News

South stays cool with rain, central areas get hotter

2025/08/12 11:40

Those in southern regions need to brace for more rain today. A strong band of rain clouds is moving over the south coast and areas of the Gyeongsang-do provinces, with a heavy rain advisory issued in parts of the Jeollanam-do provinces. Most of the southern provinces will see 5 to 40 millimeters of rainfall, Chungcheong-do provinces will get 5 to 20 millimeters through tonight. A breeze in the morning and evening, these days is definitely unusual for this time of the year, even the afternoons were quite bearable. However, those of us in the northern region of South Korea will have highs soaring to the low thirties again. Seoul and Chuncheon both get up to 33 degrees Celsius, Daegu and Gwangju at 28 degrees. As for tomorrow, the central regions will see downpours. Seoul and Gangwon-do Province could receive up to 100 millimeters of heavy rain tomorrow. The rain looks like it will continue in the capital area through Liberation Day morning. The heat looks to get strong again this weekend.

Robot band to debut at World Humanoid Robot Games

2025/08/12 11:39

Finally, in China, a robot band comprised of five autonomous humanoid robot musicians will debut at the opening ceremony of the World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing on Thursday. The ensemble, engineered by Hefei Panshi Technology, will include a keyboardist, lead guitarist, drummer, bassist, and rhythm guitarist, and will use a shared computing system that processes musical scores in real-time to coordinate movements. Engineers have upgraded pneumatic joints with faster motor-driven ones to handle quicker rhythms during their performance, which will feature traditional folk songs.

Australia to recognise Palestinian state at United Nations in September

2025/08/12 11:39

Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Monday that Australia will formally recognize a Palestinian state at the upcoming UN General Assembly in September, aligning with similar commitments from France, the UK, and Canada. The decision is conditional on key assurances from the Palestinian Authority, including excluding Hamas from any governing role, demilitarizing Gaza, and holding democratic elections. Meanwhile, New Zealand's Foreign Minister said his country was also considering recognizing Palestinian statehood and would make a formal decision in September.

UN condemns targeted Israeli attack that killed five Al Jazeera journalists

2025/08/12 11:38

The United Nations has strongly condemned a targeted Israeli airstrike that killed five Al Jazeera journalists in Gaza on Sunday, calling it a serious breach of international law. UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, condemned the killing and demanded an "independent and impartial" investigation into the incident, according to his spokesperson on Monday. Al Jazeera labeled the attack a "blatant and premeditated assault on press freedom," asserting that it aimed to silence those documenting the impending occupation of Gaza. The U.S.-based Committee to Protect Journalists urged accountability and denounced Israel's repeated claims of Hamas affiliation as justification for targeting journalists. According to reports, at least 242 journalists have been killed in Gaza since the war began.

Trump deploys National Guard to Washington, D.C. and pledges crime crackdown

2025/08/12 11:38

Good morning, I'm Choi Chi-hee, and this is The World Now. Starting in the United States, President Donald Trump has declared a "public safety emergency" in Washington, D.C., placing the city's police under direct federal control. At a White House press conference on Monday, President Trump also announced the deployment of 800 National Guard troops. Trump stated the move was to "re-establish law, order, and public safety" in the capital. He referenced the emergency powers granted by the D.C. Home Rule Act, which allow him to federalize the Metropolitan Police Department, bypassing elected city leaders. Attorney General Pam Bondi was appointed to oversee the federalized police force. National Guard troops are expected to arrive by the end of the week, with between 100 and 200 deployed at any given time to assist the police. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser described the President's actions as "unsettling and unprecedented," asserting that the city is not experiencing a crime surge and that violent crime is at a 30-year low.

Fmr. First Lady Kim Keon Hee faces arrest hearing on corruption allegations

2025/08/12 11:37

A Seoul court is holding a hearing today on whether to arrest former First Lady Kim Keon Hee, the wife of former President Yoon Suk Yeol. She faces allegations of stock manipulation, interference in party nominations, and influence-peddling , which she denies. Prosecutors argue that there's a high risk she will destroy evidence. A decision could come as early as tonight , and if granted, it would mark the first time in the country's history that a former president and first lady are detained at the same time.

