News

[Weather] Wildfire alert level reaches its highest nationwide

2025/03/26 10:00

Wildfire risks remain a major concern today. The wildfire alert level has now been raised to "severe" nationwide. Dry weather warnings remain in place in Daegu and Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, and advisories cover many of the eastern regions. Given today's gusty winds, even a tiny spark could quickly turn into a major fire, so we all need to stay extra cautious. At the same time, as the yellow dust particles linger in central parts of Korea, a dust advisory remains in place for the capital region and Chungcheongnam-do Province. Thankfully, conditions should gradually clear up by the afternoon. Afternoon highs could jump 10 to 15 degrees higher than the chilly morning, reaching above 20 degrees in most parts with mostly sunny skies. Much-anticipated rain is in the forecast from Jeju and the south coast from late tonight, spreading nationwide overnight. The amount won't be much with western regions and Jeju seeing more precipitation. Rain will bring a chill to the country on Friday, and it will stay cooler through early next week.

Five lions rescued from the war in Ukraine arrive at their forever home in the UK

2025/03/26 10:00

Finally, in the UK five neglected lions rescued from war-torn Ukraine have found a new home at the Big Cat Sanctuary in Smarden, Kent. The group includes a male African lion named Rori and lionesses Amani, Lira, Vanda, and Yuna. Their rescue journey was facilitated by the Wild Animals Rescue Center in Ukraine. After being temporarily cared for in Belgium, the lions arrived at The Lion Rescue Center, a sanctuary established through a fundraising campaign and officially opened on Tuesday.

Brazil's Bolsonaro attends court hearing on acceptance of coup charges

2025/03/26 10:00

Brazil's Supreme Court concluded the first day of proceedings on Tuesday, to determine whether former President Jair Bolsonaro, and several associates will stand trial on charges including attempting to stage a coup. The session ended without a decision, and deliberations are set to continue. Bolsonaro has been accused of orchestrating a plan to remain in power after his defeat in the 2022 election. Allegations against the former leader include plotting to poison his successor President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and assassinate a Supreme Court Justice. Bolsonaro denies the charges, claiming political persecution.

Israelis protest outside parliament as state budget approved

2025/03/26 10:00

Israel's parliament has approved the 2025 state budget a move that solidifies Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition government. The passage of the budget has led to heated protests. On Tuesday, the Israeli parliament, the Knesset, passed the state budget for 2025 with a vote of 66 to 52. This narrowly met the March 31 deadline, avoiding potential snap elections. However, the budget's passage was met with public dissent. Families of hostages held in Gaza protested outside the parliamentary chamber, displaying photos and signs referencing the hostages captured during a Hamas attack in October 2023. Meanwhile, the Israeli finance minister referred to the budget as a "budget of war," emphasizing its focus on national security amid resumed military actions against Hamas in Gaza.

S. Korea draws against Jordan 1-1 during World Cup qualifier

2025/03/26 10:00

South Korean men's national football team were in action in a World Cup qualifier on Tuesday night but could only manage a 1-1 draw with Jordan at home. Playing in front of a sold-out home crowd at the Suwon World Cup Stadium South Korea got on the scoreboard early thanks to a 5th-minute goal by midfielder Lee Jae-sung. However, the visitors were back on level terms with an equalizer in the 30th minute. The draw means the Taegeuk Warriors will have to wait to secure automatic qualification from Group B, which they top with 16 points. Two games remain in the group, away to Iraq on June 5th, followed by Kuwait at home on June 10th.

Seoul condemns Japan’s approval of textbooks claiming Dokdo as Japanese territory

2025/03/26 10:00

Seoul has strongly condemned Japan's approval of high school textbooks that continue to make unfounded claims over the South Korean islands of Dokdo. In a statement released on Tuesday, Seoul's foreign ministry called on Japan to correct these inaccuracies and uphold its commitment to show sincere remorse over past wartime atrocities. Japan's Ministry of Education has reportedly approved high school textbooks for use starting in 2026. These textbooks are reported to continue pushing Japan's false narrative over South Korea's Dokdo.

Appeals court to rule on DP leader Lee Jae-myung’s election violation charges

2025/03/26 10:00

Also later at 2 PM this afternoon, Seoul High Court will give its ruling on the appeal of the main opposition Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung regarding his election violation charges. Lee was indicted on charges of making false statements in December 2021, during a media interview where he denied knowing a man involved in a land development scandal in Seongnam. He is also accused of making false claims that South Korea's land ministry pressured him to rezone a research institute site in the Baekhyeon-dong area. The ruling comes about four months after Lee received a one-year prison sentence, suspended for two years, in his first trial. If the appeals court upholds the sentence and the Supreme Court finalizes it, Lee will lose his legislative seat and be barred from running in elections for ten years.

