Lee Jae-myung tops headlines as South Korea’s president since 2025; former Gyeonggi governor and longtime opposition leader, lawyer by training.
Recent reports indicate U.S. forces in South Korea are shipping weapons, including Patriot missile systems, out of the country. South Korea opposes the move but states it does not affect deterrence against North Korea. The weapons are likely being redeployed to the Middle East for ongoing conflicts involving Iran.
South Korea's National Assembly is set to approve a bill establishing a public investment vehicle, amid US pressure over delays in a trade deal. The legislation aims to manage US investments in sectors like semiconductors and shipbuilding, following negotiations and threats of tariffs. The move reflects ongoing tensions in US-South Korea trade relations.
BTS held a free concert at Gwanghwamun Square, Seoul, performing songs from their new album 'ARIRANG' after a four-year hiatus. The event celebrated Korean heritage and culture, drawing tens of thousands of fans and emphasizing the group's global influence and cultural significance.
A large fire at a three‑story factory in Daejeon, central South Korea, has killed several workers and seriously injured many others. Rescue teams have been digging through the wreckage as flames are being brought under control, with some workers having jumped from windows to escape the blaze. Authorities are investigating the cause as the death toll could rise.
French President Macron and South Korean President Lee discussed cooperation on stabilizing the Strait of Hormuz during Macron's visit to Seoul. The leaders emphasized joint efforts to reopen the strait and de-escalate Middle East tensions, while also expanding cooperation in technology and energy sectors. The US and Trump’s comments on the strait added complexity to the issue.
Several vessels, including the first French-owned ship since the war began, have crossed the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran effectively blocked after the start of the Iran-Israel conflict. The crossings include ships from Japan, France, and Oman, signaling some reopening of the vital energy route amid ongoing tensions.
Taiwan plans to reroute oil shipments through the Red Sea due to Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz, following US-Israeli strikes on Iran. South Korea and Taiwan are preparing emergency measures as oil prices surge, relying on alternative routes and international support to secure supplies.
Vietnam and South Korea have agreed to boost bilateral trade to $150 billion by 2030, with Vietnam seeking to develop a nuclear power plant. South Korea is also expanding cooperation with India and Vietnam, while China and North Korea are deepening strategic relations through high-level visits. These developments reflect shifting regional alliances.
South Korea is increasing its defense cooperation with allies, including expanding military industry partnerships and supporting vessels stranded in regional waters. The moves follow recent high-level visits and ongoing regional security concerns, with a focus on strengthening deterrence and regional stability.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung shared a 2024 video showing Israeli soldiers abusing Palestinians, prompting Israel's foreign ministry to accuse him of spreading disinformation. The incident involves a Palestinian man pushed from a roof in the West Bank, which Israel claims was investigated. Lee defends his stance, emphasizing human rights.
South Korean President Lee has sparked international controversy by comparing Israeli military actions against Palestinians to the Holocaust. His remarks, made on social media, have drawn criticism from Israel and domestic political parties, amid ongoing tensions over human rights and regional stability. The story is evolving as Lee defends his stance.
The US has partly restricted intelligence sharing with South Korea after Seoul's unification minister publicly identified a suspected North Korean uranium enrichment site. South Korea's government defends the remarks as based on open-source research, while the US cites concerns over unauthorized disclosures. The restrictions follow diplomatic tensions and ongoing North Korean missile tests.
North Korea has opened a memorial in Pyongyang for soldiers who fought for Russia in the Kursk campaign and has hosted a high-level Russian delegation including Defence Minister Andrei Belousov and Duma speaker Vyacheslav Volodin. Kim Jong Un has pledged continued support for Russia and both sides have agreed to deepen military cooperation for 2027–31.
North Korea has updated its constitution to include a territorial claim that borders China, Russia and the Republic of Korea, while reaffirming Kim Jong Un as head of state and placing authority over nuclear forces in his hands. Analysts view the move as signaling a firmer stance toward the South without specifying border lines.
Naegohyang Women’s FC has beaten Tokyo Verdy Beleza 1-0 in the Asian Women’s Champions League final in Suwon after captain Kim Kyong Yong scored just before halftime. The North Korean club has been the first DPRK team to visit South Korea in eight years and will qualify for next year’s FIFA Women’s Champions Cup.
Samsung Electronics has reached a critical juncture as a union move to scrap a 50% bonus cap and push for 15% of operating profit to bonuses faces a government-backed mediation deadlock. About 45,000-74,000 workers are set to walk out for 18 days, pressuring export-reliant economy and AI chip supply chains amid ongoing talks.
North Korea has overseen tests of ballistic missiles and other weapons systems, including AI-guided cruise missiles and ultra-precision artillery rockets, according to KCNA. Seoul has reported a missile launch about 80 km from the DMZ, marking another stage in a year of rapid weapons development as Kim Jong Un seeks to modernize forces and push back on international norms.
Voters have faced ballot-paper shortages at polling stations during local elections, prompting apologies and investigations. The ruling party is facing mixed results nationwide, with Seoul and Busan outcomes carrying symbolic weight. By-elections and constitutional reforms are shaping the political landscape as parties respond to turnout and logistics challenges.