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2025/09/03 22:44

2025. 9. 3. KOREAN STOCK MARKET KOSPI : 3,184.42 ▲12.07 +0.38% KOSDAQ : 796.81 ▲2.81 +0.35% KOSPI200 : 430.37 ▲2.22 +0.52% ASIAN STOCK MARKET NIKKEI225 : 41,938.89 ▼371.60 -0.88% HANG SENG : 25,343.43 ▼153.12 -0.60% SHANGHAI : 3,813.56 ▼44.57 -1.16% WALL STREET (SEP. 2) DOW JONES : 45,295.81 ▼249.07 -0.55% NASDAQ : 21,279.63 ▼175.92 -0.82% S&P500 : 6,415.54 ▼44.72 -0.69% EXCHANGE RATE USD : 1,392.30 (+1.30) JPY : 937.17 (-2.73) CNY : 194.89 (-0.18) EUR : 1,620.01 (-2.21)

Kim, Putin hold 2.5 hr long summit in Beijing, trilateral with China unlikely: Experts

2025/09/03 22:43

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has made his debut at this multilateral event, which experts view as a sharp change in his approach to diplomacy. He also made time to sit down with Russia's Putin. Our foreign affairs correspondent Oh Soo-young has more. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un appeared to launch a new style of active diplomacy at China's Victory Day parade, seeking to establish Pyongyang's nuclear status in a coalition with Beijing and Moscow. Centre-stage throughout the official events in Tiananmen Square, Kim constantly stood and was seated at the side of Chinese President Xi Jinping, with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the other side. Amid geopolitical tensions, the gathering of leaders from the three sides was a display of unity last seen 66 years ago in the Cold War era. "It seems intended to demonstrate the strengthening of North Korea and China's socialist solidarity as a form of counterbalance to the South Korea, U.S., Japan trilateral framework. Another aspect, for Chairman Kim, is to show he plays a key role within the North Korea-China-Russia alignment." For Kim Jong-un, the optics could portray North Korea as part of a trio of nuclear powers, as he continues to seek recognition of Pyongyang as a nuclear state. Further showcasing their alignment, Kim and Putin held a bilateral summit on the sidelines following Wednesday's Victory Day events. Putin thanked Kim for deploying North Korean troops to aid Russia's war in Ukraine, which he described as a battle against "Neo-Nazism," while Kim responded that Pyongyang would do whatever it takes to support the Kremlin. The meeting between the two stretched on for two-and-a-half hours, during which Putin invited Kim to visit Russia. Kim's trip to Beijing also reaffirms the North's relations with China. But a formal trilateral summit between Kim, Xi and Putin is highly unlikely in the foreseeable future, according to experts, as the three sides are pursuing different strategic priorities. "Before a summit takes place, the agenda, the accompanying officials, and their positions on how the international community will respond must be closely aligned. Yet, their coalition can be likened to being in the 'same bed with different dreams.' Also, there hasn't been enough time for preparations in terms of the agenda and line-up." Kim arrived in Beijing on Tuesday by special train, his first visit in six years. What was more striking upon arrival was the unexpected appearance of Kim's daughter, Kim Ju-ae seen standing directly behind her father when he was greeted by high-level Chinese officials. "When Kim Jong-un turned 8 years old, his father tapped him as his successor. However, as he was not given sufficient diplomatic training, he remained a leader of an isolated state until he participated in summits with China, South Korea, and the United States in 2018. Determined not to pass down this unfortunate experience to his daughter, Kim Jong-un seems to have brought her to China, firmly resolved to introduce her early onto the diplomatic stage and provide her with systematic training." The occasion marks Kim's first participation in a gathering of dozens of world leaders a notable departure from the one-on-one summits that have defined his diplomacy so far. Kim also shook hands with South Korea's National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik during the parade, and exchanged a brief conversation, according to the Speaker's office. "The implications for inter-Korean and U.S.–North Korea relations remain uncertain. Observers say Kim may consult Xi about a potential summit with U.S. President Donald Trump, as he did in 2018. Still, Seoul officials have cautioned against premature optimism, warning that Pyongyang shows no sign of abandoning its nuclear program. Oh Soo-young, Arirang News.

