late to draw 2-2 against the Netherlands.

Man crashes bike after hitting 'deliberately' placed rocks on Wellington's Te Ara Tupua path

The man says he removed six rocks weighing between five and seven kilograms from Wellington's Te Ara Tupua path.

S. Korea, UAE discuss AI, digital education cooperation

Education Vice Minister Choi Eun-ok met with United Arab Emirates Education Ministry Undersecretary Mohammed Al-Qassim in Seoul on Monday to discuss ways to expand bilateral cooperation in education, the Education Ministry said. The meeting held at Lotte Hotel Seoul in Jung-gu, central Seoul, focused on follow-up measures to education-related plans included in a joint declaration adopted by the two countries’ leaders in November 2025, during President Lee Jae Myung’s state visit to Abu Dhabi. Du

China's strike capacity over Australia set to expand, think tank says

China's ability to militarily strike Australia ​will grow markedly over the next decade, though the most immediate threats will come through cyberattacks and the cutting ‌of undersea communications cables, a report from the Lowy Institute think tank said Monday. A new long-range stealth bomber currently under development and the possible deployment of ‌missiles and aircraft to bases closer to Australia could "quickly and dramatically" increase the long-term threat, the Sydney-based non-partisan

For Chinese automakers, markets like Canada are more important than ever

As China’s powerhouse EV industry continues to dominate the globe, data shows demand is slowing domestically due to a reduction in government subsidies and a sluggish economy. This means export markets are more important than ever if the country’s automakers want to keep up production at its current pace.

War, sports collide as Iran's World Cup kicks off in Los Angeles

A divisive collision of geopolitics and sports is playing out in a community with emotional ties to two countries at war, setting the stage for drama and protest that will go beyond the pitch.

How do you get rid of 110 vats of smelly fish sauce? This Newfoundland town is finally getting an answer

It’ll take about 200 trips with a standard-sized dump truck to put an end to a stinky problem that has plagued the town of St. Mary’s, N.L., for the past 25 years.

Women with traumatic brain injury 26 per cent less likely to receive trauma care than men, Ontario study finds

New Ontario research shows women with traumatic brain injuries are far less likely to be admitted for trauma care than men, raising questions over why patients with similar, life-altering injuries may be receiving less-specialized treatment.

'She outworks everyone': Inside the rise of top PWHL prospect Caroline Harvey

The American defender was MVP at the Olympic tournament this past February. Now, she's likely to start her pro career in Vancouver, where the Goldeneyes have the first-overall pick.

Toronto Port Authority says Billy Bishop expansion would be self-funded. Some experts are skeptical

The Toronto Port Authority's CEO says expanding Billy Bishop Airport could cost $4 to $5 billion and would be self-funded. Some experts say it's unlikely a project of such scale would see a return on investment, given what the port authority’s financial statements reveal about the airport’s revenues.

Councillors call on Manurewa board member to resign after SFO referral

Two councillors urge Marshal Ahluwalia to resign after concern about his ability to serve amid ongoing allegations.

Russian strikes kill 11 and set Kyiv monastery alight

Russia fired a barrage of missiles at several major Ukrainian cities, setting Kyiv's historic Dormition Cathedral on fire and killing 11, while Ukraine strikes claimed three lives south of Moscow.

Colombians face stark choice on economy as runoff vote nears

BOGOTA, Colombia (AFP) -- Colombians eyeing a runoff election face two starkly different economic models against a backdrop of messy government finances. Right-wing candidate Abelardo de la Espriella wants a leaner state with pro-business policy while leftist Ivan Cepeda is pushing for greater government spending on social programs in the runup to the June 21 election. Outgoing leftist President Gustavo Petro is finishing his four-year term with high approval ratings among low income people beca

Trump turns 80 and celebrates with UFC cage fighting

WASHINGTON (AP) — Fueled by a dose of high-octane patriotism, US President Donald Trump and UFC boss Dana White walked out from the Oval Office to the Blue Room Balcony to chants of “USA!” “USA!” as fighter jets streaked overhead — before they settled in for a night of cage fighting on the White House lawn. A long-time fight fan with a 25-year professional relationship with White, Trump turned 80 on Sunday and military members and political dignitaries gathered on a blustery night on the South L

When could Iran deal bring petrol prices down?

News of a deal between Iran and the US is likely to be good news for petrol prices and interest rates - if it sticks.

China’s strike capacity over Australia set to expand, think tank says

The report said ​China can already strike ⁠northern Australia with missiles deployed to its South China Sea outposts.

BoyNextDoor sells 1m copies of 1st LP

BoyNextDoor’s first studio album, “Home,” sold over 1 million copies in the first week, its agency KOZ Entertainment announced on Monday. The LP is the group's fourth back-to-back million-selling set, after its third, fourth and fifth EPs “19.99,” “No Genre” and “The Action.” All six members participated in writing the songs, a first for the group, adding layers of personal experiences and feelings to four of the songs on the album. The LP debuted atop Oricon’s Daily Album Ranking upon its relea

Porirua councillor Mike Duncan remembered for his generous spirit and eye for detail

Council staff say Mike Duncan was open-minded, warm and friendly, and someone who cared about representing his community around the council table.

The search for Osamu Dazai’s memory in his hometown Mitaka

The novelist's hometown honors his memory, but with many buildings demolished, a pilgrimage is an exercise in imagination.

Samsung's Rainbow Robotics pilots warehouse robot at Coupang

Rainbow Robotics, the robot maker controlled by Samsung Electronics, has placed its mobile dual-arm robot RB-Y1 inside a Coupang fulfillment center, where the e-commerce company is running a trial to see whether the machine can handle warehouse work, according to a report Sunday by ETNews. The test checks how reliably the robot runs and how efficiently it sorts and moves goods, ETNews said, citing industry sources. A large order is expected to follow if the robot passes. None of the three compan

Man gets suspended sentence for throwing puppy from 15th floor because 'owner was late'

A man in his 20s received a suspended prison sentence for killing an acquaintance’s puppy by throwing it from the 15th floor of an apartment building after the dog’s owner was late for an appointment. According to the Cheongju District Court on Monday it has sentenced the man to eight months in prison, suspended for two years, on charges of violating the Animal Protection Act. The man was indicted for throwing a 2-month-old puppy owned by a younger acquaintance out of a 15th floor window in an a

Death of stowaway twin Joanne Ingham ruled natural causes

The 43-year-old was found unresponsive in a Wellington emergency housing complex.

UK to ban social media for under-16s

Children under age 16 will be banned from social media in the UK, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said.

Store-made deli meats recalled in South Island over possible presence of glass

The recalled items are ready-made chicken meals, available at New World Greymouth, New World Rolleston at Pak'n'Save Riccarton.

World Cup 2026: Sweden 5-1 Tunisia recap

Sweden burst into life to down Tunisia 5-1 to move top of Group F.

North Canterbury school mourns death of student in crash

The Rangiora High School year 11 student was remembered as a "fantastic young man".

Unclear if US-Iran agreement will provide respite to Lebanon

Pakistan says the deal includes Lebanon, but recent ceasefires there have failed to take hold.

New OCD therapy a 'gamechanger' for 17-year-old

Psychologists are hoping the four-day intensive therapy, which costs thousands, will become part of the system.

One in six young people face sexual harm - report

The numbers also showed just over one in 10 have been exposed to violence by an adult in their home.

Giant's Causeway formed faster than previously thought

Scientists have made a new discovery about the history of the Giant's Causeway rock formation in Co Antrim.

The toll of living for years in a motel to get dialysis

As John Jensen's kidneys began to fail, his only option for treatment was to live separated from his wife Shirley in a Christchurch motel.

Iran-US pact to halt war signed, details released 'soon'

US President Donald Trump has said an agreement with Iran ⁠has been signed and that the text of the deal would be released sometime after a formal signing on Friday, adding that the Strait of Hormuz would also be fully open.

Homeowner caught in 'crazy' flood waiting to hear if house a write-off

A Wellington father who scaled a nearly two-metre fence to escape rising floodwaters is still haunted by 'what ifs'.

Jurors, lawyers and social workers face 'resilience test' in inaccessible courts

Access issues faced by wheelchair users in courts include broken lifts, “unsafe” ramps and unsuitable toilets.

Why I sold my business to my staff

As more US company owners reach retirement age many are selling up to their employees.

Millions of people can get discounts on their bills - here's how

Lower social tariffs allow many people on benefits to get cheaper deals for water, broadband and phone.

Is the convertible heading into the sunset?

UK drivers have taken a shine to the SUV but could the fate of the convertible be reversed?

Why you might not be buying the right pain relief for period cramps

Many women are buying less effective pain medication for period cramps, supermarket data suggests.

12 dead after skydiving plane crashes in Missouri

A plane carrying a pilot and 11 passengers on a skydiving outing in Missouri crashed in a field and was engulfed in flames, killing all on board, authorities said.

Govt considering increasing threshold for higher tax rate

Minister for Finance Simon Harris says the Government is considering increasing the point at which workers enter the higher rate of tax for Budget 2027 in October.

Hurricanes capture 1st Stanley Cup title in 20 years after shutout win over Golden Knights

The Carolina Hurricanes captured their first Stanley Cup in 20 years after defeating the Golden Knights 3-0 in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup final Sunday night in Las Vegas.

World Cup 2026: Ivory Coast 1-0 Ecuador recap

Ivory Coast and Ecuador faced off in Group E with Amad Diallo scoring a late winner for the African outfit in Philadelphia.

Iran, U.S. have a deal of sorts. What happens next?

U.S. President Donald Trump and senior Iranian officials say they have reached a memorandum of understanding to bring an end to the war pitting the United States and Israel against Iran. Here's what we know about the deal so far.

Situation in Gaza 'dire' says UNICEF

UNICEF has said that after more than two years of violence, the situation in Gaza was "dire" and that people were struggling with the basics in daily life.

Beyond 'model minority': The overlooked histories of Asians in Aotearoa

From political outsiders to Indigenous identity journeys, a new book critiques simplistic multicultural narratives and highlights the complex dynamics within Asian communities.

Kura Forrester explores where cultural appropriation began - and how it feels

A new show looks at one of the world's most appropriated haka, how businesses integrate te ao Māori and why misappropriation still happens.

Pro-separation billboard still up after removal deadline from Alberta town passes

Cory Morgan says the sign he paid for is still standing in Taber, Alta., in defiance of a letter he says the town sent earlier this month to the private owner of the billboard demanding the message be removed by Saturday.

Mark Carney says Iran is 'topic number one' for G7

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has said he is encouraged by the progress that has been made towards a potential and more durable ceasefire between the US and Iran.

Rural Ontario communities reeling with grief after crash that killed 5 children

Rural Ontario communities are reeling with grief after a deadly crash on Friday took the lives of five children in one family from a town near Kitchener-Waterloo. The township's mayor says many in the area are turning to their faith to reckon with the loss.

Health NZ's work on medical scanning systems due to be completed

Faults were reported to have risen from a few dozen a year to more than 800 in 2024.

Researchers use tiny radio backpacks to track elusive gecko species

The northern striped gecko live on Coromandel Peninsula and are so skilled at camouflage, they weren't discovered until 1997.

B.C. community reports high demand for rural permanent residency program

The Rural Community Immigration Pilot allows small communities across Canada to recommend people with skills and jobs in selected sectors for permanent residency.

New mental health funding may not match need

Psychiatrists say the lack of data on the most pressing shortages - and absence of comprehensive planning - make new funding look piecemeal

How the food industry shapes your child's fussy eating

Heavy-handed marketing is a winning recipe for processed-food companies that target kids.

World Cup 2026: Germany 7-1 Curacao recap

We checked in with Greoup E today as the aristocrats of Germany took on the minnows of Curacao in Houston Stadium...

Plane crash in Missouri kills all 12 people aboard

A plane carrying a pilot and 11 passengers planning to spend a sunny afternoon skydiving crashed on Sunday in Missouri, killing all aboard, authorities said.

'A loss' - rally calls for Carlow College to be saved

A public demonstration has taken place at Carlow College, with staff and students calling for the future of the institution to be saved.

Ahead of G7, Carney says no one country will characterize new world order

The United States will play a role in a new world order where no one institution or country will have all the answers, Prime Minister Mark Carney said Sunday.

U.S. performer Oliver Tree, Argentine YouTube personality reportedly killed in Brazil helicopter crash

Two helicopters collided over Rio de Janeiro on Sunday morning and crashed in the city's western zone, killing all six people aboard, firefighters said.

Fine Gael to develop 'blueprint' for unified island

Fine Gael is to develop a new blueprint for a unified island which it will publish at the party's Ard Fheis in November.

Presidential office reaffirms NK's denuclearization as int'l community's 'consistent goal'

The presidential office said Sunday that North Korea's denuclearization remains a "consistent goal of the international community" after Pyongyang criticized Seoul and Washington for reaffirming their shared goal during recent high-level talks. A senior presidential official reiterated the government's position in response to remarks by North Korea's foreign ministry, which described denuclearization as an "irreversibly finalized" matter after South Korea and the United States reaffirmed their shared goal during the bilateral Nuclear Consultative Group meeting in Seoul on Thursday. "Denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula is a consistent goal of the international community, as reaffirmed through multiple U.N. Security Council resolutions," the official said. The official said cooperation between the allies on extended deterrence is part of the government's responsibility to protect its citizens and is fully consistent with the international nonproliferation regime and norms, including the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. Extended deterrence refers to a U.S. pledge to

Korea, Saudi Arabia sign agreement on crude oil, gas cooperation

Korea and Saudi Arabia have signed an agreement to seek cooperation in the energy resources industry, including crude oil and natural gas, amid recent volatility in global supply chains, the industry ministry said Sunday. Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Saudi Energy Minister Abdulaziz bin Salman to establish a framework for long-term cooperation in the supply of key energy resources during his two-day visit to the Middle Eastern nation that began Saturday. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy said the agreement outlines a wide range of areas for cooperation, including crude oil stockpiling, oil pipeline infrastructure development, as well as the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies to drive innovation in the energy industry. Kim also met with Saudi Investment Minister Fahad Al-Saif and Industry and Mineral Resources Minister Bandar Al-Khorayef, reviewing the progress of Korean companies' projects in the Middle Eastern nation. "Amid lingering instability in global supply chains, we have secured a stable supply o

Israeli military strikes Beirut suburbs in the lead-up to anticipated US-Iran deal

The Israeli military announced Sunday it launched strikes on Beirut targeting Hezbollah infrastructure. Smoke could be seen rising over the Lebanese capital. The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the strikes were in response to Hezbollah attacks in northern Israel. When Israel last struck the Beirut suburbs a week ago, Iran responded with strikes on Israel. Tehran, which is Hezbollah’s main backer, has insisted that any U.S.-Iran ceasefire deal must also include an end to Israeli strikes in Lebanon. Hezbollah fired missiles into Israel on March 2, two days after the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran, sparking war in the Middle East. Iran and the U.S. inched closer to a deal to end the Iran war , as Qatari mediators traveled to Tehran on Sunday to finalize the agreement, according to two regional officials. The officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media, expressed cautious optimism that the U.S. and Iran were finally approaching an agreement that could halt hostilities that have killed thousands of people a

President says ember of hope for dialogue, cooperation with N. Korea still exists

President Lee Jae Myung said Sunday he believes the "ember of hope" for reviving dialogue and cooperation with North Korea still exists, reaffirming his commitment to making the utmost efforts to establish peace with Pyongyang. The president made the remarks in his speech during a special Mass at the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls in Rome, celebrated by South Korea-born Cardinal Lazzaro You Heung-sik under the theme of peace and solidarity. Lee is visiting Italy as part of his broader European trip, his first since taking office in June last year. He is set to visit the Holy See for a visit with Pope Leo XIV on Monday. Lee referred to the inter-Korean joint statement adopted June 15, 2000, calling it a "historic turning point" that, he said, signaled the possibility of overcoming inter-Korean tensions and opening up dialogue and cooperation. The president noted the first inter-Korean joint statement had led to reunions of families separated by the 1950-53 Korean War, as well as humanitarian cooperation and other exchanges, opening the door to new hopes for building peace on the

US tech firm files defamation suit against KBS over report on its technology

U.S. tech firm SeeDevice has filed a defamation lawsuit against Korean Broadcasting System (KBS) and its U.S. affiliate, KBS America, accusing them of inaccurate reporting on its technology that cost the company a major commercial opportunity and wasted years of research. The company said last week that a trial has been set at the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California to begin in January 2027. The case stems from an August 2024 KBS report alleging the Korean government decided to retract its research grant after finding the company's technology to be fraudulent. At the center of the dispute is QMOS, SeeDevice's proprietary sensor technology designed to simultaneously detect visible light as well as X-rays, ultraviolet and short-wave infrared wavelengths invisible to the human eye, without the specialized materials and processes that many conventional infrared sensors require. In its reporting, KBS cited an insider who alleged that the technology, developed by Korean American Kim Hoon, founder and CEO of SeeDevice, lacked substance. It reported it had raised questions

Choi Jung-wha, pioneer of cultural diplomacy, dies at 71

Choi Jung-wha, an honorary professor at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies and chairperson of the Corea Image Communication Institute (CICI), passed away on Sunday, according to her family. She was 71. Choi was a pioneering figure in cultural diplomacy and interpretation who dedicated her life to enhancing Korea’s national image and strengthening the country’s ties with France. Born in Seoul in 1955, Choi graduated from Hankuk University of Foreign Studies with a degree in French and later obtained her master's and doctoral degrees from the Graduate School for Translation and Interpretation at Sorbonne Nouvelle University in Paris. She became the first Korean to work as a simultaneous interpreter for international conferences. Throughout her career, she interpreted for more than 20 bilateral summits and over 2,000 international conferences. She served as the primary interpreter for French presidents, including Francois Mitterrand during his official visit to Korea and Jacques Chirac during his summits with former President Roh Moo-hyun. In 2003, Choi founded the CICI, a nonprofit o

Mexican man apologizes for racist gesture toward Korean YouTuber at World Cup

A Mexican football fan who made a racist gesture toward a Korean YouTuber during the Korea-Czech Republic match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup apologized amid widespread controversy. Korean YouTuber Ino Cat, who has 6.6 million subscribers, posted a video Thursday from Akron Stadium in Zapopan near Guadalajara, Mexico, where she had watched the Group A opener between Korea and the Czech Republic. In the caption, she asked viewers, “Tell me if I'm just being too sensitive,” with the English caption “POV: When you experienced racism at the World Cup.” The footage shows her taking a selfie and waving at the camera while, behind her, a Mexican man looks directly into the lens and pulls both eyes back with his index fingers — a gesture long recognized as insulting toward people of Asian descent. The man in the video was later identified as Ulises Fernando Bernal Miramontes, president of an engineering association in the Mexican state of Jalisco. As the controversy grew, he posted a video apology over the weekend. “I sincerely regret everything this situation has caused. I have taken t

Parties push for constitutional reform of election agency

Korea's two major parties are both pushing for the reform of the National Election Commission (NEC) following widespread backlash over ballot shortages in the June 3 local elections. Although there is general consensus among the public for an overhaul of the agency, the move faces challenges as the rival parties differ on how to reform it, with any change to the independent body requiring a constitutional amendment, which would need to pass in a national referendum. The shortages, which led to the suspension of voting at dozens of polling stations, drew fierce criticism for infringing on voting rights. The incident exposed a broader accountability gap. While constitutional protections were designed to guarantee the NEC's independence, Constitutional Court rulings blocking external audits have instead left the watchdog operating with a lack of oversight, fostering a culture of lax internal management. The ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) put emphasis on ramping up external checks and balances as well as boosting the watchdog's expertise by overhauling the current system. Rep. Lee Ju-

Mirae Asset Securities fails to secure SpaceX IPO shares, frustrating Korean investors

Korean investors were shut out of SpaceX's record-breaking initial public offering (IPO) after domestic underwriters, including Mirae Asset Securities, failed to receive any shares in the final allocation process, according to industry officials Sunday. Shares in the Elon Musk-led aerospace and satellite company surged more than 19 percent from their IPO price in their Nasdaq debut on Friday, closing at $161.11. The gain gave SpaceX a market value of $2.1 trillion and made Musk the world's first trillionaire on paper. For domestic investors, securing shares through the IPO would have provided a chance to buy the stock at its $135 offering price before its sharp first-day rally. Instead, they were left empty-handed. SpaceX had initially earmarked 2.31 million shares for Mirae Asset Securities out of the 555.6 million common shares sold in the offering. But Goldman Sachs, the lead underwriter, ultimately allocated no saleable shares to any Korean members of the underwriting syndicate. Market participants attributed the move to stronger-than-expected demand from institutional investors, pro

Why Trump and other G7 leaders meeting without China might be mistake

PARIS — From the outset, China wasn't included when major powers gathered in 1975 at a chateau outside Paris to fix the slumping global economy, the first of what have become annual summits by the G7 club of wealthy nations to forward their interests. No surprise there. Imagining Chinese revolutionary leader Mao Zedong brainstorming with U.S. President Gerald Ford and other leaders would have been unthinkable. China was in turmoil, nowhere close to becoming the economic giant it is now. Mao had also helped defeat France and U.S. forces in Vietnam, by militarily supporting Ho Chi Minh's communists that took power. So Mao would have been the odd man out had he been at the inaugural Rambouillet summit of six nations, growing into the G7 when Canada joined the following year. But as U.S. President Donald Trump and his G7 counterparts gather again in France from Monday, China’s exclusion from the informal club's summits also looks odd, given its now immense sway over the world's economic well-being and affairs. Put simply: Without China, does the G7 make sense? By the numbers, China would

Ban on foreign access to Anthropic models highlights need for AI sovereignty

Anthropic's ban of foreign nationals' access to its most advanced artificial intelligence (AI) models in response to a U.S. government order highlights how cutting-edge AI tools have effectively become strategic assets subject to government export controls, experts said Sunday. With the Korean government and firms restricted from accessing those models, the move has reinforced calls for Korea to hedge against such risks through a more strategic approach and by strengthening its AI sovereignty. Anthropic on Friday cut off foreign access to its Fable 5 and Mythos 5 models, saying the U.S. government believes there is a method of bypassing a safeguard against using the model to find cybersecurity holes. Mythos 5 is Anthropic's security-focused model designed to identify software vulnerabilities at an expert level, while Fable 5 is a safety-tuned version developed for broader public deployment. The latest restrictions were imposed in the form of a U.S. export control measure, according to Anthropic. News website Semafor reported that the move was prompted by concerns that a China-linked grou

Qatari negotiators flew to Tehran in effort to finalize deal to end war with US, source says

Qatari negotiators flew to Tehran on Sunday morning as part of effort to finalize an agreement to end U.S.-Iran war, a source with knowledge of the situation told Reuters. U.S. and Pakistani leaders forecast a Sunday signing of a framework agreement to end the more than three-month-long war, but Tehran cast doubt over the timing as hardline protesters in Iran voiced opposition.

Surging SK shares complicate owner's property division suit

The high-stakes property division suit between SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won and his former wife Roh Soh-yeong are heading into a critical juncture, as a dramatic surge in SK Inc.'s stock price has introduced fresh legal complications over how marital assets should be valued and divided. The Seoul High Court is scheduled to hold a second mediation session on Monday in the retrial of the property division case, which was remanded by the Supreme Court last year. Both sides are widely expected to appear in person — their first face-to-face courtroom encounter in roughly two years and two months since the final appellate hearing in April 2024. At the heart of the dispute is the stock value of SK Inc., the holding company of SK Group. When the appellate court closed arguments in April 2024, shares were traded at around 160,000 won ($105). They have since surged to approximately 600,000 won, driven by mounting expectations surrounding the expansion of the group's artificial intelligence (AI) ecosystem and the strong rally of its cash-cow chipmaker, SK hynix. The timing question is now lega

Le Mans race offers chance to prove Genesis' durability, quality: Hyundai Motor CEO

The 24 Hours of Le Mans, a major racing event held in France, offers Hyundai Motor Group an opportunity to demonstrate the quality and durability of Genesis, the conglomerate's luxury brand, its chief has said. Jose Munoz, president and chief executive officer (CEO) of Hyundai Motor, made the remark Friday (local time) as Genesis made its debut at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, which kicked off Saturday. During a press conference, Munoz added the 24 Hours of Le Mans also helps the company understand the direction of its technological development. Hyundai Motor, meanwhile, plans to speed up efforts to expand the market presence of Genesis in Europe on the back of the racing event. Genesis plans to enter Poland, Portugal, Denmark and Austria next year, which will bring its presence in Europe to a total of 11 countries. Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Euisun Chung also visited the venue and encouraged members of the Genesis Magma Racing team, according to the business group. The 24 Hours of Le Mans is a flagship event of the FIA World Endurance Championship, in which the team covering the great

Disgraced Yoon's unforgivable crime

The court's conviction of former President Yoon Suk Yeol on charges related to the deployment of drones into Pyongyang's airspace marks one of the most consequential moments in the nation's constitutional history. More than simply the downfall of one political leader, the ruling stands as a stark warning about the dangers of unchecked executive power and the catastrophic consequences that can follow when state institutions are subordinated to personal political ambitions. According to the court's findings, Yoon deliberately sought to manufacture a national security crisis by provoking North Korea, in order to create a pretext for declaring martial law. This represents not merely an abuse of authority but a profound betrayal of public trust. The president wields immense powers, none more significant than command of the armed forces. Those powers are entrusted to the nation's leader for specific purposes: the defense of the state and the protection of its citizens. They are not instruments to be deployed in service of political survival or personal ambition. The gravity of the offense li

[RESTAURANT OF THE WEEK] No bad luck at SOL Taphouse

There are fewer pleasures in life than going to Busan. The city offers up the delights of sunshine, beaches, urbanity and local cuisine such as "dwaeji-gukbap" (pork rice soup) or the myriad of "eomuk" (fish cake) producers. I’m going to hazard a guess that most people wouldn’t associate Korea’s coastal “second city” with great pizza. But they should. Enter SOL (which stands for "Slice of Life," not the other thing) Taphouse. Located on the fourth floor of a building across from Gwangalli Beach, it offers stunning views of the beach, Gwangan Bridge and the revelries that occur at street level below. The atmosphere inside is a cross between cozy, Victorian factory and neo-industrial chic, and somehow it works. This is a great date spot for these reasons alone, but let's get into the main attraction shall we? I’ve had a lot of great pizza in Korea and I even sang the praises of “Best Pizza on the Peninsula” at Spill Out in Seoul's Yeonnam-dong a few years back. SOL Taphouse is just as good. I couldn’t believe it when I’d uttered these words out loud to myself, sitting

9th Korean oil tanker successfully transits Red Sea

A Korean vessel has successfully transited the Red Sea and is currently en route home, marking the ninth crude oil shipment to use the route, the oceans ministry said Sunday. The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries said the oil tanker loaded crude oil at Saudi Arabia's Yanbu Port and passed through the Red Sea as the country seeks to import oil through alternative routes amid the ongoing disruption to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. It marked the ninth such shipment since April. "As the vessel passed through the Red Sea, we monitored the situation around the clock and provided safety information while maintaining communication channels between the government, the shipper and the vessel," the ministry said. "We will continue efforts to maintain the stability of crude oil supplies to the country," it added.

1 in 4 Seoul residents don’t drink at all, survey finds

Nearly one out of four residents in Seoul reported not drinking alcohol at all in the past year, according to a new citywide survey that shows drinking frequency decreasing and flexible forms of vegetarianism on the rise. The survey, based on responses from more than 3,000 adults and released Sunday by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, showed that 23.7 percent of respondents said they had not consumed alcohol at all over the last 12 months — up from the previous year’s 21.6 percent. Among those who do drink, the number of Seoul residents drinking several times a week appears to be declining. The share of respondents who said they drink four or more times a week was 1 percent, down from 1.4 percent the previous year. Those drinking two to three times a week fell to 12.5 percent from 13.4 percent, while those drinking two to four times a month dropped to 23 percent from 31.5 percent. Less frequent drinking also became more common. The share of people who said they drink about once a month rose to 22.6 percent from 19.8 percent, and those who drink less than once a month increased to

Dangers of process-light diplomacy with North Korea

Ever since U.S. Donald Trump won his first term as president, some observers have hoped that his unconventional approach could lead to a breakthrough with North Korea. But after more than five years in office across two terms, the record of Trump’s negotiating style suggests any future talks could create more opportunities for Pyongyang than progress towards resolving the nuclear issue. During Trump’s first term, the administration largely followed a conventional foreign policy approach, even if Trump’s willingness to meet with Kim Jong-un was unconventional. The administration appointed Stephen Biegun as special envoy and he built a team to manage negotiations with Pyongyang. Ultimately, it was North Korea’s approach to the talks that contributed to the failures in Hanoi. By pushing nearly every decision to the Trump-Kim meeting, Pyongyang entered the summit with no assurances of success and miscalculated by presenting Trump with a proposal he could not accept. Trump’s second term, however, is not a continuation of the first and it creates vulnerabilities that North Korea can

EVAN drops snippets of debut solo single 'RIDE OR DIE'

Former ENHYPEN member EVAN dropped snippets of his upcoming debut solo single "RIDE OR DIE" on his official social media channels Saturday, giving fans their first listen ahead of the June 22 release. The digital single includes two tracks, "Ride or Die" and "Overflow." Through an official press release Sunday, his label Belift Lab said EVAN wrote, composed and produced both songs and took part in visual creative work across the project. "Ride or Die" is an alternative rock track that blends pop-rock and hyperpop elements. The song deals with longing and overwhelming emotion directed at another person. Belift Lab said the track also carries a message to fans. The single's second track, "Overflow," is a quieter indie-pop song. The title refers to the image of water brimming at the edge of a glass, which EVAN used as a metaphor for layered, complex emotions. Belift Lab said the song leaves its emotional direction open, allowing listeners to interpret it as comfort, sadness or empathy depending on their own circumstances. The single's title, "RIDE OR DIE," is an English idiomatic expression

Hanwha Aerospace launches independent safety committee following fatal fire

Hanwha Aerospace, a defense affiliate of Hanwha Group, said Sunday it has launched an independent committee to oversee the company's safety system following this month's deadly fire at its factory that claimed five lives. The defense company said the new committee includes 11 external safety experts who will inspect Hanwha Aerospace's overall safety conditions and suggest ways to improve the overall working environment. The announcement came after a fire at the company's factory in Daejeon, located about 140 kilometers south of Seoul, killed five people and injured two others. The committee will also include two members recommended by the company's labor union. Hanwha Aerospace, meanwhile, said it invested 247 billion won ($162 million) in 2025 to improve the company's safety environment, up sharply from 11.4 billion won the previous year. The company plans to invest 452.4 billion won this year to further improve workplace safety, it added.

