Korea Railroad Corporation to Resume Full Train Services Starting May 31
Train services disrupted by the collapse of the Seosomun overpass in Seoul will return to normal on May 31. Korea Railroad Corporation (KORAIL) announced on May 30 that it has completed recovery efforts by mobilizing all available resources and will resume full train operations starting May 31.
According to KORAIL, the railway authorities conducted recovery work on railway facilities following the completion of the overpass demolition by the Seoul city government. This included the removal and installation of new electric poles, overhead lines, cable laying, and signal equipment installation. Safety checks, including track inspections and test runs of trains, were also conducted overnight.
KORAIL explained that it decided to gradually deploy trains after completing inspections and maintenance, allowing for the resumption of all train services on May 31.
Earlier, KORAIL resumed operations on the Gyeongui Line on the morning of May 30, just four days after the collapse. The KTX trains on the Gangneung Line and the Central Line between Seoul and Cheongnyangni also returned to normal service on the same day.
KORAIL President Kim Tae-seung stated, "Due to the accident, we were unable to store trains at Haengsin Station (KTX) and Susaek Station (regular trains), but we have been preparing for normalization by gradually replacing the trains that were undergoing temporary maintenance starting May 30. We will repay the public's trust and patience with safer and more convenient rail services."
Trump's Health Checkup Results 'Good'; Physician Recommends Weight Loss
President Donald Trump received a generally positive assessment of his health during a recent routine checkup, but his medical team advised him to lose weight and manage his diet. According to reports from CNN and other outlets on May 29, Trump's physician, Sean Conley, stated in a health report released by the White House that "President Trump’s overall physical functions, including heart, lungs, and neurological systems, are in very good condition," and that he is "fully fit for duty as Commander-in-Chief and Head of State."
The medical team evaluated Trump's heart health as being approximately 14 years younger than his actual age. Symptoms of leg swelling due to chronic venous insufficiency, noted in last year's checkup, have reportedly improved.
Neurological tests indicated that his mental state, brain function, sensory responses, reflexes, gait, and balance were all normal. Notably, in the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MCA), which checks for mild cognitive impairment and early dementia, he scored a perfect 30 out of 30.
However, the need for weight management was highlighted. Trump's weight was recorded at approximately 108 kg (238 pounds), an increase of about 6 kg since his health checkup in April of the previous year. His physician recommended ongoing weight loss and dietary adjustments.
Additionally, the medical team advised him to take low-dose aspirin. Trump has previously stated in interviews that he takes 325 mg of aspirin daily, which is higher than the typical recommended dose of 81 mg.
Early Voting Rate for National Assembly By-Elections at 24.12%; Daegu's Lowest
The early voting for the National Assembly by-elections, held concurrently with the June 3 local elections, concluded on May 30 with a final turnout rate of 24.12%. According to the National Election Commission, 546,757 out of 2,267,121 eligible voters participated in the early voting conducted from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on May 30.
Among the 14 electoral districts nationwide, Gunsan, Gimje, and Buan in North Jeolla Province recorded the highest turnout at 42.59%. This was followed by Gongju, Buyeo, and Cheongyang in South Chungcheong Province at 30.16%, and Gunsan, Gimje, and Buan Gap in North Jeolla Province at 29.71%.
In contrast, Daegu Dalseong had the lowest early voting rate at 17.56%. The competitive district of Pyeongtaek in Gyeonggi Province also saw a low turnout of 18.39%, falling below the national average.
The early voting rate in the representative battleground of Busan Buk-gap was 25.57%, above the national average. In this district, Democratic Party candidate Ha Jung-woo is competing against People Power Party candidate Park Min-sik and independent candidate Han Dong-hoon.
In Pyeongtaek, Democratic Party candidate Kim Yong-nam is facing off against People Power Party candidate Yoo Ui-dong and Justice Party candidate Cho Guk. Attention is focused on the results of the main voting.
Defense Minister Ahn Kyung-bak: Strengthening US-Korea Alliance and Self-Defense
Defense Minister Ahn Kyung-bak announced plans to pursue a security strategy that strengthens the US-Korea alliance while enhancing South Korea's self-defense capabilities in response to North Korea's nuclear and missile threats and deepening military cooperation between North Korea and Russia. On May 30, during a speech at the 23rd Asia Security Conference (Shangri-La Dialogue) in Singapore, Ahn addressed the topic of 'Regional Security Challenges and South Korea's Strategic Response.'
