News

S. Korea's consumer prices in March rise by 2.1% year-on-year

2025/04/02 17:00

Inflation here in Korea in March remained within the two-percent range for the third month in a row. Park Jun-han covers the latest finding and more. South Korea's consumer price data shows steady inflation in the low 2-percent range over the past three months. In March, consumer prices increased by 2-point-1 percent compared to March the previous year. The inflation over the past three months is slightly higher than September to December last year when inflation was in the 1-percent range. The price of cabbages went up by 49-point-7 percent ( 1) and radishes went up by 86-point-4 percent ( 2). The price of processed foods rose by 3-point-6 percent ( ). That's the biggest jump in fifteen months, pushing overall inflation up by point-three percentage points. Statistics Korea attributed the increase in processed food prices to three factors: a rise in raw material prices, the high foreign exchange rate, and rising labor and energy costs. Meanwhile, the cost of services also went up, with both public and personal services seeing price rises. The price of public services, which include things like transport and tuition fees, increased by 1-point-4 percent year-on-year. The increase was mainly due to the rise in private university tuition. The price of personal services is 3-point-1 percent higher than a year ago. The increase was due to increased demand in trips in March. Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok pledged at the Ministerial Meeting on Economic Affairs to use the government's full range of capabilities to stabilize perceived inflation. "In April and May, we will allocate an additional 30 billion Korean won to support agricultural product discounts, and we will supply more than a hundred tons of cabbages and radishes to the market every day to stabilize supply and demand. We will also lower the price burden of food ingredients through new quota tariffs on raw pork meat and raw egg products." The Bank of Korea on Wednesday said that the inflation rate is expected to remain stable around the target level of 2-percent. It also added that there is still a lot of uncertainty around the foreign exchange rate and oil price movements, as well as domestic demand. The central bank said it will keep a keen eye on future inflation levels. Park Jun-han, Arirang News.

Acting President urges politicians to refrain from provocations as gov't prepares for verdict day

2025/04/02 17:00

And as Korea awaits the Constitutional Court's verdict on President Yoon Suk Yeol's fate acting President Han Duck-soo has highlighted the importance of peacefully accepting the court's ruling WHILE renewing calls on political parties against statements that may instigate division and disorder. Kim Do-yeon has details. With the Constitutional Court's landmark decision on President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment just days away, the government is on high alert—prioritizing citizen safety—as thousands of protesters from both sides are expected to fill the streets. Acting President and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo on Wednesday presided over a meeting with safety related ministers and Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon and emphasized unity over division while calling on politicians to act responsibly. "I also urge politicians: now is the time to prioritize the stability and survival of our community above political interests. Please demonstrate a responsible stance that promotes social unity rather than division and conflict. In particular, I earnestly ask you to refrain from making remarks that may incite or provoke illegal protests and violence." Seoul Mayor also laid out the city government's plan to keep safety and order. It's set to deploy 24-hundred personnel across the city's mass gatherings sites to oversee safety. Public transport will be run according to the situation except for Anguk Station on Line 3, which will be closed on the day of the verdict. Buses are set to take detours, while certain key metro stations such as Yeouido and Gwanghamun will be closely monitored to operate according to the crowd situation. "Honorable citizens, the Seoul Metropolitan Government deeply respects everyone's right to express their opinion. At the same time, we reiterate that safeguarding a safe and peaceful daily life for our citizens is also a precious value that must be protected." The police and relevant ministries have also laid out their plans. Starting at 9 AM on April 3rd, the police agency will be on emergency duty. Starting at midnight on April 4th, 100 percent of its available officers will be deployed to assigned positions. The Safety Ministry will be in charge of the safety adjustments overall, while the Ministry of Science and ICT will be in charge of stationing additional mobile base stations so citizens' phone services aren't disrupted due to large gatherings. The government's alertness comes with good reason. Protesters for both sides have been gathering, with intensity mounting as polarized views clash in close areas. Most recently, there was an attack at a local court in Seoul, where supporters of Yoon raided the building, vandalized it, and used violence against authorities. Back in 2017, after the last presidential impeachment verdict, when President Park Geun-hye's impeachment was upheld, her supporters caused riots, charging toward the police. This left four people dead. Kim Do-yeon, Arirang News.

