News

Trump 2.0: What the return of Trump means for Korean Peninsula

2025/01/20 17:00

On the security front. The incoming Trump administration is expected to call on South Korea to shoulder a greater burden of the cost of maintaining U.S. soldiers here in the country. Our foreign affairs correspondent Bae Eun-ji reports. Trump's approach to foreign policy is largely focused on the idea of putting "America First." To do this, he's appointed 'hardliners' to help him shape foreign policy in the new administration including Secretary of State nominee Marco Rubio, who's taken hard line positions against China and North Korea. At his Senate confirmation hearing last week, Rubio emphasized that placing the interest of America above all else has never been more necessary than it is now. "Placing our core national interest above all else is not isolationism. It is the common sense realization that our foreign that a foreign policy centered on our national interest is not some outdated relic." The "America First" policy has led to the biggest problem that South Korea is facing --that Trump could renegotiate the deal on sharing the costs needed for American troops in Korea. During his campaign, Trump said if he was at the White House, South Korea would be paying the United States 10 billion dollars a year, calling South Korea a "money machine." "So it is pretty clear that after he return to the White House, he will make a relationship based on the cost-benefit calculation especially for South Korea. Trump already mentioned several times that he is increasing the cost sharing for South Korea. So it's gonna be a rather daunting challenge for South Korean security and in terms of relationship between these two countries." With regard to relations with North Korea, there is a possibility that Trump might pursue nuclear talks with Kim Jong-un. During his first term, Trump held three summits with Kim, but the talks ended without any breakthroughs. Then on the campaign trail, Trump claimed that Kim "misses" him implying that the regime would not be acting up, once he returns to office. "Look, I had a very good relationship with President Xi. and a very good relationship with Putin and a very good relationship with Kim Jong-un, who has a nuclear force that you won't even believe." Trump recently named a close aide, Richard Grenell, as his presidential envoy for special missions and Alex Wong, who handled negotiations with North Korea during Trump's first term in office, as deputy national security adviser. South Korea's intelligence agency now believes that Trump's recent appointments of top aides on North Korean issues further indicate a willingness to explore diplomatic talks. It recently assessed that if the Trump administration comes to a conclusion that complete denuclearization of North Korea is impossible in the near future, it could seek to take actions in the form of a "small deal," such as nuclear disarmament or arms reduction. With less than a day left until Trump's inauguration, eyes are now on how his America First agenda will reshape international politics, as critics say his foreign policy could dismantle democratic norms and a decades-old international order. Bae Eun-ji, Arirang News.

Trump Inauguration D-Day: impacts of Trump's protectionist policies on S. Korean industries

2025/01/20 17:00

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to promote an America-first trade policy. So what does that mean for its trade partners like South Korea? Our business correspondent Moon Hye-ryeon takes a look. As U.S. President Donald Trump takes office for his second term, his aggressive trade policies, particularly targeting China, are raising concerns worldwide. Trump has signaled plans for sweeping tariffs, including additional levies on Chinese imports, as part of his broader protectionist strategy – aiming to shift global trade dynamics and strengthen U.S. leverage. However, such policies have raised alarm in countries like South Korea, heavily reliant on exports. For South Korea, Trump's trade war with China poses both risks and opportunities across a wide range of industries. Advanced technology sectors such as semiconductors could face increased barriers to trade as a result of the U.S.-China tensions. Trump's protectionist policies have also triggered concerns surrounding potential amendments to the Inflation Reduction Act, and whether Samsung Electronics and SK hynix as beneficiaries of the CHIPS and Science Act could be affected. Experts say that while anything that has already been signed into contract is safe, possible future subsidies could be at risk. But the U.S. also stands to be negatively impacted as a result. "If President Trump really wants to use tariffs to induce semiconductor investment in the United States, tariffs have to be higher than 20 percent. And if tariffs for semiconductors do go that high, then it probably will hurt the United States more than help it." The steel and automobile industries could also be affected as they have been historically important for the U.S. economy. "They have been really important in the U.S. economy – especially by taking important roles in creating jobs for a long time but have lost their competitiveness in the global market. So the Trump administration is expected to implement higher tariffs on goods that experience large trade deficits." On the upside, some sectors in South Korea could benefit from Trump's tariffs. For instance, industries like electric vehicles and batteries, where South Korea has a strong presence, may see increased demand as countries look to diversify their supply chains and reduce reliance on China. South Korea's plans to boost its eco-friendly vehicle sector and advance battery technology through significant investments as announced by Acting President and Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok earlier last week, may position it as a global leader in these fields. There is also growing anticipation that U.S. sanctions on China's shipbuilding sector will benefit South Korea's shipbuilding companies as they gain a competitive edge. As Trump's trade policies take shape, South Korea's industries and government will need to stay agile, balancing the potential risks and rewards in this evolving trade landscape. Moon Hye-ryeon, Arirang News.