On-point: Will President Yoon's impeachment ruling pushed into April now?

2025/03/26 10:00

Constitutional Court justices continue putting their heads together on Wednesday to make their final call on reinstating or removing President Yoon Suk Yeol over his martial law order. If a ruling date isn't announced today, the decision could be pushed into April. Let's turn to legal expert An Junseong. Good morning. 1. We are now looking at April for the ruling to happen. When in April, then? Which day is highly likely? 2. But still, we shouldn't rule out the possibility that a ruling date may be announced today, right? If yes, when will the big day be? 3. The court's dismissal of Prime Minister Han has made it even harder to tell how the ruling for President Yoon might turn out. Is that so? What do you think? No hint whatsoever? 4. Do you think justices will be unable to draw unilateral votes on Yoon's ruling as was the case with Han's? Why? 5. Is that why the justices are yet to give a ruling date? Because they're having a hard time narrowing their opinions? Why are they taking this long? Thanks so much for connecting with us this morning. We appreciate it.

Acting President and PM Han pledges to leverage all his experience in dealing with U.S. tariffs

2025/03/26 10:00

And as the nation's acting leader, Han is putting the protection of areas of national interest on top of his to-do list to navigate through yet another looming global trade war. To do that, he'll be leading a special economic security task force. Kim Do-yeon reports. In his first Cabinet meeting since returning from suspension Acting President and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo on Tuesday acknowledged the challenges facing the nation — from a global trade war sparked by U.S. tariffs to growing pressures on small business owners and the cost of living. He emphasized the need for all-out effort from everyone as well as cooperation with the National Assembly amid the fierce stand-off between the main rival parties. "Fellow Cabinet members, our calling at this moment is to protect the safety of our people, safeguard our national interests amid the ongoing trade war, and swiftly devise solutions to urgent national issues through cooperation with the National Assembly." He also pledged to leverage his experience of which he has more than 50 years in public service related to trade and foreign affairs to protect Korea's interests, especially in the face of what he called a "tariff storm," started from the U.S. He called on the members of the Cabinet to do the same and to make sure that the citizens can feel the efforts made by the government. "I ask each Cabinet member to exercise full authority and responsibility in implementing their respective policies in a timely manner. I also urge you to communicate actively with the public, providing clear and transparent explanations throughout the process and on the outcomes." This comes as for nearly the past three months South Korea had both its president and prime minister suspended with the deputy prime minister for finance in control of the government. With the Prime Minister's comeback as the acting president, the South Korean government can be seen as more stabilized and a conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump could take place. In fact, he held a meeting that followed the Cabinet meeting with ministers related to trade as his office says that Han was taking on the U.S.-related matters himself. There, the Acting President announced a restructuring of the existing "External Economic Issues Meeting"—which had been chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister for Finance—into the "Economic Security Strategy Task Force," which he will personally lead. According to the Acting President's office, the move aims to strengthen the government's ability to respond to growing external uncertainties, including the U.S. administration's tariff policies, and to enhance coordination between trade and security issues. Kim Do-yeon, Arirang News.

White House affirms commitment to working with S. Korea's Acting President Han Duck-soo

2025/03/26 10:00

Following the return of South Korea's Acting President and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo to office on Monday, the White House confirmed its commitment to working with him. The Prime Minister's Office here shared a statement on Tuesday that included the first remarks made by the Trump administration on Han's return to office. It said that the U.S. is committed to working with Han and the South Korean government, further expressing confidence in the "democratic resilience" of South Korea and its people.

Russia and Ukraine agree to suspend strikes on energy facilities and ensure safe navigation in Black Sea

2025/03/26 10:00

Starting with updates on Ukraine and Russia. Although there was no joint statement following the extended talks between the U.S. and Russia in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Monday, the two agreed on a few key points, including reducing hostilities between Russia and Ukraine in the Black Sea and banning strikes on energy facilities. The proposed agreement, announced on Tuesday, focuses on the Black Sea, aiming to ensure safe navigation, eliminate the use of force, and prevent the militarization of commercial vessels in the region. However, the Kremlin has stipulated that its commitment to the ceasefire is contingent upon the lifting of specific Western sanctions affecting its food and fertilizer exports. Russia and the United States have agreed to implement measures to stop attacks on Russian and Ukrainian energy facilities for 30 days. Despite extensive negotiations and expectations no joint statement has been issued.

