A South Korean official has been expelled from the ruling Democratic Party after suggesting that the country “import young women” from Vietnam or Sri Lanka to address declining birth rates.
Kim Hee-soo, head of Jindo County in South Jeolla Province, made the remark during a televised town hall meeting, saying these women could be married to young men in rural areas. South Korea faces one of the world’s lowest birth rates, with projections suggesting its 50 million population could halve within 60 years.
The comment sparked widespread public outrage and a diplomatic protest from Vietnam. Attempts by Kim to apologise the following day were not enough to quell criticism. Local media reported that Kim said his remark aimed to highlight population issues in rural regions but acknowledged that his language was “inappropriate.”
South Jeolla Province also issued a formal apology, recognising that Kim’s statement “has caused deep pain to Vietnamese people and to women.” The Vietnamese Embassy in Seoul condemned the remarks, calling them “not simply a matter of expression but a matter of values and attitudes towards migrant women and minority groups.” Sri Lanka has yet to comment.
The Democratic Party’s Supreme Council unanimously voted to expel Kim, according to a party spokesperson. Meanwhile, women’s and migrant rights activists are planning a protest outside the Jindo County Office on Tuesday.
About the author
France urges citizens to leave Mali fast
France has called on its nationals to leave Mali without delay following a surge in coordinated attacks involving separatist fighters and Islamist militants. In an updated advisory, the French government warned that the security situation has become “extremely volatile” and urged citizens to avoid all travel to the country. Those still in Mali have been advised to depart using available commercial flights while limiting movement and following local authorities’ instructions. The warning comes after a wave of violence over the weekend, with explosions and gunfire reported in several areas, including the capital, Bamako. In the town of Kati, Defence Minister Sadio Camara was reportedly killed in a suicide attack, while in the north, separatist forces seized control of Kidal. Despite the escalation, Mali’s military leader Assimi Goïta stated that the situation remains under control. He said the army had inflicted […]
US court limits race use in voting maps
The US Supreme Court has issued a major ruling that limits how lawmakers can use race when drawing electoral districts, a decision likely to influence political dynamics across the southern United States. In a 6–3 judgment, the court’s conservative majority backed a legal challenge against newly drawn voting maps in Louisiana. These maps had been created to comply with protections under the Voting Rights Act, which aims to prevent racial discrimination in elections. Writing for the majority, Justice Samuel Alito argued that past interpretations of the law had, in some cases, pushed states toward race-based decisions that conflict with constitutional principles. The plaintiffs—primarily white voters—contended that factoring race into district boundaries violated equal protection guarantees. While the court stopped short of declaring the Voting Rights Act provision unconstitutional, it introduced a stricter standard for future cases. Individuals challenging electoral maps […]
King Charles visit tests UK-US ties
The official visit of King Charles III to the United States delivered polished speeches, warm gestures and carefully staged ceremonies. But beyond the symbolism, a key question remains: will this diplomatic moment lead to tangible political progress? Ahead of the visit, British officials were realistic about its limits. Deep disagreements between London and Washington—ranging from trade and NATO commitments to Ukraine and Iran—were not expected to disappear overnight. Tensions had also been fuelled by past remarks from Donald Trump directed at UK leadership. Rather than aiming for a reset, diplomats saw the visit as an opportunity to ease tensions and improve dialogue. Former UK ambassador David Manning described the King as a “stabilising force” capable of creating space for renewed engagement on complex issues. Through carefully crafted speeches, King Charles struck a tone of respect and unity. He praised American […]
Russia scales back Victory Day parade in Moscow
Russia has decided to scale down its annual Victory Day parade scheduled for 9 May in Moscow, citing heightened security concerns linked to what officials describe as threats from Ukraine. According to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, authorities are implementing strict measures to reduce potential risks. Despite the changes, the ceremony will still take place at Red Square, a symbolic location for the commemoration. Russia’s defence ministry confirmed that this year’s parade will not include heavy military equipment or cadets from traditional military academies. Instead, the event will feature personnel from various branches of the armed forces along with an aerial display. The adjustments reflect what officials describe as the current operational environment. The decision comes as Ukraine has stepped up strikes deep inside Russian territory, more than four years into the ongoing conflict. Kyiv maintains that its actions target military […]
Assurance : concours IIA ouvert aux Togolais
Le secteur de l’assurance en zone Conférence Interafricaine des Marchés d’Assurance (CIMA) ouvre à nouveau ses portes aux candidats togolais. L’Institut International des Assurances (IIA), basé à Yaoundé, lance le concours d’entrée de la 4ᵉ promotion (2026-2028) du Master professionnel en assurance (MPA), avec des inscriptions accessibles dans les États membres, dont le Togo. Ce concours vise à former des cadres spécialisés capables d’évoluer dans différents segments du secteur, notamment la souscription, la gestion des sinistres, l’actuariat, la finance, la conformité et le management des compagnies d’assurances. Ces profils restent fortement demandés sur plusieurs marchés africains. Le programme de formation couvre un large éventail de disciplines, incluant le droit, l’économie, les techniques d’assurance, les mathématiques financières, les statistiques, la comptabilité ainsi que la culture générale. Il est conçu pour répondre aux exigences des marchés régulés par la CIMA. Pour être […]
Togo : PRIMA accélère les investissements agricoles