Lee–Trump summit could reshape S. Korea-U.S. security alliance: Victor Cha

2025/08/12 11:37

With a tariff deal now behind them, the leaders of South Korea and the U.S. are looking ahead to what could be their first-ever summit within this month, which would reshape the two countries' security alliance, says Victor Cha, the Korea chair at the Center for Strategic & International Studies. Kim Jung-sil reports. The tariff deal announced late last month may have dominated headlines, but for veteran Korea watcher Victor Cha, its biggest impact is on the agenda it clears the way for. "Now that this is kind of been at least in a framework agreement stage that really opens up space for the two leaders to talk about all the other things that are important in the alliance. they can get back to talking about the issues that matter on security: military, defense and deterrence." That, he says, could set the stage for adjustments, not just in policy, but in the alliance itself. "I think they will there will be some changes coming to the alliance. We've already seen them on the economic side but there could also be some coming on the security side." "Could you give us an example on what changes could come if you can just predict?" "We know very clearly that President Trump wants Korea to pay more for the stationing of U.S. forces in Korea. On the Korean side, the Lee government, progressive governments in general, have been very focused on trying to return OPCON transition So that's something that could certainly come up. And President Trump has made no secret of his desire to reduce the U.S. military footprint in Korea and in including the number of ground troops that are in Korea. So those are three big areas where we could see a potential change." Dr. Cha says any troop drawdown could be part of a broader alliance modernization , paring fewer ground forces with more air and naval power, and stronger South Korean intelligence and surveillance. "If that's all packaged together as part of a dual effort to modernize the alliance then I think you don't have any problems. Then I don't think you hurt deterrence, you strengthen the alliance." But he warns that acting without consultation could have the opposite effect. "But if the United States just starts doing this unilaterally just starts pulling forces unilaterally without much consultation that can weaken the alliance and can also create miscalculation or misperception by the North Koreans and the Chinese that the alliance is weakening." Still, he says the trade deal opens the door for talks on key security issues and their first meeting could determine whether the allies move toward a stronger, more modern security partnership. Kim Jung-sil, Arirang News.

[On-point] Will Samsung, SK hynix be exempt from Trump's semiconductor tariffs?

2025/08/12 11:36

As we just heard, the world's two largest economies are expected to extend their truce on tariffs while the Trump administration is also planning to impose 100 percent tariffs on foreign-made semiconductors. For more on how this may affect Korean businesses and the economy, we're joined by Kim Hwa-gyun, Professor of Banking and Finance at Texas A&M University, Mays Business School. Professor Kim, thanks for joining us this morning. 1. The tariff truce between the United States and China was initially set to expire on Tuesday, but it's now been extended. How is this expected to impact the global economy? 2. Eyes are now on whether Korean chipmakers will be impacted by the Trump administration's new tariff on semiconductors. Will Samsung Electronics and SK hynix be exempt from them, as they're building plants in the U.S.? And what do the tariffs mean for the prices of electronic devices like smartphones and computers? 3. It was recently unveiled that Samsung Electronics will supply chips to Tesla and Apple from its new Texas facility. What drove these tech giants to select the Korean chipmaker? And how might these deals help Samsung regain ground against its biggest competitor, TSMC? 4. Trump said he will initially impose a "small tariff" on pharmaceuticals, but said it could eventually reach up to 250%. How must Korean companies prepare for this measure? Alright Professor Kim, thank you so much for your insight today. We appreciate it.

Who's on President Lee Jae Myung's first pardons list?