K-wave AI News

2025/04/02 14:00

Hello and welcome to your AI guide to the latest cultural updates from Korea. Here's our top story. Palaces and museums near the Constitutional Court will be closed this Friday, the day of the court's ruling on President Yoon's impeachment. Police plan to enforce the highest-level emergency alert level on that day, completely sealing off the areas surrounding the Constitutional Court to prevent any external access. Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, and Deoksugung Palace will be closed for the day, with cultural events either postponed or canceled. The royal guard-changing ceremony at Heungnyemun Gate will not take place, while the Starlight Tour at Gyeongbokgung Palace has been rescheduled from April 4th to the 14th. Major museums around Gyeongbokgung Palace and Gwanghwamun Square, including the National Palace Museum of Korea and the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History, will also be closed on Friday. Renowned Korean pianist Lim Yun-chan will continue his domestic appearances this summer, following his successful performance at the Tongyeong International Music Festival last week. Lim will collaborate with the Orchestre de Paris under the baton of Klaus Mäkelä this June. According to concert organizer Vincero, Lim will perform with the orchestra at the Seoul Arts Center on June 11, presenting Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 4. That will be reprised at the LG Arts Center on June 13 and at the Lotte Concert Hall on June 15. Known for his technical brilliance and emotional depth, Lim rose to stardom after winning the prestigious Van Cliburn International Piano Competition at the age of 18. The musical "Phantom" will mark its 10th anniversary with a special performance at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts this May. Produced by EMK Musical Company, the show will run from May 31 to August 11, featuring Park Hyo-shin, Kai, and Jeon Dong-seok in leading roles. Celebrated singer and musical theater actor Park Hyo-shin returns as the Phantom for the first time in nine years. The role of Christine Daaé, who is guided by the Phantom to become an opera diva, will be played by Lee Ji-hye, Song Eun-hye, and Jang Hye-rin. Premiered in 2015, "Phantom" tells the story of a musical genius with a disfigured appearance, living in hiding beneath the Paris Opera House. Chung Mong-gyu, president of the Korea Football Association, has been appointed as the interim president of the East Asian Football Federation. According to the KFA on Tuesday, Chung was selected to replace former president Kozo Tajima, following his resignation, in a meeting of the EAFF Executive Committee in Tokyo. Chung will serve as interim president until receiving formal approval at the East Asian football body's General Assembly in July and will officially hold the position until March, next year. The KFA explained that it is EAFF policy for the host country of the biennial East Asian Football Tournament to assume the presidency. The association pledged full preparations for this year's tournament, set to be held in Korea this July. That's all from me. Keep it tuned to the Kulture Wave.

[Short-form] Korea’s enchanting cherry blossom wonderland

2025/04/02 14:00

Discover Korea’s ultimate cherry blossom hotspots, and seize the fleeting beauty before it’s gone!

[K-Correspondent] Hallyu in Cuba, a year after S. Korea and Cuba's establishment of diplomatic ties

2025/04/02 14:00

It's time for our K-correspondent segment where we connect live to a correspondent overseas who fills us in on K-culture issues in their respective country. It’s been a little over a year since South Korea and Cuba’s establishment of diplomatic ties. A move that came as a big surprise to many citizens of both countries and a pleasant surprise in terms of increased opportunities for deeper cultural exchanges. Today, we connect to our K-Correspondent Dayviana Diaz in Cuba to get a glimpse of the past year since Seoul and Havana’s milestone agreement. Q1. Please introduce yourself to ‘The Kulture Wave’ viewers. Q2-1. South Korea and Cuba last month commemorated their first year since forging diplomatic relations in February 2024. How would you compare the atmosphere before and after the establishment of such ties? Q2-2. How about the popularity of the Korean wave ‘hallyu’ in Cuba? Has it grown noticeably? Q3. Could you introduce us to any special places where you can experience Korean culture in Cuba? Q4. This shows the interest Cuban people have for Korean food. Does K-food seem to fit the local palate? Q5. With the opening of South Korea’s Embassy in Cuba earlier this year, what are your expectations for the relationship between Korea and Cuba going forward? We are looking forward to that as well Thank you very much Dayviana for connecting with us. Keep in touch.