Preparations in full swing with one day to go until Trump's inauguration

2025/01/20 17:00

In less than 24 hours the U.S. ushers in a second Trump administration. Lee Seung-jae covers the upcoming inauguration ceremony slated for Monday local time. In less than a day, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump will be sworn into office, and return to the White House, four years after his election defeat to Joe Biden. Four days of inauguration-related events kicked off on Saturday with a reception and fireworks at his golf club in Virginia, with around 500 people in attendance. On Sunday, he visited Arlington National Cemetery, and laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. And due to the extreme winter conditions in the U.S. capital, the inauguration day ceremony will take place indoors at the U.S. Capitol rotunda. Monday is expected to be the coldest inauguration day in 40 years, with temperatures forecast to dip to minus 5 degrees Celsius, with winds blowing up to 48 kilometers per hour due to an arctic vortex in the region. After Trump is sworn into office, he will make his inauguration speech before events close on Tuesday with a prayer service at Washington National Cathedral. Despite the extreme winter conditions, supporters of Trump came to celebrate his return, with the "Make America Great Again Victory Rally" taking place on Sunday. "I got here at 5 in the morning. And tomorrow the same. I was going to go out there now because of the freezing cold. I don't do it. I've got to do it. I've got to, I can't wait to dance that YMCA dance. I'm practicing. I'm hoping Trump will wave back." The rally took place at the Capital One Arena in Washington, where Trump held his pre-inauguration address. There, Trump promised to usher in a new era of American prosperity, adding that on Monday, the country will "begin a brand new day of American strength, prosperity, dignity and pride." Meanwhile, video sharing platform TikTok said Sunday it was restoring its service. The move comes after Trump said he would reverse a ban on the app when he returns to the Oval Office. TikTok said in a message to users that the service would be restored "as a result of President Trump's effort." In an interview with NBC News' "Meet the Press" on Saturday, Trump said he would "most likely" give the platform a 90-day reprieve from a potential ban in the U.S. once he takes office. While a final decision hasn't been made, the soon-to-be U.S. leader is considering the extension for the China-based parent company to sell to a non-Chinese-buyer, or face a U.S. ban. TikTok stopped working in the U.S. on Saturday, before a law shutting it down on the grounds of national security took effect on Sunday. Washington had warned of Americans' data being misused by Chinese parent company ByteDance. Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.

Constitutional Court beefs up security protection for justices as President Yoon's impeachment trial continues

