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2025/07/29 22:43

2025. 7. 29. KOREAN STOCK MARKET KOSPI : 3,230.57 ▲21.05 +0.66% KOSDAQ : 804.45 ▲0.05 +0.01% KOSPI200 : 435.84 ▲2.47 +0.57% ASIAN STOCK MARKET NIKKEI225 : 40,674.55 ▼323.72 -0.79% HANG SENG : 25,524.45 ▼37.68 -0.15% SHANGHAI : 3,609.71 ▲11.77 +0.33% WALL STREET (July 28) DOW JONES : 44,837.56 ▼64.36 -0.14% NASDAQ : 21,178.59 ▲70.26 +0.33% S&P500 : 6,389.77 ▲1.13 +0.02% EXCHANGE RATE USD : 1,391.00 (+9.00) JPY : 938.25 (+5.41) CNY : 193.77 (+1.04) EUR : 1,609.94 (-9.35)

S. Korea going all in to secure deal as tariffs deadline looms

2025/07/29 22:42

South Korea is hustling to bring home a tariff deal before the hefty duties by the Trump administration kick in on August 1st. On top of the trade delegation, some economic heavyweights have also hopped on the mission for that final push. Park Jun-han leads us tonight. High-level South Korean officials are going all out as they engage in trade talks, crisscrossing the globe to negotiate with their U.S. counterparts, reflecting Seoul's determination to mitigate the economic impact of potential reciprocal tariffs of 25-percent. On Tuesday, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Koo Yun-cheol flew to Washington to continue negotiations with the U.S., saying he will do his utmost to secure a deal. "We will do our best to reach a mutually beneficial deal for both South Korea and the United States, with our national interests at the core." South Korea's trade delegation, led by Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan and Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo , has pursued relentless talks, following U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and USTR Ambassador Jamieson Greer from Washington, D.C., to New York, and even to Scotland, where they met during President Trump's visit there. "Well, the South Koreans flew to Scotland to meet with me and Ambassador (Jamieson) Greer after dinner. I mean, think of how much they really, really want to get a deal done. On July 31st, Deputy Prime Minister Koo Yun-cheol is scheduled to meet U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent , while Foreign Minister Cho Hyun — who departed for Japan on Tuesday — will meet Secretary of State Marco Rubio, as both sides push to seal a comprehensive agreement. Meanwhile, Hanwha Group's Vice Chairman Kim Dong-kwan departed for Washington on Monday to support the tariff negotiations. Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong followed on Tuesday afternoon. Kim is expected to propose a shipbuilding cooperation project between the two countries, while Lee will push expanded semiconductor investment and technical collaboration on advanced AI chips in the U.S. Park Jun-han, Arirang News.

[Weather] Heat wave warnings everywhere, it will stay hot tomorrow

2025/07/29 22:41

If you look at today's heat wave status, the whole country is covered by heat wave warnings. In the middle of the day, it rose to 37 degrees Celsius in Seoul, Jeongseon, and Jeonju, and 38 degrees in Daejeon, even hotter than yesterday. For the time being, the heat will continue day and night. Meanwhile, the sea waves will be very high, up to 4-point-5 meters in the southern seas. There will be high swells on the southern coast and the coastal areas of Jeju Island. Please take extra precautions when on the beach during the summer vacation. Tomorrow morning, Seoul will start off at 28 degrees, Chuncheon and Daejeon at 25 degrees. Daily highs will move to around 35 to 36 degrees in most parts of the country. Tomorrow, showers are forecast only in the central and northern parts of Gangwon-do Province. That's all for Korea. Here are the weather conditions around the world.

Actor Park Bo-gum named honorary ambassador for S. Korean Tourism

2025/07/29 22:41

Actor Park Bo-gum has been appointed as an honorary ambassador for Korean tourism. On Tuesday, the Culture Ministry unveiled two promotional videos featuring Park including the campaign's theme song "On My Way" sung by the actor himself. A preview event for the new global campaign was also held the same day introducing themed videos supporting tourism in regions such as the Gyeongsang-do provinces highlighting Gyeongju, the host city of the upcoming APEC 2025 Korea.

