Trump Wants to Speak with North Korea's Kim Jong Un President Donald Trump has expressed a desire to speak with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, whether through a phone call or in person.According to reports on September 19, a senior U.S. official stated during a phone briefing on September 18, ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit, that "President Trump is ready to talk with Kim Jong Un, either by phone or in person," adding, "The ball is in North Korea's court."However, the official did not specify what cooperation Trump might see September 19, 2026

Gwangju City Council Visits Social Welfare Facilities Ahead of Chuseok On September 17, the Gwangju City Council visited social welfare facilities to offer support and listen to on-site voices ahead of the Chuseok holiday. According to the council, members visited local social welfare facilities to greet users and encourage staff. Council Chair Park Sang-young and other councilors conveyed holiday greetings to facility users and expressed gratitude for the hard work of staff who remain on duty during the holiday. The councilors listened to the concerns of facility September 19, 2026

Gwangju City Council Visits Social Welfare Facilities Ahead of Chuseok On September 17, the Gwangju City Council visited social welfare facilities to offer support and listen to on-site voices ahead of the Chuseok holiday. According to the council, members visited local social welfare facilities to greet users and encourage staff. Council Chair Park Sang-young and other councilors conveyed holiday greetings to users and expressed gratitude for the dedication of staff who remain on duty during the holiday. The councilors listened to the concerns of facility represen September 19, 2026

Muan's Samhyang-eup Delivers Holiday Care Packages to Vulnerable Households The Community Council of Samhyang-eup in Muan County, South Jeolla Province, distributed holiday food packages to elderly residents living alone, people with disabilities, and low-income families ahead of the Chuseok holiday.On September 18, the council delivered 'holiday care packages' to 30 vulnerable households, including seniors living alone and individuals with disabilities.This initiative aims to provide food support to neighbors facing economic and social difficulties during the holiday s September 19, 2026

Gwangju City Celebrates 400 Years of Namhansanseong Fortress Culture Festival Gwangju City’s flagship event, the 31st Namhansanseong Culture Festival, is being held from September 18 to 20 at Namhansanseong Provincial Park. According to the city, this year’s festival commemorates the 400th anniversary of the fortress's construction, aiming to reflect on its historical significance and provide citizens and visitors with various programs to experience the cultural heritage of Namhansanseong. During the festival, activities include an opening ceremony, Sanseong Village, September 19, 2026

Mokpo Coast Guard Conducts Safety Inspections Ahead of Chuseok Holiday and Fishing Season As the Chuseok holiday coincides with the peak season for fall fishing, the Mokpo Coast Guard has initiated safety inspections in anticipation of increased fishing boat usage.On September 18, Mokpo Coast Guard Chief Choi Won-sik visited key fishing areas to assess safety management measures aimed at preventing maritime accidents, the agency reported on September 19.The inspection was prompted by expectations of a rise in fishing enthusiasts during the Chuseok holiday, coupled with the fall fishi September 19, 2026

South Korean Foreign Minister Discusses Peace on Korean Peninsula with CSIS South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin met with John Hamre, honorary chairman of the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), to discuss the Korea-U.S. relationship and issues related to the Korean Peninsula.According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Yonhap News, Minister Park met with Hamre and Victor Cha, a Korea chair at CSIS, on the afternoon of September 18 in Washington, D.C.During the meeting, Minister Park confirmed the mutual understanding between the two countries r September 19, 2026

Pet Owners Clean Up Gaudo Island While Learning Pet Etiquette An innovative island travel program that combines walking with dogs and cleaning up the environment took place on Gaudo Island in Gangjin. The Gwangju Metropolitan City announced on September 19 that it hosted the pet-friendly island tourism program 'Fun with Dogs on the Island' on September 18. This event, part of the 'Year of Visiting Islands in South Jeolla,' attracted over 30 teams with their dogs. Prior to the event, participants were informed about the pet etiquette talk concert, a fun s September 19, 2026

Kim Jong Un Calls for Evolution of Ideological Work in North Korea Kim Jong Un has urged officials in North Korea's propaganda sector to adapt their ideological work to align with changing times.On September 19, during a speech at the third training session for propaganda officials of the Workers' Party of Korea held in Pyongyang, Kim stated, "We must actively explore new, innovative, and effective means and methods of propaganda that meet the demands of the party, the times, and practical needs. This will strengthen our ideological foundation."He emphasized th September 19, 2026

Kim Seung-won Resigns as Justice Minister Amid Ongoing Investigations On September 19, following the resignation of Kim Seung-won as Justice Minister, opposition lawmakers emphasized the need for investigations into the allegations surrounding him, calling it a case of 'too little, too late.' Kim was one of six ministerial nominees appointed by President Lee Jae-myung, and his resignation has raised questions about the presidential personnel system.People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyuk stated on Facebook after Kim's resignation announcement, "The minister's tim September 19, 2026