Funeral for Iran's late supreme leader to begin July 4

ISLAMABAD — Funeral ceremonies for former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei will be in July, the country's state-run television said Saturday, as mediators said an agreement to end the war was close. The funeral, burial and farewell events for Khamenei will take place between July 4 and 9 during Muharram, a traditional period of mourning in the Shiite Muslim calendar. Khamenei was killed in the opening attack of the war that Israel and the United States launched against Iran in late February. He is succeeded by his son, Mojtaba, who is seen as even less compromising. Pakistan says a deal to end the war is imminent Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said a deal aimed at ending the war was closer than “ever before” and expected to be finalized within 24 hours. Pakistan was preparing for the electronic signing of the agreement, to be followed immediately by technical-level talks next week. In a post on X, Sharif said: “We would like to thank United States of America and Islamic Republic of Iran for their ongoing commitment during the negotiations, and we extend our s

Investigators to question election watchdog officials soon over local election ballot shortage

A joint team of police investigators and prosecutors will soon question election watchdog officials over shortages of ballot papers during the June 3 local elections, legal sources said Sunday. The expected move comes as the National Election Commission (NEC) has taken flak for the shortages that temporarily suspended voting at 26 polling stations, mostly in Seoul, during the elections earlier this month. The team completed a search and seizure on NEC's servers on Saturday to secure internal messages and other records as part of a probe into the cause of the shortages. The team plans to soon call in front-line NEC officials stationed in areas that experienced the shortages for questioning before summoning senior officials, including the NEC's former chief who resigned over the incident. The investigation is focused on whether NEC officials exerted undue influence regarding the printing of the ballot papers and how they responded to the shortages. Under the election law, civil servants are restricted from using their position to exert undue influence in an election. The team raided seven lo

Airlines on high alert over strengthening dollar, prolonged oil price hike

Korea’s aviation industry is facing severe headwinds, as a combination of high oil prices and a weakening Korean won is feared to slow down major airlines' earnings recovery. According to estimates by market tracker, FnGuide, the nation’s five major listed airlines are forecast to report combined operating losses of around 823.6 billion won ($542 million) in the second quarter. The weakening local currency and rising fuel costs have directly weighed on airlines' profitability, as fuel expenses typically account for about 30 percent of an airline's total operating costs. For instance, Korean Air and Asiana Airlines consume an estimated 42.05 million barrels of jet fuel this year. This means a mere $1 fluctuation per barrel triggers a direct impact of approximately $42.05 million on their combined bottom lines. The average price of Singapore kerosene, a benchmark for jet fuel, spiked from $89.03 per barrel in February to $151.73 per barrel in May. This is a surge of around 70 percent following the outbreak of armed conflicts in the Middle East in late February. The won-dollar exchange r

South Korea’s most successful export is curiosity

Following BTS’ return after their military service, the number of Duolingo users in the U.S. learning Korean rose by 22 percent compared to the previous year, according to The New York Times. Well, Korea is usually described through its cultural exports: K-pop, TV dramas, cosmetics, brands and perhaps kimchi. It’s a handy formula, but it only explains the audience’s initial reaction. What’s far less obvious is this: very often, interest in Korean content doesn’t stop at the content itself. It’s just the starting point. Because many people start with music or K-dramas and unexpectedly end up somewhere completely different. At first, it’s a single music video or an episode. Then comes the second episode, followed by a playlist, then short videos about life in Seoul. Next, videos about Korean universities, cities, customs and even everyday details like how people spend a typical day suddenly appear. And at some point, it becomes a little awkward to admit: the interest is no longer in the content. The interest is in the country. This is precisely what makes the influence of Ko

Foreigners' medical expenditures hit fresh high in May: data

The combined amount of medical expenditures by foreign tourists in May hit a fresh high, data showed Sunday, in line with the growing popularity of Korean pharmaceutical products, as well as demand for health and beauty-related services. According to data compiled by the Korea Tourism Organization, foreigners spent a combined 251.1 billion won ($165.2 million) on medical services in May, up 0.5 percent from a year earlier. The estimate is based on expenditures made by foreign tourists using Shinhan Card, the organization said. The figure marked a sharp rise from 109.6 billion won and 204.4 billion won recorded in February and March, respectively. Of the total, 57.8 percent was spent at dermatology clinics, followed by plastic surgery facilities and pharmacies with 18 percent and 12.9 percent, respectively. Industry watchers also said growing demand for pharmaceutical products, whose share accounted for just 4.9 percent in January last year, has been one of the contributing drivers of the overall growth. By nationality, Chinese visitors spent the most at 63.6 billion won, followed by Americ

New jokbo research

In my last column, I wrote about the shifting paradigm of the Korean family. I looked at how things have changed in my lifetime and how they might change more in the future. I also wrote about the changing "jokbo" — the traditional Korean genealogical registers — last November, which led to the Korea Times sponsoring a forum on the changes in the jokbo. Today column discusses how the changes are being played out and how new technology (and yes, artificial intelligence) are changing the traditional jokbo in Korea today, and how it will change in the near future. The paradigm shift from a jokbo that is predominantly male — what the sociologists call an “agnatic” organization, meaning “men related to men, through men,” to an egalitarian, or gender balanced approach to family and ancestry, means a different view of family and the ancestors. Which way is Korea going? In the direction of Western family and jokbo. Yes, Western jokbo. The Korean view of jokbo is such that from time to time, when I tell a Korean friend about my own jokbo, the reaction is almost always, “you have

Hana Institute of Finance hosts seminar on productive finance

The Hana Institute of Finance held a joint seminar Thursday with the Korea Institute of Finance and the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics and Trade (KIET) to discuss the role of productive finance in supporting industrial growth, Hana Financial Group said Sunday. The event examined how industrial and financial policies can be better aligned to strengthen national competitiveness amid ongoing shifts in global supply chains. Participants also discussed ways to improve coordination between public and private financing and how support frameworks for future high-tech industries could evolve. In a congratulatory address, Hana Financial Group Chairman Ham Young-joo emphasized the role of private financial institutions in driving industrial transformation. “Industrial ecosystems at home and abroad are rapidly shifting toward tech-driven sectors such as artificial intelligence (AI), data and energy. To keep pace with these changes, financial and industrial policies must work in tandem as complementary pillars of the country’s growth strategy,” he said. The chairman noted how financia

The world cup in the heart of the United States

The world cup in the heart of the United States

SK chairman calls for full-fledged AI transformation

SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won urged executives and employees to pursue full-fledged efforts toward artificial intelligence (AI) transformation in order to seize the current opportunity stemming from the strong alignment between the group’s business portfolio and the AI value chain, the conglomerate said Sunday. Chey made the remarks during the 2026 Icheon Forum, an annual seminar attended by SK employees and outside experts, held from Thursday through Saturday. “Now is the time to launch our AI transformation effort at full speed across every corner of our businesses,” Chey said. “For this, we must first have to clearly define our business and determine what and how we can innovate through AI.” He stressed the importance of AI transformation in improving SK Group’s operation capability, urging the use of AI agents across the organization. “More than 90 percent of our employees are already using AI, but we now need AI that goes beyond individual use and genuinely helps the team by turning those efforts into organizationwide performance," he said. Chey said SK Group is now wi

Korea's ICT exports for May hit all-time high amid AI chip demand: data

Korea's exports of information and communication technology (ICT) products posted the highest monthly figure on record in May, driven by demand for semiconductors and other products related to the artificial intelligence (AI) ecosystem, data showed Sunday. Outbound ICT shipments reached $47.79 billion last month, a surge of 128.9 percent from $20.88 billion a year earlier, according to the data from the Ministry of Science and ICT. This marks the first time that monthly ICT exports have exceeded the $40 billion mark for three consecutive months, the ministry said. Imports rose 36 percent on-year to $15.7 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of $32.09 billion in the sector. By product, semiconductor exports soared 169.2 percent on-year to $37.16 billion, supported by continued investments in AI servers as well as an increase in memory chip prices, the ministry said. Shipments of computers and related equipment more than tripled from a year earlier to $4.33 billion, reflecting rising demand for solid-state drives (SSDs) used in AI data centers. Smartphone exports also jumped a solid 15.9 pe

MONDAY, June 15, 2026

1215-King John of England signs the Magna Carta at Runnymede near Windsor in Surrey, limiting royal authority and establishing the principle that the king and his government are not above the law 1219 According to legend, Dannebrog, the flag of Denmark and the oldest national flag in the world falls from the sky during the Battle of Lyndanisse (now Tallinn) in Estonia and turns the Danes' luck 1389-Ottomans defeat the Serbian army in the bloody Battle of Kosovo, opening the way for the Ottoman conquest of Southeastern Europe. Large losses on both sides including Sultan Murad and Serbian leader Prince Lazar. (NS date) 1896-A tsunami strikes a Shinto festival on the beach at Sanriku, Japan; 27,000 people are killed, 9,000 are injured, and 13,000 houses are destroyed 1940-German troops occupy Paris as French resistance to the German invasion crumbles 1991-Climactic eruption of Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines, the second-largest volcanic eruption on Earth in the 20th century

Defense chief to propose target year for wartime OPCON transfer at year-end meeting

The target year for Korea regaining wartime operational control (OPCON) from the United States will be proposed to the presidents of both countries at the end of this year, Seoul's defense chief said Sunday. Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back made the remarks in an interview with broadcaster KBS, as President Lee Jae Myung's administration has sought to complete the transfer within Lee's term, which ends in 2030. "Discussions on the verification of full operational capability (FOC) will take place with the U.S. defense secretary at the Security Consultative Meeting in November and based on this, a proposal will be made to both presidents," Ahn said. "Then, the year for wartime OPCON recovery will be decided." The allies are in the process of verifying the FOC — the second part of a three-phase program aimed at vetting Seoul's capabilities to lead the allies' combined forces. Korea handed over operational control of its troops to the U.S.-led U.N. Command during the 1950-53 Korean War. It was then transferred to the allies' Combined Forces Command when the command was launched in 1978. Korea

Hyundai Motor Group takes up 11.8% of US market through April: data

Hyundai Motor Group accounted for 11.8 percent of the U.S. automobile market in the January-April period this year, data showed Sunday, on the back of strong sales of hybrids and other eco-friendly models. According to data compiled by industry tracker Omdia, the combined market share of Hyundai Motor and Kia Corp. rose 1 percentage point from a year earlier during the first four months of 2026, ranking fourth behind General Motors, Toyota Motor Corp. and Ford Motor. The combined sales moved up 1.3 percent over the period to 589,936. For all of 2025, Hyundai Motor Group posted a record market share of 11.3 percent in the U.S. market, with industry watchers expressing optimism that the Korean automotive giant could break the 12 percent threshold this year. Industry watchers said Hyundai Motor Group appears to have expanded its market share on the back of strong sales of hybrid and other eco-friendly models amid weakening demand for conventional vehicles following global oil price hikes. "Through our powertrain strategy encompassing our entire eco-friendly lineup, we are addressing market d

Anthropic cuts access to AI models over US 'national security' order

SAN FRANCISCO — Anthropic said Friday it has suspended access to two powerful AI models, Fable 5 and Mythos 5, to comply with a U.S. national security order. Just three days after publicly launching Fable 5, the company said in a blog post that it received a government directive banning all foreign nationals, even ones who work at Anthropic, from accessing Fable 5 and Mythos 5 over national security concerns. "The net effect of this order is that we must abruptly disable Fable 5 and Mythos 5 for all our customers to ensure compliance," it said. The company said it received the letter at 5:21 pm (2121 GMT) Friday. Axios reported that the letter came from U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. The U.S. Commerce officials did not immediately respond to a request from AFP. The firm said that the letter did not state what specifically concerned the government. However, the firm's "understanding is that the government believes it has become aware of a method of bypassing, or 'jailbreaking'" the Fable 5 model such that it could aid hacking. Fable 5, released Tuesday, is a locked-down version of

N. Korea calls denuclearization 'irreversibly finalized' matter

North Korea on Sunday called denuclearization an "irreversibly finalized" matter as it denounced recent talks between South Korea and the United States that reaffirmed the goal of the North's denuclearization. An unnamed spokesperson of the North's foreign ministry issued the criticism, after South Korea and the United States reaffirmed the shared goal at the bilateral Nuclear Consultative Group meeting on Thursday. "It is an unreasonable talk and fantastic daydream to mention about disarming the other belligerent party's nuclear weapons," the spokesperson said in a statement carried by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). "The U.S. and its vassal forces' meaningless rhetoric against the DPRK and cooperation in posing a nuclear threat to it can never affect the irreversible position of the DPRK as a nuclear weapons state," the spokesperson said. "The 'denuclearization' is an irreversibly finalized matter." DPRK stands for the North's official name — the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. The spokesperson also took issue with the bilateral Extended Deterrence Dialogue between the U

The AI revolution mirrors the green transition

CHICAGO/NEW YORK — The artificial intelligence (AI) race is already generating forces that are transforming the global economy. That makes it surprisingly similar to the green transition, given the potential of both to upend traditional industries, labor markets, and geopolitical balances. Both call for trillions of dollars in upfront investments in exchange for significant benefits over the medium and long term. The promise of AI is that it will cut unnecessary costs, boost labor productivity, and help humans solve previously intractable problems. Equally, the green transition would do nothing less than contain climate change, the mother of all global externalities. It would eliminate the risk of both “climateflation” (higher prices caused by climate-driven supply shocks) and “fossilflation” (when hydrocarbon supply shocks, like the one caused by the current closure of the Strait of Hormuz, reverberate through the world economy). It would also improve public health, increase economic resilience, create jobs, preserve fragile ecosystems, and deliver many additional benefits.

1 out of 3 Koreans obese, highest among men in 30s, 40s: data

One out of three Koreans was obese as of 2024, data showed Sunday, with obesity rates among men in their 30s and 40s hovering above 50 percent. According to data compiled by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, the obesity rate among Koreans aged 19 or older came to 34.4 percent in 2024. The survey was conducted on 230,000 participants. It marked a slight rise from 32.2 percent recorded in 2021, the agency said. The figure stood at 26.3 percent in 2015. Korea defines individuals with a body mass index (BMI), a measure of body fat based on height and weight, of 25 or higher as obese. The obesity rate among men came to 41.4 percent, far above the 23 percent recorded for women. The survey showed men in their 30s and 40s posted obesity rates of 53.1 percent and 50.3 percent, respectively. The figure gradually declined to 26 percent among those aged 70 and older. Women in their 30s and 40s, on the other hand, posted obesity rates of around 21 percent, with the figure gradually rising to a peak of 27.9 percent among those in their 70s. The report also showed men living alone were less

Impressive Korea starts World Cup with a bang

Korea came from behind to beat the Czech Republic 2-1 on Thursday evening (local time) in Guadalajara to start the 2026 World Cup with a deserved win, even if it was touch and go for a while. Some missed chances meant that for a while, it looked like the points were slipping away, but in the end it was a fine performance from coach Hong Myung-bo’s men. The Taegeuk Warriors' first opening win at the World Cup since 2010 sets them up nicely to get out Group A and into the knockout stages. The three points are welcome, but so is the fact that Korea played some exciting and attractive soccer, in contrast to the physical Czechs who mostly threatened from set pieces. Hwang In-beom was the star; the midfielder scored a fine equalizer and then assisted Oh Hyeon-gyu for the winning goal. After all the pretournament criticism and uncertainty, there were big smiles on the faces of the Korean players and their army of fans in Mexico. The first half belonged to the 2002 semifinalists. Lee Kang-in was pulling the strings going forward, picking out passes and finding space. Son Heung-min is still th

Lee Kang-in gearing up for match vs. ex-club coach: 'He's just an opponent'

ZAPOPAN, Mexico — In an intriguing subplot for Korea in their upcoming Group A match against Mexico at the FIFA World Cup, midfielder Lee Kang-in will try to beat his former club coach who is now in charge of Mexico, Javier Aguirre. It was under Aguirre at the Spanish outfit RCD Mallorca that Lee first demonstrated his playmaking chops during the 2022-2023 La Liga season. He set career highs with six goals and seven assists then, and parlayed that into a deal with the French giants Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2023. Aguirre saw potential in Lee that the Korean's other coaches might not have identified, and the Mexican tactician was once quoted as saying, "I believe that (Lee) is the most talented player in the squad and he's so lethal in one-on-one situations." Now 25, Lee is widely considered one of Korea's most important players, a creative force who can thread the needle through tight gaps. In Korea's 2-1 win over Czechia in their Group A opener on Thursday, Lee set up the team's equalizer by Hwang In-beom with a sharp through ball that punctured a hole on the opposing defe

What China offered a Korean researcher to live, work in Shenzhen

A long line of travelers stretched in front of airport check-in counters and security checkpoints, their faces weary as they waited. At Shenzhen Baoan International Airport in Guangdong province, a regional hub in southern China connected to major airports across the country, it was a familiar sight — until one man breezed past them as if the line did not exist. Shin Young-chul, a professor from Korea, was ushered down a carpeted priority lane to a dedicated counter. The stringent ID checks often associated with Chinese airports were waived for him, and within seconds, he passed through security and was guided to a VIP lounge. After the entire process, which took less than five minutes, Shin leisurely waited for his flight before departing for Dali, Yunnan province. For Shin, who has been based in Shenzhen for five years, the experience no longer comes as a surprise. As an associate research professor in the department of chemical biology at the Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech), he is recognized by the Guangdong provincial and Shenzhen municipal governments as h

Can't give up noodles? Try these vegetable alternatives

Click here for more articles by Kormedi.com. As temperatures rise, many people find themselves craving a refreshing bowl of noodles rather than a heavy meal. Whether it's spicy mixed noodles or a chilled noodle dish, noodles are a popular summer comfort food. The downside is that noodle-based meals are often high in carbohydrates and may leave you feeling hungry again not long after eating. For those who can't imagine giving up noodles, there is a simple solution: reduce the amount of wheat noodles and replace part of them with vegetables cut into noodle-like strands. Zucchini, carrots and cucumbers can all be sliced into long, thin strips using a julienne peeler or vegetable slicer, creating "vegetable noodles" that add bulk, texture and nutrients while lowering the calorie content of a meal. Zucchini Zucchini is one of the easiest vegetables to turn into noodles. Because it contains a lot of water and has a mild flavor, it pairs well with a wide variety of seasonings. At just 16 calories per 100 grams, zucchini can be added generously without significantly increasing the calorie count o

Reinventing cooperation to fix fragmented world

We stand at a critical moment in history. For decades, the global order was built on the free exchange of ideas and the free flow of capital and goods across borders. Today, that once-interconnected world is increasingly under strain. The world is poles apart, driven partly by shifting geopolitical dynamics, global supply chain disruptions, fierce technological competition and a growing turn toward inward-looking national policies. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the U.S.-Israeli strikes against Iran and heightened tensions in the South China Sea — where traditional maritime security concerns are increasingly intertwined with emerging technological and cyberthreats — all these signal a new era of fragmentation and composite warfare. International institutions like the United Nations, once considered the bedrock of global cooperation and conflict resolution, now find themselves hamstrung as countries build walls and close borders in increasingly insular strategies. At the same time, the intensifying U.S.-China rivalry and growing geopolitical tensions have contributed to global frag

No more free passes for Pam Bondi

The most subversive aspect of Donald Trump’s tyrannical designs and paranoia is his corruption of the Department of Justice. He has made it into a personal weapon against any perceived foe whom he wants to destroy. This alone makes Trump’s third impeachment long overdue. He couldn’t do it alone. His accomplices need to be held to account, especially the administration’s most notorious Floridian, Pam Bondi, his former attorney general, and Todd Blanche, the acting attorney general whom he now wants the Senate to confirm as her successor. The corruption doesn’t stop with trying to invent crimes where there aren’t any, as in the James Comey “seashell” case. The $1.8 billion slush fund to reward his Jan. 6 mob and stifle IRS tax audits is not dead after all, despite a court ruling against it. If it were, his stooges in the Senate wouldn’t have needed to protect it during a recent immigration budget debate. Blanche, his former personal lawyer, concocted it in staggering disregard of legal ethics. For the Senate to confirm him would be a monumental disgrace. Fifty-four senators

What to know about possible deal to end Iran war

ISLAMABAD — The United States and Iran once again appear close to a deal to end the war and open the Strait of Hormuz . Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Saturday that a deal aimed at ending the war in the Middle East is closer than ever before and expected to be finalized within 24 hours. Pakistan is preparing for the electronic signing of the agreement, followed by technical-level talks next week. U.S. President Donald Trump said the deal was “scheduled to get signed tomorrow,” and that the Strait of Hormuz would open immediately. But Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson said no signing would occur Sunday and left the possibility open for the coming days. Previous declarations of an imminent breakthrough failed to materialize. Iran exchanged fire with the U.S. and Israel earlier in the week, threatening to push the region back into a full-scale war. The war launched by the U.S. and Israel on Feb. 28 has rattled the region and virtually shut down oil and natural gas shipments from the Persian Gulf. A fragile ceasefire has been in place since April 7. A 60-day period woul

National Museum of Korea, Uffizi Galleries sign MOU on collection exchanges

Two prominent museums of Korea and Italy signed an agreement Saturday on enhancing cooperation in exchanging their collections, Seoul's presidential office said. The National Museum of Korea and the Uffizi Galleries signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to that end in Florence during President Lee Jae Myung's visit to the Italian museum, according to Cheong Wa Dae. Lee's visit to the Uffizi Galleries was part of a special guest protocol. The Korean president is on a state visit to Italy, which began Wednesday in Rome. Under the MOU, the two institutions will enhance cooperation in collection exchanges, exhibitions and collection management, and restoration, as well as publications. Both sides will also jointly develop programs for planned exchanges. The signing of the MOU came after Lee and Italian President Sergio Mattarella agreed earlier this week to elevate bilateral relations to a special strategic partnership to enhance cooperation in advanced technology, trade, cultural exchanges and other areas.

IAEA chief highlights verification role in potential US-Iran nuclear deal, says NPT remains effective tool

VIENNA — The chief of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has said the agency stands ready to verify any nuclear agreement between the United States and Iran, stressing that monitoring and verification would be central to its role if such a deal is reached. U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday (U.S. time) that a peace agreement with Iran was in "pretty final shape" and could be signed in Europe within the week, adding that he understood Iran's top leader had approved the deal. "The most important thing about the agency is verification, and the fact that we are going to be part of the resolution is a very important formality that needs to be there," IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said during a meeting with reporters on the sidelines of a seminar organized by the agency for journalists from global news outlets, including Yonhap News Agency. "When they agree on something and they ask us to do the verification, I have to go to my board ... to ask them for permission to do that," he added. Grossi also suggested that any such agreement would likely require comprehensive m

US and Iran inch closer to deal, but timing remains unclear

WASHINGTON/DUBAI — U.S. and Pakistani leaders forecast a Sunday signing of a long-elusive framework agreement to end fighting between the United States and Iran, but Tehran cast doubt over the timing and hardline protesters in Iran voiced opposition. President Donald Trump posted on social media on Saturday that the deal with Iran was scheduled to be signed the next day, his 80th birthday. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the two sides had agreed on a framework for a peace deal and that Islamabad was preparing for an electronic signing on Sunday, to be followed by technical-level talks in the coming week. But Iran did not confirm a Sunday signing. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei, speaking before Trump's post, had cautioned against commenting on the timing of the signing but was quoted by state media saying, "It will not be tomorrow," but could happen "in the coming days." Trump wrote on Truth Social that after a framework deal is signed, the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for global oil supplies that Iran has blocked, would immediately be "open to a

Royal Marines board Russian shadow fleet oil tanker in English Channel

Marines were joined by National Crime Agency officers in the six-hour long operation in the early hours of Sunday.

Canada's Cyle Larin finds relaxation — and a competitive comparison — at the horse-racing track he grew up at

x

Health workers struggle to contain Ebola in Congo camps as distrust grows

Since the Ebola outbreak was ​declared a month ago, several treatment sites have been attacked by locals ​angry about not being able to bury their loved ones.

Royal Marines Take Control Of Russian Shadow Fleet Tanker

Royal Marine Commandos boarded a Russian shadow fleet oil tanker in the English Channel.

China direct strike threat to Australia ‘growing’: report

The DF-27 missile has a range of 5,000 to 8,000 kilometers, the U.S. military said in December.

Swiss reject divisive anti-immigration proposal: projections

The Swiss appeared Sunday to have voted down a divisive anti-immigration proposal to cap the country's population, early projections showed. Shortly after polls closed at noon, initial projections from the GFS Bern Institute indicated around 55 percent opposition to the initiative, which had sparked warnings of "chaos" and devastating impacts for the Swiss economy and European Union relations. "We are very relieved and happy. This is an important result for our country and for our relations with

Trump says US-Iran deal to be signed Sunday, Hormuz to open after

US President Donald Trump said that a deal with Iran to end the Middle East war could be signed Sunday, and that the strategic Strait of Hormuz would be "open to all" immediately after. But in a potential threat to the efforts to end the conflict, Israel -- which launched the war with the US in February -- said its military had carried out strikes in Beirut's southern suburbs on Sunday. Iran had offered a different timeline to Trump, but nonetheless signalled an agreement was in the offing, as b

The 20-year-old who stole the show on Scotland's World Cup return

Ben Gannon-Doak wasn't born when Scotland last played at the men's World Cup. But the 20-year-old was at the heart of their long-awaited return and their first win at the tournament in 36 years as he stole the show against Haiti.

Guterres welcomes US-Iran peace deal as ‘critical step’ toward ending conflict

UN Secretary General António Guterres welcomed on Sunday a new peace deal between the United States and Iran, calling it a “critical step” toward ending the conflict.

Refugee turned peacemaker: The young woman leader transforming communities in the Central African Republic

In the heart of the Central African Republic (CAR), a nation long marked by conflict, Nina Mireille Yankinon stands as a symbol of resilience, leadership, and hope, dedicating her life to helping communities torn apart by war.

Jubilation as Scotland fans celebrate win

Supporters gathered in bars and venues across the country in the early hours to watch the match against Haiti.

Swiss voters reject 10 million population cap, early projections say

Not all votes have been counted, but the current trend suggests 55% of participants voted against the proposal.

Romanian president appoints new PM-designate after previous bid fails

Romania's President Nicușor Dan has appointed ​a new prime minister-designate after the previous nominee abandoned his attempt to form a government, ‌marking a new stage in the EU country's political crisis. Dan on Sunday tasked Adrian Veștea, a little-known member of the centre-right ‌National Liberal Party (PNL), with forming a government. The move came after Eugen Tomac, a European lawmaker who was nominated for the office of prime minister 10 ⁠days ago, abandoned his own bid, saying he no lo

Sunday's Football Championship results and reports

Read how it all unfolded as Louth, Galway and Tyrone move on to the quarter-finals, while Dublin remain in the race.

Lee seeks Vatican support for Korean peace efforts during Rome visit

President Lee Jae Myung on Sunday called for stronger support for peace efforts on the Korean Peninsula and invited young people from around the world to attend the 2027 World Youth Day in Seoul, saying the gathering could serve as a symbol of reconciliation beyond borders and conflict. Lee made the remarks during a special Mass for peace and solidarity at the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls in Vatican City, part of his visit to the Holy See following his attendance at the G7 summit and a

Trump says US-Iran deal to be signed on Sunday as Tehran casts doubt on timing

The US president's comments come as Iran says an exact date has not been decided.

Investigators likely to question election watchdog officials soon over local election ballot shortage

A joint team of police investigators and prosecutors will soon question election watchdog officials over shortages of ballot papers during the June 3 local elections, legal sources said Sunday. The expected move comes as the National Election Commission (NEC) has taken flak for the shortages that temporarily suspended voting at 26 polling stations, mostly in Seoul, during the elections earlier this month. The team completed a search and seizure on NEC's servers on Saturday to secure internal mes

Mayhem mars Knicks euphoria as New York City celebrates first NBA championship in 53 years

It was bedlam on Broadway as the New York Knicks won their first NBA championship in 53 years on Saturday night, with exuberant celebrations marred by mayhem and violence, including a shooting in Times Square.

S. Korea, Saudi Arabia sign agreement on crude oil, gas cooperation

South Korea and Saudi Arabia have signed an agreement to seek cooperation in the energy resources industry, including crude oil and natural gas, amid recent volatility in global supply chains, the industry ministry said Sunday. Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan signed a memorandum of understanding with Saudi Energy Minister Abdulaziz bin Salman to establish a framework for long-term cooperation in the supply of key energy resources during his two-day visit to the Middle Eastern nation that began S

Palestinian death toll in Gaza tops 73,000, officials say, as Israel strikes despite ceasefire

The Palestinian death toll from the Israel-Hamas war has surpassed 73,000, Gaza's Health Ministry said Sunday, despite a fragile ceasefire that has been described as stalled.

Pope’s World Day of Poor message: The Lord is refuge of the poor

In his message for the 10th World Day of the Poor, Pope Leo XIV reflects on God as “the refuge of the poor,” urging Christians to rediscover the central place of the poor and examine our commitment to justice, solidarity, and human dignity.

Read all

BBC Sport pundits choose England World Cup XIs - who would you pick?

Thomas Tuchel will pick his first England World Cup team on Wednesday, when the Three Lions take on Croatia. BBC Sport pundits choose their starting XIs - who would you pick?

Pope Leo renews gratitude to God for Apostolic Journey to Spain

Pope Leo XIV renews his appreciation for the people of Spain, especially King Felipe VI, and their welcome and enthusiasm during his Apostolic Journey.

Read all

Pope Leo prays for Filipinos affected by massive earthquake

Pope Leo XIV prays for the dozens of people killed in a recent earthquake in the Philippines, and welcomes new Blesseds into the Church.

Read all

Thousands gather in Geneva to protest G7 as Trump, other leaders hold summit in nearby France

Thousands of demonstrators converged Sunday to show their discontent against the G7 group of countries, with U.S. President Donald Trump and counterparts set to hold a summit starting a day later in nearby France.

Imperial couple’s European trip ‘significant’: expert

The emperor and empress arrived in Amsterdam on Saturday on a two-week trip. Their family has strong ties with the royal families of both the Netherlands and Belgium.

Pope at Angelus: God’s grace is freely given and must be shared

At the Angelus prayer on Sunday, Pope Leo XIV recalls the abundance of God’s grace and every Christian’s mission to share Christ’s forgiveness with all people.

Read all

As it happened: US-Iran differences over peace deal

Follow developments as US and Pakistani leaders forecast a signing today of a framework deal to end the war between the US and Iran.

Tech firms had 'enough time' says Nandy, ahead of social media announcement

The prime minister is expected to announce measures on protecting teenagers online on Monday.

Cardinal You Heung-sik: Korean Peninsula can never give up on peace

Cardinal Lazarus You Heung-sik, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Clergy, celebrates Mass to pray for peace and reconciliation on the Korean peninsula, attended by South Korean President Lee Jae-myung.

Read all

Watch: MOD video shows Russian shadow fleet tanker interception

British armed forces boarded a Russian shadow fleet oil tanker in the English Channel.

Demonstrators say they won't rest until Bill to define woman and man is stopped

Defy Definition protest organisers estimated 10,000 people across five cities marched against the bill and say the Bill erases transgender and intersex people.

Major study uncovers 'hidden pandemic' of lung complications after surgery

The four-year trial involved nearly 3500 patients across 44 hospitals in Australia, New Zealand and Hong Kong.

Switzerland votes on proposal to cap population at 10 million

The unprecedented scheme to dictate population levels by law sits alongside burgeoning efforts by the ​political right in Europe to set tougher curbs on immigration.

Somali referee denied entry to US to receive full World Cup pay, sources say

Somali referee Omar Artan, who was denied entry to the United States to officiate at the World Cup, will still receive his tournament fee from Fifa in full.

Law revision proposed to prevent crime victims from being sued

Singer-turned-actress Nana recently shared on her social media account the news of a proposed law revision that could prevent crime victims like herself from being prosecuted for acting in self-defense. The potential revision to the Criminal Act, proposed by Rep. Jeon Yong-gi of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea, is related to the prerequisite for self-defense. Article 21 of the current law on self-defense states that acts of self-defense will not be punished if "there are reasonable grounds,

Smaller than Isle of Man & huge Dutch influence: Curacao making history

Curacao has possibly been most famous for its alcoholic drink of the same name - but now the nation is ready to announce itself at the World Cup.

Lee kicks off Vatican visit, poised to meet Pope Leo XIV

President Lee Jae Myung is to meet Pope Leo XIV on Monday, as his European trip hits its halfway point. On Sunday, Lee attended a special Mass for peace and solidarity the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls in Rome. He delivered a speech there, highlighting South Korea’s commitment to global peace and Vatican City’s role in achieving peace on the Korean Peninsula. The next day, Lee was to hold talks with Pope Leo XIV for the first time since his inauguration in June 2025. The meeting at th

Deadly Philippine quake raised seabed by up to two meters

Local residents first reported the "coastal uplift" two days after the quake, which extended the shoreline by as much as 200 meters in some places.

Jack Ma-backed Ant group set for high-stakes overhaul of billion-user app

Hangzhou-based Ant will roll out a design that lets users ask the Alipay AI to book a car ride, order coffee or arrange takeout — by typing or speaking their requests.

Australia stun Turkey with defensive masterclass at World Cup

Pre-match attention had centered on Turkey's Arda Guler, but it was Australia's youthful attack that made the difference.

Swiss voters reject population cap in referendum

Switzerland has rejected a proposal to cap its population at 10 million as voters prioritised economic stability and ties with the European Union.

Choi Jung-wha, who carried Korea's image abroad for 40 years, dies at 70

Choi Jung-wha, the first Korean to work as an international conference interpreter and a decades-long champion of the country's image abroad, died Sunday of breast cancer. She was 70. She built her career on the conviction that Korea could be explained to the world — and did much of the explaining herself. She interpreted for a succession of South Korean presidents, oversaw more than 1,800 international conferences, and in 2003 founded the Corea Image Communication Institute to shape how the cou

British forces intercept Russian shadow fleet tanker in the Channel

British armed forces intercepted a sanctioned Russian shadow fleet oil tanker in the English Channel on Sunday, leading for the first time an operation to disrupt the oil revenue ​that helps fund Russia's war in Ukraine.

Lee Kang-in gearing up for match vs. ex-club coach

In an intriguing subplot for South Korea in its upcoming Group A match against Mexico at the FIFA World Cup, midfielder Lee Kang-in will try to beat his former club coach who is now in charge of Mexico, Javier Aguirre. It was under Aguirre at the Spanish outfit RCD Mallorca that Lee first demonstrated his playmaking chops during the 2022-2023 La Liga season. He set career highs with six goals and seven assists then, and parlayed that into a deal with the French giants Paris Saint-Germain in the

Trump warns Israel and Iran not to ‘blow it’ after new strikes threaten emerging ceasefire deal

The Israeli military said it launched strikes on Beirut on Sunday targeting Hezbollah infrastructure, despite ongoing efforts to negotiate an end to the U.S.-Iran war. Smoke could be seen rising over the Lebanese capital.

The US sporting triumph that is overshadowing the World Cup

The football World Cup has taken a back seat in New York as the Knicks win their first NBA title in 53 years.

BTS transforms Busan into citywide festival with drone shows and fan events

BUSAN — Busan turned red for BTS over the weekend, as the city’s landmarks, beaches and night sky became part of a large-scale celebration marking the group’s first concert in the city in four years and its 13th debut anniversary. Through “BTS The City Arirang — Busan,” Korea's second-largest city was transformed into an extension of the group’s ongoing “Arirang” world tour. Gwangan Bridge, Busan Harbor Bridge and Suyeonggang Human Bridge were illuminated in red, the key color of BTS’ latest alb

Gardaí to expand and extend taser pilot programme

An Garda Síochána is to extend and expand its taser pilot programme, as latest figures show that since last December tasers have been used 15 times.

U.K. intercepts Russian shadow fleet vessel in Channel: ministry

The ships — usually aging tankers with dubious ownership — are banned from accessing U.K. ports and services.