Peeking into Gyeongju through its historical and cultural heritage

2025/07/29 22:40

This year's APEC host city Gyeongju is rich in historical relics from the Silla Kingdom. Our Ahn Sung-jin walks us through some of these treasures. The APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting has returned to South Korea for the first time in 20 years. And this time it's going to take place in Gyeongju. "Gyeongju, where history breathes through the city, stood as the capital of the Silla Kingdom for a thousand years. Renowned for its deep cultural roots, what kind of traces of historical legacy can we find today?" These royal tombs are where the past rises from the earth itself. Daereungwon is a massive burial ground that covers more than 126-thousand square meters and houses 23 tombs of Silla royalty. Visitors can even go inside Cheonmachong, or "heavenly horse tomb" and see the golden accessories found in the wooden burial chamber. Nearby these royal tombs that echo Silla's souls, Cheomseongdae astronomical observatory, one of the oldest observatories in Asia, shows the intellect and sophistication of the Silla people. And further afield, Bulguksa Temple is considered a masterpiece of Buddhist architecture. Home to national treasures including Dabotap and Seokgatap, the two pagodas, this World Heritage Site hints at the religious and artistic aspects of the ancient Silla capital. And those looking for a deeper understanding can visit the Gyeongju National Museum and have a peek at the golden crown from Geumgwanchong Tomb. "With ancient relics and landmarks found throughout the city, Gyeongju stands as a monument to Korea's rich heritage—an open-air museum where a thousand years of Silla history still breathes. Ahn Sung-jin, Arirang News, Gyeongju.

A Return Like Home: UN veterans honored in South Korea

2025/07/29 22:39

South Korea recently hosted a group of Korean War veterans to commemorate their selflessness and sacrifice in defending democracy here on the peninsula. Kim Jung-sil has this report. They were in their early twenties when they first arrived in Korea: young men in uniform, sent to fight in a country they had never seen. Seven decades later, some of them have returned. 55 guests from 19 countries are taking part in South Korea's "Re-Visit Korea, Re-View Korea" program. Among them: six veterans of the Korean War, their families, and delegates from veterans' associations. As part of the six-day program, participants visited the War Memorial of Korea ahead of the official commemoration ceremony on Sunday. "I came here in 1952, actually my experience in the war was as a tank driver. We had to defend that place because otherwise the Chinese communists would overrun and come back to Seoul. That was our job." Now 91, Yamashiroya was joined by his grandson, who reflected on his grandfather's influence on their family. "He's a really strong and tough person mentally and he's really ingrained that in our family and everything he has done. It's definitely an honor learning more about the culture of Korea the history behind the war hearing about their impact it means a lot." "I'm so happy for the Korean people because they persevered and built success for themselves." While some veterans were able to return, others could not. Sunday's ceremony was held for UN Forces Participation Day: South Korea's official day to honor foreign veterans of the Korean War. U.S. Army Corporal Fred B. McGee was recognized with the country's highest military honor. His daughter accepted the medal on his behalf. "What you've done here this past week has been highly commendable. It's above and beyond anything that I expected. I just celebrate the Korean government and the Korean people for all they've done for the Korean war veterans." The medal was presented by Prime Minister Kim Min-seok, who also addressed the ceremony. "To protect the freedom and peace of the Republic of Korea, 1.98 million UN troops stood alongside the Korean people. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten." For the veterans and families who visited this time, the trip offered not only commemoration, but connection. Kim Jung-sil, Arirang News.

Seoul urges N. Korea to retrieve body found off western coast

2025/07/29 22:38

South Korea has called on North Korea to retrieve a body found last month near Ganghwa-do Island. An ID identified the man as Ko Song-chol a North Korean farm worker with an address in Hwanghaebuk-do Province. With inter-Korean hotlines severed Seoul is resorting to the media to return the body via Panmunjom on August 5th. The Unification Ministry says it's acting on humanitarian grounds. Pyongyang has yet to respond.

U.S. committed to protecting Korean Peninsula based on policy of peace through strength: Trump

2025/07/29 22:38

U.S. President Donald Trump reaffirmed Washington's commitment to protecting the Korean Peninsula in accordance with the policy of "peace through strength." The message was shared on Monday a day after the 72nd anniversary of the Korean Armistice Agreement. He added that American and South Korean armies stand united today under a strong alliance though the evil of communism still exists in Asia. While acknowledging the two Koreas remain divided, he spoke of pride in being the first to cross the 38th parallel during his first term.