Le Togo accélère la mise en œuvre du Programme régional d’intégration des marchés agricoles (PRIMA), avec l’appui du Fonds international de développement agricole (FIDA). Une mission technique de l’institution a récemment séjourné dans le pays afin de renforcer les capacités opérationnelles de l’équipe nationale et d’améliorer le rythme d’exécution du plan de travail 2026. Pour cette année, le programme prévoit plusieurs investissements structurants, notamment dans les Zones d’aménagement agricole planifiées (ZAAP), les infrastructures hydrauliques, les dispositifs de stockage et de commercialisation, ainsi que les études pour la réhabilitation de pistes rurales et l’aménagement de bas-fonds. Ces interventions visent à réduire les pertes post-récolte, améliorer l’accès à l’eau, faciliter l’acheminement des productions et accroître la productivité agricole. Dans ce cadre, une mission de terrain a été conduite sur un site de ZAAP à Agbatitoè, dans la préfecture de Haho, afin d’évaluer […]
Related
France urges citizens to leave Mali fast
France has called on its nationals to leave Mali without delay following a surge in coordinated attacks involving separatist fighters and Islamist militants. In an updated advisory, the French government warned that the security situation has become “extremely volatile” and urged citizens to avoid all travel to the country. Those still in Mali have been advised to depart using available commercial flights while limiting movement and following local authorities’ instructions. The warning comes after a wave of violence over the weekend, with explosions and gunfire reported in several areas, including the capital, Bamako. In the town of Kati, Defence Minister Sadio Camara was reportedly killed in a suicide attack, while in the north, separatist forces seized control of Kidal. Despite the escalation, Mali’s military leader Assimi Goïta stated that the situation remains under control. He said the army had inflicted […]
US court limits race use in voting maps
The US Supreme Court has issued a major ruling that limits how lawmakers can use race when drawing electoral districts, a decision likely to influence political dynamics across the southern United States. In a 6–3 judgment, the court’s conservative majority backed a legal challenge against newly drawn voting maps in Louisiana. These maps had been created to comply with protections under the Voting Rights Act, which aims to prevent racial discrimination in elections. Writing for the majority, Justice Samuel Alito argued that past interpretations of the law had, in some cases, pushed states toward race-based decisions that conflict with constitutional principles. The plaintiffs—primarily white voters—contended that factoring race into district boundaries violated equal protection guarantees. While the court stopped short of declaring the Voting Rights Act provision unconstitutional, it introduced a stricter standard for future cases. Individuals challenging electoral maps […]
King Charles visit tests UK-US ties
The official visit of King Charles III to the United States delivered polished speeches, warm gestures and carefully staged ceremonies. But beyond the symbolism, a key question remains: will this diplomatic moment lead to tangible political progress? Ahead of the visit, British officials were realistic about its limits. Deep disagreements between London and Washington—ranging from trade and NATO commitments to Ukraine and Iran—were not expected to disappear overnight. Tensions had also been fuelled by past remarks from Donald Trump directed at UK leadership. Rather than aiming for a reset, diplomats saw the visit as an opportunity to ease tensions and improve dialogue. Former UK ambassador David Manning described the King as a “stabilising force” capable of creating space for renewed engagement on complex issues. Through carefully crafted speeches, King Charles struck a tone of respect and unity. He praised American […]
Russia scales back Victory Day parade in Moscow
Russia has decided to scale down its annual Victory Day parade scheduled for 9 May in Moscow, citing heightened security concerns linked to what officials describe as threats from Ukraine. According to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, authorities are implementing strict measures to reduce potential risks. Despite the changes, the ceremony will still take place at Red Square, a symbolic location for the commemoration. Russia’s defence ministry confirmed that this year’s parade will not include heavy military equipment or cadets from traditional military academies. Instead, the event will feature personnel from various branches of the armed forces along with an aerial display. The adjustments reflect what officials describe as the current operational environment. The decision comes as Ukraine has stepped up strikes deep inside Russian territory, more than four years into the ongoing conflict. Kyiv maintains that its actions target military […]
Trump to feature his picture in new US passports
The United States will begin issuing a limited number of new passports that include a picture of President Donald Trump inside the booklet, officials have confirmed. The design is part of a special edition created to mark the 250th anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence in July. According to the State Department, the commemorative passports will show Trump’s official portrait on an inside page alongside imagery of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. His signature will also appear in gold under the image as part of the America250 branding. Officials say between 25,000 and 30,000 of the special passports will be printed. They will be available to eligible US citizens who apply through the passport office in Washington DC once distribution begins ahead of the July 4 celebrations. The move makes Trump the first sitting US president to […]
Trump plans prolonged blockade of Iran, says report
President Donald Trump has told his aides to prepare for a prolonged United States naval blockade of Iran’s key shipping routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, according to US media reports. The move is part of efforts to intensify economic pressure on Tehran as the war enters its third month and peace efforts remain stalled. Trump has already ordered the US Navy to block ships heading to or from Iranian ports, a step aimed mainly at choking off Iran’s vital oil exports. He has repeatedly said Iran will never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon and insists any settlement must be on US terms. In meetings with senior advisers, Trump decided that maintaining and even extending the blockade was a less risky option than resuming large scale bombing or withdrawing from the conflict entirely. Analysts say Washington wants to […]