[K-enter] Bae Doo-na's 'Virus' finally has a release date after long production

2025/04/02 14:00

It's now time for our daily dose of K-enter news with Walter Lee. And today it's going to get quite entertaining indeed as we have some great acting to report on on various different platforms. I believe we are starting off with some big screen news. Yes, one of my favourite Korean actresses, Bae Doona , and her new movie "Virus" finally sees a release date! Now why do I say "finally sees a release date?" Well, filming was actually completed in 2020, and the film's release was postponed due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Maybe it had something to do with the title "Virus", who knows? Now, "Virus," also starring Kim Yoon-seok , is set to premiere on May 7th, according to distributor By4M Studio on Tuesday. The story follows Taek-seon , a woman infected with a virus that makes people fall in love for no reason. Kim Yoon-seok plays Lee Gyun , the only expert capable of developing a cure. But in my opinion, why would you want a cure for this kind of virus? Spread the love I say! Just by hearing the title I would have never thought it's that kind of virus. But indeed, it probably wouldn’t have been a great idea to release a movie called "Virus" during the COVID era, even though this virus makes people fall in love. From movie to TV series, what's next? On Tuesday, a production presentation for K-content streaming platform TVING and their original series "Way Back Love" was held in Seoul. "Way Back Love" is a drama based on the novel of the same Korean name by writer Seo Eun-chae . This youth fantasy romance drama follows the story of Hee-wan played by Kim Min-ha , who has been drifting through life with no purpose until Ram-woo , her first love who died six years ago, reappears before her, now in the form of the grim reaper. Ram-woo is played by Gong Myung , who is known for films like "Extreme Job" while Kim Min-ha , gained recognition from dramas such as "Pachinko." "Way Back Love" will premiere on TVING on April 3. Two episodes will be released every Thursday. Another drama we hope spreads across the world and fills hallyu lovers' hearts. Okay from the big screen, to the small screen, now to the stage. The original play "Rendezvous" , which premiered last year, returns with a new dazzling cast along with a familiar face. "Rendezvous" is a two-person melodrama that uses cosmic imagination to depict the emotional distance between two wounded individuals who struggle to grow closer. Tae-seop , a rocket scientist who confines himself to his own set of rules to escape painful memories, is portrayed by a star-studded cast including Park Sung-woong , SHINee’s Choi Min-ho , and Park Geon-hyung . Ji-hee , the daughter of a Chinese restaurant owner who seeks freedom through dance, is portrayed by Lee Soo-kyung , Kim Ha-ri , and Beom Do-ha . Among them, Park Sung-woong reprises his role from the original production. "Rendezvous" will run from April 5 to May 11 at the Jayu Small Theater at Seoul Arts Center. It’s definitely a must-watch for theater lovers in Korea. Thank you very much Walter for today's stories. See you back next time!

