News

S. Korea unveils trade competitiveness and AI investment as 2026 budget priorities

2025/03/25 20:00

South Korea has outlined its priorities for next year's budget, emphasizing industrial and trade competitiveness in response to U.S. trade barriers. The Ministry of Economy and Finance unveiled on Tuesday its 2026 spending guidelines, projecting a four-percent increase to a little over 704-trillion Korean won, just under 480-billion U.S. dollars. Other key priorities include expanding investments in AI and semiconductors, implementing fiscal reforms, and supporting recovery in struggling sectors like construction.

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

2025/03/25 20:00

The White House has confirmed its commitment to working with South Korea's Acting President and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo. 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.

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

2025/03/25 20:00

Acting President Han Duck-soo has reaffirmed the government's priority on protecting national interests amid a global trade war. It's in line with this that he vows to lead a task force and tackle the issue at a higher level. Kim Do-yeon has this report. 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 50년 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.

Hyundai announces US$ 21 bil. investment plan in U.S. as executive chair meets Trump

2025/03/25 20:00

Thank you for joining us. I'm Yoon Jung-min. Hyundai Motor has pledged an investment of 21-billion dollars in the U.S. over the next four years. This comes ahead of America's new tariffs that are set to go into effect next week. Lee Seung-jae has the details. Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chairman Chung Eui-sun met with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday. There, Chung announced that South Korea's largest automaker will be investing 21 billion U.S. dollars in the United States through 2028. "Hyundai Motors entered the U.S. in 1986. Since then, we have invested over 20 billion dollars and now support more than 570,000 American jobs across all 50 nation states. Today, I'm pleased to announce an additional 21 billion dollars in a new investment over the next four years. Our largest U.S. invest ever." The investment includes 8-point-6 billion dollars for the automotive sector, 6-point-1 billion dollars for the steel industry, components parts and logistics and 6-point-3 billion dollars for future industry sectors and energy. Chung also announced that the company will open a new 8 billion dollar automotive plant in Georgia later this week,.. that will allow its U.S. car production to exceed 1 million units per year. According to the U.S. president, the 21 billion dollar investment will give Hyundai Motor Group a pass from his tariff policies. "Hyundai will be producing steel in America and making its cars in America. And as a result, they'll not have to pay any tariffs. You know, there are no tariffs if you make your product in America." Trump also said on Monday that his administration will announce tariffs on automobiles "over the next few days." His remarks have raised speculation that new tariffs on cars could come before he announces his reciprocal tariffs on April 2nd. Trump also emphasized that Hyundai's massive investment is "clear" evidence that his tariff policy is effective. Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.

[Weather] Dry weather continues with gusty winds, ultra-fine dust stays

2025/03/25 20:00

The atmosphere is drying up. While the dry weather warnings remain in the eastern regions, there is also a "severe" wildfire crisis warning level in the southern areas. Please take extra precautions. With gusty winds blowing, it is very important not to cause any fires. The concentration of ultra-fine dust stayed at "bad" levels all over the country today. It will get a bit better in some places tomorrow but the Seoul metropolitan area, the Chungcheong-do provinces, Busan and Ulsan will stay at "bad" levels. Tomorrow morning, Seoul will start off at 6 degrees Celsius, and Busan 11 degrees. Daily highs will move up to 21 degrees in Seoul and Chuncheon, 25 degrees in Daejeon and Gwangju. On Wednesday, it will start to rain from the south, and spread across the country on Thursday. That's all for Korea. Here are the weather conditions around the world.

Spring happiness brought by "Happy Donut Man" and "Happygraphers" exhibitions

2025/03/25 20:00

In other story. Happiness is the shared theme of TWO separate exhibitions that seek to ensure you usher in this year's spring with a smile. Lee Eun-jin has more. Large colorful donuts collectively show off their individuality. It took ceramic artist Kim Jae-yong 4 years to bake, grind, color and add sparkle to these donuts that fill the wall of this exhibition. In the center of the exhibition hall, there is a "study" of donuts. Inspired by the painting chaekgado, which depicts a scholar's books and belongings of the Joseon Dynasty, the artist put donuts of different sizes and colors together on a shelf, portraying people exhausted from daily life, leaning on each other. But of all things, why such sweet delightful donuts? "Why not chase the dream? Why do we eat something sweet just because we crave it? It's not healthy. Thinking of this metaphor, the donut concept was born." The kinds of donuts vary there are tall trophy-like chrome donuts, and the donut at the entrance that depicts our busy lives running restlessly. "I wanted to tell myself and society that just running mindlessly may lead to losing more." This deliciously healing exhibition 'Run Donut Run' at Hakgojae Gallery is free to visit, and will run until April 5th. Another happy exhibition There is a hat hidden on the outer walls of buildings in this section, and sometimes it's the keys of a piano. These are photographic works by Spanish "happygraphers" Anna and Daniel. They took a creative and imaginative approach to capturing moments of happiness. For a single cut, they've traveled long harsh roads, climbed sand mountains, and waited endlessly for sunrises and sunsets. "They will paint walls, or cut paper to make shapes, and become the prop to the artwork, or to the natural scenery. They plan it meticulously." The "happygrapher" duo use props and interplay with the human body to convey images of joy and positivity. The interactive photo exhibition at the Hangaram Art Museum, located in the Seoul Arts Center, will run until the end of the month. Lee Eunjin, Arirang News.

