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  • Iran Declares Closure of Hormuz Strait; U.S. Launches Additional Airstrikes
    Iran Declares Closure of Hormuz Strait; U.S. Launches Additional Airstrikes The U.S. military has launched additional airstrikes to weaken Iran's military capabilities that threaten commercial vessels transiting the Hormuz Strait. On July 12, U.S. Central Command announced via social media platform X that airstrikes began at 5 p.m. Eastern Time, which corresponds to 6 a.m. on July 13 in South Korea. The Central Command stated that the operation was carried out under the direction of President Donald Trump, with the aim of further degrading Iran's ability to attack civilian mariners and vessels. Specific details regarding the locations, targets, and extent of damage from the airstrikes were not disclosed. The U.S. has been targeting Iran's missile and air defense systems, as well as the naval forces of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), following Iran's resumption of attacks on commercial vessels in the Hormuz Strait. Earlier, the IRGC declared a complete closure of the Hormuz Strait. The U.S. has rejected this claim, asserting its commitment to ensuring freedom of navigation in the strait.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-13 07:40:00
  • Korean golfers sweep with Ryu Haerans major double and Tom Kims Open win
    Korean golfers sweep with Ryu Haeran's major double and Tom Kim's Open win SEOUL, July 13 (AJP) -South Korea enjoyed one of its most successful weekends in international golf as Ryu Haeran captured her second consecutive major championship and Tom Kim ended a difficult two-year spell by claiming the Genesis Scottish Open, giving the country victories on both the LPGA and men's PGA Tour stages. Ryu completed a stunning ascent to the summit of women's golf by winning the Amundi Evian Championship in France on Sunday, just two weeks after claiming the KPMG Women's PGA Championship at Hazeltine. The 25-year-old produced one of the most memorable performances in major championship history over the weekend. She fired an 11-under-par 60 in the third round, the lowest score ever recorded in an LPGA major, before surviving a tense final day to defeat Canada's Brooke Henderson in a playoff. After taking a three-shot lead into the final round, Ryu struggled on the greens and failed to make a birdie until the 72nd hole. Facing elimination, she rolled in a clutch birdie putt on the par-five 18th to force a playoff after Henderson eagled the closing hole. Ryu then calmly reached the green in two on the first extra hole while Henderson found trouble off the tee. A routine birdie secured her second straight major title. "This is just a dream right now," Ryu said after being drenched in champagne during the trophy presentation. "Before these three weeks, I didn't have a major championship. Now two in a row. I am so happy. I can't believe it." Her victory follows the Women's PGA Championship triumph at Hazeltine on June 29, making her the first South Korean woman to win back-to-back majors since Inbee Park accomplished the feat in 2013. While Ryu was making history in France, Tom Kim delivered an equally emotional comeback on Scotland's east coast. The 24-year-old carded a bogey-free six-under 64 to finish at 17 under and win the Genesis Scottish Open by two shots at The Renaissance Club, capturing his first title since 2023 and his biggest career victory. Kim entered the final round one stroke behind but quickly separated himself from a crowded leaderboard by birdieing three of his opening seven holes before adding further birdies at the 10th, 12th and 16th. He closed without a bogey to claim the prestigious Rolex Series title worth $1.575 million. The victory capped a remarkable turnaround after Kim's world ranking plunged outside the top 150 just a month ago following a prolonged slump stretching through much of 2025 and early 2026. "Obviously I've had a tough couple of years," Kim said. "I got to taste a lot of that humble pie and I got to really learn about myself. I'm still trying to grow, still trying to learn. Still got a long way to go." "But this one I wanted to dedicate to the people that were in my corner the whole time and struggled with me and who celebrated with me." Kim first announced himself to the golfing world with a third-place finish at the same event four years ago before winning three PGA Tour titles and representing the International Team twice in the Presidents Cup. His Scottish Open victory now sends him into next week's Open Championship at Royal Birkdale with renewed confidence after already finishing third at last month's U.S. Open. The title also guarantees Kim an invitation to the 2027 Masters Tournament. 2026-07-13 07:28:23
  • KOSPI Adjustment Eases Concerns Over National Pension Fund Rebalancing