[Features reporter] Spring bliss at Bucheon Azalea Festival

2025/04/02 14:00

As spring blossoms appear across Korea, flower festivals are welcoming visitors to enjoy the spring scenery to the fullest. Today we go to our News Features Reporter Lee Eun-hee , who is in the midst of breathtaking pink waves of azaleas in full bloom. Hello Eun-hee! Hello Eun-hee, tell us where you are! Hi Soa and Walter! I'm here at the Bucheon Azalea Festival, where vibrant pink azaleas are in full bloom, with people out here just soaking up the spring vibes. Bucheon City, not too far from Seoul, is hosting this beautiful festival at Bucheon Stadium and Wonmi 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. Let's hear from some people who are doing just that. "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." It definitely looks beautiful. Hearing the interviews, there must be other special activities that can be enjoyed at the festival, what are they? Yes Soa. So of course, there are food trucks where you can try out delicious street food. The city is also hosting events to help boost the local economy. There's a flea market where you can explore unique crafts and handmade goods from local artists. Visitors can also enjoy hands-on experiences, like creating their own azalea-themed bags. Additionally, there's a marketplace zone to support local businesses and traditional market vendors. "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." It's wonderful to see festivals that bring both entertainment and a boost to the local economy! Are there any other flower festivals you can introduce to us? Yes Walter. Besides azaleas, the city is hosting other spring flower festivals, celebrating cherry blossoms, peach blossoms, tulips, and roses from mid-April to early June, allowing visitors to enjoy the beauty of spring in stages. I would also like to introduce a few other major festivals across South Korea that you can visit. Most of them have already started and are still running. If you visit the city of Daegu, you can experience one of the best nighttime cherry blossom displays. Another must-see is the Tulip Festival in Taean, Chungcheongnam-do Province, where over 2 million colorful tulips bloom, marking the arrival of spring. Next is the Jinhae Gunhangjae Festival, one of South Korea's most famous cherry blossom festivals, held in the Jinhae-gu District of Gyeongsangnam-do Province. Last but not least, the rose festival in Jeollanam-do Province held at Gokseong County's landmark Train Village showcases over 1-thousand varieties of roses. This festival takes place in May, making it the perfect spring event to look forward to. Going back to the azalea festival, the weather is perfect, the energy is great, and it's definitely a must-visit festival. It will run until this Sunday, April 6th, so don't miss out! I do want to note that some festivals are being delayed or canceled due to various issues in the country, including the tragic wildfires in Gyeongsangbuk-do Province. This festival in Bucheon also canceled its opening ceremony, which included music performances, as a mark of respect for those affected by the fires. Yes of course, Eun-hee. Spring is here, flowers are here but there are also tragic incidents that need our attention. We do however also hope that business owners, event planners or performers won't be affected too much by such cancellations. Thank you Eun-hee for being out there today! Thank you Eun-hee.

Relief efforts continue in Myanmar as international organizations rush to deliver basic supplies

2025/04/02 10:00

Over 27-hundred people have been confirmed dead as of Tuesday due to the deadly earthquake that shook Myanmar last Friday. Despite the 72-hour golden time being over now, relief efforts are still in full swing. Our Bae Eun-ji tells us more. Homes are destroyed and lives are lost in Myanmar after the country was hit by its largest earthquake in more than a century. The death toll has already exceeded 2,700, despite the efforts of rescuers desperately searching for survivors. International organizations are rushing to help, as residents in hardest-hit regions are in urgent need of shelter and essential items such as clean water, food, and hygiene kits. The representative of the UN Refugee Agency in Myanmar, based in Yangon said the latest earthquake is a "crisis on top of a crisis," as the country already had more than three million people displaced from the ongoing armed conflict, even before the earthquake. "This area particular area of north and central and northwestern part of Myanmar it was already the home of 1.6 million IDPs, internally displaced people. On top of that, we do think that the almost 15 million people have been affected by this earthquake, and among which 3.8 million which is quite a devastating number, 3.8 million people are considered to be living in the area that was hardest hit by the earthquake. So the impact you can imagine is quite enormous." The Country director for Solidarites International, a France-based NGO, who's also in Yangon, said local responders are starting to get exhausted and that they're running out of resources. He highlighted that the situation is at a "turning point," adding that efficient collaboration between local teams and international organizations is crucial, in order to gather all available resources. "Mostly we are going to support local responders, when it comes to displacement sites for people that have been evacuating the city of Mandalay, because of fear of building continuing to collapse and being affected. We know already that quite a lot of people have now been spending three nights out in the streets with no shelter with no immediate protection." With hospitals, schools, and public infrastructure now destroyed, there are concerns not only with regard to basic needs, but also health care and the educational system. The Vice President of the International Rescue Committee said teams have been sent to a town near the epicenter of the earthquake, where 80% of the buildings have been compromised, and explained that the impact of an earthquake can last years. "It's been heartening to see the response that's been mounted so far, but we know this is going to be an effort that's going to take not weeks but months, possibly years to fully recover from a crisis like this." As the devastated country struggles to cope with the aftermath of the powerful earthquake, local communities are still awaiting international aid and support. Bae Eun-ji, Arirang News.

