News

U.S. President Trump reveals sweeping reciprocal duties on all U.S. trade partners; S. Korea facing 26% duty

2025/04/03 17:00

As promised on Tuesday U.S. time after Wall Street closed its trading for the day U.S. President Donald Trump announced his reciprocal tariffs on America's trade partners that includes a baseline of 10-percent on all imports and country-specific duties with 26 percent for South Korea. Lee Eun-hee has details. The 26-percent reciprocal tariff imposition on South Korea has become official as U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday local time, signed an executive order imposing his sweeping reciprocal tariff plan. According to the panel presented by President Trump, South Korea would face a 25-percent tariff. However, an annex to the executive order later released by the White House listed South Korea's rate as 26-percent, with no clear explanation for the discrepancy. "It's gonna be Liberation Day in America and it's gonna be a day that hopefully you're going to look back in years to come and you're gonna say, you know, he was right. This has turned out to be one of the most important days in the history of this country. God bless you and God Bless America." Trump announced a baseline tariff of 10% on all imports, set to take effect on April 5th. Higher rates will be imposed on select countries, which he labeled as the "worst offenders," and are scheduled to take effect on April 9th. South Korea faces a 26-percent reciprocal tariff, higher than the EU's 20-percent and Japan's 24-percent. Major U.S. trading partners will also be subject to steep tariff rates, including 34% on China, which will come in addition to existing 20-percent tariffs on Chinese imports, for a total 54-percent tariff rate. In response, a number of countries have announced plans for retaliatory measures, signaling a global escalation in the current trade war. The European Union says it will respond "through legal, legitimate, proportionate and decisive measures." The Chinese commerce ministry urged the Trump administration to cancel the tariffs and said China would take countermeasures to safeguard its interests. The Canadian prime minister said Canada will fight the decision with purpose and with force, while Italy's leader responded by calling the tariffs "wrong and not in the interest of either party." The reciprocal tariffs do not apply to certain goods, including semiconductors, semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, energy, or "certain minerals that aren't found in the U.S." However, according to a White House official, Trump is planning additional tariffs targeting semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, and potentially critical minerals. Lee Eun-hee, Arirang News.

Political tensions at Nat'l Assembly ahead of President Yoon's impeachment ruling

2025/04/03 17:00

Tensions are also running high at the parliament as lawmakers await in anticipation the verdict that also holds immense implications for party plans going forward. Our National Assembly correspondent Shin Ha-young reports. Ahead of the ruling on President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment trial, the political standoff at the National Assembly continues, with rival parties holding different expectations for the outcome. The ruling People Power Party expects the Constitutional Court to dismiss the impeachment and for President Yoon to return to office. If Yoon is reinstated, the PPP plans to push for a constitutional amendment to fit present day values. Yoon said earlier that he would not cling to power, but instead pursue constitutional reform. Interim PPP leader Kwon Yong-se on Thursday reaffirmed that the party will accept the Court's ruling and urged the opposition to do the same. "The PPP and I will accept the Constitutional Court's impeachment ruling and prepare for what comes next. We strongly urge the Democratic Party to deeply reflect on its actions and accept the outcome." Kwon also urged the Court to deliver a ruling that the public can accept to minimize conflict and confusion. Some PPP lawmakers decided to hold an overnight sit-in near Anguk Station, close to the Constitutional Court, until Friday morning. On the other hand, the main opposition Democratic Party argues that Yoon's removal is the only option, urging the Court for a unanimous decision to impeach Yoon. The DP lawmakers have stepped up their protests, holding an all-night sit-in at their tent set up in Gwanghwamun Square for outdoor rallies. DP floor leader Park Chan-dae said there is enough evidence to prove Yoon's impeachment. "There is already overwhelming evidence to justify Yoon's removal. I have no doubt that the Court will remove him from office for violating the Constitution." While the National Assembly has tightened security, restricting outside personnel from entering the premises, both parties have ordered their lawmakers to stay on standby at the parliament this week. "Amid growing political tension between the rival parties as the impeachment ruling approaches, there are calls for politicians to prioritize national unity after the verdict. Shin Ha-young, Arirang News."

