Axios: U.S. Prepares for Potential Collapse of Cuban Regime Reports indicate that the Trump administration is preparing scenarios in response to the potential collapse of the Cuban regime. The U.S. is applying pressure on the Cuban government through sanctions while also reviewing military plans in case of increased internal turmoil. According to Axios on May 28, U.S. officials believe that the Trump administration sees the potential for the Cuban government to collapse as early as this summer. However, President Trump has not authorized an invasio May 29, 2026

Iran Media Reports US-Iran Ceasefire Agreement Not Finalized Iran's TASS news agency reported that the ceasefire extension agreement between the United States and Iran has not yet been finalized. This comes amid reports that both sides have tentatively agreed to a 60-day extension, with Iran clarifying its position on the interpretation of a final deal. On May 28, Reuters cited sources close to the negotiations, stating that the draft of the agreement has not been finalized and that the approval process is still pending. According to Reuters, while May 29, 2026

U.S. Warns of Punishment for Those Involved in Hormuz Toll Collection The United States has warned that it will punish individuals and organizations involved in the collection of tolls in the Hormuz Strait. This warning comes as Iran attempts to establish a toll collection system under the guise of navigation management, which the U.S. has made clear it will not recognize even during ongoing negotiations. On May 28, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Vesent stated on X (formerly Twitter) that "the U.S. government will not tolerate any attempts to implement a toll May 29, 2026

Iranian Military Launches Missiles at 'Specific Targets' in Southern Iran The Iranian military launched missiles toward specific targets in southern Iran on the night of May 28, according to the Fars news agency. The Guardian reported that the destination of the missiles remains unclear, and there has been no confirmation of any damage. Details about the targets, including their location and nature, have not been disclosed. It is also uncertain whether this missile launch is directly linked to other military activities occurring in the Gulf region on the same day May 29, 2026

Netanyahu Orders Israeli Forces to Expand Control in Gaza to 70% Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, has instructed the Israeli military to expand its control over the Gaza Strip to 70%. This directive indicates a push beyond the control line established in the ceasefire agreement of October 2025. On May 28, during an event in a West Bank settlement, Netanyahu stated, "We were at 50%, and we moved to 60%. My instruction is to gradually increase our presence in Gaza." He added, "First, let’s aim for 70%. We are pressuring Hamas from all dir May 29, 2026

Do Not Mislead the Public with False Information About China Recently, President Lee Jae-myung criticized a South Korean media outlet for spreading false news that "Chinese nationals purchased 944 apartments in Gangnam, Seoul," which he said incited anti-China sentiment. The outlet later issued a public apology, acknowledging serious factual errors in its reporting and removed the article. President Lee's actions were well-received by citizens of both countries. China and South Korea are important neighbors and partners, and strengthening friendl May 29, 2026

South Korea's Non-IT Exports Hold Steady Against Germany and Japan Amid China's Manufacturing Surge As China's manufacturing sector continues to grow, South Korea's non-IT exports are performing relatively well compared to traditional manufacturing powerhouses like Germany and Japan, according to an analysis by the Bank of Korea. The strengthening of export competitiveness, particularly in high-value items, suggests that South Korea is partially replacing products from Germany and Japan alongside China. In a report titled "Assessment of Competitive Conditions Among Major Countries in May 29, 2026

Candidates Clash Over Housing and Safety Ahead of Early Voting in Seoul Mayoral Race In a joint debate held just seven hours before early voting for the local elections, candidates for the Seoul mayoralty discussed pressing issues such as housing and safety. The debate, featuring Jeong Won-o of the Democratic Party and Oh Se-hoon of the People Power Party, among others, included scrutiny of each candidate's policies and allegations, but did not yield clear answers. Candidates Exchange Blame Over Housing Supply Issues Jeong, Oh, Kim Jeong-cheol of the Reform Party, May 29, 2026

Pre-Election Campaigns Heat Up Ahead of Local Elections in South Korea With just one day to go before the June 3 local elections and by-elections for the National Assembly, Jung Cheong-rae, leader of the Democratic Party, and Jang Dong-hyuk, leader of the People Power Party, campaigned in Seoul and the Chungcheong region, respectively, on May 28. Jung called for support to work alongside the administration of President Lee Jae-myung, while Jang urged voters to prevent government overreach. Jung emphasized the need to choose a 'strong' Democratic Party to May 29, 2026

The Importance of Cultural Arts Education in Human Development "Human flourishing is made possible through cultural arts education. It allows individuals to blossom," said Valeria Pica, a researcher from Italy's G. d'Annunzio University, during the international symposium linked to the 2026 UNESCO Cultural Arts Education Week at the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Seoul on May 21. The symposium, hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Arts and Culture Education Service, brought together global scholars wh May 29, 2026