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Prime Minister nominee Han Seong-sook has sold three of her four homes, leaving one in Seoul's Samcheong-dong, as she faces a two-day confirmation hearing marked by opposition criticism over property ownership and other controversies. The ruling Democratic Party, holding a parliamentary majority, is expected to approve her nomination despite concerns about the hearing's scrutiny.
Kim Jong Un said North Korea will exercise its position as a nuclear state to cope with global security challenges, blaming the US for worsening conflicts. He also ordered buildup of conventional weapons and construction of a 10,000-ton strategic guided missile cruiser.
The US Treasury has issued a 60-day general license authorizing the production, delivery, and sale of Iranian oil, a move tied to ongoing negotiations in Switzerland aimed at ending the US-Iran conflict. Iran has committed to free transit in the Strait of Hormuz and to allowing IAEA inspectors, while reports of the release of $12bn in frozen assets remain unconfirmed by Washington. Oil prices fell following the announcement.
South Korea's Seoul Central District Court sentenced former Justice Minister Park Sung-jae to 25 years in prison for his role in ex-President Yoon Suk Yeol's brief 2024 martial law declaration. Park was convicted of playing a key role in an insurrection and abusing power; he has appealed the ruling.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha is set to visit South Korea next week for talks with Foreign Minister Cho Hyun, focusing on bilateral cooperation and the fate of two North Korean soldiers captured by Ukrainian forces. This marks the first such visit since 2015, with expectations of progress on the POW issue.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has appointed new senior presidential secretaries for communication and civil affairs, along with other key aides, as part of a reshuffle entering his second year in office. The appointments include veteran journalist Seong Ghi-hong and former prosecutor Han Chan-sik, with expectations focused on prosecutorial reform.
South Korea's unification ministry reaffirmed its commitment to a phased, viable denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, responding to North Korea's latest rejection of nuclear disarmament. Unification Minister Chung Dong-young called for a paradigm shift toward a pragmatic, step-by-step process, with support from China.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said he told US President Donald Trump that the North Korean nuclear issue requires a different approach than other countries' nuclear problems, during the G7 summit in France. Lee also revealed he asked Pope Leo XIV to visit North Korea and the Demilitarized Zone, and proposed a phased approach to denuclearization.
South Korea says it remains in close talks with the United States over the wartime operational control (OPCON) transition, after a U.S. Senate bill introduced a provision requiring regular reports to Congress on the transfer road map. The provision reflects differing views between Seoul and Washington on the pace of the transfer, with Seoul seeking to complete it before 2030 and the U.S. emphasizing conditions and readiness.
Newly revealed Hamas internal documents, provided by IDF intelligence to Israel's Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center, detail a deception plan aimed at surprising Israel on October 7, 2023. According to the center's analysis, the documents show how Hamas exploited Israel's assumptions and sent misleading signals, including using Jewish festivals as tactical opportunities.
President Donald Trump's memorandum of understanding with Iran to end the 110-day conflict has drawn sharp criticism from some Republicans and Democrats, who argue the deal makes significant concessions without addressing Iran's nuclear or missile programmes. The Trump administration released the 14-point text, which includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz and $300 billion in reconstruction funds, while lawmakers invoke the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act to demand congressional review.
South Korea's defense ministry has reiterated its stance that North Korea is the enemy, rejecting a newspaper report suggesting the phrase would be removed from the upcoming 2026 defense white paper due to the Lee Jae Myung government's rapprochement policy. The ministry's deputy spokesperson stated the report is not true, and officials expect the white paper to retain the labeling, which has been removed or softened under past liberal administrations but reinstated during conservative governments.
The U.S. Senate confirmed Michelle Steel, a former two-term congresswoman, as ambassador to South Korea in a 55-39 vote. Steel, the second Korean American to hold the post, will face tasks including modernizing the alliance and implementing bilateral agreements. Seoul granted agrement for her appointment.
South Korea announced plans to reduce the Civilian Control Line (CCL) along the border with North Korea from 10 km to an average of 6 km starting 2027, easing restrictions for farmers and residents while maintaining military readiness. The move responds to long-standing grievances over property rights and economic disadvantages, and includes simplified drone flight approvals.
As the US and Iran finalize a deal to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, Israelis grapple with mixed emotions—from accusations of betrayal to reassessments of the strategic outcome. Prime Minister Netanyahu faces criticism for his televised address, while experts and officials offer divergent views on the deal's implications for Israel's security.
South Korea's ruling Democratic Party and main opposition People Power Party have agreed to launch a 45-day parliamentary investigation into the National Election Commission over ballot shortages that disrupted voting during the June 3 local elections. The National Assembly approved the probe on June 18, with an 18-member special committee chaired by the opposition.
Jeju Island's local government and South Korea's foreign ministry are seeking to invite Dr. Chang Gwang-chol, a North Korean education expert at UNESCO, to participate virtually in the Jeju Forum for Peace & Prosperity. However, a later report indicates the attempt has fallen through, with reasons unclear.
Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi used the G7 summit in France to deepen ties with Italy, pitch a critical minerals stockpile plan, and leverage her rapport with Donald Trump to bridge divides within the bloc. As she seeks to cement an 'Iron Lady' image, her approach draws both praise and criticism.
As the EU prepares to sharply reduce tariff-free steel imports from July 1, the UK and South Korea are taking steps to protect their steel industries. UK business secretary Peter Kyle is set to raise concerns with the EU trade commissioner, while South Korea's trade ministry vows to safeguard its companies' interests amid ongoing negotiations.
President Lee Jae Myung met Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican and invited him to attend World Youth Day 2027 in Seoul. The two discussed peace on the Korean Peninsula, with Lee asking the pope to also consider visiting North Korea and the Demilitarized Zone.