President Yoon Seok-youl Reaffirms Commitment to Revive Korea-Mexico FTA
President Yoon Seok-youl has expressed his determination to restart the Korea-Mexico Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations, which have been effectively stalled since 2008. He proposed enhancing the institutional framework for economic cooperation between the two countries, including the establishment of a social security agreement and stronger investment protection measures.
During his state visit to Mexico, President Yoon stated in an interview with the local newspaper El Universal on September 23 that "it is time to establish an institutional framework that matches our robust economic cooperation." He emphasized the need to resume negotiations on the Korea-Mexico economic agreement, advance the social security agreement, and strengthen investment protection measures.
Yoon's call for the resumption of economic agreement negotiations is interpreted as a move to restart the long-stalled FTA talks. This aligns with discussions from last month’s meeting between the foreign ministers of Korea and Mexico, where the Korean government presented a package proposal that included the resumption of FTA negotiations, amendments to the investment protection agreement, and the establishment of a social security agreement.
During his state visit to Mexico, President Yoon stated in an interview with the local newspaper El Universal on September 23 that "it is time to establish an institutional framework that matches our robust economic cooperation." He emphasized the need to resume negotiations on the Korea-Mexico economic agreement, advance the social security agreement, and strengthen investment protection measures.
Yoon's call for the resumption of economic agreement negotiations is interpreted as a move to restart the long-stalled FTA talks. This aligns with discussions from last month’s meeting between the foreign ministers of Korea and Mexico, where the Korean government presented a package proposal that included the resumption of FTA negotiations, amendments to the investment protection agreement, and the establishment of a social security agreement.
Trump Calls Xi a 'Great Leader' During His Visit to the U.S.
U.S. President Donald Trump welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is on a state visit to the United States, on September 23. According to China's state-run Xinhua News Agency, Trump referred to Xi as a "great leader."
Xinhua reported on September 24 that upon Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan's arrival in Washington by private jet, Trump and First Lady Melania Trump warmly greeted them.
Trump remarked, "President Xi is a great leader, and this is a great moment," expressing his hope for in-depth discussions and the advancement of U.S.-China relations.
The state media did not mention any comments made by Xi during the welcoming, only reporting on his written speech.
Xinhua reported on September 24 that upon Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan's arrival in Washington by private jet, Trump and First Lady Melania Trump warmly greeted them.
Trump remarked, "President Xi is a great leader, and this is a great moment," expressing his hope for in-depth discussions and the advancement of U.S.-China relations.
The state media did not mention any comments made by Xi during the welcoming, only reporting on his written speech.
Yeo Seo-jeong Wins Gold in Women's Vault, Matching Father's Achievement
South Korean gymnast Yeo Seo-jeong has once again proven her class. She reclaimed the gold medal in the women's vault at the Asian Games, eight years after her last victory, matching her father, Yeo Hong-chul's achievements.
On September 24, Yeo scored 14.483 points in the women's vault final at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games held at the Rainbow Hall in Nagoya, Japan.
This victory marks her return to the top after eight years since the 2018 Jakarta-Palembang Asian Games. Yeo did not compete in the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games due to her participation in the World Championships, which were crucial for qualifying for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
At the Hangzhou Asian Games, North Korea's An Chang-ok claimed the title. An is considered a rival of Yeo. In the recent competition, An performed well in the first round but made a significant error in the second, finishing with a score of 13.666 points, still earning a silver medal for her high-difficulty routine.
On September 24, Yeo scored 14.483 points in the women's vault final at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games held at the Rainbow Hall in Nagoya, Japan.
This victory marks her return to the top after eight years since the 2018 Jakarta-Palembang Asian Games. Yeo did not compete in the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games due to her participation in the World Championships, which were crucial for qualifying for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
At the Hangzhou Asian Games, North Korea's An Chang-ok claimed the title. An is considered a rival of Yeo. In the recent competition, An performed well in the first round but made a significant error in the second, finishing with a score of 13.666 points, still earning a silver medal for her high-difficulty routine.
Zelensky Confirms Transfer of Two North Korean Prisoners to South Korea
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that two North Korean soldiers captured by Ukrainian forces have been sent to South Korea, a statement the South Korean government has not denied.
During his speech at the United Nations General Assembly on September 23, Zelensky stated, "We recently sent two North Korean prisoners to the Republic of Korea."
He added, "It is not easy to capture them; one attempted to take his own life when he realized he was being captured, shocked that fate would not allow him to die."
Zelensky continued to criticize North Korea, stating, "This is how North Korea raises its people, stripping them of their freedom and right to choose." He questioned, "Why should North Koreans sacrifice their lives in a war with Ukraine? Should we give such forces more time to learn how to wage war?"
During his speech at the United Nations General Assembly on September 23, Zelensky stated, "We recently sent two North Korean prisoners to the Republic of Korea."
He added, "It is not easy to capture them; one attempted to take his own life when he realized he was being captured, shocked that fate would not allow him to die."
Zelensky continued to criticize North Korea, stating, "This is how North Korea raises its people, stripping them of their freedom and right to choose." He questioned, "Why should North Koreans sacrifice their lives in a war with Ukraine? Should we give such forces more time to learn how to wage war?"
* This article has been translated by AI.
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