hails

President Lee Jae Myung on Friday shared a news report that a South Korean oil tanker exited the Red Sea, marking the first shipment of crude oil to the nation since the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

Earlier in the day, the nation’s fisheries ministry reported that the tanker carrying crude oil from Saudi Arabia exited the Red Sea, as the Strait of Hormuz has been effectively closed amid the prolonged war in the Middle East.

“It is good news that our vessel is transporting crude oil via the Red Sea for the first time since the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz,” Lee wrote in his social media post.

He described the safe passage as a “valuable achievement” made possible through close coordination among relevant ministries and the dedication of seafarers under difficult circumstances.

“The government is mobilizing all available resources to address the crisis stemming from the war in the Middle East,” Lee said, pledging to safeguard people’s livelihoods and national interests.

South Korea has been exploring ways to ship crude oil via the Red Sea, an alternative route, as the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime chokepoint, has been effectively closed amid the Middle East conflict.

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Scientists from NASA have hailed the Artemis II mission to send astronauts around the moon as a ‘fantastic feat’ but said there was more work to do, after the crew was safely brought back to Earth on Friday.

JENNIFER Lopez hails the courage of actress pal Kerry Washington at a charity gala.

The singer and actress, 56, wore a blazer over a lace slip dress at the event in Los Angeles for Women’s Cancer Research Fund.

She presented the Courage Award to Kerry, 49, a cancer advocate after her mum was diagnosed with the disease.

J Lo, who was also joined by Sofia Vergara, 53, at the event, said on stage: “Kerry, you remind us that together, through sciences, support of survivors, and the relentless pursuit of answers, that real change is possible.”

J.Lo is now an independent artist after it was revealed last July that she split from her record label.

Top label BMG, also home to Kylie Minogue and Rita Ora, released her 2024 album This Is Me . . . Now — her first full project in a decade.

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But it was understood at the time to be only a one-album deal and they called it a day following disappointing sales.

A music insider said at the time: “Jennifer is obviously massively successful and talented but it’s been hard for her to find a label who she’s on the same page with.

“After her last album came out, it was decided she wouldn’t continue with BMG as it wasn’t the success she wanted.

“It only went to No 55 in the UK. But her team want to push her forward with this new music.

“She has spent a lot of time in the studio this year.”