President Lee to Hold Video Conference on Election Commission Investigation President Lee Jae-myung will hold a video conference with senior aides on June 14 to receive updates on the investigation into the National Election Commission and the ongoing ballot shortage issue.Chief Presidential Secretary Kang Yu-jeong announced during a local briefing at a hotel in Rome on June 11 that the meeting will take place at 2 p.m. local time in Italy, which is 9 p.m. in South Korea.Kang explained that the video conference aims to eliminate any gaps in governance during the preside June 12, 2026

Kim Hye-kyung Discusses Cultural Exchange with Italian President's Daughter Kim Hye-kyung met with Laura Mattarella, the daughter of Italian President Sergio Mattarella, on June 11 to discuss ways to enhance cultural and artistic exchanges between the two countries.Deputy Spokesperson Ahn Gyu-ryeong announced in a written briefing that Kim, accompanying President Lee Jae-myung on his European tour, engaged in a friendly meeting with Laura at the Quirinal Palace. Laura has been fulfilling the role of First Lady since her mother passed away, following President Mattarella June 12, 2026

President Lee Orders Investigation into Allegations of Forced Alcohol Consumption by Firefighters President Lee Jae-myung has ordered a thorough investigation into allegations that firefighters were forced to consume alcohol and that requests for oversight were ignored, following the death of a firefighter last year. The Office for Government Policy Coordination immediately began its inquiry.While attending the G7 summit in Europe, President Lee shared an article related to the case on X (formerly Twitter) and expressed his dismay, stating, "It is truly lamentable that such outdated public o June 12, 2026

World Bank Projects Global Economic Growth Rate of 2.5% Amid Middle East Conflicts The World Bank announced that the global economic growth rate for this year is projected to be 2.5%, a decrease of 0.4% from last year. This figure is also 0.1 percentage points lower than the forecast made in January (2.6%), attributed to rising energy prices and inflation pressures stemming from conflicts in the Middle East. Specifically, the World Bank assessed that the negative factors affecting this year's growth outlook outweigh the positive ones. It noted that if conditions such as r June 11, 2026

NH Investment & Securities Finalizes New Leadership Structure NH Investment & Securities has confirmed a new co-representative leadership structure featuring younger executives from within the company, following a prolonged vacancy and internal disputes regarding the next CEO. Amid speculation about potential interference from the National Agricultural Cooperative Federation (NACF) and conflicts over the appointment process, the decision to promote from within is seen as a move to ensure organizational stability and continuity in management. Accordi June 11, 2026

South Korea and Italy Elevate Relations to Special Strategic Partnership South Korean President Lee: "Korea and Italy to Expand Cooperation in AI, Defense, and Space" President Lee Jae-myung of South Korea visited Italy on June 11 for a state visit, where he held a summit with President Sergio Mattarella. The two leaders agreed to elevate their countries' relationship to a "special strategic partnership." Following the summit, President Lee expressed his honor at being the first South Korean president to visit Italy in 26 years, since former President Kim Da June 11, 2026

ECB Raises Interest Rates for First Time in Nearly Three Years The European Central Bank (ECB) raised its three key interest rates by 0.25 percentage points on June 11, responding to inflation concerns stemming from the Middle East. According to Yonhap News Agency, following a monetary policy meeting in Frankfurt, the ECB increased the deposit rate from 2.00% to 2.25%, while the main refinancing rate and the marginal lending rate were raised to 2.40% and 2.65%, respectively. This marks the ECB's first rate hike in 2 years and 9 months since September 2 June 11, 2026

President Yoon Suk Yeol Elevates Korea-Italy Relations to Special Strategic Partnership President Yoon Suk Yeol is on a European tour and made a state visit to Italy on June 11, where he held a summit with President Sergio Mattarella. The two leaders agreed to elevate bilateral relations to a "special strategic partnership." Following the summit, President Yoon stated at a joint press conference at the Quirinal Palace, "It is an honor to visit Italy as the President of South Korea for the first time in 26 years in a state capacity." The last visit by a South Korean president June 11, 2026

Former Japanese Speaker Yohei Kono Passes Away, Remembered for Role in Japan-Korea Relations President Lee Jae-myung expressed condolences on June 11 following the passing of Yohei Kono, the former Speaker of Japan's House of Representatives. He stated, "I offer my sincere condolences and extend my deepest sympathies to the bereaved family."In a post on social media, President Lee noted, "Former Speaker Kono was a respected elder statesman in Japan who worked to build reconciliation and trust with neighboring countries, playing a significant role in the development of Japan-Korea relati June 11, 2026

LG Energy Solution Wins Patent Dispute Against China's Xinwangda, Signs License Agreement LG Energy Solution has achieved a final victory in its two-year legal battle with Chinese battery manufacturer Xinwangda. According to a joint press release from LG Energy Solution and Tulip Innovation, which manages patent licenses for LG and Panasonic, the two companies announced on June 11 that they have signed a patent licensing agreement. As part of this agreement, they will withdraw all ongoing legal actions in Germany, China, and South Korea. Founded in 1997, Xinwangda specializes June 11, 2026