Kim Jong Un Meets Visiting Russian Duma Speaker as Defense Minister Arrives in Pyongyang Kim Jong Un met with Vyacheslav Volodin, speaker of Russia’s lower house, the State Duma, during Volodin’s visit to North Korea for a ceremony marking the completion of a memorial honoring troops deployed to Kursk. The Russian Embassy in North Korea said on Telegram, and Russia’s state-run TASS news agency reported, that Kim met Volodin in Pyongyang on Saturday. Volodin delivered greetings from Russian President Vladimir Putin and a message congratulating Kim on his reappointment as chairman of the State Affairs Commission. Volodin expressed gratitude for the deployment of North Korean troops, saying they fought alongside Russian forces and “liberated Russian territory from Ukrainian Nazis.” “The Russian people will never forget the dedication of the North Korean soldiers who gave their lives for the freedom of their homeland,” he said, calling it “the true image of comrades-in-arms.” Volodin also said the close bond between Kim and Putin became “the decisive key to building the future in the most difficult time.” The embassy said Volodin arrived Friday, on Putin’s instructions, to attend the opening of a combat merit memorial tied to the first anniversary of the end of the “Kursk liberation operation.” North Korea and Russia appear to be using the ceremony to highlight military cooperation through a series of high-level exchanges. Separately, the embassy said Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov arrived in North Korea on Saturday for a working visit. North Korean Defense Minister No Kwang Chol met him at the airport. Belousov is expected to hold talks with North Korean leaders in Pyongyang and attend commemorative events. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-26 16:45:59

Lee Ye-won wins KLPGA Deoksin EPC Championship for 10th career title Lee Ye-won, known as the "queen of spring," reached the 10-win mark on the Korea Ladies Professional Golf Association Tour. Lee won the Deoksin EPC Championship on Saturday at Kingsdale Golf Club in Chungju, North Chungcheong province, shooting a 4-under 68 in the final round with six birdies and two bogeys. The tournament carried a total purse of 1 billion won. She finished at 12-under 204, beating Park Hyun-kyung (9-under 207) by three strokes for her first title of the season. With the 180 million won winner’s check, Lee moved to No. 1 in the season money list at 353.07 million won and also climbed to No. 1 in player-of-the-year points. It was her first victory in 11 months, since winning the Doosan Match Play in May last year, and made her the 16th player in KLPGA Tour history to reach 10 career wins. The win again underscored Lee’s reputation as a strong spring performer. Seven of her first nine tour titles came between March and May. Lee earned her first tour win at the Lotte Rent-a-Car Women’s Open in April 2023, then won the Doosan Construction We’ve Championship in August and the HiteJinro Championship in October. That season she swept the tour’s top honors for player of the year, money leader and scoring average. In 2024, she won three of the first nine events, and last year she won three of the first seven, finishing as co-leader in wins for two straight years. This year, she was runner-up at the season opener in March and tied for sixth at the iM Financial Open, which ended April 12. With this victory, she has been in contention three times in five spring events. In a postround TV interview, Lee said, “I’m happy to reach 10 wins faster than I expected. I like spring because I play well in spring, but this year I want to win in the fall, too. My goal this season is three wins, including a major.” Park, who had not posted a top-10 finish in the first four events, recorded the day’s best score with a 6-under 66 and secured her best result of the season. Han Jin-seon, Yoo Hyun-jo, Kim Si-hyun, Yoo Seo-yeon and Kim Jae-hee tied for third at 8-under 208. Defending champion Kim Min-sun, who was seeking a second straight title after winning the Nexen Saint Nine Masters on April 19, tied for 17th at 5-under 211. 2026-04-26 16:36:19

Rebuilding Korea Party launches 'Blue Pinwheel' election committee ahead of June 3 local vote The Rebuilding Korea Party said it has launched its central election committee, dubbed “Blue Pinwheel,” ahead of the June 3 local elections and National Assembly by-elections. The committee is campaigning on three pledges: “zero insurrection forces,” zero corruption and the realization of an “advanced nation of social rights.” Lee Hae-min, the party’s central campaign chief, told reporters at the National Assembly on April 26 that the name “Blue Pinwheel” was shortened to “Blue Pin.” He said it reflects a promise to “use the public’s desire to change outdated politics as the driving force for reform” and to pursue clean politics. Lee said the party set three goals aligned with its ballot number, 3, for the local elections. “Blue Pinwheel turns on the people’s wishes,” he said, adding that the party would embrace the concerns of young people, farmers, the self-employed and future generations. Lee also addressed the Pyeongtaek B by-election in Gyeonggi Province, where party leader Cho Kuk has declared his candidacy and former lawmaker Yoo Eui-dong was named the People Power Party’s sole recommended candidate. Lee said the matchup fits the party’s goal of eliminating what it calls “insurrection forces,” and argued Pyeongtaek could become a place where the party’s election aims are achieved. Asked about the possibility of cooperation among progressive forces in Pyeongtaek, Lee said the reform camp shares awareness on issues such as political reform, but election alliances are not formed on those issues alone. He added that the key actors in any alliance are Pyeongtaek residents, not the leaders of five parties. On possible coordination outside Pyeongtaek, including in the Honam region, Lee said he met Democratic Party Secretary-General Cho Seung-rae for about two hours for a serious discussion and that the two parties have maintained frequent behind-the-scenes contact. He said more time is needed before details can be made public, and that they plan to meet again soon. The Blue Pinwheel committee is scheduled to hold its first meeting on April 27. Cho is expected to serve as committee chair. 2026-04-26 16:24:16

