Yonhap News Summary

SEOUL -- President Lee Jae Myung reiterated his commitment to regaining wartime operational control of troops from the United States before his term ends, emphasizing the significance of self-reliant defense capabilities.

U.S. President Donald Trump stated that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has responded to his invitation for dialogue, following his announcement of plans to substantially reduce South Korea-U.S. military exercises, perceived as a gesture towards North Korea.

The Department of State reaffirmed that the United States remains open to talks with North Korea without preconditions, in response to Trump's directive to decrease joint military drills with South Korea.

Seoul shares experienced a slight decrease later in the day as investors capitalized on gains, following optimism for a resolution to the conflict between the U.S. and Iran. Over 2,500 damage cases were reported due to severe rain in the southeastern region, with 2,574 reports filed by 6 a.m. on Tuesday, including inundation of homes and roads, and toppled trees. Rescue operations accounted for 162 of the cases.