South Korea’s presidential candidates kicked off their campaigns on Monday, promising to heal a fractured nation, boost the economy, and navigate a trade dispute with the United States, ahead of the June 3 snap election triggered by the ousting of president Yoon Suk Yeol.
Following a political firestorm caused by Yoon’s controversial martial law order, which led to his removal from office, voters will now choose a new leader for Asia’s fourth-largest economy in just over a month.
The liberal Democratic Party’s Lee Jae-myung, a frontrunner in the race, launched his campaign in central Seoul, surrounded by thousands of blue-clad supporters. Energizing the crowd with campaign songs and chants of “Lee Jae-myung, president!”, he symbolically changed into sneakers onstage to show his commitment to hard work.
Lee, who narrowly lost the previous election to Yoon, has emerged as a resilient figure after surviving a knife attack and fending off a series of criminal charges, including bribery and involvement in a $1 billion property development scandal. His trials have been postponed until after the election.
Wearing a bulletproof vest due to ongoing threats, Lee pledged to unify the nation and tackle the economic impact of U.S. tariffs. His party’s platform centers on fostering artificial intelligence innovation and promoting South Korea’s influential K-pop culture. Lee also vowed to repair relations with North Korea and expand diplomatic ties with Europe.
Conservative challenger Kim Moon-soo, the official candidate of the People Power Party, launched his campaign with a visit to a Seoul wholesale market, sharing sausage soup with merchants. His focus is on reviving small businesses and job creation amid an economic slowdown.
After consolidating his campaign with that of a former prime minister, Kim gained the endorsement of the ousted Yoon. However, this move sparked division within the PPP, with some members pushing for Yoon’s expulsion from the party.
Kim’s policy agenda includes seeking a swift summit with U.S. president Donald Trump to renegotiate tariffs and reinforce the security alliance with Washington. He has also proposed exploring nuclear fuel reprocessing — a step that would move South Korea closer to nuclear armament.
As the campaign heats up, both candidates are trying to position themselves as agents of stability and progress in a nation still reeling from political turmoil and economic uncertainty.
Uzbekistan and South Korea are deepening their collaboration on railway development as both countries advance plans for a high-speed passenger rail line connecting Tashkent and Samarkand.
Mongolia’s Mineral Resources and Petroleum Authority and the Korea Gas Safety Corporation signed a Memorandum of Understanding on April 29, 2025, to enhance cooperation on flammable gas safety.
South Korea’s Prime Minister and Acting President Han Duck-soo has resigned and announced his presidential bid, pledging to shorten his term to three years in order to pursue constitutional reform and apply his economic expertise to address the ongoing trade crisis.
South Korea has won a landmark $18.2 billion contract to build two nuclear reactors in the Czech Republic—its first overseas nuclear power project in 16 years—signaling a renewed push into Europe's growing energy market.
South Korea’s Supreme Court reinstated election-law charges against liberal frontrunner Lee Jae-myung on Thursday, suddenly jeopardizing his candidacy in June’s snap presidential election.
Iranian government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani has confirmed that preparations are in progress for a potential visit to Tehran by Russian President Vladimir Putin, though no official date has been announced.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has launched HUMAIN, a Public Investment Fund (PIF)-owned company focused on advancing artificial intelligence, with plans to become a global leader in AI technologies and infrastructure
European Council President António Costa has highlighted Albania and Montenegro as frontrunners in the EU accession process, emphasizing the importance of enlargement for regional stability and prosperity.
The UK and EU are set to announce a groundbreaking defence and security agreement aimed at countering shared threats, particularly from Russia.
Azerbaijan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jeyhun Bayramov, has embarked on an official visit to the Kingdom of Bahrain, where he is set to engage in high-level meetings with Bahraini officials.
India has fired a series of missiles into Pakistani-controlled territory, in what it has described as “Operation Sindoor”
For the first time in history, an American has been chosen to lead the Catholic Church, as Cardinal Robert Prevost is named pope.
A Rafale fighter jet operated by the Indian Air Force has reportedly been shot down for the first time in combat, according to sources cited by CNN, marking a significant and symbolic development in the ongoing escalation between India and Pakistan.
Pope Leo XIV made a surprise visit to the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Counsel in Genazzano. AnewZ covered the event, with journalist Maria Rodriguez Abalde on-site. She witnessed the occasion firsthand and documented key moments. More images and footage will be available soon.
Iranian government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani has confirmed that preparations are in progress for a potential visit to Tehran by Russian President Vladimir Putin, though no official date has been announced.
European Council President António Costa has highlighted Albania and Montenegro as frontrunners in the EU accession process, emphasizing the importance of enlargement for regional stability and prosperity.
The UK and EU are set to announce a groundbreaking defence and security agreement aimed at countering shared threats, particularly from Russia.
Xabi Alonso, current head coach of Bayer Leverkusen, has reportedly signed a contract to become Real Madrid's new manager until 2028, according to sports journalist Fabrizio Romano.
Germany warned on Monday that it will keep weapons flowing to Ukraine unless Moscow accepts a proposed 30‑day cease‑fire, with Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul telling counterparts in London that new arms packages are ready if Russia refuses to halt hostilities.
Iranian government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani has confirmed that preparations are in progress for a potential visit to Tehran by Russian President Vladimir Putin, though no official date has been announced.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has launched HUMAIN, a Public Investment Fund (PIF)-owned company focused on advancing artificial intelligence, with plans to become a global leader in AI technologies and infrastructure
European Council President António Costa has highlighted Albania and Montenegro as frontrunners in the EU accession process, emphasizing the importance of enlargement for regional stability and prosperity.
The UK and EU are set to announce a groundbreaking defence and security agreement aimed at countering shared threats, particularly from Russia.
Azerbaijan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jeyhun Bayramov, has embarked on an official visit to the Kingdom of Bahrain, where he is set to engage in high-level meetings with Bahraini officials.
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