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South Korea's unification ministry reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful coexistence with North Korea, saying it is the most effective path to improving human rights in the North. The response follows Pyongyang's harsh criticism of Seoul's policy, which it labeled a 'disguise of peace' and declared South Korea an 'invariable enemy state.'
A petition published by The Lancet, backed by health advocacy groups, calls for suspending the Israeli Medical Association from the World Medical Association over its alleged silence on Gaza. The WMA, which counts the IMA as a founding member, opposes such exclusion based on government actions. The IMA dismisses the petition as politicized and has prepared a counter-petition.
South Korea's presidential office reaffirmed that denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula remains a consistent goal of the international community, following North Korea's condemnation of recent U.S.-South Korea talks. Pyongyang called denuclearization an 'irreversibly finalized' matter and dismissed allied efforts as 'unreasonable talk.'
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, speaking at a Mass in Rome, said he believes the 'ember of hope' for reviving dialogue with North Korea still exists. He reaffirmed his commitment to peace efforts, including suspending propaganda broadcasts. Separately, a South Korean cardinal said Pope Leo XIV is willing to play a role in promoting peace on the Korean Peninsula, but a papal visit depends on Pyongyang's response.
As the Socceroos prepare for their World Cup opener against Türkiye, coach Tony Popovic has signed a contract extension and embraced his team's underdog status. Captain Hakan Çalhanoğlu's pre-match confidence was met with a 2-0 Australian victory, silencing critics and setting up a promising tournament campaign.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un sent a congratulatory letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin on Russia Day, reaffirming unwavering support for Moscow's policies and highlighting the deepening alliance under their comprehensive strategic partnership treaty. The treaty, signed in June 2024, has led to military cooperation, including the deployment of North Korean troops to support Russia in Ukraine, and the countries continue to strengthen bilateral ties.
Michelle Bachelet, Rebeca Grynspan, and María Fernanda Espinosa, all from Latin America, participated in a UN secretary-general debate in Geneva. They discussed reforming the UN amid criticism of the institution, while Bachelet addressed rumors of a possible US veto. Espinosa outlined her vision for a more credible UN.
The United States and Japan have reiterated their commitment to the complete denuclearization of North Korea during defense talks in Tokyo, rejecting Russia's view that the issue is closed. Washington also stated it remains open to dialogue without preconditions, while G7 leaders echoed the same commitment and expressed concern over North Korea's nuclear programs.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and EU leaders issued a joint statement strongly condemning military cooperation between North Korea and Russia as illegal and a factor enabling Russia's war in Ukraine. The two sides also called on Pyongyang to comply with non-proliferation obligations and agreed to begin negotiations on a bilateral information security pact.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung met with Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever and EU leaders in Brussels, agreeing to expand investment in strategic industries and signing a digital trade agreement. Lee also requested EU consideration for South Korean steelmakers under new tariff rules.
Steven Spielberg's new sci-fi thriller 'Disclosure Day' has opened to enthusiastic reviews, with critics praising its blend of action, suspense, and humor. The film, inspired by a New York Times piece on the Pentagon's secret UFO program, explores themes of hope, humanity, and the search for extraterrestrial life.
The European Commission has proposed a 21st package of sanctions against Russia, with reports suggesting it could target more than 170 individuals and entities, including Patriarch Kirill and numerous banks. While diplomatic sources cited by Reuters indicate about 90 Russian banks could face restrictions, EUobserver reports over 40 individuals and 31 legal entities. The package, yet to be approved, underscores the EU's continued sanctions expansion.
The European Commission has proposed a wide-ranging 21st sanctions package targeting Russian oil, banking, and trade, including new restrictions on entities from India and other third countries. However, EU ambassadors have only begun discussing the package, and a unanimous compromise is required before any practical decisions can be made, with approval not expected at the upcoming foreign ministers' meeting.
South Korea's Defense Counterintelligence Command will be dissolved following its alleged role in former President Yoon Suk Yeol's failed martial law declaration in December 2024. The defense ministry announced a restructuring plan that transfers core tasks to new bodies and abolishes certain investigative powers.
Chinese President Xi Jinping's recent visit to North Korea, his first in nearly six years, has been framed by state media as a reaffirmation of bilateral ties. Analysts suggest the trip underscores China's 'indispensable' role in regional stability, while the two leaders agreed on developing relations and exchanged views on peace.
South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back has called for a comprehensive military overhaul by 2040, emphasizing AI integration and manned-unmanned teaming to address future warfare challenges and a shrinking pool of eligible recruits. The plan includes maintaining troop levels at 500,000 while increasing the proportion of officers and expanding outsourcing in non-combat roles.
South Korea's defense ministry is investigating the Korea War Memorial Organization after a promotional poster and teacher training itinerary appeared to endorse China's narrative of the 1950-53 Korean War. The agency has removed the materials, and the program has been canceled as officials face scrutiny over the incident.
South Korea's foreign ministry reiterated its commitment to denuclearizing North Korea after a summit between Kim Jong-un and Xi Jinping that made no public mention of nuclear programs. Seoul is also closely watching Xi's call for expanded military cooperation, noting the unprecedented inclusion of China's defense minister in the delegation.
The sixth meeting of the Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG) took place in Seoul on Thursday, with South Korea and the US reaffirming their shared goal of denuclearizing North Korea and strengthening extended deterrence. The allies also discussed enhancing nuclear deterrence and readiness posture amid North Korea's evolving nuclear and missile capabilities.
Chinese President Xi Jinping's first visit to North Korea since 2019 has resulted in pledges to strengthen strategic cooperation and expand exchanges. Analysts note the absence of denuclearisation from the meeting's statements, reflecting shifting regional dynamics.