[Weather] Rain forecast tomorrow around the central areas and the south

2025/09/03 22:41

It's getting a little cooler in the morning and evening, but the daytime heat is still raging. Most areas exceeded 30 degrees Celsius in the middle of the day today, but the east coast, where the easterly winds are blowing, stayed below 30 degrees and felt relatively cooler. Showers will pass throughout southern parts of Gyeonggi-do Province and southern parts of the Chungcheong-do provinces until tonight. The expected amount of rain is around 5 to 60 millimeters. Tomorrow, there will be rain in the central areas and showers in the south again. Tomorrow, Seoul, Daejeon, Gwangju and Daegu will start off at 24 degrees. Highs will only rise up to 29 degrees in Seoul, Gwangju and Jeju are at 32 degrees. Throughout this week, frequent showers are expected across the country. From Saturday afternoon, rain is forecast again. That's all for Korea. Here are the weather conditions around the world.

"KPop Demon Hunters" becomes most-watched title on Netflix

2025/09/03 22:41

Netflix sensation "KPop Demon Hunters" has become the most-watched title on the platform. According to the streaming service the animation has been streamed over 2-hundred-66 million times making it the top content of all time on Netflix. In fact it has surpassed "Squid Game: Season 1" which previously held the top spot in the show category. Meanwhile, its original soundtrack "Golden" continues to dominate the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart holding the number one spot for the third straight week.

K-pop stars light up Seoul as Fashion Week turns the city into a runway

2025/09/03 22:40

And just when we thought we're ready to welcome back cooler weather, the good old Seoul Fashion Week is back for its 2026 spring/summer season. Our Park Hyo-been has a glimpse of the latest styles. Fashion, stars, and a runway by the palace walls. Seoul Fashion Week is back for its 2026 spring/summer season, offering a glimpse of the trends that will shape styles in the coming year. Marking its 25th anniversary, this year's event goes beyond the traditional venue at Dongdaemun Design Plaza, spreading across the entire city of Seoul. And the week began right here along the stone walls of Deoksugung Palace, with a striking opening show by Andersson Bell. "I've always followed Andersson Bell, and since the show is held here along the Deoksugung Palace walls, I was really excited to come." "I've been attending the event for about three or four years now. I didn't want to miss it this time either. The runway today is what I'm looking forward to most, especially because it's a brand I've always liked." Before the runway began, the area around the palace was already filled with stars and fans alike. On the photo wall, big names like TOMORROW X TOGETHER's Hueningkai, Hearts2Hearts' Ian and Jiwoo, and IVE's Gaeul drew the crowds. Once the opening runway show kicked off, Andersson Bell unveiled its 2026 spring/summer collection under the theme SOFT CLASH. The pieces highlighted unexpected color matches, layered silhouettes that looked effortless yet calculated, and deconstructed details with a worn-in edge. And Deoksugung Palace is not the only iconic location to serve as a backdrop. Throughout the week, 27 Korean designer brands take turns presenting their collections at Seoul landmarks, including the Oil Tank Culture Park, Heungcheonsa Temple, and, of course, Dongdaemun Design Plaza. Adding a global touch, Berlin Fashion Week also joined Seoul Fashion Week for the first time, showcasing its official Berlin Showroom. "The event runs until this Sunday, turning Seoul into a global fashion city. Park Hyo-been, Arirang News.

