South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and French President Emmanuel Macron have agreed to boost defense cooperation and work together to address the economic and energy crises triggered by the war in Iran, with Macron's visit aiming to strengthen France's strategic and economic role in the region.
South Korea's President Lee Jae Myung has called on citizens to conserve fuel and utilize public transit in response to an energy shock impacting Asian economies. The directive aims to mitigate the effects of the ongoing energy crisis.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung met with a delegation of US House lawmakers, urging closer coordination to address the growing fallout from the ongoing Middle East war, with discussions also likely covering South Korea's financial contributions.
During a visit to Japan in January, Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi demonstrated strong rapport, including a live drum duet, signaling enhanced Seoul-Tokyo security cooperation.
A debate has resurfaced in South Korea over whether to limit free subway rides for senior citizens, with President Lee Jae Myung asking ministers to consider restrictions during rush hours due to rising operational costs.
President Lee Jae Myung on Tuesday ordered a preemptive government-wide emergency response to the Middle East crisis, renewing his call for a supplementary budget to cushion economic fallout.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung's approval rating has increased for the third consecutive week, reaching 62.2 percent, attributed to a "rally-round-the-flag" boost.
President Lee Jae Myung has urged an end to exploitative practices by large corporations against small and medium-sized enterprises, stating that revitalizing SMEs is crucial for South Korea's next growth phase.
Veterans Minister Kwon Oh-eul has paid respects to late former first ladies on their death anniversaries and sent wreaths on behalf of President Lee Jae Myung.
Foreign Minister Cho Hyun held phone talks his Indonesian counterpart, Sugiono, on Wednesday, Cho's office said, as the two countries prepare for Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto's planned visit to South Korea later this month. The phone talks were held ahead of Prabowo's state visit to South Korea from March 31 to April 2 for summit talks with President Lee Jae Myung to discuss bilateral ties. Cho and Sugiono expressed hope that Prabowo's visit will serve as a milestone in further elevatin
President Lee Jae Myung on Monday ordered an investigation into police officials over the murder of a stalking victim, and called for tougher measures to protect stalking and dating violence victims. The presidential office announced Lee’s instructions after criticism mounted that authorities had failed to properly protect the victim despite multiple warning signs before a fatal stabbing in Namyangju, Gyeonggi Province, Saturday. Lee Kyu-youn, senior presidential secretary for public relations a
President Lee Jae Myung's approval rating rose for the second consecutive week thanks in part to the government's efforts to stabilize oil prices as war in the Middle East has intensified, a poll…
A 15-year-old girl was killed and her parents severely injured in a Russian attack on a village near Chernihiv, Ukraine, which also damaged two residential buildings.
President Lee Jae Myung has ordered a thorough investigation into the recent, belated discovery of additional remains of victims from a Jeju Air plane crash that occurred in late 2024, expressing regret over the delay.
President Lee Jae Myung on Thursday ordered a renewed investigation into the Dec. 29, 2024 Jeju Air disaster after additional human remains were discovered during inspection of the crash debris more…
President Lee Jae Myung of South Korea has expressed optimism that President John Dramani Mahama’s visit to his country will produce concrete outcomes benefiting Ghana and South Korea.
President Lee Jae Myung pledged to advance gender equality and foster a more inclusive society on International Women's Day, committing to fulfill his role in making South Korea a gender-equal nation.
President Lee Jae Myung on Monday urged caution in pushing ahead with reform measures to minimize potential side effects, suggesting a "surgical correction" approach where necessary. Lee reaffirmed his commitment to carrying out reform initiatives to address problems across various sectors, but stressed the need to avoid discouraging or hurting many members who are not involved in causing those problems. "Reform often requires surgical correction," Lee wrote on social media platform X. "To resol
President Lee Jae Myung on Saturday congratulated the South Korean historical film "The King's Warden" for surpassing the 10 million-admission mark, praising the achievement as particularly…
President Lee Jae Myung on Friday issued a fresh warning against oil refiners for possible collusion in raising oil prices, amid an escalating war in the Middle East following US-Israeli attacks on Iran and Tehran's retaliation. In a post on the social media platform X, Lee shared a news article highlighting mixed reactions from the oil industry after he instructed officials to devise a price cap at a Cabinet meeting the previous day. "Price collusion is a serious crime against the public," he w
The government has begun a formal public deliberation process on whether to lower the minimum age of criminal responsibility for “juvenile offenders,” after President Lee Jae Myung signaled support for reducing the current threshold from 14 to 13. The move reopens a decadeslong debate over how Korea should respond to rising public concern about youth crime, even as ministries and experts remain sharply divided. According to the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family on Wednesday, preparations ar
A ruling party flap has erupted over a handshake between its leader and President Lee Jae Myung, and its absence from government footage of Lee's departure for an overseas trip. What started the latest spat between a Lee supporter group and another group loyal to Democratic Party of Korea Chair Jung Chung-rae was a three-minute clip released this week on "Lee Imagine," a YouTube channel run by government media outlet KTV. The clip titled "A scene of President Lee's departure from Seoul Air Base,
President Lee Jae Myung on Monday asked for Singapore's support for South Korea's efforts to resume talks with North Korea and make progress toward peace on the Korean Peninsula during his state…
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung is scheduled to meet with Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong to discuss expanding cooperation in areas such as artificial intelligence and nuclear energy.
