Xi Jinping Concludes Visit to North Korea, Emphasizing Strategic Cooperation Chinese President Xi Jinping returned to Beijing on the afternoon of June 9 after completing a state visit to North Korea, his first in seven years. During the two-day visit, Xi reaffirmed the traditional friendship between China and North Korea with Kim Jong Un. Notably, while their 2019 meeting focused on denuclearization and peace on the Korean Peninsula, this visit emphasized strategic cooperation and socialist solidarity between the two nations. According to China's state-run Xinhua June 9, 2026

Eunma Apartment Reconstruction Project Seeks Approval for Relocation Next Summer The Eunma Apartment in Daechi-dong, a symbol of reconstruction in Seoul's Gangnam district, has completed its application for project approval and is accelerating plans for relocation next year. The association is considering starting the relocation as early as next summer break, following the approval of the project implementation. According to the construction industry on June 9, the Eunma Apartment reconstruction association recently submitted its project implementation application to t June 9, 2026

Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan Consider Launching GPU Rental Futures Amid Soaring Prices As the global artificial intelligence (AI) boom drives graphic processing unit (GPU) prices to unprecedented levels, Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan are reportedly exploring the launch of GPU-linked futures products. On June 9, U.S. fintech publication PYMNTS cited The Information, an American IT media outlet, stating that the two banks are considering futures contracts tied to GPU rental prices. According to the report, the banks are examining various ways to trade not only GPU rental cos June 9, 2026

South Korea to Support Employment Improvements in Developing Countries with $166 Million The South Korean government has announced plans to enhance cooperation with the International Labour Organization (ILO) to expand quality jobs in developing countries. On June 8, during a reception at the Mandarin Hotel in Geneva, Switzerland, the Ministry of Employment and Labor hosted the "Korea-ILO Partnership Reception" in conjunction with the 114th ILO General Conference. The event aimed to share the achievements of the ministry, the ILO, and beneficiary countries from their collabora June 9, 2026

Three Candidates for People Power Party Floor Leader Call for Change Kim Do-eup, Jung Jeom-sik, and Sung Il-jong, candidates for the next floor leader of the People Power Party, expressed a shared belief in the need for change and innovation within the party during a meeting on June 9. However, they also emphasized the importance of being cautious regarding the potential replacement of party leader Jang Dong-hyuk and the entry of independent candidate Han Dong-hoon into the party. The three candidates participated in a discussion hosted by first-term and re June 9, 2026

Choi Soo-young and Jung Kyung-ho End 14-Year Relationship Actors Jung Kyung-ho and Choi Soo-young have ended their public relationship of 14 years, drawing attention to the reasons behind their breakup. A representative from Choi Soo-young's agency, Saram Entertainment, confirmed to Sports Seoul on June 9, "It is true that Choi Soo-young recently broke up with Jung Kyung-ho. They have decided to remain good colleagues." Similarly, a source from Jung Kyung-ho's side mentioned to Sportivi News on the same day, "Jung Kyung-ho and Choi Soo-young have June 9, 2026

South Korea Chooses Private Oil Release Over Strategic Reserves Amid Supply Concerns The deadline for the International Energy Agency's (IEA) joint resolution to release strategic oil reserves in response to global supply concerns stemming from the Middle East conflict has concluded. The South Korean government opted for a private release instead of directly tapping into its reserves, as alternative supplies and a strategic oil swap system have stabilized crude oil availability, while the burden of replenishing reserves remains significant. According to relevant authoriti June 9, 2026

Trump: Iran Peace Agreement Possible Within Days President Donald Trump stated that a peace agreement with Iran could be reached within the next two to three days. On June 9, CNN reported that Trump made the comments to reporters while returning to the White House after attending Game 3 of the NBA Finals in New York the previous night. He expressed optimism that a deal to end the conflict with Iran could be finalized soon. "We are in the final stages of what will be a very, very good agreement," Trump said. He emphasized that the agreemen June 9, 2026

Prime Minister Kim Calls for Urgent Attention to Youth Voting Rights Prime Minister Kim Min-seok stated on June 9 that he recently met with representatives of university students who expressed concerns about the shortage of voting papers. He emphasized that voting rights are fundamental to democracy and urged the National Assembly, political parties, and relevant agencies to take the youth's concerns seriously. During his opening remarks at a meeting on youth policy held at the Government Seoul Complex, Kim called for the entire government to approach thi June 9, 2026

Korean Textile Industry Chief Expands K-Fashion Cooperation in Europe The Korea Textile Industry Association announced on June 9 that President Choi Byung-oh will visit France, Italy, and Belgium from June 10 to 15 to meet with key representatives from local textile and fashion organizations. According to the association, Choi will meet with Olivier Ducatillon, President of the French Textile Industry Association (UIT), Pierre-François Le Roux, President of the French Clothing and Fashion Industry Association (UFIMH), and Yann Libourel, President of the June 9, 2026