Relationship between Trump and Kim Jong-un shouldn't be used for denuclearization push: Kim Yo-jong

2025/07/29 22:38

Yet another message from the North Korean leader's sister, Kim Yo-jong, on Tuesday this time directed at the U.S. She says the regime is up for talks, but not on the North's nuclear program. Our Choi Soo-hyung reports. On Tuesday, Kim Yo-jong, the sister of the regime's leader Kim Jong-un, said through the North's state-run Korean Central News Agency that the U.S. must accept the new reality. She added that if Washington continues to cling to the past, any meeting with the North will remain only America's hope. Kim noted that the personal relationship between the U.S. President Donald Trump and the North's leader Kim Jong-un is not bad. But she stressed that if the U.S. intended to use this relationship as a step toward denuclearization, it would only be regarded as "mockery" to the North. She said that since Trump's first term, both North Korea's nuclear capabilities and the geopolitical environment have changed dramatically. Kim warned that, "Any attempt to deny the position of the North as a nuclear weapons state will be thoroughly rejected." She also said it would not be wise for two nuclear-armed states to move toward confrontation, suggesting that other forms of contact should be explored. Following Kim's statement, the White House has again said that President Trump remains open to talks with Kim Jong-un about denuclearization. Washington and Pyongyang held summits in Singapore in June 2018 and in Hanoi in February 2019, and later met at Panmunjom in June 2019. Following Kim's statement, South Korea's presidential office said Seoul and Washington remain open to dialogue with Pyongyang and will work closely to restore inter-Korean trust and resume U.S.-North Korea talks. Choi Soo-hyung, Arirang News.

Culture minister nominee pledges to open 300 tril. KRW 'K-culture market'

2025/07/29 22:37

At the parliament. Lawmakers at the National Assembly today questioned the nominees for culture and land ministers on their policy agendas and qualifications. Our political correspondent Shin Ha-young has the details. The National Assembly held confirmation hearings on Tuesday, continuing its review of nominees for Lee Jae Myung's first Cabinet this time focusing on his picks for land and culture ministers. During the hearing of the nominee for culture, sports and tourism minister, Chae Hwi-young , the current CEO of travel platform Nol Universe, emphasized his commitment to materializing President Lee's vision of a K-culture market worth 300-trillion won, around 215 billion U.S. dollars, and attracting 30 million inbound tourists. "Culture is a part of the economy that is a key to international competitiveness. I will help industries such as movies and games overcome challenges, and support local content creators and streaming services to help them succeed worldwide." Chae also said he would develop a new K-tourism strategy to turn the global popularity of Korean culture into visits to regions across the country. To prepare for the growing use of AI, he pledged to support content innovation and help build AI training data that reflects Korea's history and culture. On the same day, Kim Yun-duk, the nominee for land, infrastructure and transport minister, and a three-term lawmaker of the ruling Democratic Party, pledged to quickly roll out a plan to boost housing supply. "I will increase housing supply in prime locations, such as near subway stations, by using available land and old public facilities. Redevelopment and reconstruction projects will also be promoted with a focus on balancing public and private interests." Kim also emphasized his commitment to achieving balanced regional growth, saying it is not a choice but a matter of survival. He noted that while local areas are struggling with an economic slowdown and rising unsold homes, housing prices in Seoul and the capital region are soaring, adding that the problem can only be solved through balanced regional growth. Shin Ha-young, Arirang News.

S. Korean gov't and ruling party agree to raise top corporate tax rate back to 25%

2025/07/29 22:36

Amid growing concerns over growing debt, South Korea is moving towards tax reform starting with raising the corporate tax that was rolled back three years ago, alongside taxes on shareholders with large stock holdings. Our Moon Hye-ryeon has more. The South Korean government and the ruling party have agreed to raise the country's top corporate tax rate to 25 percent reversing a cut introduced by the previous administration. The decision was made on Tuesday during a policy consultation meeting at the National Assembly, as part of ongoing efforts to finalize the 2025 tax reform framework. This increases the rate by one percentage point from the current 24 percent, as set back in 2022. The two sides also plan to tighten capital gains tax rules by lowering the threshold for major shareholders. Currently, only those holding over 5 billion won roughly 3-point-6 million U.S. dollars in a single listed stock are taxed. Under the new plan, that threshold would be reduced to 1 billion won, or just under 720 thousand dollars. Officials say the changes aim to restore tax equity and rebuild the nation's revenue base, with the Democratic Party having criticized the Yoon Suk Yeol administration's previous cuts as benefiting the wealthy. "We'll correct the tax system to fix the revenue collapse and fiscal crisis. The treasury is empty — we are buried in debt. In just two years, corporate tax revenues have dropped by 41 trillion won. For the first time ever, income taxes from workers have surpassed those from corporations. This level of shortfall, year after year, is not just emptying the state coffers — it's shaking the foundation of government operations." Meanwhile, debate continues over a separate proposal to apply lower, flat-rate taxation to dividend income. While the government argues it would encourage corporate payouts and boost the stock market, some ruling party politicians warn it could disproportionately benefit high-net-worth investors. Moon Hye-ryeon, Arirang News.

