News

Netanyahu reiterates goal of ending Gaza war

2025/08/11 11:38

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday that the goal of expanding military operations in the Gaza Strip is not to prolong the war but to end it. Speaking to the press, the Israeli leader stressed that Israel has no choice but to defeat Hamas and "complete the mission," adding that Israel's goal is not to occupy Gaza, but to "liberate" it. He noted that he ordered the military to accelerate the timetable for seizing Gaza from Hamas control, citing his determination to end the war swiftly. Netanyahu reiterated five principles outlined during a security cabinet meeting last week, where he called for the disarmament of Hamas, the return of all hostages, the demilitarization of Gaza,.. Israeli security control over the territory, and the establishment of an alternative civilian government not linked to Hamas or the Palestinian Authority.

Gov't and ruling party agree to support vulnerable industries likely affected by Korea-U.S. trade deal

2025/08/11 11:38

On the local front. The first high-level consultation between government officials and the ruling party took place since the ruling Democratic Party elected a new leader. Key topics included follow-up measures for the trade deal between South Korea and the United States. Our political correspondent Shin Ha-young reports. South Korea's government and ruling party agreed to provide support to industries and businesses expected to be most affected by the new U.S. tariffs. This comes after the two sides on Sunday reviewed follow-up measures to the recent trade agreement between South Korea and the United States. During the meeting, Democratic Party leader Jung Chung-rae said the party and government will evaluate the impact of the recent trade deal on the economy and industries, and devise response measures. "We will work to ensure the outcome of the trade talks directly benefits the national interest, and quickly introduce the necessary bills and policies in the National Assembly to carry out follow-up measures without delay." The two sides agreed to deliberate on the Lee Jae Myung administration's recent proposal to tighten capital gains tax rules by lowering the threshold for major shareholders, a move that sparked strong backlash from retail investors. Currently, only those holding 5 billion won --roughly 3-point-6 million U.S. dollars --or more in a single listed stock are taxed. Under the new plan, that threshold would be reduced to 1 billion won, or just under 720 thousand dollars. "We closely consulted and decided to deliberate on the issue while monitoring developments." Sunday's meeting was the first high-level consultation between government officials and the ruling party since four-term lawmaker Jung was elected party leader. Prime Minister Kim Min-seok congratulated him on his election and emphasized that the party, government, and presidential office need to work as one. Shin Ha-young, Arirang News.

[On-point] Vietnam's Communist Party chief visits South Korea for first time in over a decade

2025/08/11 11:37

As we just heard, the general secretary of Vietnam's Communist Party, the country's most powerful official is in Seoul for a four-day trip, as South Korea looks to strengthen ties with the fourth-largest economy in Southeast Asia. For more on the significance of this visit, we're joined by Cho Won-deuk, Assistant Professor at the Department of Indo-Pacific Studies, at Korea National Diplomatic Academy. Professor Cho, thanks for joining us this morning. So, this is the first state visit by a Vietnamese leader to South Korea in 11 years. What might be discussed at the summit? He is the first foreign leader to make a state visit to South Korea since President Lee took office in early June. Could you tell us more about the significance of this visit? There are major diplomatic events coming up this month,.. and of course, eyes are now on President Lee's summit with U.S. President Donald Trump, which could take place on the 25th of this month. Lee said he'll focus on 'pragmatic diplomacy' --will we be able to see that approach in action? There are reports that President Lee may meet Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba in Tokyo, before heading to Washington to meet Trump. What might be on the agenda if they do meet? Alright Professor Cho, thank you so much for your insight today. We appreciate it.

Vance says U.S. working to set up Trump-Putin-Zelenskyy face-to-face talks

2025/08/11 11:36

Washington says it's working to set up a meeting between leaders of the U.S., Russia, and Ukraine. While Kyiv has not yet commented on the matter, European allies say any peace talks with Moscow must include Ukraine. Lee Seung-jae has more. U.S. Vice President JD Vance said Sunday that Washington is working to arrange talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. "We're at a point now where we're now trying to figure out, frankly, scheduling and things like that around when these three leaders could sit down and discuss an end to this conflict." Speaking to Fox News, Vance also noted that a meeting between the leaders of Russia and Ukraine would be more productive after Putin first sits down with U.S. President Donald Trump. The U.S. vice president added that the Trump administration hopes to secure a negotiated settlement to the war in Ukraine, though he warned that "both sides will probably be unhappy with the outcome." "We're gonna try to find some negotiated settlement that the Ukrainians and the Russians can live with, where they can live in relative peace, where the killing stops. It's not gonna make anybody super happy." Meanwhile, according to a senior U.S. official and three people briefed on internal discussions, the White House is considering inviting Zelenskyy to Alaska, where Trump is scheduled to meet Putin next week. However, the sources said no visit has been finalized and it remains unclear whether Zelenskyy will attend. When asked about the formal invitation, the senior official said that Trump remains open to a trilateral summit, but added that the White House is focusing on planning the bilateral summit requested by Putin. While Kyiv has yet to comment on the matter, European allies of Ukraine have reiterated that any peace talks with Russia must include Ukraine. In a joint statement on Saturday, the leaders of the UK, France, Italy, Germany, Poland, Finland, and the European Commission underscored that position ahead of Friday's Trump-Putin meeting in Alaska. The European leaders also expressed their support for Trump's efforts to end the war in Ukraine, but stressed that "only an approach that combines "diplomacy, support to Ukraine, and pressure on the Russian Federation to end their illegal war can succeed." Zelenskyy has previously said any agreements reached without Kyiv's involvement would amount to "dead decisions." Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.