South Korea saw significant decline in marriages and births over 30 years

2025/09/03 22:39

South Korea has gone through a dramatic drop in demographics over the past three decades in both the numbers of newlyweds and newborns. Park Jun-han has the details. The number of marriages in South Korea has almost halved over the past 30 years, sounding the alarm on the severity of the population crisis already underway. Statistics Korea released a report on Wednesday, called "Changes in marriage and birth rates in Korea over the past 30 years." According to the data, marriages peaked at 435-thousand in 1996 but fell steadily to a record low of 192-thousand in 2022, before modest rebounds to 194-thousand in 2023 and 222-thousand in 2024. This is an over 44 percent decline from nearly 400-thousand back in 1995. The number of marriages with foreign spouses in South Korea, however, surged some 54 percent, rising from 13-thousand-500 in 1995 to 20-thousand-800 in 2024. As of 2024, marriages with foreign spouses account for 9-point-3 percent of all unions. The average age at first marriage has also sharply climbed. From 28-point-4 years old for men and 25-point-3 years old for women in 1995, the average age at first marriage rose to 33-point-9 for men and 31-point-6 for women in 2024. This is up 5-point-5 and 6-point-2 years respectively. Births over the past 30 years have declined even more sharply. From 715-thousand in 1995 to 238-thousand in 2024, it saw a drop of over 66 percent, after bottoming at 230-thousand in 2023. A senior researcher at the Population Policy Research Center claimed that the continuous decline in South Korea's young population will shrink the country's overall societal structure, leading to crises. "The situation can be summed up in three points: a shrinking young population, an aging society, and rising political conflicts driven by growing disparities. If this continues, more people will inevitably flock to the metropolitan area, while regional areas face not only a population decline but also a drop in the quality of human resources, making recovery extremely difficult. We are now at a critical juncture that calls for decisive political action." Looking at changes in the total fertility rate among OECD countries from 1995 to 2023, South Korea is now the only country where it has fallen by more than 50 percent, sounding a serious alarm for the nation's future sustainability. Park Jun-han, Arirang News.

S. Korean economy grows faster than expectations in Q2

2025/09/03 22:38

South Korea's economy registered a rebound of point-7 percent in the second quarter, exceeding initial forecasts. Strong exports and boosted private spending were behind the growth. Our correspondent Moon Ji-young reports. South Korea's economy grew faster than earlier estimated in the second quarter, driven by robust exports and improved private consumption. Preliminary data released by the Bank of Korea on Wednesday revealed that the nation's real gross domestic product, a key economic indicator, grew by 0-point-7 percent quarter-on-quarter in the April to June period this year. This revised figure marks an improvement of 0-point-1 percentage point from the advance estimate made in July. The growth also represents a significant rebound from a contraction experienced in the first quarter. Last week, the central bank upgraded its economic growth forecast for this year to 0-point-9 percent, up from its previous projection of 0-point-8 percent. "If the economy grows around 0.6% on-quarter in the second half, we will be able to achieve 0.9% annual growth." Breaking down the growth drivers, private spending saw a 0-point-5 percent increase, largely due to higher spending on automobiles and health services. Government expenditure also climbed 1-point-2 percent, boosted by increased healthcare benefits. However, construction investment contracted, primarily driven by a decrease in civil engineering projects. Facilities investment also declined due to reduced demand for ships and semiconductor manufacturing equipment. In terms of trade, exports surged by 4-point-5 percent, spurred by strong global demand for semiconductors, and petroleum and chemical products. Imports were also up by 4-point-2 percent. "We expect domestic demand to continue its modest recovery, led by the government's supplementary budget execution and better consumer sentiment. However, while exports showed a favorable trend in July and August, we anticipate growth to gradually slow as the impact of U.S. tariff impositions expands." Meanwhile, the country's gross national income saw a 2 percent increase, with real GNI growing by 1 percent. This was largely due to improved terms of trade, which led to a reduction in real trade losses. Moon Ji-young. Arirang News.

President Lee to hold second press conference on September 11

2025/09/03 22:37

President Lee Jae Myung will hold his second press conference next Thursday to mark his one hundred days in office. Senior secretary for public relations and communication Lee Kyu-youn said on Wednesday that the 90-minute event will bring together some 1-hundred-50 domestic and foreign journalists. The exact time and venue will be announced at a later date. Just like the president's first press conference in early July, the Q&A session will be divided into three categories: the economy, politics and foreign affairs, and society and culture. This is the first time a South Korean president will face the press twice in his first one hundred days.

President Lee to chair UN Security Council meeting in September

2025/09/03 22:37

President Lee Jae Myung is set to become the first South Korean leader to preside over a United Nations Security Council meeting as South Korea assumes the presidency of the 15-member body this month. Seoul's Foreign Ministry says the president will chair an open debate on Wednesday September 24th in New York on the implications of AI on peace and stability. Ahead of this event on September 9th Seoul will convene a separate debate on UN peace operations as this month the council also deliberates on the conflicts in the Middle East. Seoul plans to further highlight women peace and security as well as the link between climate and conflict.