He’s paddled 60 km to work on B.C.’s North Coast. This week, he’ll try to kayak from Washington to Alaska

Prince Rupert's Yota Kano is competing in the Race to Alaska, a more than 1,200-metre race from Port Townsend, Wash., to Ketchikan, Alaska.

Trump says he’ll sign deal with Iran to reopen Hormuz Sunday

Trump has vowed dozens of times that an agreement to end the war that began in February is near, only for none to materialize so far.

Remarkable story of refugee who quit Bayern and became Australia's record-breaker

Nestory Irankunda was born as a refugee in Tanzania before becoming Australian record breaker with goal in victory over Turkey.

Japan is running out of royals. Are more men the answer?

The Japanese legislature has moved forward with a proposal to allow the imperial family to adopt scores of distant male relatives.

UK forces intercept Russian vessel in English Channel

British forces have intercepted a sanctioned oil tanker belonging to Russia's shadow fleet in the English Channel, the defence ministry said.

New York Knicks win NBA championship for first time in over 50 years

The Knicks clinched the title against the San Antonio Spurs, 94-90, in the fifth game of the best-of-seven series.

Global capitalism bets it all on AI future, alarming voters

Some AI leaders warn that the technology may accelerate into a potentially dangerous new phase.

TV personality Bobby Ologun held for alleged sexual assault

Ologun, 60, whose real name is Bobby Konda, has denied the allegations.

Garrigan: High Hopes came from 'a really honest place'

Kodaline frontman Steve Garrigan has revealed that he never imagined the band's breakthrough single High Hopes would become such a success, despite knowing the song came from one of the most personal moments of his life.

New memorial marks one of Canada's deadliest — but less known — highway accidents

A new plaque on a roadside monument west of Swift Current, Sask. details a fiery three-vehicle accident that left 22 young men dead and eight injured on May 28, 1980. The men came from out of province to work on Canadian Pacific Railway’s “Prairie Steel Gang” track crew.

Stoned rats get the munchies. Here's what that means for people with eating disorders, appetite loss

It turns out stoned rats get the munchies too. New research from the University of Calgary and Washington State University digs into the effects of cannabis on rats and humans, particularly when it comes to appetite.

Korea Inc. races to put AI agent on every desk

South Korea's largest conglomerates are accelerating the adoption of artificial intelligence tools across their workplaces, marking a shift from years of caution over technology leaks to a broader push to remake how employees work. Samsung, SK and LG recently expanded AI training for executives and employees, seeking to apply frontier models such as ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini and Microsoft Copilot to everyday tasks as part of a broader push to advance AI transformation. "It is time to enter AI tran

In pictures: Sumo tournament returns to Paris after 30 years

A decade-long effort by organizers brought sumo back to Paris, where fans gathered for the sport's first tournament since 1995.

Speculation grows of rift within ruling bloc

A rift within the ruling bloc appears to be widening ahead of the Democratic Party of Korea's leadership primary in August. A key point of contention is whether Rep. Jung Chung-rae, the beleaguered party chair, will seek to extend his term that began in August 2025, with pressure mounting following his recent remarks that no administration would outlive its people. President Lee Jae Myung, who is currently on a state visit to Italy and the Vatican, said in an X post that it was not the right tim

Mexican guild chief apologizes for racist 'slant-eye' gesture at World Cup

Ulises Fernando Bernal Miramontes, the president of a Mexican engineering guild, issued a public apology over the weekend for his controversial slant-eye gesture during a World Cup match days earlier. “Over the past few days, a video has circulated online and generated a wide range of reactions,” read Bernal’s post, written in both English and Spanish, on his social media account. “For that reason, I believe it is important to offer a public apology.” Bernal drew backlash after a Korean YouTuber

Olive Young opens second US store in Los Angeles

CJ Olive Young said Sunday it has opened its second US store in Los Angeles, as the Korean beauty retailer accelerates efforts to expand its offline presence in one of its fastest-growing overseas markets. The new store, Olive Young Century City, is located at Westfield Century City mall, a major shopping destination in Los Angeles. According to the company, customers lined up outside the store ahead of its opening. Unlike its first US location in Pasadena, which primarily targeted consumers alr

Woman fearful of 'predators' before her death, family say

Police are reviewing the investigation into Katie Beattie's death following calls from her family.

Seoul Queer Parade grows into wider platform for diversity

For Kim Min-ji, 34, the Seoul Queer Parade is a holiday, much like Seollal or Chuseok. “Compared with when I first came here, I have many friends I can meet at the event now,” Kim said while browsing booths at the parade in central Seoul on Saturday. “More importantly, this is a place where I can be myself, including dressing the way I want.” An eight-year attendee of the annual event, Kim wore a gat and dopo, traditional garments associated with Korean noblemen of the past. The dopo was decorat

Two men charged over theft of England World Cup kit

Two men are charged for stealing $18,000 worth of property from England at their Kansas City training base.

Korea misses out on SpaceX's blockbuster IPO

As SpaceX blasted into the public market in a record-setting debut Friday, South Korea missed the ride altogether after Mirae Asset Securities, the only domestic member of the underwriting syndicate, failed to secure any share allocation. The rocket-maker enjoyed a successful Nasdaq launch, closing at $161 per share on Friday, up 19 percent from its initial public offering price of $135. The gain pushed its market cap above $2.1 trillion by the close of trading. Korea, however, was largely left

South Korean duo takes Dow Championship lead in LPGA team event as Korda and Cowan falter

MIDLAND, Michigan (AP) -- Kim Hyo-joo and Choi Hye-jin handled a swirling wind Saturday and made enough birdies to be among only six teams who broke par, posting a 1-under 69 in foursomes to build a one-shot lead in the Dow Championship. Double major winner Nelly Korda and Olivia Cowan will need another big showing in Sunday fourballs if they want a chance to catch them. They made only one birdie, had bogey on both par 5s at Midland Country Club and shot 76 to fall six shots behind. Korda and Co

Assembly weighs NEC election commission, constitutional amendment

South Korea’s two main parties are moving to overhaul the National Election Commission, launching separate task forces in response to ballot shortages during the June 3 local elections. The ruling Democratic Party of Korea and main opposition People Power Party broadly agree that there is a need to improve the commission’s administrative capacity and strengthen oversight of the body, sources said Sunday. But they differ sharply over how far the reform should go, with the Democratic Party leaning

Financial front: Keeping Ukraine in the fight and solvent

Ukraine's government has committed to spending almost another €30bn on defence and security this year.

Afghan women's rights dwindle as EU plans Taliban talks

Afghanistan rarely generates headlines these days as international focus remains on war in the Middle East, but the crisis in the country of 45 million people remains profound.

First pickleball, now padel: Why ‘social’ sports are growing in popularity

While the Mexican sport padel has exploded in popularity in other parts of the world, it has struggled to gain traction in Canada — until within just the last five years. Now, it’s seeing more demand than Canada’s courts can handle.

Funeral for Iran's late Supreme Leader Khamenei to begin July 4, burial set for July 9

ISLAMABAD (AP) -- Funeral ceremonies for former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei will be in July, the country's state-run television said Saturday, as mediators said an agreement to end the war was close. The funeral, burial and farewell events for Khamenei will take place between July 4 and 9 during Muharram, a traditional period of mourning in the Shia Muslim calendar. Khamenei was killed in the opening attack of the war that Israel and the United States launched against Iran in l

Lebanese army withdraws from southern village after Israeli troops advance nearby

BEIRUT (AP) -- The Lebanese army on Saturday withdrew its troops from a base in a southern Lebanese village after Israeli troops advanced in an area nearby, a military official said. Israel‘s military appears to be trying to make as many gains as possible in case a US-Iran agreement is reached to end the war in the region, which is likely to include Lebanon. The departure from the army barracks in Kfar Tebnit came as the Israeli military issued an evacuation warning for about 20 locations, inclu

Starmer to meet Japan’s Takaichi as fighter jet funding sputters

The Global Combat Air Program has faced roadblocks including delays to Britain's financial contribution to the project.

Trump and Macron will meet over dinner at Versailles palace after G7 summit in France

WASHINGTON (AP) -- US President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron will meet over dinner at the glittering Palace of Versailles near Paris after the G7 summit of leading industrialized nations next week in France, their governments announced Saturday. Trump, who is trying to make progress on finalizing an Iran war deal in the coming days, is expected to have a busy schedule of one-on-one meetings with foreign leaders on the sidelines of the summit in the French lakeside town of Ev

After 53 years, the New York Knicks are NBA champions. And the wait sure seemed worth it

SAN ANTONIO (AP) -- Knowing New York had waited 53 years to see the Knicks hoist the NBA championship trophy, owner James Dolan didn't even wait to be handed the 14-kilogram gold-plated prize. He grabbed it and lifted it skyward with a yell. "I want to say something to New York," Dolan shouted. "Hey New York! I'm sorry it took so long! But here we are, and hopefully it won't take that long again!" The New York Knicks are champions of the NBA for the first time since 1973, beating the San Antonio

Brazil's World Cup opener held by draw with Morocco

LOS ANGELES (AFP) -- Five-time champion Brazil needed a superb Vinicius Junior equalizer to draw 1-1 with Morocco in its opening game at the World Cup on Saturday, while Scotland marked its return to the tournament after a 28-year absence with a nervy 1-0 victory over Haiti. On the first day to feature four matches at the 48-team tournament, Qatar earned the first World Cup point in its history when Miro Muheim's own goal gave the 2022 tournament host a 1-1 draw with Switzerland. The meeting bet

What does 1-0 win mean for Scotland's chances of qualification?

With eight third-place finishers advancing to the last 32, might three points be enough for Scotland to make history?

Socceroos score big over Turkey in Vancouver's 2026 World Cup hosting debut

Australia win Group D match with great goalkeeping and a stout defence.

Why the US economy keeps defying the odds

Why has the American economy continued to outperform so many of its peers, despite facing the same global shocks?

Artist prince behind Park Bo-gum's hit role comes to changgeuk stage

For many Koreans, Crown Prince Hyomyeong represents one of history's great "what ifs." Widely regarded as one of the most artistically accomplished royals of the Joseon era (1392–1910), he excelled in literature, writing more than 400 poems, and left an enduring legacy in the performing arts by creating more than 20 court dances. Some historians say that had he not died at the age of 21, the trajectory of the late Joseon era might have been different. Hyomyeong was born in 1809 as the only son o

Why has IPO become a buzzword?

It was once a term only used among people interested in stock markets and investing, but now 'Initial Public Offering' or IPO has become a buzz word.

Wolves, winter and frostbite: Why 2 Nova Scotians walked to Vancouver in 1921

Just over a century ago, Jennie Dill was one of the most famous women in Canada. She had just done something no woman had ever done before. She walked across the country.

Canada's newest destroyer carries on legacy of warship lost in 1940 tragedy

The first of Canada's new River-class destroyers will be named HMCS Fraser. In 1940, a previous HMCS Fraser aided in evacuating British and other Allied forces from the French coast, and later became the first Royal Canadian Navy ship to sink during the Second World War.

Commission reviewing criminal cases sees strong demand

The Criminal Cases Review Commission has told the Justice Select Committee it had seen increased demand with 110 applications this financial year.

Five-star Sweden power past Tunisia in Monterrey

Brighton's Yasin Ayari struck twice and Alexander Isak was on target as Sweden proved too strong for Tunisia and sealed a 5-1 win in their World Cup opener.

Why Haiti v Scotland was antidote to the ills of world football

It might have been nervy. It might not have been pretty. But Scotland are here. And Scotland have won. Tom English reports from Boston.

Super sub Diallo secures opening win for Ivory Coast

A late goal from Amad Diallo earned the Ivory Coast a 1-0 win in their entertaining opening World Cup clash with Ecuador in Philadelphia.

Hana chief eyes 'productive finance' beyond advanced industries

Hana Financial Group Chairman Ham Young-joo said "productive finance" should extend beyond support for advanced industries to include traditional manufacturing and smaller businesses, arguing that industrial and financial policies must work more closely together as technological change reshapes the economy. Ham made the remarks at a joint seminar on productive finance — investments that focus on infrastructure and productive industries rather than speculative returns — hosted by the Hana Institu

Canadian PM says retracing Irish roots 'a great thrill'

The Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has said that retracing his roots to the west of Ireland has been a "great thrill".

Church billboard opposes Bill to define woman and man

The government Bill is "clearly discriminatory of a very small group", the Reverend Doctor of the church says.

North Korea rebukes Seoul, EU over rejection of its nuclear status

North Korea has slammed the joint statement adopted last week by South Korea and the European Union, and reiterating its commitment to nuclear armament. Seoul, in response, reiterated its commitment to pursuing peaceful coexistence on the Korean Peninsula from a long-term perspective. In a statement released Saturday, a spokesperson for the North Korean Foreign Ministry's 10th Bureau said Seoul had discarded its "mask of peace" by endorsing language condemning North Korea's military cooperation

AI 'ghost cases' haunt S. Korean courtrooms

South Korea’s judicial branch is stepping up its response to the use of artificial intelligence in court proceedings, as AI hallucinations have led attorneys to cite nonexistent “ghost precedents” in their legal submissions, according to the National Court Administration. The administrative body of the court is reviewing legislative revisions, amending court procedures such as fines and other means to weed out false legal evidence created by AI. Judges are increasingly raising concerns over plai

Mediator Pakistan says US-Iran peace deal reached

The United States and Iran have reached a deal to end their war and will hold an official signing ceremony on Friday in Switzerland, Pakistan's Prime Minister has said.

US-Iran differences emerge over timing of peace deal

Iran has cast doubts over the timing of the signing of a framework agreement to end the conflict in the Middle East.

Canada's U.S. ambassador tries to ease tariff anxiety after Trump's latest CUSMA comments

The International Space Station is showing its age

The International Space Station had a proposed lifespan of 15 years, but it has far exceeded that, and it's starting to show its age. Is it time to deorbit it?

How much rent should a royal pay?

A report from Britain's National Audit Office revealed Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor had been receiving rental income and that King Charles has been paying the rent — set at less than market value — for his nieces Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie. There are no suggestions of illegality here, but for the House of Windsor, the public financial scrutiny highlights the challenge the monarchy faces in staying relevant and relatable.

B.C. woman who survived avalanche says it was like 'being hit by a truck'

Hannah Hughes was backcountry skiing in Norway when she looked up to see a wall of snow barreling towards her. She now faces a long recovery from her injuries.

Just how many days do provincial politicians spend legislating? We did the math

Some politicians say the number of days spent in the legislature doesn't matter too much, because the most important work is done in their constituency offices. Others say less time in legislatures allows provincial and territorial governments to avoid accountability and pass flawed legislation.

A more conciliatory Ford says 'I love the U.S.' as trade talks loom

Doug Ford appears to be throttling back on aggressive anti-Trump rhetoric with key trade talks looming with the U.S., stepping up a charm offensive aimed at politicians and lobby groups in the mercurial president’s orbit.

Why some say Quebec politicians helped fuel the racism they unanimously denounced

In a rare move, four provincial parties denounced a gathering in Shawinigan, Que., captured in a photo, during which more than a dozen masked white nationalists held a banner that read, “I remember a white Quebec.” But some observers say the province's climate in recent decades has helped fuel this type of behaviour.

Ottawa's online harms bill 'a miss' when it comes to regulating AI chatbots: B.C. premier

B.C. Premier David Eby says the federal government's newly introduced online harms bill "is a miss" when it comes to addressing AI chatbots because it doesn't require tech companies to report users' concerning interactions to police.

Taiwan launches website for Chinese nationals to report intelligence

The website is blocked in China, though many Chinese use VPNs to access other blocked ​sites ​like Western social media and search engines.

Knicks defeat Spurs to snap 53-year NBA title drought

The Knicks won the series 4-1, the young Spurs team on their home floor to lift the trophy for the first time since 1973.

Japan opposition raps Takaichi over imperial law revision

Some opposition lawmakers said that her move could undermine previous discussions held by the Diet to form its consensus on the measures.

Anthropic shuts down Mythos access after sweeping U.S. order

Never before has the U.S. government taken such sweeping measures to rein in foreign access to frontier AI models developed by an American company.

World Cup 2026: Australia 2-0 Turkey recap

Australia get the better of Turkey in their Group D opener in Vancouver.

Catholic bishops criticise attempts to widen abortion law

Irish Catholic Bishops have described as unfortunate, efforts to widen the current law on abortion.

1 in 10 teens say smoking on TV, YouTube 'looks cool'

Around 9.2 percent of middle and high school students in South Korea think characters who smoke are attractive, a survey showed Sunday. The survey, conducted by Studies on Korean Youth, looked at how smoking scenes on mass media affect teenage smoking. It found that 9.6 percent of teenage boys and 8.8 percent of teenage girls think that the characters who smoke on TV, movies, YouTube videos and other platforms are attractive. In terms of age, 10.8 percent of high school students and 7.9 percent

Despite strikes on Ukraine, Russian advances slow, analysts say

In April and May, the Russian army lost more ground in Ukraine than it gained, according to analysis.

German envoy hopeful of Japan joining Eurodrone project

In addition to Germany, the Eurodrone project includes such countries as Italy and Spain, with India participating as an observer.

Japan’s Emperor, Empress arrive in Netherlands

The couple will attend a welcoming ceremony and a banquet hosted by King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima and lay flowers at a war memorial.

Fewer hoesik? 1 in 4 in Seoul say they don't binge drink

South Koreans have been known to enjoy the occasional drink in both their personal and professional lives, but in a new survey nearly a quarter of people in Seoul report they did not engage in binge drinking last year. Respondents were asked how often they drink a "substantial" amount of alcohol, defined as at least seven shots of soju or five cans of beer for men and five shots of soju or three cans of beer for women. The survey was conducted by the Seoul metropolitan government. The aforementi

Japan eyes responsibility of social media users during elections

The government expects to get the legislation enacted during the current parliamentary session ending in July.

Coupang rallies as record fine removes uncertainty

Coupang Inc. shares surged after South Korea's privacy regulator imposed a record fine on the US-listed e-commerce giant over a massive customer-data leak, with investors reading the penalty as a coda to a six-month overhang on the stock. Shares of Coupang closed at $17.25 on Friday, up 14.1 percent from the previous day on the New York Stock Exchange, marking one of the company's strongest single-day gains in recent months. The rally came despite the Personal Information Protection Commission's

U.S. and Iran inch closer to deal, but timing remains unclear

While U.S. bombings heavily degraded Tehran's military, experts say the war has left Iran's hardliners more entrenched than before.

World Cup sticker hunt is on

As the World Cup begins, a nationwide hunt for stickers featuring fans' favorite players has swept Mexico. Known as "Panini," the stickers are sold in packs of seven featuring randomly selected World Cup players. Collecting and trading them has become a hallmark of the World Cup season in Mexico and across much of Latin America and Europe. Co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, the 2026 World Cup kicked off Thursday, with the tournament set to run through July 19. On Sunday morning,

Foreigners' medical expenditures hit fresh high in May: data

The combined amount of medical expenditures by foreign tourists in May hit a fresh high, data showed Sunday, in line with the growing popularity of South Korean pharmaceutical products, as well as demand for health and beauty-related services. According to data compiled by the Korea Tourism Organization, foreigners spent a combined 251.1 billion won ($165.2 million) on medical services in May, up 0.5 percent from a year earlier. The estimate is based on expenditures made by foreign tourists usin

S. Korea's ICT exports for May hit all-time high amid AI chip demand: data

South Korea's exports of information and communication technology products posted the highest monthly figure on record in May, driven by demand for semiconductors and other products related to the artificial intelligence ecosystem, data showed Sunday. Outbound ICT shipments reached $47.79 billion last month, a surge of 128.9 percent from $20.88 billion a year earlier, according to the data from the Ministry of Science and ICT. This marks the first time that monthly ICT exports have exceeded the

SK chief calls for use of personal AI agents amid AI transformation

SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won stressed the need for employees to utilize personal artificial intelligence agents in line with the group's efforts to accelerate AI transformation, the business group said Sunday. "This is the moment the group needs to pursue AI transformation at full speed in all directions," Chey was quoted as saying during the New Icheon Forum, the conglomerate's business event, held last week, emphasizing the need to adopt the so-called one-person, one-agent initiative. AI age

Korea's hidden AI race is made of glass

LG Innotek CEO Moon Hyuk-soo recently offered a neat summary of Korea’s next AI hardware bet. Glass substrates, he said, have largely finished development. But “a few homework problems” remain before anyone can mass-produce them. Solutions to those problems are now worth billions of dollars. Korea’s most surprising AI trade this year was not a chip. It was the firms that make the surrounding parts. Shares of Samsung Electro-Mechanics and LG Innotek have multiplied in 2026, as shortages in high-e

Has Vinicius Jr brilliance just papered over the Brazilian cracks?

Vinicius Jr scores a wonder goal to rescue his side but Brazil's performance against Morocco raises more questions than answers.

Claude overtakes Gemini in Korea's AI app rankings

Anthropic’s Claude has overtaken Google’s Gemini to become the second-highest-grossing generative artificial intelligence app on Apple’s app store in South Korea, challenging a market order long dominated by ChatGPT and Gemini. Claude ranked No. 2 in revenue on the app store among generative AI apps in Korea from Jan. 1 to June 5 and posted the fastest revenue growth among major AI apps, according to market tracker Sensor Tower on Saturday. Until mid-March, Korea’s generative AI app market had l

Mexican group responds to racist slant-eye gesture controversy

A viral video showing the president of a Mexican engineering guild making a slant-eye gesture during a World Cup match has sparked controversy, prompting the guild to say it will review the matter internally. In a video posted on Instagram by Korean YouTuber Inocat on Friday, a man wearing a Mexico jersey is seen making the gesture from the bleachers during Friday’s match between South Korea and the Czech Republic at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara, Mexico. In the video, titled “Am I too sensitive?

Off-duty cop saves civilian from burning building

An off-duty police officer rescued an elderly woman from a burning house in a rural village in South Jeolla Province last month. The National Police Agency on Friday posted a video of the rescue by Capt. Yu Myeong-jae, who went to the site of the fire in Gongsan-myeon village in Naju on May 25 while he was off duty. As other residents evacuated, Capt. Yu heard there was someone still inside one of the houses and went in. "There was an elderly lady inside, so I hastily got her out," said Yu, who

Protests set to grip Geneva ahead of G7 summit

Swiss authorities are anxious to avoid any repeat of the mayhem of 2003, when anti-G7 rioters caused millions of dollars worth of damage.

Hanwha Galleria extends talks to sell Five Guys stake

Hanwha Galleria has extended exclusive talks with private equity firm H&Q Equity Partners over the sale of its stake in Five Guys Korea, as the two sides continue negotiations on a potential deal. The retail arm of Hanwha Group renewed a memorandum of understanding with H&Q after the exclusivity period under their previous agreement, signed Dec. 17, 2025, was set to expire. The extension allows both parties additional time to complete due diligence and negotiate final terms. “We plan to sign a d

French salt enters the sumo ring in Paris

Paris' first major sumo event in decades will use 200 kg of custom French salt, an essential element in the sport's centuries-old purification rituals.

Hyundai Motor Group takes up 11.8 pct of US market through April: data

Hyundai Motor Group accounted for 11.8 percent of the US automobile market in the January-April period this year, data showed Sunday, on the back of strong sales of hybrids and other eco-friendly models. According to data compiled by industry tracker Omdia, the combined market share of Hyundai Motor Co. and Kia Corp. rose 1 percentage point from a year earlier during the first four months of 2026, ranking fourth behind General Motors Co., Toyota Motor Corp. and Ford Motor Co. The combined sales

Japan coach takes responsibility for Wataru Endo going home

Following his withdrawal, Endo announced his retirement from international competition altogether.

Netherlands using pressure to drive bid for elusive World Cup triumph

The Dutch have been to the World Cup final three times ​before, the last time in 2010, but lost on each occasion .

'Demand exceeded expectations': IBKR on Korea's new omnibus accounts

Foreign investors have traded more than 6 trillion won ($3.9 billion) through Korea's new omnibus account system, highlighting strong global demand for easier access to the local stock market. Among the early adopters is Interactive Brokers, the global electronic brokerage firm that launched Korea's first omnibus account service for foreign investors with Samsung Securities in May. "There has been strong demand from Interactive Brokers clients globally for access to the Korean market for some ti

N. Korea calls denuclearization an 'irreversibly finalized' matter

North Korea on Sunday called denuclearization an "irreversibly finalized" matter as it denounced recent talks between South Korea and the United States that reaffirmed the goal of the North's denuclearization. An unnamed spokesperson of the North's foreign ministry issued the criticism, after South Korea and the United States reaffirmed the shared goal at the bilateral Nuclear Consultative Group meeting on Thursday. "It is an unreasonable talk and fantastic daydream to mention about disarming th

Trump to meet Mideast partners on sidelines of G7 in France

The U.S. president will hold bilateral meetings with the leaders of France, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Egypt as well as India.

1 in 3 South Koreans obese, highest among men in 30s, 40s: data

One out of three South Koreans was obese as of 2024, data showed Sunday, with obesity rates among men in their 30s and 40s hovering above 50 percent. According to data compiled by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, the obesity rate among South Koreans aged 19 or older came to 34.4 percent in 2024. The survey was conducted on 230,000 participants. It marked a slight rise from 32.2 percent recorded in 2021, the agency said. The figure stood at 26.3 percent in 2015. South Korea define

Grenfell anniversary marked ahead of tower's demolition

Survivors and and families of the Grenfell fire disaster will gather for what is the final anniversary before the tower block is completely demolished.

Kennedy Center removes Trump name after judge's court ruling

WASHINGTON (AFP) -- Workers in the US capital removed President Donald Trump's name from the facade of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on Saturday, the venue said, after a federal judge ruled that its renaming was unlawful. In a legal filing, the center's Executive Director Matt Floca said it had "removed all physical signage on the Kennedy Center building and grounds" containing Trump's name. Around noon Washington time, the sign on the building's exterior was still covered b

Trump says deal to end war will be signed on Sunday, Iran questions timing

US President Donald Trump and mediator Pakistan said on Saturday an initial deal to end the war in ‌the Middle East would be signed on Sunday, although Iran denied the signing would take place so soon. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the two sides had agreed on a framework for a peace deal and that Islamabad was preparing for an electronic signing on Sunday, to be followed by technical-level talks next week. Trump said in a social media post that the deal with Iran was scheduled to

'Exhausted' workers in Palmerston North mental health ward facing risk of assault every day

Fourteen staff members at Ngā Wai Ngāro have been forced off work after being assaulted by patients.

Defence spending discussions ongoing, says Nandy

Negotiations continue over defence spending, the minister says, days after John Healey resigned over funding.

Mark Carney pays tribute to John de Chastelain in Dublin

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has paid tribute to a general who "helped forge" Northern Ireland's peace process.

Heavy rain, strong wind watches following fog disruption

Heavy rain and strong wind watches are in place today for much of the lower South Island.

SK hynix adds more than 2,000 positions amid job market slowdown

SK hynix Inc. added more than 2,000 positions last year amid the global artificial intelligence boom, which has led to a sharp rise in demand for memory chips, industry sources said Sunday. The hiring is noteworthy as it comes amid the overall slowdown in the country's job market. According to the sources, the number of employees at SK hynix came to 34,549 as of the end of 2025, up 2,159 from a year earlier. Over the same period, the number of employees at Samsung Electronics Co.'s device soluti

Parents of student who died at mental health ward oppose name suppression

Erica Hume's mother, Carey, said she and husband Owen would oppose the permanent name suppression of the nurse who dealt with her admission.

Lee Kang-in gearing up for match vs. ex-club coach

In an intriguing subplot for South Korea in their upcoming Group A match against Mexico at the FIFA World Cup, midfielder Lee Kang-in will try to beat his former club coach who is now in charge of Mexico, Javier Aguirre. It was under Aguirre at the Spanish outfit RCD Mallorca that Lee first demonstrated his playmaking chops during the 2022-2023 La Liga season. He set career highs with six goals and seven assists then, and parlayed that into a deal with the French giants Paris Saint-Germain in th

Fieldays saw largest opening day crowd in recent history

More than 132,000 people attended the four day event at Mystery Creek, near Hamilton, which ran from Wednesday to Saturday.

'Surreal': New York Knicks win NBA championship for first time in 53 years

Jalen Brunson and the Comeback Knicks did it again. And now they're the Champion Knicks. For the first time in 53 years, New York rules the NBA. Brunson scored 45 points, including 13 straight for New York in the fourth quarter, and the Knicks beat the San Antonio Spurs 94-90 in Game 5 of the NBA Finals on Saturday night.

Residents furious at month of Wellington Water's noisy overnight works

The water supplier is apologising for the inconvenience, but says the pipes under the road are over 100 years old and at risk of breaking.

Does the UK have a blind spot on UFO sightings?

A campaigner is calling on the government to resume investigations into alleged encounters.

Behind the scenes at Abbey Road for the making of new James Bond game soundtrack

The BBC went behind the scenes as the score for the blockbuster James Bond video game was recorded.

As Trump turns 80, what's it really like to work as an octogenarian?

As President Donald Trump celebrates his birthday, we ask people who have worked into their 80s themselves about what it takes to keep going.

Russian families use AI to 'resurrect' loved ones killed in Ukraine

The highly controversial trend lies at the intersection of Russia's war on Ukraine, new AI technologies and grief.

Norway's royals in turmoil, and staying quiet, as crown princess's son faces sentence

Marius Borg Høiby will appear via video link, almost three months after his trial came to an end on 40 charges, including four counts of rape.

How Myles Smith turned five years of therapy notes into a debut album

The singer songwriter's first collection is inspired by the experiences that shaped him before he was famous.

A Tokyo cocktail institution sets its sights on Kyoto

Opened in March, Bar Trench Kyoto is the first non-Tokyo outpost of the Ebisu cocktail institution.

Govt to introduce new Derelict Property Tax

The Government is to introduce a new Derelict Property Tax in 107 cities and towns across the State.

Newcomer to hallowed Niigata sake scene is already winning awards

Sake evangelist Tomomi Duquette is breathing new life into the heartland of sake brewing.

World Cup 2026: Haiti 0-1 Scotland recap

Scotland begin Group C with a nervy win over minnows Haiti.

Man found holding a loaded crossbow after a crash in Palmerston North

Police searched the car and nearby area, when they found the man was allegedly trying to hide an arsenal of weapons in the bushes.

Vincent's parents 'never say he's good enough' - so he turned to a middle-aged couple online

A niche group of content creators called "virtual parents" have become hugely popular among young people.

Sinn Féin to move bill to remove wait period for abortion

Sinn Féin Leader Mary Lou McDonald has announced the party will move legislation in the Dáil next week to remove the mandatory three-day wait period for abortion in early pregnancy.

World Cup 2026: Brazil 1-1 Morocco recap

Vinicius Jr earns Brazil a share of the spoils in a 1-1 draw with Morocco in New York/New Jersey.

Chatbot teddies for three‑year‑olds? Why AI toys are risky for kids

Young children are particularly prone to developing strong attachments to conversational AI agents, research shows.

Resident doctors cancel strike after new offer from government

The walkout had been due to start at 07:00 BST on Monday and last until Friday.

Unclear if MSD will re-examine declined abuse in care compensation claims after court ruling

The Ministry of Social Development says it's accepted a High Court ruling that found it wasn't following its own assessment policy when considering claims for abuse in care.

Review: Lego back with its winning formula in new Batman game

LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight lives up to its name by taking on the rather ambitious project of assembling a vast swathe of Batman material into a narrative.

Blenheim GP sees new degree as answer to doctor shortages in regions

While the region had Otago University medical students on placement doing rural immersion, one GP says they spend a small amount of time working in primary practice.

By-Electioncast: Could Restore Britain Help Andy Burnham Win?

A new poll suggests the party could steal a significant number of voters from Reform UK.

New rules abound - was VAR diving decision wrong despite feeling right?

Some new rules and tweaks to a few old ones have been introduced for the 2026 World Cup. But are the changes leading to confusion?

New look for RTÉ News app

Keep up to date with the latest stories and video at your fingertips. See what's new...

Man charged with murder of 41-year-old man in Leitrim

A 36-year-old man has been charged with the murder of a man in Co Leitrim earlier this week.

NBA star James Harden arrested in Houston for unlawfully carrying weapon in motor vehicle

Cleveland Cavaliers player James Harden was arrested on Saturday in Houston on a misdemeanor charge of unlawful carrying of a weapon in a motor vehicle, according to the Harris County District Clerk's Office.

Boualem Khoukhi's goal on header in stoppage time earns Qatar 1-1 World Cup draw with Switzerland

Boualem Khoukhi scored an equalizing goal on a header in the fourth minute of stoppage time, and Qatar spoiled a dominant day by Switzerland in a 1-1 draw Saturday in Group B of the World Cup.

New Brunswick woman sues OpenAI, alleging ChatGPT led to daughter's death

Alice Carrier died by suicide last year. Her mother says OpenAI failed to implement necessary safeguards despite knowing about the state of her daughter's mental health and even reinforced harmful views.