N. Korea warns of 'self-defense' against S. Korea-U.S. drills

2025/08/11 11:35

North Korea has denounced the upcoming joint military drills between Seoul and Washington, vowing to take what it calls 'self-defense measures.' The warning comes amid recent signs of easing tensions, including both Seoul and Pyongyang taking down propaganda loudspeakers along the border. Moon Ji-young reports. North Korea's defense chief has denounced a planned large-scale joint military exercise between South Korea and the U.S. According to the North's state-run Korean Central News Agency on Monday, Defense Minister No Kwang-chol warned that Pyongyang would exercise its "self-defense" right against any provocation. He delivered the warning a week before Seoul and Washington are set to commence their annual summertime Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise scheduled from August 18th to 28th. Defense Minister No asserted that the joint exercise, conducted under a simulated nuclear war scenario, constitutes a direct military provocation against the North, significantly amplifies the unpredictability of the armistice on the Korean Peninsula, and cements regional destabilization. This follows the announcement by South Korea and the U.S. on Thursday that they would conduct their regular combined Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise for the defense of the Korean Peninsula in contingencies. The allies also stated that around 20 of the more than 40 field training exercises planned during this period would be postponed to September. However, North Korea did not mention the postponement of some exercises. North Korea's stern warning comes despite recent signs of a potential de-escalation from the reclusive state. Last Saturday, Pyongyang began dismantling some loudspeakers installed along its border, which were previously used for noise campaigns against South Korea. South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed that North Korean military activities to remove loudspeakers were detected in parts of the front-line area as of Saturday morning. The military indicated that further verification is required to determine if this removal will extend to all border areas. This move by the North comes after the South completed removing its border loudspeakers last Tuesday, aimed at reducing inter-Korean tensions. Moon Ji-young. Arirang News.

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

2025/08/11 11:34

The South Korean defense press corps recently had a chance to visit the U.S. military base Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek. There, the USFK commander gave his views on key issues including alliance modernization. Our defense correspondent Kim Bo-kyoung was there. 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.

Trade Minister Yeo highlights "Manufacturing Renaissance" with U.S. at AMCHAM

2025/08/11 09:33

Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo attended a meeting with American Chamber of Commerce in Korea earlier on this Friday and affirmed yet again his prospects for productive partnership between South Korea and the U.S. highlighting the concept of a "Manufacturing Renaissance." "I think Korea and the U.S. are really indispensable and inevitable key partners." "I think that a manufacturing renaissance partnership is what Korea can offer to help the U.S. rebuild its capacity, especially in the shipbuilding, semiconductor, batteries, and biopharma sectors." Minister Yeo also claimed the recently agreed upon trade deal between the two countries will serve to ease the U.S. trade deficit while revive its manufacturing.

[WEEKLY FOCUS] July session ends in filibuster over contentious bills; Political showdown looms in August