[Politics & Diplomacy] Historic shots from China's Victory Day military parade, what's significance of each shot?

2025/09/03 22:36

And China's Victory Day was more than a military parade, experts say. Rather, the event may have been strategically designed to serve President Xi's objectives. For more, we turn to our defense correspondent Kim Bo-kyoung in the studio with us. Bo-kyoung, welcome. Dami, thank you for having me. First, let's take a closer look at some scenes from the military parade. The way Chinese President Xi Jinping positioned each leader or representative from the invited countries, what did it suggest? Right, one of the main talking points of the parade was how so-called the three strongmen Chinese leader Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un all stood next to each other. North Korean leader Kim was positioned to Xi's left, while Russian President Vladimir Putin was standing on the right. Xi maintained this formation, standing side-by-side at the rostrum as well. Kim standing directly to the left of President Xi represents China's intentional gesture of exceptional courtesy toward North Korea. This is actually an unprecedented scene in North Korean history as well, as neither his grandfather, Kim Il Sung, nor his father, Kim Jong Il, ever stood directly beside a Chinese president at such a multilateral venue. In fact, if we compare it with the 70th anniversary of Victory Day in 2015, North Korea sent Workers' Party Secretary Choe Ryong-hae , who was positioned at the far end of the rostrum. One expert says this seating arrangement itself shows China's own message. "The fact that Kim was positioned on the left shows China has offered great level of courtesy and it shows that China would be behind North Korea's back in various ongoing matters. This can be understood as diplomatic protocol created through seating arrangements where both sides had a previous mutual agreement." It is quite interesting how the seating arrangements includes Xi's hidden message. It seems all of this is part of Xi's plan to come up with a new international order. Right, though our focus today is the Victory Day military parade, we need to note that the message Xi wanted to share was also at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization that took place ahead of the Victory Day. There he explicitly put the idea of creating a China-led growth model that goes against the Western ones. Also during his speech on Victory Day, he said the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation is unstoppable, and indirectly suggested that this is already happening by showcasing a wide range of weaponry. One of the most interesting shots was how Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined the SCO and joined hands with Xi. Such a scene between Modi and Xi standing together like old friends was hard to imagine as the two countries had been in a hostile military standoff since 2020, with China's troop incursions into the mountainous Himalayan border with India. Yet, with Trump having slapped India with 50-percent import tariffs, this made Modi visit China for the first time in seven years to show intimacy with Xi. Though Modi skipped the military parade, the same expert says the fact Modi visited China itself would be quite painful for the U.S. to see. "Modi's tightrope diplomacy for national interests— needing Russian oil, having thorny issues with China but still meeting with Xi to discuss various forms of cooperation, and continuously sending messages opposing U.S.-led unilateralism— would be very uncomfortable for Trump." I see. Lastly, could you give me more details on what kind of advanced weapons were on display during the parade? Sure, China showed off new weaponry that could make Washington worry. It debuted the new-type DF-5C liquid-fueled intercontinental strategic nuclear missile. One expert said in the Global Times that it has an estimated range of more than 20-thousand kilometers, being capable of reaching anywhere on the entire globe. Also shown was the DF-26D, a medium-range ballistic missile nicknamed the "Guam Killer" which can directly strike the U.S. military's key hub on Guam. Hypersonic DF-17 missiles, which are capable of neutralizing THAAD systems, and the DF-61, presumed to be a next-generation intercontinental ballistic missile were also included in the parade. The YJ-21 , a hypersonic anti-ship missile, and the HQ-29 interceptor missile, referred to as the "Chinese version the Patriot" were also showcased. Fighter jets, including the J-35A, a stealth fighter that made it debut as a counterpart to the U.S. Navy's F-35C showed the modernization of China's military. Alright, these are all the questions I have for you today Bo-kyoung. Thank you for today. Thank you.