Banks Lift South Korea Growth Forecasts After Q1 Surge, but Potential Growth Seen Sliding Global investment banks have been raising their forecasts for South Korea’s growth after a surprise first-quarter jump, but economists warn the country’s underlying growth capacity continues to weaken, with potential growth projected to fall into the mid-1% range next year. According to government-related sources on April 26, major investment banks recently revised up their outlooks for South Korea’s growth. JPMorgan lifted its forecast to 3.0% from 2.2%, an increase of 0.8 percentage points, and Citi raised its estimate by 0.7 points to 2.9%. Both are well above the government’s 2.0% growth target presented early this year. The upgrades largely reflect the first-quarter “surprise” result. The Bank of Korea said on April 23 that real gross domestic product grew 1.7% from the previous quarter. It was the strongest quarterly growth since the third quarter of 2020, when the economy expanded 2.2%, marking the highest level in five years and six months. Some analysts cautioned the surge may prove temporary. They pointed to base effects after last year’s unusually weak growth, combined with a stronger semiconductor cycle and currency-related factors. Measures of the economy’s fundamentals, however, show a weakening trend. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development projects South Korea’s potential growth rate will fall to 1.71% this year from 1.92% last year, a decline of 0.21 percentage points, and then slip further to 1.57% next year. Potential growth refers to the maximum pace an economy can sustain without stoking inflation while fully using labor and capital. South Korea’s potential growth has been declining since 2012, when it was 3.63%, and fell below 2% for the first time last year. If the trend continues, it would extend the decline to 15 consecutive years through next year. Analysts attribute the slide to structural factors including low birthrates and rapid aging that reduce labor and capital inputs, along with slower productivity gains. They say a short-term growth surprise is unlikely to reverse the trend, and some have raised concerns about a growth model heavily reliant on semiconductors. Jeon Gyu-yeon, an analyst at Hana Securities, said the jump reflects the semiconductor upturn but also that negative effects from the war in the Middle East have not yet been fully felt. “With weaker consumer sentiment and higher raw material prices, private consumption and construction investment are likely to slow,” Jeon said. He added that after the Strait of Hormuz is reopened, a surge in crude oil imports could sharply weaken the contribution from net exports. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-26 16:21:48

U.S. Leaders, World Heads Condemn Shooting Targeting President Trump, Reject Political Violence News of a shooting targeting President Donald Trump drew rare, unified condemnation of violence from U.S. political leaders and major world heads of government.  House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican who was at the scene, thanked law enforcement and emergency responders for moving quickly to bring the situation under control and said he was praying for the country. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, also a Republican, said violence “can never be tolerated” in the United States. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries wrote on X that he appreciated law enforcement’s swift response to protect people from the shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, adding that violence and chaos in the United States “must end.” California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who has traded barbs with Trump, said he was relieved everyone at the dinner was safe and that violence is unacceptable. Leaders of key countries who have sparred with Trump over major issues including tariffs since the launch of his second term last year also sent messages of relief and sympathy. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney wrote on social media that political violence cannot be tolerated in any democracy and offered condolences to those shaken by the “shocking incident.” Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said she was glad Trump and his wife were safe and said violence must never be a means to an end. South Korean President Lee Jae-myung wrote on X on the 26th that he was relieved Trump and his wife, as well as everyone at the scene, were safe, and offered “deep condolences” to the American people. Lee said political violence is a grave threat that undermines the foundations of democracy and can never be justified for any reason, adding that the South Korean government firmly opposes all forms of violence and extremism that damage democracy and the rule of law. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi also wrote on social media that she was glad Trump was safe despite the “terrible shooting,” and said violence can never be tolerated anywhere in the world. Foreign media also focused on what they described as repeated assassination attempts against Trump dating back to his presidential campaign. Bloomberg called the shooting the latest example of political violence that has “engulfed” the United States, citing the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol and an arson attack at the Pennsylvania governor’s residence. Bloomberg also noted that during a 2024 campaign stop in Pennsylvania, a bullet grazed Trump’s ear, and said he has previously been a target of assassination attempts. Axios, a U.S. online outlet, highlighted an assassination attempt during Trump’s first presidential campaign in 2016 and said no modern president has faced such threats. The New York Times raised questions about security in connection with the repeated attempts. It reported there were no metal detectors at the hotel entrance and that the security perimeter was set closer to the stage, urging steps to strengthen protective measures. 2026-04-26 16:12:17