2025/08/09 12:35

South Korea's National Assembly kicked off its August extraordinary session this week amid intense political tensions, as the rival parties face off over key legislation, following the first filibuster in a year. For more on the key legislation and what lies ahead throughout the August extraordinary session, we turn to our political correspondent Shin Ha-young. Welcome Ha-young. Thanks for having me. So Ha-young, the July parliamentary session wrapped up with a series of filibusters. Could you first walk us through those? Sure, during the July extraordinary session at the National Assembly, five contentious bills were at the center of heightened political tensions between the ruling and opposition parties. These included three media reform bills aimed at changing how the heads of public broadcasters are appointed. Among them, an amendment to the Broadcasting Act --which affects KBS --was the first to be introduced during Monday's plenary session. The ruling Democratic Party argues this will reduce political interference and promote independence in public broadcasting. Take a listen. "To boost press freedom and independence, the bill makes CEO appointments more transparent and democratic." But the main opposition People Power Party strongly disagrees, saying the change could instead shift control toward liberal-leaning civic groups, and further politicize media under the guise of reform. The party responded by launching a filibuster at the session to stall the DP's legislative push. Take a listen. "How is this a public broadcaster for the people? Does appointing someone of your choice truly make it a broadcaster for the people?" The 24-hour-long filibuster came to an end Tuesday afternoon after the DP passed a motion to close the debate. The party then immediately pushed the bill through, with 178 lawmakers voting in favor and two against, out of 180 votes cast amid a boycott by the PPP. The second reform bill, targeting another public broadcaster, MBC, was then introduced, prompting another filibuster by the PPP. That, too, was cut short at midnight as the July extraordinary session ended after just seven hours. Aside from the ones already mentioned, what are the remaining contentious bills? Beyond the media reform bills, there are two others that lawmakers are divided on. One of them is the so-called "Yellow Envelope Bill," which is essentially an amendment of labor union laws that limits employer action on striking union members. Another is a proposed revision to the Commercial Act that aims to strengthen corporate governance transparency and protect minority shareholders’ rights, particularly within large corporations. Both are being championed by the DP, while the PPP remains staunchly opposed. Here's what they had to say on the "Yellow Envelope Bill." "By adjusting the balance in labor-management relations, this will be the first step toward enabling dialogue at sites where subcontractors couldn’t even speak to their main contractors --paving the way for voluntary, horizontal cooperation." "The Yellow Envelope Bill could encourage unlimited illegal strikes and has high potential to devastate industrial sites." Then, Ha-young, will these bills come up again in the next extraordinary session? And what's the game plan for each side? You're right. With the August extraordinary session now underway as of Wednesday, the DP is planning to push ahead with the remaining contentious bills. As only one of the five contentious bills was put to a vote during the latest plenary session, the remaining two media reform bills, the Yellow Envelope Bill, and the revision to the Commercial Act are expected to be addressed this time. A plenary session is scheduled for August 21st, and the PPP has already warned that it will launch filibusters against all remaining bills on the agenda if they are pushed forward without bipartisan agreement. Meanwhile, the DP appears to be adopting what's being called a "salami-slicing" strategy --passing bills one by one to wear down resistance. In short, such a cycle is likely to escalate the political standoff even further. Is there any potential for bipartisan cooperation that we can expect throughout the August extraordinary session? Well, the worsening tensions between the ruling and opposition parties are clear even outside the plenary session. The DP's newly elected leader Jung Chung-rae said that he is unable to work with the PPP, citing the continued presence of lawmakers who support former President Yoon Suk Yeol. The PPP urged the DP leader to respect the opposition as a partner in governance, saying it was the only way to serve the people. Reflecting this divide, Jung met with leaders of four liberal opposition parties after his election but did not meet with representatives from the People Power Party or the Reform Party. Given the current tensions, it may be too early to tell whether there's room for bipartisan cooperation --but it's definitely something to watch as the August extraordinary session unfolds. Alright, thank you, Ha-young, for your wrap-up. Keep us posted on future developments. Thank you.

STOCK&FX

2025/08/08 22:42

STOCK&FX 2025. 8. 8. KOREAN STOCK MARKET KOSPI : 3,210.01 ▼17.67 -0.55% KOSDAQ : 809.27 ▲3.46 +0.43% KOSPI200 : 433.47 ▼1.88 -0.43% ASIAN STOCK MARKET NIKKEI225 : 41,820.48 ▲761.33 +1.85% HANG SENG : 24,858.82 ▼222.81 -0.89% SHANGHAI : 3,635.13 ▼4.53 -0.12% WALL STREET (AUG. 7) DOW JONES : 43,968.64 ▼224.48 -0.51% NASDAQ : 21,242.70 ▲73.27 +0.35% S&P500 : 6,340.00 ▼5.06 -0.08% EXCHANGE RATE USD : 1,389.60 (+8.40) JPY : 943.03 (+4.11) CNY : 193.40 (+1.04) EUR : 1,618.61 (+5.85)

[Arts & Culture] How to become a K-pop demon hunter: Trainees from around the world at K-pop camp

