U.S. and Iran Near 60-Day Ceasefire Agreement, But Nuclear Deal Challenges Remain Speculation is growing that the United States and Iran are nearing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that would extend a 60-day ceasefire and resume nuclear negotiations. However, experts warn that reaching a final nuclear agreement could take considerable time due to significant differences over key issues such as halting uranium enrichment, handling highly enriched uranium, and lifting sanctions against Iran. According to reports from Yonhap News and Axios, a U.S. political news outlet, May 24, 2026

Kim Si-woo Maintains Lead at CJ Cup, Eyes Fifth PGA Tour Victory Kim Si-woo maintained his lead on the third day of the CJ Cup Byron Nelson, part of the PGA Tour, moving closer to his fifth career victory. On May 24, during the third round held at TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney, Texas, Kim shot a 3-under 68, with six birdies and three bogeys. With a total score of 21-under 192, Kim is two strokes ahead of defending champion Scottie Scheffler and Wyndham Clark, both at 19-under 194, marking his second consecutive day in the lead. Kim started strong, ma May 24, 2026

U.S. and Iran Near Agreement to End Hostilities As the U.S. and Iran appear to be nearing an agreement to end hostilities, Iranian state media reported that discussions have taken place regarding mutual restraint from attacks. Preliminary outlines of a potential agreement include a ceasefire extension and the opening of the Strait of Hormuz. On May 24, local time, Reuters and Yonhap reported that Iran's FARS news agency stated that a draft memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the U.S. and Iran includes a commitment from the U.S. May 24, 2026

Political Tensions Rise Over Starbucks Controversy Linked to President Lee Jae-myung The political landscape has become increasingly contentious following President Lee Jae-myung's criticism of Starbucks over its marketing related to the May 18 Democratic Movement and the release of a 'Siren Mug' to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Sewol ferry disaster. The opposition, particularly the People Power Party, has accused the president of excessive incitement, while the ruling Democratic Party argues he is voicing the public's justified anger. According to reports from Yo May 24, 2026

Seoul Mayoral Candidates Share Messages on Buddha's Birthday Seoul mayoral candidates Jung Won-o of the Democratic Party and Oh Se-hoon of the People Power Party met on May 24 to celebrate Buddha's Birthday. Jung stated, "I will become a mayor who takes care of the lives of vulnerable groups," while Oh expressed his commitment to "embracing the socially disadvantaged and creating a community in Seoul where the quality of life improves." The two candidates attended the Buddha's Birthday ceremony at Jogyesa Temple and later shared their celebratory May 24, 2026

Rain Expected Nationwide on Monday with Temperature Variations On Monday, May 25, which is a substitute holiday, rain is expected across the country. The Korea Meteorological Administration announced on May 24 that rain will begin in Jeju Island in the afternoon and will spread to the Jeolla region and western South Gyeongsang Province by night. By May 26, cumulative rainfall is forecasted to reach 30 to 80 mm in Seoul, Incheon, Gyeonggi Province, Gangwon Province, and Chungcheong Province, while areas along the southern coast of Jeolla and near Jirisan Mou May 24, 2026

President Lee Jae-myung Promises a Government That Saves Lives On Buddha's Birthday, President Lee Jae-myung stated at a ceremony at Jogyesa Temple in Seoul that he aims to create a government that "saves the lives of the people." He emphasized, "I will pay closer attention to the lives of each citizen and listen to the voices from the lowest levels of society." Highlighting the Buddhist principle of 'harmonious unity,' he stressed the need to overcome the nation's crises with collective strength. In a time of deepening political polarization and social con May 24, 2026

Justice Innovation Party Calls for Kim Yong-nam to Consider His Position Amid Loan Shark Allegations The Justice Innovation Party criticized Kim Yong-nam, the Democratic Party's candidate for Gyeonggi Pyeongtaek, on May 24, calling him a "three-time disqualified candidate" due to allegations of being involved in loan sharking. They urged him to "seriously consider his position." Shin Jang-sik, a member of the Justice Innovation Party, held a press conference at the National Assembly, stating, "Kim has betrayed the trust of Pyeongtaek citizens and abandoned the minimum moral integrity re May 24, 2026

U.S. and Iran Near Agreement on 60-Day Ceasefire and Hormuz Strait Access The possibility of a renewed ceasefire in the Middle East has increased as the United States and Iran edge closer to an agreement. According to U.S. online media Axios and Yonhap News, the two nations are nearing a deal that includes a 60-day extension of the ceasefire and the opening of the Strait of Hormuz without tolls.Axios reported, citing a draft agreement obtained from U.S. government officials, that both sides are expected to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that will be valid fo May 24, 2026

Kim Sang-wook Halts Unification Polls Amid Allegations of Interference As the Democratic Party and the Progressive Party conduct unification polls for the Ulsan mayoral race starting May 23, Kim Sang-wook, the Democratic Party's candidate, announced that he would halt the polls due to suspicions of organized interference by certain factions. The Progressive Party responded by expressing strong regret over what they termed a unilateral declaration. In a statement on May 24, Kim said, "I received information this morning that the polling agency discovered unus May 24, 2026