On this day in Korea - June 14, 2000: Historic inter-Korean summit takes place

President Kim Dae-jung took part in the first inter-Korean summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-il in Pyongyang. They released a five-point joint statement aimed at increasing economic and social exchanges, as well as holding reunions for families separated since the division of the country before the 1950-53 Korean War. The meeting marked an easing of tensions on the Korean Peninsula after decades of hostility. Images of the two leaders shaking hands drew global attention and raised hopes f

'We’ve never seen a spike like this': Veterinary tranquillizer suspected in Moncton, N.B., overdose surge

First responders and front-line workers in the Greater Moncton area are battling an unprecedented, two-week surge in overdoses driven by a suspected contaminant in the local drug supply.

BTS marks 13th anniversary with emotional Busan homecoming

BUSAN — BTS wrapped up a two-day concert in Busan on Saturday that felt less like another stop on its ongoing “Arirang” world tour and more like a homecoming years in the making. The second and final night, held at Busan Asiad Main Stadium on the group’s 13th debut anniversary, June 13, drew approximately 110,000 fans. The sold-out two-day run attracted a combined audience of about 220,000. The concerts marked BTS’ first return to Busan since 2022’s “Yet To Come in Busan,” a performance remember

Catholic Bishops consecrate USA to Sacred Heart of Jesus

Ahead of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, US Catholic Bishops gather in Florida to consecrate the United States to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Read all

Thousands rally in Northern Ireland to condemn anti-immigration rioting

Thousands of demonstrators gathered in Belfast on Saturday to denounce anti-immigrant rioters who set fire to homes and cars earlier in the week after a brutal stabbing blamed on an asylum seeker.

World Cup kicks off in Vancouver. Here's what you need to know

Australian and Turkish fans have marches to B.C. Place planned ahead of Saturday night's game.

Thousands attend anti-racism rally in Belfast

Around 5,000 people have attended an anti-racism rally in Belfast city centre following days of unrest provoked by a knife attack earlier this week.

US-Iran deal could be sealed within 24 hours, mediator Pakistan says

TEHRAN — The United States and Iran could finalise an agreement to end the Middle East war "within 24 hours", key mediator Pakistan said Saturday, after both sides expressed optimism about the chances of concluding a deal. The foes and mediators of the conflict have claimed a long-awaited accord is in its final throes, despite new skirmishes in the Strait of Hormuz in the months-long war that has roiled the region and global economy. Weeks of negotiations on a peace agreement after an April 8 truce have so far not yielded success, with U.S. President Donald Trump repeatedly insisting a deal is near only for the wrangling to drag on. "We are closer to a peace deal than ever before," Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, whose country has played a crucial role in peace talks, wrote on X on Saturday. "With finalisation likely expected in the next 24 hours, Pakistan is preparing for the electronic signing of the peace deal immediately after, followed by technical level talks next week." Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had written in a social media post Friday that "The Islamabad M

S. Korea, US, Japan hold talks on N. Korea

South Korea had a trilateral meeting with officials from the United States and Japan in Tokyo on North Korean affairs this week, the foreign ministry said Saturday. The ministry said the talks took place Friday involving Kim Sang-il, head of the ministry's North Korean Nuclear Affairs Policy Division; David Wilezol, U.S. deputy assistant secretary of state for Northeast Asia; and Kengo Otsuka, deputy director-general for Asian and Oceanian affairs at the Japanese foreign ministry. The officials shared their views on recent affairs on the Korean Peninsula and in the rest of Northeast Asia, and also reaffirmed their commitment to denuclearize North Korea and to ensure the implementation of U.N. and autonomous sanctions, Seoul's foreign ministry said. "We explained our effort in easing tension and building trust in inter-Korean relations, and also exchanged views on trilateral cooperation in ensuring peace and security on the Korean Peninsula," the ministry added. In a press release issued Friday, the Japanese foreign ministry noted the three officials "expressed their serious concerns over

Justice ministry looking into possibly missing 100 rounds of live ammunition at Daejeon prison

The justice ministry said Saturday it has launched an investigation after receiving reports that 100 rounds of live ammunition went missing from a prison in the central city of Daejeon. The ministry said it has discovered that the actual number of rounds kept at the prison's armory was different from the number recorded in the ledger, in a five-day inspection of the facility conducted since Monday. The missing rounds were 9 millimeter bullets used in hand guns, the ministry added. It was unclear whether the rounds actually went missing or the number in the ledger was recorded incorrectly. Authorities plan to look into when and how the rounds went missing and whether there were any violations of regulations. The ministry also plans to conduct an inspection into all correction facilities in the country, and prepare measures to prevent recurrences of such incidents.

Is Korea ready for era of YouTuber directors?

The production budget was only about $7.5 million. By Hollywood standards, that is low even among low-budget films. The film may have the size of David, but its box-office performance is on the scale of Goliath. Released May 15, it earned $161.22 million in North American theaters alone as of June 7. Including overseas markets, it has generated $234.5 million in revenue. This achievement is even more remarkable considering that several major markets, including Korea, have yet to see its release. What is especially surprising is that this is not a case of opening-week hype — the audience continues to grow over time. These are some of the reasons why the American horror film "Obsession" has become the talk of Hollywood. "Obsession" is not the only example. Another horror film, "Backrooms," has also astonished Hollywood. Made on a budget of $10 million, it has earned $143 million in North America alone since its release on the 29th of last month. Adding overseas revenue brings the total to $220.63 million. In Korea, where it opened May 27, it has attracted 870,000 moviegoers as of June

K-content boom effect? Foreign arrivals to Korea jump 20 percent

The number of foreign visitors entering Korea surged by more than 20 percent in the first five months of this year compared with the same period in 2025.. According to the Incheon Airport Immigration Office, June 11, a total of 22.13 million people entered Korea between January and May this year, up 11.1 percent from 19.92 million during the same period last year. The increase was particularly pronounced among foreign visitors. While the number of Korean nationals returning to the country rose 5.5 percent to 13.12 million, foreign arrivals jumped 20.4 percent, climbing from 7.49 million to 9.01 million — an increase of more than 1.52 million people. Given that total cross-border travel in 2025 reached 98.32 million, already surpassing the pre-pandemic record of 93.54 million set in 2019, officials believe foreign arrivals could reach an all-time high this year. The immigration authorities noted that the growth was broadly distributed across multiple countries rather than concentrated from a single market. However, arrivals from China and Taiwan posted particularly strong gains. China an

BLACKPINK's Lisa headlines FIFA World Cup opening ceremony in US

Lisa of BLACKPINK delivered a spectacular performance at the opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. Lisa took the stage ahead of the opening match between the United States and Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, June 13, performing "Goals," a track from the tournament's official album. Her stable live vocals and dazzling performance alongside a team of dancers drew the attention of football fans around the world. Following BTS member Jung Kook's appearance at the opening ceremony of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, Lisa became the first member of a K-pop girl group to perform at a World Cup opening ceremony. At the opening ceremony held June 12 in Mexico City, singer-songwriter EJAE, who gained international recognition through Netflix's animated film "KPop Demon Hunters," also took the stage. She performed "DNA," the official theme song of this year's World Cup, helping kick off the tournament. Anticipation is also building for the World Cup Final halftime show on July 20, where BTS is scheduled to perform alongside Madonna and Shakira. The 2026 FIFA World

Pre-vacation diet strategy: Three habits you should change first

Click here for more articles by Kormedi.com. As summer vacation approaches, it's easy to become anxious about your body shape and diet. Many people want quick results and instinctively turn to drastic calorie restriction or intense exercise. However, such methods are difficult to sustain and often lead to fatigue, overeating or rebound weight gain. Rather than relying on extreme measures, experts recommend first examining everyday habits. Hidden sources of excess calories — such as late-night meals, snacks, and sugary drinks — often have a bigger impact than people realize. It's also important to focus on visible changes in body shape, not just the number on the scale. Don't starve One of the most common dieting mistakes is suddenly cutting meal portions drastically or skipping meals altogether. Many people also eliminate carbohydrates entirely. While this may produce rapid weight loss at first, much of the initial reduction comes from water loss rather than body fat. When carbohydrate intake decreases, the body uses up stored glycogen, and water stored alongside it is released as wel

Every trial became blessing in disguise: Dad behind Korea’s new World Cup hero

"Compared to four years ago, the situation is completely different. The emotion I feel now is beyond words." The voice of Oh Hyeon-gyu's father, Oh Hae-seon,57, was noticeably hoarse. It was no surprise — earlier that day, he had shouted his son's name louder and more passionately than at any other moment in his life. Oh Hyeon-gyu, 25, who plays for the Turkish club Beşiktaş, became the hero of Korea's 2–1 victory over the Czech Republic on June 12 (Korea time) at Estadio Guadalajara in Zapopan, Mexico, scoring the decisive go-ahead goal in the 35th minute of the second half in their opening Group A match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Meeting reporters at a hotel in Guadalajara after the match, Oh Hae-seon said, "When my son traveled to the 2022 Qatar World Cup as a reserve player without an official squad number, I remember thinking, 'I wish the final roster could include 27 players instead of 26.' Looking back, that experience became tremendous motivation for him and ultimately helped make him the hero he was today." Yet being a reserve player four years ago was far from the greate

Kim Jae-youl re-elected ISU president, term extended through 2030

Kim Jae-youl, president of the International Skating Union (ISU), has secured re-election and will serve another four-year term through 2030. Kim was elected on June 12 at the 60th ISU Congress held in Tenerife, Spain. Running unopposed, he won re-election as president. As a result, he will retain his positions as a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the IOC Executive Board. Membership on both bodies is contingent upon holding the presidency of an International Federation (IF). With his re-election, Korea will continue to maintain a significant presence in international sports diplomacy. Kim becomes only the third Korean to win re-election as the head of an International Federation, following the late Kim Un-yong, former president of World Taekwondo, and Cho Jung-won, the current WT president. Kim first entered sports administration in 2011 while serving as president of Cheil Industries, when he became president of the Korea Skating Union. He later held several prominent positions, including vice president of the Organizing Committee for the 2018 PyeongChang Winter

Clothing humanoid robots new mission for Hansae

A surprising scene unfolded in front of press at the Korea Federation of Textile Industries’ office in Seoul’s Gangnam District on June 8. A humanoid robot walked from behind the curtain to the center of stage to face the audience, drawing mild wows. The robot, about a meter tall and only a thick horizontal line where a human would have eyes, was dressed in a black sleeveless jacket and baggy pants. Its very presence was enough to keep the crowd’s attention. Soon, the hook from G-Dragon's “Power” reverberated across the stage and the robot, courtesy of Galaxy Corp., an entertainment-tech company that has a partnership with the K-pop superstar, began dancing to the upbeat tune. Its metallic feet tapped on the floor and its clothing fluttereed with every jerky motion. The show lasted for about a minute and the robot walked off stage. The performance was part of a bold message from Hansae regarding its latest mission — developing clothes for robots as well as humans. The group’s businesses range from fashion retail to e-commerce bookstore, concert ticketing and automobile par

Arrest warrants sought for ex-Shincheonji officials over suspicious ties to opposition party

Investigators sought arrest warrants for three former senior officials of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, a nonmainstream religious sect, over suspicions they forced church members to join the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) ahead of elections in 2021 and 2024. A joint investigation team of the prosecution and police sought the warrants to arrest a former No. 2 leader of Shincheonji, identified only by surname Goh, and two others on charges of violating the Political Parties Act that bans forcing people to join or quit political parties. Last week, Shincheonji founder Lee Man-hee was also questioned over the suspicions. It is the first time the investigation team has sought arrest warrants since it was launched in early January to look into suspicions that the religious sect forced followers to join the PPP as dues-paying members with the intention of swaying the outcome of the presidential primary in 2021 and the general election primaries in 2024. Investigators believe more than 50,000 followers joined the party as a result between 2021 and 2023.

Military suspends flight of Miron choppers over defective engines

South Korea's military has suspended the flight of locally manufactured LAH-1 Miron helicopters after defects were found in engines, according to a lawmaker on Saturday. The defense procurement agency had discovered in April corrosion in the engines of 47 among 57 Miron choppers assembled and supplied by Hanwha Aerospace Co. and has suspended their operations, according to Rep. Kang Sun-young of the opposition People Power Party (PPP). Cracks, possibly due to corrosion, were also found in the engines of 38 vehicles, the lawmaker added. The engines used in the armed helicopters were originally developed by the French aerospace technology company Safran S.A. Hanwha is the local producer and supplier of the military choppers. The defect is said to have occurred in the diffusers, a component used to stabilize the airflow in the engines, possibly during the assembly process, according to officials. Hanwha Aerospace defended its assembly process as being "in line with" the original manufacturer's requirements, noting that the company was not mandated to seek further approval from Safran. The LAH

Protests over ballot shortages continue for 9th day

Protests demanding a re-run of last week's local elections marred by ballot shortages continued for the ninth day Saturday morning, though participants decreased sharply compared with the previous night. About 700 protesters chanted slogans and waved national flags around SK Olympic Handball Gymnasium in Seoul's southern district of Jamsil as of 9 a.m., down from some 8,000 people gathered Friday night. The protests were sparked by the unprecedented ballot shortages in the June 3 mayoral and gubernatorial elections. According to the National Election Commission, voting was suspended at 26 polling stations across the nation and some voters were reported to have returned home without casting their votes due to the lack of ballot papers. The protests had grown to some 30,000 people, many of them in their 20s and 30s, last weekend, but has since gradually decreased, with many older people replacing younger voters at weekday rallies. The NEC has apologized, saying it failed to print enough ballot papers due to an incorrect prediction of voter turnout. However, it has maintained that the ballo

HYBE apologizes for delay on 1st night of BTS world tour in Busan

HYBE, the agency behind K-pop boy band BTS, issued a formal apology after the first night of the group's world tour in Busan was delayed by more than one hour, according to its fandom platform Saturday. "We deeply apologize to all audience that came to watch the 'Arirang' world tour, for the inconvenience caused by the delay in the start of the performance," the agency said in a notice on Weverse. The agency pledged to bolster overall on-site operations to prevent recurrences during the second concert set to take place in the port city of Busan later in the day, the notice read. BTS continued its world tour "Arirang" in Busan, Friday. The concert was scheduled to start at 7 p.m. but was pushed back by around 75 minutes to 8:15 p.m., as the entry process of tens of thousands of fans was delayed.

Injured defender recovering quickly, available in group stage

ZAPOPAN, Mexico — On the heels of their opening victory at the ongoing FIFA World Cup, South Korea received some encouraging news on the injury front Friday. Defender Kim Tae-hyeon, dealing with an ankle injury that some feared could keep him out of the group stage, will be available as early as next Thursday for South Korea's second Group A match against Mexico. Kim picked up the injury during a training session Tuesday at Chivas Verde Valle in Zapopan, near Guadalajara, and a national team official told reporters the next day that the left-footed center back may miss the entire group stage -- which ends on June 24 for South Korea. However, Song Jun-seob, the senior team doctor, said Friday that Kim's injury wasn't serious as once feared. "The initial MRI confirmed a ligament tear but the picture wasn't clear enough for us to determine the exact degree," Song said. "We checked his swelling 24 hours later and determined that it was an average sprain. So we told the coaching staff that he should be able to play at the World Cup." Kim is one of just two left-footed center backs on the tea

SpaceX soars 25% on Wall Street debut making Elon Musk first trillionaire

NEW YORK — The world’s richest man just became its first trillionaire. Shares in Elon Musk’s rocket company SpaceX soared 25 percent after opening for trading at noon Friday, an auspicious start for history's biggest initial public offering and enough to push the net worth of its founder and CEO over the trillion dollar mark. The shares opened at $150, then shot to $168.90 around 12:.50 p.m. ET. That price gave the company a market value of $2.21 trillion. Musk, who also is a major shareholder and CEO of Tesla, is now worth an estimated $1.1 trillion, according to Forbes. Musk says SpaceX, founded in 2002, is going public now because it needs money to fund its ambitions of putting satellites and data centers in space and eventually establishing a colony of people on Mars. He earlier marked the opening of trading on Nasdaq, where the company' shares are trading under the symbol “SPCX,” by joining a ceremonial bell ringing from Starbase, the South Texas home of SpaceX. He reiterated his lofty goals “to make life multiplanetary.” “Not just a few astronauts, I mean literally yo

Iran deal very close, signing possible in coming days, US official says

WASHINGTON — The United States and Iran are not quite at the finish line, but are very close to a deal to resolve their conflict, a senior U.S. official said Friday, adding that Washington expects to sign an initial deal in the coming days. "The negotiating team has got us in a very good spot, but let's see here, we're not quite at the finish line yet, but we are very close," the U.S. official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, told reporters. The official said the terms agreed accomplish U.S. President Donald Trump's core objectives and "gets it in a very, very good place at the end of it." The terms of the so-called memorandum of understanding (MOU) include reopening the Strait of Hormuz and a lifting of the U.S. blockade on Iranian ports, the official told reporters. The MOU would lead to the dismantling of Iran's nuclear program and Tehran's highly enriched uranium would be destroyed on site and then taken out of the country, the official said. The terms also include an inspection regime to ensure that it is enforceable in the long term. Iran, if it complies, will be relieve

US tightens licensing requirements for certain medical device exports to N. Korea

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Treasury Department has published a list of medical devices requiring "specific authorization" for export to North Korea, a Federal Register notice showed Friday, apparently tightening licensing requirements for the items amid North Korea's advancing nuclear and missile threats. On Thursday, the department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) released the list of medical devices that may not be exported or reexported to North Korea under a general license that authorizes the exportation to the North of certain agricultural commodities, medicine and medical devices. The items on the new list require specific authorization from the OFAC for exports to North Korea, the office said. The list took effect Thursday. The list includes oxygen generators, pumps with flow rates of more than one liter per minute and diagnostic medical imaging equipment, such as gamma imaging, tactile imaging and thermography equipment. Also on the list are laboratory items, such as freeze-drying and spray-drying equipment, decontamination showers, laboratory and incubator shakers, and ca

Lee says S. Korea, Italy are 'optimal partners' for business cooperation

ROME — President Lee Jae Myung said Friday that South Korea and Italy are optimal partners for business cooperation and that the countries could build a "new industrial order" by working together. Lee made said this in his opening remarks at a business roundtable in Rome, held to explore ways to enhance economic cooperation between South Korea and Italy. During his summit with Italian President Sergio Mattarella a day earlier, the two leaders agreed to elevate bilateral ties to a special strategic partnership and explore ways to expand cooperation in semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI) and other strategic areas. "With Italy being a powerhouse in basic science with creative engineering and design capabilities, while South Korea is a powerhouse in advanced manufacturing with innovative technological capabilities, the two countries are optimal partners," Lee said. Amid a rapidly changing global economy driven by deepening technological competition and restructuring supply chains, the two countries could establish a new industrial order and create an innovative ecosystem if they w

Lee hopes S. Korea, Italy will work together to promote free trade, multilateralism

ROME — President Lee Jae Myung expressed hope Friday that South Korea and Italy will work together to promote global free trade and multilateralism, during his talks with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome, Seoul's presidential office said. Lee and Meloni met in the Italian capital to discuss bilateral cooperation during the South Korean president's ongoing state visit to Italy. It marked the two leaders' second meeting this year after they met in Seoul in January. A day earlier, Lee and Italian President Sergio Mattarella held talks and agreed to elevate bilateral ties to a special strategic partnership. "We discussed last time that a rule-based international order is important. I hope both sides will make joint efforts to promote cooperation and development in areas, such as free trade and multilateralism," Lee was quoted by his office as saying in his opening remarks. "It seems that establishing a new cooperation framework (between the two countries) is necessary," he added, stressing that this makes South Korea-Italy cooperation particularly meaningful. He went on to say

Congresswoman submits House resolution honoring late US politician's Korea alliance contributions

WASHINGTON — A U.S. lawmaker has submitted a House resolution honoring a late U.S. politician's congressional legacy, including his "enduring" contribution to the South Korea-U.S. alliance, Congress' website showed Friday. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY) introduced the resolution on Thursday to commemorate the life, military service and legacy of former Rep. Charles Rangel, a decorated Korean War veteran and longtime supporter of South Korea. Rangel passed away in May last year. The text of the resolution was not immediately available. Cosponsors of the resolution include Reps. Rep. Thomas Suozzi (D-NY), Gregory Meeks (D-NY), Dave Min (D-CA), Marilyn Strickland (D-WA) and Frederica Wilson (D-FL). An influential representative from New York from 1971 to 2017, Rangel, a Democrat, played a key role in legislative efforts on an array of Korea-related issues, including encouraging peace and reunification on the Korean Peninsula, as well as supporting reunions of divided Korean American families and Korean War veterans. Rangel was a founding member of the Congressional Korea Caucus, a group of lawmake

Sanitation equipment gets design upgrade as worker invents wheeled dustpan

The handle tilts about 15 degrees. It can hold more than 5 liters of waste. It even has wheels. An innovative street-cleaning dustpan has been developed, addressing many shortcomings of conventional models, including short handles, limited capacity and physical strain caused by repetitive use. The product has progressed beyond the prototype stage, with a patent application already filed. The inventor is a veteran sanitation worker with 20 years of field experience. On June 5, Oh Chang-taek, 52, a public sanitation worker employed by Dalseo District in Daegu, explained that existing dustpans failed to adequately account for workers' body types and working postures. "There was a clear need for improvement," Oh said. "I began building prototypes earlier this year, and with support from the district office, we've even moved forward with a patent application." Oh's dustpan is designed with workers in mind. The handle's height and angle can be adjusted, while attached wheels reduce the burden of moving it around. Durability was also a priority: If a component breaks, only that specific part n

For ‘Colony,’ K-zombie film from ‘Train to Busan’ director, Korean box-office success is no surprise

It is another success, and another win, for K-zombie films. One might even say they have evolved. “Colony,” one of the most anticipated zombie films of the first half of the year, is on a record-breaking run. In the third week of its release, “Colony” is eyeing the 5 million admissions mark. It took four days for the film to cross 1 million admissions after its release on May 21. It crossed 2 million the very next day, and cleared the 3 million mark five days later. Exactly two weeks after its release, the film surpassed 4 million admissions. It is roaring through box-office milestones faster than any other film released in 2026, a lineup that includes “The King’s Warden,” “Project Hail Mary” and “Salmokji: Whispering Water.” That raises an obvious question: What is driving its success? The key to its success, according to critics, comes from the combination of the genre’s strong, dedicated fandom and trust in director Yeon Sang-ho. And, of course, there is the anticipation surrounding K-zombies, which have more than earned their hype. At the forefront of the keys

Iran agrees to dismantle nuclear program under deal: White House

WASHINGTON — Iran has agreed to dismantle its nuclear program and destroy nuclear material under a deal with the United States, a White House official told AFP Friday, as the two sides gave clashing accounts of the agreement. Tehran also agreed to open the Strait of Hormuz and will not receive any frozen funds until they honor their commitments under the "performance-based deal," the senior administration official said.

Ghana slams Canada’s decision to deny World Cup visa for Partey, who faces rape charges

Ghana’s government has criticized Canada’s “extremely unfair” decision to deny midfielder Thomas Partey a visa for his team’s World Cup opener while he awaits trial on rape charges, and it threatened legal action in a bid to overturn the refusal.

Saturday's Football Championship results and reports

There were wins for Meath, Kerry, Monaghan and Cork in Round 2A and 2B in the race for Sam Maguire.

Royal Family watch Red Arrows flypast on Buckingham Palace balcony

The annual event marks the King's official birthday and features more than 1,400 members of the armed forces.

Might Scotland throw midfield curveball at Haiti?

BBC Scotland looks at the midfield conundrum facing Scotland boss Steve Clarke.

Thousands gather for anti-racism rally in Belfast after disorder

Protesters gather at Belfast City Hall for a demonstration against racism, after the past week of violence and disorder.

Italian missionary in Brazil beatified on June 13

Fr. Nazareno Lanciotti, a Eucharistic and Marian missionary, is beatified on June 13 in Brazil for his martyrdom due to his work on behalf of the most vulnerable.

Read all

West Ham shareholders address Sullivan allegations and agree ownership deal

Co-chairs Daniel Kretinsky and Vanessa Gold have spoken out on the allegations against David Sullivan as Czech billionaire becomes club's largest shareholder

Stokes returns to Durham training after England omission

Ben Stokes returned to training with Durham on Saturday following the nightclub incident that has caused the captain to miss England's second Test against New Zealand.

Humanitarian convoy led by Nuncio in Lebanon caught in crossfire

A convoy consisting of 45 trucks and vehicles carrying food aid, medicines, and fuel intended for three Christian villages in southern Lebanon was forced to alter its route due to gunfire exchanged between the Israeli army and Hezbollah.

Read all

Mageean determined to pack as much living into time left

Olympian Ciara Mageean says she is determined to "fit as much living into the years I have left" as she spoke about her stage four cancer diagnosis.

Instability, war and closed borders: How aid workers get emergency food to hungry Afghan children

The odyssey begins in Indonesia and ends, 15,000 kilometres later, in Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan. Along the way, critical food aid destined for young Afghan students crosses nine countries, over land and sea, skirting geopolitical unrest and conflict zones.

Are the Downing Street dominoes about to fall?

John Healey's resignation as defence secretary is a disaster for the prime minister, writes Laura Kuenssberg.

What is the Swiss population cap proposal?

Switzerland will decide on a proposal to cap the population at 10 million in a referendum

In pictures: Trooping the Colour marks King's official birthday

The King and Queen were cheered on as they rode along The Mall towards Horseguard's Parade.

Switzerland to vote on plan to cap population at 10 million

The right-wing Swiss People's Party calls the plan a "sustainability initiative", but opponents say it is a recipe for chaos.

'Gang leaders are soccer lovers' - Haiti play with hope for peace

Haiti's first appearance at a men's World Cup for 52 years is as much about hope as it is goals for the conflict-torn nation.

Israel carries out air strikes on Lebanon, state media says, as Iran claims deal with US near

The strikes come as Iran's foreign minister says a deal to end fighting with the US is close.

Shergar killed 'in awful way', owner's daughter says

The daughter of the Aga Khan, the co-owner of stolen racehorse Shergar, said the animal was killed "in an awful way" and a ransom was never paid to avoid the prospect of the money getting into the wrong hands.

Officer accused of using AI to 'create evidence'

A criminal investigation is launched and the officer removed from frontline duties, say police.

Boy, 14, among murder suspects after man killed

Essex Police say three teenagers are being questioned on suspicion of murder.

Anthropic says it has taken its latest AI models offline to comply with U.S. directive

AI giant Anthropic said on Friday it has taken its latest artificial intelligence models, known as Fable 5 and Mythos 5, offline to comply with a directive from the Trump administration to prevent their use by foreign nationals.

Montreal mayor urges calm, vows to uncover truth after police unit suspected of racist behaviour

Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada called for calm and pledged that Montrealers would learn the truth about allegations of co-ordinated racist behaviour in a Montréal-Nord police unit.

Protection of Minors Commission receives new Statutes, renewed mandate

Pope Leo XIV approves new Statutes for the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, reinforcing the Church's commitment to safeguarding minors and vulnerable persons.

Read all

Komeito aims to merge with CRA before next parliamentary session

Informed sources say the party plans to declare its plan to join the CRA in July and formally approve the move at a party convention by September.

Rugby star Sinfield and authors Blackman and Donaldson lead honours list

Noughts & Crosses author Malorie Blackman and Gruffalo creator Julia Donaldson are made dames, as the rugby league star is knighted.

Dujon Cullingford gives some shine to six little-known Kiwi bangers

A "really beautiful" cover by 16-year-old Annie Crummer makes the Ngāruawāhia DJ, record collector and music historian's latest mixtape of vintage Kiwi gems.

'The land misses us': How Indigenous land stewardship protects cultural history and forests

Leader of the XAXE TEṈEW̱ Sacred Land Society’s Indigenous land restoration and stewardship program, says Indigenous land stewardship directly help with wildfire prevention. Research from UBC shows it also makes the land healthier.

Trump says peace deal with Iran will be signed Sunday, but Tehran yet to confirm timing

U.S. President Donald Trump and mediator Pakistan said on Saturday an initial deal to end the war in the Middle East would be signed on Sunday, although Iran denied the signing would take place so soon.

Trump's name removed from Kennedy Center

Workers have removed US President Donald Trump's name from the Kennedy Center, less than six months after it went up.

Linkin Park to make history at UK's biggest rock festival

Linkin Park will make history as the first female-fronted band to headline Download Festival.

Lebanon reports Israeli strikes in south after warning

Lebanon reported Israeli strikes on the country's south shortly after the Israeli army issued an evacuation warning for 20 locations including the city of Nabatieh ahead of raids there.

Healey wanted UK to join global defence bank, BBC told

Allies of the former defence secretary claim the Treasury tried to shut down the idea.

Police seize guns, drugs and cash as Operation Morpheus targets Hells Angels

As a result of the raids, police have charged five people with firearms and class A and B drug offences.

Social media ban for under-16s would be unenforceable, charity warns

The focus should be on banning features that make it addictive, head of the Molly Rose Foundation says.

Catholic sisters journeying together in solidarity and hope

Over 130 religious sisters from across the globe meet in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, for the Catholic Sisters Initiative Convening, led by the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation.

Read all

Military suspends flight of Miron choppers over defective engines

South Korea's military has suspended the flight of locally manufactured LAH-1 Miron helicopters after defects were found in engines, according to a lawmaker on Saturday. The defense procurement agency had discovered in April corrosion in the engines of 47 among 57 Miron choppers assembled and supplied by Hanwha Aerospace Co. and has suspended their operations, according to Rep. Kang Sun-young of the opposition People Power Party. Cracks, possibly due to corrosion, were also found in the engines

Why it’s nearly impossible to build a robot without China

Building on the country's electric vehicle industry, Chinese companies are making robot parts at a scale and price point others can't match.

Japan and Canada can do more to accelerate AI adoption, expert says

"AI will be the technology that will power the future," said Cameron Schuler, chief commercialization officer and vice president of industry innovation at the Vector Institute.

5 children killed in a crash near Kitchener-Waterloo, Ont.

Five children between the ages of four and 12 were killed in a two-vehicle collision in rural Ontario, according to OPP. Several others, including one infant, were injured.

From friction to flair: Son Heung-min, Lee Kang-in are the duo everyone is watching

Before the World Cup kicked off, South Korean fans knew one thing: if the Taeguk Warriors were going to have a good run, they would need their two biggest stars to click. After just one match, they have given fans reason for optimism. South Korea's 2-1 comeback victory over the Czech Republic in Group A on Friday has fueled growing anticipation around the partnership between captain Son Heung-min and playmaker Lee Kang-in, with Czech media singling them out as the decisive difference between the

Lord’s Day Reflection: Serving without counting the cost

As the Church marks the Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, Fr. Luke Gregory, OFM, reflects on the theme: “Serving without counting the cost”.

Read all

The Mound, the Fort, and the Church: The Trees Speak to Science (Part I — re-run)

This is the second part of a three-part series re-running some posts from 2018 on astronomy and Native American earthworks.

Brooks residents seek info on the data centre megaproject planned right next door

A substantial but largely confidential plan to build a huge data centre near Brooks, Alta., has led local officials to update bylaws and launch an education program for residents about the benefits, drawbacks and potential mitigation strategies of hosting such large-scale industry.

Japan releases tool to visualize local government finances

Users can examine revenues, expenditures and fiscal indicators of local governments through graphs and color-coded maps.

Thousands gather for Seoul queer festival, counter-rally

Thousands of ​people gathered in central Seoul on Saturday for an annual LGBTQ ‌pride parade, while a conservative Christian group held a nearby counter-rally, organisers and police said. The Seoul Queer ‌Culture Festival has long drawn both supporters of LGBTQ rights and vocal opposition from conservative religious groups in ⁠South Korea, where same-sex marriage is not legally recognised and efforts to pass a comprehensive anti-discrimination law have repeatedly ⁠stalled. The festival's organis

'It's all they're talking about': Scotland gripped by football fever

Excitement is building ahead of Scotland's first game in the men's World Cup for 28 years.

AI cameras being piloted to detect wildfires in Kananaskis

AltaLink is testing AI-enabled wildfire cameras in Kananaskis that can automatically detect smoke and alert staff to potential fire starts. AI wildfire detection cameras are being increasingly being rolled out across western North America as communities look for new ways to detect wildfires quicker.

Film credits decoded: What those job titles really mean

We've all sat through film credits, spotted titles like "Key Grip" or "Best Boy", and wondered what on earth they actually do.