2025/08/08 22:41

It's Friday, which means it's time for Arts and Culture. We have our culture correspondent, Park Kun-woo, in the studio. Welcome Kun-woo! Great to be here, Yoo-jin! So Kun-woo, what do you have for us today? I recently visited Jeonju in Jeollabuk-do Province, about a three hour drive south of Seoul. This place is hosting a special K-pop camp, bringing in aspiring K-pop rookies from around the world. It's part of a pilot program, ahead of the planned establishment of a dedicated K-pop international school in Jeollabuk-do. And on site, I witnessed just how devoted these trainees are to K-pop, perhaps fueled in part by the recent global hit animation film, "K-pop Demon Hunters." But before I tell you more, let's first go to the site where this is all happening. "Letícia IN YOUR AREA!" 21-year-old Letícia from Brazil traveled halfway across the globe to Korea with one goal --to succeed in K-pop. Not even the scorching summer heat can stop her from practicing hard every day. "Most exciting part is to feel like such a great team and to learn from people like in another different country. In K-pop, they mix up a lot of styles and you need to really know the basics to really do well and that's really hard because you need to be focused." "I REALLY want to get into this K-pop school if it opens." "Participants from around the world have gathered here in Jeonju, drawn by their passion for K-pop and chasing one big dream: to become part of the K-pop scene. Let’s see how hard they’ve been working to make that dream come true." For two weeks, about 20 girls from 10 different countries, including India and Kazakhstan, have been training for hours daily, perfecting K-pop songs and choreography, as part of a pilot program before the launch of an official K-pop school. For every move and facial expression, practice, practice, and more practice. During the day, Korean vocal practice also echoes around the practice room, with voices blending into one harmonious sound, despite the different nationalities. And though Korean isn't their mother tongue, they keep practicing tirelessly to improve. But it's not always easy, as sometimes they struggle after facing challenges. "It's a lot of pressure. I think there's the desire to be constantly perfect. I'm hoping that I can meet the standards of both myself and the people that I want to perform for. It's been hard and I'm not used to dancing like eight hours a day it's something that I still want to pursue and continue." When the pressure builds, teachers are there with them. Detailed feedback follows each performance, and the trainees work hard to apply it, boosting their skills and confidence. "Lots of them didn't even know how to sing at first, but their love for K-pop makes them absorb everything so quickly. If they get systematic training, I'm sure they'll be good enough to achieve their dreams." After beating 28-to-1 odds to get here, these aspiring K-pop demon hunters are now preparing for their debut showcase next week --the moment they'll fight to secure the "honmoon." It definitely sounds like a great program. Can you tell us more about this special camp? Even though this is the first pilot program, interest was quite strong. Around 560 people from 50 countries applied, but only 20 were selected after several tests and interviews. Building on this popularity, Jeollabuk-do plans to hold the camp several more times, with future sessions possibly open to boys as well. And the camp is free of charge as participants only pay for their flights, giving them flexibility to manage their schedules and explore Korea during their visit. The curriculum includes vocal and dance lessons from professional mentors, with real-time interpretation for smooth communication. Trainees also attend a special lecture by a popular K-pop artist, this time Jeon Ji-yoon from 4MINUTE. Beyond daily practice, they get to perform at local festivals for real stage experience, and are set to release a debut track, to be revealed at their showcase next week. It seems like a successful start ahead of the K-pop school's opening. Are there any details yet about the school? Officials say this will be Korea's first-ever K-pop international school, with hopes to open within five years. The idea is to welcome students from around the world to the "hometown" of K-pop. The school is legally permitted under the Jeonbuk Special Act. It's planned to cover grades from elementary through high school, offering not only K-pop but also general subjects taught at regular schools. And officials say there's a special reason Jeollabuk-do was chosen as the site for this school. "Jeollabuk-do is home to Korea's traditional culture, including "pansori" music, which we can call one of the roots of K-pop. It also has many heritage sites, making it an ideal place to naturally connect with and experience Korean culture." He added that unlike private academies, which only teach singing and dancing, this will be a proper school with a professional curriculum, while collaborating with major entertainment agencies to provide hands-on experience. However, some concerns have been raised about accessibility. "Unlike Seoul, our province may have some geographical disadvantages. But with the planned "triport" project in Saemangeum, including an international airport and seaport, we hope it will become a proud destination where anyone can come and fully experience the essence of K-culture." So, it seems like those concerns can be addressed for now. Alright, Kun-woo, thanks for all of that. We'll see you next time. Of course. Thank you.

