Deputy Prime Minister Koo Yoon-cheol Reports Slight Drop in Gas Prices Amid Rising Oil Costs Koo Yoon-cheol, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, stated that despite recent increases in oil prices, retail gas prices at stations are showing a stable trend. He announced plans to unveil a mid-year economic growth strategy focused on structural reforms by the end of June. During an emergency economic meeting held at the Government Seoul Building on May 15, Koo reviewed the government's response to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and assessed the direction May 15, 2026

Former Deputy Prime Minister Hyun Oh-seok: 'It's About Direction, Not Speed' for South Korea's Economy South Korea's economic planners have always been at the center of decision-making during pivotal transitions. Among them, Hyun Oh-seok, the former Deputy Prime Minister, is a prominent macroeconomic strategist who has experienced the entire process of transitioning from a developing to a developed economy. His career trajectory, which began at the Economic Planning Board and included roles at the World Bank and the Korea Development Institute (KDI), culminated in his position as Deputy Prime Min May 15, 2026

Moon Chae-won Expresses Desire for Monthly Adventures Ahead of June Wedding Moon Chae-won revealed her wish to experience a monthly adventure. On May 14, a video titled "Moon Chae-won Visits Euljiro Night Market (+Her First Experience at Haidilao)" was uploaded to her YouTube channel. During the visit to Euljiro 3-ga in Seoul, many citizens recognized her, prompting a shy response as she remarked, "I wasn't supposed to come to Euljiro." Moon was taken aback when she learned that the waitlist at a restaurant had 2,765 people. As crowds quickly gathered around h May 15, 2026

Fire Breaks Out in Gimpo Shopping Center, 150 Evacuated A fire broke out in the mechanical room of a large shopping center in Gimpo during rush hour, prompting the emergency evacuation of about 150 patrons. Some individuals inhaled smoke and were transported to hospitals, but their conditions are not life-threatening. According to Yonhap News, the fire was reported at 7:23 PM on May 14 at a shopping center located in Unyang-dong, which has four underground floors and nine above-ground floors. At the time of the incident, shoppers and staff were May 15, 2026

Trump and Xi Hold Historic Meeting in Beijing Amid Global Tensions On May 14, 2026, the world turned its attention to the Temple of Heaven in Beijing as President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping walked side by side. With few aides present and only interpreters accompanying them, the two leaders strolled slowly between the red walls and wet stone paths, creating a scene that transcended a mere diplomatic event. It symbolized a pivotal moment in the direction of 21st-century global order. The meeting marked the first face-to-face encounter between t May 15, 2026

Special Prosecutors Summon Yoon Suk Yeol for Investigation on May 26 The comprehensive special prosecutor team investigating remaining allegations after the three major special investigations has summoned former President Yoon Suk Yeol to appear as a suspect at the end of this month. According to Yonhap News on May 14, the second comprehensive special prosecutor team, led by Kwon Chang-young, plans to investigate allegations of abuse of power against Yoon. The team suspects that Yoon directed the transmission of messages justifying the declaration of mart May 15, 2026

China Reverses Approval for U.S. Beef Exporters Amid Trade Talks On the same day as the U.S.-China summit, Chinese authorities temporarily restored the export qualifications of hundreds of U.S. beef exporters, only to revoke them shortly after, creating confusion. According to Yonhap News Agency on May 14, the General Administration of Customs of China changed the export registration status of over 400 U.S. beef slaughter and processing plants from 'expired' to 'valid.' These companies had not renewed their five-year export registration, granted betwe May 15, 2026

President Lee Shares U.S. Treasury Secretary's Post, Emphasizes U.S.-Korea Partnership President Lee Jae-myung stated on May 14 that "South Korea and the United States are the most important partners supporting each other's growth."In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), President Lee highlighted U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Besant's message, affirming that despite challenging international circumstances, the two countries will work closely to create opportunities and pave the way for shared prosperity.He emphasized that as South Korea prepares to assume the G20 presidency in 2 May 15, 2026

Chinese Vessels Begin Transit Through Hormuz Strait Following Iranian Approval Some Chinese vessels have begun transiting the Hormuz Strait after receiving permission from Iranian authorities, according to local media reports. On May 14, Yonhap News reported that Iran's Fars News Agency cited sources stating, "Following a decision by Iranian authorities, some Chinese vessels started their transit through the Hormuz Strait from the night of May 13 (local time)." The report noted that these vessels were granted permission to navigate under the condition that they com May 15, 2026

Minister Kim Jong-kwan Warns of Urgent Mediation Amid Samsung Union Strike Threat Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Kim Jong-kwan urged for prompt dialogue between management and labor regarding the planned strike by Samsung Electronics' union, warning that urgent mediation may be necessary if the strike proceeds. On May 14, Kim posted on social media, titled "I earnestly urge Samsung Electronics' management and labor to compromise," stating, "The date for the total strike at Samsung Electronics is approaching." He noted that while the Central Labor Relations Com May 15, 2026