Enzyme baths heat up as latest wellness trend

Buried up to the neck in warm, fermented rice bran, a new generation of Koreans is sweating out the stress of daily life. Enzyme baths, a heat therapy long associated with middle-aged and older Koreans, are drawing customers in their 20s and 30s, who see the treatment as a way to reduce puffiness, flush out fatigue and recover from busy routines without breaking a sweat at the gym. The treatment involves lying in a bed of hinoki cypress sawdust, rice bran and medicinal herbs mixed with microorga

Teacher behind Korean violin stars doesn't believe in 'prodigy'

When violinist Kim Seo-hyun, one of Korea’s most promising young musicians, won the rookie prize at the 14th Daewon Music Awards on June 8, the 17-year-old took a moment to thank her teacher. “I am deeply grateful to my teacher Lee Sunny, who guided me to express my inner self through music and taught me with passion, never setting any limits on me,” she said at the prestigious ceremony, where composer Chin Un-suk received the grand prize and pianist Sunwoo Ye-kwon won the performance prize. The

A DJ, a night owl and a New York dreamer walk into Burger Week

The 2026 American Burger Week, an annual celebration of American-style craft burgers, is underway in its biggest edition yet, with 45 brands across the country participating through June 21. Organized by the US Meat Export Federation, the three-week promotion kicked off June 1 and marks the event's 10th edition since its 2017 launch. Participating restaurants offer dishes featuring patties and bacon made with US meat at a 20 percent discount. Orders placed through delivery app Yogiyo, a co-spons

Installation artist Suh Do-ho says living abroad deepened his sense of home

Living abroad made installation artist Suh Do-ho think more deeply about the meaning of home, the internationally acclaimed artist said Tuesday as he received the arts award at the third Musan Cultural Awards. "When I lived in Seoul, I didn't think much about it because it was simply there. It was only after leaving that I became much more aware of what home means," Suh said at a press conference ahead of the ceremony. Based in New York, London and Seoul, Suh has long explored themes of home, mi

First lady attends hanbok fashion show in Rome

ROME — First lady Kim Hea Kyung attended a creative hanbok fashion show in Rome on Friday (local time), expressing hope that South Korea and Italy will develop a deeper understanding and stronger friendship through Korea's traditional attire. Kim, who is accompanying President Lee Jae Myung on a 10-day European tour from June 9 to June 18, made the remarks during a creative hanbok fashion show and tea gathering held at the National Academy of Fine Arts in Rome. The couple departed South Korea on

What is the EU Migration Pact and why was it required?

Europe Editor Tony Connelly analyses the EU Migration Pact, described as one of the most complex and contested pieces of European legislation in many years.

Shopworker sacked for tackling suspected bacon thief

Eileen Fox had worked at the One Stop Shop in Bootle for four years before she was sacked.

Japan startup tests catheter injection of iPS heart muscle cells

The Tokyo-based company hopes to develop a minimally invasive treatment method that does not require surgery.

The costs and challenges facing the 2026 World Cup

The World Cup officially kicked off this week - but alongside the football, there are questions around heat, cost, the environmental impact and travel restrictions.

Takaichi vows ‘persistent diplomatic efforts’ to help secure Strait of Hormuz

Writing in the Financial Times, the prime minister expressed her determination to tackle emerging challenges as "Japan's 'Iron Lady.'"

Token-maxxing: How tech firms' AI staff push backfired

Tech firms have pushed their staff to go 'all-in' on artificial intelligence in an attempt to boost productivity and cut costs - but it ended up having the opposite effect, writes Adam Maguire.

Soaring prices cast shadow on record-breaking World Cup

Dónal Ryan examines FIFA's record-breaking World Cup, being co-hosted by the US, Mexico and Canada and the implications that soaring costs are having on fans hoping to attend.

'She's a one-off' - Black performs final gig in Dublin

One of Ireland's most popular singers, Mary Black, said she felt "very strange" all day ahead of her final solo gig in Dublin's Vicar Street last night.

Ireland and Canada navigating a 'global rupture' - Carney

The Canadian Prime Minister has said that Ireland and Canada were navigating a "global rupture" but that both countries were well placed to be a force for good by working together.

Ireland welcoming Canadian PM 'home', says Taoiseach

Ireland is welcoming Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney "home", Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said.

Why difficult Leaving Cert papers don't mean lower grades

Almost every other year something crops up in the Leaving Cert that throws students, but a difficult paper does not mean they will get lower grades, writes Emma O Kelly.

Married at First Sight Australia stars not told partners had drug and violence convictions

Stars of the hit TV show say they did not know their on-screen husbands had previous convictions.

How Ireland helped shape the Prime Minister of Canada

When Mark Carney visits Ireland, he will be presented with a 90-page, leather bound book packed with his family history

New Canada Post stamp celebrates Halifax 2SLGBTQ+ history

Halifax’s historic lesbian and gay club, The Turret, is being honoured through Canada Post’s Places of Pride stamp series.

Arrest warrants sought for ex-Shincheonji officials over suspicious ties to opposition party

Investigators sought arrest warrants for three former senior officials of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, a nonmainstream religious sect, over suspicions they forced church members to join the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) ahead of elections in 2021 and 2024. A joint investigation team of the prosecution and police sought the warrants to arrest a former No. 2 leader of Shincheonji, identified only by surname Goh, and two others on charges of violating the Political Parties Act that b

Protests over ballot shortages continue for 9th day

Protests demanding a re-run of last week's local elections marred by ballot shortages continued for the ninth day Saturday morning, though participants decreased sharply compared with the previous night. About 700 protesters chanted slogans and waved national flags around SK Olympic Handball Gymnasium in Seoul's southern district of Jamsil as of 9 a.m., down from some 8,000 people gathered Friday night. The protests were sparked by the unprecedented ballot shortages in the June 3 mayoral and gub

USA start tournament in style - but will they finally join the elite?

If there were any doubts the USA were ready to live up to the pressure of being a World Cup host, they were dispelled in a 4-1 win over Paraguay.

Japan pushes back on Trump’s anime posts

President Donald Trump's use of Japanese anime-style imagery on his social media account has not gone over well in Japan.

Woman seriously injured in shark attack at Sydney beach

A woman has been seriously injured in a shark attack at a Sydney beach, in the ⁠latest of a spate of shark attacks off Australia's coast.

Trump gets ringside seat at White House UFC event on his 80th birthday

Trump celebrates 80th birthday with White House cage fight

Trump's White House UFC headliner accused of assault, forced sex, stalking

Alex Pereira, a prominent mixed martial arts fighter set to headline the U.S. president's 80th birthday UFC event at the White House, is facing allegations of violence from two women — and it isn’t the first time.

From riots to 'regularization,' U.K. and Spain show opposing attitudes to migrants

The Pope’s visit this week to Spain’s Canary Islands, where he met with migrants and their advocates, underscores the polarized debate in Europe over immigration. As Spain welcomes half a million illegal migrants, the streets of British cities are burning as forces on the political right push to keep them out.

Amid excitement, FIFA World Cup sets off worries over disruptions and safety in host cities

Concerns from traffic to littering and over-policing have Canadians in host cities worried about the FIFA World Cup and its effects on local communities.

Canada vows to restrict social media for kids under 16. Teens say they'll 'always find a way'

Canadian teens and parents — the two groups directly impacted by the Safe Social Media Act (Bill C-34) introduced Wednesday by the federal government — share their thoughts on social media and the proposed legislation, which would ban accounts for users under 16.

Some provinces want more say in appointing judges. What does Canada's chief justice think?

Several provinces are calling for a constitutional change to give themselves more say in how federal judges are appointed at the provincial level. What does Chief Justice Richard Wagner make of this ongoing political debate over Canada's judicial system? CBC's The House spoke with him earlier this week to get his thoughts.

Ottawa has struggled to increase grocery competition. Will the new food strategy help?

The federal government has pledged $3 billion which it says will add more food terminals in Canada, help the Competition Bureau sniff out and penalize anticompetitive behaviour, and help Canada produce more of its own food. Independent grocers say it's a step in the right direction when it comes to helping them compete, but won't topple the dominance of the country's major grocers.

Out-of-this-world medical tech could boost health care on Earth, researchers say

The shift toward deep space exploration is set to bring new developments for Earth’s health-care systems, researchers say, including innovations such as portable medical technology and robotic care.

Tupac is being digitally resurrected again, this time in a video game. Not everyone likes it

Gamers and influencers watching Summer Game Fest mostly expressed shock and confusion at the inclusion of the influential American rapper and political activist who died in 1996.

Anthropic suspends new AI tools over US government security concerns

Anthropic's Claude Fable 5, released publicly this week, sparked concerns about cybersecurity and hacking.

Australia strike twice to stun dark horses Turkey

Australia spoiled Turkey's return to ⁠the World Cup stage after 24 years by securing a 2-0 victory in their Group D opener on Saturday, courtesy of goals from Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe.

Edgy Scotland earn nervy opening win over plucky Haiti

Scotland moved top of Group C in their long-awaited return to the World Cup with a nervy 1-0 win over Haiti in Foxborough.

Brazil share spoils with impressive Morocco

Brazil and Morocco played out a 1-1 draw in their World Cup group opener at New York/New Jersey stadium.

Trump faces G7 after year of trade wrath and diplomatic blusters

Every G7 leader — other than Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi — has been the target of attacks, criticism or mockery from the Republican billionaire.

US strike killed leader of Tren de Aragua gang - Trump

US forces carried out a strike that killed Hector Rusthenford Guerrero Flores, the leader of Venezuelan prison gang Tren de Aragua.

One part of U.K. is enjoying a Brexit boost 10 years after vote

Northern Ireland has enjoyed bumper economic growth at twice the pace of the rest of the country in recent years.

SpaceX surges past $2 trillion in Nasdaq debut, closes in on Amazon

The launch was smoother ​than many observers expected, with trading kicking off late on Friday morning without any hiccups.

Why is a ‘very close’ Iran-U.S. deal taking so long?

Analysts say a litany of sticking points have delayed finalizing an accord and will complicate its implementation.

SpaceX playbook set to fuel China’s IPO ambitions but tech gap persists

In China, the initial public offering was watched as a benchmark for a younger industry eager to go public.

Iran peace deal looms while new military action flares near Strait of Hormuz

A senior U.S. administration official said both sides had agreed on a text and that Washington expects to sign an initial deal in the coming days.

Trump says Iran peace deal to be signed today

US President Donald Trump and mediator Pakistan have said an initial deal to end the war in the Middle East would be signed today, but Iran denied the signing would take place so soon.

England have training equipment stolen

England are victims of a theft of their training equipment before their arrival in Kansas City on Saturday.

Wellington Airport fire which caused flight disruption started in a 'difficult location', CEO says

How the fire began is still being investigated, the Airport's CEO told RNZ in an exclusive interview.

Hybe apologizes for delay on 1st night of BTS world tour in Busan

Hybe Co., the agency behind K-pop boy band BTS, issued a formal apology after the first night of the group's world tour in Busan was delayed by more than one hour, according to its fandom platform Saturday. "We deeply apologize to all audience that came to watch the 'Arirang' world tour, for the inconvenience caused by the delay in the start of the performance," the agency said in a notice on Weverse. The agency pledged to bolster overall on-site operations to prevent recurrences during the seco

Costs of not adapting to climate change will rise along with sea levels - scientist

A climate scientist says we need to start planning 50 or even 100 years ahead when building housing and infrastructure, or pay ever-growing recovery costs.

S. Korea, other UN members launch group to address technology-facilitated trafficking in persons

sssSouth Korea and dozens of UN member states on Friday launched an informal group aimed at addressing technology-facilitated trafficking in persons on Friday, as Seoul has stepped up diplomatic efforts to address the issue following online scams that affected South Koreans in Cambodia last year. South Korea's mission to the UN and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime held an event to launch the "Group of Friends for Combating Technology-facilitated Trafficking in Persons." Seoul's Ambassador to the

Harry Styles revisits X Factor as he kicks off Wembley residency

The pop star reminisces about his X Factor audition, which took place near Wembley Stadium in 2010.

Injured defender recovering quickly, available in group stage

ZAPOPAN, Mexico -- On the heels of their opening victory at the ongoing FIFA World Cup, South Korea received some encouraging news on the injury front on Friday. Defender Kim Tae-hyeon, dealing with an ankle injury that some feared could keep him out of the group stage, will be available as early as next Thursday for South Korea's second Group A match against Mexico. Kim picked up the injury during a training session Tuesday at Chivas Verde Valle in Zapopan, near Guadalajara, and a national team

US tightens licensing requirements for certain medical device exports to N. Korea

The US Treasury Department has published a list of medical devices requiring "specific authorization" for export to North Korea, a Federal Register notice showed Friday, apparently tightening licensing requirements for the items amid North Korea's advancing nuclear and missile threats. On Thursday, the department's Office of Foreign Assets Control released the list of medical devices that may not be exported or reexported to North Korea under a general license that authorizes the exportation to

Lee says S. Korea, Italy are 'optimal partners' for business cooperation

President Lee Jae Myung said Friday that South Korea and Italy are optimal partners for business cooperation and that the countries could build a "new industrial order" by working together. Lee made the remarks in his opening remarks at a business roundtable in Rome, held to explore ways to enhance economic cooperation between South Korea and Italy. During his summit with Italian President Sergio Mattarella a day earlier, the two leaders agreed to elevate bilateral ties to a special strategic pa

Staying up to watch the match? Here's how to survive an all-nighter

Forget blocks and tackles, this is the tactical plan you need for the football.

Congresswoman submits House resolution honoring late US politician's contribution to S. Korea-US alliance

WASHINGTON -- A US lawmaker has submitted a House resolution honoring a late US politician's congressional legacy, including his "enduring" contribution to the South Korea-US alliance, Congress' website showed Friday. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY) introduced the resolution on Thursday to commemorate the life, military service and legacy of former Rep. Charles Rangel, a decorated Korean War veteran and longtime supporter of South Korea. Rangel passed away in May last year. The text of the resolution was

Palestine Action activists jailed over factory raid

The case is believed to be the first time that convictions for criminal damage have been classified as terrorism.

David Hockney depicted a 'peaceful, gay paradise' when homosexuality was a crime

The painter broke social taboos by celebrating same-sex relationships in his art.

David Hockney, the British artist who went in search of Californian color, dies at 88

"You don't retire doing this," he told the BBC when asked about his unflagging energy. "You just do it until you fall over."

Equity vs equality? Why educators and health experts say understanding the difference matters

While equality focuses on treating people the same, equity asks whether everyone has the same opportunity to thrive in the first place.

Fog restrictions lift after morning of disruption at Auckland Airport

Forty-nine flights have been either cancelled or delayed so far.

Saturday night showdown: Australia vs. Turkey opens FIFA World Cup in Vancouver

Fan support for both nations is expected to be strong inside B.C. Place come game time.

Dire Straits' saxophonist: Even now I get a shiver when we play 'Brothers in Arms'

Before his August visit with The Dire Straits Experience, Chris White reflects on why the British rock band's '80s hits still resonate.

Fa'anānā Efeso Collins widow 'aggrieved' over 'cruel' Coronial process

The pain of losing her husband has been deepened by trying to seek answers about the day he died, Vasa Fia Collins says.

Elon Musk's stratospheric rise to trillionaire status - in charts

The BBC breaks down how the tech mogul's fortune has grown.

How Kojima made a destination out of denim

In Okayama Prefecture, an old textile town has turned jeans into a source of craft, identity and tourism.

Canadian tech firm announces 400 jobs in Ireland

Canadian technology company OpenText has announced a €105 million investment that will create 400 jobs at its sites in Cork and Galway over the next three years.

Ed Sheeran found this record in a second-hand store - now it's finally getting attention

Allan Taylor is receiving overdue recognition after Ed Sheeran found his 1978 LP in a second-hand shop.

Bilingual speech club offers freedom to be yourself

No topic is off-limits at Tokyo Freedom Toastmasters Club, where participants open up about grief, trauma and other emotional experiences.

The Green Scam

Who really profits from climate change? The truth about the "Green Scam" narrative

Montreal police suspend more than a dozen officers suspected of racist and hateful behaviour

More than a dozen police officers assigned to Montréal-Nord’s Station 39 are under investigation over alleged racist and hateful acts committed against Black and Arab people during police stops, Radio-Canada has learned.

Trump says Tren de Aragua gang leader killed via U.S. military strike

U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday said U.S. forces carried out a strike that killed Hector Rusthenford Guerrero Flores, also ‌known as Niño Guerrero, the leader of Venezuelan prison gang Tren de Aragua.

Elon Musk becomes world's first trillionaire as SpaceX soars in stock market debut

Musk is now worth $1.11tn according to the Bloomberg rich list, while SpaceX listed on the Nasdaq stock exchange with a value of $2.2tn.

Country Life: How Filipino farmers are supporting NZ’s rural towns

Filipino farmers play a major role on farm, and in rural communities.

Longtime, pun-loving movie critic Gene Shalit dead at age 100

Pun-spouting ​movie critic Gene Shalit, a fixture on NBC's Today show for decades in his bow ties and extravagantly bushy hair and moustache, died on Friday at the age of 100, NBC News reported, citing a family statement shared with the network.

E-bike makers Galvbike riding agritech wave at Fieldays

Anthony Clyde, considered the godfather of e-bikes in New Zealand, has created a new electric farmbike that's proving a hit at Fieldays, the Galvbike.

Health NZ increases funding offer for GPs

After GPs pushed back on last week's offer, Health NZ has pitched a new one that offers more money and a reworked rural funding formula.

Number of female prisoners expected to surge by 63 percent over next decade

The number of women serving time in prison is expected to surge 63 percent over the next decade, due to stronger punishments for theft.

Alberta government commissions $1.5M economic analysis and panel on cost of separation

Alberta's government said Friday it has picked the University of Calgary to study the potential costs if the province were to leave Canada.

Iran's military has been degraded. What's left?

Earlier this week, the U.S. launched two nights of airstrikes on Iran. Those attacks seemed to suggest that the U.S. believes the regime, despite weeks of coming under constant bombardment before the April ceasefire, still retains a significant cache of weapons that need to be taken out.

Trump's name is gone from Kennedy Center's facade, says arts venue's top official

Workers began removing U.S. President Donald Trump's name from the facade of the Kennedy Center early Saturday, hours after a court-ordered Friday deadline to remove references to Trump from the building and other aspects of the iconic performing arts venue's operations. His name is now reportedly gone.

World Cup 2026: USA 4-1 Paraguay recap

The United States start their World Cup with a 4-1 win over Paraguay in Los Angeles.

Gulf Harbour body trial: Dead woman’s son claims that ‘she looked fine and waved at him’

The Crown identified Wang's husband Yanyun Wu and youngest son Wu as part of "family 12", one of the at least 37 families devoted to Liu's religious group.

EU agrees to launch Ukraine, Moldova membership talks

European Union nations have agreed to open membership talks with Ukraine next week, officially launching the process for the war-torn country to eventually join the world's biggest trading bloc.

18-year-old Toronto man charged in U.S. consulate shooting

An 18-year-old Toronto man has been charged with shooting at the U.S. consulate in March, according to a court document.

Britain, Ireland working together at sea 'important'

The British Ambassador to Ireland has said it is hugely important that Britain and Ireland work together at sea to protect subsea cables from people who would want to do them harm.

Ghana's Partey denied entry to Canada for World Cup game

Thomas Partey has been denied entry to Canada ahead of Ghana's World Cup opener with Panama on Wednesday.

Over 1,700 voices joined as one in the anthem for Pope Leo’s visit to Spain

For seven days, we heard the anthem, “Alza la Mirada”, or “Look up”, which made its way into a number of the Pope’s messages. About 15 people helped play a part in choosing the lyrics, music, people, and places that made up the song.

Read all

Ireland's not in the World Cup. So this Irish pub turned its flag upside down to cheer the Ivory Coast

When Ireland failed to qualify for the World Cup, staff at an Irish pub in Scotland joked that they should just turn their flags upside down and become an Ivory Coast bar instead. Three weeks later, Biddy Mulligans manager Ruairi O'Neill has found himself running what he believes is Scotland's first Ivorian-Irish pub.

Bord Bia governance report finds Murrin viewed positively

A report into governance in Bord Bia has found that the chairman Larry Murrin is viewed positively by the vast majority of board members.

Four brain surgeries and a terminal diagnosis, but fighting back to run a marathon

Now in remission after nine years of treatment for a rare brain tumour, Nicole White is taking her second shot at the Queenstown Marathon.

Pope Leo returns to Vatican on aircraft provided by Spanish King

Pope Leo XIV flies back to the Vatican aboard an aircraft provided by King Felipe of Spain following a technical issue that prevented the original plane from departing from Tenerife’s Los Rodeos airport.

Read all

NRL: NZ Warriors coach Andrew Webster applauds Kane Evans 'coming out'

Former Warriors forward Kane Evans has revealed he is gay, prompting soul-searching throughout the NRL.

Trump and Netanyahu in lockstep over Iran war, U.S. ambassador to Israel says

In one of his first on-camera interviews since the United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran in February, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee brushed aside reports that tension has emerged between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and discussed the U.S. reaction to Canada's recent sanctions on Israelis.

Western Quebec mom told she can't wear hijab at after-school event: parent committee

A Gatineau school board committee says it's worried parents will be discouraged from volunteering after a local mother was reportedly told by her child's elementary school that, due to Quebec secularism laws, she would have to remove her hijab if she wants to participate in an after-school event this fall.

Podcast: Row over Ireland–Israel match likely to continue

The FAI has confirmed that the Republic of Ireland's Nations League fixture with Israel will be moved from the Aviva Stadium to a neutral venue in October.

Violent extremism targeting kids online an 'escalating threat': Winnipeg police

Violent, nihilistic extremism targeting kids online is an "escalating threat" across Canada and the world, Winnipeg police say, and they're urging parents and caregivers to learn the warning signs so they can step in before it's too late.

The battle in rural America against AI data centres

Utah approves the world’s largest data centre (62sq miles) but opposition is growing

The Keir Starmer Interview: The Analysis

Adam and Chris breakdown the Keir Starmer interview.

Gwyneth Paltrow ad for Israeli luxury highrise called 'dystopian,' 'tone deaf' online

After facing a week of online criticism for appearing in a promotional video for 51 Park, a 51-storey luxury residential development in Herzliya, Israel, actor Gwyneth Paltrow is keeping quiet on social media and has yet to address the backlash publicly.

4 grizzly bears killed by hunters through Alberta's 'problem wildlife' program so far

Four grizzly bears have been killed by authorized hunters since the Alberta government introduced the Wildlife Management Responder Network in June 2024. The most recent lethal grizzly removal happened on June 8, south of Pincher Creek, where the province says a grizzly bear killed several cattle.

Pope in Tenerife: Open Christ’s ‘Ocean of Love’

Pope Leo brings his Apostolic Journey to Spain to a close in the Port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, stressing that “no human being is an island”.

Read all

Ghana's Thomas Partey denied entry to Canada for FIFA World Cup amid rape charges

Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey will not take part in his team's World Cup game against Panama on Wednesday after his visa application to Canada was refused, FIFA said on Friday.

Pope Leo's visit to Tenerife shines a light on the migrant crisis

On the final day of his Apostolic Journey to Spain, Pope Leo travelled to Tenerife, where migration remains a defining reality. Visiting one of Europe’s main arrival points for African migrants risking the perilous Atlantic crossing, the Pope sought to draw international attention to the human suffering behind migration statistics and to reaffirm the Church’s closeness to those forced to flee their homes.

Read all

Man faces three charges over Dublin violence this month

A 25-year-old man is facing three charges in connection with the violence in Dublin almost two weeks ago that resulted in the fatal stabbing of another man, after a fourth charge was withdrawn today.

Pope concludes Spain journey with appeal to "lift up your gaze"

Concluding his Apostolic Journey to Spain, Pope Leo XIV thanks the Spanish people for their welcome and urges the world to "lift up its gaze".

Read all

Planned action by perfusionists paused

The Fórsa trade union has confirmed that planned industrial action by perfusionists next week has been paused.

Brother of Irish sports star reported missing in Spain

Gardaí are liaising with Spanish authorities after the brother of an Irish sports star was reported missing in Spain.

Canada pledges $100M for Palestinians facing settler violence, humanitarian crisis

Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand announced on Friday $100 million in federal funding to support Palestinians living in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.

SpaceX stock jumps after record IPO, making Musk the first trillionaire

SpaceX soared in its Nasdaq debut on Friday, making the company worth more than $2 trillion US. It's expected to be included in the Nasdaq 100 within weeks, making it a major holding for passive funds and ETFs that track the index.

Netflix ‘Teach You a Lesson’ star talks global success, true meaning of education

Kim Moo-yul, who stars as the ruthless Na Hwa-jin, a field inspector for the Korean Educational Rights Protection Bureau, in Netflix’s high-octane drama “Teach You a Lesson,” is currently enjoying a new height in his acting career. The drama, which follows a government-sanctioned vigilante squad deployed to rescue classrooms ruined by unruly teenagers and toxic parents, has skyrocketed in popularity, claiming the top spot in Netflix's global non-English TV series category just three days after its release. Kim has become a hot topic among global fans for his striking resemblance to John Cena, and the Hollywood star himself posted Kim's photo on his social media. "I honestly don’t quite know what to do with myself," Kim said, expressing his gratitude for the show's global reception during an interview with The Korea Times at a cafe in Seoul, Friday. In the series, his character is a former special forces operator who is dispatched to schools to use any means necessary — including corporal punishment — to discipline students. Every episode tackles heavy, real-world issues, fro

Lee to attend business roundtable in Rome to explore Korea-Italy economic cooperation

President Lee Jae Myung plans to attend a business roundtable in Rome on Friday to explore ways to enhance economic cooperation between South Korea and Italy, with Samsung Electronics Co. Chairman Lee Jae-yong also scheduled to participate. During the roundtable scheduled for the evening at a hotel in Rome, Lee is expected to deliver a keynote speech emphasizing the importance of bilateral economic cooperation amid the changing business landscape driven by the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) technology and the restructuring of supply chains. During his summit with Italian President Sergio Mattarella a day earlier, the two leaders agreed to elevate bilateral ties to a special strategic partnership and explore ways to expand cooperation into semiconductors, AI and other strategic areas. Business leaders from 30 companies from both countries are scheduled to attend the event, including Ryu Jin, chairman of the Federation of Korean Industries; Samsung Electronics' Chairman Lee; Hyosung Group Chairman Cho Hyun-joon; Hyundai Motor Co. President Sung Kim; and Naver CEO Choi Soo-yeon.

Korea, Britain sign revised nuclear cooperation protocol, discuss partnership

Korea and Britain signed a revised nuclear cooperation protocol Friday and discussed ways to deepen their global strategic partnership, Seoul's foreign ministry said. First Vice Foreign Minister Park Yoon-joo met with British Indo-Pacific Minister Seema Malhotra in Seoul, where they exchanged views on bilateral ties and regional issues. The two sides signed the revised protocol amending a bilateral agreement on the peaceful use of nuclear energy that entered into force in 1991. The ministry said the revisions update provisions on nuclear safeguards and physical protection to reflect current international standards. They also reaffirmed their commitment to advancing cooperation under the two countries' global strategic partnership across trade, investment, security, defense and cultural exchanges. Park also conveyed Seoul's concerns over Britain's planned new steel safeguard measures, stressing the need to minimize negative impacts on Korean companies and the global trading system.

Ex-election watchdog chief banned from leaving country amid ballot shortage probe

The justice ministry has approved a request from investigators to impose a travel ban on the former head of the National Election Commission (NEC) amid a probe into shortages of ballots during last week's local elections, sources said Friday. The ministry took the measure against Roh Tae-ak, former chairperson of the NEC, as well as other key officials upon requests made by a team of investigators probing the case, according to judiciary sources. The move came a day after investigators conducted a 13-hour raid that took place at the NEC's headquarters in Gwacheon, just south of Seoul, and its local offices in the capital that experienced the ballot shortages. They reportedly secured documents detailing plans on printing the ballots and budget, as well as meeting minutes. Investigators plan to analyze the secured documents and further look into the decision-making process behind printing the ballots and communications that took place between polling stations and the NEC on the day of the June 3 local elections. The shortages temporarily suspended voting at 26 polling stations nationwide, i

Fraudulent ChatGPT Pro charges spark alarm over unauthorized use of stolen card data

Card companies and financial regulators in Korea are scrambling to respond to a wave of suspected fraud involving OpenAI's premium ChatGPT Pro subscription service, after hundreds of unauthorized charges were allegedly made using stolen card information. Consumer complaints and testimonies have surged on Instagram and other social media platforms, as well as in local media reports, with users saying they were charged 299,000 won ($196) per month for ChatGPT Pro despite never subscribing to the service. According industry data, a total of 1,368 ChatGPT Pro subscription payments worth about 400 million won were processed in Korea so far this month. Of those, 858 transactions, valued at around 250 million won, have been suspected of being fraudulent charges. These fraudulent transactions were identified across nine domestic card issuers. Cybersecurity experts said fraudsters likely used personal information obtained through phishing crimes or purchased on the dark web to create large numbers of ChatGPT accounts. Unlike domestic online payments, some overseas transactions can be authorized us

World Cup opener sees Son Heung-min fever sweep Mexico stadium

ZAPOPAN — A festive atmosphere filled Guadalajara Stadium hours before kickoff as Korea opened its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign on Thursday (local time). Fans began arriving hours before the opening match against the Czech Republic. Despite enduring nearly two hours of lines caused by massive crowds and security screenings by armed personnel, supporters maintained a vibrant mood. They waved at the guards and cheered, transforming the wait into a celebration. Inside, the energy continued as fans shopped for merchandise and competed in a volume-measured "Goal!" shouting contest to win prizes. While local Mexican fans formed the majority of the stadium crowd, a significant international contingent stood out in Korea's red jerseys. Gary Kiefer, 37, of Los Angeles, and his Mexico-based cousin Gabriela Manibez, 30, both wore Korean gear bearing the name and number of captain Son Heung-min, 34, who plays for Los Angeles FC. "I've been cheering for Son Heung-min since he played for Tottenham Hotspur in the English Premier League," Kiefer said. "Personally, I'm an LA Galaxy fan, but despite tha

Kim Keum-suk becomes 1st Korean comic artist to receive the Order of Arts and Letters

Korean comic artist Kim Keum-suk has received the Chevalier of the Order of Arts and Letters from France, becoming the first Korean comic artist to receive the honor, the Korea Manhwa Contents Agency said Friday. Kim, 55, is best known for works including “Grass,” which tells the story of a victim of Japan’s wartime sexual slavery, and “Jiseul,” which tackles the Jeju April 3 Uprising. The Order of Arts and Letters is one of France’s major cultural honors, awarded to those who have made significant contributions to the arts and literature. It has three ranks: Commandeur, Officier and Chevalier, in descending order of distinction. The award ceremony was held on May 28 at the French Embassy in Seoul, with Kim, French Ambassador to Korea Philippe Bertoux and Korea Manhwa Contents Agency President Baek Jong-hoon in attendance. Kim studied painting at university and later pursued a doctoral course in sculpture and installation in France. While working as a translator to make a living, she came across comics and began her career as a comic artist after “The Song of My Father,”

Coupang’s record privacy fine sparks proportionality debate, investment concerns

The record-high 624.68 billion won ($409 million) penalty imposed on Coupang over a massive data breach is fueling debate over regulatory proportionality, as the e-commerce giant was ordered to pay more than four times the fine levied on SK Telecom for last year's hacking incident, while matchmaking company Duo received a far lighter sanction despite a breach involving highly sensitive personal information. The penalty is also casting doubt on Coupang’s ability to maintain the aggressive investment that has driven its growth, fueling speculation that the e-commerce giant could rein in future spending. On Thursday, the Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC) imposed a 624.68 billion won fine and a 16.8 million won administrative penalty on Coupang over its data breach, involving more than 33 million users, and related privacy violations. The regulator concluded that Coupang failed to maintain even basic security safeguards, citing lax management of an authentication signing key and inadequate access controls that allowed a former employee to forge tokens and reach pages conta

OpenAI's Sam Altman postpones visit to Korea

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman's visit to Korea scheduled for next week has been postponed due to personal reasons, the artificial intelligence (AI) research organization and industry sources said Friday. Altman was originally scheduled to arrive in Korea on Sunday for a two-day trip that included meetings with major technology companies, including Samsung Electronics, to discuss cooperation in AI. During the visit, Altman was also expected to meet executives from portal operator Naver and mobile platform operator Kakao. "Korea is a very important country and a strategic partner for OpenAI," the company said in a statement. "Our ongoing collaborations with domestic partners will continue as planned." OpenAI added that it hopes Altman will be able to visit Korea again in the near future and meet local partners in person. The company did not disclose further details regarding the reason for the postponement or a revised schedule for Altman's visit.