Police seal off 100-meter radius around Constitutional Court, restricting public access

2025/04/02 10:00

And the police are taking extra security precautions to reduce potential friction and violence on the ruling day. Some areas around the court will be cordoned off while schools near the court will be shut down. Choi Soo-hyung reports. Following the impeachment ruling for President Yoon set for Friday, April 4th, the police have sealed off a 100-meter radius around the Constitutional Court. As of 1 PM Tuesday, police banned all gatherings and traffic within a 100-meter radius of the Constitutional Court. Police vehicles formed barricades on nearby roads, including in front of the court and at the Jaedong Elementary School intersection. Pedestrian paths have been blocked, restricting public access. and vehicle traffic on Bukchon-ro outside the court has also been banned. For safety reasons, Anguk Station on line number 3 has closed all exits except for exits 5 and 6. Seoul Metro has announced the station would be fully closed on Friday, the day of the ruling. Police have tightened security, closely monitoring nearby gatherings to prevent potential clashes. On the day of the ruling the highest-level emergency response from the police, "Gabho Emergency," will be issued, allowing full deployment of police forces. Around 20-thousand police personnel from across the country will be mobilized, with 14-thousand deployed to Seoul. The level of personal protection for Constitutional Court judges will also be strengthened. Currently, the police are providing dedicated protection for all Constitutional Court judges including protecting their homes. Meanwhile, on Friday, the day of the ruling, nearby palaces and schools will be closed. The Korea Heritage Service announced that Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, and Deoksugung palaces will be closed. The Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education stated that at least 13 schools near the court and the presidential residence in Yongsan will also be temporarily closed as a precaution. Choi Soo-hyung, Arirang News.

S. Korea's consumer prices in March rise by 2.1% year-on-year

2025/04/02 10:00

Consumer prices in South Korea in March saw an increase in the two-percent range for the third consecutive month. According to inflation data from Statistics Korea, consumer prices in March increased by 2-point-1 percent year-on-year. Notably, marine products went up by four-point-nine percent and processed foods went up by three-point-six percent. Recent consumer price data shows a steady rise in the low two-percent range over the past three months, slightly higher than September to December last year when inflation was in the one-percent range.

Top U.S. general nominee calls N. Korea 'immediate security challenge'

2025/04/02 10:00

The nominee for U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman John Caine criticized North Korea's nuclear and missile programs, while calling for trilateral security cooperation among Washington, Seoul and Tokyo. Lee Seung-jae has more. During a Senate confirmation hearing on Tuesday, top U.S. general nominee John Caine called North Korea's nuclear and missile programs an "immediate security challenge." The retired Air Force Lieutenant General, who has been chosen by U.S. President Donald Trump to be the next chief of U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, raised the concerns in a written statement submitted in advance to the Senate Armed Services Committee. Caine said if confirmed, he would assess the U.S. military presence in South Korea and Japan, and make recommendations to the Secretary of Defense and the U.S. President. The nominee also stressed that North Korea's nuclear, missile, and cyber capabilities continue to threaten not just the U.S. but its allies "on a global scale." Caine also expressed support for trilateral security cooperation between the U.S., South Korea, and Japan. He vowed to continue advocating the use of the Trilateral Security Cooperation Framework as a blueprint for military cooperation if confirmed. The framework was signed by the defense chiefs of Seoul, Washington and Tokyo last July, which was seen as a move to formalize their trilateral security cooperation. The top U.S. general nominee also raised concerns that North Korea's cooperation with Russia may provide an opportunity for Pyongyang to improve its missile capabilities. He says the regime had provided ballistic missiles to Russia that were used against Ukraine, marking the first time North Korean missile systems have been used in actual combat. Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.