President Lee Jae Myung on Sunday urged North Korea to return to the negotiating table with the United States and join efforts to shape what he called a "new future," vowing to actively communicate with Washington and neighboring countries. Lee made the remark in his first address marking the March 1 Independence Movement at the COEX exhibition center in southern Seoul as he marked the 107th anniversary of the nation's 1919 independence movement, a watershed event during Japan's 1910-45 brutal o
President Lee Jae Myung opened an account on the popular short-form video-sharing application TikTok on Saturday as part of his efforts to increase his activities on social media platforms. Lee posted a short video depicting him pressing a "subscribe" box on a document awaiting approval while asking viewers to subscribe, like and leave a comment as he made heart-shaped hand gestures. On Friday, Lee wrote on another social media platform, X, "Something big is coming." The presidential office said
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has put his only apartment on the market, a move intended to demonstrate his commitment to stabilizing the real estate market.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung is scheduled to pay state visits to Singapore and the Philippines next week to hold summit talks aimed at expanding cooperation with the Southeast Asian nations.
President Lee Jae Myung has called for a comprehensive overhaul of South Korea's tourism industry, setting an ambitious goal of attracting 30 million inbound visitors by promoting travel beyond Seoul.
President Lee Jae Myung said Tuesday that owners of multiple homes should not avoid risks and responsibilities associated with their investments if housing prices are normalized, stepping up his verbal warning against them. Hardening his resolve to stabilize the overheated housing market in the Seoul metropolitan area, Lee shared a link to a news report that pointed to weakening market expectations for housing price increases. "People know that the real estate market, particularly the apartment
South Korea's Ministry of Education will conduct a nationwide survey on school uniform prices after President Lee Jae Myung raised concerns about their excessive cost. The government is considering an overhaul to address the issue.
President Lee Jae Myung has dismissed the minister of the Korea Forest Service, Kim In-ho, after he was found to have committed an unlawful act, Lee's office said Saturday, without further elaborating. "We have found that the minister of the Korea Forest Service caused trouble by committing a serious violation to existing laws, and decided to dismiss him from the post," Lee's office said. The presidential office did not elaborate on what specific law Kim violated but warned it will react sternly
President Lee Jae Myung stated that his administration's real estate policy aims to reclaim "unfair privileges" linked to speculation and stabilize the market.
The French-Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry hosted an event in Seoul to discuss strengthening business ties between France and South Korea, coinciding with a summit involving Korean President Lee Jae Myung.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung hosted a state luncheon for Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, attended by business heavyweights, to highlight the strong ties between the two nations.
President Lee Jae Myung marked his 300th day in office in Jeju, where he highlighted his push for balanced regional development and his commitment to confronting the legacy of state violence. He hosted his 12th and final regional meeting there.
The 'ABC theory,' recently popularized by Rhyu Si-min, is fanning internal strife within South Korea's ruling Democratic Party of Korea, creating divisions among party supporters and those of President Lee Jae Myung.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung's wealth increased by nearly 50 percent over the past year, largely driven by book royalties ahead of the presidential election, according to data released by the Government Public Ethics Committee.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a phone call to discuss the unfolding situation in the Middle East and its repercussions on energy security.
President Lee Jae Myung shared a media report comparing property taxes on homeowners in South Korea with those in major foreign cities, raising questions about current tax levels.
SBS, a major South Korean broadcaster, has issued an apology for allegations made on its program "Unanswered Questions" linking President Lee Jae Myung to a criminal organization. The apology followed the president's public demand for the network to address its reporting.
South Korea's National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik is pushing for a constitutional referendum to be held concurrently with local elections on June 3, an initiative supported by six political parties and President Lee Jae Myung.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has called for urgent efforts to secure alternative crude supplies, including potentially from Russia, as the Mideast war disrupts existing oil markets.
