President Lee: 'We Should Have Met Italy in the World Cup' President Lee Jae-myung expressed disappointment on June 12, local time, that South Korea and Italy did not meet in the World Cup finals. During an expanded luncheon meeting at the official residence of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome, Lee made the remark after Meloni congratulated the South Korean national soccer team on their first victory in the tournament. He noted, "Italy and Korea share similar sentiments and get along well." This was the third meeting between Lee and Meloni, June 13, 2026

President Lee: South Korea and Italy Are Optimal Partners for Innovation President Lee Jae-myung stated on June 12, local time, that "South Korea and Italy are indeed optimal partners." During his state visit to Italy, he made these remarks at the 'Korea-Italy Business Roundtable' held at a hotel in Rome, expressing a desire for both countries to navigate global economic uncertainties together based on their complementary cooperation. President Lee noted, "The AI revolution is intensifying competition for technological supremacy, and the reconfiguration of supply cha June 13, 2026

Global Business Leaders Gather in Italy for Korea-Italy Roundtable Domestic aerospace and defense companies are expected to engage more actively with Italian firms in new industrial sectors.Italy, the world's third-largest satellite launch country and a leader in aerospace, presents opportunities for joint ventures in the global satellite market.The Korea Economic Association hosted a Korea-Italy Business Roundtable on June 12 at the Westin Excelsior Hotel in Rome, in collaboration with the Italian Business Association. The meeting took place during President L June 13, 2026

Joint Investigation Team Bans Travel for Former Election Officials Amid Ballot Shortage Probe Joint Investigation Team Bans Travel for Former Election Officials Amid Ballot Shortage Probe On June 12, a joint investigation team comprising police and prosecutors imposed travel bans on former National Election Commission Chairman Noh Tae-ak and former Secretary-General Heo Cheol-hoon as part of their inquiry into the ballot shortage incident during the June 3 local elections. The team had conducted searches the previous day at seven locations, including the Central Election Commissi June 13, 2026

Kim Hye-kyung: World Youth Conference Should Embrace Young People Kim Hye-kyung held a meeting on June 12 in Rome with clergy preparing for the 2027 Seoul World Youth Conference, discussing the significance, expectations, and challenges of the event.During her state visit to Italy with President Lee Jae-myung, Kim visited the Korean Theological Seminary in Rome and stated, "The Seoul World Youth Conference is a meaningful festival where young people from around the world, regardless of nationality, language, or culture, come together to share a message of peac June 12, 2026

Fire Chief Kim Seung-ryong Dismissed Amid Travel Controversy Kim Seung-ryong, the chief of the Fire Agency, has been dismissed just three months after taking office amid allegations of inappropriate overseas travel. According to Yonhap News on June 12, President Lee Jae-myung processed Kim's resignation request that day. The Blue House had initiated an investigation into the allegations against Kim three weeks prior. While the Blue House did not disclose specific reasons for the dismissal, reports indicate that Kim faced accusations of misusing June 12, 2026

South Korea and Italy Elevate Strategic Partnership in Security and Development President Lee Jae-myung held a summit with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on June 12 in Rome, discussing extensive cooperation in economic, diplomatic, and security matters as the two nations elevated their relationship to a "special strategic partnership."The leaders agreed on a "Strategic Action Plan for 2026-2030," which includes initiatives for Africa development cooperation, advanced scientific research, maritime security, and defense industry collaboration.This meeting, which took p June 12, 2026

Iran Reveals 14-Point MOU Amid Nearing US-Iran Peace Agreement As the United States and Iran reportedly move closer to a peace agreement, details of Iran's draft memorandum of understanding (MOU) have been disclosed. On June 12, international outlets including The Guardian and CNBC cited Iran's semi-official Mehr news agency, which reported that the MOU draft includes key provisions such as the lifting of U.S. maritime blockades within 30 days, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz within 30 days, and the establishment of a $300 billion (approximat June 12, 2026

Golf Practice Amid Voting Paper Shortage Sparks Outrage 6.3 local elections and a by-election for the National Assembly have been marred by a shortage of voting papers, leading to controversy after a staff member at the Daegu Jung-gu Election Commission was seen practicing golf swings in the building. The Daegu City Election Commission has initiated disciplinary procedures against the employee involved. According to a report by Yonhap News on June 12, the Daegu City Election Commission confirmed that on June 10, an employee, referred to as A, w June 12, 2026

Genesis Makes Debut in Hypercar Class at 24 Hours of Le Mans Genesis announced on June 12 that it will participate for the first time in the hypercar class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, taking place at the Circuit de la Sarthe in France from June 13 to 14 (local time). The 24 Hours of Le Mans is the premier endurance race organized by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) and is a key round of the World Endurance Championship (WEC). Established in 1923, it boasts over a century of history as the most prestigious endurance race in th June 12, 2026