UN adopts human rights review on N. Korea; S. Korea warns of "extreme militarization"

2025/03/26 10:00

The UN Human Rights Council has adopted the final results of the fourth Universal Periodic Review on North Korea on Tuesday local time. At Tuesday's meeting in Geneva, South Korea expressed regret over North Korea's rejection of nearly half of the 294 recommendations and urged action. South Korea also called for the immediate release of three detained missionaries and the resolution of long-standing issues, including abductees and prisoners of war. It also highlighted the impact of North Korea's "extreme militarization" on human rights.

N. Korea may be ready for 'short notice' nuclear test, seeks tacit recognition as nuclear power: U.S.

2025/03/26 10:00

The U.S. has once again recognized North Korea's nuclear and missile ambitions, saying the regime is prepared to carry out a nuclear test with no prior warning. Lee Seung-jae has more. North Korea may be ready to conduct a nuclear test "on short notice." That's according to the Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, who made the remark while addressing Congress on the 2025 Annual Threat Assessment of the U.S. Intelligence Community. While assessing security challenges from China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, and others, she stressed that Pyongyang is likely prepared to conduct its 7th nuclear test. She added that the regime continues to flight test ICBMs to "demonstrate their increasing capabilities as leverage in future negotiations." Her comments are in line with Seoul's assessment that the North has already completed preparations for another nuclear test. Pyongyang last conducted a nuclear test in 2017. The director also noted that the regime is looking to achieve "at least tacit recognition" as a nuclear power, as North Korean leader Kim Jong-un pursues, "stronger strategic and conventional capabilities that can target U.S. forces and allies in the region, as well as the U.S. homeland." She added that through such weapons, North Korea is looking to bolster its leverage and stature. Gabbard said those goals are being supported by a strategic partnership with Russia, which gives the regime greater financial, military, and diplomatic assistance. She also said the deployment of North Korean troops to the Kursk region is providing the regime with "authentic warfighting experience." Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.

U.S. holds back-to-back meeting with Ukraine and Russia

2025/03/25 20:00

Welcome to Within The Frame where we bring the most pressing issues across the globe into focus, I'm Kim Mok-yeon. The U.S. is stepping up as a global mediator, juggling high-stakes diplomacy on two major fronts. Over the weekend, American officials held back-to-back ceasefire talks in Saudi Arabia—first with Ukraine on March 23rd, then a 12-hour meeting with Russia on the 24th. The discussions led to a joint statement with Moscow, on reviving the Black Sea grain deal and halting attacks on critical infrastructure. The Trump administration is looking to target April 20th—Easter Sunday—as a symbolic deadline for a partial ceasefire. Meanwhile, in the Middle East, Israeli forces have pushed deeper into Gaza following the collapse of ceasefire talks with Hamas. Concerns are mounting as Israeli leaders now say full occupation may be necessary to defeat Hamas—marking a significant policy shift. For more on the situation in the Middle East, we invite Robert Lawrence, Assistant Professor at Dongduk Women's University. Welcome. Also joining us is Lim Eun-jung, Professor of International Studies at Kongju National University. Great to have you. (LAWRENCE) 1. Let's start with Prof. Lawrence, so on March 23rd, the U.S. and Ukraine held talks in Riyadh ahead of the scheduled trilateral ceasefire discussions. Then on the 24th, the U.S. met separately with the Russian delegation. How significant are these back-to-back meetings in shaping the partial ceasefire plan? (LIM) 2. Now to Prof. Lim, Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, described the talks with Washington as "productive and dense." Meanwhile, the U.S. delegation has indicated they are aiming to freeze frontline activity and re-initiate grain exports via the Black Sea. How do you assess the latest discussions? (LIM) 3. Now to Washington's talks with Moscow, the two sides held a very lengthy 12-hour meeting in Saudi Arabia the following day. They also agreed on a joint statement. We hear that the resumption of the Black Sea agreement was top on the agenda. What could/did the joint statement entail? Could you explain Moscow's stance for our viewers? (LAWRENCE) 4. Unlike a three-party negotiation, the U.S. is conducting shuttle diplomacy—meeting Ukraine and Russia separately. Prof. Lawrence, what are the strategic reasons behind this structure, and what does it suggest about the level of trust—or lack thereof—between Moscow and Kyiv? (LAWRENCE) 5. As for the outcome, there are reports that the Trump administration has set April 20th—Easter in both Catholic and Russian Orthodox calendars—as a symbolic target for a ceasefire deal. Is this timeline realistic? (LIM) 6. Prof. Lim, given that the previous full ceasefire attempt failed, the current 30-day partial ceasefire focuses only on halting attacks on energy and infrastructure. Do you think this narrow scope still builds momentum toward lasting peace? (LIM) 7. Let's turn briefly to the Middle East. With the Israel-Hamas ceasefire talks collapsing, the Israeli military has now deployed troops into both northern and southern Gaza. Are we now seeing the start of a full-scale ground invasion? (LAWRENCE) 8. Amid this, Israeli leadership, including Prime Minister Netanyahu and his top security aides, reportedly believe that fully occupying parts of Gaza is the only way to defeat Hamas. Prof. Lawrence, how significant is this shift from Israel's previous stance of weakening Hamas through pressure and installing a new governing body? (LIM) 9. Prof. Lim, with both military operations intensifying and ceasefire negotiations collapsing, where is the Gaza conflict heading in the short term? Is there any diplomatic off-ramp left? (LAWRENCE) 10. So the U.S. is now mediating high-stakes negotiations in both Ukraine and Gaza. Prof. Lawrence, how is this shaping Washington's role—and credibility—as a global peace broker? Can it realistically sustain influence on both fronts?

