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U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk concluded a three-day visit to South Korea, meeting with top officials to discuss cooperation, North Korea's human rights situation, and pressing global issues like stranded sailors in the Strait of Hormuz. The visit marked the first official trip by a U.N. human rights chief in 11 years.
A new memorial honoring 22 countries that supported South Korea during the 1950-53 Korean War has opened at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul, drawing both praise and criticism. Supporters, including Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, see it as a fitting tribute, while critics argue the rifle-shaped sculptures militarize a space known for civic gatherings and protests.
The Congressional Budget Office estimates President Trump's Golden Dome missile defense system could cost $1.2 trillion over 20 years, far exceeding earlier figures. The report, requested by Senator Jeff Merkley, warns the system could be overwhelmed by a full-scale attack from Russia or China, sparking debate over its cost and feasibility.
North Korea's General Federation of Trade Unions of Korea held its ninth congress, electing Ri Won-jong as chairman. Leader Kim Jong-un met with delegates, urging workers to serve as a 'vanguard' in implementing the state's five-year development plan. The congress underscores Pyongyang's efforts to refresh its organizational landscape following a key party congress in February.
U.S. President Donald Trump traveled to Beijing for a three-day summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, focusing on trade, Iran, Taiwan, and North Korea. The leaders discussed a potential "board of trade" and China's purchase of Boeing aircraft. Following the summit, Trump confirmed talks on North Korea and Taiwan, while South Korean President Lee Jae Myung received a briefing on the outcomes.
South Korea's unification ministry will provide 300 million won to support civic groups cheering for the North Korean women's football team during their visit for an AFC Champions League semifinal. The match marks the first visit by a North Korean sports team in over seven years, and the minister will not attend in person to respect its purely international nature.
Google's threat intelligence group reports that state-sponsored hackers from North Korea and China are increasingly using AI to identify cybersecurity vulnerabilities, with North Korea's APT45 group sending thousands of AI-generated prompts to probe for weaknesses. Separately, Kaspersky has linked a North Korean hacking group to AI-assisted malware development targeting South Korean government systems.
During President Trump's state visit to Beijing, AI governance and chip exports took center stage, with both sides agreeing to formal dialogue. Nvidia's H20 chip faced a de facto ban, while H200 shipments remain pending, and Huawei pushes self-sufficiency. US officials warn against technology transfers, while Chinese officials advocate for open collaboration.
South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back met with US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in Washington to discuss the transfer of wartime operational control and nuclear-powered submarines. While Seoul seeks to retake OPCON before 2030, US officials have suggested a later timeline, though a senior South Korean official downplayed the differences.
North Korean troops marched in Russia's Victory Day parade for the first time, marking a public display of growing military cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow. The move raises security concerns in South Korea, as Seoul observes signs of a strengthening alliance that includes reported North Korean casualties in Ukraine and constitutional changes in Pyongyang.
North Korean state media reported that Russian President Vladimir Putin thanked a North Korean military commander after North Korean troops participated in Russia's Victory Day parade, marking the first such participation. The reports also covered domestic issues including food shortages, hantavirus concerns, and Kim Jong-un's calls to strengthen artillery capabilities.
Ahead of the 81st anniversary of Victory Day, foreign leaders including those from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Serbia have sent congratulations or confirmed attendance at Moscow's celebrations. Russian President Vladimir Putin stated no official invitations were issued, but attendees were welcome. The day was marked by ceremonies honoring veterans and the Red Army's role.
Barcelona host Real Madrid in a pivotal La Liga Clasico, where a draw would secure the title for the hosts. Real Madrid are without Kylian Mbappe due to injury and Federico Valverde after a training ground incident, while internal tensions have dented their campaign.
North Korean soldiers joined Russia's Victory Day parade in Moscow for the first time, according to footage by Tass, while Kim Jong-un sent a congratulatory message to Putin reaffirming their strategic partnership.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is set to visit South Korea's Andong city on May 19-20 for a summit with President Lee Jae Myung, continuing the leaders' 'shuttle diplomacy' and addressing bilateral and regional issues including North Korea and the Middle East conflict.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has publicly questioned why allies are not backing Washington's efforts against Iran and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, following meetings in Rome. He singled out Spain for denying base access and raised doubts about NATO's purpose, while Italy's Prime Minister described talks as 'frank' amid differing views.
North Korea announced plans to deploy new long-range artillery systems capable of striking Seoul's capital region and to commission its first naval destroyer. Leader Kim Jong-un inspected production of 155-mm self-propelled gun-howitzers and ordered the destroyer's handover to the navy in mid-June.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un inspected military industrial enterprises, reviewing production of new 155mm self-propelled howitzers and setting tasks for expanding high-precision ammunition output. State media report plans to deploy the new artillery along the border with South Korea, with a range exceeding 60 kilometers.
The European Union has imposed sanctions on 16 Russian officials and seven entities over the alleged systematic deportation and forced transfer of Ukrainian children. The move brings the total number of people and entities under EU restrictions for the abductions to over 130, while Russia continues to reject the allegations.
South Korea's ruling Democratic Party failed to pass a constitutional amendment bill as the main opposition People Power Party boycotted the vote, leaving the National Assembly short of the required quorum. The bill sought to tighten martial law oversight and add democratic legacies to the preamble. The collapse raises questions about bipartisan cooperation and the prospects for reform.