Live from Constitutional Court: One day to President Yoon's impeachment ruling

2025/04/03 17:00

And as we count down fewer than 24 hours now to the Constitutional Court's ruling on the president's fate the atmosphere around the venue of the court is intense to say the least. For more I have my colleague Song Yoon-jin standing by live. Yoon-jin welcome. What have you been seeing and hearing there ahead of tomorrow's verdict? Sunny, I'm right outside the Constitutional Court. Compared to the loud, intense demonstrations we've seen in recent weeks -protests that turned these usually quiet streets into a political flashpoint -the atmosphere here today is noticeably subdued. There's a heavy police presence, and barricades are lining the streets near the Court's main gate. That's because authorities have implemented tight security measures ahead of tomorrow's ruling. The area within a 1-hundred-50 meter radius of the Court has been designated as a so-called "vacuum zone," a controlled, locked down zone for vehicles. Only pedestrians are allowed within this zone to keep disruption to a minimum, but also to minimize the risk of threats to the Court. We had to present our press IDs to the police to access the street leading to the Court's main gate. But beyond that perimeter, the mood is very different. Outside the restricted zone, near Anguk Station, both pro and anti-impeachment demonstrators have gathered, holding signs and chanting, awaiting the Constitutional Court's decision. And as the day progresses, those crowds are steadily growing. And all of that of course underscores just how high the stakes are. What more can you tell us about the safety precautions in place by authorities there? Public safety has been top of the agenda ever since the Constitutional Court announced on Tuesday that it will deliver its verdict tomorrow. In 2017, when the Court upheld former President Park Geun-hye's impeachment, four demonstrators died during clashes that broke out in response to the ruling. This morning at 9 AM, police elevated the emergency alert level in Seoul to "Eulho," the second-highest level in their three-tier emergency response system. This allows for up to half of the available national police forces to be mobilized. Already, 7-thousand officers have been deployed across Seoul. Starting at midnight, that alert will be raised to the highest level, "gapho," which enables full nationwide police mobilization. Take a listen to the head of Seoul's police agency for more. "We expect a large turnout on the day of the ruling and will do everything we can to manage the crowds and maintain public order. We'll take a zero-tolerance approach to any serious illegal acts, such as violence or destruction of property. We're also closely monitoring threats made online and will respond swiftly to any signs of potential terrorism or intimidation." Tomorrow, 14-thousand riot police will be on duty across Seoul. Anguk Station will be closed, and some schools, banks, museums, and businesses nearby will either shut down or switch to remote work for the day. With an estimated 1-hundred-thousand protestors expected to take to the streets, the nation is on high alert, hoping to avoid any violence between opposing groups or confrontations with police. Back to you, Sunny. All right Yoon-jin thank you for the latest on the atmosphere around the venue of the Constitutional Court.

[Hallyu People] Korea and France connect through K-pop

2025/04/03 14:00

France is widely recognized as a country of art and a cultural powerhouse. It is also a nation with which South Korea has close to 140-years of diplomatic relations. No wonder France and Korea also cooperate in the music sector. Recently, French and Korean music industry professionals got together for a conference in Seoul to discuss the future of K-pop and explore ways to collaborate. Today, we connect to Leslie Dubest, CEO of a French independent music label who was one of the participants at that conference. Hello (Leslie / ) Mr. Dubest! 1) (Leslie/) Mr. Dubest, let’s start with your impression of your recent visit to the home of K-pop. How was it? 2) “The Atelier K-pop Conference” was held in Seoul late last month. What was this event about? 3) What were the outcomes of the conference? We also heard that four French songwriters wrote songs aimed at the K-pop market during their stay in Seoul. How did that turn out? 4) During the conference, you mentioned that the K-pop industry is where it is today thanks to various industries having been integrated during the growth of K-pop. Could you elaborate on that? 5) Please tell us about the presence of K-pop in France right now. (Who are the most popular K-pop acts, which are the most loved songs and why?) 6) As the CEO of an independent music label, are there any specific musicians that grab your attention or is there anyone in the Korean music industry you’d like to work with? (singer, songwriter, entertainment company, etc.) 7) How would you like to see the Korean and French music scenes collaborate in the future through K-pop?