First live Cabinet discussion tackles workplace safety

2025/07/29 22:35

President Lee Jae Myung ordered an unprecedented live broadcast of the entire Cabinet discussion on eliminating industrial accidents. The 80-minute broadcast could signal the start of more open policy discussions. Our Presidential Office correspondent Song Yoo-jin reports. Safety should be a basic duty, not a financial burden. Just days after visiting a bread factory where multiple workers were killed on the job, President Lee Jae Myung, at a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, doubled down on his pledge to eliminate what he calls "regressive" industrial accidents. "When the same accident happens in the same place, failing to prevent something that's foreseeable is the same as tolerating death. In legal terms, it could even be considered murder by willful negligence." In a first for any South Korean administration, the President ordered the entire Cabinet discussion on the matter to be broadcast live. "The President said measures to prevent industrial accidents must be shared openly. The frequency and scope of such disclosures could be expanded." A range of ideas were proposed to make this year the turning point in ending workplace deaths. "We'll pursue measures like punitive damages, restrictions on who can bid for government-led projects, and suspending operations. We must hold those with real decision-making power accountable." "When major accidents happen, listed companies face lower ESG ratings, investor pullback, or restricted lending. We'll review how these penalties are applied and look to strengthen them." The focus was on breaking the perception among some employers that skipping safety measures is cost-saving. "Under the current law, companies violating safety rules face fines ranging from 50,000 won to 50 million won (US$ 35.90 to US$ 35,910). At those levels, there's little incentive to comply. We need to review and revise this." Wrapping up, the President asked each ministry to take swift action, whether drafting new laws, adjusting budgets, or visiting worksites. With most of his Cabinet positions now filled, President Lee stressed the need for cross-ministerial coordination to tackle pending issues, and hinted that Cabinet meetings may be held more than once a week to speed up progress. Song Yoo-jin, Arirang News.

S. Korea eyes 15% tariff rate as most viable with U.S. talks nearing deadline

2025/07/29 22:34

Continuing on the ongoing trade deal, our Moon Ji-young has broken down the crucial points to watch in the Korea-U.S. talks. With reciprocal tariffs looming large, the exact outcome of South Korea's tariff negotiations is also drawing close attention. There's pressure on Korea to lower reciprocal tariffs to the same level as the EU and Japan both reaching 15-percent tariff deals with the U.S. While a 15-percent rate would still be a burden for an export-driven economy, Korean companies would still be competitive in the U.S. market, as Japan and the EU have similar export structures to the U.S. "The primary strategy for these tariff negotiations can be seen as securing a tariff rate of 15 percent or lower, consistent with Japan's deal, while simultaneously conceding more than what the U.S. demands, all without incurring significant losses for South Korea." Regarding 25 percent sectoral tariffs on automobiles, any Korea-U.S. tariff deal would be hard to deem successful if the rates are set higher than the 15 percent rates secured by Japan and the EU. It seems that lowering the 50 percent sectoral tariffs on steel and aluminum will be difficult for Korea, given that both Japan and the EU failed to reduce them. With the EU reportedly agreeing to introduce a quota system that exempts 50 percent tariffs on steel and aluminum products up to a certain level, Korea could also benefit from a steel quota application. The opening of the agriculture industry remains a great concern since Korea faces significant domestic opposition. A key point in the final negotiation process will be how effectively Korea can fend off further opening of its agricultural market, including rice and beef aged over 30 months. Ultimately, it boils down to how much Korea can reduce the U.S.'s trade deficit with South Korea. "The strategy proposes to maintain South Korea's exports to the U.S. while increasing imports from the U.S. If Korea shifts its over 70-percent reliance on Middle Eastern crude oil and LNG to U.S. sources, it could significantly balance the trade deficit with the U.S. without incurring substantial losses." While Korea has reportedly proposed a shipbuilding investment project, experts say it is also crucial to have comprehensive investment plans that ensure win-win opportunities across various fields. Moon Ji-young, Arirang News.