Historic moment captured as leaders of N. Korea, China, and Russia gather at China's Victory Day parade

2025/09/03 22:34

We begin in China tonight. North Korea's Kim Jong-un and Russia's Vladimir Putin stood shoulder-to-shoulder with China's Xi Jinping at a mass military parade in Beijing to show off their united stance against the West. Our Shin Ha-young reports. A military parade marking China's 80th Victory Day anniversary became the stage for the leaders of North Korea, China, and Russia to appear together for the first time in 66 years. The 70-minute-long celebration kicked off on Wednesday at 9 AM local time in Tiananmen Square, Beijing. About an hour before the official ceremony, around 25 world leaders began arriving at the venue, walking down a red carpet. Chinese President Xi Jinping greeted them, with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un entering just before Russian President Vladimir Putin, who was the last to arrive. Symbolic moments of solidarity among Pyongyang, Beijing, and Moscow continued throughout the event. With Xi in the center, Kim on his left, and Putin on his right, the three leaders walked up to the rostrum side by side, conversing with smiles. China marks September 3, 1945, as the day of its victory over Japan and the end of World War II. That's the day after Japan signed its unconditional surrender to China and the other Allies. "History warns us that the destiny of humankind is closely interconnected. Only when nations and peoples treat each other as equals, live together in harmony, and support one another can we safeguard common security and eliminate the root causes of war. We must not allow the tragedies of history to repeat themselves." During the military parade, China showcased strategic weapons for the first time, including the FH-97 unmanned combat aircraft and the DF-61 intercontinental ballistic missile, reportedly an upgrade from the DF-41. A record 40-thousand people took part in the parade, with 45 military units also marching through Tiananmen Square to display their strength. Meanwhile, from South Korea, National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik attended the parade. Shin Ha-young, Arirang News.

Leaders of N. Korea, China and Russia show rare unity at China’s Victory Day

2025/09/03 21:35

Welcome to Within The Frame where we bring the most pressing issues across the globe into focus, I'm Kim Mok-yeon. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has made a rare overseas appearance, joining China's Victory Day celebrations in Beijing. It's the first time in over six decades that a North Korean leader has attended a Chinese parade, underscoring the moment's symbolism. Kim was seen alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin — the first such gathering since the Cold War. On the sidelines, Kim and Putin also held a bilateral summit, where Putin thanked North Korean troops for fighting in Ukraine and pledged new agreements. Amid these developments, the question now is what this rare moment of unity means for the Korean Peninsula and the wider region. To help us unpack this, we're joined by Go Myong-hyun, Senior Research Fellow at Institute for National Security Strategy. Welcome back. -ST Also joining us online is Frank Jannuzi, President & CEO at The Maureen and Mike Mansfield Foundation. Good to see you. 1. (Go) Let's begin with the big picture. Kim Jong-un, attended China's Victory Day military parade. Dr. Go, do tell us about the background and significance of Kim's participation. 2. (Jannuzi) Building on that, just before the visit, North Korea revealed Kim's inspection of a missile production line and an ICBM research facility, and even made public the details of his train departure. Why do you think Pyongyang unusually disclosed Kim's movements so quickly this time? 3. (Jannuzi) Adding to the intrigue, Kim Jong-un's daughter, Kim Ju-ae, also accompanied him on this trip to China. What can we read into this? 4. (Go) Turning to China's role, this trip marks Kim's first visit to China in more than 6 years. Dr.Go, why do you think China is now seeking to restore ties with North Korea? Do you see the once-distant relationship improving, especially after the closer alignment between North Korea and Russia? 5. (Jannuzi) On the international stage, attention also focused on the rare gathering of the leaders of North Korea, China, and Russia at the parade. It was the first time in 66 years that leaders of the three sides stood together. What message did this send to the international community? Should this be seen as a formal declaration of a new trilateral alignment? 6. (Go) Alongside the parade, Kim Jong-un and President Putin also held a bilateral summit — their first in over a year. President Putin even took the occasion to thank North Korean troops and spoke of 'new agreements.' How significant was this summit, and what does it reveal about the deepening ties between Pyongyang and Moscow? 7. (Jannuzi) In the past, Kim visited China before holding summits with the United States. Some wonder if this trip could be a sign of another round of U.S.–North Korea dialogue. But with President Putin now openly thanking North Korean troops for helping fight Ukraine, is such a dialogue still realistic? 8. (Go) On another note, this Victory Day event was also Kim Jong-un's debut on the multilateral diplomatic stage. I wonder how do you evaluated his performance Dr.Go? And do you expect Kim to now embark on a broader diplomatic push? 9. (Jannuzi) Turning to South Korea's role — unlike most U.S. allies, which either sent low-level envoys or stayed away, Seoul dispatched National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik to the Victory Day ceremony. Does this reflect the Lee Jae Myung administration's pragmatic diplomacy? And in the midst of intensifying great power rivalry, what kind of foreign policy direction should Seoul pursue? 10. (Go) Finally, With Kim Jong-un's visit to China, many argue that the South Korean government must now reshape its North Korea policy. How should Seoul respond to a North Korea that is seeking to expand into multilateral diplomacy?