2025/01/20 17:00

Come tomorrow that is Tuesday the third hearing of the impeachment case against the president takes place. That being said efforts are underway to ensure protection for the justices at the Constitutional Court in light of the violent displays of discontent at the Seoul Western District Court in the early hours of Sunday morning. Oh Soo-young has the latest. The Constitutional Court will beef up security for justices, ahead of President Yoon Suk Yeol's third impeachment trial hearing on Tuesday, while the leader remains detained under extended custody. On Monday, Court Press Officer Cheon Jaehyun said due to violence over the weekend caused by protestors in support of the President outside the Seoul Western District Court, the Constitutional Court has devised enhanced security measures. Cheon said justices will be accompanied by police, and security screening at the courtroom entrance will be intensified. The Court has also added more security personnel and is operating an emergency standby system during and outside the working hours, along with additional police reinforcement. This marks the first time for a sitting South Korean leader to face impeachment under formal arrest, after the Seoul Western District Court approved Yoon's extended detention for further questioning by investigators. Yoon's lawyers have said the President was planning to attend the hearing at an appropriate time to defend himself. However, he skipped the first hearing on last Tuesday, citing the attempted execution of an arrest warrant. He also missed the second hearing on Thursday, as he was being detained for questioning at the time. Thus Yoon's lawyers are likely to argue for more time, saying that his prolonged arrest infringes his right to attend his ongoing trial. His team has previously filed two requests to delay the hearings, both of which the Court rejected. Press Officer Cheon said Monday that the Court cannot reveal "at this stage" whether the President will attend a hearing, but it has not yet received requests for security arrangements. She added the Court will determine the conditions under which Yoon may argue his case during the proceedings. Also, regarding the possible suspension of the impeachment case, as investigations into his alleged insurrection pick up pace with his arrest, Cheon said "it is difficult to confirm whether the justices have discussed the matter," adding that "no related documents have been submitted by President Yoon's team." Article 51 of the Constitutional Court Act allows for the suspension of an impeachment trial, when a criminal investigation based on the same grounds is ongoing. As President Yoon's impeachment trial unfolds under unprecedented circumstances, the Constitutional Court faces mounting challenges in ensuring fair trial procedures and security amid political and social unrest, as well as addressing potential delays caused by simultaneous legal proceedings. Oh Soo-young, Arirang News.

Justices and Acting President express concerns over court attack

2025/01/20 17:00

Meanwhile the country's Supreme Court earlier on this Monday condemned Sunday's acts of violence by the president's hard-line supporters at the Seoul Western District Court following its order for a formal arrest of President Yoon Suk Yeol . Our Kim Bo-kyoung has details. Justices expressed concerns over the attack on Seoul Western District Court by protesters on Sunday, saying no country would be able to survive if extreme actions disregarding the rule of law become normalized. This came during the emergency meeting presided by the Supreme Court Chief Justice on Monday morning. There, justices emphasized that any attempted acts of terrorism against individual judges or trials are not only a complete denial of the rule of law but could also be considered acts of defiance against all constitutional institutions. The Court Administration Office has announced that the specific damage to the court including exterior walls, windows, shutters and other items, is estimated to be approximately six-hundred to seven-hundred million Korean won which is a little less than five-hundred-thousand U.S. dollars. Choi Sang-mok, the Acting President too, voiced strong regret over the attack. "Democracy begins with abiding by the law. To persuade others, one must first follow the law themselves." The court faced an unprecedented attack on Sunday after it issued President Yoon's formal arrest warrant at around 3AM. Angry supporters stormed into the court, heading to the back entrance when blocked by police at the front gate. Some smashed windows using stones and fire extinguishers to enter the court. Inside, they sprayed fire extinguishers, vandalized televisions and ATMs along with other items, and even ransacked a judge's chambers, looking for Judge Cha Eun-kyung, who was responsible for the decision to issue the warrant. The protesters were only dispersed three hours later at around 6 AM after a large police force was deployed. Responding to the attack on the Seoul Western District Court, police and the prosecution said they will deal "sternly" with all of the protesters who were involved in violent acts citing their attack as "grave crimes" that undermine the rule of law and the judicial system. According to the police on Monday, a total of 90 individuals were apprehended in the act over the weekend for illegal activities at Seoul Western District Court and the Constitutional Court. Meanwhile, the Seoul Western District Court returned to normal operations on Monday. though vehicle access is restricted, and identity verification is required to enter. Kim Bo-kyoung, Arirang News.