Han River to host Seoul’s annual traditional music festival for 1st time

Traditional Korean music will trade palace courtyards and concert halls for the banks of the Han River this year as Seoul moves its annual “gugak,” Korean traditional music, festival to one of the city’s busiest public spaces in a bid to reach a broader audience. The eighth Seoul Gugak Festival will be held Friday at Moonlight Square in Banpo Hangang Park, marking the first time the event has taken place along the river. Organizers said the festival, themed “Gugak Awakens Seoul,” will showcase a wide spectrum of Korean traditional music, from performances by master musicians to genre-blending acts that combine gugak with rock, dance and contemporary performance art. The event will run from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. and feature a main concert stage, community performances and a range of hands-on cultural programs. The evening’s headline performances include a collaboration between Lastreet Crew and a geomungo sextet, a multimedia production by Twohands that blends traditional shamanic music with media art and appearances by master performers Cho Young-sook and Lee Tae-baek. The lineup

Political clash looms over Seoul's high-rise project near Jongmyo Shrine

Reelected Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon's drive to accelerate major redevelopment projects is facing its first major political test, as the incoming chief of Jongno District seeks to suspend approvals for a controversial high-rise development near the UNESCO-listed Jongmyo Shrine. The Sewoon District 4 redevelopment project would permit the construction of a 142-meter tower opposite the Joseon-era royal shrine, one of Korea's most significant cultural heritage sites. According to Seoul city officials, the city's architectural committee approved the Sewoon District 4's redevelopment project's building safety impact assessment during a review meeting held on June 5, clearing one of the final procedural hurdles before construction can begin. With the city-level review process now complete, the remaining procedures include approval of the revised project implementation plan by the district office and a review of buried cultural heritage by the National Heritage Committee. The Jongno District Office had initially planned to decide by June 24 whether to approve revisions to the project's implementat

Oriental Brewery taps into enthusiasm for Team Korea, World Cup

Liquor giant Oriental Brewery (OB) hosted watch parties at restaurants in Seoul Friday for Korea's 2026 FIFA World Cup Group A match against the Czech Republic, using the events to promote its flagship beer brand, Cass. Called Cass Viewing Pubs, the events are held at restaurants that sell Cass, allowing fans to gather and cheer for the national team together. For Korea's three group stage matches this month, OB partnered with four restaurants in Seoul's trendy districts of Euljiro, Itaewon and Seongsu, as well as one venue in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province. On Friday, two barbecue restaurants in Seoul's Euljiro and Itaewon areas were transformed into temporary fan zones. At the Euljiro venue, around 300 visitors filled the outdoor seating area in front of a giant screen, wearing matching jerseys bearing the logos of the FIFA World Cup, the Korea Football Association and Cass. Cass is the only domestic liquor brand serving as an official sponsor of this year's World Cup. The attendees were selected through an application process organized by OB. As expected by the company, the combination of

Tigers unable to come to terms with injury replacement player Rodriguez

The Kia Tigers said Friday they have failed to sign their injury replacement player Aderlin Rodriguez to an extension. The Tigers said the Dominican infielder cited "personal reasons" as he declined to sign a new deal with the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) club. Rodriguez signed a six-week contract on May 4 to fill in for outfielder Harold Castro, who was out with a quad injury. KBO clubs are allowed to acquire temporary replacements for foreign players who are sidelined for at least six weeks, and Rodriguez's deal will expire after Friday's game. Rodriguez made an immediate impact in the Tigers lineup by hitting four home runs in his first four games. Those four homers were also Rodriguez's first four hits to begin his KBO career, a new league record. Through Thursday's action, Rodriguez had 10 home runs and 31 RBIs in 31 games with a .274/.317/.573 line. The Tigers said Rodriguez will play Friday for his final KBO game. In 32 games since Rodriguez made his KBO debut on May 5, the Tigers have hit the most home runs in the KBO with 44. Castro, who only had two homers and 16 RBIs in 23

Foreign investors return to KOSPI buying, powering rally above 8,000

Foreign investors returned to net buying in the KOSPI market on Friday for the first time in 25 trading days, fueling a sharp rally that briefly sent the benchmark index soaring past the 8,400 mark during intraday trading. KOSPI opened 6.44 percent higher at 8,263.85, up 499.90 points from the previous session, and briefly surged as much as 8.5 percent to hit an intraday high of 8,424.13 before paring gains to close at 8,123.62, up 359.67 points, or 4.63 percent, on the day. The rapid advance in KOSPI futures prompted the Korea Exchange to activate a sidecar, temporarily halting program buy orders early in the trading session. Foreign investors played a pivotal role in KOSPI’s rebound, snapping a prolonged selling streak with net purchases of 2.12 trillion won ($1.4 billion) on the day. Institutional investors also lent strong support, buying a net 2.4 trillion won in stocks. The return to net buying came after nearly a month of heavy foreign outflows that had weighed on the market. Before Friday, overseas investors had sold a net 75.6 trillion won worth of KOSPI shares over 24 straigh

Le Sserafim, Illit, Katseye release joint single

Three girl groups under HYBE — Le Sserafim, Illit and KATSEYE — joined forces Friday to release a collaborative single, "ICONIC BY MISTAKE," marking a rare cross-group project within the K-pop powerhouse. The track, an alternative pop song driven by a heavy beat and offbeat sound, features a catchy hook built around the lyric: "Thanks to your hate, I accidentally became iconic." The trio gave the first live performance of the song on Mnet's "M Countdown" music program on Thursday, a day ahead of its official release. "We are truly happy that our long-held wish to stand on stage together has finally come true," Le Sserafim said in a statement, adding that the collaboration was prepared as "a special gift" for fans worldwide.

UAE sends military planes to S. Korea to transport Cheongung missile systems: sources

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has sent its military planes to South Korea to expedite the transport of a Korean-made interceptor missile system amid the Middle East conflict, sources said Friday. The UAE Air Force began sending its C-17 transport aircraft this week to an air base in Daegu, about 240 kilometers southeast of Seoul, to transport multiple batches of the Cheongung interceptor missile system, according to military and defense industry sources. A C-17 transport aircraft was seen on standby at the Daegu air base Friday, as the UAE reportedly plans to dispatch a total of eight such aircraft to airlift the missile system in successive batches. The move appears to reflect the UAE's urgent need to bolster its defenses against Iranian attacks by securing additional weapons systems. Cheongung (M-SAM II), dubbed the Korean version of the U.S-made Patriot missile defense system, is a mid-range surface-to-air guided missile system capable of intercepting hostile missiles at altitudes below 40 kilometers. It is the second known early transport of the missile system by the UAE. The same UA

KT Wiz sign Allen as injury replacement for ace Boushley

The KT Wiz announced Friday they signed left-hander Logan Allen as an injury replacement for their ace Caleb Boushley. Allen will make $125,000 to fill in for Boushley for six weeks, the Wiz added. Teams in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) are allowed to sign temporary replacements for foreign players sidelined for a minimum of six weeks. Boushley is out with a shoulder injury that the Wiz said Tuesday will keep him out for four to six weeks. The right-hander will be reevaluated in three weeks. Boushley was tied for the KBO lead with seven wins before hitting the sidelines. He had a 3.16 ERA over 62 2/3 innings in 11 starts after throwing 22 scoreless innings across his first four starts -- the longest streak for a foreign pitcher at the start of his KBO career. Allen pitched for another KBO team, the NC Dinos, in 2025. He went 7-12 with a 4.53 ERA in 32 starts and was not brought back for 2026. Allen pitched for Canada at the World Baseball Classic in March and landed a minor league deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers after the tournament. In 12 appearances for the Oklahoma City Comets

Rate hike seen as strongest tool to support won as FX measures lose impact

Korea’s financial authorities appear to be running out of options to stem the continued weakening of the won, with analysts on Friday saying a benchmark rate hike is effectively the strongest tool left for policymakers. Despite repeated verbal warnings from authorities and a rare joint inspection of banks’ currency operations, the won has remained under pressure against the U.S. dollar, prompting market participants to look beyond conventional intervention measures. In recent weeks, the won-dollar exchange rate has hovered around the 1,500 level, putting the local currency at its weakest point since 2009 during the global financial crisis. Last Monday, the Ministry of Finance and Economy and the Bank of Korea issued a rare joint warning that they would respond firmly to excessive volatility and one-sided market moves. At the time, the currency opened at 1,555.2 won per dollar — its weakest level in 17 years and three months — before recovering to close onshore trading at 1,535 won, an improvement of 4.1 won from the previous session following the verbal intervention. However, it

Daytime World Cup fever grips Seoul for 1st time in 24 years

Cheers echoed across Gwanghwamun Square on Friday, as thousands of citizens gathered to watch the national team’s opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup against the Czech Republic, celebrating a dramatic victory. With a World Cup match being broadcast during daylight hours for the first time since Korea co-hosted the 2002 tournament 24 years ago, more than 10,000 people gathered at Gwanghwamun Square for a public watch party. Fans wearing the Red Devils' trademark color gathered alongside families, soldiers, office workers and tourists, turning the square into a festival-like venue as Korea rallied from a goal down to secure a 2-1 win. Kim Hyun-jung, a 33-year-old office worker, hurried to the square with two colleagues as soon as their lunch break began, carrying a box of fried chicken. They weren't the only ones to bring their lunch along. “Many people are using their lunch break like us, and some of my coworkers went to pubs to watch the match," she said. "Because the game is being played during the day, it's much easier for office workers to join in and enjoy the atmosphere." By

Half of S. Korea's young adults view N. Korea with hostility: poll

Nearly half of South Koreans in their 20s and 30s view North Korea as a hostile state, more than double the share of those who see it as a partner for cooperation, a survey showed Friday. The poll, commissioned by the National Unification Advisory Council (NUAC) and conducted by Korea Research from May 27 to June 1, surveyed 1,200 respondents aged 19-39. It showed 49.8 percent of respondents considered North Korea as hostile, while 32.4 percent took a neutral position and 17.8 percent disagreed. On cooperation, only 27.3 percent viewed the North as a potential partner, against 42.7 percent who did not. A separate survey of all age groups conducted in the first quarter found 41.9 percent viewed North Korea as a subject of cooperation or support, suggesting younger Koreans hold a markedly harder line against North Korea. On the question of where inter-Korean relations should head, 36.8 percent favored peaceful coexistence for now, while keeping unification as a longer-term goal. Another 20.3 percent supported maintaining two separate states before eventually pursuing unification, while 19.4

Leaders of both ruling, opposition parties face mounting calls to resign

Leaders of two major political parties are facing growing pressure to step down following disappointing results in last week’s local elections, as internal criticism spills into the open ahead of party conventions scheduled for August. Within the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), party chair Jung Chung-rae has come under fire from lawmakers who argue that the leadership should take responsibility for the party’s failure to win key battleground races despite retaining a nationwide advantage. During a closed-door general meeting Thursday, Rep. Jang Chul-min publicly called on Jung to resign. “If we truly want unity and to consolidate party strength after the convention, Jung should resign even today,” Jang said, describing the party’s defeat in the Seoul mayoral race as a “crushing loss both politically and emotionally.” Rep. Lim Mi-ae also reportedly argued that Jung should step down to ensure a fair party convention, while veteran lawmaker Park Jie-won called on the entire leadership to resign and refrain from seeking reelection to party posts. Jung declined to directl

Can musical adaptation of 'Yumi's Cells' bring 'new sense of fantasy' to beloved story?

Can “Yumi’s Cells” translate to the musical stage after its success as a webtoon, drama and animation? The stage adaptation is the latest expansion of the franchise, but its creators say the musical has its own creative justification, built around live performance, songs and choreography — and a new character created for the stage. The production team held a press conference Wednesday at 1975 Theater in Seoul’s Gwangjin District. Tiffany Young, Kim Ye-won, Choi Jae-rim, Jung Taek-woon (also known as Leo, of idol group VIXX), Kim So-hyang and director Yang Jung-woong attended the event. The musical follows Cell 109, an apprentice cell known only by a number, as it grows into Yumi’s true Prime Cell. The production centers a story created for the stage while keeping the original premise of ordinary office worker Yumi’s daily life and romance unfolding through the cells inside her head. Based on Lee Dong-geon’s popular Naver webtoon, which has amassed 3.5 billion views globally, “Yumi’s Cells” has already proven its widespread appeal through drama and animation adaptat

Seoul to deploy AI technology to monitor expressways, crowded stadiums

The municipal agency responsible for overseeing the capital’s major public infrastructure will deploy a sweeping network of artificial intelligence (AI) safety systems this year, transitioning from manual surveillance to automated, real-time hazard detection. The initiative, announced Friday by the Seoul Facilities Corporation, will introduce specialized algorithmic monitoring across the city's critical transit corridors, sports arenas and public grounds to eliminate blind spots. At the Seoul World Cup Stadium, the agency will introduce an automated crowd management system utilizing LiDAR sensors, which emit laser pulses to map physical spaces in three dimensions. Operating alongside intelligent closed-circuit television cameras, the system will analyze crowd density in real time, classifying risk across four distinct alert tiers. If dangerous bottlenecks occur, the platform will automatically trigger evacuation warnings across the stadium's electronic scoreboards and public address systems. The city’s high-speed thoroughfares will see a similar digital overhaul. On five stretches of

Economic rally should support youth employment

Despite the rally of semiconductor-led exports and the nation's bourses, the country's employment rate declined in May for the first time in 17 months, according to the Ministry of Data and Statistics. The number of employed people stood at 29.12 million, 40,000 less than the same period in 2025. Perhaps most chillingly, the number of employed youth aged 15 to 29 fell by 255,000 compared to a year earlier. Ministry figures also showed a decline in employment for people in their 40s, while it rose slightly among those in their 60s. The decline in the country's employment rate 17 months ago was attributed to the downturn caused by former President Yoon Suk Yeol's martial law declaration in December 2024. This time, however, the employment rate dropped even as the Korean economy grew under President Lee Jae Myung's administration on the back of artificial intelligence (AI)-led investment and expansion. The stellar May export figures of $87.7 billion and early June export figures (from June 1-10) that soared 86 percent over the same period of the previous year, are not transforming into jo

First lady's reserved role strikes contrast with controversial predecessor

First lady Kim Hea Kyung has remained largely out of the spotlight during the first year of President Lee Jae Myung's administration, adopting a low-key public role that contrasts sharply with the high-profile approach of her predecessor, Kim Keon Hee. Kim Hea Kyung has limited her public appearances and stayed away from political issues — a strategy political observers describe as prudent, given that presidential spouses, despite holding no official constitutional role, can shape public perceptions and affect a president's political standing. “The country has witnessed the so-called 'first lady risk' associated with former first lady Kim Keon Hee,” an analyst said on condition of anonymity. “In light of that, the incumbent first lady's reserved role appears appropriate and consistent with her role of supporting the president." Kim Keon Hee was sentenced to four years in prison after being convicted on charges including stock price manipulation involving Deutsch Motors and accepting money and valuables linked to the Unification Church, a religious group. Her husband, former Presi

Yongsan District enlists foreign envoys to inspire next generation

In Yongsan District, a bustling central neighborhood known as the diplomatic heart of Korea's capital, high school classrooms are about to transform into makeshift international summits. Mundane lesson plans will be replaced by global statecraft starting next Tuesday, as the Yongsan District Office launches its 2026 Ambassador Invitation Lecture Series. The unique educational program leverages Yongsan's high concentration of diplomatic missions — home to 48 embassies — to foster global literacy and international awareness among local middle and high school students. This year, the initiative will bring foreign envoys and cultural attaches directly to four selected schools, beginning on June 16 at Shingwang Girls’ High School. The inaugural lecture will feature Fanni Perjes, a cultural officer from the Liszt Institute Hungarian Cultural Center Seoul. Subsequent lectures will rotate through Boseong Girls’ High School, Yonggang Middle School and Sunrin Internet High School, with different nations represented at each institution. For the opening session, Perjes will bypass dense dip

Korean-Vietnamese crackdown shuts down webtoon piracy network

A massive overseas digital piracy network that illegally distributed Korean webtoons, causing hundreds of millions of dollars in losses, has been dismantled through a joint investigation by Korean and Vietnamese authorities. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism said Friday that, in close cooperation with the Ministry of Public Security of Vietnam, it successfully shut down three major illegal streaming websites and arrested two local operators. The targeted operations are estimated to have inflicted annual damages of roughly 207.2 billion won ($151 million) on the industry. The three shuttered platforms specifically targeted Korean intellectual property, with webtoons accounting for approximately 70 percent of their total hosted content. Operating since January 2023, the platforms unlawfully translated Korean webtoons into English and broadcasted them to a global audience spanning Asia, North America and Europe. By amassing a staggering 1.1 billion annual visitors, the operators generated substantial illicit revenue through embedded banner advertisements. The crackdown is being p

Dad strength: S. Korean goalkeeper makes clutch saves after video call with newborn daughter

ZAPOPAN, Mexico — With the 15-hour difference between Mexico and his home country, South Korean goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu had only seen his newborn daughter asleep during his daily video calls with his wife. Then hours before South Korea's first Group A match of the FIFA World Cup against Czechia in western Mexico on Thursday, Kim finally got to see the baby awake. "I had only seen her sleeping but today, she even made eye contact with me," Kim said, beaming after backstopping South Korea to a 2-1 victory. "So that gave me extra strength." South Korea needed all of Kim's strength, as the 35-year-old made clutch saves down the stretch at Estadio Guadalajara in Zapopan to preserve the one-goal victory. Kim turned aside Adam Hlozek's shot from close range in the 82nd minute. The ball went through the legs of defender Seol Young-woo and took a tricky bounce on its way to the bottom left corner, but Kim slid to his right in the nick of time to keep the ball out. Then about four minutes into stoppage time, Kim dove to his right to deny Michal Sadilek on a shot from the penalty spot. "We all kne

Korean schools deploy AI surveillance to stop bullying in real time

Inside the control room of a high school in Seoul's Seodaemun District on Wednesday, a monitor displayed students playing on the field, each tracked by a blue square marker. The moment two students appeared to push each other, the system flagged a possible fight on the screen and sent an alert to a school administrator's phone. The demonstration highlights how artificial intelligence (AI)-powered surveillance technology is turning school security from a passive tool into a real-time warning system. By rapidly detecting and analyzing unusual movement when two or more people are close to each other, the technology helps staff intervene immediately. Traditional security cameras have long drawn criticism from educators for only providing after-the-fact evidence. Now, schools are racing to eliminate blind spots. S-1, a security company, said its sales of video analysis systems — including AI-powered cameras provided to schools — increased 74 percent from January to May compared to the same period last year. The Seodaemun high school recently installed 14 additional AI-powered cameras equ

Korea, US customs chiefs pledge closer ties to foil tariff evaders, halt drug flows

Senior customs officials from Korea and the United States met in Seoul Friday to forge a tighter united front against a multibillion-dollar surge in illicit trade and sophisticated narcotics smuggling, Korean authorities said. The high-level meeting at the Seoul Customs metropolitan office — marking the first visit by a senior American customs official to the agency’s leadership this year — brought together Korea Customs Service Commissioner Lee Jong-wook and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Regional Attache Director Sung Ha. The discussions focused primarily on combatting origin fraud, a rising corporate evasion scheme in which manufacturers in third countries falsely relabel their products as Korean-made to exploit preferential trade terms and circumvent punitive U.S. tariffs. The economic stakes of the enforcement gap are staggering, with Korean authorities uncovering trade security violations totaling 1.2 trillion won (about $864 million) between June 2025 and April 2026. Origin fraud alone accounted for 949.4 billion won of that figure — an astronomical 1,695 percen

Korea looks to AI, data hubs to power next-generation smart cities

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport unveiled Friday the winners of its 2026 smart city initiative, a multiyear project that will funnel millions of dollars into provincial cities to tackle urban decay and demographic challenges using artificial intelligence (AI) and centralized data networks. The central government selected the city of Suwon as its primary hub-type demonstration city, while naming Busan and Seongnam as specialized smart districts. Additionally, South Gyeongsang Province and Taean County were selected to pilot sophisticated data hubs — regional platforms designed to collect, clean and analyze real-time urban data spanning transit, environmental metrics and consumer habits. Under the initiative, the selected regional governments will receive up to 16 billion won ($11.7 million) each in matching state funds over a three-year period. Rather than simply funding physical infrastructure like sensors and cameras, the 2026 program marks a distinct shift toward operational software, utilizing generative AI agents and predictive algorithms to manage daily civic l

Retrospective honors Japanese pastor who captured humanity of Seoul's vanished shantytowns

Long before Korea transformed into an economic juggernaut and a global cultural powerhouse, parts of its capital were defined by sprawling shantytowns where the displaced and impoverished lived on the margins of society. On Saturday, a poignant new exhibition at the Cheonggyecheon Museum will pay tribute to an unlikely guardian of that era: the Rev. Motoyuki Nomura, a Japanese pastor and social activist who dedicated decades of his life to Seoul’s poorest residents. The special retrospective, titled "Nomura Motoyuki: The Star of Cheonggyecheon," opens June 13 to mark the first anniversary of his death at age 94. Drawing from a massive archive of roughly 3,800 photographs, diaries and scrapbooks donated by Nomura himself, the exhibition offers a rare, unflinching look at the final days of Seoul’s forgotten slums before they were erased by urban renewal. Nomura first arrived in Korea in 1968. Driven by a deep sense of atonement for the historical injustices perpetrated during Japan's colonial rule, he returned to the country more than 50 times between 1973 and 1985 to conduct relief

Unification ministry pledges peace after Yoon convicted in N. Korea drone case

The unification ministry vowed Friday to firmly establish peace on the Korean Peninsula after a Seoul court sentenced former President Yoon Suk Yeol to 30 years in prison for ordering drone flights into North Korea to provoke it and lay the groundwork for his martial law bid in 2024. Earlier in the day, the Seoul Central District Court found the jailed former president guilty of aiding the enemy and abuse of power, ruling that he had ordered covert drone missions in October 2024 in a bid to provoke Pyongyang and use the anticipated backlash as pretext for his Dec. 3 declaration of martial law. "This is unacceptable that the former president discarded his responsibility to protect national security and the safety of the people and attempted to drive the Korean Peninsula to the brink of war," the ministry said in a statement. The ministry pledged to "prevent a repeat of such a tragedy," pursue a North Korea policy grounded in what it called "popular sovereignty" and "to firmly establish peaceful coexistence on the Korean Peninsula."

1 in 4 Korean high school students sleep in class: report

Korean high school students have one of the lowest long-term absenteeism rates among OECD countries, but their actual classroom participation remains in question, with more than one in four students admitting to sleeping during class, a recent report showed. The findings suggest that schools are struggling to function as places of learning, as classes remain heavily geared toward college entrance exams and fixed curricula. The report called for changes to class material, teaching methods and student assessment standards. According to the report published by the Korean Educational Development Institute (KEDI) on Thursday, Korea recorded the lowest rate of long-term absenteeism among OECD countries. Korea’s rate also stood at 2 percent when the Programme for International Student Assessment measured students who had been absent from school for more than three months in 2022. The rate averaged 7.6 percent among the other countries surveyed. The low absenteeism rate, however, did not mean students were fully engaged in class, the report found. KEDI distinguished attendance from participatio

[PHOTOS] Fans' cheers thunder across Gwanghwamun

Fans are gathered at Seoul's Gwanghwamun Square to cheer for Korea in its opening group stage match against the Czech Republic at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Friday. Korea won the match 2-1. Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul

Naver, Krafton team up to bring PUBG esports to bigger audiences

Korean internet giant Naver Corp. has entered into a strategic partnership with game developer Krafton to expand the media and content ecosystem surrounding the hit video game franchise PUBG: Battlegrounds, Naver announced Friday. The medium-to-long-term alliance aims to capitalize on the growing intersection of livestreaming, digital communities and competitive gaming. Under a memorandum of understanding signed Friday, the two companies plan to link Krafton's intellectual property for PUBG esports with Chzzk, Naver’s proprietary video streaming platform. The integration will leverage Naver’s stable infrastructure and specialized interactive viewing features, such as its co-watching tool, which allows creators and viewers to stream and discuss live matches together in real time. Naver intends to broadcast major PUBG esports tournaments directly on Chzzk and establish formal league partnerships. By integrating Krafton's globally recognized game brand with Chzzk’s established network of creators, the platform seeks to develop exclusive broadcasts that can broaden its user base and

Korean guesthouse reality shows find new global audience on Netflix

Guesthouse-style reality shows are experiencing a renaissance. Unlike traditional travel programs that simply feature tourist destinations and restaurants, these unscripted TV series focus entirely on the shared experience of living, eating and sleeping under one roof. From Netflix's "Kian's Bizarre B&B," released last year, to the recently launched "Jae-seok's B&B Rules!" the guesthouse reality format is maintaining momentum. "Kian's Bizarre B&B" set itself apart from existing travel shows by merging the eccentric sensibilities of webtoon artist and TV personality Kian84 with the challenge of guesthouse management. The Netflix unscripted series earned praise for drawing genuine laughs through its chaotic environments, unpredictable operations and natural chemistry with guests. The newly released "Jae-seok's B&B Rules!" expands the formula. Veteran host Yoo Jae-seok leads a cast featuring actors Lee Kwang-soo, Ji Ye-eun and Byeon Woo-seok as they run a campsite and welcome visitors. This new Netflix unscripted show focuses on the chemistry built by spending time together, starting with

CJ CheilJedang, Samyang Foods climb in brand-value rankings as global appetite grows

Korea’s leading food manufacturers are solidifying their positions among the country’s most valuable corporate names, reflecting the food sector’s rising prominence amid broader global expansion. CJ CheilJedang and Samyang Foods both secured spots on Interbrand’s 2026 Best Korea Brands list, the companies said Friday. The annual index, compiled by the New York-based brand consultancy, gauges corporate value based on financial performance, market influence and long-term growth prospects. The inclusion of both companies highlights how processed foods have joined electronics and automotive manufacturing as primary drivers of Korea's outbound economic footprint. CJ CheilJedang retained its No. 22 spot for the second consecutive year, marking its highest placement since the ranking’s inception in 2013 and extending its appearance on the list to 14 straight years. Interbrand valued the company's brand at 1.18 trillion won ($776 million), the highest among all fast-moving consumer goods firms in Korea. The conglomerate has aggressively expanded its "Bibigo" portfolio internationally

Japan extradites comic piracy site operator to Korea for 1st time under bilateral treaty

In a milestone for international copyright enforcement, Korean authorities on Thursday extradited a 37-year-old man from Japan accused of running a massive online piracy network that illicitly distributed famous Japanese comics and funneled profits into illegal gambling advertisements. The suspect, identified only as "A," was taken into custody at Gimpo International Airport following an extradition process overseen by Korea’s Ministry of Justice and Japanese authorities. The handover marks the first time Japan has extradited one of its own naturalized citizens to Korea since the two nations signed a bilateral extradition treaty in 2002. The suspect, a former Korean national, left for Japan in 2017 and obtained Japanese citizenship in 2022. Prosecutors alleged that from 2015 to 2022, the suspect operated a rogue digital sharing site, illegally uploading more than 1,400 prominent copyrighted Japanese comic book titles, including global sensations like "Slam Dunk," "One Piece" and "Detective Conan." To monetize the traffic, the platform prominently displayed advertisements for illicit

Seoul asks public to trade cars for bikes to cut carbon emissions, save fuel

Amid prolonged instability in the Middle East and growing volatility across global energy supply chains, municipal authorities in Seoul are turning to a ubiquitous fixture of city transit — the public bicycle — to curb oil dependence and reduce carbon emissions. The Seoul Energy Corporation, with the Seoul Metropolitan Government and the Korea Energy Agency, announced Friday the launch of the "2026 Energy Donation Riding" campaign. The monthlong initiative challenges the public to swap their steering wheels for handlebars, transforming ordinary morning and evening commutes into acts of environmental and civic charity. Beginning Monday through July 10, residents can register for the campaign through the city's public bike-sharing app "Ttareungyi." To tie the initiative explicitly to the working week, tracking is strictly limited to weekday commuting windows: 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. for morning trips, and 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. for evening returns. Participants can log up to two qualifying trips per day. The initiative aims to lower the barrier to sustainable living by embedding it within a dail

Koo Kyo-hwan is on a roll, and for a good reason

Actor Koo Kyo-hwan’s momentum this year has been hard to ignore. With hit drama “We Are All Trying Here” and zombie film “Colony,” Koo has moved between television and the big screen in the first half of the year, making his presence felt across genres. His rise appears to be only gaining speed. Since making his commercial film debut with “Peninsula” in 2020, Koo has built a steady career across films and dramas, including “Escape” (2024), “Once We Were Us” (2025), Netflix’s “D.P.” series, “Parasyte: The Grey” (2024) and “Monstrous” (2022). He has four upcoming projects awaiting release, including “White Blast” and “Seeking the King.” “Once We Were Us” was an especially meaningful addition to his filmography, both in terms of its reception and his performance. Koo has always shown a different face in each project while maintaining his distinct style, but in this film, his acting shone more brightly than ever before. Once regarded as a leading figure in Korea’s independent film scene, Koo is now establishing himself as an actor who can bal

Aespa's Karina, Winter cheer on Korean national team at World Cup match

Members of K-pop girl group aespa, Karina and Winter, showed their support for the Korean national football team. On Friday, Karina and Winter shared updates on their personal social media accounts ahead of Korea's match against the Czech Republic at Guadalajara Stadium in Mexico for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Karina posted a video of herself wearing Korea's signature red cheering shirt and waving the national flag, along with the message, "Go, players!" Winter also uploaded a video capturing the atmosphere inside the stadium, joining in support of the team. Singer Kwon Eun-bi is also reported to have participated in the away support event. Earlier in the day, the World Cup opened with a performance by renowned Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli and Korean American singer-songwriter EJAE, who gained global attention through the Netflix animated film "KPop Demon Hunters." EJAE and Bocelli sang the tournament's official theme song, "DNA," signaling the start of the competition. Meanwhile, the Korean national team opened its World Cup campaign against the Czech Republic on Friday, to be followed by

Gov't to supply clinical-grade stem cells to speed up biotech breakthroughs

Korea’s National Stem Cell Bank will begin distributing clinical-grade induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to researchers and biotech firms later this month, a move expected to significantly lower the financial and regulatory barriers gripping the country’s regenerative medicine sector. iPSCs are adult cells, like skin or blood cells, that have been genetically reprogrammed back into an embryonic-like state, allowing them to turn into any type of cell in the human body. The distribution program, scheduled to accept applications on June 30, follows the National Institute of Health’s (NIH) breakthrough assembly of the cells in March. By establishing a formalized regulatory contract system, the government can now provide raw materials directly to laboratories developing advanced biopharmaceuticals, including cell therapies and artificial blood. For the country’s nascent biotechnology sector, the logistical assistance is immense. Securing raw materials that meet strict Good Manufacturing Practice standards has long been a bottleneck for local research institutions and startups. Bu

Korea rallies past Czechia 2-1 for opening victory

ZAPOPAN, Mexico — Korea defeated Czechia 2-1 to open their 2026 FIFA World Cup in Mexico on Thursday, taking a big step toward a place in the knockout stage. Substitute Oh Hyeon-gyu netted the go-ahead goal in the 80th minute at Estadio Guadalajara in Zapopan, near Guadalajara in western Mexico, after the teams had traded a goal apiece earlier in the second half following a goalless opening half. Ladislav Krejci headed in the match's first goal for Czechia in the 59th minute before Hwang In-beom scored the equalizer eight minutes later. Hwang then assisted Oh's goal, which came a couple of minutes after a would-be Czechia goal was disallowed on an offside. This was the fourth time that Korea won their first match of a World Cup, following 2002, 2006 and 2010. Korea progressed to the knockout phase in 2002 and 2010. Korea's next Group A match will be against Mexico, one of the tournament's three co-host countries, at 7 p.m. next Thursday at Estadio Guadalajara. It will be 10 a.m. next Friday in Korea. Mexico defeated South Africa 2-0 in Mexico City in the tournament opener earlier Thursda

Fans gather at Gwanghwamun to cheer for Korea in World Cup match against Czechia

Hundreds of fans were gathered at Seoul's Gwanghwamun Square on Friday to cheer for Korea in its 2026 World Cup opening Group A match against the Czech Republic. With the game scheduled to kick off at 11 a.m., around 500 people had come to the plaza in central Seoul as of 9 a.m., according to an unofficial police estimate. Many were carrying umbrellas to beat the heat, as the day's highest temperature was forecast to reach around 30 degrees Celsius. Street cheering has become a trend and phenomenon frequently seen at major social events since Korea co-hosted the 2002 FIFA World Cup, when hundreds of thousands or even millions of people filled the streets of major cities, including Gwanghwamun Square, to cheer for the national team. "It's my first time street cheering, so I am really excited," said 37-year-old office worker Seo Young-shin, who had taken the day off for the occasion. "I love the World Cup so much. Today is the most important match, so I hope we win." Seo came together with two neighborhood friends from Incheon, west of Seoul, and the three were all sporting face paint feat

Busan: More than tour stop for BTS

BUSAN — K-pop sensation BTS is heading back to Busan. Three years and eight months have passed since the group last stood on a stage in Korea's second-largest city, and the place has not been forgotten. On June 5, about a week before the group's concert, the city was already restless with anticipation. The seven-piece K-pop juggernaut — composed of RM, Jin, Suga, J-hope, Jimin, V and Jung Kook — is set to hold the Busan leg of its ongoing "ARIRANG" world tour at Busan Asiad Main Stadium scheduled for Friday and Saturday. The shows come roughly three months after the group's comeback performance at Seoul's Gwanghwamun Square, held to mark the release of its fifth studio album, and about two months after the tour's opening run in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province. Both Busan dates have long since sold out. For BTS and its fans, Busan is not simply a tour stop. Few cities in the world carry the kind of weight for BTS that the port city does, and the group has chosen its concert dates here carefully. The finale of the two-night Busan show will fall on Friday, the exact date BTS debuted in 2013

5 nations sign AI alliance pact to shape global tech rules

Korea's chief standardization authority has entered into a multilateral pact with its counterparts in Singapore, the U.K., Australia and Canada, to carve out a greater role in shaping international artificial intelligence (AI) regulations amid an escalating U.S.-China tech rivalry. The memorandum of understanding, signed Thursday at the Shangri-La Hotel in Singapore, unites the Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS) — an affiliate of Korea's Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources— with Enterprise Singapore, the British Standards Institution, Standards Australia and the Standards Council of Canada. The agreement focuses primarily on "pre-standardization," a critical phase of industry-driven groundwork that precedes formal global rules. This process defines core technical concepts, requirements, testing methodologies and conformity assessment guidelines before frameworks are officially codified by international regulators. Under the accord, the five nations plan to establish a regular circuit of joint workshops and expert seminars to share administrative best practices.