2025/08/12 11:35

On the local front. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has issued his Liberation Day special pardons. The clemency list spans high-profile politicians, business leaders, and members of the public. Our top office correspondent Song Yoo-jin has the details. With South Korea's National Liberation Day on Friday, the customary presidential pardons have been announced. At an extraordinary Cabinet meeting on Monday, clemency was granted to 2-thousand-1-hundred-88 people. "This round of pardons is aimed at responding to the call for national unity, creating an opportunity to overcome division and conflict, and revitalizing the struggling economy amid global uncertainty." At the center of attention is Cho Kuk, former head of the minor Rebuilding Korea Party. Cho, who served as Justice Minister and senior presidential aide to former President Moon Jae-in, has been serving a two-year prison term since last December for academic fraud involving his children and unlawfully interfering with a government-led corruption inspection. "The Rebuilding Korea Party is an opposition party, and Cho Kuk is not a close associate of President Lee. In fact, he is among those whose pardons were widely requested by figures from various political and religious circles." Pardoned with a restoration of rights, Cho can run for public office again, with speculation that he may enter the 2026 local elections. Also among the 27 pardoned politicians is former lawmaker Yoon Mee-hyang, convicted of embezzling funds from a civic group supporting Korean wartime sex slaves, known as "comfort women." The main opposition People Power Party blasted the pardons as a "reward for regime change." The pardons this time also aim to boost people's livelihoods. "We expect pardons for key business leaders to help create jobs and drive dynamic growth, while clemency for small business owners and self-employed workers will support stability and recovery in the local economy." Notable names include former SK Networks chairman and CEO Choi Shin-won. Others include those who were sent to labor facilities for failing to pay court-imposed fines, as well as taxi and bus drivers. The first round of pardons under the new administration will take effect this Friday. Song Yoo-jin, Arirang News.

'Golden' from 'KPop Demon Hunters' tops Billboard Hot 100

2025/08/12 11:34

A song from an American animated film about Korean pop stars is now topping the U.S. charts. According to Billboard on Monday, 'Golden' from Netflix's 'KPop Demon Hunters,' hit number one on its Hot 100 making it the ninth song associated with Korean pop to top the chart, and the first by female lead vocalists. During the first week of August, the song garnered more than 31 million streams, representing a nine percent increase from the previous week, while radio play surged 71 percent. The Hot 100 ranks the most popular songs across all genres in the U.S., based on streaming, radio airplay, and sales. The song also topped the British Official Singles Top 100 earlier this month.

Trump delays China tariffs, declares gold tariff-free

2025/08/12 11:34

And the U.S. leader is also delaying a planned hike in tariffs on Chinese goods by another 90 days.. extending the deadline to November. He also says tariffs will not be placed on imported gold bars.. leading to fall in gold prices. Our Lee Soo-jin reports. U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Monday extending the U.S.–China tariff truce by 90 days. The move finalizes the outcome of last month's high-level trade talks in Sweden. As a result, U.S. tariffs on China, cut to 30 percent in May, and China's tariffs on the U.S., lowered to 10 percent, will remain in place until early November. "We'll see what happens. China's been, we've been dealing very nicely with China. The relationship is very good with President Xi and myself." Analysts say any breakthrough is likely to come only after a face-to-face meeting between President Trump and China's President Xi Jinping , possibly on the sidelines of the APEC meeting in Gyeongju, South Korea, this October. Trump said in an August 5th phone interview with CNBC that Xi had asked for a meeting and that they would "most likely meet before the end of the year" if a deal is reached. In a separate announcement, Trump said gold imports will be tariff-free. On Truth Social, the President wrote, "Gold will not be Tariffed!" The post came after reports that U.S. Customs planned to apply tariffs to one-kilogram gold bars , news that sent prices to record highs last week. Following Trump's statement, gold futures fell more than two percent, calming earlier market jitters. Lee Soo-jin, Arirang News.

STOCK&FX

2025/08/11 22:43

2025. 8. 11. KOREAN STOCK MARKET KOSPI : 3,206.77 ▼3.24 -0.10% KOSDAQ : 811.85 ▲2.58 +0.32% KOSPI200 : 433.29 ▼0.18 -0.04% ASIAN STOCK MARKET NIKKEI225 : CLOSED HANG SENG : 24,906.81 ▲47.99 +0.19% SHANGHAI : 3,647.55 ▲12.41 +0.34% WALL STREET (AUG. 8) DOW JONES : 44,175.61 ▲206.97 +0.47% NASDAQ : 21,450.02 ▲207.32 +0.98% S&P500 : 6,389.45 ▲49.45 +0.78% EXCHANGE RATE USD : 1,388.00 (-1.60) JPY : 940.67 (-2.36) CNY : 193.15 (-0.25) EUR : 1,619.38 (+0.77)