    KOSPI Adjustment Eases Concerns Over National Pension Fund Rebalancing KOSPI Adjustment Eases Concerns Over National Pension Fund Rebalancing The recent decline in the KOSPI has led to a reduction in the National Pension Fund's domestic stock ratio, alleviating initial fears of a potential sell-off worth up to 70 trillion won. The pension fund's holdings have now fallen within the target range. From July 1 to July 10, the pension fund recorded a net selling of 202.1 billion won in the securities market, with the average daily selling volume dropping to a quarter of last month's levels. While the pension fund sold shares in SK Square and Samsung Electro-Mechanics, it also purchased stocks in SK Hynix and Shinhan Financial Group, indicating a selective approach to its portfolio. Analysts suggest that the recent increase in market volatility is largely due to foreign investors realizing profits in semiconductor stocks, rather than actions taken by the National Pension Fund.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-13 07:00:00
  • Venezuela Earthquake Death Toll Reaches 4,490, Injuries at 16,740
    Venezuela Earthquake Death Toll Reaches 4,490, Injuries at 16,740 Nearly 4,500 people have died following a series of earthquakes in Venezuela last month.Jorge Rodriguez, the President of the Venezuelan National Assembly, reported on Telegram on July 12 that the death toll has reached 4,490, an increase of 157 from the previous day.Injuries have been reported at 16,740, with 6,462 individuals rescued so far. The number of displaced persons stands at 17,907.The earthquakes caused significant damage to buildings, with a total of 856 structures reported damaged. Among these, 190 buildings have either completely collapsed or sustained severe damage.The series of earthquakes began on June 24, with the most severe impacts felt in the capital city of Caracas and the northern coastal state of La Guaira. Search and rescue operations for missing persons and debris removal efforts are ongoing in the affected areas.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-13 06:28:00
  • U.S. Military Strikes Iran for Second Consecutive Day Targeting Missiles and Boats
    U.S. Military Strikes Iran for Second Consecutive Day Targeting Missiles and Boats The U.S. military has conducted airstrikes against Iran's missile and air defense capabilities, as well as small boats belonging to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), for two consecutive days.Barak Rabid, a reporter for Axios, cited U.S. officials on July 12, stating that the military carried out multiple airstrikes targeting Iran's missile and air defense systems.IRGC small boats stationed near the Hormuz Strait were also targeted. These vessels are known to be used for threatening civilian ships.The strikes followed Iran's resumption of attacks on civilian vessels transiting the Hormuz Strait, prompting a military response from the U.S.Iran's state-run IRNA news agency reported that 10 to 11 'enemy projectiles' landed on Qeshm Island in the Hormuz Strait. Iranian authorities confirmed that military facilities were hit but reported no casualties.Qeshm Island hosts Iranian military radar and coastal surveillance facilities.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-13 06:24:00
  • Lindsey Graham, Key Ally of Trump and Hawkish Republican Senator, Dies at 71
    Lindsey Graham, Key Ally of Trump and Hawkish Republican Senator, Dies at 71 Lindsey Graham, a prominent Republican senator and key ally of President Donald Trump, has died at the age of 71. His office announced on July 12 that he passed away the previous evening due to a sudden illness, though the exact cause has not been disclosed.Born in 1955, Graham entered politics in 1994 when he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. He won a Senate seat in 2002 and represented South Carolina for over 20 years.Graham was set to run for a fifth term in the upcoming November midterm elections.A leading hawk in the Republican Party, Graham advocated for a tough stance on issues involving Iran, Russia, China, and North Korea. He supported sanctions and military pressure to curb Iran's nuclear and missile development and backed military responses during Trump's second term.He was also a strong proponent of aid to Ukraine, visiting Kyiv ten times since Russia's invasion in 2022. Just before his death, he met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to discuss additional sanctions against Russia and strategies for ending the war.Graham competed against Trump in the 2016 Republican presidential primary but later became a political ally, supporting the Trump administration's foreign and security policies in the Senate.Trump expressed his condolences on social media platform Truth Social, stating, "Graham was one of the greatest people and senators I have ever known. He was a true patriot of America."Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also remarked, "Israel has lost a great friend, and America has lost a great patriot."With Graham's passing, the Republican Senate seats have decreased from 53 to 52. However, under South Carolina state law, Governor Henry McMaster can appoint an interim successor.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-13 06:20:00
  • Gwangju Ilgos Dignity and the Role of Veterans Affairs
