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North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's sister, Kim Yo-jong, has described South Korean President Lee Jae Myung as 'frank and broad-minded' after he expressed regret over unauthorized drone flights into the North. The exchange has raised hopes for easing tensions, though Kim also warned Seoul to stop provocations.
South Korea is dispatching five vessels to Saudi Arabia's Red Sea port of Yanbu and sending special envoys to secure crude oil as the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed amid the US-Israeli conflict with Iran. The country, which imports about 70% of its crude from the Middle East, is also considering diversifying imports from the US and Kazakhstan.
South Korean prosecutors have demanded a 10-year prison term for former President Yoon Suk Yeol in his obstruction of justice appeal, double his original sentence. The request stems from his 2024 martial law declaration; separately, prosecutors sought 20 years for former Justice Minister Park Sung-jae and two years for Yoon on perjury charges.
South Korea's National Intelligence Service told lawmakers it believes North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's teenage daughter is being positioned as his successor, based on what it calls 'credible intelligence.' The assessment follows a series of public appearances by the daughter, including driving a tank, which analysts say is part of an effort to build a succession narrative and counter doubts about a female leader.
South Korea's Cabinet approved a motion to amend the Constitution, sending a bill to the National Assembly that would tighten martial law requirements and memorialize pro-democracy movements. The ruling party-backed measure faces a two-thirds parliamentary vote and a national referendum, with opposition parties not joining the effort.
South Korea's national debt surpassed 1,300 trillion won in 2025, with the debt-to-GDP ratio reaching 49%. While the IMF sees a slightly improved medium-term outlook, concerns over fiscal sustainability and tax revenue forecasts persist.
President Lee Jae Myung of South Korea expressed regret over unauthorized drone flights into North Korea, which he described as causing unnecessary military tension. Pyongyang responded positively, with Kim Yo-jong calling Lee 'frank and broad-minded,' while Seoul's unification ministry called it 'meaningful progress.' Three individuals have been indicted in connection with the drone incidents.
Kim Hye-seong was called up from Triple-A Oklahoma City to make his season debut with the Dodgers after Mookie Betts was placed on the injured list. The South Korean shortstop has since showcased his skills, including a home run and defensive gem, while platooning with Miguel Rojas.
US President Donald Trump has issued a new ultimatum to Iran, threatening to destroy its power plants and bridges if the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened by Tuesday evening. Iran has dismissed the threats, with officials vowing retaliation and regional tensions continuing to escalate.
South Korea's foreign ministry said Sunday that ships stranded in the Strait of Hormuz face differing circumstances, after two Japan-linked vessels passed through the waterway effectively blocked by Iran. The ministry noted that 26 South Korean vessels with 173 sailors remain stranded since late February, while Seoul works with partners to restore safe passage.
South Korea's booming cosmetics industry, known as K-beauty, has become a key instrument of soft power, combining cultural appeal, economic strategy, and geopolitical positioning. Exports rose 12.3% in 2025 to $11.43 billion, driven by the global popularity of K-pop and social media. Experts attribute this success to deliberate efforts to leverage cultural attractiveness in a geopolitically precarious region.
The Hanwha Eagles have signed veteran minor league pitcher Jack Cushing to a six-week contract as a temporary injury replacement for Owen White, who tore his left hamstring in his KBO debut. Cushing, 29, previously led the Pacific Coast League in wins in 2025.
During a state visit to Seoul, French President Emmanuel Macron and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung agreed to boost defence cooperation and collaborate on securing safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Both leaders emphasized diplomatic solutions over military intervention, while also committing to expand bilateral trade to $20 billion by 2030.
During a summit in Seoul, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and French President Emmanuel Macron agreed to cooperate on securing safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz and deepening bilateral economic ties. The meeting unfolded as U.S. President Donald Trump criticized allies for not supporting U.S. and Israeli actions against Iran, and Macron cautioned that a military solution to reopen the strait was unrealistic.
Amid rising oil prices and the Middle East conflict, South Korea's presidential office is considering incentives to encourage off-peak public transit use, introducing flexible commuting in the public sector, and potentially adjusting senior free-ride hours. These measures come as the government raised its resource security crisis warning to Level 3, citing potential crude supply disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.
South Korea and France have signed a memorandum of understanding to cooperate on preserving cultural landmarks, including Korea's Jongmyo Shrine and France's Basilica of Saint-Denis. The agreement follows a meeting of culture ministers and marks the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations, with a series of cultural exchange events planned throughout the year.
Mark, a member of K-pop boy band NCT, will terminate his contract with SM Entertainment and leave the group, effective next Wednesday, after a decade with the agency. SM cited extensive discussions, while Mark shared a handwritten letter expressing gratitude and his dream of traveling with his acoustic guitar.
South Korea's ruling Democratic Party has nominated former Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum as its candidate for Daegu mayor in the June 3 local elections, aiming to break the city's conservative stronghold. Kim, who also served as interior minister, previously lost a 2014 bid for the post but won a parliamentary seat in Daegu in 2016. In a separate nomination, the party selected former Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae as its candidate for Gyeonggi Province governor.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and French President Emmanuel Macron met in Seoul to discuss cooperation on mitigating the economic fallout from the Middle East war, including securing safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Macron extended an invitation to Lee for the G7 summit, while Seoul also joined international talks on Hormuz and announced tariff relief for rerouted imports.
South Korea's finance ministry has pledged strict measures, including legal action, against the spread of fake news exacerbating market volatility. Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol filed a complaint over false reports that the government would force citizens to sell U.S. dollars amid Middle East tensions. The local currency has shown increased volatility since U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran in late February.