Calligraphy and resistance: Lee Sang-ryong's legacy on display

2025/08/08 22:39

Shifting focus, South Korea is just one week away from the 80th anniversary of its liberation from Japan's colonial rule. Tonight, we put the spotlight on a lesser-known but pivotal figure in the fight for freedom. Byun Ye-young tells the story of the late Lee Sang-ryong. This year marks the 80th anniversary of Korea's liberation from Japanese colonial rule. To commemorate, a special exhibition is underway to spotlight the life and legacy of Lee Sang-ryong, one of the leaders of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea. Titled "Prime Minister Lee Sang-ryong and Imcheonggak", the exhibit also celebrates 100 years since his inauguration. After Japan's annexation of Korea in 1910, Lee gave up his fortune and relocated to Manchuria, China with his entire family to escape colonial oppression and lay the foundations for armed resistance. "He focused on unifying the fragmented independence movement groups and also established the Shinheung Military Academy, where he aimed to provide proper historical education to the cadets by writing the Daedong History and teaching them accurate accounts of Korea's past." But Lee's story cannot be told without Imcheonggak, his ancestral home in Andong city. Imcheonggak is a 500-year-old hanok, or traditional Korean house, and one of the largest preserved residences from the Joseon Dynasty. The home also produced no fewer than ten recognized independence activists, including Lee's brothers, son, grandchildren, nephews, and even his uncle. "Imcheonggak is a historic site that shows how the sacrifices made for the nation will ultimately be honored and protected by the nation itself. Though it was damaged due to its role in the independence movement, the government is now fully committed to restoring it." "Lee Sang-ryong was not only an independence fighter, but also a literary figure. Through letters, essays, and manifestos, he chronicled Korea's suffering and yearning for independence. These handwritten records in the exhibition are being featured as works of calligraphy." A gifted poet and writer, Lee's literary contributions have been brought to light by the brushwork of master calligrapher Lee Dong-ik. "This exhibition was created to give visitors a chance to engage with the Seokju Yugo, a collection of Lee Sang-ryong's writings. It's especially meaningful because it also features calligraphy works that reflect his passion and sacrifice for Korea's independence." The exhibition can be enjoyed for free at the Seoul Museum of History until August 31st. Byeon Ye-young, Arirang News.

Israel approves plan to occupy Gaza City while detailing 'principles for ending the war'

2025/08/08 22:38

Turning to major developments in the Middle East, Israel's top office announced that it's planning to go forth with a plan to occupy Gaza City, a move raising fears of a further escalation in an already devastating war. Kim Do-yeon reports. Israel's political-security cabinet has approved a plan to occupy Gaza City the largest city in the enclave early Friday, signaling a significant escalation in the near two-year conflict, despite intensifying international and domestic criticism. A statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office on social media read, quote, "The IDF will prepare to take control of Gaza City while providing humanitarian aid to the civilian population outside the combat zones," detailing the following "principles for ending the war": Disarmament of Hamas Return of all hostages -both living and dead Demilitarization of the Gaza Strip Israeli security control over the Gaza Strip The existence of an alternative civilian government that is not Hamas or the Palestinian Authority Netanyahu's office also noted most political-security cabinet members believed an alternative plan would not achieve the defeat of Hamas or the return of hostages. However, government sources indicate that the security cabinet's decision still requires final approval from the full cabinet, a session not expected until Sunday. The cabinet's approval came just hours after Netanyahu said Israel intended to assume full military control of the entire strip. "In order to assure our security, remove Hamas there, enable the population to be free of Gaza, and to pass it to civilian governance that is not Hamas and not anyone advocating the destruction of Israel. That's what we want to do. We want to liberate ourselves and liberate the people of Gaza from the awful terror of Hamas." As the cabinet votes, mass protests erupted across Israel. According to Israel, it already controls around 75 percent of Gaza. Most of Gaza's population of about 2 million has been displaced multiple times over the past 22 months and aid groups are warning that the enclave's residents are on the verge of famine. Kim Do-yeon, Arirang News.

No tariffs will be applied if chip firm builds U.S. plant during Trump's term: Lutnick

2025/08/08 22:36

Staying with the Trump administration's trade war, a sign of hope for semiconductor giants. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick says companies that commit to building factories in the U.S. during President Trump's term will be spared from tariffs. So what does that mean for South Korea’s tech powerhouses? Lee Seung-jae might have an answer to that. Semiconductor companies that commit to building chip facilities in the United States during U.S. President Donald Trump’s term could be exempt from a proposed 100 percent tariff on chip imports. Speaking to Fox Business on Thursday, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick clarified that firms must file their commitment with the Commerce Department and be audited throughout the construction process to qualify for the tariff exemption. The comments come as Trump announced his latest sweeping tariff plan on Wednesday, where he said Washington would impose around 100 percent tariff on semiconductor imports. He cited national security concerns under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, while hinting at broader sector-specific tariffs to be announced in the coming week. The announcement has drawn close attention from South Korean tech giants Samsung Electronics and SK hynix. South Korea's top trade envoy, Yeo Han-koo, said Thursday that both companies would avoid the full 100 percent tariff under the current Seoul-Washington trade deal, adding that South Korea would receive the most favorable chip tariff rates of any country. This is because Samsung has already invested in two fabrication plants in Texas, while SK hynix plans to open an advanced chip packaging and AI R&D facility in Indiana. However,.. there are doubts whether SK hynix's packaging plant alone would fully qualify for tariff exemptions, while Samsung, on the other hand, could benefit from not only the two fabrication plants, but also news that it has joined Apple's supply chain. Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.