President Lee Jae Myung called for a sweeping overhaul of South Korea's capital markets, aiming to address chronic governance flaws and market distortions to transform the 'Korea discount' into a 'Korea premium'.
President Lee Jae Myung called on government agencies to ensure 'watertight' safety and security measures are in place for the upcoming BTS show in central Seoul.
President Lee Jae Myung has floated the idea of restructuring South Korea’s basic pension system to provide greater support to low-income seniors and address elderly poverty, building on his previous suggestions for adjusting payments based on income.
The contentious debate over prosecution reform has intensified after a journalist alleged that allies of President Lee Jae Myung sought to persuade prosecutors to drop criminal charges against him. The allegation, denied by the ruling camp, has deepened opposition claims that the Lee administration’s push for prosecution reform cannot be separated from the president’s own legal jeopardy. The ruling Democratic Party of Korea took legal action against the journalist for defaming the president and
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has proposed integrating the central city of Daejeon with South and North Chungcheong provinces as part of broader regional integration efforts. The suggestion was made during a town hall meeting with residents.
Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama has arrived in South Korea for a multi-faceted visit, engaging with President Lee Jae Myung to reaffirm the longstanding partnership and foster cooperation across various sectors, including economy, maritime security, and critical minerals, while calling for a mutually beneficial 'win-win' partnership.
President Lee Jae Myung on Thursday urged officials to accelerate work on a supplementary budget, as the government moves to limit the economic fallout from the ongoing Middle East conflict. “In times of crisis, swift fiscal spending is essential to ensure that efforts to stabilize people’s livelihoods and support the economic recovery do not lose momentum,” Lee said during a meeting of senior secretaries and aides at the presidential office Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul. “In the end, there is no way a
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung presented Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama with specially produced chocolate during their summit in Seoul, Cheong Wa Dae said Wednesday. Mahama arrived in South Korea a day earlier for talks with Lee. According to presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung, Ghana chocolate was chosen as a symbolic gift because in South Korea, Ghana is closely associated with the popular brand, which uses over 80 percent Ghanaian cacao beans in its product. The packaging was
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung stated that his country possesses the capability to deter threats from North Korea, even without the assistance of US systems.
South Korea's ruling party is increasing pressure on the prosecutors' office, accusing it of fabricating evidence to indict President Lee Jae Myung and calling for a parliamentary probe.
South Korea's stock market has seen extreme fluctuations, including a historic drop and a dramatic recovery. President Lee Jae Myung's political future is tied to the market's strength, but his strategy is based on only two key factors.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has requested Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to allow the temporary transfer of a jailed Korean drug kingpin to South Korea for investigation and prosecution.
President Marcos met with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung yesterday at the start of the latter’s two-day state visit, which saw the signing of 10 agreements on key sectors, including defense, nuclear energy and technology.
Prime Minister Kim Min-seok said Tuesday the government is responding all-out to the Middle East crisis with top priority on South Koreans' safety. Kim made the remark during a Cabinet meeting, as the US-Israeli airstrikes on Iran over the weekend prompted military responses from countries across the region. "The situation in the Middle East is very fluid," the prime minister said, noting that President Lee Jae Myung was away on state visits to Singapore and the Philippines. "The government is r
Singapore and South Korea have announced a new AI alliance, with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung also revealing plans for a US$300 million global fund to be established in Singapore by 2030.
President Lee Jae Myung on Sunday stepped up his verbal warning against owners of multiple homes, days after putting his private residence up for sale in a show of willingness to stabilize the property market. "Whether to sell or buy a house is up to individual freedom, but the government determines whether such transactions result in profit or loss," Lee wrote on the social media platform X, just hours after arriving in Singapore to begin a four-day, two-nation trip that also includes a stop in
President Lee Jae Myung was set to depart for Singapore on Sunday for a two-nation swing that also includes a visit to the Philippines to discuss ways to expand cooperation with the Southeast Asian nations. Lee will make a three-day state visit to Singapore for summit talks with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on Monday, their second summit in three months after they last met during Wong's visit to South Korea for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, where they upgraded bilateral ti
President Marcos is scheduled to meet with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung in Manila next week to discuss deeper cooperation in key areas such as defense, maritime affairs, and economy.
President Lee Jae Myung said Hyundai Motor Group’s more than $6 billion plan to build an innovation growth hub on reclaimed land in North Jeolla Province could “completely reshape the economic map” of South Korea’s southwestern region. Lee attended an investment signing ceremony on Friday, as Hyundai unveiled a 9 trillion won ($6.26 billion) plan to build a suite of advanced facilities encompassing artificial intelligence, robotics and clean energy in Saemangeum, home to Korea’s largest land rec
President Lee Jae Myung has stated that the government will introduce policy measures to reduce the benefits of homeownership for speculative purposes, while actively protecting the rights of those buying homes for residential use.