S. Korea, Vietnam agree to bolster strategic partnership

2025/08/11 22:42

President Lee Jae Myung hosted Vietnam's political leader To Lam today in Seoul to bolster cooperation in a host of areas. One particular focus was on sharply increasing bilateral trade volume. Our Presidential Office Correspondent Yoon Jung-min reports. The summit began on a friendly note, with a handshake and a gun salute to welcome Vietnam's top political leader. "You are the first state guest since the launch of the new government of the Republic of Korea. It shows that we highly value Vietnam." The sentiment was mirrored by Vietnam's Communist Party leader, To Lam, as he invited President Lee and the first lady to Vietnam in the near future. "I'm honored to be invited. I congratulate President Lee Jae Myung for being elected as the 21st President of the Republic of Korea." Monday's summit talks yielded deliverables to further deepen the South Korea-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. "Marking the 10th anniversary of the bilateral FTA this year, the two countries will bolster efforts to achieve the goal of increasing bilateral trade to US$ 150 billion by 2030." Last year, bilateral trade reached nearly 87-billion dollars, with Vietnam being South Korea's third-largest trading partner. There are other areas of cooperation. "We agreed to focus on developing strategic infrastructure, such as infrastructure related to transportation, energy, digital and climate change." South Korea hopes to take part in large-scale infrastructure projects in Vietnam, including its nuclear power plant project and North-South express railway project. Focus was also on strengthening cooperation on AI, renewable energy, critical minerals and copyright, for which an array of MOUs were signed. And the meeting was crucial in more ways than one. The new South Korean leader shared his vision for peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula, as Lam welcomed the South Korean government's efforts to resume dialogue with North Korea. The Vietnamese leader, for his part, noted the importance of peace and freedom of navigation in the South China Sea. On the diplomatic front, the two leaders agreed upon cooperation on multilateral forums, as South Korea and Vietnam serve as hosting countries of the APEC summit in 2025 and 2027, respectively. Also, exchanges will be expanded at parliamentary and municipal levels. And as a clear reflection of the importance of people-to-people and cultural exchanges, first lady Kim Hea Kyung hosted the spouse of Vietnam's top leader, Ngo Phuong Ly at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul. To Lam's visit to Korea the first of its kind in 11 years involves a dinner hosted by the South Korean President with heads of major South Korean businesses, including SK and Hyundai Motor groups. Seoul's top office says Monday's summit signals the start of Lee's "pragmatic diplomacy" in earnest. This comes at a time when the global trade environment is becoming increasingly unstable. Yoon Jung-min, Arirang News.

[Weather] Heavy rain expected in the southern parts of the country

2025/08/11 22:41

With the whole country cloudy today, it has been raining in the southern parts of the country. Jeju Island, where a heavy rain advisory has been issued, is covered by dark clouds with thick rain pouring down. These rain clouds will spread to the southern parts of the country. Looking at the expected amount of rainfall by tomorrow, about 100 millimeters of heavy rain is forecast on the south coast, 20 to 80 millimeters in Gyeongsangnam-do Province, 10 to 60 millimeters in Jeollanam-do Province and Jeju Island, 5 to 40 millimeters in Jeollabuk-do and southern Gyeongbuk-do Provinces, and 5 millimeters in other areas. Tomorrow morning, Seoul will start off at 24 degrees Celsius, Daegu and Gyeongju at 21 degrees. Daily highs will move up to 33 degrees in Seoul and Chuncheon, 28 degrees in Busan. On Wednesday and Thursday, it will rain in the central parts of the country. That's all for Korea. Here are the weather conditions around the world.