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

2025/04/02 10:00

The ruling date has finally been set for President Yoon's impeachment trial: Friday at 11 AM. The Constitutional Court will rule on the validity of the impeachment over Yoon's martial law declaration. Our correspondent Oh Soo-young lays out what to expect on the ruling 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.

[Weather] Welcome spring rain from this afternoon, stuffy air in west

2025/04/02 10:00

The dry weather continues across much of the country, with fire danger still high due to gusty winds. But today, we have some much-needed spring rain on the way! Rain will start around midday in the Seoul area, spreading to the rest of the country, possibly reaching Gyeongsang-do Provinces tonight. It won't be a lot of rain just about 5 to 10 millimeters, so fire safety is still key! The western regions may feel stuffy today, as ultrafine dust levels remain high. Keep a face mask handy. Skies will start off clear but turn cloudy as the day goes on. Afternoon highs will be slightly lower today at 15 degrees Celsius in the capital; Daejeon and Daegu will see highs of 18 degrees this afternoon. Today's rain may linger in Gangwon-do's eastern region until tomorrow morning. This Saturday marks Arbor Day and another round of nationwide rain is expected, so keep that in mind for any outdoor plans! Meanwhile, expect big temperature swings between morning and afternoon and dress accordingly!

A rare crimson red diamond unveiled at Smithsonian Natural History Museum

2025/04/02 10:00

Finally, on Tuesday local time, the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in the U.S. unveiled the Winston Red Diamond, a 2.33-carat gem recognized as one of the world's largest Fancy Red diamonds. Donated by Ronald Winston, son of renowned jeweler Harry Winston, the rare diamond is now on public display in the museum's Harry Winston Gallery alongside 40 other colorful diamonds. Fancy red diamonds are exceptionally rare, with researchers estimating their occurrence is fewer than one in 25 million diamonds. The deep crimson hue results from unique alterations in its crystal structure under extreme pressure and temperature conditions.

Massive layoffs begin at top US health agency

2025/04/02 10:00

In the United States, the Department of Health and Human Services initiated significant layoffs on Tuesday local time, affecting approximately 10,000 employees. This affected workers across various agencies, including the Food and Drug Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the National Institutes of Health. The action is part of a broader restructuring plan led by Health Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr., aiming to consolidate 28 divisions into 15, to potentially save taxpayers 1.3 billion U.S. dollars annually. Despite concerns about the nation's capacity to manage health emergencies, Kennedy said the reorganization will enhance efficiency within the department.

Ukraine says it will work with U.S. towards mutually acceptable minerals deal

2025/04/02 10:00

Ukraine has announced it plans to work with the United States to develop a mutually acceptable minerals agreement, aiming to bolster economic ties and support Ukraine's reconstruction efforts. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated on Tuesday local time that Kyiv is working with the U.S. to refine a minerals deal that would see more American business involvement in Ukraine and contribute to the nation's security infrastructure. The latest U.S. proposal suggests that Ukraine allocate all profits from a fund controlling its resources to repay American wartime aid with interest. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed caution, emphasizing the need for a thorough review before proceeding. Meanwhile, Germany's Foreign Minister said, during a visit to Kyiv on Tuesday, that any minerals agreement between Ukraine and the U.S. must comply with European Union legislation.

Putin meets Chinese FM Wang Yi, says he expects to see Xi Jinping in Moscow in May

2025/04/02 10:00

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has visited Moscow, meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and foreign affairs minister Sergei Lavrov to discuss bilateral relations and international issues. During his three-day visit, Wang Yi stated on Tuesday, local time, that both nations are "friends forever, never enemies," emphasizing the enduring friendship between China and Russia. President Putin underscored the high level of Russia-China relations, calling for the consistent enhancement of strategic cooperation. Wang also expressed China's readiness to play a "constructive role" in resolving the Ukraine conflict. It was also confirmed that Chinese President Xi Jinping would visit Moscow for the Victory Parade in May, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany.