[K-enter] TVXQ! renews contract with SM

2025/04/03 14:00

Time for some exciting K-entertainment news with Bella Kim. Bella, we will start with news on a K-pop artist? We are going to talk about BTS member J-hope. J-hope has once again made his mark on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. According to the latest chart released by Billboard on Tuesday, J-hope’s digital single “MONA LISA” debuted at No.65 on the Billboard Hot 100. This marks J-hope’s 7th entry on the Hot 100 chart as a solo artist, tying with fellow BTS member Jungkook for the most entries by a K-pop solo artist. J-hope first entered the Hot 100 in 2019 with “Chicken Noodle Soup” at No.81. And in this year alone, J-hope has achieved the remarkable feat of having three songs enter the Hot 100 -“LV Bag,” “Sweet Dreams,” and now “MONA LISA.” Always so proud to see K-pop artists thrive globally. For our next story, we will move from HYBE to SM who've renewed a deal with one of their top groups. TVXQ! has renewed their contract with SM Entertainment. On Wednesday, SM announced that they have renewed their contract with TVXQ!’s U-KNOW Yunho and MAX Changmin. SM and TVXQ! are continuing a partnership that began from their debut in 2003, marking 22 years together. Yunho said “It’s a nostalgic feeling to continue our journey with SM Entertainment, who has been with us since our debut. We will always strive to show our best to give back the love and support we receive from our fans.” Changmin also shared, “It’s incredibly meaningful to have been with SM Entertainment for over 20 years. We will continue to create an even more impressive future for TVXQ! with the support and strength that SM Entertainment provides us.” Meanwhile, TVXQ! will meet the fans at Tokyo Dome for their concerts from April 25th to 27th. TVXQ! is one of the representative 2nd generation K-pop boy groups who helped in spreading the hallyu wave. And for our last story, we are going to talk about an upcoming film with a "punch?" ‘One Punch Man’ Ma Dong-seok will hunt down demons in the upcoming film “Holy Night: Demon Hunters.” On Wednesday, a press conference for the film was held at Lotte Cinema’s Konguk University branch in Seoul, where the film’s lead actors Ma Dong-seok, Jung Ji-so, Kyung Soo-jin, Seo-hyun, Lee Da-wit, and director Lim Dae-hee attended. “Holy Night” is an occult action film where the ‘Holy Night’ team of dark fixers take on the forces of evil in a city plunged into chaos by a cult that worships evil. We will be able to see Ma Dong-seok throwing his signature ‘nuclear punch’ but this time at demons, instead of humans. Ma didn't just participate in the film as an actor, but also contributed to film making. He said at the press conference that he watched thousands of horror films from all around the world until he got sick of them. One of the main actors, Seo-hyun, a member of Girls’ Generation, will make her screen debut with this film. “Holy Night: Demon Hunters” will hit theaters on April 30th. I feel already bad for the demons that will have to deal with Ma Dong-seok's hard punch. Thank you Bella for today’s stories.

