English-speaking North Korean guides drew attention during the Pyongyang International Marathon, engaging foreign participants with fluent, occasionally candid conversations. While guides appeared more relaxed off-camera, their on-camera responses often followed scripted state narratives.
The United States’ broad trade war strategy—targeting over 100 countries—is causing economic disruption and weakening global alliances, while unintentionally strengthening China’s role in international trade. Without a focused, strategic approach, the U.S. risks long-term economic and diplomatic isolation.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un sent $2 million in educational aid to Chongryon, a pro-Pyongyang group in Japan, to support Korean schools and students in honor of Kim Il Sung’s birthday. The donation continues a decades-long tradition of scholarships and appears aimed at reinforcing loyalty among young Koreans in Japan.
Sunwoo of The Boyz faced backlash over a viral video showing alleged impolite behavior toward staff, prompting his agency, One Hundred Label, to apologize and pledge better management.
The U.S. Embassy in Seoul has warned that overstaying a U.S. visa—even once—can lead to permanent travel bans or future visa denials. The announcement reflects heightened immigration enforcement under the Trump administration, with continuous monitoring of visa holders.
The LAPD cleared itself in the fatal shooting of Yong Yang, a mentally ill Korean-American man, based on an internal review lacking independent oversight. The case has sparked criticism from the victim’s family and community leaders, raising broader concerns about police accountability and the failure to prioritize non-lethal responses.
Apple and Samsung Electronics have temporarily avoided U.S. tariffs on key tech products after the Trump administration exempted smartphones, laptops, and semiconductors from a sweeping trade policy. However, future restrictions remain likely, with a pending investigation into semiconductor imports potentially leading to new tariffs.
Jennie of Blackpink has released a new remix of her solo track “Like Jennie,” produced by Korean DJ Peggy Gou, ahead of her solo performance at Coachella. The release follows major milestones including over 100 million Spotify streams and Jennie’s recent recognition at the Billboard Women in Music Awards.
North Korea has fully restored operations at Uiju Airfield in Sinuiju, redeploying 34 Il-28/H-5 bombers nearly four years after converting the site into a pandemic-era freight terminal. The reversal follows the normalization of cross-border trade and flood damage to the rail infrastructure in 2023.
