South Korea’s President Lee Jae-myung sparks backlash over Israel comments while steering talks on North Korea, defense ties, and U.S. investment ties. Biog: longtime politician, leader of the ruling party, former Gyeonggi governor.
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.
South Korea and France have agreed to cooperate on efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil shipping route, as regional tensions rise. The leaders emphasized joint efforts to stabilize the area, with no specific military plans announced. The story follows recent diplomatic meetings amid global energy concerns.
North Korea has not sent weapons or supplies to Iran since late February, according to Seoul's NIS. It also refrained from public condolences on Khamenei's death or congratulatory messages for his successor. The NIS suggests this restraint aims to preserve diplomatic space with the US and manage economic strains.
Recent public displays of Kim Jong Un's daughter, Kim Ju-ae, driving a tank and participating in military events, have led South Korea's intelligence agency to assess she is being groomed as his successor. This marks a significant shift in North Korea's leadership dynamics, with credible intelligence supporting the claim.
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 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.
The Seoul High Court has convicted the former president on obstruction of justice and related charges tied to his December 2024 martial-law bid, after a sequence of trials and appeals that followed his impeachment and removal. Prosecution seeks longer terms and holds others, including the former first lady, to account.
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’s Naegohyang Women’s FC is set to face Suwon FC Women in the AFC Women’s Champions League semifinal in Suwon on May 20, the first inter-Korean women’s club match in the South since 2018. A North Korean delegation will travel with 27 players and 12 staff, while South Korea restricts flags and national anthems under security rules.
The latest updates show South Korea and Japan continuing high-level engagement, with leaders visiting each other’s hometowns and planning talks on economic, energy and regional security cooperation as they navigate geopolitical strains.
The Samsung union has announced an 18-day strike starting Thursday after talks on pay and bonuses with management broke down. Government officials have threatened emergency powers to force a settlement, and a court injunction has limited potential disruption. Samsung’s profits have surged on AI-driven demand, intensifying the pressure on both sides.