Latest by
-
Trump: Iran Not Charging Fees for Strait of Hormuz Passage President Donald Trump announced on June 24 that Iran has informed the United States it will not charge any fees for passage through the Strait of Hormuz.According to Yonhap News Agency, Trump shared this information on his social media platform, Truth Social, stating, "Despite the fake news from troublemaking sources, Iran has told the U.S. that there are 'no tolls, insurance fees, or any other kind of charges' for passage through the Strait of Hormuz."He warned, "If this notification is false, subsequent negotiations will end immediately."Trump also emphasized that the U.S. has never provided money to Iran or released frozen funds abroad. He claimed that some of the Iranian funds under U.S. control would go to American farmers and ranchers."Iran is in desperate need of food," Trump added, stating, "We will only purchase it (food) from the U.S. for them."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-24 21:52:00 -
President Lee Calls for Support for Sewol Ferry Disaster Survivors President Lee Jae-myung expressed his deep sorrow on June 24 following the news of the recent passing of a survivor from the Sewol ferry disaster. He stated that the government will explore national-level support measures for the survivors.According to Yonhap News, President Lee wrote on Facebook, "It is difficult to even imagine what kind of feelings they have endured for the past 12 years," and pledged to consider all possible government actions to assist.He noted, "While time is said to heal all wounds, healing does not happen automatically," adding that a society that suppresses pain without adequate mourning will inevitably face problems.The president emphasized the need to listen more attentively to the voices of survivors and bereaved families, vowing to fulfill the government's responsibilities that have not been sufficiently addressed. He also stated that any acts of mockery or insult towards victims and their families will be thoroughly investigated and met with strict consequences.Addressing the survivors, President Lee urged them not to burden themselves with the expectation of living extraordinary lives in place of those who have passed. He encouraged them to let go of their guilt and to cherish the small joys in life with their loved ones. He concluded by expressing his regret that, as the President of South Korea, he has allowed the nation to remain stuck in the events of April 16, 2014, for the past 12 years.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-24 21:40:00 -
Homeplus Appeals to Government to Prevent Bankruptcy Amid Financial Crisis Homeplus and its labor union have urged the government to intervene and prevent the company from going bankrupt. According to Yonhap News on June 24, Homeplus issued a joint statement with the labor union, stating, "Since entering rehabilitation procedures in March of last year, we have been making efforts to reduce our store footprint and sell our supermarket division, but we are now facing a dire financial crisis due to depleted operating funds." To avert bankruptcy, they have requested an emergency operating loan of 200 billion won from their largest creditor, Meritz Financial Group, with the majority shareholder, MBK Partners, agreeing to provide a joint guarantee for 100 billion won. However, they claim that Meritz Financial Group has refused to provide support. Homeplus and the labor union warned, "If funds are not secured by the 30th, it will be difficult to avoid bankruptcy," adding that Meritz, which has secured 64 stores as collateral, would recover over 1.8 trillion won through auctioning off the properties to recoup the loan principal and overdue interest. They emphasized, "Meritz Financial Group stands to gain more from Homeplus's bankruptcy than its survival, which would cause irreversible damage to employees, suppliers, and general creditors." The Homeplus labor union also called on the government and the rehabilitation court to fulfill their roles. They stated, "If the state and the rehabilitation court do not do their part, it will only assist speculative capital in profiting at our expense," demanding a response from the Blue House. In response, Meritz stated that the 100 billion won loan is already available for disbursement and reiterated that guarantees from both MBK and Chairman Kim Byung-joo are necessary. Meritz added in a statement, "We have already deposited 100 billion won into an escrow account to save Homeplus and urge Chairman Kim and MBK to demonstrate their commitment through actual financial contributions." Meanwhile, the Seoul Rehabilitation Court sent a notice to Homeplus's creditors and labor union the previous day, requesting a funding plan of 200 billion won by the 30th.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-24 21:28:00 -
Park Dong-hoon: From Middle School Dropout to $100 Million Advertising Mogul EBS's 'Neighbor Millionaire' highlights the life of Park Dong-hoon, who built a $100 million advertising company from humble beginnings as a middle school dropout and ragpicker. In the episode airing on June 24, the story of Park, known as the 'Chungmuro Success Story' after 40 years in the advertising industry, will be revealed. Starting with just 2 million won, Park grew his one-man operation into a company with 100 employees. After reaching the peak of his career in advertising, he is now taking on new challenges by creating seven street art museums in the Chungmuro area. The broadcast will showcase Park's projects that transformed overlooked spaces, including areas littered with trash and leftover land from road construction, into cultural spaces. When Park's home was visited by Seo Jang-hoon and Jang Ye-won, they were astonished by a massive 103-inch TV in the center of his living room. The TV commands attention with its impressive size. Park explained that only 200 