Author: France 24

With voters turning out in record numbers, South Korea elected liberal leader Lee Jae-myung to lead the country left in turmoil by the brief imposition of martial law by Yoon Suk-yeol. The nation of 51 million people has the world’s lowest birth rate and is now a “super-aged” society. South Korea saw forecasts for its growth downgraded… as the OECD revised down growth prospects for most of the world amid Donald Trump’s trade war. 

Local health authorities in Gaza said on Tuesday that at least 27 Palestinians were killed while waiting for aid distribution near Rafah. The Israeli military said it shot at individuals who “posed a threat to them” about half a kilometre from the US aid centre.

Chanel, Dior, Saint Laurent – the names that define Parisian chic are French. But did you know that the entire French Haute Couture empire was built by … an Englishman? Join Eve Jackson at the Petit Palais in Paris for a dazzling deep dive into a new exhibition on Charles Frederick Worth, the revolutionary British designer who transformed fashion from mere clothing into high art and big business.

France’s overseas territory of New Caledonia is facing a growing crisis. The number of healthcare workers has dropped dramatically, particularly since the unrest of May 2024. In response, authorities are offering incentives – such as annual contracts and free accommodation – to attract doctors and nurses back to the island. But in the meantime, volunteers are stepping in to train locals in basic medical care, as clinics and hospitals across the island remain closed due to staff shortages. Our France 2 colleagues report, with FRANCE 24’s Guillaume Gougeon.

Novak Djokovic needed just 3 sets to beat Cameron Norrie and go down in French Open legend. The Serb won his 100th match on the Paris clay court. Between matches, the public and players at the tournament received a rather special visitor : Ousmane Dembélé and the latest Paris Saint-Germain trophy. 

The White House has said US President Donald Trump will likely hold talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping this week, following similar comments by top US officials over the weekend.  This comes as tensions are ratcheting up again between the two countries, with both sides accusing the other of violating a truce deal agreed in Geneva last month. Meanwhile, the European Union threatens countermeasures after Trump moved to double US tariffs on steel and aluminium imports to 50% starting June 4. 

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday demanded an independent investigation into the killing of dozens of Palestinians near a US-backed aid site in Gaza, as witnesses blamed Israeli fire and the military denied involvement. The incident came as Israel faces mounting international pressure over its conduct in the enclave. 

Jafar Panahi’s revenge thriller “It Was Just an Accident”, an indictment of political oppression in the Iranian filmmaker’s home country, won the Palme d’Or at the 78th Cannes Film Festival on Saturday, wrapping up a politically charged French Riviera gathering that was briefly disrupted on its final day when a suspected arson attack caused a major power outage.

French deputies are set to vote Tuesday on a controversial bill regarding end-of-life options before it moves to the Senate. The proposed “right to aid in dying” has divided politicians and healthcare professionals and reignited heated bioethical debates. In this report from France 2, palliative care workers and patients share their views on the matter.

President Emmanuel Macron hosted European champions PSG at the Élysée Palace, celebrating the club’s historic Champions League victory. Players, coaches, and staff were welcomed in recognition of their achievement, marking a proud moment for both the team and French football.