Historic moment captured as leaders of N. Korea, China, and Russia gather at China's Victory Day parade

2025/09/03 19:42

We start in Beijing where Chinese President Xi Jinping hosted Russia's Vladimir Putin and North Korea's Kim Jong-un to observe an elaborate show of might to mark the end of World War Two. Our Shin Ha-young starts us off. A military parade marking China's 80th Victory Day anniversary became the stage for the leaders of North Korea, China, and Russia to appear together for the first time in 66 years. The 70-minute-long celebration kicked off on Wednesday at 9 AM local time in Tiananmen Square, Beijing. About an hour before the official ceremony, around 25 world leaders began arriving at the venue, walking down a red carpet. Chinese President Xi Jinping greeted them, with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un entering just before Russian President Vladimir Putin, who was the last to arrive. Symbolic moments of solidarity among Pyongyang, Beijing, and Moscow continued throughout the event. With Xi in the center, Kim on his left, and Putin on his right, the three leaders walked up to the rostrum side by side, conversing with smiles. China marks September 3, 1945, as the day of its victory over Japan and the end of World War II. That's the day after Japan signed its unconditional surrender to China and the other Allies. "History warns us that the destiny of humankind is closely interconnected. Only when nations and peoples treat each other as equals, live together in harmony, and support one another can we safeguard common security and eliminate the root causes of war. We must not allow the tragedies of history to repeat themselves." During the military parade, China showcased strategic weapons for the first time, including the FH-97 unmanned combat aircraft and the DF-61 intercontinental ballistic missile, reportedly an upgrade from the DF-41. A record 40-thousand people took part in the parade, with 45 military units also marching through Tiananmen Square to display their strength. Meanwhile, from South Korea, National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik attended the parade. Shin Ha-young, Arirang News.

[Weather] Showers until tonight and rain in the central and southern parts tomorrow

2025/09/03 19:41

The night heat has eased off as we enter September, but the sun shines still strongly in the middle of the day. Heat wave advisories are still in place in the southern parts of the country and Jeju Island today. The temperatures rose further in the western regions under the influence of the easterly wind. On the other side of the country, the east coast stayed relatively cooler at below 30 degrees Celsius. Until tonight, showers will pass throughout southern parts of Gyeonggi-do Province and southern parts of the Chungcheong-do provinces. The expected precipitation is as little as 5 millimeters to as much as 60 millimeters. There will be rain in the central regions and showers in the south tomorrow. Tomorrow, Seoul, Daejeon, Gwangju and Daegu will start off at 24 degrees. Highs will only rise up to 29 degrees in Seoul and Gyeongju, Chuncheon at 27 degrees. Frequent showers are expected this week, and rain is forecast again on Saturday afternoon. That's all for Korea. Here are the weather conditions around the world.

"KPop Demon Hunters" becomes most-watched title on Netflix

2025/09/03 19:41

Netflix sensation "KPop Demon Hunters" has become the most-watched title on the platform. According to the streaming service the animation has been streamed over 2-hundred-66 million times making it the top content of all time on Netflix. In fact it has surpassed "Squid Game: Season 1" which previously held the top spot in the show category. Meanwhile its original soundtrack "Golden" continues to dominate the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart holding the number one spot for the third straight week.