S. Koreans head to polls in local by-elections

2025/04/02 10:00

South Koreans began heading to the polls for Wednesday's local by-elections. Voting kicked off at 6 AM, and will close at 8 PM. Up for grabs, are 23 seats, including Busan's superintendent of education, the head of Seoul's Guro District Office, as well as mayors for Asan, Gimcheon in Gyeongsangbuk-do Province and Geoje in Gyeongsangnam-do Province. According to the National Election Commission, early turnout on March 28th and 29th came to seven-point-nine-four percent. Pundits say the by-elections are unlikely to serve as a reliable barometer of voter sentiment ahead of the upcoming impeachment verdict for President Yoon Suk Yeol.

President Yoon's impeachment verdict to be delivered live Friday 11 AM: Constitutional Court

2025/04/01 20:00

Thank you for joining us. I'm Yoon Jung-min. The date has been set for the president. The Constitutional Court says its verdict on whether to reinstate or remove him will be delivered on Friday, 11 AM. This comes more than three months since the leader was removed by the National Assembly. Our correspondent Oh Soo-young starts our coverage. President Yoon Suk Yeol will face his fate on Friday, as the Constitutional Court's decision on his impeachment is revealed via a live broadcast. The Court notified the press on Tuesday that the eight-member bench will deliver its ruling at 11 AM on April 4th. The verdict will come 111 days after the National Assembly voted to impeach President Yoon, following his declaration of martial law on December 3rd last year. His case has marked the Court's longest-ever deliberation on a presidential case, compared to Presidents Roh Moo-hyun and Park Geun-hye's, which took at most two weeks. The prolonged timeline has sparked speculation about what is happening behind closed doors, with legal analysts divided over what the verdict could be. Removing a president requires at least six justices to uphold the National Assembly's impeachment. If three or more dissent, President Yoon returns to power. Some believe the justices have been working towards a unanimous decision, with foolproof reasoning to minimize societal backlash. Others suggest the court has been struggling to reach a consensus, as justices may be split ideologically. A recent impeachment case involving Korea Communications Commission Chair Lee Jin-sook ended in a four-to-four deadlock, in line with the justices' political orientations. According to legal circles, the bench expected to reach their final decision either the evening before or on the morning of the ruling day, to maintain utmost confidentiality. If the decision is unanimous, the presiding justice typically reads a summary of the reasoning first, followed by their final written judgment. The ruling will inevitably have major political consequences, as an impeachment would trigger an early presidential election within 60 days. If Yoon is removed from office, the opposition's Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung is seen as the frontrunner for a snap election, far ahead of the conservative candidates. Thus, conservatives and Yoon's supporters continue to push for his impeachment to be dismissed or for the case itself to be scrapped. In the meantime, a presidential official told reporters that Yoon's office is "calmly awaiting" the Court's decision. As the Constitutional Court prepares to deliver a historic ruling, it faces the formidable challenge of issuing a decision that can command legitimacy in a nation deeply divided along political lines. Oh Soo-young, Arirang News.

[Weather] Spring rain tomorrow nationwide with ultra-fine dust

2025/04/01 20:00

Even though it felt chilly this morning, it turned warm during the day today, causing large gaps between the daily highs and lows. Tomorrow morning will start at 5 degrees Celsius in Seoul, and will rise to 16 degrees during the day. Please dress in layers to avoid catching a cold. As the temperatures get warmer, dusty air has also returned. Fine dust is building up due to the influx of dust from overseas overnight. Ultra-fine dust will cover the skies in the Seoul metropolitan area and Chungcheongnam-do Province tomorrow. Tomorrow, Chuncheon will start off at 1 degree, and Gwangju at 5 degrees. Daily highs will move up to 18 degrees in Daejeon, Gwangju, and Daegu, 16 degrees in Jeju. Starting with the Seoul metropolitan area tomorrow afternoon, spring rain is forecast across the country. That's all for Korea. Here are the weather conditions around the world.