MICHAEL LEE - koreajoongangdaily

MICHAEL LEE

lee.junhyuk@joongang.co.kr

Incheon National University faculty and staff pose for a group photo during the unveiling ceremony of a plaque for the university's new Institute of Marine and Fisheries Industry on May 11. [INCHEON NATIONAL UNIVERSITY]

Incheon National University launches new maritime, fisheries research institute

Incheon National University has launched a new marine and fisheries research institute aimed at positioning Korea's western coast as a hub for advanced maritime industries.

2026.5.18

President Lee Jae Myung delivers a speech in front of the former South Jeolla Provincial Office in Gwangju on May 18 to mark the 46th anniversary of the pro-democracy uprising that took place in the city in 1980. [NEWS1]

Lee vows to enshrine May 18 Gwangju movement in Constitution

President Lee Jae Myung pledged Monday to enshrine the May 18 Gwangju democracy movement in the Constitution.

2026.5.18

U.S. President Donald Trump, right, shakes hands with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, on May 14. [UPI/YONHAP]

Trump remarks on Taiwan arms package rattle South Korea, sow anxiety over U.S. commitments

Donald Trump’s recent suggestion that a $14 billion arms package for Taiwan could be used as leverage in negotiations with China has raised concerns in South Korea that even longstanding U.S. security commitments could become bargaining chips.

2026.5.18

National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac speaks at an event at the Seoul Press Center in Jung District, central Seoul, on May 13. [YONHAP]

Blue House national security chief optimistic about agreement with U.S. on Opcon transfer timing

National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac expressed optimism Sunday that Seoul and Washington can reach an agreement on the timing of the transfer of wartime operational control (Opcon).

2026.5.17

Prime Minister Kim Min-seok, second from right, speaks about the ongoing labor dispute at Samsung Electronics in a public address at the government complex in Jongno District, central Seoul, on May 17. [NEWS1]

Prime minister urges Samsung Electronics, union to reach last-minute deal before strike

Prime Minister Kim Min-seok urged Samsung Electronics and its labor unions to reach a last-minute agreement ahead of a planned general strike, warning that a walkout at the country’s largest chipmaker could inflict “fatal damage” to Korea’s economy.

2026.5.17

A group of seasoned haenyeo, or female divers, perform on stage while singing a traditional folksong at the induction ceremony for new trainees at the Jeju Hansupul Haenyeo School on Jeju Island on May 2. [CHOI CHOONG-IL]

As Jeju’s 'haenyeo' numbers sink, young recruits dive in to save tradition

A seaside town hall on Jeju Island filled with the lilting chants of haenyeo, or woman divers, on May 2 as dozens of aspiring recruits gathered to begin training in one of Korea’s oldest and fastest disappearing professions.

2026.5.17

U.S. President Donald Trump, left, and Chinese President Xi Jinping visit the Temple of Heaven in Beijing on May 14. [AFP/YONHAP]

Trump, Xi agree on open Hormuz and non-nuclear Iran, discuss North Korea

U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed that Iran “can never acquire a nuclear weapon” and that the Strait of Hormuz should remain freely accessible to global oil shipping.

2026.5.14

The schedule of global girl group Katseye's upcoming ″The Wildworld Tour″ [HYBE]

Katseye announces 27-city tour across Europe, North America starting September

Global girl group Katseye is set to embark on a 27-city tour across Europe and North America later this year, according to its agencies HYBE and Geffen Records on Thursday.

2026.5.14

Cover art for K-pop group Close Your Eyes' latest EP, 'Overexposed,' including the Spanish-language version of the single 'Pose' [UNCORE]

Boy band Close Your Eyes to release version of single 'Pose' in Spanish

Rookie K-pop boy band Close Your Eyes is set to release a Spanish language version of its latest single “Pose,” the group’s agency Uncore said Thursday.

2026.5.14

A promotional poster featuring Madonna, BTS and Shakira, who will co-headline the upcoming first-ever halftime show at the 2026 FIFA World Cup final at the MetLife Staidum in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on July 19. [BIGHIT MUSIC]

BTS to perform at first-ever FIFA World Cup final halftime show

K-pop mega band BTS will take the stage at the halftime show of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, becoming one of the headline acts at the tournament's first-ever halftime performance, organizers said Thursday.

2026.5.14