President Lee Jae-myung hosted more than 160 people, including national heroes and veterans' families, for a ceremony titled ‘National Service Month, President's Invitation’ on Sunday. The event was organized to convey respect and gratitude for the sacrifices and dedication of those who have served the country by gathering national meritorious people and veterans' families in the highest honor, the presidential office said. “This is a meaningful occasion where the modern history of challenge and response has come together in the name of patriotism,” President Lee said in his remarks to all, adding that he was deeply grateful to “you and your families who have willingly devoted their youth to the challenges of modern history so that our people can live in comfort.” “I thank you on behalf of the nation,” he said, calling out each of the dignitaries in attendance. “Unfortunately, our modern history has paid too little attention to those who have made sacrifices,” Lee said, adding, “We will take the necessary measures to pay special attention, reward, and honor those who have sacrificed their lives for the betterment, safety, and life of the nation and its people.” The participants of the ceremony entered the Blue House with the utmost ceremonial honors, as the Armed Forces' presidential guard of honor dressed in traditional costumes and a traditional band played. President Lee, accompanied by First Lady Kim Hye-kyung, personally greeted each of the attendees and showed them the utmost respect. The ceremony was attended by officers and members of veterans' organizations composed of national meritors and bereaved families, as well as special invitees. Among the special invitees, female veteran Lee Chun-ja, who fought in the Korean War as a shortstop, was married to veteran Park Chang-hoon, who served as a senior sergeant in the same unit during the war. Actor Shin Hyun-joon was also present as a special invitee as the son of the late Colonel Shin Shin-gyun, a 6-25 veteran. Relatives of those who died in the defense of the West Sea were also invited, as well as soldiers who participated in the war. Seo Young-seok, chairman of the bereaved families of the 2nd Yeonpyeong Naval Battle, Lee Sung-woo, chairman of the bereaved families of the 46th Cheonan, Kim Oh-bok, chairman of the Veterans' Review Board, who is the mother of the late Sergeant Seo Jung-woo, who died in the bombardment of Yeonpyeong Island, and Choi Won-il, head of the 326th National Veterans' Research Institute, who was the captain of the Cheonan at the time of the attack. In addition, Rev. Lee Hae-hak, who led the democratization movement by participating in the April 19 Revolution, Mrs. Yoon Jeong-hee, the sister of the late Colonel Yoon Sang-won, the real-life protagonist of “March for Im,” and Mrs. Kim Gil-jah, the mother of Colonel Moon Jae-hak, the model of the novel "A Boy Comes. Other guests included Air Force Captain Kim Chan-hwi, son of the late Sergeant Kim Hak-jae, who was martyred during the arrest of a robbery and rape suspect; Firefighter Lee Ho-geun, whose grandfather was an independence hero and father was a veteran of the Korean War; and Inspector Lee Eun-jung, who is the third generation of police officers, following her grandfather and father, who were killed in the Korean War. The descendants of the national heroes also appeared at the event, adding to its meaning. Announcer Oh Jung-yeon, who served as the emcee, is the granddaughter of a 6-25 veteran, and Army Major Han Yoon-seo, who read a letter of gratitude to the veterans, is also the granddaughter of a 6-25 veteran. The menu on the day included cold abalone with red crab meat, steamed short ribs with solsong, and tang pyeongchae with the meaning of unity, as well as food prepared with care to wish the attendees good health. The attendees' tables were decorated with ‘light tree’ for a strong heart, ‘clematis crispa’ for love and devotion, ‘matricaria’ for strength in the face of adversity, and ‘pink roses’ for gratitude. In addition, place cards and napkins with each attendee's name and a message of gratitude were placed to show appreciation for their sacrifice and dedication to the country. The luncheon concluded with a thank-you performance by musical actor Choi Jae-rim and vocal soldiers, who performed iconic songs from the history of veterans' affairs, including “Independence Army Song” and "Goodnight, Comrade. [News Source: Policy Briefing]
Korean American youth living in the United States are traveling to Jeonju, the most Korean city in Korea, to learn about the culture and sentiments of their homeland. Jeonju City announced on the 23rd that a 17-member Korean American youth delegation, including the Los Angeles Korean American Association, visited Jeonju for four days from the 22nd to the 25th of this month, enjoying the flavors and styles of Jeonju and learning about the traditional culture of their homeland. The visit is based on an agreement on exchange and cooperation signed between the Korean American Association of Los Angeles and Jeonju, a tourism hub city, in January last year, with the aim of enhancing the international outlook of LA youth, who will lead the future era, by visiting Jeonju and experiencing various cultures, and fostering global talents through youth exchanges between the two countries. On the first day of their visit to their hometown, the Korean-American youth visited Jeonju Hanok Village, a national tourist destination that combines tradition and culture, to study and understand the history of the Joseon Dynasty and Jeonju City. On the second day, on the 23rd, they visited Dongheon, a traditional culture training center, to learn and familiarize themselves with Korean manners. They also visited Jeonju's representative library, Hwasim Library, to enjoy and experience the