North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un ordered an accelerated buildup of nuclear weapons on Monday, using annual U.S.-South Korea joint military drills as justification. Speaking at the launch of the 5,000-ton destroyer Choe Hyon, Kim labeled the Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises an “obvious expression” of Washington and Seoul’s “will to provoke war.”
China’s ambassador to South Korea, Dai Bing, publicly praised the leftist government of President Lee Jae-myung for targeting conservative and anti-communist voices. Dai’s remarks came after Lee labeled peaceful anti-China demonstrations as “hate rallies” and amid reports that police are investigating conservative activists for political expression.
President Donald Trump announced a sweeping new trade agreement with South Korea Thursday evening, securing $350 billion in Korean investments into the U.S. economy and committing Seoul to a $100 billion purchase of American energy. The agreement also imposes a 15 percent tariff on South Korean goods, significantly undercutting the country's long-standing advantages in the U.S. auto market.
North Korea delivered a blunt rejection of South Korea’s new liberal government on Monday, as Kim Yo Jong, sister of dictator Kim Jong Un, dismissed diplomatic outreach and reaffirmed the regime's alliance with Russia. In a statement carried by North Korean state media, Kim stated there was “neither a reason to meet nor an issue to be discussed,” signaling no intention to resume engagement with either Seoul or Washington.
South Korea’s newly inaugurated leftist president, Lee Jae-myung, announced his intent Thursday to prioritize closer ties with North Korea, China, and Russia, signaling a sharp departure from the staunch U.S. alliance under his impeached conservative predecessor. Lee’s comments came during a press conference marking his first month in office.
Newly elected South Korean President Lee Jae-myung made his first international appearance this week at the G7 summit in Alberta, Canada, aiming to assert South Korea’s democratic recovery and economic ambitions. Though not a G7 member, Lee was invited by host Prime Minister Mark Carney and used the platform to pitch South Korea as a future “G7 Plus” member.
South Korea’s political crisis deepened as more than 15 million citizens cast early ballots in the high-stakes June 3 presidential election to replace former President Yoon Suk-yeol. Early voting concluded Friday, with nearly 35 percent of the electorate participating. The massive turnout reflects widespread anxiety over the nation’s future after months of political turmoil, martial law threats, and legal chaos.
Super Junior’s lead singer Leeteuk has come under fire after shouting “I love Trump!” during a concert in Los Angeles. The unexpected declaration, part of a string of pro-American remarks, ignited a wave of backlash from K-pop fans across the globe.
