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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 Korea captain Son Heung-min will make his fourth World Cup appearance, tying the national record, as the Taegeuk Warriors open their Group A campaign against Czechia. Son, who is also one goal away from becoming South Korea's all-time top World Cup scorer, expressed his team's readiness and determination ahead of the match.
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.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un sent a congratulatory letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin on Russia Day, reaffirming unwavering support for Moscow's policies and highlighting the deepening alliance under their comprehensive strategic partnership treaty. The treaty, signed in June 2024, has led to military cooperation, including the deployment of North Korean troops to support Russia in Ukraine, and the countries continue to strengthen bilateral ties.
US President Donald Trump cancelled planned strikes on Iran, citing that negotiations had reached the highest levels of Iranian leadership and that final points of a deal were approved by all parties. The announcement came amid reports of Qatari mediation and expectations of a signing in Europe. Regional reactions and details of the proposed agreement continue to emerge.
During South Korean President Lee Jae Myung's state visit to Italy, the two countries agreed to elevate bilateral ties to a special strategic partnership, covering cooperation in semiconductors, AI, and other strategic areas. Lee received Italy's highest state decoration, and both sides signed agreements on technology, Africa development, and cultural exchanges.
K-pop girl group aespa's second full-length album 'Lemonade' has sold over 1.03 million copies, marking the group's eighth million-seller. The album debuted at No. 9 on the Billboard 200, and the group is set to embark on a world tour in August.
A Serbian UN peacekeeper was killed and two others wounded in a mortar attack near Marjayoun, Lebanon. Israel's UN ambassador criticized the Security Council for failing to explicitly condemn Hezbollah, while the UN Secretary-General proposed a new force to replace UNIFIL and called for a full ceasefire.
Seoul will host outdoor cheering events at Gwanghwamun Square for South Korea's three group matches in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, organized by the Korea Football Association with KT and the Red Devils, according to multiple reports.
South Korea's National Assembly has begun formal steps toward a parliamentary investigation into ballot shortages reported during the June 3 local elections, with both ruling and opposition parties submitting requests. Meanwhile, the main opposition People Power Party elected a new floor leader following its electoral defeat and the resignation of its previous leader.
South Korea announced its 24-man baseball roster for the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, with 2024 KBO MVP Kim Do-yeong among the selections. Manager Ryu Ji-hyun expressed expectations of a fifth consecutive gold medal, while the KBO continued its youth-focused selection strategy.
South Korea's data protection regulator fined Coupang a record 624.7 billion won ($410 million) for a data breach affecting over 37 million users and unauthorized collection of online activity data. The company expressed regret and plans to challenge the fine legally.
South Korean banks are tightening lending criteria as household loans rose at the fastest pace in nearly two years in May, driven by individuals borrowing to invest in a surging stock market. Data from the Bank of Korea shows outstanding household loans increased by 6.9 trillion won, with non-mortgage loans seeing their largest jump since 2021 as the KOSPI crossed 8,000.
South Korea's managed fiscal balance improved in the first four months of 2026, with the deficit narrowing to 36.6 trillion won amid a sharp rise in tax revenue, driven by robust corporate earnings and a stock market surge linked to the AI boom. Budget Minister Park Hong-keun met with experts to discuss fiscal policy, with suggestions for proactive investment in AI and semiconductor infrastructure.
Police raided South Korea's National Election Commission and its local offices over ballot shortages that disrupted voting in last week's local elections. More than 100 investigators were mobilized, and a travel ban was placed on the former commission chief amid the probe.