    Gwangju Ilgo's Dignity and the Role of Veterans Affairs “The core value of the May spirit lies in inclusion, not exclusion. Since the students are genuinely reflecting and repenting, they should be given another chance.” On July 9, the 5.18 three organizations (the Association of Victims' Families, the Association of the Injured, and the Association of Contributors) and the 5.18 Memorial Foundation held a press conference at the 5.18 Memorial Cultural Center in Gwangju, South Korea, urging leniency for the baseball team from Baejae High School, which received a six-month suspension for chanting a mocking cheer related to the May 18 incident. The organizations stated, “We ask that the heartfelt reflection and willingness to change shown by the Baejae High School baseball team be taken into account, allowing them to participate in the Phoenix Cup National High School Baseball Tournament.” June 2026 illustrated the current state of South Korean society, reflecting a collective experience rather than that of individuals or a select few. For instance, even during a baseball game, crises arise multiple times, and mistakes are made. What matters is how we navigate these crises and what we learn from our mistakes. The Baejae High School baseball team drew public outrage after chanting “Let’s go to Starbucks,” a mocking cheer related to the May 18 incident, during a match against Gwangju Ilgo on June 29 at the 81st Cheongryonggi National High School Baseball Championship. The Korea Baseball Softball Association held a Sports Fairness Committee meeting on July 1, deciding to forfeit Baejae High School's remaining games in the tournament and imposing a six-month suspension from national competitions. All 36 members of the Baejae High School baseball team visited Gwangju Ilgo on July 6, just a week after the incident, to sincerely apologize, and Gwangju Ilgo accepted their apology. Team captain A stated, “I sincerely apologize to the players, parents, and citizens of Gwangju who were deeply hurt by our inappropriate remarks and actions.” B, a representative from Gwangju Ilgo, reflected, “This has made us reconsider whether we have also hurt other teams. We hope an environment is created where such mocking and derogatory cheers do not occur again.” Lee Gyu-yeon, principal of Gwangju Ilgo, remarked, “I hope the roles of students and adults are clearly defined. It is the responsibility of adults to guide children correctly,” adding that he is also reflecting on his own actions in light of this incident. The government designated June as 'National Defense and Veterans Month' to honor the noble sacrifice of fallen heroes and to foster a sense of patriotism and national defense awareness among citizens. The events that unfolded at the end of June served as a moment to reflect on the role of veterans affairs. One of the roles of the Ministry of Veterans Affairs is to educate future generations about veterans' assets and historical awareness. One of the four strategies of the '6th Basic Plan for the Development of National Veterans Affairs,' which the ministry is implementing from this year until 2030, is 'A Veterans Culture Remembered Together with the People.' This includes initiatives to remember and inherit the spirit of independence, promote intergenerational integration of veterans culture, and expand the social role of veterans organizations. The importance of education is a valuable lesson learned from this incident. The Ministry of Veterans Affairs operates exploration courses for middle and high school students and young people, providing various opportunities to experience veterans affairs directly, including a trip to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Shanghai Provisional Government. There is also a need to expand education using local memorial facilities. Additionally, the ministry has established a 'Comprehensive Portal for Veterans Culture' to provide various materials related to veterans culture, including videos, exhibitions, and educational resources, which were previously scattered across its headquarters and affiliated organizations. This service has been available since May 11. A small step in daily life can resonate greatly in veterans affairs. The 'Korea Memorial Festa,' held in early June at Nanji Hangang Park in Seoul, utilized K-culture content such as music and food to make veterans affairs more accessible to future generations. It was notable that most attendees, primarily in their teens and twenties, engaged with veterans culture through performances and events. It is essential that various programs permeate daily life not only in June but throughout the year.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-13 06:04:00
  • Experts Urge Action on Climate Crisis and Landslide Preparedness