[K-wave] Wildfire response measures need review to better protect national treasures

2025/04/03 14:00

The wildfires of Sancheong-gun County, Gyeongsangnam-do Province and Uiseong-gun County, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province were a part of what became South Korea’s worst wildfires on record, and some 30 national heritage sites were destroyed. As climate change is expected to worsen wildfires, it has been pointed out that new measures are needed to protect national heritage. Lee Eun-jin tells us more. The devastating wildfires swept away nearly 30 national heritage sites including Gounsa, a centuries-old Buddhist temple in Gyeongsangbuk-do Province. Gaunru, a pavilion-shaped structure within the Gounsa Temple, and Yeonsujeon Hall were both burnt, both designated as national treasures from the Silla Dynasty. "Strong winds impacted the wildfires the most. The wildfires spread quickly, riding on the strong and dry winds that reached a maximum speed of 27 meters per second." Most of the temples designated as national treasures are buried away in the mountains, which makes access to them difficult for firefighting vehicles. This is why major national heritage sites are equipped with basic fire-extinguishing equipment, including fire hydrants. The problem is when wildfires become large-scale. When fires break out, burn simultaneously and spread at high speed, evacuating national cultural assets should be prioritized as protective equipment can only do so much. "They have fiberglass fireproof cloth that's commercially available on the market. It serves its function for a relatively long period below 1,000 degrees Celsius. But a situation where the flames exceed 1,000 degrees for several tens of minutes is beyond the scope of protection that this cloth can function." Particularly, for large wooden buildings, flameproof cloth needs to be installed using highrise vehicles, but in emergency situations, it is not easy to operate such equipment and procure the personnel to do it. So, for important locations, separate measures are needed for flameproof cloth installation, as well as education and training for those in charge of national heritage safety management. Moreover, the most recent wildfires have highlighted that there needs to be an overall revision to national response measures of large-scale fires, during which specific measures need to be prepared for the protection of national treasures. Lee Eunjin, Arirang News. The recent damage to the dozens of cultural heritage sites reminded me of a huge incident back in 2008, when the Sungnyemun Gate in Seoul was burned down. I still remember how shocking that was. Especially as it was caused by arson. Right, and that case led to the establishment of the "Cultural Heritage Disaster Prevention Day", falling on February 10th. So, what's being done on that day? People who work at historic sites conduct fire drills in a bid to reduce the risks of fire damage. Let's hope for stronger efforts to protect such important national assets.

K-wave AI News

2025/04/03 14:00

Hello and welcome to your AI guide to the latest cultural updates from Korea. Here's our top story. Culture Minister Yu In-chon has visited Gounsa and Unramsa, centuries-old Buddhist temples reduced to ashes in recent wildfires in Gyeongsangbuk-do Province. Accompanied by National Heritage Service Administrator Choi Eung-chon, Minister Yu assessed the damage and discussed various measures for swift recovery with on-site officials. Yu pledged to explore a wide range of recovery methods in collaboration with related organizations, including the National Heritage Service and local governments, while providing necessary support. He also visited the joint memorial altar in Andong City to pay tribute to wildfire victims and stopped by the central support center to encourage those involved in recovery efforts. An international conference will be held next Friday in Dangjin City, Chungcheongnam-do Province, to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the traditional tug-of-war's inscription as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Hosted by the UNESCO Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region, in partnership with Dangjin, the conference will bring together heritage specialists from Korea, Cambodia, Vietnam, and the Philippines—the four countries that jointly inscribed tug-of-war as a UNESCO heritage in 2015. Participants will share preservation initiatives undertaken since the inscription and discuss strategies to strengthen intergovernmental cooperation on the shared heritage. Tug-of-war, a traditional agrarian game, has long been practiced across Asia as a ritual to pray for rain and a bountiful harvest. The opening of the Yeongdeungpo Yeouido Spring Flower Festival, one of Seoul's most popular cherry blossom spots, has been postponed from this Friday to next Tuesday. Yeongdeungpo-gu District Office announced the decision after an emergency response meeting, citing the potential influx of large crowds near the National Assembly in Yeouido before and after President Yoon's impeachment ruling set for Friday. The festival has been scaled down, with the opening ceremony and the Air Force's Black Eagles' celebratory flight canceled. Extra police and security personnel will be deployed in crowded areas throughout the festival to ensure public safety. The event runs through next Saturday. That's all from me. Keep it tuned to the Kulture Wave.