From tradition to modernity: Korean design illuminated at Design Miami.In Situ

2025/09/03 19:40

And a world renowned exhibition platform has opened its first Asian showcase right here in Seoul. Our Byeon Ye-young was there. Design Miami has landed in Asia for the first time, opening its Seoul edition to shine a spotlight on Korean designers who have long played a role in connecting the nation's culture with the world. Titled 'Illuminated: A Spotlight on Korean Design', the exhibition is Design Miami's first In situ endeavor. From stunning glass decorative pieces to traditional Korean accessories made from cow intestines, the exhibition shows Korean designers who have become renowned names in global design spheres. "Design Miami is a globally renowned exhibition platform. By hosting such a prestigious design platform here in Seoul, the first in Asia, we wanted to create an opportunity for our city to expand and step onto the world stage through design." "Design Miami Seoul showcases more than 170 works by 71 designers. From traditional crafts to contemporary concepts, every piece highlights the creativity of Korean design." Among the standout works are pieces deeply rooted in Korea's culture and traditions. Park Won-min's bench, made from a massive stone slab, evokes a surreal, dreamlike effect. Lee Jung-in reinterprets hanji , traditional Korean paper, by applying it to wooden lattice frames, transforming the technique into a sculptural paper sofa. This particular piece was also a finalist for the prestigious LOEWE Foundation Craft Prize. The venue itself adds another layer of meaning. Dongdaemun Design Plaza, or DDP, is a cultural landmark in Seoul and home to many artistic events like Seoul Fashion Week. DDP was designed by the late architect Zaha Hadid, Design Miami's very first "Designer of the Year" back in 2005 so the choice of the venue brings Design Miami's story full circle. "Korean culture is making waves on the global stage right now. Likewise, through this Design Miami Seoul exhibition, we hope to introduce many people to Korean design and design art. The exhibition is open free of charge, so we encourage the public to come and experience the works of these renowned designers firsthand." Alongside the exhibition, Design Miami also hosted design talks on Tuesday to foster dialogue on Korean design. Design Miami Seoul runs through September 14, 2025, at Dongdaemun Design Plaza. Byeon Ye-young, Arirang News.

K-pop stars light up Seoul as Fashion Week turns the city into a runway

2025/09/03 19:39

Seoul Fashion Week is back and the catwalk this time around has been extended across the capital city. Our Park Hyo-been has a glimpse. Fashion, stars, and a runway by the palace walls. Seoul Fashion Week is back for its 2026 spring/summer season, offering a glimpse of the trends that will shape styles in the coming year. Marking its 25th anniversary, this year's event goes beyond the traditional venue at Dongdaemun Design Plaza, spreading across the entire city of Seoul. And the week began right here along the stone walls of Deoksugung Palace, with a striking opening show by Andersson Bell. "I've always followed Andersson Bell, and since the show is held here along the Deoksugung Palace walls, I was really excited to come." "I've been attending the event for about three or four years now. I didn't want to miss it this time either. The runway today is what I'm looking forward to most, especially because it's a brand I've always liked." Before the runway began, the area around the palace was already filled with stars and fans alike. On the photo wall, big names like TOMORROW X TOGETHER's Hueningkai, Hearts2Hearts' Ian and Jiwoo, and IVE's Gaeul drew the crowds. Once the opening runway show kicked off, Andersson Bell unveiled its 2026 spring/summer collection under the theme SOFT CLASH. The pieces highlighted unexpected color matches, layered silhouettes that looked effortless yet calculated, and deconstructed details with a worn-in edge. And Deoksugung Palace is not the only iconic location to serve as a backdrop. Throughout the week, 27 Korean designer brands take turns presenting their collections at Seoul landmarks, including the Oil Tank Culture Park, Heungcheonsa Temple, and, of course, Dongdaemun Design Plaza. Adding a global touch, Berlin Fashion Week also joined Seoul Fashion Week for the first time, showcasing its official Berlin Showroom. "The event runs until this Sunday, turning Seoul into a global fashion city. Park Hyo-been, Arirang News.

Gender equality minister candidate pledges to strengthen ministry, tackle wage gap at hearing

2025/09/03 19:38

On the political front. Won Min-kyong, the second nominee for minister of gender equality and family under the Lee Jae Myung administration faced a confirmation hearing on this Wednesday. In her testimony today she pledged to address the gender wage gap and gender-based violence. Won's nomination follows the withdrawal of the previous candidate Kang Sun-woo, who stepped down following rampant allegations of workplace abuse.

