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South Korea's crude oil imports from the Middle East fell 37% in April year-on-year amid geopolitical tensions, with Saudi Arabia shipments down 37.6%. The country diversified sources, increasing imports from the US, Australia, and Canada. Separately, import prices fell for the first time in 10 months due to declining oil prices.
North Korean state media celebrated Naegohyang Women's FC's AFC Women's Champions League victory and Kim Jong-un's personal reception of the team, while reports conspicuously omitted that the final was held in South Korea. The win marked a historic first for a North Korean club, with the team's journey and prize money subject to international sanctions scrutiny.
Yang Shuang-zi has become the first Taiwanese writer to win the International Booker Prize for her novel 'Taiwan Travelogue,' a historical tale of forbidden love and food set in 1938 Taiwan. The book, translated from Mandarin Chinese by Lin King, also marks the first translation from that language to win the prize.
South Korea’s interior ministry reports that more than 44.6 million people are eligible to vote in the June 3 local elections, up over 340,000 from 2022. The number of foreign voters has reached an all-time high of 151,532, though turnout among this group has declined.
Jin Mi-song's 17-minute student film 'Silent Voices' won Second Prize in the La Cinef section at the Cannes Film Festival. South Korea's Culture Minister Chae Hwi-young sent a congratulatory message praising the film's resonance and the director's skill. The film follows a Korean immigrant family in New York.
San Francisco Giants outfielder Lee Jung-hoo was placed on the 10-day injured list with a mid-back strain after feeling a 'pinch' during pregame work and again in a game against the Arizona Diamondbacks. The move is retroactive to Tuesday, making him eligible to return next Friday. Lee was batting .268 with three home runs and 17 RBIs in 48 games.
A gas explosion at a coal mine in Shanxi province, China, has killed at least 82 people and injured 182 others. Rescue efforts continue for two missing miners. Authorities have launched an investigation and placed a company official under control, while world leaders have offered condolences.
Former Milwaukee Brewers first-round pick Keston Hiura has signed with the Kiwoom Heroes of the Korea Baseball Organization, replacing Trenton Brooks as the team's sole foreign hitter. The Heroes, currently last in several offensive categories, hope Hiura's power potential will boost their lineup. Hiura expressed excitement and confidence in his ability to hit, looking forward to showcasing his skills in South Korea.
South Korea's special counsel sought arrest warrants for three former presidential aides over alleged budget diversion in the 2022 relocation of the presidential residence. Former chief of staff Kim Dae-ki appeared in court for a hearing, while the special counsel extended its investigation into former President Yoon Suk Yeol and his wife.
As BTS prepares for two concerts in Busan, accommodation prices have surged by an average of 7.5 times, prompting Buddhist temples to offer free or budget lodging. Some businesses have canceled reservations to re-list at higher rates, drawing criticism from President Lee Jae Myung and fans.
South Korean stocks closed mildly higher for a second straight session on Friday, buoyed by optimism over a potential U.S.-Iran peace deal, while the won weakened against the dollar. The KOSPI rose 0.41 percent, but foreigners continued a 12-day selling streak, and Samsung Electronics fell after recent gains.
South Korea's foreign ministry announced it will issue a Level 4 travel alert for Ituri Province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, expanding no-travel zones to three provinces. The decision follows a rise in Ebola-related deaths in the region and comes after the country raised its travel advisory for Uganda.
South Korea's government will reform the Korea Football Association, including direct presidential elections and a more transparent coach selection process, as part of a broader initiative to tackle 164 abnormal practices. The project, ordered by President Lee Jae-myeong, also includes measures on school zone speed limits and sports violence.
Kenny Rosenberg, who returned to the Kiwoom Heroes as an injury replacement, discusses his love for Korea and his short-term contract. The Kia Tigers also signed Japanese pitcher Keisho Shirakawa, while the Heroes extended Rosenberg's deal.
K-pop girl group Le Sserafim explores vulnerability and inner strength in its second studio album, drawing on Buddhist teachings and personal experiences to deliver a message of embracing fear. The album also reflects the group's journey through internal conflicts and public criticism.
Russian Paralympic Committee President Pavel Rozhkov said that 'unfriendly countries' could again attempt to exclude Russia from the Paralympic movement, stressing the importance of international cooperation. He also noted that some international federations have cleared Russian teams to compete without flag or anthem, while participation in the 2028 Los Angeles Games remains complicated.
Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated a memorial in South Korea dedicated to Indian medical personnel who served during the 1950-53 Korean War, as both countries signed a preliminary agreement to cooperate on commemorative programs. The memorial, located at Imjingak in Paju, honors the 627 Indian medical staff, the largest such contingent from any nation providing medical assistance during the conflict.
Israel has released two South Korean nationals who were captured aboard aid vessels heading to the Gaza Strip. The South Korean government expressed regret over the detention but welcomed the release, while President Lee Jae Myung had publicly criticized Israel's actions.
A Seoul court sentenced former NIS Director Cho Tae-yong to 1 1/2 years in prison for perjury and false document creation related to President Yoon Suk Yeol's 2024 martial law declaration. Separately, former presidential secretary Kang Eui-gu received 18 months for drafting a false cover for the martial law proclamation.
South Korea announced plans to establish the Global AI Hub, an international platform bringing together AI capabilities of global organizations to address issues like disease control and climate change. The initiative, unveiled by the Finance Ministry, will cooperate with nine global bodies and five multilateral development banks. Prime Minister Kim Min-seok also outlined domestic AI policies aimed at supporting small businesses.