North Korea declares nuclear status ‘irreversible,’ shuts door on Seoul

2025/07/29 21:35

Welcome to Within The Frame, where we bring the most pressing issues across the globe into focus. I'm Kim Mok-yeon. North Korea is recalibrating its posture on all fronts. Kim Yo-jong, the sister of leader Kim Jong-un, has flatly rejected dialogue with the Lee Jae Myung government and declared Pyongyang's nuclear status irreversible — drawing a clear line against both Seoul and denuclearization talks. But the message doesn't stop there. As direct flights to Moscow begin and millions of artillery shells flow to Russia, North Korea's alignment with the Kremlin is no longer symbolic — it's operational. Still, China remains its primary trade partner, signaling a careful balancing act. In response, Seoul is hinting at flexibility on U.S. joint exercises while investing in missile defense, and President Trump says he's still open to talks. With the peninsula in flux, the bigger question is: what kind of long-term game is Pyongyang playing now? For a deeper discussion on this, we're connecting to Bruce Klingner, non-resident senior fellow at The Maureen and Mike Mansfield Foundation in Washington. Welcome. Also joining us is Chung Ku-youn, associate professor of political science at Kangwon National University. Good to see you. Let's start with Pyongyang's most direct message: Kim Yo-jong has now doubled down, saying there is "nothing to discuss" with the Lee Jae-myung government. She also reaffirmed North Korea's nuclear status as irreversible and dismissed personal diplomacy as irrelevant to denuclearization. What does this sharper tone tell us about how Pyongyang plans to frame inter-Korean relations? Following this, Seoul's Presidential Office said it "takes note" of Pyongyang's message but will continue pushing for peace. In your view, is Seoul showing strategic patience, or leaving itself vulnerable by staying conciliatory? And amid this, Unification Minister Chung Dong-young has now said the government is open to proposing adjustments to ROK–U.S. joint exercises. What do you think of the feasibility of these, and if they materialize, do you think it could help thaw relations with Pyongyang, or will it be seen as weakness? President Donald Trump, meanwhile, has said he's still open to dialogue with Kim Jong Un and remains committed to the goals outlined in the 2018 Singapore Summit. Given the current climate and Kim Yo-jong's comments, is there a realistic pathway back to U.S.–North Korea talks — or is Washington misreading the moment? Now shifting to ties with Russia, Moscow has launched its first direct commercial flight to Pyongyang, but beyond symbolism, Ukrainian intelligence now says North Korea has provided over 6.5 million artillery shells and hundreds of missile systems to Russia. How does this change the nature of the Moscow–Pyongyang relationship, and what risks does this pose regionally? On that point, despite growing ties with Russia, North Korea still leans heavily on China for trade. Is this a vulnerability the U.S. and its allies can exploit, or has Pyongyang successfully weaponized that dependency? Let's widen the lens to economics. North Korea's trade volume in 2023 was its highest in five years, with China accounting for 98% of it. How does this economic rebound affect Pyongyang's leverage? Is it giving the regime breathing room, or deepening dependency? Meanwhile, Seoul is facing its own military challenge. A defense study says South Korea needs 500,000 troops to deter a northern first strike, but demographics could drop that to under 300,000 by 2040. Is this a looming security crisis? But Seoul isn't standing still, South Korea has just deployed its upgraded Cheongung-II missile defense system. What significance does this carry? From your perspective, how much does this shift the deterrence equation? And finally, with Pyongyang tightening its axis with Russia, hedging on China, and closing the door on Seoul — do you see North Korea building a new long-term strategic alignment?