of these TVs were produced worldwide, with each sold to a celebrity representing their country. He revealed that the first buyer in South Korea was actor Bae Yong-joon, stating, "I bought it after Bae Yong-joon put it up for sale when he moved." In the kitchen, Park also demonstrated his '7-Minute Cooking' skills, expressing a desire to be recognized for his discerning palate. Initially skeptical, Seo Jang-hoon was impressed after tasting the finished dish, exclaiming, "I had no expectations, but this is really delicious." The episode will also delve into Park's past, revealing the struggles behind his glamorous success. He confessed that he once deleted all his daughters' phone numbers. Having lived alone with his grandmother in the Jiri Mountain area of South Gyeongsang Province, Park moved to Seoul after middle school to pursue high school. However, due to financial difficulties, he dropped out and survived by collecting discarded items from the streets. His experience of having to forgo education due to a lack of funds motivated him to ensure that he would fully support his two daughters' education. After they graduated from college, he decided to cut off financial support and contact, believing that once their education was complete, he would become a good friend rather than just a father. However, a significant event a few years ago challenged his long-held beliefs, prompting him to reach out to his daughters again. The details of this turning point will be revealed in the broadcast. 'Neighbor Millionaire' airs today, June 24, at 9:55 PM.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-24 21:24:00 -
Hanwha Galleria Acquires Sunhwa Building for 213.5 Billion Won Hanwha Galleria announced on June 24 that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to acquire the Sunhwa Building and six other parcels of land located at 89 Seosomun-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, from Hanyang Academy and two other parties.According to the Financial Supervisory Service's electronic disclosure system, the planned acquisition amount is 213.5 billion won, which represents 10.6% of the company's total consolidated assets as of the end of last year. The MOU grants Hanwha Galleria the exclusive negotiation rights for the purchase of the building and land.The company believes that the asset's central location in Seoul enhances its future utilization potential. Hanwha Galleria is currently exploring various options for the property, including securing office space. Due diligence is underway, with plans to finalize the contract in the second half of the year.However, the company clarified that while it has secured exclusive negotiation rights through the MOU, no specific details have been finalized yet. Further announcements will be made once the specifics are determined.In related news, Hanwha Galleria reported a consolidated revenue of 126.1 billion won for the first quarter of this year, a decrease of 2.4% compared to the same period last year. Conversely, operating profit surged to 12.3 billion won, marking a 550.8% increase during the same timeframe.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-24 20:32:00 -
Prime Minister Kim Min-seok Aims for Global AI Leadership Prime Minister Kim Min-seok announced on June 24 that South Korea aims to become a global leader in artificial intelligence (AI). He expressed a desire for the country to achieve top status in the physical AI sector, particularly when combined with manufacturing capabilities. According to Yonhap News Agency, Kim made these remarks during a special speech at the Summer World Economic Forum (WEF) held at the Dalian International Convention Center in China. He noted, "South Korea has traditional manufacturing strengths that can be leveraged in the physical AI field." Kim assessed that South Korea is facing simultaneous demands for an AI transformation and an energy transition. He emphasized that "AI cannot be completed with algorithms alone," stating that the country must develop infrastructure, including semiconductors, data centers, communication networks, and power grids, as well as AI applications and security systems. He highlighted South Korea's unique strengths in these areas. Regarding the social disparities arising from the AI transition, Kim pointed out that South Korean semiconductor companies have recently seen significant profits, raising the question of how to distribute these gains. He acknowledged that there are currently no clear answers and that this is an ongoing concern. He added, "I believe it is our policy obligation to experiment with linking the outcomes of AI transformation to basic income, providing various insights to the international community regarding its advantages and disadvantages." In conclusion, Kim stated, "South Korea aims to expand global cooperation for innovation and create an environment where businesses, investors, and researchers can grow together, contributing to human prosperity through AI. When your bold challenges combine with Korea's capabilities, large-scale innovation and prosperity will follow."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-24 20:16:00 -
Shin Hae-sun at the Tom Ford Beauty Taormina Orange photo call SEOUL, June 24 (AJP) - Actress Shin Hae-sun poses at the Tom Ford Beauty Taormina Orange launch photo call. 2026-06-24 20:15:36 -
Jihyo at the Tom Ford Beauty Taormina Orange photo call SEOUL, June 24 (AJP) - TWICE member Jihyo poses at the Tom Ford Beauty Taormina Orange launch photo call. 2026-06-24 20:14:20 -
Wi Ha-joon at the Tom Ford Beauty Taormina Orange photo call SEOUL, June 24 (AJP) - Actor Wi Ha-jun poses at the Tom Ford Beauty Taormina Orange launch photo call. 2026-06-24 20:12:09 -
Lee Soo-hyuk at the Tom Ford Beauty Taormina Orange photo call SEOUL, June 24 (AJP) - Actor Lee Soo-hyuk poses at the Tom Ford Beauty Taormina Orange launch photo call. 2026-06-24 20:09:16