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Protests demanding a rerun of South Korea's June 3 local elections over ballot shortages continued for the eleventh day, with about 200 demonstrators rallying outside a Seoul gymnasium. The government and ruling party vowed stern action against illegal acts, while the National Election Commission said a rerun is not warranted under election law.
Brent crude has fallen to its lowest levels since early March as a US-Iran peace deal appears imminent, raising hopes for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. While markets react positively, experts caution that a swift return to normalcy is uncertain and could take months.
South Korean labor groups have proposed raising next year's minimum hourly wage to 12,000 won, a 16.3% increase, citing falling real wages. Business representatives have yet to counter with their own proposal, while a survey highlights small-business concerns over rising costs.
The Doosan Bears, the hottest team in the Korea Baseball Organization in June, are set to face the KT Wiz and LG Twins this week. Meanwhile, LG's Austin Dean has been named the KBO's Player of the Month for June, adding to a season that has seen the Twins become the first team to reach 50 wins.
President Lee Jae Myung's social media post during his Europe trip has intensified factional tensions inside South Korea's ruling Democratic Party ahead of its August convention. The party faces internal conflict and declining approval ratings despite winning most local races in the June 3 elections.
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 Korea and Saudi Arabia have signed a memorandum of understanding to cooperate on energy resources, including crude oil, natural gas, and infrastructure. The agreement, announced after bilateral meetings between ministers, aims to secure stable supply chains amid global volatility. Separate discussions with Saudi Aramco focused on strategic oil storage and petrochemical supply.
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.
South Korea's defense minister announced that a target year for the wartime operational control (OPCON) transfer from the U.S. will be proposed to both presidents by the end of this year. The move comes as the allies continue verifying Seoul's full operational capability (FOC) and work toward a roadmap for the transfer.
Protests demanding a re-run of South Korea's June 3 local elections entered their ninth day, with turnout at rallies declining. The National Election Commission has apologized for the ballot paper shortages, while President Lee Jae Myung has promised an overhaul of the election watchdog.
South Korean investigators have sought arrest warrants for Shincheonji Church founder Lee Man-hee and three former senior officials, accusing them of forcing thousands of followers to join the opposition People Power Party to influence primaries, in violation of the Political Parties Act.
Three Hybe-affiliated girl groups—Le Sserafim, Illit, and Katseye—released the collaborative single 'Iconic by Mistake' on June 12, debuting at No. 38 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and reaching No. 22 on the UK Official Singles Chart. The digital-only track marks a rare cross-group project and was performed live ahead of its release.
With most Asian investors shut out of SpaceX’s record-breaking IPO, traders are turning to supply-chain stocks, ETFs, and other proxies. Meanwhile, reporting reveals that some Chinese and Qatari investors held stakes in SpaceX before it went public, raising regulatory and national security questions.
South Korea has signed two separate agreements this week: one with Finland to enhance statistical exchanges using AI, and another with Singapore, Britain, Australia, and Canada on AI standardization. The deals aim to foster international cooperation as AI adoption accelerates globally.
President Lee Jae Myung's approval rating dipped below 60 percent for the first time in four months, according to two separate polls, as public sentiment turned negative over ballot shortages in last week's local elections. The surveys show support for the ruling Democratic Party also declined, while the main opposition People Power Party gained ground.
BTS began the Busan leg of its 'Arirang' world tour with two sold-out concerts at Busan Asiad Main Stadium, drawing around 110,000 fans. The performances marked the group's return to the city after more than three years and coincided with its 13th debut anniversary, with members expressing gratitude to fans. The tour continues in Madrid later this month.
Yohei Kono, the Japanese politician whose 1993 apology acknowledged the coerced mobilization of wartime 'comfort women,' has died at 89. South Korea's Prime Minister offered condolences, praising Kono's rare stance on history. Kono was also a key advocate for stable Japan-China relations through trade.
South Korea is bracing for prolonged inflationary pressure and a cooling job market as the Middle East war continues to disrupt global energy and supply chains. Government data shows consumer prices rose 3.1% in May, while jobs fell by 40,000, prompting the finance ministry to prepare targeted support measures.
Bank of Korea Governor Shin Hyun-song reiterated the need for further interest rate hikes to combat persistent inflation, citing elevated consumer prices and strong economic growth. He ruled out a 'big step' but emphasized proactive policy measures.
South Korean stocks opened sharply higher this week after President Trump announced a 'great settlement' with Iran, with the KOSPI jumping by as much as 7.81%. However, uncertainty over the final deal and signals from the Federal Reserve have introduced caution, prompting analysts to warn of short-term correction risks.