Installation artist Shim Young-churl wins Moonshin Art Award

Installation artist Shim Young-churl has won the 25th Moonshin Art Award for expanding the terrain of sculpture by embracing light, sound, scent, movement and artificial intelligence (AI) in her immersive work, the city of Changwon said Thursday. Established to honor the artistic spirit of world-renowned sculptor Moon Shin, the annual award, administered by the city and Changwon City Masan Moonshin Art Museum in South Gyeongsang Province, recognizes artists who push contemporary sculpture into new territory. Shim, an honorary professor at the University of Suwon, has built a distinctive visual language grounded in installation art and interactive media art since the 1980s. Her signature “Garden” series brings together light, sound, fragrance, architectural space and audience participation to create multisensory environments, widening the scope of what sculpture can be. In recent years, Shim has woven AI, research and visitor experience into her practice, seeking what she calls “a new sculptural language where technology and the senses meet.” In her 2026 solo exhibition “Dancing

[PHOTOS] German Embassy brings Berlin techno to Seoul through public diplomacy

German Ambassador to Korea Georg Wilfried Schmidt, third from left, stands with club operators, DJs, artists and panelists at Kockiri in Itaewon District in Seoul, June 9. More than 150 members of the electronic music community from Korea and Germany attended the event, where participants discussed the role of club culture and spaces in fostering cultural exchange and strengthening bilateral ties. The event was hosted by the German Embassy as part of its “Techno Diplomacy” program, which promotes cultural diplomacy through techno music. Berlin techno was added to Germany’s national inventory of intangible cultural heritage in 2024. Courtesy of the German Embassy in Korea

Worxphere bets big on baseball to win over Korean jobseekers

Human resources technology group Worxphere renewed its marketing partnership with the Hanwha Eagles baseball club for the 2026 season, extending a corporate sponsorship aimed at tapping into professional sports’ highly engaged fan bases. The agreement, signed by Worxphere CEO Yoon Hyun-jun and Hanwha Eagles General Manager Son Hyuk at Hanwha Life Eagles Park in Daejeon, marks the third consecutive year the artificial intelligence (AI)-driven HR firm has aligned with the Korea Baseball Organization franchise. Under the terms of the deal, Eagles players will wear jerseys featuring corporate patches for Worxphere’s flagship job recruitment platforms, JobKorea and Albamon. Worxphere has also secured extensive stadium branding to position the dual platforms under its corporate umbrella, a standard but increasingly competitive customer acquisition strategy in Korean sports. The partnership relies heavily on experiential marketing to bridge digital services with physical consumers. At a recent promotional event dubbed "Worxphere Day," the company staged a viral recruitment stunt via Albamo

Ex-President Yoon sentenced to 30 years in prison in drone infiltration case

A Seoul court on Friday sentenced former President Yoon Suk Yeol to 30 years in prison after finding him guilty of ordering drone infiltrations into North Korea in an attempt to heighten cross-border tensions and create a basis for his martial law declaration in December 2024. The Seoul Central District Court convicted the jailed former president on charges of benefiting the enemy and abuse of power in its ruling that matched special counsel Cho Eun-suk's sentencing recommendation. The court recognized that Yoon had ordered the operation in October 2024 to provoke Pyongyang and use the anticipated increase in cross-border tensions as a pretext for his Dec. 3 declaration of martial law. Yoon's legal team appealed the ruling hours later. The court also sentenced former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun to 30 years in prison for his role in such operations, higher than the 25 years sought by the special counsel. It sentenced Yeo In-hyung, former head of the Defense Counterintelligence Command, to 15 years in prison for his involvement in the operation, while Kim Yong-dae, former chief of the Dr

[PHOTOS] 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off

South Korea's Son Heung-min, center, celebrates with teammates after winning a 2026 FIFA World Cup Group A soccer match against the Czech Republic at Guadalajara Stadium in Mexico, Thursday, June 11. Reuters-Yonhap

Korea's Hanmi Semiconductor to acquire shares of SpaceX

Korea's Hanmi Semiconductor said in a regulatory filing Friday that it is seeking to acquire 50 billion won ($32.9 million) worth of shares in SpaceX, ahead of the U.S. space company's stock market debut. The investment, equivalent to around 7.24 percent of equity, comes amid the company's prospects on the "growth potential of Elon Musk's Terrafab and SpaceX, amid an explosive demand on advanced chips, aerospace and satellite technologies and artificial intelligence (AI)," according to the filing. Terrafab is a vertically integrated semiconductor manufacturing complex spearheaded by Musk, involving Tesla, SpaceX and xAI, an AI company founded by the U.S. billionaire. The facility is expected to start operations in 2028. Some 80 percent of chips produced from there will be used in data centers of SpaceX, while the rest will be topped on vehicles of Tesla as well as its Optimus robots. "We will reinvest the expected future returns into our core semiconductor equipment business to seek sustainable growth, while enhancing shareholder value," an official from the Korean company said. SpaceX is

BTS to launch Busan shows for 'Arirang' world tour

K-pop supergroup BTS will begin the Busan leg of its "Arirang" world tour Friday, returning to the southern Korean port city, alongside its global fan base, known as ARMY. The group will perform at Busan Asiad Main Stadium on Friday and Saturday, with the shows expected to draw a combined audience of around 110,000. Tickets for both shows have sold out. The K-pop septet kicked off the tour in April at Goyang Stadium in Goyang, just northwest of Seoul, where it had three shows before heading overseas. The group has since performed in cities, including Tokyo, Tampa, El Paso, Mexico City, Stanford and Las Vegas, attracting roughly 840,000 fans across 15 shows during the first leg of its North American tour alone. It marks BTS' first performance in Busan in more than three years after staging the "Yet to Come in Busan" concert in October 2022 in support of the city's bid to host the 2030 World Expo. The upcoming shows also carry added significance as the group reunites with fans at the venue where it last performed before entering a hiatus for its members' mandatory military service. Team lea

Korean won gains on renewed hope of U.S.-Iran peace deal, foreign net buying

The Korean won strengthened sharply against the U.S. dollar Friday, thanks to renewed hopes of a peace deal between the United States and Iran, with foreign investors turning to net buyers of local stocks. The won was quoted at 1,519.8 won per dollar as of 3:30 p.m., up 9.1 won from the previous session. It marked the highest exchange rate since Tuesday, when the won was quoted at 1,512.1 won per dollar on the onshore platform. However, the won has traded over the psychologically important level of 1,500 won against the U.S. dollar for the 19th consecutive trading session. The won opened at 1,518 won per dollar, up 10.9 won from the previous session, after U.S. President Donald Trump said a peace agreement with Iran could be signed as soon as this weekend. Trump has said a peace deal with Iran is in "pretty final shape" and, if finalized, it would reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route for oil, fertilizer and other commodities. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) jumped 4.63 percent to close at 8,123.62 points. Foreign investors bought a net 2.1 trillion won w

EJAE, Andrea Bocelli perform at World Cup opening ceremony

Singer-songwriter EJAE, who performed the hit song “Golden” from the popular animated film “KPop Demon Hunters,” joined renowned Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli in performing FIFA's official World Cup anthem, “DNA,” at the tournament's opening ceremony in Mexico City, Thursday (local time). Wearing a sleeveless blue gown with crossed halter straps, the Korean American singer drew attention from Korean audiences by singing a brief line in Korean: “Although I fall, I stand up again.” FIFA said “DNA” embodies the spirit of solidarity and unity for the historic tournament, which is being co-hosted for the first time by three countries — the United States, Canada and Mexico. The competition will be held across 16 cities and feature 48 teams until July 19.

Co-hosts Mexico kick off World Cup with dramatic victory

MEXICO CITY - Mexico beat South Africa 2-0 in a drama-filled opening match of the World Cup at the Estadio Azteca Thursday, kicking off the biggest ever edition of the global footballing showpiece. Julian Quinones scored the opening goal of the tournament after nine minutes and 35-year-old striker Raul Jimenez headed in Mexico's second goal at the Azteca, which became the first stadium in the world to host games at three World Cups. Three players were sent off -- two from South Africa and one from Mexico -- in front of a capacity crowd of 80,000 spectators. South Africa had Sphephelo Sithole dismissed for denying a goalscoring opportunity before Themba Zwane was shown a red card for a slap. Mexico's Cesar Montes was also sent off, for a late foul. Mexico coach Javier Aguirre revealed his players had overcome a serious case of first-day nerves. "When you're starting out the World Cup, of course your legs will shake," Aguirre said. "Never in 25 years had anyone had any cramps but three of them had cramps today. "We were in awe when we saw the stadium and they got a little bit of stage fright

BOK chief again signals rate hike to curb inflation pressure

Bank of Korea (BOK) Gov. Shin Hyun-song on Friday reiterated the need to raise the key rate at an upcoming monetary policy meeting to ease mounting inflation pressure stemming from the prolonged Middle East war. "Monetary policy is inevitably subject to trade-offs among policy objectives, but such trade-offs are not significant at this time," Shin said in a message marking the BOK's 76th anniversary. "Therefore, we need to prioritize price stability and raise interest rates without delay." Shin said the Korean economy is growing at a solid pace thanks to robust semiconductor exports, citing 1.8 percent growth in the first quarter. Inflation concerns, however, have intensified as the Middle East war has been under way, with the country's consumer prices rising more than 3 percent in May, marking the fastest increase in 26 months. Core inflation, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, also rose 2.5 percent last month. The weakening Korean won, driven by large-scale sell-offs of local stocks by foreign investors, is expected to add to inflationary pressure by raising import prices, h

Fair trade watchdog approves NS Shopping's takeover of Homeplus Express

Korea's antitrust watchdog on Friday approved NS Shopping's takeover of the compact-format supermarket chain Homeplus Express, saying the deal is unlikely to hinder fair competition in the market. The Fair Trade Commission (FTC) made the ruling after NS Shopping, an affiliate of Harim, Korea's largest poultry-processing company, announced its plan to acquire Homeplus Express from Homeplus in a deal estimated at 120.6 billion won ($79.3 million). Homeplus Express is the super supermarket (SSM) brand of Homeplus. The FTC said it had reviewed the deal as involving 11 vertical mergers and two conglomerate mergers. A vertical merger occurs when companies operate at different stages of the same supply chain within an industry, while a conglomerate merger occurs between businesses in different industries. The watchdog said it had determined that concerns over the merger's impact on competition remain limited, given Homeplus Express' relatively small market presence. "In terms of chicken products, Homeplus Express' share of the SSM market remains low, at around 2 percent," the FTC said. "It is unli

Son Heung-min set for record-tying 4th appearance

ZAPOPAN — South Korean captain Son Heung-min is set for his fourth career FIFA World Cup appearance in the team's opening Group A match against Czechia later Thursday in Mexico. Son drew into the starting lineup at Estadio Guadalajara in Zapopan, near Guadalajara, for the 8 p.m. kickoff. It will begin 11 a.m. Friday in South Korea. Son, along with starting goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu, will tie three former players for the most World Cup appearances by a South Korean player with four apiece. Hong Myung-bo, the current national team head coach, former striker Hwang Sun-hong and ex-goalkeeper Lee Woon-jae also played at four World Cups. Son is the most capped South Korean male player 143. He ranks second in the country's all-time rankings with 54 international goals, four behind former star Cha Bum-kun. Son is also tied with former players Ahn Jung-hwan and Park Ji-sung for the most World Cup goals by a South Korean player with three. Joining Son and Kim in the starting XI are: Kim Min-jae, Lee Han-beom and Lee Gi-hyuk as defenders; Lee Tae-seok and Seol Young-woo as wingbacks; Hwang In-beom,

Korea hosts engineering, medical training for troops from UN peacekeeping nations

Korea hosted a military engineering and medical training program for troops from countries participating in U.N. peacekeeping missions as part of efforts to contribute to the international peace operations, the defense ministry said Friday. The six-week training program took place at the Army's 1115th Engineer Corps in Daejeon, some 140 kilometers south of Seoul, from May 4 to June 12, the ministry said in a release. Ninety instructors and trainees from more than 15 countries, including Korea, Australia and Japan, took part in the program. The training is part of the U.N. Triangular Partnership Program, a cooperative framework among the United Nations, member states and troop-contributing countries aimed at enhancing peacekeeping capacity through training in engineering, medical care and other fields. This year's training has been expanded, compared with that of last year, as training related to explosives and medical care has been added to the program, the ministry said.

N. Korea's parliament elects new judges of highest court

North Korea's parliament has elected new judges of the country's highest court at a plenary meeting of its standing committee, state media reported Friday. The Standing Committee of the Supreme People's Assembly (SPA) held its first plenary meeting of its new 15th term Thursday, presided over by Jo Yong-won, chairman of the SPA presidium, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). During the session, the committee elected new judges and "people's assessors" for the Supreme Court. People's assessors refer to ordinary citizens chosen to participate in trials with the same voting rights as regular judges. The report did not list the specific names of those elected. The SPA presidium also "unanimously" passed a new law regarding academic degrees and titles, though no details were provided. Under North Korea's constitution, the SPA serves as the country's parliament and highest organ of state power, overseeing legislation and the organization of the executive and judicial branches.

KRX issues buy-side sidecar for KOSPI on sharp rise

Korea's bourse operator on Friday activated a buy-side sidecar for the benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) as the index spiked sharply on hopes for an end to the Middle East conflict. Program trading for the KOSPI-listed shares was suspended for five minutes shortly after the market opened, according to the Korea Exchange (KRX). The KOSPI sharply gained ground as investors scooped up blue chip tech shares following their slide, as U.S. President Donald Trump said the United States has made a "great settlement" with Iran, fueling hopes the war is near its end. The KOSPI rose 506.95 points, or 6.53 percent, to 8,272.13 as of 9:10 a.m. A buy-side sidecar is triggered when the KOSPI 200 Futures index increases 5 percent or more for at least one minute.

Stocks up nearly 8% late Friday morning on hopes for end of Iran war

Seoul stocks were trading sharply higher late Friday morning as U.S. President Donald Trump fueled hopes for an end to the Iran war. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) was trading up 606.46 points, or 7.81 percent, to 8,370.41, as of 11:20 a.m. After opening sharply higher, the index is remaining above the 8,000-point mark, as institutional and foreign investors snapped up blue chip tech stocks. On Thursday (U.S. time) President Trump said Washington reached "a great settlement" on the war with Iran, and a deal would be signed as early as this weekend. Iran, however, has yet to confirm such a deal. The Bank of Korea, meanwhile, reaffirmed its hawkish stance on rates, with Gov. Shin Hyun-song saying the bank should "raise interest rates without delay," in a message marking the bank's 76th anniversary. Most market heavy weights were in positive territory, tracking overnight gains on Wall Street. Chip giant Samsung Electronics climbed 11.37 percent, while its rival SK hynix added 8 percent. Top car maker Hyundai Motor advanced 5.53 percent, electronics maker LG Electronics

BTS to release new digital single 'Come Over'

K-pop supergroup BTS will release the new digital single "Come Over" on Thursday, the group's agency BigHit Music said. The track was previously included on the deluxe vinyl edition of the band's fifth studio album, "Arirang," released last month. The song will be made available on streaming platforms at 1 p.m. as part of the group's annual "BTS Festa" event marking its debut anniversary. "Come Over" was produced by member Suga, with RM and J-Hope also credited on the track. The song combines elements of pop and stadium anthems, featuring synthesizer-driven instrumentation and layered vocals. According to the agency, the lyrics describe a journey of returning to a significant person despite periods of uncertainty, a theme that also reflects the group's relationship with its fan base, known as ARMY. The song was performed earlier as part of the set list at select concerts during the group's ongoing "Arirang" world tour, where it was introduced to audiences ahead of its official release. Separately, BTS will release a new vinyl edition, "Arirang (613 Limited Edition Picture Disc Vinyl)," on

Securities firms' Q1 net spikes 77% on increased commission income

Securities companies in South Korea saw their net profit soar 77 percent in the first quarter of the year largely due to increased commission income from the sharp increase in stock trading, data showed Friday. The combined net profit of 61 domestic securities firms came to 4.33 trillion won ($2.83 billion) in the January-March period, compared with 2.44 trillion won a year earlier, according to the data from the Financial Supervisory Service. The companies' combined income from commission fees almost doubled to 6.69 trillion won in the first quarter from 3.33 trillion won a year earlier, aided by a surge in stock trading, while their combined income from their own investment or stock trading gained 31 percent to 4.1 trillion won over the cited period. In the January-March period, stock turnover came in at 2,775 trillion won, sharply up from the previous year's 641 trillion won, according to the watchdog. Their combined assets had stood at 1,098.4 trillion won as of end-March, up 154 trillion won, or 16.3 percent, from three months earlier, and debts gained 26.8 percent to 991.5 trillion

Trump says Iran deal is in 'pretty final shape,' could be signed in Europe this weekend

WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday that a peace agreement with Iran is in "pretty final shape" and could be signed in Europe this weekend, noting his understanding that Iran's top leader has approved it. Trump made the remarks during a press availability at the White House, highlighting that the United States "just made a great settlement of the war with Iran," after he announced the cancellation of planned strikes on the Islamic Republic, citing progress in the peace negotiations. South Korea and other countries have been closely watching developments in the Middle East conflict, which has all but closed the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route for oil, fertilizer and other commodities, and has pushed up oil prices. "We have a signing soon and the documents are in pretty final shape. So, we'll see. Very good ... should be done pretty quickly," Trump said. The president added, "The Strait (of Hormuz) will officially open as soon as we sign, which could be soon, very soon, maybe over the weekend in Europe." Asked if Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei had given h

N. Korea's Kim reaffirms alliance with Russia in letter to Putin

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has pledged unwavering support for Moscow in a congratulatory letter to President Vladimir Putin marking Russia Day, Pyongyang's state media reported Friday. Kim extended his "warmest congratulations" to Russia on its national day, which commemorates the 1990 declaration of Russian state sovereignty, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). The two countries' relationship, Kim wrote, is being "further strengthened into sincere and devoted relations of comradely trust and alliance, opening a new chapter of history," the report said. He credited the growing bond to both sides honoring their obligations under the comprehensive strategic partnership treaty the two leaders signed at their Pyongyang summit in June 2024. "It is the invariable will and stand of mine and the DPRK government to fully support the internal and external policies of Moscow and always join the Russian Federation," he added. DPRK stands for the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, North Korea's official name. The letter, dated June 12, was delivered by North Korea's Ambassador

AI model rivalry expands into defense sector

Artificial intelligence (AI) competition is expanding into the defense sector as domestic tech firms pivot to military applications, leveraging proprietary models and infrastructure in a market where security and data sovereignty are paramount. The shift comes as Naver Cloud and NC AI move beyond the government-led foundation model competition to target a fast-forming defense AI market. Naver Cloud held a seminar on Wednesday and unveiled its strategy for sovereign AI-based defense AI transformation (AX) advancement, outlining practical pathways to deploy AI in real-world military operations. The move follows the company’s launch earlier this month of a dedicated task force for defense AI adoption, marking its first standalone organization focused exclusively on military applications. The team, under company CEO Kim Yu-won, brings together business development, strategy, engineering and deployment personnel to accelerate military AI projects. The company is positioning itself as more than a model provider, aiming instead to build a full-stack Korean defense AI platform. By combining its

BTS in Busan: City guide for visiting fans

BUSAN — The large LED screen on the outer wall of the Grand Josun Busan hotel has been playing the music video of "SWIM," the title track of BTS' latest album, every 30 minutes since last Friday. Standing in front of it, fans from all around the globe were glued to the display, with phones raised and the Haeundae seafront glistening in front of them. It was a scene that would have been unimaginable years ago — but then, a lot has changed since BTS last performed in Busan. The group returns to Busan Asiad Main Stadium Friday and Saturday for two concerts as part of its "ARIRANG" world tour. Scheduled to span 34 cities and 85 dates, the tour is BTS' first as a group after the members' return from mandatory military service, a nearly four-year absence that only seemed to sharpen the appetite of the fandom. The show on Saturday also will fall on the group's 13th debut anniversary, adding a layer of meaning that has not been lost on organizers. That performance will be broadcast live in cinemas worldwide. For the city itself, the concerts are the centerpiece of "BTS THE CITY ARIRANG BUSAN

Lee to receive Italy's highest decoration for promoting bilateral ties

ROME — President Lee Jae Myung will receive Italy's highest state decoration from Italian President Sergio Mattarella on Thursday in recognition of his contributions to bilateral ties, a presidential official said. Mattarella was to confer the Knight Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic on Lee during a state banquet in Rome, presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung said in a briefing. The honor comes after the two leaders held summit talks earlier in the day at the Quirinal Palace, during which they agreed to elevate bilateral ties to a special strategic partnership. Lee is currently on a state visit to Italy, the first such visit by a South Korean president in 26 years. The Knight Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic is Italy's highest decoration bestowed on foreign heads of state. Italy conferred the honor on King Charles III of Britain and the president of the United Arab Emirates last year. The conferral reflects Italy's "highest expression of respect for Lee in appreciation of his contributions to strengthening friends

Trump cancels US strikes on Iran, citing progress in talks

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump called off plans for renewed U.S. military strikes on Iran at the last minute on Thursday, saying negotiations with Tehran had advanced to the highest levels of Iran's leadership and had been approved by a broad coalition of regional powers. The dramatic reversal came hours before the strikes were expected to be carried out. But details of the diplomatic breakthrough after more than three months of war - including how Iran's leadership had signaled its approval - were not immediately clear in Trump's post on Truth Social. "Based on the fact that discussions with the Islamic Republic of Iran have been brought to the highest level of Iranian leadership and approved, I have, as President of the United States of America, cancelled the scheduled strikes and bombings against Iran this evening," Trump wrote. "Discussions and final points have been, in both concept and great detail, approved by all parties involved, including the United States, Israel, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Turkey, Pakistan, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, Egypt, and others. The Naval Blockade

Iran's Kharg Island key to its oil exports. Targeting it carries major risks

Iran's Kharg Island, home to a terminal through which the country exports most of its oil, has emerged as a focus of the war launched in late February by the United States and Israel. Strikes on oil infrastructure on Kharg — or a ground invasion — would severely curb Iran's oil exports, a key source of revenue for the Islamic Republic. An assault would also mark a major escalation that could provoke even heavier retaliatory attacks on Gulf Arab infrastructure and further drive up oil prices. The skyrocketing cost of fuel is already threatening the world economy. U.S. President Donald Trump said strikes in mid-March “obliterated” Kharg’s military assets but did not target the island’s oil infrastructure. He warned that if Iran continued disrupting traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, he would reconsider the decision to spare energy targets on the island. Then on Thursday, Trump sai,in a social media post that the U.S. would “assume total control” of Iran’s oil and gas industries, including the Kharg Island terminal , in the “not too distant future.” The president ma

USTR rebuts Washington Post editorial on proposed tariffs targeting South Korea, others over forced labor concerns

WASHINGTON — U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer has sent a letter to the Washington Post editorial board to rebut its recent editorial criticizing proposed tariffs on South Korea and other economies over forced labor concerns, saying the piece was driven by its "antipathy" toward President Donald Trump. The USTR office said that Greer wrote the letter in response to the June 3 editorial, in which the newspaper argued that the new tariff announcement represented a "pretext for protectionism" and that if it were not, China would not be subject to the same new import taxes as South Korea, Japan and Switzerland. The USTR has proposed imposing additional tariffs of 10 percent or 12.5 percent on imports from 60 economies over what it called their failure to effectively enforce prohibitions on the importation of goods made with forced labor. South Korea, China and Japan are among 54 economies that could face 12.5 percent tariffs. "Only the Washington Post Editorial Board would find a way to advocate for a laissez-faire approach to modern slavery," Greer said in the letter posted

Geneva steps up security for 50,000-strong G7 protest as France hosts summit

GENEVA — France plays host to a Group of Seven summit next week but it is shopkeepers in neighbouring Switzerland who have already boarded up many businesses ahead of an anti-G7 protest expected to roll through Geneva this weekend. Security officials in Geneva outlined their plans on Thursday in preparation for around 50,000 people expected for the protest on Sunday in Geneva. The plans include the closure and control of 27 border crossings between France and Switzerland from Friday evening, officials said. G7 leaders will land in the city - on the western French-speaking side of Switzerland - before being transported across the border to the summit venue in the French town of Evian-les-Bains. Switzerland is mobilising 4,000 soldiers inside its territory to ensure security during the three-day meeting of the leaders of Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States, alongside the European Union, the army said last week. France said it was deploying 8,000 police officers for the summit in Evian beginning on Monday. Scores of shops across Geneva have been boarded u

Ballot shortage tests trust in Korea's election system: US expert

SEATTLE — A ballot shortage that disrupted voting during South Korea's recent local elections could have longer-lasting consequences for public confidence in the country's electoral system, according to a U.S. scholar of Korean politics. The controversy deepened Thursday when police raided the National Election Commission (NEC) and several local election offices as part of an investigation into ballot shortages that temporarily suspended voting at 26 polling stations nationwide during the June 3 local elections. More than 100 investigators took part in searches of seven locations, including the NEC headquarters in Gwacheon and local election offices in Seoul that experienced shortages. Police are investigating possible election law violations and dereliction of duty, while former NEC Chairman Rho Tae-ak, who resigned over the incident, has reportedly been listed as a suspect. The shortages sparked days of protests by demonstrators demanding a rerun of the elections, though election officials have maintained that the incident does not constitute grounds for a revote. Celeste Arrington,

Wall Street recovers some of week's losses after AI stocks swing back upward

NEW YORK — The U.S. stock market is recovering some of its losses for the week on Thursday, as the roller coaster for artificial-intelligence companies turns back upward. Oil prices and Treasury yields, meanwhile, remain near where they were the day before, even though worries are rising about the war with Iran and accelerating inflation . The S&P 500 added 0.3 percent, coming off a back-to-back drop that yanked it back to where it was in early May. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 313 points, or 0.6 percent, as of 11:45 a.m. Eastern time, and the Nasdaq composite was 0.5 percent higher. AI stocks helped lead the market, as they have since last week then they went from roaring to records to suddenly turning lower . The big concern is whether such stocks shot too high, too fast because of AI mania, and they’ve been careening up and down, sometimes hour by hour. Marvell Technology climbed 2.6 percent, for example. It’s coming off a manic stretch where it plunged 16.7 percent, soared 9.6 percent and then fell more than 5 percent for two straight days. Just before that, it had

Lights! Camera! Cage match! The White House lawn's Octagon is ready for Trump's 80th birthday bash

WA SHINGTON — It looks from afar more UFO than UFC. Maybe it's the kind of contraption that has carried space aliens to the White House to force a meeting with America's leader. But come closer and you'll see the contours of the eight-sided cage, 30 feet (9 meters) in diameter and shaped, with careful precision, like the MMA league's signature Octagon. That is, a STOP! sign flipped on its edge, with wire-mesh sides and padded corners fitted with different sponsors' logos: Morgan & Morgan, Bud Light, Dodge Ram, Corona Extra and Polymarket, which identifies itself as the world’s largest prediction market. Overhead looms The Claw, a four-sided mass that arcs more than 90 feet (27 meters) into the air and features lights, speakers, thick snakes of wiring and four large screens so fans not seated right next to the Octagon can follow the cage fighting below. Think more the four-sided, metal grabby thing that tries to grasp stuffed animals at a video arcade rather than what house cats have — hence the extraterrestrial vibes. And surrounding all that are risers filled with gray folding chair

Lockdown at Pentagon due to 'hazardous materials incident'

WASHINGTON — Part of the Pentagon went into lockdown on Thursday, a spokesman said, in response to what a local fire department described as a "hazardous materials incident" at the U.S. military headquarters. The Arlington County Fire Department said in a post on X that it had units "including our Hazardous Materials Team" operating at the Pentagon during what it described as a "hazardous materials incident." The fire department did not provide further details on the nature of the incident. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell meanwhile said in a statement that the building's safety systems "have detected an air quality issue necessitating precautionary measures until we determine its significance." The Defense Department "is executing standard protection protocols, including a shelter-in-place order for the affected area. Response teams are in place and ready to support building occupants," Parnell added.

Google in talks with Samsung to make part of next-gen chip: report

Alphabet's Google is in talks with Samsung Electronics to manufacture part of its next-generation artificial intelligence processor, The Information reported on Thursday, citing two people familiar with the matter. Google plans for TSMC to make the main computing part of the tensor processing unit, codenamed "Icefish", while Samsung may produce a component that helps connect it to memory using its 2-nanometer production technology, the report said. The tech giant is working with chip firm MediaTek on the design, and “Icefish” is still in development, with mass production possible as early as 2028, the report said. Landing the contract would mark a big win for Samsung's push to grow its contract chip-manufacturing business. The 2nm process packs more power into smaller chips, potentially improving speed, power use and AI capabilities. Samsung Electronics declined to comment, while Alphabet did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Reuters could not independently verify the report. In April, Samsung said it expects to win more customers for chips manufactured using the adva

Trump says US will hit Iran 'very hard tonight', wants control of energy infrastructure

DUBAI/WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump said on Thursday the United States would hit Iran "very hard tonight" and wanted at some point to take Iran's oil infrastructure hub Kharg Island, after strikes by both sides in the Gulf undermined a shaky ceasefire. Iranian sources and Western officials said indirect U.S.-Iranian talks on a preliminary peace deal had intensified. But a worsening of hostilities this week has undermined prospects for a swift end to more than three months of war. Trump's warning Trump threatened new strikes on Iran after the two sides traded air attacks on Thursday for the second successive day. "The United States will be hitting Iran (Whose Navy, Air Force, Radar, Anti Aircraft, and all other forms of Defense, together with most of its offensive capability, are GONE!), VERY HARD TONIGHT," Trump said in a social media post. "At some point in the not too distant future, we will be taking Kharg Island, and other oil infrastructure points, and assume total control of their Oil and Gas Markets, much like we have with Venezuela," he said, referring to Iran's main oil

Cross-border pull spices up Louth-Armagh first instalment

Louth and Armagh is an unusual rivalry and while social media has labelled it 'Oil Classico', it really has very little of any notable history - in terms of truly significant moments anyway.

FAI decision to move Ireland-Israel match 'cowardly' - SF

Mary Lou McDonald has labelled the FAI's decision to move Ireland's upcoming men's football international against Israel to a neutral venue as "cowardly".

European Christian communicators from ECIC visit Vatican media

More than 30 European communicators, theologians, and digital experts from various Christian denominations visited Palazzo Pio, the headquarters of the Holy See's media operations, during the annual meeting of the European Christian Internet Conference (ECIC), currently taking place in Rome.

Read all

B.C. birth alerts class-action lawsuit leads to $66M proposed settlement

A class-action lawsuit filed on behalf of people who were the subject of birth alerts, which shared private information without the person's knowledge, has reached a $66-million proposed settlement, according to class counsel.

London council takes possession of property linked to Sierra Leone's First Lady

Southwark Council in south London takes possession of a property linked to Sierra Leone's Fatima Bio.

Wildfire victim wants Sask. public safety leaders replaced after 'damning' report

Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency president Marlo Pritchard says he assumes "ultimate responsibility" for the response and Community Safety Minister Michael Weger says the agency "must do better."

"Hell's Army": New Film Tracks Russia's Wagner Group & Rise of Mercenary Armies

We speak with Oscar-nominated filmmaker Rick Rowley about his new documentary, Hell’s Army. The film tracks the Wagner Group, the notorious Russian mercenary army that has fought in Ukraine and other parts of the world. The group’s founder, Yevgeny Prigozhin, was a confidant to Putin until a failed 2023 mutiny against the government. He died in a suspicious plane crash two months later.

“We realized that he could be killed, the leader of this army could be killed, but its model continues,” says Rowley. “Around the world, oligarchs are turning to mercenary armies, and it’s a scourge that needs to be stopped.”

Hell’s Army has its North American premiere Friday in Washington, D.C.

From violent attack to unrest: How outrage spread from Belfast

When a man was seriously injured in a knife attack in north Belfast on Monday night, footage of the incident spread rapidly online

Celebrated British artist David Hockney dies aged 88

Hockney, one of the UK's most important and influential artists, has died at the age of 88.

OPP Const. Tarun Bali's body brought to Thornhill, Ont., ahead of funeral

Bali, 29, was struck by the driver of a vehicle on Tuesday in the northern town of Hearst, about 520 kilometres east of Thunder Bay, as fellow investigators searched for a man who had escaped from a hospital.

Palestinian Activist Mohsen Mahdawi: Trump Admin "Weaponizing Immigration Laws" to Deport Me

Palestinian activist and green card holder Mohsen Mahdawi, who was targeted by the Trump administration last year as part of a crackdown on pro-Palestinian campus activism, faces a new deportation threat. A federal immigration judge has sided with the administration and renewed removal proceedings against him, reviving a case that had been dismissed by an earlier immigration judge. Now he is taking his case directly to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 1st Circuit, telling Democracy Now! that he is “technically without a backup plan” and relying on the federal courts for justice “because I believe that what the Trump administration has done is unconstitutional.”

Russell fastest in Barcelona first practice

Mercedes driver George Russell sets the pace from McLaren's Oscar Piastri in first practice at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix.

"Cautionary Tale": NYC's The New School Guts Faculty & Staff as Colleges Intensify Austerity

The Trump administration is continuing its assault on higher education, but in a departure from its earlier high-profile fights with individual institutions like Harvard, it is now rewriting the federal rules that govern all universities and colleges. Rules are being proposed by the Education Department and other agencies to impose the administration’s preferred policies on thousands of schools — including on racial equity, transgender rights, immigration and antisemitism — or face funding cuts and possible disaccreditation.

