senior

A senior South Korean official told reporters in Washington Thursday that he anticipates “some new progress in a few days” regarding issues with North Korea. In this photo, U.S. President Donald J. Trump shakes hands with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on June 30, 2019, at the DMZ. File White House Photo by Shealah Craighead/UPI | License Photo

A senior South Korean official said Thursday that he anticipates “some new progress in a few days” regarding North Korea-related issues, but he noted it is not about the resumption of dialogue between Washington and Pyongyang.

The official made the remarks during a meeting with reporters in Washington amid speculation that U.S. President Donald Trump could seek a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un when he visits China in April.

“There may be some new progress in a few days. It is not anything significant, but it is intended as a gesture of goodwill that can serve as a starting point (for progress in diplomacy with North Korea),” the official said.

“It doesn’t go as far as dialogue between the U.S. and North Korea,” he added.

He also pointed out North Korea’s lack of interest in diplomacy with Seoul or Washington.

“So we need to wait and see,” he said.

Both South Korea and the U.S. have expressed their desire to reengage with North Korea. But it remains uncertain whether Pyongyang would accede to dialogue overtures at a time when it has deepened cooperation with Russia and China to address its economic and other needs.

Copyright (c) Yonhap News Agency prohibits its content from being redistributed or reprinted without consent, and forbids the content from being learned and used by artificial intelligence systems.

I’M A Celeb AITCH had a secret snog with a stunning blonde podcast queen -15 years his senior – weeks before jetting Down Under.

The Brit-Award winning rapper locked lips with manifestation guru Francesca Amber at showbiz bash the Pride of Britain Awards, London in October, just a fortnight before he flew to Australia to take part in the ITV reality show. 

Cheeky Aitch, who was 25 at the time, hit it off at the free bar with author Francesca, 40, and was seen cracking jokes with the manifestation guru in the corner.

An onlooker revealed: “Aitch is a bit younger than Francesca but didn’t lack any confidence, he has bags of character and he was showing off and making her laugh, they were having a right giggle. 

“By the end of the evening they were kissing in front of everyone, it was quite romantic. Aitch has got loads of charisma and can hold his own, he’s no boy when it comes to flirting, so you can see how he won her over. They exchanged numbers before heading off into the night.”

Mum-of-three Francesca is still single, and Aitch’s spokesman declined to comment. 

Following his I’m A Celeb stint, fans were convinced Aitch was falling in love with co-star former EastEnders actress Shona McGarty, 34, after they were seen having heart-to-hearts on camera and play fighting. 

The pair had raised hopes of a jungle love story earlier in the series after rapper Aitch said he had a “soft spot” for the former EastEnders actress. 

But upon exiting camp Mancunian Aitch shut down rumours of a romance. He said: “No, Shona’s just a cool person. I feel like me and Shona are just cut from the same cloth in a way. We just have the same sense of humour.

Asked if there is any chance of a romance, Aitch responded: “No, not at all. That’s just a good friend of mine.”

He has previously linked to Chicken Shop Date online host Amelia Dimoldenberg, 32, and model Rose Lola Thompson. 

Previously he has said: “I love dating a girl who is understanding and who can have a laugh with. I like it when I feel like my girlfriend is my best mate and understands me.”

Just before the rapper flew into the jungle it was revealed that he had parted ways with psychology student Lois Cottam.

A source at the time said: “Aitch and Lois still have a lot of love for each other but they decided they are better off as friends.

“They enjoyed the time they spent together. Things ended amicably between them.”

Aitch and Lois, are understood to have dated for at least a year.

We revealed that the pair were dating in May 2025, reporting that he had whisked her off for a trip to New York.

They also holidayed on the Greek island of Santorini in the summer but kept their relationship under wraps, with Aitch, real name Harrison Armstrong, not sharing pictures of them together on social media.

If you want to watch top pitching in high school baseball this season, stop by a Bay League game. During Thursday’s media day at Mira Costa, three outstanding senior pitchers look physically and emotionally prepared to show how good they are.

Garrett Jacobs from Mira Costa, a UCLA commit, Robby Zimmerman from Redondo Union, a UCLA commit, and Kai Van Scoyoc, a USC commit, are coming off good junior seasons. Add junior Jonah Cohen, a UCLA commit at Palos Verdes, and you have to feel sympathy for Bay League hitters this season.

Jacobs was the best of all last season, going 11-1. He had 103 strikeouts and 13 walks in 70 innings. Zimmerman, a 6-foot-6 left-hander, is the best pro prospect because of his size and potential. Van Scoyoc and Cohen will be a formidable one-two duo for Palos Verdes. They all know and like each other, so it should be fun for fans and players when they face off.

Zimmerman is a cousin of Redondo Union girls’ volleyball standout Abby Zimmerman. Most of the Zimmermans are volleyball players except for Robby and brother Danny, who used to play baseball at Michigan. Yet invite him to the beach and he’ll be happy to join in the family fun using his size to his advantage.

Torrance and West Torrance also figure to be competitive in the Bay League. Torrance returns its top pitcher in junior Aiden Anaya, who’s playing soccer right now. Joey Kim is expected to be a key pitcher for West Torrance.

Mira Costa players have the advantage of walking around or going to the store and running into a Dodger or pro player in Manhattan Beach. The school is holding its alumni game on Saturday and honoring five grads who have played in the major leagues in Kyle Karros, Chase Meidroth, Petey Halpin, Joe Moeller and Jim Pena.

This is a daily look at the positive happenings in high school sports. To submit any news, please email eric.sondheimer@latimes.com.