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

2025/03/25 17:00

Also on the national front. 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.

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

2025/03/25 17:00

Here in Korea. Acting President Han Duck-soo has reaffirmed the government's priority on protecting national interests amid mounting concerns over a global trade war. Our correspondent Kim Do-yeon covers his remarks. 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.

Hyundai announces US$ 21 bil. investment plan in U.S. as executive chair meets Trump

2025/03/25 17:00

Hyundai Motor has pledged an investment of 21 billion U.S. dollars in the U.S. including a 6 billion dollar steel plant in Louisiana. The pledge was made on Monday at the White House with U.S. President Donald Trump linking it to his tariff campaign. Lee Seung-jae has details. Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chairman Chung Eui-sun met with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday. There, Chung announced that South Korea's largest automaker will be investing 21 billion U.S. dollars in the United States through 2028. "Hyundai Motors entered the U.S. in 1986. Since then, we have invested over 20 billion dollars and now support more than 570,000 American jobs across all 50 nation states. Today, I'm pleased to announce an additional 21 billion dollars in a new investment over the next four years. Our largest U.S. invest ever." The investment includes 8-point-6 billion dollars for the automotive sector, 6-point-1 billion dollars for the steel industry, components parts and logistics and 6-point-3 billion dollars for future industry sectors and energy. Chung also announced that the company will open a new 8 billion dollar automotive plant in Georgia later this week,.. that will allow its U.S. car production to exceed 1 million units per year. According to the U.S. president, the 21 billion dollar investment will give Hyundai Motor Group a pass from his tariff policies. "Hyundai will be producing steel in America and making its cars in America. And as a result, they'll not have to pay any tariffs. You know, there are no tariffs if you make your product in America." Trump also said on Monday that his administration will announce tariffs on automobiles "over the next few days." His remarks have raised speculation that new tariffs on cars could come before he announces his reciprocal tariffs on April 2nd. Trump also emphasized that Hyundai's massive investment is "clear" evidence that his tariff policy is effective. Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.

[Weather] Dry conditions continue, ultra-fine dust stays tomorrow

2025/03/25 17:00

Dry weather continues every day. In particular, the atmosphere in the east is extremely dry, and a dry weather warning is currently in effect for the east coast of Gyeongsangbuk-do Province and the inland areas of the Gyeongsang-do provinces. Recently, wildfires have broken out one after another, and wildfire crisis warnings are being issued across the country. Please take extra precautions. The concentration of ultra-fine dust stayed at "bad" levels across the country today. It will get a bit better in some places tomorrow but the Seoul metropolitan area, the Chungcheong-do provinces, Busan and Ulsan will remain at "bad" levels. Tomorrow morning, Seoul will start off at 6 degrees Celsius, and Daegu at 8 degrees. Daily highs will move up to 21 degrees in Seoul and Chuncheon, 23 degrees in Gyeongju. There is rain forecast across the country this Thursday. That's all for Korea. Here are the weather conditions around the world.

World News: Police and protesters clash in Turkiye, more than 1,000 arrested

2025/03/25 17:00

This is the World Now, bringing you the latest stories from around the globe. Amid the widespread protests in Turkiye following the detention of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu more than one thousand people have been arrested. The country's interior minister reported on Monday that 1,133 people across Turkiye had been taken into custody between March 19 and March 23 for illegal activities carried out while protesting the arrest of Imamoglu, a prominent opposition figure, and potential presidential candidate. Tens of thousands took to the streets in cities such as Istanbul and Ankara, participating in the largest demonstrations in the country in more than a decade. Law enforcement responded by employing tear gas, water cannons, and rubber bullets to disperse crowds. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned the demonstrations, calling them a "movement of violence." The United Nations has announced a reduction in its operations within the Gaza Strip following a fatal incident involving personnel from the organization. An Israeli tank strike on March 19 resulted in the death of a UN employee and injuries to five others. In response, the UN spokesperson for Secretary-General Antonio Guterres announced Monday that the UN will temporarily withdraw around one-third of its staff members from the region. The decision follows escalated risks faced by humanitarian workers after Israel restarted military operations in the enclave. Finally, in the UK, London has turned into an open-air gallery with the launch of The Big Egg Hunt 2025 which runs from March 24 to April 27 ahead of Easter. The event features over 100 artist-designed egg sculptures, each standing about 60 centimeters tall, scattered across iconic locations within the city. Organized by the wildlife charity Elephant Family, the initiative, launched in 2021, aims to raise awareness and funds for Asian wildlife conservation projects. Participants can download The Big Egg Hunt app to track eggs they've discovered through QR code scans and unlock rewards along the way. Choi Chi-hee, Arirang News.