K-wave AI News

2025/01/20 14:00

Welcome to The Kulture Wave AI News. Here's our first story of the day. Culture Minister Yu In-chon attended the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2025 and the ASEAN+3 Tourism Ministers Meeting in Johor Bahru, Malaysia over the weekend. As co-chair of this year's ASEAN tourism gathering, Minister Yu led discussions on enhancing regional cooperation in the sector. During a series of bilateral meetings with his partners, he emphasized ways to expand Korea's role to strengthen the connectivity with the ASEAN bloc, also underscoring the Korean government's efforts to ensure a safe environment for international visitors. Korea signed a memorandum of understanding on tourism cooperation with Malaysia, commemorating the 65th anniversary of diplomatic ties this year. Marking the 80th anniversary of Korea's liberation from Japan, the Korea Heritage Service will issue commemorative stamps featuring four repatriated cultural artifacts. These artifacts symbolize Korea's resilient efforts to protect its sovereignty and highlight the value of independence. The stamps include depictions of documents related to the late Joseon-era militia and the imperial seal of Emperor Gojong. Over 540,000 stamps will be issued, which can be purchased at local post offices or via the Internet Post Office website. The Andong Amsan Ice Festival, the largest winter event in the Gyeongsang region, reopened last weekend after a two-year hiatus, drawing large crowds. The festival's highlights include traditional sledding and smelt fishing, along with various other activities such as ice skating, ice slides, and ice train rides. The event will run until this Sunday. That's all for now. Keep it tuned to The Kulture Wave.

[Short-form] ‘Daehan’: The Great Cold

2025/01/20 14:00

Find out what ‘Daehan’ means and what Koreans do for this solar term, a time when winter's end meets the hope of spring.

Movies to watch out for during Lunar New Year holidays

2025/01/20 14:00

In a week from now, the Lunar New Year holidays will begin, with January 27th having been designated as a temporary holiday a great opportunity to catch a movie. Today we will look into the latest hits and upcoming releases that are expected to draw visitors to the theaters during the holidays and beyond. We’ll do that with our movie expert Jae Soh , Professor and filmmaker at Seoul Institute of the Arts. Welcome Professor Soh! Q1. Let’s begin with the latest Korean movies that are doing great at the box office and your forecast for the movie sector during the lunar new year holiday season. Q2. There are a number of new domestic films currently being promoted in the run-up to their release. Please tell us about them. Q3. From occult to comedy to romance there seems to be a variety of genres to look out for. But is there a particular movie we should keep an eye on? Q4. How do you see the audience’s preferences and trends change and will the movies at the beginning of the year set the tone for the trends in the rest of the year? Q5. The Lunar New Year holiday as well as the Chuseok holiday here in Korea are also the best seasons to stay at home with the family and watch fun movies on TV. What’s lined up for next week’s holidays? Q6. Going back to the box office. There are voices of concern that the back-to-back releases of movies may have a negative impact in terms of competition? What’s your assessment? Q7. Finally, can we expect any positive long-term impacts of the lunar new year holiday season on the film industry?

[K-enter] Rosé's "APT" No. 2 on UK Singles Chart for 3rd Straight Week...Jimin's "Who" Hits 20-Week Milestone