U.S. President Trump reveals sweeping reciprocal duties on all U.S. trade partners; S. Korea facing 25% duty

2025/04/03 10:00

The Trump administration has unveiled its long-warned reciprocal tariffs for all of its trade partners: a baseline 10% tariff on all imports, with even higher rates for select countries that includes South Korea with a 25% reciprocal tariff. Bae Eun-ji has our top story. The 25-percent reciprocal tariff imposition on South Korea has become official as U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday local time, signed an executive order imposing his sweeping reciprocal tariff plan. "My fellow Americans, this is Liberation Day. Been waiting for a long time. April 2nd, 2025 will forever be remembered as the day American industry was reborn Our country and its taxpayers have been ripped off for more than 50 years. But it is not going to happen anymore. It's not going to happen." Trump announced a baseline tariff of 10% on all imports, with higher rates for select countries that he labeled bad actors. South Korea faces a 25-percent reciprocal tariff, higher than the EU's 20-percent and Japan's 24-percent. Major U.S. trading partners will also be subject to steep tariff rates, including 34% on China, which will come in addition to existing 20-percent tariffs on Chinese imports, for a total 54-percent tariff rate. The reciprocal tariffs effectively nullify the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement, forcing South Korea to negotiate a new trade deal with the U.S. In response, Acting President and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo convened an emergency meeting early Thursday morning, where he instructed the trade ministry to work closely with businesses to analyze the details and impact of the newly announced tariffs. He also ordered the government to swiftly set up emergency support for affected industries and businesses, especially in the automotive sector. Bae Eun-ji, Arirang News.

[Weather] Big temperature swings continue, poor air quality in west

2025/04/03 10:00

Make sure to dress in layers today to handle the big temperature swings. This morning, some inland areas are seeing frost, making for a chilly start, but temperatures will rise rapidly by the afternoon. But again, the air won't be great in parts of the west. Here in Seoul, we may also see worsening fine dust levels in the morning and at night. Meanwhile, dryness has improved, but dry advisories remain in place for inland Gyeongsangbuk-do Province and southern Jeju. With windy conditions, even a small spark can quickly spread, so please be cautious. Most regions will be under partly sunny skies with warmer highs than yesterday in central parts at 17 degrees in Seoul and Daejeon, but notice cooler air in the southern areas. Jeju will be much breezier at 13 degrees. Looking ahead, this Saturday, most of the country will see rain. However, morning and afternoon temperatures will continue to differ by 10 to 15 degrees Celsius, so we will only need jackets for the mornings and evenings, but be sure to keep them handy.

Val Kilmer, Top Gun and Batman star, dies at 65

2025/04/03 10:00

In the United States, renowned actor Val Kilmer passed away on Tuesday night at the age of 65. The cause of death was complications from pneumonia. Kilmer had previously battled throat cancer, diagnosed in 2014, which significantly impacted his health and career. He was celebrated for his performances in iconic films, including Top Gun, in which he played the character "Iceman." He also played the role of the Caped Crusader in Batman Forever. Kilmer is survived by two children, Mercedes and Jack Kilmer, who continue his artistic legacy in the acting industry.

NATO allies pledged over US$ 21 billion in aid to Ukraine in 2025 Q1

2025/04/03 10:00

Moving over to Europe NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte announced on Wednesday local time that during the first quarter of 2025, NATO allies pledged over 21 billion U.S. dollars in military aid to Ukraine. Rutte stated that the NATO command in Germany, specifically the NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine, would continue to coordinate military aid to Ukraine and the training of Ukrainian soldiers. The announcement comes ahead of a meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Brussels on Thursday and Friday, where further support measures for Ukraine are set to be discussed.