Ahn noted the advancement of North Korea's nuclear and missile capabilities and its hostile stance toward South Korea, stating, "The situation on the Korean Peninsula is a major variable in global security." He emphasized the need to maintain a robust US-Korea joint defense posture while actively pursuing independent capabilities for the defense of the Korean Peninsula.
To counter the North Korean threat, he outlined plans to enhance the Korean-style three-axis system and deepen cooperation with the US on extended deterrence. He also mentioned accelerating the development of AI-based detection and strike systems, as well as strengthening cyber and space capabilities.
Ahn highlighted the importance of international security cooperation, particularly regarding the Strait of Hormuz, stating, "We recognize the importance of ensuring freedom of navigation based on international law" and that South Korea is reviewing practical contributions to international efforts for the safety of the strait.
He added, "Maintaining stability on the Korean Peninsula is directly linked to global peace," and expressed his commitment to building a sustainable peace coexistence system through dialogue between the North and South while maintaining strong deterrence.
In a conversation with reporters, Ahn addressed the recent controversy surrounding the US Forces Korea Commander's remarks about South Korea being a 'dagger' to China, stating, "I communicate regularly with US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, so I do not consider it a significant issue."
He also praised Austin's positive assessment of South Korea's nuclear-powered submarines and the transition of wartime operational control, calling it a meaningful statement that demonstrates trust in the alliance.
Korea and Japan Navies to Conduct Search and Rescue Training on June 7
The South Korean Navy and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force will conduct a search and rescue training exercise (SAREX) on June 7. This training, which has been suspended since 2017, marks a significant step toward restoring defense cooperation between the two countries. On May 30, Defense Minister Ahn Kyung-bak announced this during a bilateral meeting with Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi at the 23rd Asia Security Conference (Shangri-La Dialogue) in Singapore.
Ahn stated, "The resumption of training after nine years carries symbolic and declarative significance," and emphasized the need for both countries to further develop and deepen this cooperation.
The Korea-Japan search and rescue training is designed to review procedures for joint responses when maritime accidents occur near the Korean Peninsula. Initiated in 1999, the training was conducted biennially but was halted in 2017 due to defense exchanges being disrupted by controversies over the Rising Sun Flag and conflicts over patrol aircraft.
Both countries attempted to resume training last year, but it was canceled due to issues related to the Black Eagles' refueling support. After ongoing discussions to restore defense exchanges, they reached an agreement to resume training earlier this year during a defense ministerial meeting and have been coordinating the timing.
Koizumi emphasized the necessity of cooperation between the two countries given the current challenging security environment, stating, "Korea and Japan must take the lead in efforts for peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region."
US Military Supports 'Dark Transit' as Ships Pass Through Hormuz
As Iran continues to blockade the Strait of Hormuz, some vessels are reportedly engaging in 'dark transit'—passing through the strait with their Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) turned off while receiving support from the US military, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal on May 29. The report indicates that in recent weeks, supertankers and LNG carriers transporting oil and liquefied natural gas have been taking risks to navigate the Strait of Hormuz. Dark transit involves minimizing ship lighting and operating with AIS disabled to reduce the risk of detection and attack by Iran.
However, operating without AIS makes it difficult to track the positions of nearby vessels, increasing the risk of collisions and requiring skilled navigation.
The Wall Street Journal reported that the US military is communicating with these vessels, advising them on when to disable their AIS and how to respond to threats from Iran. The issue of passage through the Strait of Hormuz remains a key point in ongoing negotiations between the US and Iran regarding a ceasefire.
The US maintains that the Strait of Hormuz should be open to all vessels under international law, while Iran claims control over the strait and the authority to impose tolls. On May 27, the US Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) added the Persian Gulf Shipping Association (PGSA), established by Iran, to its sanctions list, aiming to curb Iran's attempts to impose tolls.
Despite some vessels successfully navigating the strait through dark transit, the overall volume of traffic remains significantly below pre-war levels. The risk of war has driven insurance rates for vessels to soar, reaching 2.5% to 4% of the ship's value, increasing the burden on vessels remaining in the Persian Gulf, according to the Wall Street Journal.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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