WORKER SAFETY, DOMESTIC CONSUMPTION, CRISIS MANAGEMENT

2025/07/29 20:05

Welcome to Tuesday's edition of Press Perspective. It's July 29th here in Seoul. I'm Min Sunhee. Earlier on this Tuesday President Lee Jae Myung presided over a Cabinet meeting that sought ways to prevent workplace fatalities. For more I have Thomas Maresca with American news agency UPI. Thomas it's good to have you here. I also have Sebastien Falletti with French daily Le Figaro. Sebastien it's been such a long time. Welcome. Thomas, let's begin with President Lee Jae Myung's call for action against the abuse of migrant workers in the country. Do start off with some context behind his comments, and what are your takeaways? Sebastien, efforts to ensure the protection of migrant workers extend beyond national borders. I hear a French court recently ruled in favor of migrant workers in the champagne industry? Thomas, back here within national borders, the South Korean government recently mandated breaks for outdoor workers. Do tell us more. Sebastien, the president, in general, has pledged to promote workplace safety. Now, he was speaking last Friday at a bread factory where a female worker lost her life earlier this year. Again, do give us some context, and what do you believe is the significance of this pledge? Thomas, let's move from labor to livelihood now. The government's consumption coupons have been available since last week. What has been the take-up rate thus far, and what has been the public response? Meanwhile, Sebastien, the president's approach to crisis management has also been on full display amid the deadly downpours this month. How has he worked to communicate with the public and to collaborate with his administration in response to the repercussions of this latest torrential rain? Thomas, in the political arena. Two of the president's nominees will not be joining his Cabinet. Do touch upon this controversy for us, and its broader implications. And Sebastien, speaking about controversy. What's the latest on efforts to end the prolonged protest by Korea's medical students against the previous administration's healthcare reform policy? All right.

First live Cabinet discussion tackles workplace safety

2025/07/29 20:02

The Lee Jae Myung administration has pledged to prevent the loss of life at workplaces in an unprecedented LIVE broadcast of the entire Cabinet discussion on the matter. Our Presidential Office Correspondent Song Yoo-jin reports. Safety should be a basic duty, not a financial burden. Just days after visiting a bread factory where multiple workers were killed on the job, President Lee Jae Myung, at a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, doubled down on his pledge to eliminate what he calls "regressive" industrial accidents. "When the same accident happens in the same place, failing to prevent something that's foreseeable is the same as tolerating death. In legal terms, it could even be considered murder by willful negligence." In a first for any South Korean administration, the President ordered the entire Cabinet discussion on the matter to be broadcast live. "The President said measures to prevent industrial accidents must be shared openly. The frequency and scope of such disclosures could be expanded." A range of ideas were proposed to make this year the turning point in ending workplace deaths. "We'll pursue measures like punitive damages, restrictions on who can bid for government-led projects, and suspending operations. We must hold those with real decision-making power accountable." "When major accidents happen, listed companies face lower ESG ratings, investor pullback, or restricted lending. We'll review how these penalties are applied and look to strengthen them." The focus was on breaking the perception among some employers that skipping safety measures is cost-saving. "Under the current law, companies violating safety rules face fines ranging from 50,000 won to 50 million won (US$ 35.90 to US$ 35,910). At those levels, there's little incentive to comply. We need to review and revise this." Wrapping up, the President asked each ministry to take swift action, whether drafting new laws, adjusting budgets, or visiting worksites. With most of his Cabinet positions now filled, President Lee stressed the need for cross-ministerial coordination to tackle pending issues, and hinted that Cabinet meetings may be held more than once a week to speed up progress. Song Yoo-jin, Arirang News.

[Weather] Heat wave continues across the country with high waves around the southern seas

2025/07/29 20:00

The steaming heat is making us afraid to go outside. With the heat wave warnings continuing today, the daytime temperature rose above 36 degrees Celsius in most regions, and the heat will be raging. For the time being, the heat will continue day and night. As the heat has been continuing for a long time, special attention should be paid to health care. Meanwhile, sea waves will be very high, up to 4-point-5 meters in the southern seas. There will be high swells around the coastal areas of Jeju Island and the southern coast. Please take extra precautions when on the beach during the summer vacation. Tomorrow morning, Seoul will start off at 28 degrees, Gyeongju at 24 degrees. Daily highs will move to around 35 to 36 degrees in most parts of the country. There are showers forecast only in the central and northern parts of Gangwon-do Province tomorrow. That's all for Korea. Here are the weather conditions around the world.