Trump Says Suspect Acted Alone in Shooting at White House Correspondents Dinner, Doubts Iran Link President Donald Trump said April 25 that investigators appear to believe a suspect acted alone in a shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner venue, and he said he did not think Iran was involved. According to The Associated Press and other outlets, Trump told a White House news conference he initially thought the sound was “a tray falling.” He said it was loud and seemed to come from some distance away. Trump said the suspect rushed from about 50 yards (about 45 meters) away and that Secret Service agents responded immediately. He said one agent was shot but survived because he was wearing “a very good bulletproof vest.” Trump said he was evacuating after hearing gunfire while attending the dinner that evening at the Washington Hilton hotel in Washington. No attendees were reported wounded, and the suspect was arrested at the scene. Trump identified the suspect as Cole Thomas Allen, 31, and said, “They seem to think it was a lone wolf. I do, too.” He described Allen as someone with “very serious mental problems” and said authorities searched his apartment. Asked about a possible Iran connection, Trump said, “I don’t think so,” adding, “But you don’t know. We’re going to learn a lot.” The article noted Trump’s approval rating has been very low amid a recent rise in oil prices tied to the Iran war. An AP-NORC poll released April 21, based on interviews April 16-20 with 2,596 U.S. adults and a margin of error of plus or minus 2.6 percentage points, put his approval at 33%, the lowest of his second term. Trump also spoke about political violence, saying participating in politics in the United States comes with a price. “Political violence is happening all over the world,” he said, adding it was hard to imagine a more dangerous job. “No country is free” of it, he said. He urged Americans to “resolve conflicts peacefully” in response to the incident. CBS News, citing multiple sources, reported Allen told law enforcement after his arrest that he had intended to shoot at Trump administration officials. Trump again argued the incident underscored the need to build a White House ballroom. “I didn’t want to say it, but this is why we need the facilities we’re planning at the White House,” he said, calling it a larger and safer space. He said it would be safe from drone attacks and protected by bulletproof glass, and that the Secret Service and the military were requesting it. He said there had been calls for a ballroom for 150 years, but “today is a little different,” adding that security now must be at a level “nobody has ever experienced before.” Trump also said assassination attempts target “the most influential person,” and praised his record, saying the United States had become “the hottest country” in the world after years of being mocked. He said the shooting would not stop him from winning the war with Iran. Appearing with Trump, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said the suspect would soon be charged, including on firearms-related counts. 2026-04-26 15:54:53

Justice Ministry Probes Incheon Textile Plant After Reported Assault on Bangladeshi Worker The Justice Ministry said it has conducted an on-site inspection of a textile manufacturer in Incheon after a reported assault on a foreign worker and will consider administrative sanctions. According to the ministry, police received a report on April 24 that a Korean employee assaulted a Bangladeshi national at a textile plant in Gajwa-dong, Seo-gu, Incheon. The ministry’s Immigration and Foreign Policy Headquarters said its task force for protecting migrants’ rights visited the site with the Incheon Immigration Office and interviewed the victim. The headquarters said it will soon review possible measures based on the extent of any legal violations by the employer, including restrictions on employing foreign nationals and limits on proposals to invite foreign workers. It also plans to discuss support for the victim through the Foreigners’ Human Rights Protection and Rights Promotion Council, a public-private review body. The ministry said it will provide integrated counseling through its Crime Victim One-Stop Solution Center, psychological support through a Smile Center, and financial assistance such as living expenses, along with legal support. Video released by a media outlet showed the Korean employee grabbing the worker by the head, shouting insults and slapping him in front of other workers, allegedly because the worker had left the dormitory. Justice Minister Jeong Seong-ho said foreign workers “must be equally protected under the rule of law in the Republic of Korea.” He pledged to provide all possible support to the victim and to strengthen prevention and response systems so foreign workers can work with dignity without human rights abuses. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-26 15:54:05