    Experts Urge Action on Climate Crisis and Landslide Preparedness The nation is intensifying efforts to prepare for landslides. However, why do we continue to experience flooding and landslide damage every year? While natural disasters cannot be entirely prevented by human efforts, it is certainly possible to reduce their impact. Perhaps what we are overlooking is our complacency and insensitivity towards disasters. Extreme weather caused by the climate crisis is no longer an unfamiliar phenomenon. Last year, record rainfall in the Sancheong and Hapcheon areas of South Gyeongsang Province led to numerous landslides, while heavy rainfall in Gapyeong, Gyeonggi Province, caused significant damage in a short period. Weather events once considered 'unusual' are now becoming a new normal that can recur at any time. As extreme rainfall events become more frequent, relying solely on past experiences and statistics to explain risks is increasingly inadequate. Landslides are occurring in areas previously deemed safe, and the scale of damage is also growing. To respond to these changes, it is necessary to reassess existing systems and implement landslide prevention policies, such as watershed management, from a more future-oriented perspective. First, it is essential to strengthen design standards for watershed facilities considering the changed rainfall environment. Recently, the intensity of rainfall has been increasing to the point where record rainfall amounts are being set every year. In response, the Korea Forest Service has appropriately strengthened standards to incorporate extreme rainfall data from the past five years into watershed management design. However, merely installing facilities is not enough. Systematic inspections and maintenance of existing structures, such as sediment control dams, must also be enhanced. No matter how excellent the facilities are, they cannot perform their intended functions without ongoing maintenance. Second, to enhance the effectiveness of watershed management, project plans must be developed that are suitable for the characteristics of the watershed and changes in rainfall patterns. Watershed management should not be limited to the installation of individual facilities; it requires an integrated approach that considers the entire watershed. This necessitates establishing a foundation for scientifically understanding and analyzing the flow of water and sediment movement in forest watersheds. The Korea Forest Service is developing forest hydrological models and creating a national 'Forest Hydrological Map' to establish water balance information for forest watersheds, while also installing hydrophones to monitor sediment movement. As this data accumulates, it is expected that the scale and location of watershed facilities can be determined more scientifically, and the accuracy of landslide risk predictions will improve. Third, there is a need to cultivate specialized personnel and enhance technical capabilities for responding to forest disasters. Landslides, debris flows, and soil erosion disasters require a high level of expertise, but the workforce in this field is aging, and the influx of new personnel is insufficient. It is crucial to ensure systematic training and the transfer of technical skills to prevent the loss of accumulated field experience and expertise. Additionally, as the types and scales of forest disasters change rapidly due to climate change, continuous research and development are necessary. Efforts to secure new response technologies through international technical exchanges should also be pursued. Expectations are high for the recently established Korea Forest Disaster Safety Technology Institute. Forest disasters cannot be addressed solely through facility installation; they require a comprehensive approach that integrates investigation and analysis, prevention and recovery, research and education. It is hoped that the institute will continuously train specialized personnel related to forest disasters, systematically accumulate and develop field-oriented technologies, and secure landslide response technologies suitable for South Korea through scientific research and international technical exchanges. In disaster psychology, the tendency to underestimate risks until they are imminent and to believe that nothing will change after recognizing the danger is known as 'Normalcy Bias.' This is why we cannot feel reassured simply because a large-scale disaster has not occurred in a specific area. In fact, the places we should pay attention to may be those that have not experienced significant damage until now. The fact that landslides have not occurred in the past does not guarantee future safety. As the climate crisis becomes the new normal, landslides are no longer just a problem for mountainous regions but a daily risk that can occur anywhere in the country. A thorough preparedness plan from the government and local authorities, combined with individual awareness that 'my area could be at risk at any time,' will finally create a robust safety net.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-13 05:04:00
  • Trumps Lawyers Appointed to Key Positions in U.S. Justice Department