[Sports Round-up] Son Heung-min helps LAFC earn draw on MLS debut

2025/08/11 22:40

It's Monday, which means it's time to take a look at what's been happening in the world of sports. We have our sports editor Paul Neat joining us in the studio. Hello, Paul. Hello. Let's begin with football. Son Heung-min made his MLS debut. What can you tell us? Son Heung-min, on Saturday local time, officially made his MLS debut for Los Angeles FC. And he wasted no time in making an impact. He came off the bench in the second half against the Chicago Fire, and used his signature pace and close control to cause havoc for the Fire defense. In the 77th minute, he was fouled inside the box, winning a penalty that Denis Bouanga converted to level the match at 2–2. LAFC had earlier equalized in the first half before falling behind again, but Son's involvement ensured they came away with a point. LAFC are fifth in the Western Conference and take on the New England Revolution this Saturday, where Son could make his full debut. Off to a good start. Staying in the U.S. but moving on to MLB. A home run for Kim Ha-seong. Yes, his first in around a month. Kim on Sunday batted 2-for-3 with two RBIs and one run scored, also drawing a walk, against the Seattle Mariners. But his team, the Tampa Bay Rays, lost the match 6 to 3. Batting seventh, Kim hit a double to left off starter Bryan Woo in the top of the second. It was Kim's second double of the season and his first since July 9th. His home run came in the fourth inning, hitting a fastball. It was his first home run since July 10th and was his second of the season. The day before, Lee Jung-hoo of the San Francisco Giants matched his season best run by recording a hit for the eighth game in a row. He went 1-for-4 in a 4-2 loss to the Washington Nationals. The hit came in the very last inning with an infield single in what was his final appearance at the plate. Staying with baseball but moving to the KBO. Another attendance milestone. Yes, nine million fans now after 528 games. That's the fastest the league has ever hit that milestone. The previous record was 610 games set last season. In fact, the KBO has only ever surpassed nine million once before, and that was last year. The overall record is 10-point-8 million. Officials and analysts say the league is on pace to surpass the single-season attendance record and even get as high as 12 million. All 10 clubs together are averaging around 18-thousand fans per match, which is up 16-percent from this point last season. And finally, to golf. Two South Koreans have qualified for the second leg of the PGA Tour playoffs. Indeed, they have. Kim Si-woo and Im Sung-jae. Both put in good displays in the first tournament of the annual series over the weekend. On Sunday, at the FedEx St. Jude Championship in Memphis, Tennessee, Kim Si-woo finished tied for 14th at 8-under par 272. Im Sung-jae finished one stroke behind Kim to tie for 17th. Kim jumped from number 46 to 41st in the FedEx Cup standings, while Im moved up from 29 to 25. Only those in the top 70 qualified, and the top 50 from the weekend's competition advance to the BMW Championship, which starts this Thursday. Great stuff. Thanks for that, Paul. See you next week. Thank you.

USFK Commander Gen. Brunson hints at possible "strategic flexibility"

2025/08/11 22:39

The commander of U.S. Forces Korea stressed the importance of defense skill over troop size when asked to define the term "alliance modernization". Our defense correspondent Kim Bo-kyoung has this report. Capabilities over size. That is what General Xavier Brunson, the commander of the United States Forces Korea emphasized when asked to define "alliance modernization." This follows concerns in Seoul over a possible reduction of U.S. troops on the Korean peninsula for "strategic flexibility." The general did not directly mention any troop reduction, but he did highlight the need for Seoul to acknowledge strategic flexibility as well, citing the example of Patriot batteries that have been temporarily moved to the Middle East but that are expected to return with upgrades. "Whenever things of strategic flexibility happen — I think that the onus is on this command, read me, to ensure that our allies understand what I'm doing. But there's nothing that says that we can't move to where we need to be in support of allied nations and our own objectives." The general underlined that the ROK-U.S. alliance is not just dealing with North Korea, which he called the closest alligator to the boat, but also with Russia and China which both have strong links with Pyongyang. "What's being asked of Korea is to be stronger against DPRK—that we might have the flexibility as we modernize our alliance so that we could go do other things." Against such a backdrop, the issue of transferring wartime operational control the OPCON transfer was brought up as well. General Brunson said rushing things would hurt readiness, and that conditions need to be bilaterally agreed upon. "Now, if we choose to take shortcuts, that could endanger the readiness of the force here on the Peninsula. So I think that our approach has to be one that is, again, bilaterally managed, bilaterally considered, and bilaterally assessed in order to get to that point." The allies are slated to go ahead with the annual Ulchi Freedom Shield starting next week. Some outdoor exercises have been adjusted, but the general says he is comfortable with the decision and as the allies will still exercise fully. Kim Bo-kyoung, Arirang News.