2025/01/20 14:00

Time for the latest in the world of K-entertainment with Walter Lee. We have updates on two artists doing well in the UK charts. Another week has passed, and Rosé still remains at No. 2 on the UK Official Singles Chart Top 100 for a third consecutive week, continuing her outstanding run with her song "APT" feat. Bruno Mars. For anyone who may not be familiar with the UK Official Singles Chart Top 100, it is the equivalent to the U.S. Billboard Top 100, where Rosé is at no.5 at the moment. There was speculation that the single might actually reach No. 1 last week, but we might just have to wait until the next chart update to see if she can grab that top spot. Let's all hope she can top the charts this week! Standing in her way is Gracie Abrams' "That's So True." And who is our other artist? Staying with the UK charts, BTS Jimin’s song titled “Who” remains strong. It is in the UK Official Singles Chart for its 20th consecutive week, currently sitting at no.13. But this is a special moment for Jimin, as his song surpasses PSY's "Gentleman" to make it the second longest-charting K-pop solo song in UK chart history, second only to PSY's legendary 2012 hit "Gangnam Style." We are sticking to a K-pop theme today and we want to give a review of NCT 127's latest tour. Let's talk about NCT 127's fourth world tour, "Neo City: The Link – The Moment", which started with two sold-out shows at Seoul's Gocheok Sky Dome on Saturday and Sunday, drawing 37,000 fans. The concert showcased their explosive energy and iconic performances, featuring hits like "Gas," "2 Baddies," and "Sticker,". Despite performing as six members due to enlistments and departures, the group displayed unwavering unity, impressing fans with their sharp choreography and powerful live vocals across a 26-song setlist. The production was equally mesmerising, with massive LED screens, lasers, lifts forming pyramids, and cinematic VCRs that added to the show. After a successful Seoul run, NCT 127 will continue their tour across 14 cities worldwide, including Jakarta, Bangkok, Toronto, Osaka, LA and more. Ending off with some K-drama news. The trailer for the Netflix series "The Trauma Code: Heroes On Call", starring Ju Ji-hoon , has been released. The medical drama series follows the story of Baek Kang-hyuk , played by Ju, a brilliant surgeon who served in war zones and now takes on the task of reviving a struggling trauma team at an infamous hospital. The K-drama is based on a popular webtoon of the same name, which gained widespread love for its inventive storyline. The Netflix series The Trauma Code will premiere worldwide on Netflix on the 24th. That's going to be later this week. Alright, thank you for your K-enter updates Walter. Stick around. For other culture-related new, we now turn to our AI anchor Ari! Take it away!

Trump Inauguration D-Day: impacts of Trump's protectionist policies on S. Korean industries

2025/01/20 10:00

Trump's comeback also means the return of his feisty protectionist trade policies. For South Korea, experts say it'll be a time of both risks and opportunities. Our Moon Hye-ryeon explains. As U.S. President Donald Trump takes office for his second term, his aggressive trade policies, particularly targeting China, are raising concerns worldwide. Trump has signaled plans for sweeping tariffs, including additional levies on Chinese imports, as part of his broader protectionist strategy – aiming to shift global trade dynamics and strengthen U.S. leverage. However, such policies have raised alarm in countries like South Korea, heavily reliant on exports. For South Korea, Trump's trade war with China poses both risks and opportunities across a wide range of industries. Advanced technology sectors such as semiconductors could face increased barriers to trade as a result of the U.S.-China tensions. Trump's protectionist policies have also triggered concerns surrounding potential amendments to the Inflation Reduction Act, and whether Samsung Electronics and SK hynix as beneficiaries of the CHIPS and Science Act could be affected. Experts say that while anything that has already been signed into contract is safe, possible future subsidies could be at risk. But the U.S. also stands to be negatively impacted as a result. "If President Trump really wants to use tariffs to induce semiconductor investment in the United States, tariffs have to be higher than 20 percent. And if tariffs for semiconductors do go that high, then it probably will hurt the United States more than help it." The steel and automobile industries could also be affected as they have been historically important for the U.S. economy. "They have been really important in the U.S. economy – especially by taking important roles in creating jobs for a long time but have lost their competitiveness in the global market. So the Trump administration is expected to implement higher tariffs on goods that experience large trade deficits." On the upside, some sectors in South Korea could benefit from Trump's tariffs. For instance, industries like electric vehicles and batteries, where South Korea has a strong presence, may see increased demand as countries look to diversify their supply chains and reduce reliance on China. South Korea's plans to boost its eco-friendly vehicle sector and advance battery technology through significant investments as announced by Acting President and Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok earlier last week, may position it as a global leader in these fields. There is also growing anticipation that U.S. sanctions on China's shipbuilding sector will benefit South Korea's shipbuilding companies as they gain a competitive edge. As Trump's trade policies take shape, South Korea's industries and government will need to stay agile, balancing the potential risks and rewards in this evolving trade landscape. Moon Hye-ryeon, Arirang News.

Seoul Western District Court operating normally after protesters' attack on Sunday

2025/01/20 10:00

And it was a weekend full of violence and anger, with pro-Yoon protesters attacking a court that issued the formal arrest warrant against him. Our Kim Bo-kyoung tells us more. Seoul Western District Court, which was attacked by supporters of President Yoon on early Sunday morning, returns normal operations on Monday, though vehicle access is restricted, and identity verification is required to enter. The court faced an unprecedented attack after it issued President Yoon's formal arrest warrant at around 3AM on Sunday. Angry supporters stormed into the court, heading to the back entrance when blocked by police at the front gate. Some smashed windows using stones and fire extinguishers to enter the court. Inside, they sprayed fire extinguishers, vandalized televisions and ATMs along with other items, and even ransacked a judge's chambers on the 7th floor, looking for Judge Cha Eun-kyung, who was responsible for the decision to issue the warrant. The protesters were only dispersed three hours later at around 6 AM after a large police force was deployed. A total of 87 protesters were apprehended. On Sunday afternoon, Yoon's supporters focused their protests on the Constitutional Court, which is responsible for making a decision over Yoon's impeachment. They split into three groups in Jongno-gu District, and held unregistered rallies at locations nearby. Though the police notified protesters of possible punishment, they did not disband. There were no clashes between the police and the protesters, but three people were apprehended, one for climbing over the wall of the court for a suspected break-in, one for possessing a crowbar, and another for suspected obstruction of official duties. Responding to the attack on the Seoul Western District Court, police and the prosecution said they will deal "sternly" with all of the protesters who were involved in violent acts by investigating them under detention. Citing their attack as "grave crimes" that undermine the rule of law and judicial system, the prosecution on Sunday formed a nine-member team to investigate the protesters. The Supreme Court Chief Justice is to hold an emergency meeting of justices on Monday morning, to share how the situation unfolded and talk about the ways to restore the rule of law, including normalizing court functions and preventing a similar incident from occurring again. Kim Bo-kyoung, Arirang News.

Senior presidential secretaries pledge to back gov't efforts to 'stably manage' diplomacy, economy

2025/01/20 10:00

Following his detention, President Yoon's senior secretaries held a meeting on Sunday to discuss how to move forward as an administration. In a press statement, the top office pledged support for the government's efforts to effectively manage diplomatic and security affairs, given the evolving international landscape, such as leadership changes in allied nations. It will also work with the Cabinet to address high exchange and interest rates, and oil prices which affect people's livelihoods. Chief-of-Staff Chung Jin-suk called on all secretaries to "fulfill their respective roles as public officials to ensure stable governance."

Preparations in full swing with one day to go until Trump's inauguration

2025/01/20 10:00

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump officially moves back into the White House on Monday. And inauguration-related events are in full swing, with the inauguration itself set to take place indoors due to extreme winter conditions. Lee Seung-jae reports. In less than a day, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump will be sworn into office, and return to the White House, four years after his election defeat to Joe Biden. Four days of inauguration-related events kicked off on Saturday with a reception and fireworks at his golf club in Virginia, with around 500 people in attendance. On Sunday, he visited Arlington National Cemetery, and laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. And due to the extreme winter conditions in the U.S. capital, the inauguration day ceremony will take place indoors at the U.S. Capitol rotunda. Monday is expected to be the coldest inauguration day in 40 years, with temperatures forecast to dip to minus 5 degrees Celsius, with winds blowing up to 48 kilometers per hour due to an arctic vortex in the region. After Trump is sworn into office, he will make his inauguration speech before events close on Tuesday with a prayer service at Washington National Cathedral. Despite the extreme winter conditions, supporters of Trump came to celebrate his return, with the "Make America Great Again Victory Rally" taking place on Sunday. "I got here at 5 in the morning. And tomorrow the same. I was going to go out there now because of the freezing cold. I don't do it. I've got to do it. I've got to, I can't wait to dance that YMCA dance. I'm practicing. I'm hoping Trump will wave back." The rally took place at the Capital One Arena in Washington, where Trump held his pre-inauguration address. There, Trump promised to usher in a new era of American prosperity, adding that on Monday, the country will "begin a brand new day of American strength, prosperity, dignity and pride." Meanwhile, video sharing platform TikTok said Sunday it was restoring its service. The move comes after Trump said he would reverse a ban on the app when he returns to the Oval Office. TikTok said in a message to users that the service would be restored "as a result of President Trump's effort." In an interview with NBC News' "Meet the Press" on Saturday, Trump said he would "most likely" give the platform a 90-day reprieve from a potential ban in the U.S. once he takes office. While a final decision hasn't been made, the soon-to-be U.S. leader is considering the extension for the China-based parent company to sell to a non-Chinese-buyer, or face a U.S. ban. TikTok stopped working in the U.S. on Saturday, before a law shutting it down on the grounds of national security took effect on Sunday. Washington had warned of Americans' data being misused by Chinese parent company ByteDance. Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.

Yoon refuses to be questioned again while CIO bans personal visits for Yoon

2025/01/20 10:00

President Yoon Suk Yeol was formally arrested on Sunday, which means he stays put in the Seoul Detention Center but now with a prisoner number. We go straight to the site where he's being detained. Do-yeon, how are things looking there this morning, and what might we see today? Good morning Dami, as you said I'm standing in front of Seoul Detention Center where President Yoon has been detained since last week. At the moment there are only a handful of people here in support of President Yoon that I can see with barricades and officers at the scene to maintain order. Members of the media have been arriving here since early morning to see whether President Yoon will be leaving here for questioning by the CIO. However, according to his legal team, he has once again refused to make himself available for the questioning session. They have been saying that Yoon has already shared everything with the CIO so there is no need for additional questioning. They did this on Friday and yesterday as well after the new warrant was issued. Now as President Yoon is in custody the CIO could be looking at being more forceful with President Yoon, something the investigators will certainly have to be careful with. All in all President Yoon has only appeared at the CIO once. 2. Now, President Yoon is under a new and different kind of arrest warrant than what was issued last week. Some say he's "officially" arrested what does this mean? Dami, that's right over the weekend, the CIO was able to get a warrant to keep Yoon in custody until early February. And that means the CIO and the prosecutors will have him here at the Seoul Detention Center while they question him to investigate the case further. There are two types of arrest one that preliminarily allows investigators to detain suspects for 48 hours and within that 48 hours after questioning they can request another arrest warrant to extend the period of detention. Yoon is now being held under that second warrant as a local court early on Sunday morning granted the CIO's request despite efforts from Yoon's legal team to fight back. This means he is now dressed in a detention center-issued uniform with an inmate number assigned to him. Considering his status he will have a separate cell and guards will try to isolate him from other inmates. According to the Justice Ministry he's had a mug shot taken and a body search the same procedure as anyone else who has been arrested. It's because of all these details that some are calling Yoon's current situation an "official arrest." 3. Do-yeon, the CIO also has banned Yoon from personal visits citing possible obstruction of evidence. What does this mean? Right Dami, as Yoon uses his legal rights to refuse questioning sessions the CIO is also using its legal options to pressure President Yoon. As you said, except for Yoon's attorneys he's not going to be able to see anyone until formal prosecution begins for this case. The CIO cited obstruction of evidence as the reason and remember that is the exact reason why the court issued the second "official" arrest warrant. Now, Yoon's legal team could also be filing for a review of the legality of this current arrest as well and we'll have to see how that legal battle unfolds. That's all for now, back to you Dami.

[Weather] No major cold snap on Daehan, dusty nationwide

2025/01/20 10:00

It's Daehan today, the last winter seasonal term meaning great cold. But temperatures will be way warmer than usual. However, central parts of Korea could see a mix of light rain and snow through late this afternoon. Today's warmth will bring dusty air to the country. Right now the capital area and Jeju are choking on bad air but when the temperatures go up this afternoon, the air quality will worsen nationwide. The season's first preliminary fine dust reduction measures have been issued in Chungcheongnam-do Province. Afternoon highs will be 2 to 5 degrees Celsius higher than norms, Seoul gets up to 8 degrees Celsius, Daegu and Busan and Jeju make it to 11 degrees. It will be cloudier in the western regions. The East Coast remains under a dry weather advisory. It's going to feel more like early March this week but air quality will cause a headache. That's Korea for you, here's a look at the international weather conditions.

International Circus Festival of Monte Carlo underway in Monaco

2025/01/20 10:00

In Monaco, the 47th International Circus Festival of Monte-Carlo is underway. The event created by Prince Rainier III of Monaco in 1974, brings together top circus performers from around the globe, competing for the Golden Clown Award. It runs from January 17th to the 26th. Highlights of this year's festival include a record-breaking act featuring over 40 animals in the ring at once, a debut performance by China's renowned bicycle acrobats, and a daring quadruple somersault by Mexican trapeze artists. Young talents from the "New Generation" competition will also showcase their skills alongside seasoned artists.

ASEAN foreign ministers meeting begins in Malaysia

2025/01/20 10:00

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, convened its Foreign Ministers' Retreat on Sunday in Langkawi, Malaysia. The Retreat was the first major meeting under Malaysia's ASEAN chairmanship for 2025, and opened under the theme, "Inclusivity and Sustainability." Foreign ministers from the 10 ASEAN member states attended, with East Timor's foreign minister also participating as an observer. East Timor will soon become the association's 11th member. Key discussions focused on the ongoing crisis in Myanmar and territorial disputes in the South China Sea. Concerns about the impact of U.S.-China rivalry on ASEAN unity were also raised.

At least 86 killed in Niger State fuel truck explosion

2025/01/20 10:00

Over in Nigeria, at least 86 people died and 55 were injured on Saturday when a crashed fuel truck exploded near the Suleja area in Niger State. The massive blast happened as individuals tried to transfer fuel from an overturned tanker to another vehicle using a generator. Many victims were bystanders who had gathered at the scene, including those taking pictures and others trying to collect the spilled fuel. While the death toll could be higher according to officials, those injured are receiving treatment at local hospitals. Fatal truck accidents are prevalent in Nigeria, which is Africa's most populous country, largely due to the lack of an efficient railway system for transporting cargo. At least 48 people were killed in a similar incident in Niger State in September. In 2020 alone, over 1,500 accidents were reported, resulting in 535 fatalities, according to Nigeria's Federal Road Safety Corps.

First three hostages released by Hamas as part of ceasefire deal

2025/01/20 10:00

Starting with the Israel-Hamas conflict, on January 19, local time, the first three Israeli hostages, of 33 to be released according to the recent ceasefire agreement, were freed by Hamas. The International Committee of the Red Cross facilitated the transfer, escorting the three women to an Israeli military checkpoint. Upon arrival, they were reunited with their families and transported to a medical center for examination, where the director said all three were in stable condition. Romi Gonen, Doron Steinbrecher, and Emily Damari had been abducted on Oct. 7 near a kibbutz and music festival during the Hamas attack. On Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office released a video showing him receiving news about the return of three hostages. Global leaders, including Joe Biden and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, expressed relief at the hostages' release and emphasized ongoing efforts to secure freedom for those still in captivity.

Davos Forum to begin amid Trump inauguration events

2025/01/20 10:00

The World Economic Forum, where world leaders gather to discuss issues facing the world, will kick off on Monday, at the Swiss resort of Davos. The theme of the 55th Davos Forum is 'Collaboration for the Intelligent Age,' with the aim of creatively solving problems for humanity by utilizing technological advancements, while preventing the negative impacts caused by the widespread use of artificial intelligence. Around 25 hundred people, including 350 high-ranking government officials from around the world will attend. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump will give a speech virtually on Thursday, just three days after his inauguration.