Spring happiness brought by "Happy Donut Man" and "Happygraphers" exhibitions

2025/03/25 17:00

On the cultural front. Happiness is the shared theme of TWO separate exhibitions that seek to ensure you usher in this year's spring with a smile. Lee Eun-jin has more. Large colorful donuts collectively show off their individuality. It took ceramic artist Kim Jae-yong 4 years to bake, grind, color and add sparkle to these donuts that fill the wall of this exhibition. In the center of the exhibition hall, there is a "study" of donuts. Inspired by the painting chaekgado, which depicts a scholar's books and belongings of the Joseon Dynasty, the artist put donuts of different sizes and colors together on a shelf, portraying people exhausted from daily life, leaning on each other. But of all things, why such sweet delightful donuts? "Why not chase the dream? Why do we eat something sweet just because we crave it? It's not healthy. Thinking of this metaphor, the donut concept was born." The kinds of donuts vary there are tall trophy-like chrome donuts, and the donut at the entrance that depicts our busy lives running restlessly. "I wanted to tell myself and society that just running mindlessly may lead to losing more." This deliciously healing exhibition 'Run Donut Run' at Hakgojae Gallery is free to visit, and will run until April 5th. Another happy exhibition There is a hat hidden on the outer walls of buildings in this section, and sometimes it's the keys of a piano. These are photographic works by Spanish "happygraphers" Anna and Daniel. They took a creative and imaginative approach to capturing moments of happiness. For a single cut, they've traveled long harsh roads, climbed sand mountains, and waited endlessly for sunrises and sunsets. "They will paint walls, or cut paper to make shapes, and become the prop to the artwork, or to the natural scenery. They plan it meticulously." The "happygrapher" duo use props and interplay with the human body to convey images of joy and positivity. The interactive photo exhibition at the Hangaram Art Museum, located in the Seoul Arts Center, will run until the end of the month. Lee Eunjin, Arirang News.

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

2025/03/25 17:00

In New York this past Monday. Second Vice Foreign Minister Kang In-sun met with UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed 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.

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

2025/03/25 17:00

In Saudi Arabia on Monday. U.S. efforts to mediate a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia continue and a statement on talks between Washington and Moscow is scheduled to be shared on Tuesday. Our 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.

Consumer sentiment falls in March amid concerns over weak domestic demand, sluggish export growth

2025/03/25 17:00

Consumer sentiment fell for the first time in three months this March amid sluggish spending and slowing exports. According to the Bank of Korea on this Tuesday the Composite Consumer Sentiment Index dropped 1-point-8 points on month to 93-point-4 this month. The index retreated to a 2-year low last December following the country's short-lived martial law before rebounding in January and February. A reading below 100 means consumers are more pessimistic than optimistic about the economy.

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

2025/03/25 17:00

A sinkhole that opened up here in Seoul back on Monday killed one person and has temporarily closed four schools in the vicinity as authorities now seek the cause of the tragic event. 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.

[Kulture Issue] Ensuring safety and credibility amid rising popularity of K-food?

2025/03/25 14:00

From Kimbap to Ramyeon. K-food is growing more popular around the world and is also readily available in more and more places. That’s why, it’s not only taste that should be a priority, but also the packaging, safety and credibility of Korean food items being consumed overseas. Today, we invite someone in charge of that into the studio, Chung Harim , an inspector at the Korea Agency of HACCP Accreditation and Services. Welcome Ms. Chung ! Q1) Let’s first talk a bit about the current popularity of Korean food abroad. How big is it? Q2) Which K-food items are trending nowadays? Q3-1) What’s behind the growth in the popularity of K-food? Q3-2) Ms. Chung, as an inspector at your agency, you must also be embarking on business trips abroad a lot. What are you in charge of overseas? Also, are there particular moments when you feel the love for K-food while in a different country? Q4-1) The interest in hallyu may not be enough to keep the interest in K-food. When it comes to eating, a sense of trust is a must. What’s the government doing on that front? Q4-2) What’s the second one? Q4-3) Food safety policies exist in other countries too. Is Korea stricter in any way? Q5) What are some major accomplishments in terms of building credibility in food safety, and what are your expectations in the future? Q6) Finally, would you like to share some words to all the global K-food lovers out there?