Stray Kids becomes most-streamed K-pop group in France so far in 2025

2025/08/08 22:36

Stray Kids has claimed the top spot in France, setting another record on the international pop stage. According to Billboard France, the eight-member K-pop boy band is ranked first on the list of top 10 most-streamed K-pop groups in France so far in 2025. The outlet also highlighted that the group sold out two shows at the Stade de France in July, which is the largest stadium in the country.

Pres. Lee faces key diplomatic events upon returning from summer break

2025/08/08 22:35

President Lee Jae Myung wraps up his five-day summer break today. Waiting for him is a packed calendar, including summits with global leaders as well as key domestic decisions. Our Presidential Office correspondent Yoon Jung-min has a preview. The President will have a lot on his plate when he returns to work from his week-long vacation. First off, he is set to host Vietnam's political leader To Lam on Monday, the first foreign leader to be hosted by President Lee Jae Myung. Their focus is on partnership in key areas at a time when global trade uncertainty grows. "On top of politics, security, trade and investment, the leaders will discuss strategically important areas in-depth, including nuclear energy, high-speed railways, and smart cities, as well as science technology and human resources." Then will come the first Lee-Trump summit in Washington, likely slated for August 25th, according to diplomatic sources. A framework trade deal has been reached between Seoul and Washington with the U.S. tough on tariffs, but it's not a done deal. The two sides still need to work on the details, such as the quarantine process for fruit and vegetables imported from the U.S. Security issues could be also on the table, such as upping South Korea's defense spending and a possible change to the role and scale of U.S. troops stationed in Korea as Washington focuses on countering China's influence. Here at home, Lee's official schedule includes the "People's Appointment Ceremony" --as named by the top office --on August 15th at Gwanghwanmun Square, when the nation celebrates the 80th anniversary of its liberation from Japan's colonial rule. It will act as the official inauguration ceremony for the president who took office in June right after the election and without a formal inauguration ceremony, given that it was a snap election. "At this event, the people will be declared as the owner of the country and a pledge will be made develop the Republic of Korea as a leading nation by upholding the sovereign will of the people." Invited are former presidents and first ladies --both conservatives and liberals alike --and people from all walks of life. Also, appointments of key posts will likely pick up speed to fill the remainder of the Cabinet seats as well as ambassadorial posts to the U.S., Japan, China and Russia that are currently vacant. On top of the nominations, speculation is rife that Lee will confirm the first round of presidential pardons during next week's Cabinet meeting for the Liberation Day, that could spark some political repercussions. Yoon Jung-min, Arirang News.

S. Korea, U.S. express "interest" in reviving Trump-Kim dialogue

2025/08/08 22:34

But trade isn't the only point of common ground between Seoul and Washington. Reviving talks with North Korea also seems to be high on the list. A U.S. State Department official says Washington is watching closely after rare remarks from Pyongyang hinting at a possible return to the table. Seoul today welcomed the idea. Our Oh Soo-young reports. Seoul and Washington have again expressed their wish to revive top-level dialogue between the United States and North Korea. On Friday, South Korea's Ministry of Unification said Seoul has on a number of occasions "revealed its active support" for resuming summitry between Washington and Pyongyang. "South Korea and the US share the position that they are open to dialogue with North Korea to seek peace on the Korean Peninsula and resolve the North Korean nuclear issue." The official added that peace on the Korean Peninsula and inter-Korean relations are being discussed in preparation for the meeting of Presidents Lee Jae Myung and Donald Trump this month. Various related agencies are closely coordinating on the matter, she said, saying further details cannot be revealed at this time. This comes after a U.S. official on Thursday said Washington is "noting with interest" a recent remark by North Korea hinting it may be open to dialogue. The U.S. State Department's Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for East Asian Affairs, Seth Bailey, referenced last week's statement made by Kim Yo-jong, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Kim Yo-jong had said the relationship between the U.S. and North Korean leaders is "not bad," and called for a "new" approach by Washington, saying Pyongyang's nuclear capabilities and the geopolitical reality had changed since Donald Trump's first term. But she flatly rejected the idea of denuclearization --included in the 2018 statement following then-President Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un's first summit in Singapore. The two leaders had agreed to work towards denuclearization and to build new bilateral relations. Bailey said that the second Trump administration is still committed to the statement's principles, and that the U.S. leader has clearly shown his willingness to engage in negotiations. Washington, however, remains committed to North Korea's denuclearization, through its alliance with South Korea to counter security challenges in Northeast Asia. President Trump in his first term, met with Kim Jong-un on three occasions. While the first Singapore Summit offered hope for a breakthrough deal on North Korea's denuclearization and economic development, disagreements over the scope of dismantling nukes led to the breakdown of their summit in Hanoi. A meeting at the inter-Korean border in 2019 was brief and saw no outcome. South Korea's new Lee Jae Myung administration has expressed its support for the resumption of Trump-Kim talks, as well as inter-Korean diplomacy. Oh Soo-young, Arirang News.

