Yonhap News Summary

▲ This undated file photo shows apartments in Seoul (Yonhap)

Yonhap News Summary

Yonhap News Summary

The following is the first summary of major stories moved by Yonhap News Agency on Friday.

-----------------

■ Gov't to supply 90,000 rental homes in greater Seoul area for youths by 2027

SEOUL -- Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol said Friday the government plans to supply some 90,000 rental housing units for young people in the greater Seoul area by 2027, as part of broader efforts to stabilize the housing market and improve living conditions for youths.

"The government is seeking various ways to expand non-apartment housing, which is one of the key pillars of the public housing supply program," Koo said during a meeting of ministers related to real estate policy.

https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20260522002600320

-----------------

■ (LEAD) 2 S. Koreans seized on Gaza-bound aid vessels return home

SEOUL -- Two South Korean activists returned home Friday after being released by Israeli forces that had captured them aboard aid vessels bound for the Gaza Strip.

Kim Ah-hyun was aboard an aid vessel seized by Israeli forces in waters off the Gaza Strip, while Kim Dong-hyeon's ship was intercepted near Cyprus -- both earlier this week.

https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20260522000651315?section=national/national

-----------------

■ Lee set to discuss S. Korea's labor policy in AI era with ILO chief

SEOUL -- President Lee Jae Myung was set to meet with International Labour Organization (ILO) Director-General Gilbert Houngbo on Friday to discuss South Korea's labor policy in the era of artificial intelligence (AI), the presidential office said.

During the meeting later in the day, Lee plans to share his government's labor policy achievements in the AI era, in which technological advances have significantly transformed the labor market and industrial structures, according to Cheong Wa Dae.

https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20260522002900315?section=national/politics

-----------------

■ Consumer sentiment rises at sharpest pace in 1 yr in May on robust chip exports, stock rally

SEOUL -- Consumer sentiment rose at the fastest pace in about a year in May, driven by robust semiconductor exports and the stock market rally, the central bank said Friday.

The composite consumer sentiment index (CCSI) stood at 106.1 this month, up 6.9 points from April and surpassing the 100-point mark for the first time in two months, according to a survey by the Bank of Korea (BOK).

https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20260521010100320?section=economy-finance/economy

-----------------

■ Civil servant unions join Starbucks boycott over 'Tank Day' event

SEOUL -- Civil servant unions have called on their members to boycott Starbucks Korea over a promotional event that evoked painful memories of a brutal military crackdown on the 1980 pro-democracy movement, officials said Friday.

The Korean Government Employees' Union sent notices to its branches nationwide Thursday asking its members to boycott the coffee franchise, taking issue with the "Tank Day" event that coincided with the anniversary of the May 18 Gwangju uprising.

https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20260522005700315

-----------------

■ Japanese club coach predicts tough final vs. N. Korean foe at top Asian women's football tournament

SEOUL -- Sitting a win away from claiming the top Asian women's club football prize, Tokyo Verdy Beleza head coach Naoki Kusunose said Friday he expects a difficult showdown against his North Korean opponent.

Tokyo Verdy Beleza will take on Naegohyang Women's FC of North Korea in the final of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Women's Champions League at 2 p.m. Saturday at Suwon Stadium in Suwon, 30 kilometers south of Seoul.

https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20260522005400315

-----------------

■ Zombie thriller 'Colony' sets year's opening-day record

SEOUL -- Director Yeon Sang-ho's newest film, "Colony," has claimed the highest first-day ticket sales of the year, drawing nearly 200,000 moviegoers upon its release Thursday.

The Korean film recorded 199,768 admissions on its opening day, according to data released by the Korean Film Council on Friday.

https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20260522002800315?section=culture/movies

(END)