South Korea’s Lee Condemns Shooting at White House Correspondents’ Dinner South Korean President Lee Jae-myung on Saturday condemned a shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner in Washington, calling political violence “a serious threat that undermines the foundations of democracy” and saying it can never be justified for any reason. In a post on X, Lee said he was “shocked” by the violence at the dinner, a gathering meant to reaffirm communication with the press and freedom of expression. He said he was relieved to hear that President Donald Trump and his wife, along with others at the scene, were reported safe and unhurt, and he offered condolences to the American people. Lee said the South Korean government firmly opposes all forms of violence and extremism that damage the values of democracy and the rule of law. He posted the message in both Korean and English. According to foreign media reports, a gunman on Friday local time fired at Secret Service agents while trying to breach security at the WHCA dinner at the Washington Hilton hotel. After gunshots were heard, Trump and other key attendees evacuated. No injuries were reported, and the suspect was arrested at the scene and remains in custody. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-26 15:51:56

Badminton to End 21-Point Scoring, Adopt 15-Point Games Starting in 2027 Badminton will scrap its more than two-decade-old 21-point scoring system and shift to 15-point games. The Badminton World Federation (BWF) said it approved the new format, known as "15 points, best-of-three games" (3x15), at its annual general meeting on April 25 (local time) in Horsens, Denmark. The proposal passed after securing the required two-thirds majority. The current 21-point system, introduced in 2006, will be replaced starting in January 2027. Under the new rules, the first player or pair to reach 15 points wins each game. With fewer points per game, several rules will change. If the score reaches 14-14, the side that first opens a two-point lead wins the game. To limit extended deuce play, a cap will be set so a game cannot go beyond 21 points. The BWF also set new standards for breaks and court changes. In each game, a break of up to 60 seconds will be allowed when the leading side first reaches 8 points. In the deciding third game, players will change ends when one side first reaches 8 points. BWF President Patama Leeswadtrakul said the new system would deliver "more exciting and competitive" matches and could offer players potential benefits, including recovery. She said it would bring high-pressure moments earlier and create more dramatic finishes, increasing fan engagement. With the new format taking effect in 2027, strategies are expected to shift. Cutting each game from 21 points to 15 increases the cost of early mistakes, and more aggressive tactics from the start are likely. The Badminton Korea Association is expected to closely analyze how the change will affect national team strategy and support players as they adapt to the new system.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-26 15:51:15

Korean Won’s Real Value Hits 17-Year Low as Middle East War Lifts Oil, FX Rates The won’s real value fell last month to its lowest level since the global financial crisis, pressured by a Middle East war that pushed up both the exchange rate and energy prices. According to the Bank for International Settlements on April 26, South Korea’s real effective exchange rate (REER) index stood at 85.44 (2020=100) at the end of March, down 1.57 points from a month earlier. It was the lowest reading in 17 years, since March 2009 (79.31). The REER measures a currency’s external purchasing power, reflecting not only the nominal exchange rate but also price levels and the currencies of major trading partners. A reading above 100 indicates overvaluation versus the base year, while below 100 suggests undervaluation. After staying above 100 from October 2020 through July the following year, the index hovered in the mid-90s amid a strong dollar and weaker Asian currencies. It slipped into the low 90s following the December 2024 martial law episode and then moved sideways. As the won-dollar rate jumped in October last year, the index fell into the 80s and has remained below 90 for six straight months through last month. Among 64 economies tracked by the BIS, South Korea’s REER last month was the third-lowest, after Japan (66.33) and Norway (72.7). The Japanese yen also fell to its weakest level since Japan adopted a floating exchange rate system in 1973. The latest decline was attributed to a combination of higher oil prices and a sharp rise in the exchange rate linked to the Middle East war. The won-dollar rate rose 6.3% last month based on weekly closing prices, briefly topping 1,500 won per dollar for the first time since the financial crisis. A surge in energy prices also lifted import costs, eroding the won’s real purchasing power. The Bank of Korea said the import price index for March (in won terms, preliminary) rose 16.1% from the previous month to 169.38, from 145.88. It marked the steepest monthly increase since January 1998 (17.8%), 28 years and two months earlier. With the United States and Iran entering a ceasefire, the exchange rate’s rise has eased somewhat this month. Still, the won has remained elevated around 1,470 to 1,480 per dollar amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainty and high oil prices. Kim Yu-mi, a researcher at Kiwoom Securities, said recent trading has shown a clear pattern: when risks ease, the dollar weakens and the exchange rate falls, but when anxiety returns, upward pressure intensifies. She added that the exchange rate’s direction will likely be determined by the relative investment appeal of domestic assets compared with those in the United States. If dollar weakness continues through the third quarter, she said, stronger preference for Korean assets could increase foreign inflows while slowing overseas investment by residents, adding downward pressure on the exchange rate.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-26 15:48:21