S. Korea's Trade Minister stresses "manufacturing renaissance" involving U.S.

2025/08/08 21:37

Good evening, and thank you for joining us. I'm Song Yoo-jin, filling in for Kim Dami. A week after returning from Washington with a hard-fought trade deal, South Korea's top trade negotiator laid out his vision today for the country's economic cooperation with the United States, and his take on the deal he helped to secure. Our economics correspondent, Park Jun-han, has our top story tonight. Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo addressed the strong economic partnership with the U.S. on Friday, highlighting the concept of a "Manufacturing Renaissance." "I think Korea and the U.S. are really indispensable and inevitable key partners." "I think that a manufacturing renaissance partnership is actually what Korea can offer to help the U.S. rebuild its manufacturing, especially in shipbuilding, semiconductor, batteries, and biopharma." Yeo's comment at the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea came less than ten days after Seoul and Washington agreed to lower U.S. reciprocal tariffs from 25 percent to 15 percent. While the trade minister expressed regret over tariffs that were once zero percent on each side, he acknowledged that the U.S. trade and global trade environment has changed over time. "I think we need to adjust to this new environment. In that sense, I think this trade deal really helped kind of lift some of the uncertainty." "The U.S. promised no worse treatment than any other country, meaning kind of most favored nation at that level. So I think we kind of achieved some level of stability, certainty under this extremely volatile trading situation." At the roundtable, AMCHAM Chairman and CEO James Kim brought the idea of helping to bridge businesses between South Korea and the U.S. "We're also committed to working with you, trade minister, to come up with viable solutions pertaining to non-tariff barriers and sectoral tariffs. We want to continue to serve as a bridge between the U.S. and Korea, both in the public sector and also in the private sector." Meanwhile, Minister Yeo announced the launch of a dedicated "U.S. Help Desk" to better understand and respond to the concerns of American companies. He reiterated the government's commitment to enhancing regulatory predictability and providing strong support for foreign-invested enterprises operating in Korea. Park Jun-han, Arirang News.

[Weather] Heavy rain forecast mainly in the south this weekend

2025/08/08 21:36

Heat wave advisories are in effect throughout the south and on Jeju Island. Today's daytime temperature rose to 32 degrees in Seoul and 33 degrees in Daegu, which was as hot as yesterday. There will be heavy rain again on the weekend. The rain will start at dawn tomorrow on the coastal areas of Jeollanam-do Province and Jeju Island and spread to other southern areas between morning and afternoon. From the night onward, the rain will also begin in the Chungcheong-do provinces. In particular, between tomorrow afternoon and the dawn Sunday, there will be 30 to 50 millimeters per hour of heavy rain mainly in the south. Tomorrow, Seoul and Busan will start off at 25 degrees, Chuncheon and Gyeongju at 22 degrees. Daily highs will move up to around 29 to 31 degrees across the country. Frequent rain is forecast next week. Please be prepared in advance. That's all for Korea. Here are the weather conditions around the world.