    Trump's Lawyers Appointed to Key Positions in U.S. Justice Department Lawyers from the prominent U.S. law firm Sullivan & Cromwell, who are representing President Donald Trump in personal lawsuits, are being appointed to key positions within the Justice Department, Politico reported on July 12.According to the report, Sullivan & Cromwell is handling appeals related to 34 business fraud charges against Trump, as well as civil fraud cases in New York. The firm has represented Trump in various personal legal matters.In this second term, Trump has appointed lawyers from this firm to significant roles within the Justice Department. Notably, Jay Clayton has been nominated as the Director of National Intelligence (DNI). Clayton is currently awaiting confirmation while maintaining his position as the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York.James McDonald, a partner at Sullivan & Cromwell and a member of Trump’s legal team, has been nominated to fill the vacancy left by Clayton at the Southern District of New York. McDonald has been appointed as the Deputy U.S. Attorney and will assume the role of U.S. Attorney upon confirmation. During Clayton's confirmation process, McDonald will oversee the office's operations, as reported by The New York Times. McDonald has also worked at Sullivan & Cromwell for over five years, serving as Trump's litigation attorney.CBS News cited a former official from Trump’s Justice Department, stating that Sullivan & Cromwell understands the dynamics of Washington well and recognizes that maintaining proximity to the president is the best strategy in the current environment. Politico highlighted the close relationship between Trump and Robert Giuffra Jr., co-chair of Sullivan & Cromwell.However, the appointment of individuals with backgrounds as personal attorneys to lead the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York has drawn criticism from Democrats and within the law firm. The Southern District is considered a key institution within the Justice Department, handling major financial and corruption cases centered around Wall Street. According to Politico, prominent attorney Karen Seymour resigned in April 2025, just three months after Trump appointed Sullivan & Cromwell.Additionally, Matthew Schwartz, another attorney from Sullivan & Cromwell who represented Trump, has been nominated as a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. Schwartz testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee in May, pledging to resign from Trump’s cases and to rule without fear or favor. However, his nomination is still pending.A spokesperson for Sullivan & Cromwell stated, “The decision to represent President Trump was made after discussions with nearly 200 partners, including the managing partner and the management committee,” as reported by The Wall Street Journal.Sullivan & Cromwell is recognized as a leading global law firm based in New York. Founded on Wall Street in 1879, the firm has handled numerous high-profile cases, including the establishment of Edison General Electric Company in 1882. According to the firm's LinkedIn page, it employs 875 attorneys.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-13 05:04:00
  • Yoo Hae-ran Wins LPGA Evian Championship, Secures Second Consecutive Major Title
    Yoo Hae-ran Wins LPGA Evian Championship, Secures Second Consecutive Major Title Yoo Hae-ran claimed victory at the Amundi Evian Championship, the fourth major of the LPGA Tour season, with a total prize purse of $9.1 million.On July 12, during the final round held at the Evian Resort Golf Club in Évian-les-Bains, France, Yoo shot an even-par 71.With a total score of 19-under 265, Yoo tied with Brooke Henderson of Canada, leading to a playoff. In the first playoff hole, the par-5 18th, Yoo secured a birdie while Henderson made par, clinching the championship.This victory marks Yoo's second major title in just two weeks, following her win at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship last month. It is her second win of the season and the fifth of her LPGA Tour career.Yoo is the first South Korean player to win back-to-back LPGA major titles since Inbee Park swept three majors in 2013 (Kraft Nabisco Championship, Wegmans LPGA Championship, and U.S. Women’s Open). Additionally, it is the first time since Jin-young Ko in 2019 that a player has won more than two majors in a single season.Starting the final day with a three-shot lead, Yoo struggled with her putting throughout the round. Meanwhile, Henderson made an eagle on the par-5 7th hole and followed it up with a hole-in-one on the par-3 8th, tightening the competition.The decisive moment came on the final hole of regulation. After making only one bogey and no birdies until the 17th hole, Yoo made a crucial birdie from about 4 meters on the 18th. Henderson also made a dramatic eagle on the same hole, sending the match into a playoff.During the playoff on the 18th hole, Yoo displayed steady shot-making, calmly hitting her second shot onto the green and making a two-putt birdie to seal her victory.Yoo earned $1.4 million (approximately 2.1 billion won) for her win. Combined with her $1.95 million prize from the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, she has earned a total of $3.35 million (about 5 billion won) from her last two major tournaments.After the match, Yoo expressed her disbelief, stating, "Just three weeks ago, I had no major wins, and now I have two in a row. It feels like a dream."Other South Korean players also performed well. Jin-hee Lim shot a final round of 6-under, finishing tied for fourth with a total score of 15-under 269. So-mi Lee concluded the tournament in a tie for 10th with a total score of 11-under 273.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-13 02:28:00