World News: Trump says starvation crisis in Gaza is real

2025/07/29 19:58

This is the World Now, bringing you the latest stories from around the globe. U.S. President Donald Trump has acknowledged that the crisis in Gaza has reached a point of "real starvation" and vowed to build "food centers" in the enclave. Speaking during a visit to Scotland on Monday, Trump said visual evidence convinced him that starvation in Gaza is real and pledged the creation of U.S.-backed "food centers" in coordination with European partners. Trump emphasized that the current aid infrastructure is deeply flawed, adding the U.S. would work with other countries to establish food centers without entry barriers, allowing civilians to access aid freely. According to the White House, additional details on the plan are "forthcoming." Trump's remarks are in stark contrast with those of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has denied that Gaza is facing starvation, saying Israel continues to allow "significant amounts of humanitarian aid" into the enclave. Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, starting Monday midnight local time, following five days of border clashes that killed nearly 40 people and displaced hundreds of thousands. This follows negotiations in Malaysia headed by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. At a joint press conference with acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, Anwar outlined the step-by-step de-escalation process of the conflict. He also stated that a broader border committee session is scheduled for August 4 in Cambodia to address long-standing territorial issues. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump said he had phoned the leaders of both countries and celebrated the outcome, calling himself the "President of peace." In Africa, the UN reported on Monday that the attack on a Catholic church in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo on Sunday was done by a group linked to the Islamic State. At least 43 churchgoers were killed when armed fighters from the Allied Democratic Forces, a group affiliated with IS, entered the church in the town of Komanda in the Ituri province. The attackers also set fire to nearby homes and shops. Over 20 victims were buried in a mass grave on Monday. MONUSCO, the UN peacekeeping mission in the region, condemned the attack as "revolting." Pope Leo XIV also denounced the deadly attack, expressing sorrow and describing the victims as martyrs. Disney has released the first official trailer for Avatar: Fire and Ash, the third installment in James Cameron's epic sci-fi saga, on Monday. The trailer debuted exclusively in theaters alongside Marvel's The Fantastic Four: First Steps, and is now available online. It encompasses the visionary land, sea, and air worlds of Pandora at their most dramatic, and also unveils the Ash clan, a tribe that inhabits volcanic regions. Reviews praise the trailer as a "huge level up" in action, world-building, and emotional depth. The movie is set to open in theaters in December. Choi Chi-hee, Arirang News.

Actor Park Bo-gum named honorary ambassador for S. Korean Tourism

2025/07/29 19:56

Actor Park Bo-gum has been appointed as an honorary ambassador for Korean tourism. On Tuesday the Culture Ministry unveiled two promotional videos featuring Park including the campaign's theme song "On My Way" sung by the actor himself. A preview event for the new global campaign was also held the same day introducing themed videos supporting tourism in regions such as the Gyeongsang-do provinces highlighting Gyeongju the host city of the upcoming APEC 2025 Korea.

Peeking into Gyeongju through its historical and cultural heritage

2025/07/29 19:54

This year's APEC host city Gyeongju is rich in historical relics from the Silla Kingdom. Our Ahn Sung-jin walks us through some of these treasures. The APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting has returned to South Korea for the first time in 20 years. And this time it's going to take place in Gyeongju. "Gyeongju, where history breathes through the city, stood as the capital of the Silla Kingdom for a thousand years. Renowned for its deep cultural roots, what kind of traces of historical legacy can we find today?" These royal tombs are where the past rises from the earth itself. Daereungwon is a massive burial ground that covers more than 126-thousand square meters and houses 23 tombs of Silla royalty. Visitors can even go inside Cheonmachong, or "heavenly horse tomb" and see the golden accessories found in the wooden burial chamber. Nearby these royal tombs that echo Silla's souls, Cheomseongdae astronomical observatory, one of the oldest observatories in Asia, shows the intellect and sophistication of the Silla people. And further afield, Bulguksa Temple is considered a masterpiece of Buddhist architecture. Home to national treasures including Dabotap and Seokgatap, the two pagodas, this World Heritage Site hints at the religious and artistic aspects of the ancient Silla capital. And those looking for a deeper understanding can visit the Gyeongju National Museum and have a peek at the golden crown from Geumgwanchong Tomb. "With ancient relics and landmarks found throughout the city, Gyeongju stands as a monument to Korea's rich heritage—an open-air museum where a thousand years of Silla history still breathes. Ahn Sung-jin, Arirang News, Gyeongju.