space for youth at ‘Ujuro 1216’. On the same day, the city appointed Robert Ahn, president of the Korean American Association of Los Angeles, as the city's overseas advisor to serve as a bridge between Jeonju, the United States, and Korean Americans abroad. On the 24th, the Korean youth will visit the Korean Traditional Culture High School to learn about traditional culture, including painting Korean paintings, cooking palace food, and performing pansori. In the process, they will have the opportunity to interact with Korean peers to understand Korean sentiments and communicate with Korean students. On the final day of the program, the students will visit the Jeonju World Cup Stadium Drone Stadium to experience drone soccer, which is attracting global attention as it hosts the ‘Jeonju Drone Soccer World Cup 2025,’ and cook and eat bibimbap, Jeonju's representative food, before returning to the United States. “Through the second youth exchange after last year's program, the youth from both countries will be able to develop international perspectives through continuous exchanges and introduce the beauty of Jeonju, the most Korean city, to Korean-American youth,” said Jeonju Mayor Woo Bum-ki. “We will continue to strive to foster global talent so that the youth can broaden their perspectives and move forward into the larger world, and at the same time, make it an opportunity for mutual development based on continuous exchanges with the Korean American Association of Los Angeles.” [News Source: Jeonju, Jeollabuk-do, Korea]
2025 Youth Win-Win Exchange Camp Kicks Off – Gyeonggi-do Leads National Youth Regional Cooperation Beginning in June, Gyeonggi Province will launch the 2025 Youth Win-Win Cooperation Exchange Camp in collaboration with Chungcheongbuk-do, Gwangju Metropolitan City, Jeollanam-do, and Jeollabuk-do, aiming to strengthen mutual understanding among youth through cultural, policy, and historical exchanges. The program also seeks to promote a sense of community across regions. This year, around 300 youth from Gyeonggi-do, including members of youth participatory organizations such as the Youth Participation Committee and the Youth Steering Committee, will join their counterparts from the partner regions for immersive 2-night/3-day or 4-night/5-day camps tailored to reflect local characteristics. The first camp takes place from June 20 to 22 in Chungcheongbuk-do, where participants will engage in regional cultural experiences such as traditional printing at the High Printing Museum, cave boat rides, yacht sailing, and interactive workshops. In return, Gyeonggi-do will host Chungcheongbuk-do youth in September. Additional regional exchanges are scheduled as follows: Gwangju Exchange (Gyeonggi-do): July 11–13 Participants will visit Suwon Hwaseong Media Art, join theme-based programs like the Gwacheon Seoul Land Mission, and participate in marine activities at Hwaseong Jeongok Port. Themed under "Remember the past, create a peaceful future," the program integrates history and cultural heritage. Jeollanam-do Exchange: Gyeonggi youth will visit Jeollanam-do from July 22 to 24, while the return exchange in October will focus on policy-oriented and cultural programs, including upcycling experiences, Bandyland exploration, and local policy sharing. All camps are preceded by a pre-orientation, including safety training and team-building sessions. Through these youth-led activities, the initiative fosters cross-regional friendship, cultural awareness, and civic engagement. A Gyeonggi-do official remarked, “We will continue expanding youth-led exchange networks to strengthen regional cooperation and shared values among the next generation.” [Source: Gyeonggi Provincial Government] [대한민국영어신문]
Kananaskis, Canada – June 17 (local time) — President Lee Jae-myung, currently in Kananaskis, Canada to attend the G7 Summit, held a 30-minute summit meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on the afternoon of the 17th. During the meeting, the two leaders agreed to lay the foundation for a forward-looking relationship between South Korea and Japan. Emphasizing mutual respect and trust, both leaders committed to enhancing dialogue between their respective governments to further develop bilateral ties. The summit also included discussions on expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including the economy and culture. President Lee and Prime Minister Ishiba shared views on maintaining peace and stability amid a rapidly changing international landscape and pledged to seek closer cooperation to advance their nations’ strategic interests. In light of regional geopolitical tensions, particularly those involving North Korea, the leaders stressed the importance of maintaining and strengthening trilateral cooperation with the United States. The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to resuming "shuttle diplomacy," building on previous talks held on the 9th of this month. They agreed to accelerate working-level consultations to ensure progress on key issues. — Source: Office of the President
Full-scale support for K-Beauty's global expansion... From practical strategies to intellectual property protection, all in one place! Focus on global expansion strategies through group affiliates Aliexpress and Lazada - Providing practical support such as IP protection know-how and one-on-one customized consulting Seoul, South Korea, June 9, 2025 -- Alibaba International Group has partnered with the Korea Cosmetic Association (KCA) to host the “K-Beauty Global Jump! Business & IP Strategy Conference” on June 17 (Tuesday) at Tradinoi in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, to support the global expansion of