Pres. Lee Jae-myung's ASEAN pivot: Diplomacy, strategy, and high-stakes summits

2025/08/08 21:35

Title: Pres. Lee Jae-myung's ASEAN pivot: Diplomacy, strategy, and high-stakes summits Welcome to Within The Frame, where we bring the most pressing issues across the globe into focus. I'm Kim Mok-yeon. The ASEAN turns 58 this week, but the region is no longer just a ceremonial partner in Korean diplomacy. It’s now a frontline player in the shifting power dynamics of the Indo-Pacific. As U.S.-China tensions deepen, the ASEAN is pushing to assert its strategic autonomy, and South Korea is moving fast to align with that goal. Under President Lee Jae Myung, Seoul is signaling a pivot: from idealistic slogans to hard-nosed, pragmatic engagement. With high-level envoy visits, renewed policy frameworks, and back-to-back summits with key leaders, South Korea’s ASEAN strategy is being put to the test — and the stakes have never been higher. For a deeper discussion on this, we connect to Professor Park Jang-sik, Director of The Institute of ASEAN Studies at Dong-A University. Welcome. Also joining us is James Chin, Professor of Asian Studies at University of Tasmania. Good to see you. 1. To start, so today ASEAN now marks its 58th anniversary. Prof. Park, could you explain for us the strategic and economic importance of the ASEAN for South Korea’s diplomacy? And how do you see its status evolving recently? 2. Building on that, the ASEAN has long pursued “strategic autonomy” by maintaining a balanced approach without leaning toward any one major power. Amid intensifying U.S.-China tensions, what is the importance of cooperation with South Korea in helping the ASEAN secure its strategic autonomy? 3. Looking ahead, the Lee Jae Myung administration is expected to upgrade the former Moon Jae-in administration’s New Southern Policy in a more pragmatic direction. In that case, what should be the top priorities for improvement or reinforcement in Lee’s ASEAN policy? 4. Turning to recent diplomacy, South Korea has been dispatching presidential envoys to the ASEAN region. Most recently, on July 23rd, President Lee’s envoy made an official visit to Malaysia, which was the first special envoy sent to an ASEAN country since Lee took office. What diplomatic message do you think was conveyed by choosing Malaysia as the first destination? 5. Following the envoy’s visit to Vietnam on July 29th, Vietnam’s top-ranking official, To Lam, General Secretary of the Communist Party, is scheduled to visit South Korea on August 10th. What diplomatic symbolism and strategic significance does To Lam’s visit to Korea hold? 6. As part of the visit, President Lee Jae Myung and General Secretary To Lam are scheduled to hold a summit on August 11th. What key agenda items do you foresee for this meeting? 7. So as U.S.-China rivalry intensifies, Vietnam continues to pursue balanced diplomacy. In this context, what diplomatic impact could stronger cooperation between South Korea and Vietnam bring? 8. Expanding on the scope of cooperation, collaboration with ASEAN countries—including Malaysia and Vietnam—is now reaching into various fields such as technology, supply chains, climate, finance, and culture. Among these, which core area should the Lee administration focus on strategically? 9. To strengthen South Korea’s presence, there are growing calls to enhance cultural, educational, and people-to-people exchanges across the ASEAN. What kinds of policy mechanisms or agreements should be prioritized? 10. Finally, looking ahead to October, the upcoming "ASEAN+3 Summit" to be held in Malaysia is expected to be the first major test of the Lee Jae Myung administration’s ASEAN diplomacy. What messages and strategies are needed? Thank you for your time and for your insights tonight Prof. PARK and Prof.Chin, we appreciate it. And that will be all from us on Within the Frame. Be sure to tune in next time as we continue to explore the stories that matter. Until then, stay informed and engaged!

Calligraphy and resistance: Lee Sang-ryong's legacy on display

2025/08/08 20:34

Back on the local front. National Liberation Day is precisely one week away and in light of the upcoming occasion today we turn the spotlight onto a lesser known but equally important individual who strove for Korea's independence. Byeon Ye-young shares his story. This year marks the 80th anniversary of Korea's liberation from Japanese colonial rule. To commemorate, a special exhibition is underway to spotlight the life and legacy of Lee Sang-ryong, one of the leaders of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea. Titled "Prime Minister Lee Sang-ryong and Imcheonggak", the exhibit also celebrates 100 years since his inauguration. After Japan's annexation of Korea in 1910, Lee gave up his fortune and relocated to Manchuria, China with his entire family to escape colonial oppression and lay the foundations for armed resistance. "He focused on unifying the fragmented independence movement groups and also established the Shinheung Military Academy, where he aimed to provide proper historical education to the cadets by writing the Daedong History and teaching them accurate accounts of Korea's past." But Lee's story cannot be told without Imcheonggak, his ancestral home in Andong city. Imcheonggak is a 500-year-old hanok, or traditional Korean house, and one of the largest preserved residences from the Joseon Dynasty. The home also produced no fewer than ten recognized independence activists, including Lee's brothers, son, grandchildren, nephews, and even his uncle. "Imcheonggak is a historic site that shows how the sacrifices made for the nation will ultimately be honored and protected by the nation itself. Though it was damaged due to its role in the independence movement, the government is now fully committed to restoring it." "Lee Sang-ryong was not only an independence fighter, but also a literary figure. Through letters, essays, and manifestos, he chronicled Korea's suffering and yearning for independence. These handwritten records in the exhibition are being featured as works of calligraphy." A gifted poet and writer, Lee's literary contributions have been brought to light by the brushwork of master calligrapher Lee Dong-ik. "This exhibition was created to give visitors a chance to engage with the Seokju Yugo, a collection of Lee Sang-ryong's writings. It's especially meaningful because it also features calligraphy works that reflect his passion and sacrifice for Korea's independence." The exhibition can be enjoyed for free at the Seoul Museum of History until August 31st. Byeon Ye-young, Arirang News.