U.S., Russia hold 12-hour talks on Ukraine ceasefire

2025/03/25 20:00

In Saudi Arabia. U.S. and Russian officials held a marathon negotiation over a partial ceasefire in Ukraine. Even during the talks, Russia continued attacking Ukraine. Park Joon-han has the latest. The meeting in Saudi Arabia between U.S. and Russian officials on Monday ended after over 12 hours, with a draft joint statement. An official joint statement is expected to be released on Tuesday, which a White House source said would be a "positive" one. Among other issues, the White House said the initial aim of the Saudi talks was to secure a maritime truce in the Black Sea, as it was President Trump's efforts to end the three-year-old war. Security Adviser Mike Waltz also mentioned discussions for a so-called "line of control" between Ukraine and Russia, which he described as "verification measures, peacekeeping, freezing the lines where they are". The talks, aimed at establishing a partial ceasefire in Ukraine were held behind closed doors in Riyadh and focused on implementing a limited 30-day pause in attacks. While all parties acknowledged the importance of reducing hostilities, disagreements emerged, particularly about which targets should not be attacked. The White House referred more broadly to "energy and infrastructure" while Russia was more narrow in its reference to "energy infrastructure." Ukraine wanted to also see other infrastructure like railways and ports protected. Discussions also touched on halting Black Sea attacks to safeguard commercial shipping routes. Meanwhile, on Monday, even as the meeting for a peace deal was underway in Saudi Arabia, Russian forces launched a missile strike in the Sumy region of northeastern Ukraine, which injured almost 90 people, including 17 children. Ukraine's foreign minister criticized Moscow for making hollow statements of peace despite brutal strikes on Ukrainian cities, adding that Russia must stop bombing civilians. According to Ukraine's national broadcaster Suspilne, Ukrainian and U.S. delegations will meet on Tuesday for talks. Park Jun-han, Arirang News.

Renewed Israeli strikes in Gaza lead UN to reduce its staff

2025/03/25 20:00

Over in the Middle East. Israel looks to be expanding its ground operations across the Gaza Strip. Making matters worse, numbers of international UN staff there will be reduced following the death of a UN staff member at a time when there's a growing need for humanitarian help. Cha Yun-kyung has more. Gaza's health authorities said on Monday that at least 730 people have been killed in the Gaza Strip since the Israeli military resumed airstrikes across the enclave last week, ending a two-month truce. Israeli troops have been attacking the northern Gaza border town of Beit Hanoun and the southern city of Rafah and also have destroyed over 100 pickup trucks belonging to Hamas. The Health Ministry of Gaza said that Palestinian death toll in the enclave has passed 50-thousand from the 17-month war. Wall Street Journal reported that Israel's military seems to expand its ground operations across the Gaza Strip to occupy its security zone in Gaza. Meanwhile, the United Nations announced on Monday that it is reducing its international staff numbers in Gaza due to the risk to its staff. The spokesman said about 30 percent of the international staff in Gaza were being withdrawn. " The strikes hitting a U.N. compound in Deir al-Balah on March 19th were caused by an Israeli tank shell " Israel denied that it was responsible for the strike. Meanwhile, the air-raid alarm was sounded in Tel Aviv on Monday as a missile was launched at Israel by Yemen's Houthis rebels. Cha Yun-kyung, Arirang News.