[K-wave] Spring happiness brought by "Happy Donut Man" and "Happygraphers" exhibitions

2025/03/25 14:00

As we welcome spring, our hearts and minds could also use a little brightening up. Here are two happiness-themed exhibitions that are sure to make you smile. A solo exhibition by an artist dubbed the "Happy Donut Man" and a photo exhibition by a Spanish duo of "happygraphers." Lee Eun-jin tells us more. Large colorful donuts collectively show off their individuality. It took ceramic artist Kim Jae-yong 4 years to bake, grind, color and add sparkle to these donuts that fill the wall of this exhibition. In the center of the exhibition hall, there is a "study" of donuts. Inspired by the painting chaekgado, which depicts a scholar's books and belongings of the Joseon Dynasty, the artist put donuts of different sizes and colors together on a shelf, portraying people exhausted from daily life, leaning on each other. But of all things, why such sweet delightful donuts? "Why not chase the dream? Why do we eat something sweet just because we crave it? It's not healthy. Thinking of this metaphor, the donut concept was born." The kinds of donuts vary there are tall trophy-like chrome donuts, and the donut at the entrance that depicts our busy lives running restlessly. "I wanted to tell myself and society that just running mindlessly may lead to losing more." This deliciously healing exhibition 'Run Donut Run' at Hakgojae Gallery is free to visit, and will run until April 5th. Another happy exhibition There is a hat hidden on the outer walls of buildings in this section, and sometimes it's the keys of a piano. These are photographic works by Spanish "happygraphers" Anna and Daniel. They took a creative and imaginative approach to capturing moments of happiness. For a single cut, they've traveled long harsh roads, climbed sand mountains, and waited endlessly for sunrises and sunsets. "They will paint walls, or cut paper to make shapes, and become the prop to the artwork, or to the natural scenery. They plan it meticulously." The "happygrapher" duo use props and interplay with the human body to convey images of joy and positivity. The interactive photo exhibition at the Hangaram Art Museum, located in the Seoul Arts Center, will run until the end of the month. Lee Eunjin, Arirang News.

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

2025/03/25 10:00

Let's begin with the U.S.-Russia talks on a Ukraine ceasefire. Sure. The meeting in Saudi Arabia between U.S. and Russian officials on Monday ended after over 12 hours, with a joint statement expected to follow. While talks aimed at establishing a partial ceasefire in Ukraine were ongoing in Riyadh with a Black Sea ceasefire also topping the meeting agenda hostilities persisted on the ground in the Sumy region. The talks behind closed doors focused on implementing a 30-day pause in attacks targeting energy infrastructure. While both the U.S. and Russian parties acknowledged the importance of reducing hostilities, disagreements emerged. Discussions also touched upon halting Black Sea attacks to safeguard commercial shipping routes. A joint statement is to be published on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Russian forces launched a missile strike in Sumy, northeastern Ukraine, injuring nearly 90 people, including 17 children.

People trek 'Korea Memorial Roads,' with national pilgrimage trails launched on Sunday

2025/03/25 10:00

In light of the 80th anniversary of Korea's liberation, a special tour took place here in Seoul over the weekend which offered trekkers the chance to join a unique trail that traces Korea's fight for independence. Our Kim Bo-kyoung was there. Thousands of enthusiastic trekkers began walking along the trail that starts at Baekbeom Square, on Namsan Mountain in Seoul. They headed along one of the "Korea Memorial Roads," national pilgrimage trails covering Korea's key historic sites. The patriots ministry launched this meaningful trail over the weekend, to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Korea's liberation this year. "South Korea's proud history has come this far after going through many hardships and challenges. The Patriots Ministry tries to remember this through cultural events such as trekking and camping." There are three courses in Seoul related to the country's independence. One that goes around the Jongro area, taking Tapgol Park where the Declaration of Independence was read on March first, 1919, a second route around the Seodaemun area, where trekkers can visit the Prison History Hall where martyrs were imprisoned during the Japanese colonial era. And last, but not least, the route around Namsan Mountain where people can visit the March 1st Independence Movement Monument. Not being a competition participants slowly walked along the trail, enjoying the scent of the newly arrived spring. The focus is not on speed, but on appreciating our ancestors' unyielding wish for independence. "By walking along the trail, tracing historic sites of the independence movement, people will be able to reflect on the courage and sacrifices made for the country's freedom." "I think this is a meaningful event because it lets people think about Korean history, which is easy to forget, once more." More 'Korea Memorial Road' routes are to be announced nationwide. Kim Bo-kyoung, Arirang News.