N. Korea condemns planned ROK-U.S. exercises, threatens ‘self defense’ actions

2025/08/11 22:37

North Korea has slammed the upcoming joint military drills between South Korea and the U.S., a reaction that is not too much of a surprise. But what's notable is that the statement came days after the North also took down its border speakers that broadcast propaganda directed at the South. Park Hyo-been reports. North Korea has condemned an upcoming large-scale joint military exercise between South Korea and the United States. According to a report by the North's state-run Korean Central News Agency on Monday, Defense Minister No Kwang-chol had warned that Pyongyang would invoke its right to "self-defense" in response to any provocation. The warning came a week ahead of Seoul and Washington's annual summertime Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise, set to run from August 18th to 28th. Experts say this is a clear sign that the North is seeking to permanently end the allied exercises. "This is not the first time that North Korea has criticized a ROK-U.S. joint military exercise since Trump was inaugurated, and it has continued to raise questions and criticized the ROK-U.S. alliance. This is a very clear purpose that North Korea definitely wants to stop or permanently halt ROK-U.S. joint military exercises." In response to Pyongyang's denunciation, Seoul's Ministry of National Defense said: "The ROK-U.S. combined exercises are annual defensive drills to maintain a strong joint defense posture, contributing to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and beyond. The defense authorities from both nations are closely coordinating their execution." North Korea's warning comes despite recent signs of a potential de-escalation by the reclusive state. Last Saturday, Pyongyang began dismantling some loudspeakers installed along its border, which were previously used for noise campaigns against South Korea. The move by the North came just days after Seoul completed removing border loudspeakers, a move aimed at reducing inter-Korean tensions last Tuesday. In response, Seoul's Ministry of Unification welcomed North Korea's swift removal of its border loudspeakers. "Regarding North Korea's dismantling of propaganda loudspeakers along the border, our government assesses Pyongyang's swift action in removing its own loudspeakers, following our removal of anti-Pyongyang loudspeakers, positively." While the dismantling of loudspeakers hints at easing tensions, North Korea's hardline stance over the drills suggests the road to reconciliation will be far from smooth. Park Hyo-been, Arirang News.

[THE INTERVIEW] Lee–Trump summit could reshape S. Korea-U.S. security alliance: Victor Cha

2025/08/11 22:36

With a tariff deal now behind them, the leaders of South Korea and the U.S. are looking ahead to what could be their first-ever summit within this month, which would reshape the two countries' security alliance, says Victor Cha, the Korea chair at the Center for Strategic & International Studies. Kim Jung-sil reports. The tariff deal announced late last month may have dominated headlines, but for veteran Korea watcher Victor Cha, its biggest impact is on the agenda it clears the way for. "Now that this is kind of been at least in a framework agreement stage that really opens up space for the two leaders to talk about all the other things that are important in the alliance. they can get back to talking about the issues that matter on security: military, defense and deterrence." That, he says, could set the stage for adjustments, not just in policy, but in the alliance itself. "I think they will there will be some changes coming to the alliance. We've already seen them on the economic side but there could also be some coming on the security side." "Could you give us an example on what changes could come if you can just predict?" "We know very clearly that President Trump wants Korea to pay more for the stationing of U.S. forces in Korea. On the Korean side, the Lee government, progressive governments in general, have been very focused on trying to return OPCON transition So that's something that could certainly come up. And President Trump has made no secret of his desire to reduce the U.S. military footprint in Korea and in including the number of ground troops that are in Korea. So those are three big areas where we could see a potential change." Dr. Cha says any troop drawdown could be part of a broader alliance modernization , paring fewer ground forces with more air and naval power, and stronger South Korean intelligence and surveillance. "If that's all packaged together as part of a dual effort to modernize the alliance then I think you don't have any problems. Then I don't think you hurt deterrence, you strengthen the alliance." But he warns that acting without consultation could have the opposite effect. "But if the United States just starts doing this unilaterally just starts pulling forces unilaterally without much consultation that can weaken the alliance and can also create miscalculation or misperception by the North Koreans and the Chinese that the alliance is weakening." Still, he says the trade deal opens the door for talks on key security issues and their first meeting could determine whether the allies move toward a stronger, more modern security partnership. Kim Jung-sil, Arirang News.