Chinese military completes large-scale exercises in Taiwan Strait

2025/04/03 10:00

China has concluded two days of large-scale military exercises around Taiwan, intensifying regional tensions. Taiwan condemned the drills, vowing to maintain regional peace. The People's Liberation Army conducted the "Strait Thunder-2025A" drills on April 1 and 2, focusing on the Taiwan Strait and the East China Sea. These exercises included live-fire drills and simulated precision strikes, targeting key infrastructure such as ports and energy facilities. The Shandong aircraft carrier was also deployed and operated east of Taiwan, integrating naval and air units. Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense reported that multiple warships and aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait, prompting the island to deploy its own rapid response exercise. The United States condemned the drills, while China's Eastern Theater Command stated that the exercises achieved their objectives.

19 people killed in Israeli strike at UN clinic sheltering displaced

2025/04/03 10:00

Let's begin in the Middle East. Israel has intensified its military operations in the Gaza Strip. Tell us more. Israel's Prime Minister has announced a major expansion of offensives in the Gaza Strip, aiming to increase pressure on Hamas to release the remaining hostages. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday local time also mentioned establishing a new "security corridor" called the "Morag corridor" through southern regions, between Rafah and Khan Younis. The Israeli Defense Minister has also announced a significant expansion of military operations in Gaza, involving the occupation of large areas of land. Meanwhile, overnight airstrikes have claimed the lives of more than 40 Palestinians. A strike on a United Nations Relief and Works Agency shelter for displaced individuals resulted in the death of 19 people, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. Israel said it attacked a Hamas command center set up in the facility. Meanwhile, Netanyahu is making his first trip to Europe since the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant against him in November 2024 for alleged war crimes in Gaza.

Spring bliss at Bucheon Azalea Festival

2025/04/03 10:00

Spring is finally upon us, meaning more outdoor activities and festivals for us to enjoy. And that being said, our Lee Eun-hee introduces us to a flower festival to check out this weekend. The Bucheon Azalea Festival is blooming. The vibrant pink azaleas have people soaking up the spring vibes. Bucheon City, not too far from Seoul, is hosting this beautiful festival at Bucheon Stadium and Wonmisan Mountain or Wonmisan Azalea Hill. "The trails around Wonmisan Azalea Hill offer a great opportunity to enjoy both the stunning azalea blossoms and the natural beauty of the landscape while hiking. It's the perfect way to soak in the scenery and get some fresh air." "I visit every year. Taking in the scenery brings me a sense of peace. Now, at 72, I find myself reflecting on the beauty of life and the passing of time." "It was my first time to come and see these beautiful flowers, I came to see the azalea blossom. And then I roamed around and saw lots of beautiful flowers. And then I found out the market which was nearby and there I enjoyed the food. It was crowded, but if you want to have beautiful photos for your Instagram or social media, I recommend that you visit here." A key goal of the festival is to boost the local economy by hosting a variety of events and activities, such as making custom azalea-themed bags. "The Azalea Festival is timed to coincide with the spring bloom, transforming open spaces at Bucheon Stadium into interactive attractions. To promote cultural tourism and support the local economy, the festival features a flea market with local artists, small business product sales, and a variety of food trucks." Many other spring blossom festivals across South Korea are still running. Other major festivals include the Daegu E-World Blossom Picnic, Taean Tulip Festival, Jinhae Gunhangjae Festival, and Gokseong World Rose Festival. The Bucheon Azalea Festival will run until April 6th. However, music performances have been canceled as a mark of respect for those affected by the recent tragic wildfires in Gyeongsangbuk-do Province. Spring is here, but so are heartbreaking losses. Lee Eun-hee Arirang News.

No. of overseas medical tourists to S. Korea nearly doubled y/y in 2024

2025/04/03 10:00

The number of foreign nationals who visited South Korea last year for medical procedures was nearly double compared to the year before. According to the Health Ministry on Wednesday, the number reached around 1-point-2 million, the highest since the country's medical tourism program began in 2009. Since then, the total has exceeded 5-million. By nationality, Japan topped the list, accounting for over 37-percent, followed by China and the U.S. And over half came over to have dermatology treatment.