The pressure from the federal government comes at a time of intensifying austerity at many schools. Last week, one of New York’s most iconic universities, The New School, laid off 19 full-time faculty and 68 staff members. Along with coerced “voluntary” separations and early retirements since December 2025, these mass firings constitute a major gutting of The New School’s full-time faculty.

“It’s a chilling message to all of academia,” says Jeremy Varon, professor of history at The New School and president of the university’s chapter of the American Association of University Professors. “We fear that the number will grow as universities act more and more like corporations, concerned above all with the bottom line.”

U.S. Attacks Iranian Water Reservoirs Amid "Normalization" of Targeting Civilian Infrastructure

We continue our conversation with acclaimed Iranian environmental scientist Kaveh Madani, who comments on U.S. strikes targeting Iranian water reservoirs, which have exacerbated the country’s water shortage. He criticizes the “normalization of targeting civil infrastructure as a part of a war.”

“Who suffers from the consequences of this? The poor community, the vulnerable communities,” says Madani.

Attempted murder trial told of 'chaos' on Parnell Square

A language school receptionist became emotional describing "chaos" on Parnell Square with people screaming and running while a man lay on the ground covered in blood.

Fire at Wellington Airport terminal

A smoke alarm triggered just after 7pm led to evacuations, and left passengers stranded without their belongings.

Bollywood star prepares for Canada's opening ceremony with song of unity

The Canadian-born artist will be performing her official Fifa song at the Toronto opening ceremony.

"New Form of Imperialism": Renowned U.N. Scientist on AI Boom's Huge Water, Carbon & Land Footprint

The environmental toll of the artificial intelligence boom continues to mount as tech companies use ever more power to run their data centers and enormous amounts of water for cooling. A new investigation by U.N. scientists warns that AI’s water use in 2030 will match the needs of 1.3 billion people, while its power use will be triple that of Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nigeria combined — countries with a total population of 650 million.

“Most people understand AI as a digital technology, as a virtual thing, as something that is in the clouds,” says Iranian environmental scientist Kaveh Madani, director of the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health. “What we tried to do in this report was to remind people that there’s some physics to all of this.”

Lee to attend business roundtable in Rome to explore S. Korea-Italy economic cooperation

President Lee Jae Myung plans to attend a business roundtable in Rome on Friday to explore ways to enhance economic cooperation between South Korea and Italy, with Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong also scheduled to participate. During the roundtable scheduled for the evening at a hotel in Rome, Lee is expected to deliver a keynote speech emphasizing the importance of bilateral economic cooperation amid the changing business landscape driven by the emergence of artificial intelligence (A

'A remarkable day': Northern cod total allowable catch increases by 55 per cent

Two months after deeming northern cod stock to be in the healthy zone, Ottawa is increasing the total allowable catch (TAC) by 55 per cent.

Gasly's Monaco third place reinstated after appeal

Pierre Gasly is reinstated into third place in the Monaco Grand Prix, after the stewards rescind the two penalties he received for pit-lane speeding.

DR Congo: Ebola spreads as agencies brace for child victims

The deadly Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is continuing to spread with a spike in child infections an increasingly likely scenario in the days ahead, UN agencies said on Friday.

Security Council weighs future of UN war crimes mechanism as closure nears

The Security Council on Friday weighed the future of the UN mechanism responsible for completing the remaining work of the international tribunals for Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia, as members debated how to preserve its legacy while bringing its mandate to an orderly close.

Women and girls caught up in Yemen’s ‘forgotten crisis’ bear the heaviest toll as funding falls

Yemen remains gripped by one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, with 22 million – out of a population of 35 million – requiring assistance. Women and girls account for half of those in need, and two-thirds of them are of childbearing age, placing reproductive health at the heart of the emergency.

More strikes impact Lebanon hospitals as humanitarian situation deteriorates

The humanitarian situation in Lebanon is being pushed further into crisis as hostilities continue between Israeli forces and Hezbollah militants – and essential services and healthcare are targeted.

UN ‘encouraged’ by talk of possible US-Iran ceasefire deal

The United Nations continues to monitor developments amid conflicting reports on Friday of a possible ceasefire deal between the United States and Iran, the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General said in New York.

World News in Brief: State-supported safe houses in Haiti, EU pact strengthens refugee protection, demand for ‘critical minerals’ intensifies

Haiti has opened its first State-supported safe house for survivors of sexual violence with support from the UN, marking a significant step in responding to the growing crisis affecting women and girls.

‘Perilous moment’ threatens to reverse years of gains in HIV/AIDS response

External funding cuts, a backlash against human rights, and chronic under-investment in HIV prevention and community services are threatening to reverse years of hard-won progress in the AIDS response, a UN report warned on Friday.

Ukraine civilian casualty toll in May highest in four years, UN monitors say

More civilians were killed and injured in Ukraine in May than in any other month in the past four years, UN investigators said on Friday in their latest update.

WHO report shows progress in blood safety, but there are worrying gaps

Every day, safe blood helps save the lives of women experiencing childbirth complications, accident victims, cancer patients and people living with chronic diseases. Yet despite decades of progress, access to lifesaving blood remains deeply unequal, with shortages continuing to put lives at risk in many lower-income countries, according to a new World Health Organization (WHO) report.

Headlines for June 12, 2026

Trump Claims “Great Settlement” Has Been Reached to End War, But Iran Says Nothing Has Been Finalized, India Condemns Deadly U.S. Strikes on Boats After 3 Sailors Killed Near Oman, Musk Poised to Become World’s First Trillionaire as SpaceX Goes Public, Trump Taps Jay Clayton to Head National Intelligence After Bipartisan Opposition to Bill Pulte, Detained Palestinian Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya Appears in Israeli Court with Signs of Torture, Family Says, U.S. Issues New Sanctions on Cuba’s Oil & Gas Company, Two Top U.K. Military Officials Resign in Row with Starmer over Military Spending, “Albania Is Not For Sale”: Protests Mount over Proposed Jared Kushner Luxury Development, “Dignity Has No Passport”: Pope Leo Visits Canary Island to Show Solidarity with Migrants, Detained Women Join Hunger and Labor Strike at Delaney Hall ICE Jail in NJ, Report: State Dept. Opens Probe of Iranian-Born Trita Parsi, Critic of Trump’s War, Protests Held as World Cup Opens in Mexico, Landlord Waives Back Rent for Tenants After Being Targeted by NYC Mayor Mamdani

Nineteen now arrested over Northern Ireland disorder with house targeted in arson

Thursday night was relatively quiet although police say an arson attack in north Belfast is linked to the disorder.

Donaldson denies meeting sex abuse accuser to 'nip in the bud' allegations

Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, the former Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader, is on trial for 18 sex abuse charges, including one count of rape, all of which he denies.

Ex-South Korean president sentenced for sending drones into North Korea in leadup to martial law

South Korea's ousted president Yoon Suk Yeol and his former defence minister were sentenced to 30 years in prison Friday in a case alleging Yoon ordered drone flights over Pyongyang in 2024 to heighten tensions with North Korea and justify declaring martial law at home.

Lee congratulates Korea on World Cup-opening win over Czech Republic

President Lee Jae Myung on Friday congratulated South Korea’s national football team after its comeback win over the Czech Republic in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Lee wrote on X that the team had earned “a valuable win” in its first Group A match at Estadio Guadalajara in Mexico, where the altitude is more than 1,500 meters above sea level. “The players stayed focused until the end and turned the match around,” Lee said, adding that the winning goal gave fans across the count

Man shot dead outside Barcelona police station

Police are investigating the fatal shooting of a man outside a police station on a busy street in Barcelona, according to reports from several local media outlets.

Williamson ends New Zealand career during series with England

Former New Zealand captain Kane Williamson - his country's all-time leading run-scorer - retires from all international cricket with immediate effect.

Ministers want 60% of children walking or cycling to school by 2035

Thousands of safer paths and crossings are promised to help people become more active in England's towns and cities.

Mirae Asset gets $312.5m share allocation in SpaceX IPO

Mirae Asset Securities has received 2.31 million shares in SpaceX’s initial public offering, joining the underwriting group for the record-setting market debut of Elon Musk’s aerospace company. According to a filing posted on the US Securities and Exchange Commission website Friday, SpaceX allocated 2,314,815 Class A common shares to Mirae Asset Securities out of 555,555,555 shares to be sold in the offering. The shares allocated to Mirae Asset are worth about $312.5 million based on the final o

Pope Leo's appeal to human traffickers and our shared responsibility

Our editorial director reflects on Pope Leo XIV’s words on the tragedy of migration in continuity with his predecessors.

Read all

Taylor Swift makes tearful 21-minute speech as she joins Songwriters Hall of Fame

The singer thanks her family as she becomes the youngest woman to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Ex-election watchdog chief banned from leaving country amid ballot shortage probe

The justice ministry has approved a request from investigators to impose a travel ban on the former head of the National Election Commission (NEC) amid a probe into shortages of ballots during last week's local elections, sources said Friday. The ministry took the measure against Roh Tae-ak, former chairperson of the NEC, as well as other key officials upon requests made by a team of investigators probing the case, according to judiciary sources. The move came a day after investigators conducted

Scottish hopes high as they target fast start in the USA

Scotland fan Kevin Corcoran on the expectation the side can see action beyond the group stage at a World Cup.

UK signals it may block payout to British Steel owner

Chinese firm Jingye is seeking compensation after the government decided to nationalise the company.

U.S. and Iran signal peace deal close as reports suggest terms appear to favour Tehran

The United States and Iran signaled on Friday that an agreement to end their war was close, with a senior U.S. administration official saying both sides had agreed on a text and that ‌Washington expects to sign an initial deal in the coming days.

Pope to human traffickers: Repent! Divine justice awaits you

Meeting organisations working with migrants in Tenerife, Pope Leo XIV calls integration a shared responsibility that restores dignity and belonging, while urging human traffickers to repent before facing divine justice.

Read all

South Africa trolled by African fans in wake of World Cup loss

The taunting reflects anger from parts of the continent over reports of xenophobia in South Africa.

S. Korea, Britain sign revised nuclear cooperation protocol, discuss partnership

South Korea and Britain signed a revised nuclear cooperation protocol Friday and discussed ways to deepen their global strategic partnership, Seoul's foreign ministry said. First Vice Foreign Minister Park Yoon-joo met with British Indo-Pacific Minister Seema Malhotra in Seoul, where they exchanged views on bilateral ties and regional issues. The two sides signed the revised protocol amending a bilateral agreement on the peaceful use of nuclear energy that entered into force in 1991. The ministr

Spanish lottery vendor cheated winner out of €4.7m

A lottery vendor has been sentenced in Spain to three-and-a-half years in prison for cheating the ⁠winner of a €4.7 million jackpot out of his prize in 2012, court documents show.

Enoch Burke to face Fitness to Teach inquiry next week

The Teaching Council will hold a Fitness to Teach inquiry concerning Enoch Burke next week.

Samsung foundry chief sees profit turnaround in 2028

Samsung Electronics’ foundry chief Han Jin-man said Friday the company’s contract chipmaking business is unlikely to turn profitable next year, making 2028 a more realistic target for a turnaround. Han, president and head of Samsung Electronics’ foundry business under its Device Solutions division, made the remarks during a management briefing for employees held both online and offline, according to industry sources. “Turning the foundry business profitable next year does not look easy,” Han sai

Pope to priests: Be witnesses of the Good Shepherd and give yourselves entirely to Him

Marking the Day of Prayer for the Sanctification of Priests, which is celebrated the Solemnity, Pope Leo sends a message to priests inviting them to witness "the tenderness of the Good Shepherd" and live a priestly life that "is steady and configured to Jesus’ Heart."

Read all

British artist David Hockney dies aged 88

British artist David Hockney, one of the most influential and defining figures in contemporary art whose paintings captured the world in brilliant colour, has died aged 88, his publicist announced.

Health ministry launches review into effects of nitrate in water

It comes as campaigners renew calls to slash nitrate limits following Denmark's newly-formed coalition government agreeing to drastically lower its limit.

Watford great Jackett dies aged 64

Watford legend and former Wales international Kenny Jackett dies at the age of 64.

'Not just bike rides for fun,' B.C. anti-gang police say ahead of Nelson outlaw motorcycle gang presence

Nelson police say members from numerous outlaw motorcycle clubs and chapters are expected in the city and on area highways from Friday to Sunday, prompting increased police visibility and public safety planning.

Garda civilian staff threaten industrial action

Civilian staff in An Garda Síochána, represented by the Association of Higher Civil and Public Servants, are to be balloted for industrial action in a dispute over the advertisement of posts.

Art's great innovator whose vivid paintings made him a household name

The proud Yorkshireman, who also painted iconic pictures of America, was routinely described as Britain's greatest artist.

Pope Leo XIV to migrants in Tenerife: 'I carry you in my heart'

Pope Leo XIV meets with migrants at the Las Raíces Center in Tenerife during his stay in the Canary Islands, and reassures them that he carries them in his heart and prayers, and prays that no 'storm' may ever drive them away from feeling the presence of Christ.

Read all

TV Tairiku Ondo channels the chaotic creativity of youth

After going viral with a 90-second track in 2024, the rock quartet from Hokkaido has been hitting stages big and small and working hard on a debut album.

Temperatures of up to 23C expected this weekend

Temperatures are expected to climb up to 23C nationwide over the weekend, due to high pressure coming from the south of Europe.

Duff appointed Brentford assistant manager

Damien Duff has linked up with Keith Andrews after Brentford confirmed the former Republic of Ireland international has been appointed assistant manager at the Premier League club.

Donaldson denies accusations of being sinful, deceitful

Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson has denied being deceitful and sinful and telling lies about having no knowledge about allegations of sexual abuse by two alleged victims.

Promoting human dignity, discouraging stigmatisation of migrants

On the last leg of his Apostolic Journey to Spain, Pope Leo XIV began his day on the island of Tenerife at the Las Raíces reception centre with a meeting with migrants during which the Pope was visibly moved by the encounter.

Read all

‘There's no peace’ says mother left grieving after sentencing delay for fatal 2023 crash

Family and friends of Mark Squires squeezed into a small provincial court room in St. John's on Thursday, hoping the man responsible for the death of their loved one would be sentenced to prison.

Different results, same fallout: Party leaders face growing calls to quit

South Korea’s ruling and main opposition parties are both sliding into postelection turmoil, with their embattled leaders seeking to survive growing calls for resignation following the June 3 local elections. Democratic Party of Korea Chair Rep. Jung Chung-rae on Friday traveled to Gwangju, part of the party’s liberal stronghold of Honam in the country’s southwest, following his visit to North Jeolla Province on June 9. Jung's move has been widely seen as signaling his intention to seek reelecti

Beyond Yoon’s verdict: How drone operation echoed across inter-Korean ties

The Seoul court's decision Friday to sentence former President Yoon Suk Yeol to 30 years in prison for ordering drone infiltrations into Pyongyang has cast new light on the operation's broader afterlife, beyond questions of criminal liability. The key questions are what impact, if any, the operation had on inter-Korean relations, and how North Korea used the incident to shape its narrative toward the South. The Seoul Central District Court found that Yoon ordered the October 2024 operation with

In a first, consumer consultations in Japan about social media top 100,000

Those in their 50s and older accounted for more than half of the total social media-related consultations to consumer affairs centers.

Nomura says chip boom has yet to lift Korea's broader economy

The artificial intelligence-led semiconductor boom has yet to show a strong spillover into South Korea's broader economy, even as currency and financial stability concerns make a Bank of Korea rate hike in July increasingly likely, Nomura's senior economist said Friday. Park Jeong-woo, South Korea and Taiwan senior economist at Nomura, said at the brokerage's Korea Equities & Economy Media Briefing in Seoul that the key question for the economy is not whether chips and stocks are strong, but whe

Borrowing money for saving funds 'doesn't make sense'

Central Bank Governor Gabriel Makhlouf has said it "doesn't make sense" for the Government to borrow money to put into long term savings funds.

Hongdae live music venue Club On-Air to enter hiatus from July

Club On-Air, a Hongdae live music venue known for hosting performances by acclaimed musicians and the filming location for the hit YouTube series "Psick Show," will enter an indefinite hiatus starting in July. The venue said it would suspend operations after June due to building-related circumstances as it prepares for a major overhaul. "For the past five years, we have worked tirelessly to provide the best musical experiences for artists and audiences," Club On-Air said in a statement. "After o

Court orders election commission to explain disposal of ballot storage box

A Seoul court ordered election authorities to provide details on the disposal of a ballot storage container from a polling station in Songpa-gu, after finding that the container had been discarded despite an earlier request to preserve it as evidence. The Seoul Eastern District Court on Friday partially granted an additional evidence preservation request filed by Kim Jeong-cheol, a senior member of the minor Reform Party who ran in the Seoul mayoral election. Kim had previously asked the court t

Hanwha Ocean edges out HD Hyundai in W7.8t KDDX bid

Hanwha Ocean edged out HD Hyundai Heavy Industries in the bid for South Korea's destroyer project worth about 7.8 trillion won ($5.1 billion), bringing a long-delayed naval modernization program a step closer to implementation. According to defense industry sources, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration has completed its evaluation of proposals submitted by Hanwha Ocean and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries for the detailed design and lead ship construction phase of the Korean Destroyer Next

Japan aiming to live up to heightened expectations with deep run at World Cup

Japan kicks off its 2026 World Cup on Sunday with a strong, confident squad and the kind of expectations the Samurai Blue have not carried into a tournament for years.

Pope Leo XIV arrives in Tenerife

Pope Leo XIV arrives in Tenerife for the final leg of his visit to the Canary Islands and his Apostolic Journey to Spain.

Read all

Discovery of human remains at recycling center shakes Incheon; police launch investigation

Police in Incheon launched a 64-member investigation team Friday after human remains were discovered at a public recycling facility. According to authorities, a report was filed at 2:28 p.m. on Thursday after a worker at the Southern Regional Resource Recovery Center in Songdo, Yeonsu-gu, discovered what appeared to be part of a human leg while sorting recyclables on a conveyor belt. A preliminary examination by the National Forensic Service confirmed the remains to be part of a female left leg.

10% of e-scooter accidents in Japan resulted from drunken driving in 2025

Of the 386 accidents involving specified small motorized two-wheel vehicles, including electric kick scooters, drunken driving was blamed for 43 of them.

Climate change boosts risk of bacteria-infected seafood, water

Scientists warn people with certain conditions can end up severely impacted.

Tartan Army feels the heat in Boston as World Cup kicks off

Visitors are facing 31C temperatures in the city, with the soaring heat expected to continue into Saturday when Scotland's men face Haiti.

South Korean brokerages make W4.3tr in Q1, nearly half of last year's total

South Korea's securities firms posted a record quarterly net profit of 4.33 trillion won ($2.63 billion) in the first quarter this year, driven by a surge in stock trading activity, Financial Supervisory Service data showed Friday. According to the Financial Supervisory Service's provisional operating results, the combined net profit of 61 brokerages rose 77.1 percent on-year to 4.33 trillion won in the January-March period from 2.44 trillion won a year earlier. The figure more than doubled from

Targeting diabetes drugs at Māori and Pasifika is needs-based, specialist says

Cardiac scientists say they are being prevented by Health NZ over an objection to changes in the way diabetes treatments are funded.

Two dead in crash on SH4 near Whanganui, delays expected

The crash is expected to cause long delays for travellers although a diversion is available.

'Do not drink' warning lifted in Waiouru

A sample from the treatment plant showed aluminium concentrations about four times the limit for drinking water, the Defence Force says.

Thai Princess Bajrakitiyabha, who fell into a coma for 3 years, dies at 47

Thailand's Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol, a lawyer and the eldest of King Maha Vajiralongkorn's children, has died at 47, the Bureau of the Royal Household said.

Kioxia becomes Japan’s most valuable firm as AI mania goes on

Shares of the Japanese memory chipmaker surged 7.6% Friday, lifting its market value above ¥44 trillion ($274 billion) just 18 months after its stock market debut.

Arrest as gardaí investigate death of man in Leitrim

A man in his 30s has been arrested in connection with the death of a man in Co Leitrim last night.

BTS buses, blimp set Busan concert opening abuzz

Busan was awash in BTS fever on Friday, on the eve of the group’s 13th debut anniversary, as fans from all over the world gathered, and themed displays — including a blimp and buses wrapped with members' pictures — marked the opening of the group's two-day concert. Ahead of BTS' two-day "Arirang" world tour stop at Busan Asiad Main Stadium, the group said it was "very happy" to reunite with its fans, known collectively as Army, in Korea. "We are so happy to be able to enjoy this special day with

Law changes expected to boost prison population over next decade

A new report says there will be 15,200 prisoners in June 2036 - a 35 percent increase from this year.

Korea no longer fits emerging-market multiples: Nomura

South Korea's stock market should no longer trade at valuations closer to emerging markets, as record profitability, stronger shareholder returns and AI-led semiconductor earnings strengthen the case for a broader rerating, Nomura analysts said Friday. Cindy Park, head of Korea equity research at Nomura, said at the brokerage's Korea Equities & Economy Media Briefing in Seoul that the Kospi remains deeply discounted despite its sharp rally and improving earnings outlook. "Korea is now trading at

Seoul stocks spike over 4% to settle again in 8,000 territory on hopes for end to Mideast crisis

Seoul stocks rose by more than 4 percent Friday, as investors snapped up tech heavyweights amid hopes the war between the United States and Iran could end soon. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index closed up 359.67 points, or 4.63 percent, at 8,123.62 after rising as high as 8,434.40. After opening sharply higher on renewed hopes that the war between the US and Iran is near its end, the index trimmed earlier gains on profit taking ahead of the closing bell. Trade volume was heavy at 4

Calm night in Belfast following two evenings of disorder

Belfast remained calm last night after two previous evenings of disorder, with just a small number of protests leading to roads being briefly blocked.

Concerns raised after unmanned dinghy found at Doubtless Bay

Police are wanting to find the owner to make sure no one is missing or in distress.

Swift becomes youngest woman in Songwriters Hall of Fame

Taylor Swift has become the youngest woman ever inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

In Alberta, competitive handgun shooters feel targeted by Ottawa's gun ban

The International Practical Shooting Confederation has about 6,000 Canadian members — but with no way for most people to legally acquire handguns, competitive shooters fear their sport’s days are numbered.

Japan revises megaquake preparation plan for Tokyo area

The government intends to reduce the number of deaths and the number of buildings destroyed or burned down due to an earthquake to at least half of the latest estimates.

SpaceX IPO makes Elon Musk the world's first trillionaire

Few business leaders have been as deeply embedded in popular culture as Elon Musk, the ambitious entrepreneur who has become a central figure in internet culture and amassed a fortune that has made him the world's first trillionaire.

Lee receives Italy’s top honor in Rome

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung received Italy’s highest honor for foreign heads of state from Italian President Sergio Mattarella during a state banquet at the Quirinal Palace in Rome on Thursday. The Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Merit is Italy’s highest-ranking decoration, awarded to Italians or foreign heads of state for outstanding contributions in fields including science, arts, economics and public service. Seoul’s presidential office said the honor recognized Lee’s contribution

Lower House panel approves retrial system reform bill

The bill is expected to clear the Lower House on Tuesday and be enacted during the current Diet session ending in July.

Kea conservationists appeal to local government for help to save native birds

Arthur's Pass locals have found the friendly native birds have been their own worst enemies in their fight for survival.

Iconic British artist David Hockney dead at 88

Artist David Hockney, whose paintings of pools shimmering in the Los Angeles sunshine became icons of 20th century art, died Thursday, his publicist said. He was 88.

Two scorers and one standout goalkeeper: Meet heroes behind S. Korea’s thrilling win over Czech team

When South Korea’s equalizer came in the 22nd minute of the second half against the Czech Republic, it did not come from captain Son Heung-min or playmaker Lee Kang-in. It was Hwang In-beom who scored the country’s first goal of the tournament in its group-stage opener. The Feyenoord midfielder may not attract the same level of international attention as stars like Son and Lee, but he has established himself as a central figure in South Korea’s midfield. His equalizer on Thursday was a timely re

KT brings fans together at Gwanghwamun to cheer for Team Korea at the World Cup

Korean telecom giant KT drew thousands of soccer fans to Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul on Friday for a public cheering event, as Team Korea kicked off its World Cup campaign with a 2-1 win over the Czech Republic. The national team secured its first win in Group A at Estadio Guadalajara in Mexico, giving supporters gathered in central Seoul plenty to celebrate. The cheering events, held in collaboration with the Korea Football Association and supporters' group Red Devils, took place across

Consumption tax cut on groceries could do more harm than good

It could lead to less confidence in Japan's fiscal state, a weaker yen, higher rates and slower economic growth.

Jay B embraces his R&B roots for introspective third EP 'Tr.ee'

Jay B is continuing to follow the musical path he believes suits him best. The singer's third solo EP "Tr.ee," released Wednesday, is a six-track project that pairs the R&B sound he has long favored with an introspective exploration of growth, relationships and emotional uncertainty. While his boy group GOT7 built its catalog around pop, dance and genre-blending tracks suited to a seven-member group, Jay B said his solo work has given him greater room to explore the sounds that first inspired hi

Nearly 40% of older adults in Japan want to keep working

The main motivation cited was the need to earn an income, followed by the notion that working helps maintain health and slow down aging.

SpaceX surges past $2 trillion valuation in Nasdaq IPO

SpaceX jumped over 20% in its Nasdaq debut, lifting its valuation to more than $2 trillion as investors piled into the world's largest ⁠IPO and bet on Elon Musk's sprawling empire spanning rockets to AI.

Coupang to challenge Korean authorities in court over data-leak fine

Coupang has pledged to dispute the Korean privacy authorities’ decision to impose a $410 million fine on the United States-listed e-commerce firm in court. “The (Korean Personal Information Protection Commission)’s regulatory findings and penalties are subject to judicial review,” said Coupang Inc. in its 8-K filing to the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Coupang, Inc, which is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, owns a 100 percent stake in Coupang Corp. “Coupang Corp. will vigorously p

Summer warmth to return for weekend but heatwave chances fade

After a wet start to June it will be drier and warmer for the weekend, as Ben Rich explains.

S. Korea, Peru discuss international carbon reduction projects at first climate committee

South Korea and Peru held their first joint committee on climate change cooperation this week, discussing ways to strengthen collaboration on international greenhouse gas reduction projects and implementation of the Paris Agreement, Seoul's Foreign Ministry said Friday. According to the ministry, the First Korea-Peru Joint Committee on Climate Change Cooperation was held on Thursday in Bonn, Germany, on the sidelines of the 64th sessions of the subsidiary bodies of the United Nations Framework C

LG Energy Solution ends patent dispute with China’s Sunwoda through licensing deal

LG Energy Solution has effectively ended a two-year legal dispute with Chinese battery-maker Sunwoda through a patent licensing agreement covering the South Korean battery-maker’s lithium-ion technologies. Tulip Innovation, which manages and licenses lithium-ion battery patents on behalf of LG Energy Solution and Japan’s Panasonic Energy, announced Thursday that it had reached a licensing deal with Sunwoda. Under the agreement, the parties will withdraw all ongoing legal actions in Germany, Chin

LDP pushes tougher land and visa rules while avoiding nationality trap

Legal experts have argued that nationality-based restrictions could conflict with domestic law and international agreements.

What happens to mortgages, banking if Alberta were to separate?

The group pushing for separation says mortgages would carry over, and Canada's big banks would seek to operate in an independent Alberta. But analysts say there are a lot of unknowns, and the process would likely be very complicated.

Bear wandering around with pipe stuck on head rescued by conservation officers

The B.C. Conservation Service is not sure how the yearling got its head stuck in a stove pipe, but adds it is an important reminder to call the service if you see an animal in distress.

The U.S. and Israel can’t hide their differences on Iran

The cause of their dispute is, on the surface, simple. Israel says the April ceasefire between Tehran and Washington did not cover Lebanon.

Ukraine’s AI drones have given Kyiv a fresh edge on the battlefield

The latest models are more resistant to electronic jamming and have autonomous targeting capabilities that allow them to hit targets up to 150 kilometers beyond the front lines.

SPCA raises alarm over 'constantly pregnant' breeding dogs

The animal welfare organisation wants dog breeders licensed, clear regulations and an updated code of welfare.

Lee’s Europe tour shows distant wars bringing Korea and EU closer

President Lee Jae Myung’s first trip to Europe showed how distant wars are moving South Korea and the European Union closer to strategic alignment. Russia’s war in Ukraine, backed by North Korean support for Moscow, has underscored the growing link between European and Indo-Pacific security; conflict in the Middle East has exposed both sides to energy shocks, supply chain disruptions and widening security threats. Together, those risks are pushing Seoul and its EU partners to view security throu

What do Puerto Ricans think of the viral song about their homeland?

People from Puerto Rico reflect on how the catchy tune has attracted attention to where they live.

Japan’s FTC to fine 30 firms over condo renovation bid-rigging

The construction companies had been selecting contractors in advance for competitive bidding on large-scale condominium renovation projects in the Kanto region.

CCTV crew help Palmerston North police track down alleged armed offender

Inquiries led to the recovery of a firearm, live ammunition and drugs.

[Exclusive] Big Bang preparing August return with physical single

Big Bang is expected to return with a physical single featuring around two to three new songs as part of its 20th-anniversary comeback in August, industry sources said Wednesday. While the group has already hinted at new music and a world tour this year, sources told The Korea Herald that a single release currently appears more likely than a full-length album. "Big Bang will likely release new songs in a single format with around three tracks," one source said on condition of anonymity. The sour

Body found in Lake Tekapo after man disappears

Emergency crews were on Thursday after reports a man went into the water and disappeared.

Australian hiker rescued in series of Seoraksan accidents

One hiker died and two others were rescued in separate incidents on Seoraksan in Gangwon Province, authorities said Friday, as emergency crews responded to a series of mountain accidents within about 24 hours. According to fire authorities, an Australian hiker in his 40s became lost while hiking in the Seorak-dong area of Seoraksan in Sokcho, Gangwon Province, Thursday. Mountain rescue personnel conducting a nighttime search located him and accompanied him down the mountain. The hiker showed sig

New migration rules are in force, but how will they work?

There is a series of new EU regulations that Ireland has opted into and needs to comply with. Those rules take effect from today.

South Korea rallies past Czech Republic to open World Cup campaign

The South Koreans joined Mexico with three points at the top of the Group A standings.

South Korea rallies past Czech Republic to open World Cup campaign

The South Koreans joined Mexico with three points at the top of the Group A standings.

Naver, Krafton partner to expand PUBG esports ecosystem

Naver announced Friday it has signed a strategic partnership with game publisher Krafton to expand the esports content ecosystem surrounding PUBG: Battlegrounds through long-term collaboration. Under the agreement, Naver will leverage the stable streaming technology and community-driven viewing culture of its streaming platform Chzzk to pursue a range of collaborations based on the PUBG esports intellectual property. The companies plan to strengthen live viewing experiences through tournament br

Under June sun, Red Devils bring World Cup roar to Gwanghwamun

“Who are we so proud of? South Korea!” The chant rolled through Gwanghwamun Square on Friday morning, carried by drumbeats from the Red Devils and answered by fans in red shirts as South Korea opened its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign against the Czech Republic. The match kicked off at 11 a.m. in Korea, a rare weekday morning start that turned the square in central Seoul into a lunchtime stadium. Office workers, students, families and international fans gathered around the large screens near the K

EU Migration Pact overhauling asylum system now in effect

The EU Migration Pact comes into force today, two years after it was adopted by EU member states.

Our sons are playing for two different countries at the World Cup

Jack and Heather Souttar are heading to the US to support their sons, who play for Scotland and Australia.

Green Loop: The Taranaki-based startup turning food waste into living soil

Green Loop is collecting about 1000kg of food waste every week.

Jordan Staal, Hurricanes take Game 5, close in on Stanley Cup title

The Hurricanes own a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series and will try to clinch ​the title in Game 6 on Sunday in Las Vegas.

Grooming survivors left with criminal records still being failed, BBC told

Victims who were abused and prosecuted as children are still being failed, says grooming report author.

Ex-UK political aide Steve Hilton would overhaul California as governor, he tells BBC

The Trump-backed candidate is running as a Republican in the deeply liberal state on a platform that he says isn't beholden to party ideology.

'They destroyed the future': Palestinian anger at rise in Israeli demolitions in East Jerusalem

Palestinian homes are being pulled down in occupied East Jerusalem to make way for a park.

'As huge as JFK' - Mayo village prepares for Carney visit

The village of Aughagower in Co Mayo is preparing to welcome Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney this weekend.

N.S. investigates alleged illegal landfill as businessman caught in crosshairs cries foul

Provincial officials are using legislation typically aimed at drug traffickers and organized crime to seek the forfeiture of what they say is equipment used in an illegal landfill operated last year at a site in Upper Hammonds Plains, N.S. But one businessman says his topsoil machine has been unfairly seized.

The push to lift Ireland's nuclear ban: Going nuclear or nowhere?

From the backbenches of Fianna Fáil in recent months has emerged a political push to lift the ban on nuclear power generators. What's behind the move to 'go nuclear' now? And is it a viable option, or a distraction from already proven renewable tech?