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On July 7, Siheung City opened the “Gyeonggi Siheung SNU Pharmaceutical Bio-Pharmaceutical Human Resources Training Center” on the 5th floor of the Education Cooperation Building at Seoul National University's Siheung Campus and began full-scale educational operations. The establishment of this center follows the completion of educational facilities and equipment construction through collaboration between Gyeonggi Province, Siheung City, and Seoul National University, following the selection of the center as a recipient of the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Bio Regional Campus Program
Yeonsu-gu and Cottonwood Heights, Utah, USA (Mayor Mike Wakers) have signed an international friendship city agreement. The district dispatched a delegation to visit the city at the invitation of Cottonwood Heights, Utah, and on the 5th (local time), the two cities signed the “International Sister City Agreement” at the Cottonwood Heights City Hall, pledging to actively promote exchanges and cooperation in areas such as administration, culture, education, and economy. Accordingly, the two cities will promote continuous communication and cooperation systems, including establishing a permanent c
Fiesole, Italy, July 5, 2025 -- It was a night where history and legend intertwined, a time to honor the true values of ethics and fair play. The 29th Fair Play Menarini International Award ceremony took place at the Roman Theatre of Fiesole, a timeless space where culture and sports converge. The world's top sports stars, recognized for their exemplary loyalty, respect, and integrity both on and off the field, gathered together. Fair Play Menarini International Award 2025 This year's winners included Luis Figo, an icon of soccer. Luis Figo won the Ballon d'Or while playing for Real Madrid a
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Artificial Intelligence — or AI — is one of the most exciting and powerful technologies of our time. Once just an idea from science fiction, AI is now part of our daily lives, from smart assistants on our phones to self-driving cars. But what exactly is AI, and how is it changing the world? At its core, AI is about creating machines that can think, learn, and solve problems. Traditional computers follow fixed instructions, but AI systems can adapt. They use data to learn and make decisions. For example, when you stream music or shop online, AI recommends songs or products you might like, based
What Is an Earthquake?An earthquake happens when the ground suddenly shakes. This shaking is caused by movements inside the Earth. The Earth’s surface is made of large pieces of rock called tectonic plates. These plates are always moving, but very slowly. Sometimes, the plates push against each other and get stuck. Over time, a lot of energy builds up. When the plates finally move, the energy is released as an earthquake. The ground can shake a little or a lot — depending on how much energy is released. How Do We Measure Earthquakes?Scientists use a tool called a seismograph to measure earthqu
What Is the Solar System?The Solar System is made up of the Sun and everything that moves around it. The Sun is a giant ball of hot gas that gives us light and heat. Without it, life on Earth would not exist. Eight planets, many moons, asteroids, comets, and space dust all orbit the Sun. These objects are held in place by the Sun’s gravity. The Eight PlanetsThe planets are divided into two groups: Inner planets:Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars→ They are rocky and smaller. Outer planets:Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune→ They are gas giants (except Uranus and Neptune, which are called ice giants) and
The Incheon Port Authority announced that the 6th Incheon International Ocean Forum (Incheon International Ocean Forum 2025), co-hosted by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and Incheon Metropolitan City, and co-organized by the Incheon Port Authority and Yonhap News Agency, opened on July 3. This event, the largest marine business forum in the Seoul National Capital Area, will take place from July 3 to 4 at the Songdo Convention Center (123 Central Road, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon) under the theme “A Turbulent Global Economy and the Resurgence of the Marine Industry.” The opening ceremony began wit
The KBO is collaborating with Walt Disney Company Korea (hereinafter referred to as Disney Korea) to launch the “KBO I Mickey and Friends Collection.” Disney Korea is bringing back last year's highly popular “Mickey and Friends: Seoul Tour” campaign with a new twist, featuring Mickey and Friends enjoying trendy culture. This collaboration with the KBO is an extension of that campaign. This time, Mickey Mouse's artwork has been creatively combined with the unique identities of the 10 KBO League teams, adding a fresh and distinctive charm. The collection features Mickey Mouse playing baseball, w
Jakarta, Indonesia, July 3, 2025 -- Vantage Foundation has partnered with KDM Foundation, a Jakarta-based nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming the lives of homeless children through education, creativity, and sustainable living, as part of its community contribution activities. Vantage Foundation Joins Hands with KDM Foundation to Empower Street Children in Jakarta During a recent visit to the KDM campus, representatives from the Vantage Foundation were welcomed by Sotar Sinaga, a board member of the KDM Foundation. He shared the organization's holistic approach to youth developm
■ Beware of text messages claiming to be from the government regarding consumer coupons for economic recovery. The government and financial institutions do not send text messages containing links related to consumer coupons for economic recovery. [News source: Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism]