News

S. Korea's prime minister calls tariff deal with U.S. "meaningful outcome"

2025/08/05 19:38

Prime Minister Kim Min-seok says last week's tariff deal with the U.S. was a "meaningful outcome" considering the challenges faced. Presiding over a Cabinet meeting earlier on this Tuesday in place of President Lee Jae Myung who is currently on holiday Kim thanked the country's ministers for protecting what he called "key interests" for the agriculture and livestock industries. His remarks reaffirm the government's stance that no concessions were made with regard to Korea's rice and beef markets during tariff talks with the U.S.

TARIFF DEAL ON LOCAL ECONOMY

2025/08/05 18:34

Welcome to Tuesday's edition of Press Perspective. It's August 5th here in Seoul. I'm Min Sunhee. We touch upon the South Korea-U.S. trade deal yet again today with the focus this time on the local economy. For more I have Steven Borowiec with Japanese weekly news magazine Nikkei Asia. Steven it's good to have you here. I also have Professor Kim Yong-Jin at Sogang University with the pundit's take on the day's discussion. Professor Kim it's a pleasure as always. Steven, let's begin with the broader concerning impact of Trump's tariffs. Professor Kim, some critics believe Trump's tariffs are upending global trade. What are your thoughts? And Steven, what has been the foreign media reaction to South Korea's trade deal with the U.S.? Professor Kim, shares of Korean carmakers slumped following news of the country's deal with the U.S. How do you explain this market response? Steven, staying in the stock market. Bloomberg claims "global money is chasing" the Korean stock market. Do give us some context. And Professor Kim, I extend this next question to you that was also the headline of an article by South China Morning Post recently. "Does Seoul's stock market boom signal the end of the Korea discount?" Steven, moving forward. What's the latest with regard to the legality of stablecoins in the U.S.? Professor Kim, what are the prospects of stablecoins becoming legal here in South Korea? All right.

[K-Travel] Where to travel in Korea this summer? Part 5: Jeonju Hanok Village

2025/08/05 16:34

For the past month, we have been introducing you to some of the most popular places to visit during summer in Korea. In our fifth and final K-Travel segment for this season, we go down to Jeollabuk-do Province’s city of Jeonju, home to the largest traditional hanok village in Korea, “Jeonju Hanok Village”. To tell us more about this place, we connect to Mai, a Youtuber and Jeonju guide! Hello Mai! Q1. Mai, for people who might have missed your appearance on the show back in May, please introduce yourself briefly and tell us what you’ve been up to as the first non-Korean who got the Miss Chunhyang title, at this year's Global Miss Chunhyang contest! Q2-1. Let’s now talk about today’s K-Travel destination, “Jeonju Hanok Village”. The village has some 700 traditional Korean houses called hanok. First off, for our foreign viewers, could you briefly explain what hanok refers to? Q2-2. Please tell us about your very first visit to the Jeonju Hanok Village. How is the place different from other places in Korea and what impressed you the most? Q3. If you had to recommend must-see spots to (foreign) tourists visiting the village, where would you pick? Q4. People visiting Jeonju in summer might be a little concerned about the hot weather. Where would be some places to enjoy the city or the hanok village and cool off at the same time? Q5. Mai, you love to wear the traditional Korean hanbok clothing (like the ones you wore during the Miss Chunhyang beauty pageant contest and on our show the last time). There is a strong association between Jeonju and hanbok. Do you have any tips on how to enjoy wearing hanbok in Jeonju and the hanok village? Q6-1. Jeonju is renowned for its delicious food. The city is often dubbed Korea’s “culinary capital”. Jeonju bibimbap is the most iconic dish, as you can already hear from the name, but there is so much more. Mai, what are some of the most popular foods there? Q6-2. And what would you recommend to eat during the summer specifically? Q7. If you’d had to plan a one-day trip for a foreign friend to Jeonju in summer, what would that day look like? How can one fully experience the charm of Jeonju? Thank you very much Mai for taking us to the beautiful city of Jeonju and its hanok village. Thank you Walter, we'll see you back soon.

[K-Enter] Jung Woo-sung reportedly registers marriage with long-term partner

2025/08/05 15:37

Starting off with interesting news on actor Jung Woo-sung. According to local news outlet MyDaily, actor Jung Woo-sung has registered his marriage to his long-time non-celebrity partner. Jung Woo-sung faced public scrutiny last year after it was revealed that the actor had a child out of wedlock with model Moon Ga-bi , also announcing that he does not have plans to marry Moon. During the Blue Dragon Film Awards, Jung publicly addressed the matter, saying, "I deeply apologise for the concern and disappointment caused to those who have supported and believed in me." Jung Woo-sung has made no statement on this current matter, and his agency, Artist Company, said on Tuesday "We kindly ask for restraint regarding excessive attention and speculation about his personal affairs." Next up, an update on a story we covered recently on BoA. Celebrating 25 years since her debut, "Queen of K-pop" BoA released her 11th full-length album "Crazier" on Monday. BoA's agency SM Entertainment described the album as "a meaningful project commemorating BoA's 25th anniversary," calling it "a reflection of her musical journey and a bridge that connects the emotions and stories shared with her longtime fans, 'Jumping BoA.'" The album includes 11 tracks, featuring the title song "Crazier" as well as "Clockwise," a special fan song dedicated to those who have supported her throughout her career. Reflecting on her milestone, BoA shared, "It doesn't feel drastically different, but there are moments when I think, 'Wow, has it really been 25 years?'" She added, "This is my first studio album in five years since "Better," and I wanted to try different things to show fans new sides of me and a wider range of vocal tones. I really hope they like it." Let's end off with a release of another album. and I have to say, for this one, the music video has been making quite the headlines? Singer 10CM has unveiled the music video for his fifth studio album "5.0", featuring a distinctive and creative concept. The 47 minute video seamlessly connects all 12 tracks from the album, including the double title songs " / CDEFG" which translates to "Love has six strings" and "Monday Is Coming," into one continuous visual narrative. Aiming to create what he calls "convenience store-style music," 10CM envisioned a playlist that's easy to access and enjoy anytime, much like a 24-hour convenience store. 10CM is also set to hold a solo concert titled "5.0" in Seoul on August 9. I have to say I love the idea, especially in a world where everything is becoming shorter and shorter, Thanks for that news Walter. Now let's move over to our AI anchor Ari for more on the culture front. Ari!

K-wave AI News

2025/08/05 15:36

Hello and welcome to your AI guide to the latest cultural updates from Korea. Here's our top story. Korean media art exhibition, "The Heritage Garden– Threads of Connection," has won the Red Dot Design Award in the Brands & Communication Design category. Co-produced by the Korea Heritage Agency and media art company d'strict, the exhibition brings Korea's cultural legacy, such as the iconic Gyeongbokgung Palace, 경복궁, to life through immersive 3D visuals. Showcased in Gangneung, Jeju, and Las Vegas last year, the show has drawn wide acclaim for vividly presenting the unique beauty and significance of Korean traditional heritage. The Red Dot Design Award is considered one of the world's top three design competitions. YouTube's most-watched video, Pinkfong's Baby Shark, has made history once again, becoming the first Korean music content to earn a 5X Platinum certification from the British Phonographic Industry. The milestone means the song has been streamed or downloaded more than three million times in the UK, five times the threshold for Platinum level. The Pinkfong Company says it will continue to expand the global reach of Korean content through musical and cultural innovation. The Busan International Comedy Festival, Asia's largest global comedy event, is set to be held from August 29 to September 7 in the southern city. This year's festival promises a dynamic mix of Korea's top comedians, trending content creators, and comedic artists from around the world, showcasing a rich lineup of performances that go beyond language and borders. Kicking off with a grand opening ceremony at BEXCO, the festival will feature beloved Korean acts like "Gag Concert," alongside stand-up comedy, musical comedy shows, and international highlights such as "The Ultimate Japanese Comedy Show." That's all from me. Stay tuned to the Kulture Wave.

[K-wave] Gyeongju to start "K-Miso City" Campaign ahead of APEC 2025 Korea

2025/08/05 15:35

As preparations for APEC 2025 Korea in Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, are in full swing, with the event taking place in less than three months from now the province is busy finding ways to make it easier for foreign visitors to get around. Ahn Sung-jin reports. A taxi driver wearing a shirt, vest, and tie embroidered with the Gyeongju City symbol welcomes a foreign guest. Speaking through a smartphone app, the guest tells the driver his destination. "Please take me to the Bulguk Temple." It is translated automatically on the driver's cell phone. What the driver says to the customer is also translated immediately. This two-way, AI translator has been provided to around a thousand taxi drivers in the Gyeongju area ahead of APEC 2025 Korea. "Since we have the translation application ready, we can communicate with foreign guests and take them to destinations more easily." Gyeongsangbuk-do Province has started its "K-MISO CITY" project, which stands for "My Innovative Smart Open City," for foreign visitors ahead of the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in November. The province says it's a "civic movement" with the aim of encouraging people to revisit Korea. Key tasks aim to transform aspects of society to create a smart and open city. The project is also set to improve public transport services, lodging facilities, and traditional markets. With events like "APEC Plogging" and "APEC Clean Day," citizens will clean the streets to make sure the city is as clean as it can be. "We try to set our smiles, kindness, and cleanliness as our standard practice from the service industry to daily life. This will create a smart and safe city for everyone." Since the voluntary participation of citizens is essential for the successful hosting of the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, the province plans to promote the campaign through civic education. Ahn Sung-jin, Arirang News.

[K-wave] How did Busan become the World Design Capital for 2028?

2025/08/05 15:34

The city of Busan has been named the World Design Capital for 2028. The World Design Organization selects a location every two years that leads its development through design, and the latest designation marks the second time a South Korean city has held the World Design Capital title, following Seoul in 2010. Lee Eun-jin tells us how Busan claimed the honor. The World Design Organization's biennial designation for the 2028 World Design Capital title came down to Busan, South Korea, and Hangzhou, China. The two cities received similar scores in the first round of evaluations, but according to Busan City, the deciding factor came during a visit to the site by event judges. The World Design Organization delegation visited Busan in June and toured several key locations, starting with Domoheon, a former mayoral residence that has been transformed into a cultural space. They also visited Busan's North Port redevelopment area, where the port's function is shifting from logistics to a space for everyday life. Another feature location was F1963, a multicultural complex that was once a wire factory. "I believe we were rated highly as a city that demonstrates various possibilities for harmony between nature and civilization." Busan is also home to unique sites like the world's only UN Memorial Cemetery, which was established after the Korean War. The WDO team conducting the site visit also observed how history and storytelling are integrated into the city's design. Busan City said the team was particularly impressed by the city's design culture and infrastructure, the social role of design, and citizen engagement. "Busan is truly a city that is open and integrated, and I think that really resonated with the evaluation panel." The World Design Capital is a program by the World Design Organization that selects cities every two years for their leadership in using design to drive economic, social, cultural, and environmental progress, and gives them global recognition and support. The official designation of "World Design Capital Busan 2028" will be formally announced at the 34th World Design Congress in London this September. Following the announcement, Busan plans to begin full-scale preparations for 2028, including mandatory and self-organized events as part of its role as the World Design Capital. Lee Eunjin, Arirang News.

[NEWs GEN] Scam Season: Why young people are falling for voice phishing

2025/08/05 14:33

[NEWs GEN] Scam Season: Why young people are falling for voice phishing 경찰, 보이스 피싱 뿌리 뽑는다...다양해진 MZ 대상 보이스 피싱 범죄

Trump says he will impose 'substantially' higher tariffs on India over its purchase of Russian oil

2025/08/05 11:41

U.S. President Donald Trump has said he will raise tariffs on goods from India over its Russian oil purchases accusing the country of funding the Ukraine war. But, India called the claim unreasonable. Park Jun-han has more. U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to "substantially raise" tariffs on India beyond the original 25 percent rate set for August 7th, citing India's purchase and resale of Russian oil. In a Truth Social post, Trump criticized India for profiting from buying Russian energy while ignoring the Ukrainians killed in the war with Russia. In response to Trump's post, India called the claim unreasonable and unjustifiable, noting that the U.S. and European Union are also buying energy from Russia, and said it will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security. India has been Russia's biggest customer for Russian crude since 2023 and imported 50 percent more than China did last year. South Africa is also trying to close a deal with the U.S., with the country facing a 30 percent tariff. President Cyril Ramaphosa said Monday that "South Africa is committed to a principled approach, and the country will continue to use all available diplomatic channels to negotiate a mutually beneficial trade deal with the United States." He also emphasized protecting jobs and industries that are vulnerable to tariffs. Brazil, accounting for 39 percent of total U.S. coffee imports, is navigating its 50 percent tariff by exploring alternative markets. China has opened its doors to Brazilian coffee and sesame, a move seen as a strategic counter to U.S. pressure. Brazil is also considering filing a complaint to the World Trade Organization over the U.S. tariffs. Park Jun-han, Arirang News.

Heatwave returns today, heavy rain tomorrow

2025/08/05 11:40

As the rain clouds pass, heatwave alerts have once again covered most of the country. Heatwave warnings have been issued for northern Gyeonggi, Jeollanam-do, and Gyeongsang-do provinces. Meanwhile, from this morning through tonight, we can expect passing showers in inland Gangwon-do and parts of southern provinces with 5 to 40 millimeters in the forecast along with thunderstorms. And this afternoon, highs in Seoul and Gwangju will jump to 33 degrees Celsius, Daegu and Gyeongju will top out at 35 degrees. Sunny morning skies will turn cloudy as the day goes on in most regions. Then, nationwide rain is in the forecast tomorrow; the central region, in particular, is forecast to receive a significant amount of rain, possibly up to 120 millimeters for some. This rain will bring brief relief from the heat, while more rain is in the forecast for southern regions and Jeju this weekend.

Britain's first female MI5 spy chief dies at 90

2025/08/05 11:39

Dame Stella Rimington, the UK's first publicly named director-general of MI5 and the first known female leader of any national intelligence agency, died on Sunday aged 90. She joined MI5 in 1969 and worked her way up to become Director General in 1992. Paying tribute, the current MI5 Director General said, "Her leadership ushered in a new era of openness and transparency about the work MI5 does." After retiring, Rimington was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the Bath in 1996 and went on to write bestselling spy novels featuring fictional MI5 and CIA agents.

Boeing defense workers go on strike after rejecting contract

2025/08/05 11:39

In the United States, around 3,200 workers from Boeing's defense unit went on strike for the first time in nearly three decades on Monday after rejecting a contract offer from the company. Members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers District 837 walked off the job across Boeing facilities in St. Louis and St. Charles, Missouri, and Mascoutah, Illinois, staging their first strike since 1996. They rejected Boeing's contract offer, which included a 20 percent general wage increase, a 5,000 U.S. dollar ratification bonus, additional vacation and sick leave. The workers cited unresolved issues with overtime eligibility and scheduling provisions.

Poland extends temporary border checks with Germany to October

2025/08/05 11:38

Poland announced that checks at Poland's borders with Germany and Lithuania will be extended to block irregular migration and close transit routes from Russia and Belarus. Polish Interior Minister Marcin Kierwinski said Sunday that the regulation to prolong controls had been formally submitted to the European Commission, as required under EU rules. The checks, initially introduced on July 7 and originally due to expire on August 5, will now remain in force until October 4. Kierwinski explained that the strengthened barriers on Poland's eastern frontier with Belarus and Russia have largely blocked migrant paths, shifting the flow toward Lithuania and Latvia. The expanded checks aim to intercept cross-border transit before migrants reach the German border. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk framed the extension as a defensive response to Germany's tightening of asylum admissions.

Netherlands to deliver US$ 579 mil. worth of US weapon systems to Ukraine

2025/08/05 11:38

Now, let's take a look at some stories from around the world with our Choi Chi Hee. Good morning, Chi Hee. Good morning, Eunji. Let's begin with the Netherlands, saying it will contribute to the purchase of U.S. military equipment for Ukraine. Fill us in on this. Right. The Dutch defense minister announced a significant military aid package for Ukraine consisting of U.S.-made weapon systems. Minister Ruben Brekelmans made the announcement on Monday via social media, saying, "Ukraine needs more air defense and ammunition now." Valued at approximately 579 million U.S. dollars, the package will include parts and missiles for the Patriot air defense system and comes in response to an increase in Russian air attacks and requests from Kyiv to strengthen Ukraine's air defense capabilities. Brekelmans emphasized that the new package will help Ukraine defend itself and protect the rest of Europe against Russian aggression. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed the decision, saying that Ukraine and Europe would receive "greater protection from Russian terror."

Hamas demands 250 relief trucks per day

2025/08/05 11:37

Palestinian militant group Hamas is demanding at least 250 humanitarian aid trucks per day into Gaza, as a precondition for returning to negotiations with Israel. However, Israeli Prime Minister says he will convene his security cabinet this week to discuss how to instruct the military to proceed in the enclave to meet all of his "war goals." Lee Seung-jae has more. Palestinian militant group Hamas is open to restarting peace talks with Israel. However, the precondition to returning to negotiations is the entry of at least 250 humanitarian aid trucks per day into the Gaza Strip. According to Al Jazeera, Gaza officials report that over 22-thousand aid trucks are currently waiting outside the enclave, while an average of just 84 trucks have been allowed in daily since Israel eased restrictions on July 27th. Humanitarian organizations have warned that at least 600 trucks per day are required to meet basic needs. Gaza's Health Ministry said Monday that six more people, including a child, had died from starvation in the previous 24 hours, bringing the total number of starvation-related deaths since the start of the conflict to 181, including 94 children. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday that he would convene his security cabinet this week, in order to discuss how his military will proceed in Gaza, and meet all his war goals. "We must continue to stand together and fight together to achieve all our war objectives: the defeat of the enemy, the release of our hostages, and the assurance that Gaza will no longer pose a threat to Israel. Later this week, I will convene the cabinet to instruct the IDF on how to achieve these three objectives—all of them, without exception." Meanwhile, according to a report by Axios on Monday, more than a dozen House Democrats have signed a letter calling on the Trump administration to formally recognize a Palestinian state. The latest push signals a renewed effort among some U.S. lawmakers to support Palestinian statehood, with at least one Democrat planning to introduce a pro-statehood resolution in Congress. Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.

S. Korea's foreign reserves up for second month in July despite strong dollar

2025/08/05 11:36

South Korea's foreign reserves increased for the second straight month in July, backed by higher investment returns and the issuance of foreign exchange stabilization bonds. According to the Bank of Korea on Tuesday, the reserves stood at 411-point-3-3 billion U.S. dollar as of the end of July, up 1-point-1-3 billion from the previous month. A BOK official explained that despite the strong dollar weighing on the value of non-dollar assets, the foreign reserves rose thanks to new issuance of foreign currency exchange stabilization bonds and improved investment returns. Foreign securities, including U.S. Treasuries, made up the bulk of the reserves at 365-point-1 billion dollars, or 88-point-8 percent of the total.

[On-point] S. Korea begins removing anti-N. Korean loudspeakers: Will it ease tensions?

2025/08/05 11:36

As we just heard, South Korea has begun dismantling loudspeakers along the border with the North as part of its latest effort to reduce tensions. For more on this, we're joined by Brian Myers, Professor of International Studies at Dongseo University. Professor Myers, thanks for joining us this morning. 1. South Korea has begun removing loudspeakers along the border with North Korea. What does this signal about the Lee administration's North Korean policy? And how effective might this be in easing inter-Korean tensions? 2. The Korean government is also considering postponing parts of its annual joint military exercise with the U.S., but North Korea continues to say the trainings are "military provocations." Do you think these conciliatory gestures from South Korea could produce meaningful results? 3. Last week, Kim Yo-jong, the influential sister of the North Korean leader, said Pyongyang has no interest in talking to South Korea. And she said the new government is no different from the previous Yoon administration. What might the North's intention behind this message be? 4. Kim Yo-jong also said the personal relationship between her brother Kim Jong-un and U.S. President Donald Trump "isn't bad," but said Washington must recognize the regime's status as a nuclear state for talks. How likely do you think Pyongyang will engage in dialogue with Washington under these conditions? Alright. Professor Myers, thank you so much for your insight today. We appreciate it.

S. Korea’s consumer prices up 2.1% y/y in July

2025/08/05 11:35

South Korea's consumer prices in July saw an increase in the two-percent range for the second month straight. Data from Statistics Korea on Tuesday showed that the country's consumer price index – a key gauge of inflation – rose 2-point-1 percent in July year-on-year. This is mainly led by higher costs of processed food products and fisheries products. Inflation had remained above the Bank of Korea's 2 percent target for four consecutive months through April, subsequently seeing a dip in May before edging up again in June.

S. Korea begins to remove anti-Pyongyang loudspeakers along border

2025/08/05 11:35

Loudspeakers installed along the border for propaganda broadcasts against North Korea will be taken down within the next few days. The South Korean government decided to do so as part of efforts to alleviate tensions between the two Koreas. Our Kim Bo-kyoung starts us off. South Korea's military decided to remove loudspeakers on Monday that were used for anti-Pyongyang broadcasts. The move, comes amid the Lee Jae Myung administration's attempts to ease tensions on the Korean Peninsula. "Our military has begun dismantling the loudspeakers directed toward North Korea starting today. This is a practical measure aimed at easing tensions between the two Koreas, carried out within a scope that does not affect our military readiness." Removing the loudspeakers comes less than two months after President Lee ordered the suspension of broadcasts in early June, an action also followed by North Korea afterwards. Around 20 fixed loudspeakers will be removed within two to three days, as mobile loudspeakers had already been taken away when the broadcasts were suspended. North Korea still has its loudspeakers in position, though they are not being used. Despite Seoul's proactive measure, one expert says Pyongyang is not going to consider that this is a major step towards opening up dialogue as it is just a follow-up measure of "physically" getting rid of loudspeakers after the government promised to suspend broadcasts. However, he did say this was going to help the two Koreas build a bit more trust. "It's hard to say that this directly addresses the fundamental issues that North Korea is demanding. However, by taking actions as the South Korean government had stated, it could help build a bit more trust from Pyongyang toward Seoul." Pyongyang is known to be demanding the end to ROK-U.S. joint military exercises. However, this is unlikely to happen, as the upcoming Ulchi Freedom Shield is expected to go ahead as originally planned as of Monday, according to the defense ministry. Kim Bo-kyoung, Arirang News.

Filibuster stalls broadcasting reform bill, DP expected to call vote on Tuesday

2025/08/05 11:34

On the local front. Tensions are running high at the National Assembly, where rival parties have entered a second day of legislative standoff after the opposition launched a filibuster on Monday to block a series of reform bills. But, with the 24-hour limit on the filibuster approaching, the ruling Democratic Party is expected to begin voting on the first of those bills this afternoon. Our Moon Hye-ryeon has the details. A filibuster is underway at South Korea's National Assembly, as the opposition People Power Party attempts to stall the ruling Democratic Party's legislative push to pass a series of contentious reform bills. The plenary session on Monday brought a set of media reform bills that amend laws governing the country's public broadcasters to the table. This immediately prompted a filibuster from the PPP. The bill is the first of five high-profile bills that the PPP has vowed to launch a filibuster against, and marks the first time in a year that the legislature has entered a formal filibuster standoff. Under parliamentary rules, each filibuster can run for up to 24 hours, meaning that only one bill is likely to be voted on before the July extraordinary session closes on Tuesday, despite the fact that the DP-led ruling coalition bloc holds the 180-seat supermajority required to unilaterally end a filibuster. Since the filibuster began shortly after 4 PM yesterday, the Democratic Party-led bloc is expected to move to end the debate and call a vote at the same time this afternoon, once the required 24-hour period has passed. The DP's legislative package also includes amendments to the Commercial Act, as well as the so-called "Yellow Envelope Bill," which seeks to limit the ability of employers to claim damages against striking union members. The ruling party has branded the bill as essential for restoring fairness in labor relations and promoting "industrial peace." "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 PPP, however, is framing the bill as a major threat to the business environment. "The Yellow Envelope Bill could encourage unlimited illegal strikes and has high potential to devastate industrial sites." Before the filibuster began, lawmakers passed a set of non-contentious bills, including revisions to the Grain Management Act, which had been vetoed under the previous administration. Other bills included extending the central government's support for free high school education, redefining AI-based digital textbooks as educational material, and formalizing state support for local gift certificate programs. Any bills not voted on during the current extraordinary session will carry over into the August session, with a plenary session likely to be scheduled towards the end of the month. Moon Hye-ryeon, Arirang News.