Gov't rolls out plans for supporting companies hit by U.S. tariffs

2025/09/03 19:38

And the Lee administration has announced a framework of financial assistance to aid exporters seeking to navigate higher U.S. tariffs. Our correspondent Kim Do-yeon has details. The South Korean government is expanding its financial support to companies hit by U.S. tariffs. At an economic ministerial meeting on Wednesday, officials announced a comprehensive support package for these companies, including 13.6 trillion won or about 10 billion U.S. dollars in emergency management funds. A record 270 trillion won or 193 billion dollars in trade insurance and credit will also be available to support exporters. "The real race toward economic recovery starts now. The government will sprint without rest. We will respond flawlessly to global trade risks while mobilizing all policy capabilities to push forward with projects to lead the AI and super-innovation economy." In next year's budget proposal, trade issues and export support has been increased to 4.3 trillion won, or just over 3 billion dollars. For sectors affected by tariffs, interest rates on operational funds will be cut further, and lending limits will be raised tenfold. Hard-hit industries like steel and aluminum will receive specialized support, including 570 billion won, or just over 400 million dollars in dedicated financing and emergency allocated tariffs on core raw materials. The Industry Ministry will spearhead the government's on-the-ground response, coordinating across twelve ministries. "Today we have prepared tangible support measures with twelve ministries based on three principles—first, mobilizing all available policy tools; second, an all-out, whole-of-government response; and third, a focus on the needs of companies." This support is critical for the nation's small and medium-sized enterprises as well. A recent government survey found that nearly 63 percent of these companies expect the tariffs to negatively impact their exports. "Export-oriented SMEs expressed strong on-the-ground need for support with logistics costs, policy funds, detailed information, and export market diversification. Reflecting these voices, we have prepared support measures for SMEs in response to the U.S. reciprocal tariffs." Meanwhile, with the Chuseok holiday approaching, the government also announced plans to ease the burden on households. The Deputy Prime Minister stated that "Chuseok Livelihood Stability Measures" will be announced soon. Additionally, a second round of "Livelihood Recovery Consumption Coupons" will be distributed starting from September 22nd. Kim Do-yeon, Arirang News.

S. Korean economy grows faster than expectations in Q2

2025/09/03 19:37

In other news. The South Korean economy expanded 0-point-7 percent on quarter in the second quarter of this year higher than previous projections. Our correspondent Moon Ji-young reports. South Korea's economy grew faster than earlier estimated in the second quarter, driven by robust exports and improved private consumption. Preliminary data released by the Bank of Korea on Wednesday revealed that the nation's real gross domestic product, a key economic indicator, grew by 0-point-7 percent quarter-on-quarter in the April to June period this year. This revised figure marks an improvement of 0-point-1 percentage point from the advance estimate made in July. The growth also represents a significant rebound from a contraction experienced in the first quarter. Last week, the central bank upgraded its economic growth forecast for this year to 0-point-9 percent, up from its previous projection of 0-point-8 percent. "If the economy grows around 0.6% on-quarter in the second half, we will be able to achieve 0.9% annual growth." Breaking down the growth drivers, private spending saw a 0-point-5 percent increase, largely due to higher spending on automobiles and health services. Government expenditure also climbed 1-point-2 percent, boosted by increased healthcare benefits. However, construction investment contracted, primarily driven by a decrease in civil engineering projects. Facilities investment also declined due to reduced demand for ships and semiconductor manufacturing equipment. In terms of trade, exports surged by 4-point-5 percent, spurred by strong global demand for semiconductors, and petroleum and chemical products. Imports were also up by 4-point-2 percent. "We expect domestic demand to continue its modest recovery, led by the government's supplementary budget execution and better consumer sentiment. However, while exports showed a favorable trend in July and August, we anticipate growth to gradually slow as the impact of U.S. tariff impositions expands." Meanwhile, the country's gross national income saw a 2 percent increase, with real GNI growing by 1 percent. This was largely due to improved terms of trade, which led to a reduction in real trade losses. Moon Ji-young. Arirang News.