Who's on President Lee Jae Myung's first pardons list?

2025/08/11 22:35

South Korean President Lee issued his Liberation Day special pardons today. The clemency list spans high-profile politicians, business leaders, and members of the public. Our Top Office correspondent Song Yoo-jin has the details. With South Korea's National Liberation Day on Friday, the customary presidential pardons have been announced. At an extraordinary Cabinet meeting on Monday, clemency was granted to 2-thousand-1-hundred-88 people. "This round of pardons is aimed at responding to the call for national unity, creating an opportunity to overcome division and conflict, and revitalizing the struggling economy amid global uncertainty." At the center of attention is Cho Kuk, former head of the minor Rebuilding Korea Party. Cho, who served as Justice Minister and senior presidential aide to former President Moon Jae-in, has been serving a two-year prison term since last December for academic fraud involving his children and unlawfully interfering with a government-led corruption inspection. "The Rebuilding Korea Party is an opposition party, and Cho Kuk is not a close associate of President Lee. In fact, he is among those whose pardons were widely requested by figures from various political and religious circles." Pardoned with a restoration of rights, Cho can run for public office again, with speculation that he may enter the 2026 local elections. Also among the 27 pardoned politicians is former lawmaker Yoon Mee-hyang, convicted of embezzling funds from a civic group supporting Korean wartime sex slaves, known as "comfort women." The main opposition People Power Party blasted the pardons as a "reward for regime change." The pardons this time also aim to boost people's livelihoods. "We expect pardons for key business leaders to help create jobs and drive dynamic growth, while clemency for small business owners and self-employed workers will support stability and recovery in the local economy." Notable names include former SK Networks chairman and CEO Choi Shin-won. Others include those who were sent to labor facilities for failing to pay court-imposed fines, as well as taxi and bus drivers. The first round of pardons under the new administration will take effect this Friday. Song Yoo-jin, Arirang News.

"I'm abandoning my mom" paves way for more Korea-Vietnam cultural cooperation

2025/08/11 22:34

Continuing with the Vietnamese leader's visit to South Korea, the two countries also explored ways to cooperate in the culture field, as their related ministers also got together on Monday. Our culture correspondent Park Kun-woo has more. "I'm abandoning my mom." This recent popular movie in Vietnam surpassed the break-even point in the country just three days after its release. What's notable is that it's a Korea-Vietnam co-production, starring popular actors from both countries. More such collaborations are expected as the culture ministers of Korea and Vietnam met in Seoul to explore ways for sustainable growth in the culture industry. "Since establishing a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2023, we've strengthened cooperation in various sectors. With our ties closer than ever, it's time to take cultural exchange and cooperation to the next level. We see the culture industry's potential and ripple effects as a key driver of future economic growth." Vietnam has also signaled its commitment to cultural cooperation, following its recently unveiled national strategy to build a culture industry centered on digital transformation. "Korea is a culturally advanced country whose new technologies add significant value to its cultural industries. We hope to learn from Korea's expertise to further develop our industries as we share cultural common ground." Positive messages from both sides led to MOUs being signed between companies from both countries on Monday, covering joint film and game projects. "Korean content is very popular in Vietnam, from music to drama series and movies. I'm very happy that this year the collaboration is extending to another level co-producing a Vietnam-Korean movie with an original story. We will be filming in March next year and releasing it at the end of 2026." And more Korean companies are diversifying their content creation with their Vietnamese counterparts. "We're exploring collaborations such as remaking films with our IP and co-producing Vietnamese dramas, or casting Vietnamese actors in our dramas. While there may be cultural sensitivities or differing social norms, these can be addressed from the early planning stages." Korea's culture ministry also announced plans, including financing and tax incentives, in the cultural field on Monday with the aim for the industry to generate 300 trillion won in revenue by 2030. With more of these efforts paving the way for broader collaboration between the two countries, more cultural content is expected down the road. Park Kun-woo, Arirang News.