President Lee Jae Myung defended his push to tighten farmland ownership regulations aimed at curbing rural land speculation, instructing the Cabinet to conduct a comprehensive inspection of agricultural land.
South Korea and Brazil agreed to elevate their ties to a strategic partnership, adopting a four-year action plan and unveiling a package of cooperation deals during the summit. President Lee Jae Myung met with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva at Cheong Wa Dae on Monday during Lula’s three-day state visit to South Korea, which began the previous day. Lee announced the elevation of bilateral ties, citing the steady rise in trade — which has exceeded $10 billion annually over the past
President Lee Jae Myung pushed back against news reports highlighting comments from US officials on the life sentence imposed on former President Yoon Suk Yeol, directing his criticism at the media. “The core issue is that some Korean media are turning to a foreign government for comments on Korea’s internal affairs,” Lee wrote on his X account. “Why would (these media outlets) ask for a foreign government’s stance on domestic affairs, especially on a court decision that is independent of politi
President Lee Jae Myung has urged regulators to consider permanently expelling repeat cartel offenders who abuse market dominance, aiming to implement stronger measures against anti-trust violations.
Chef Son Jong-won, known for his Michelin-starred restaurants and Netflix appearance, led a state banquet hosted by President Lee Jae Myung for French President Macron in Seoul.
South Korea and Indonesia have elevated their bilateral ties to a "special comprehensive strategic partnership" following summit talks between President Lee Jae Myung and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, focusing on expanding cooperation in trade, investment, and defense.
A recent Realmeter poll indicates that South Korean President Lee Jae Myung's approval rating has remained unchanged at 62.2%, as economic uncertainties overshadow government efforts.
President Lee Jae Myung delivered a speech at the West Sea Defense Day ceremony, highlighting peace and honoring fallen service members, while notably refraining from directly mentioning North Korea.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung expressed gratitude to Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for his cooperation in repatriating notorious South Korean criminal Park Wang-yeol, who was convicted of drug trafficking and murder in Manila and has now been extradited after serving a 60-year term.
The South Korean government has revoked military honors awarded to officials involved in the December 12, 1979, military coup, a decision approved at a Cabinet meeting presided over by President Lee Jae Myung.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung underscored the importance of self-reliant defense while chairing the first pangovernment meeting aimed at strengthening the nation’s integrated defense system against various security contingencies.
President Lee Jae Myung has instructed his office and Cabinet to exclude officials owning multiple homes from real estate policymaking, as his administration intensifies efforts to curb housing speculation.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung’s approval rating has climbed to a new high of 67 percent, extending a steady upward streak, with economic management cited as the top driver of public support, according to a Gallup Korea poll.
President Lee Jae Myung emphasized the need for increased labor flexibility and social security to address distortions in South Korea's labor market during a discussion at Cheong Wa Dae.
President Lee Jae Myung is scheduled to preside over a meeting with investors and financial authorities on Wednesday to review and discuss reform plans aimed at stabilizing the country's capital markets.
President Lee Jae Myung reaffirmed his commitment to reforming South Korea's prosecution service by separating investigative and indictment powers, while also cautioning against excessive measures.
President Lee Jae Myung’s approval rating rose above 60 percent for the first time in about seven months, according to a poll released Monday, extending a recent rise in public support.
President Lee Jae Myung on Sunday apologized to the bereaved families of victims of the March 15 Democracy Movement and pledged greater efforts to identify and honor those who participated in South Korea’s pro-democracy struggle. Lee attended the government-hosted ceremony commemorating the March 15, becoming the first sitting South Korean president to do so since it was designated a national memorial day in 2010. The event also marked the first official government apology for the handling of Ma
President Lee Jae Myung on Friday asked the public to tell him directly of any gas stations that violate the fuel price cap that took effect Friday. “The public’s monitoring and participation are needed to ensure that some sellers don’t gain unfair profits,” Lee wrote on his X account. “If you find any gas stations and such that break the regulation, report to me without hesitation.” The price cap limits the price of fuel supplied by refiners to gas stations to 1,724 won ($1.16) per liter of gas
President Lee Jae Myung will chair a policy meeting on March 18 aimed at strengthening the resilience and restoring stability of South Korea’s capital markets, the presidential office said Thursday. The meeting will focus on assessing responses to financial market volatility triggered by recent developments in the Middle East, while also discussing longer-term reforms to improve the structural health of the country’s capital markets. Officials said the government intends to use the gathering to
South Korea's president Lee Jae Myung has commended Ghana for its longstanding role in helping to ensure the safety of South Korean nationals operating in the Gulf of Guinea.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung affirmed that the nation's deterrence against North Korea remains intact, regardless of any developments concerning US Forces Korea (USFK) air defense assets, amid growing speculation and concerns about the possible redeployment of Patriots and THAAD to the…
President Lee Jae Myung emphasized that cooperation between large corporations and small businesses is a national 'survival strategy' and should be treated as an investment, speaking at a roundtable with business representatives.