On-point: Why 25% reciprocal tariffs for South Korea?

2025/04/03 10:00

Trump's so-called Liberation Day tariffs are reigniting yet another global trade war, and South Korea is cornered in once again. How to survive through Trump's trade war this time? Let's turn to Professor Hur Joon-young. Welcome. 1. Why a whopping 25% for South Korea when it's 34% for China, 32% for Taiwan, 24% for Japan, and 20% for the EU? 2. The Trump administration has expanded its tariffs on aluminum to include canned beer imports. 3. Trump's tariff policies will highly likely be a blow to American consumers, hike up prices, and worsen consumer sentiment. 4. Should we expect more tariffs to come? 5. South Korea's trade minister made visits to the U.S. himself to sort things out but clearly, the trips weren't as fruitful as we all hoped. Thanks so much for sharing your insight with us this morning.

3 Impeachment verdict scenarios: What Yoon's removal or return to office will mean for South Korea

2025/04/03 10:00

With President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment fate to be sealed on Friday, we take a look at the various outcomes that the Court's decision could lead to. How would the verdict affect the President himself and the nation? Our Oh Soo-young explains. The fate of President Yoon Suk Yeol and the nation hangs on the Constitutional Court's decision on his impeachment Friday. The ruling will mean immediate consequences regarding the governance of the country as the leader's removal or reinstatement spells out very different outcomes. If the Court upholds the impeachment, Yoon would become the nation's second president in history to be removed from office—following Park Geun-hye’s impeachment eight years ago. Effective immediately,. Yoon would have to vacate his office for good and leave the official residence in Yongsan-gu District. He would lose all post-presidential privileges—no pension, no office, no staff support, and no burial rights at the National Cemetery. His protection would be limited to basic personal security. With the leadership vacuum made permanent, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo would continue as Acting President until an early election is held within 60 days. On the flip side, if the impeachment is dismissed with prejudice it would mean the Court has found the National Assembly's grounds for his removal insufficient and the case is closed for good. After over three months of suspension, the President would immediately resume his duties. It's expected he'd then address the public through a televised message or press conference. His first tasks back in office are likely to focus first on foreign policy and national security, as there has not been top-level engagement with the United States since President Donald Trump's inauguration.. Yoon would also begin laying out proposals for constitutional and political reform, as pledged during his final court appearance. While his impeachment case would be closed for good, Yoon would still face investigations regarding his Dec. 3 Martial Law declaration, but during his presidency, would be immune from charges other than for treason and insurrection. Another scenario is the Court dismissing the case without prejudice. The case would be dropped due to legal or procedural issues, meaning the bench decided not to rule on the grounds or evidence presented. The President would return to office, but the National Assembly could reattempt impeachment in the future. Six or more justices must consent to uphold an impeachment. Three or more justices deciding against impeachment would lead to a dismissal. "While sources say the justices have reached an understanding on the verdict, the bench is expected to sign off their decision at the last minute, either the evening before or early in the morning of the ruling, to maintain utmost confidentiality." The ruling takes legal effect the moment the presiding justice reads the decision on live TV. 20 members of the public will be selected through a lottery to attend the ruling. 12-thousand people applied on the first day that registration opened on the Court's website. President Yoon's attendance is largely expected but has not been confirmed by his lawyers. Oh Soo-young, Arirang News.