Second vice FM meets UN Deputy Secretary-General to discuss N. Korea and cooperation

2025/03/25 20:00

Second Vice Foreign Minister Kang In-sun met with UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed in New York on Monday on the margins of a UN Security Council meeting. Their talks covered the importance of multilateral cooperation to address security concerns, including North Korea's military collaboration with Russia. Separately, Kang also sat down with officials from the UN Development Programme to propose more meaningful joint projects as Korea seeks to further expand its global contributions.

Seoul condemns Japan’s approval of textbooks claiming Dokdo as Japanese territory

2025/03/25 20:00

Seoul has strongly condemned Japan's approval of high school textbooks that continue to make unfounded claims over the South Korean islands of Dokdo. In a statement released on Tuesday, Seoul's foreign ministry called on Japan to correct these inaccuracies and uphold its commitment to show sincere remorse over past wartime atrocities. Japan's Ministry of Education has reportedly approved high school textbooks for use starting in 2026. These textbooks are reported to continue pushing Japan's false narrative over South Korea's Dokdo.

Motorcyclist found dead after being trapped in 20-meter-wide sinkhole in Seoul

2025/03/25 20:00

A sinkhole that opened up here in Seoul on Monday killed one person and authorities now seek the cause of the incident. Park Kun-woo reports. A motorcyclist who had been trapped in a large sinkhole in Seoul was found dead at around 11:30 AM on Tuesday. The 30-year-old was identified after around 17 hours of rescue efforts, from when the approximately 20-meter-wide and deep sinkhole appeared on Monday evening. An official explained that the search operations were made more difficult due to thousands of tons of water and soil filling the sinkhole. "Accumulated soil and water raised the water level and construction equipment got tangled up, making it impossible to enter the area right away." The victim was discovered several hours after his mobile phone and motorbike were found underground earlier that morning. A car driver who passed over the area of road just before the collapse was injured and transported to hospital. The sinkhole appeared in the middle of a road in Myeongil-dong of Gangdong-gu District, eastern Seoul, at around 6:30 PM on Monday, affecting four lanes of a six-lane road. Due to concerns of further collapses, four nearby schools were temporarily closed on Tuesday. Fire authorities point out a possible link to the nearby subway Line 9 extension project and a burst underground pipeline as potential causes of the incident. Seoul officials plan to conduct a thorough investigation to find out the actual cause with experts and related organizations. An emergency safety measure meeting was also held by Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon Tuesday morning to discuss follow-up measures. Park Kun-woo, Arirang News.

Large wildfires continue in southeastern S. Korea; prime minister declares 'all hands on deck'

2025/03/25 20:00

Fire fighters are working around the clock to tame the rampant flames across Korea's southeastern area fueled by high winds and dry conditions. Choi Soo-hyung has the latest. The large wildfires in the southeastern region of South Korea are still not under control. The damage is most severe in Uiseong-gun County, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province. The entire region has been affected by the wildfires since Saturday. By Tuesday, more than 30 villages were covered in smoke, and over 1,500 people had been displaced. More than 150 buildings, including houses, factories, and warehouses, have been destroyed. An area of more than 126 square kilometers, roughly the size of 17,600 football fields, has been directly or indirectly affected. This marks the third-biggest wildfire in the country's history. Due to strong winds and dry weather, 60 percent of the fire Uiseong-gun has been contained so far. The Korea Forest Service has stated that the dense smoke is making firefighting efforts more difficult. A firefighter in his 40s was transported to hospital on Monday, marking the first hospitalization of emergency services personnel during the wildfire containment efforts in the region. Currently the wildfire has spread to nearby Andong city, and over 1,000 residents in the surrounding areas have been evacuated. There are wildfires in multiple areas, including Uiseong, Sancheong-gun County in Gyeongsangnam-do Province, and Ulju-gun County in Ulsan city. Over 87 square kilometers of forest, which is over 12,000 football fields, have been burned. On Tuesday, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety announced that in total there have been 15 casualties, including four deaths. Including Uiseong-gun and Andong city, more than 4,200 people have been evacuated. The country's Acting President and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo has called for all hands on deck. "The government has declared Sancheong and three other regions as special disaster areas, promising full national support for recovery. All firefighting helicopters and ground personnel will be mobilized for rapid containment of the wildfires." Authorities have deployed 110 helicopters and over 6,700 personnel. The wildfire in Sancheong-gun is 80 percent contained, and in Ulju, over 98 percent contained. The Korea Meteorological Administration has reported that strong winds will continue in southeastern areas, including Uiseong-gun, while rain is forecast nationwide on Thursday. Choi Soo-hyung, Arirang News.