President Lee Jae Myung has launched a campaign against housing speculation, utilizing social media to pressure and communicate his intent to curb real estate practices that could harm the nation.
The justice ministry said Friday it would take stern measures against those who collude to raise gas prices amid concerns over increasing fuel prices due to the U.S.-Iran conflict. Justice Minister Jung Sung-ho gave instructions for such measures to the prosecution after President Lee Jae Myung warned against possible collusion to hike gas prices, calling it a "serious" crime against the public. "As the Middle East situation has become increasingly unstable, there is a growing possibility of mar
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung outlined key areas for economic cooperation with the Philippines, focusing on energy, infrastructure modernization, and manufacturing, and encouraged business leaders to invest.
President Lee Jae Myung and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. held a summit Tuesday to deepen cooperation in trade, infrastructure and defense, while widening the partnership into emerging areas that include shipbuilding. The summit at the Malacanang Palace in Manila on Tuesday carried added significance as it coincided with the 77th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations on March 3, 1949. Ten agreements and memorandums of understanding were signed or updated on the occ
President Lee Jae Myung is set to wrap up his trip to Singapore and fly to Manila for summit talks with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday to discuss ways to expand bilateral cooperation. It will mark Lee's second summit with Marcos following their first meeting on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in late October. The two leaders are expected to explore ways to deepen cooperation in the defense industry, infrastructure and trade, as well as in promi
President Lee Jae Myung has nominated Rep. Park Hong-keun, a four-term lawmaker and former floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, as the inaugural Minister of Planning and Budget. Park's nomination comes just over a month after Lee retracted the nomination of Lee Hye-hoon, a former conservative lawmaker. Park is considered one of the president's closest aides, having served as his chief of staff during the 2022 presidential campaign. He also served as the Democratic Party floor leader wh
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has called for a resumption of dialogue with nuclear-armed North Korea, seeking to mend ties despite the North's recent reaffirmation of its anti-Seoul stance.
President Lee Jae Myung is governing the way he rose: by going straight to the public on social media. What began in his days as Seongnam mayor in 2010 as a megaphone against what he called distorted media coverage — and the silence that often met his requests for corrections — has become a governing tool at Cheong Wa Dae. Since January, his use of the platform X has become more direct, using it to weigh in on, and at times to set the agenda on, key domestic issues, including efforts to stabiliz
Foreign Minister Cho Hyun has held phone talks with senior Singaporean and Philippine officials to discuss President Lee Jae Myung's upcoming state visits to the two countries, his ministry said Friday. Cho, who was in Canada on business, spoke by phone with his Philippine counterpart, Tess Lazaro, on Wednesday, and the two sides highlighted the significance of Lee's visit, which will coincide with the 77th anniversary of their countries' establishment of diplomatic relations. The ministers also
President Lee Jae Myung on Thursday underscored that peace and stability must guide Seoul’s inter-Korean policy — and that decades of hostility cannot be erased with a single breakthrough. Lee’s remarks came after North Korea’s state media reported Thursday that leader Kim Jong-un defined South Korea as a “thoroughly hostile state” and a “permanent enemy” at the Ninth Party Congress. “What we must pursue are the values of peace and stability. We must put an end to the past that raced toward conf
The rift between South Korea’s two main political parties is deepening once again, this time over contested judicial reform bills. The bill package comprises three bills. These are revisions to the Criminal Act to view a misapplication of law as a criminal offense through what would be equivalent to the German concept of "Rechtsbeugung"; the Court Organization Act to increase the number of Supreme Court justices from 14 to 26 before President Lee Jae Myung's term ends; and the Constitutional Cou
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva are scheduled to hold summit talks to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation across various fields. Lula arrived in Seoul on Sunday.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has released a letter from South Korean President Lee Jae Myung responding to her request for additional concerts by the K-pop group BTS.
President Lee Jae Myung's approval rating has increased for the third consecutive week, reaching 56.5 percent, attributed to his government's stabilization efforts.