Myanmar announces 3-week temporary ceasefire amid earthquake relief efforts

2025/04/03 10:00

Myanmar's military government has declared a three-week temporary ceasefire to ramp up relief and reconstruction efforts following the deadly earthquake. According to local media, the death toll has now exceeded 3,000. Lee Seung-jae reports. In a bid to speed up relief and reconstruction efforts following last week's magnitude 7-point-7 earthquake that struck Myanmar, the military government on Wednesday announced a temporary ceasefire. In a statement, the State Administration Council announced the ceasefire from April 2nd to April 22nd. However, according to local media MRTV, the military junta warned that if rebel groups attack, the military will take necessary measures. Earlier this week, the rebel Three Brotherhood Alliance, which consists of the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, the Ta'ang National Liberation Army and the Arakan Army, announced a unilateral ceasefire to support quake response for one month. However,.. the military government had refused to do the same until Wednesday's announcement. Since the military junta's coup in 2021, Myanmar has been marred by violence amid a civil war between the military government and ethnic militias and resistance forces. As the country continues recovery and relief efforts, a hotel worker who had been buried under the rubble in Naypyidaw was rescued after 108 hours. The 26-year-old hotel employee was found alive by a rescue team, covered in dust, but conscious. He was immediately transported to the hospital for medical treatment. Local media says the death toll from the devastating earthquake has now surpassed three thousand. Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.

Local by-elections sees ruling party win 1 seat, DP 3, minor Rebuilding Korea Party win 1

2025/04/03 10:00

Wednesday's local by-elections saw the ruling People Power Party win one seat in the race to select five local government chiefs while the main opposition Democratic Party, won three. The by-elections also saw a surprise win for the Rebuilding Korea Party. Jeong Cheol-won was elected chief of Damyang in Jeollanam-do Province, taking a seat from the DP. Damyang has long been a traditional stronghold for the main opposition party. The Rebuilding Korea Party picked up its first local government head seat since the foundation of the party in 2024.

What President Yoon's impeachment ruling will look like this Friday

2025/04/02 20:00

The ruling on the president is slated for the day after tomorrow. With much focus at the Constitutional Court, our Oh Soo-young walks us through the formalities that may unfold on that day. President Yoon Suk Yeol's removal or return to power, will take effect the moment his fate is stated aloud by the Constitutional Court bench on Friday. Set to be broadcast live at 11 AM, the nation will be reading the lips of Justice Cheong Hyung-sik who, as the presiding judge on the case, will deliver the decision by the eight-member bench. The ruling will come 111 days after the National Assembly's impeachment vote last December, following the President's martial law order. The bench's deliberation is the longest-ever for a presidential case, as the ruling will be delivered 38 days after Yoon's final trial hearing in February. "While sources say the justices reached an understanding on the verdict, and scheduled a meeting for Wednesday, most likely to discuss procedural matters, the bench is expected to sign off their decision at the very last minute, to maintain utmost confidentiality. In the case of former President Park Geun-hye in 2017, justices arrived early in the morning of the ruling to confirm their decision." If the same procedure is followed, the lead justice for the case, Cheong Hyung-sik, will present his opinion first, followed by other justices in reverse order of their appointments to the Court. Once they establish a consensus, the bench will conduct a final review of the written judgment, collect signatures, and seal the ruling. When entering the courtroom to deliver their decision, the justices will take their seats in order of seniority, with Acting Chief Justice Moon Hyung-bae at the center to declare a start to the proceedings. Typically,.. if there has been a unanimous decision, the lead justice explains the rationale for the ruling first, followed by the main decision. If there are dissenting or various concurring opinions, the main decision is usually read first, followed by explanations from individual justices representing differing views. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo’s impeachment trial was also concluded with the bench first declaring the case dismissed, before revealing various opinions. However, as the order of delivery is at the Court’s discretion, the style of the proceedings could vary. If the Court upholds the impeachment, with the consent of at least six justices, President Yoon will be removed from office. If the case is dismissed or rejected on procedural grounds by three or more members of the bench, he will return to his duties. While previous presidents did not attend their ruling session, President Yoon may choose to show up in the courtroom, as he has done for his hearings throughout the trial. Oh Soo-young, Arirang News.