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2025/07/18 22:46

2025. 7. 18. KOREAN STOCK MARKET KOSPI : 3,188.07 ▼4.22 -0.13% KOSDAQ : 820.67 ▲2.40 +0.29% KOSPI200 : 431.10 ▼0.54 -0.13% ASIAN STOCK MARKET NIKKEI225 : 39,819.11 ▼82.08 -0.21% HANG SENG : 24,825.66 ▲326.71 +1.33% SHANGHAI : 3,534.48 ▲17.65 +0.50% WALL STREET (July 17) DOW JONES : 44,484.49 ▲229.71 +0.52% NASDAQ : 20,885.65 ▲155.15 +0.75% S&P500 : 6,297.36 ▲33.66 +0.54% EXCHANGE RATE USD : 1,393.00 (+0.40) JPY : 936.38 (-0.01) CNY : 193.91 (+0.10) EUR : 1,617.97 (+4.64)

Heavy rain in S. Korea continues with eyes on weekend weather

2025/07/18 22:45

Since Wednesday, South Korea has been facing the strongest recorded torrential rain in around 200 years. Heavy rain advisories have been lifted in some northern areas, but southern parts of the country remain on high alert. Park Jun-han starts us off. Torrential rain across South Korea this week has so far caused the deaths of four people, with two still listed as missing as of this morning. During the period, over 5-thousand-6-hundred people have been evacuated from their places of residence. The sudden torrential rain caused widespread flooding in many areas, including residential and commercial districts, as well as agricultural regions. Around 13-thousand hectares of farmland have been affected by flooding — equivalent to 18-thousand soccer fields. As of Friday, there were around 900 damage reports in Gwangju, a city that has been one of the most severely hit by the downpours. The government raised its severe weather alert level to Stage 3 on Thursday, its highest response level. Large parts of South Korea have experienced serious flooding that has interfered with response services, as well as daily activities. Roads, buildings and farmland have been inundated, railroads blocked, and rivers and streams have overflowed their banks. Many schools were forced to cancel classes or adjust operating hours. The Korea Meteorological Administration lifted heavy rain warnings and advisories for Seoul, northern Gyeonggi-do and Gangwon-do provinces as of 4 PM Friday. But despite this, southern regions of the country remain vulnerable, having already suffered significant damage and still facing the risk of further flooding. The heavy rainfall will continue until this weekend, especially in Chungcheongnam-do Province and southern regions. "Heavy rain will continue through tomorrow, with up to 50 millimeters per hour expected tonight and tomorrow morning. Some areas could see up to 200 millimeters, with southern regions possibly experiencing up to 300 millimeters of rainfall." The government said it will continue to closely monitor weather conditions and take appropriate action where necessary. Park Jun-han, Arirang News.

[Weather] Heavy rain until tomorrow with strong winds

2025/07/18 22:44

Torrential rain has been pouring down for three straight days. As much as 300 millimeters of rain is expected in Jeollanam-do Province and Gyeongsangnam-do Province, up to 200 millimeters in the Chungcheong-do provinces and southern Gyeonggi-do Province, and 30 to 100 millimeters in Seoul by tomorrow. In addition, there will be strong winds across the country. Gusty winds of around 20 meters per second in the mountainous areas are expected. Also, landslide warnings have been issued in the Chungcheong-do, Jeolla-do, and Gyeongsangbuk-do Provinces. You should avoid riversides and underground roads. Morning temperatures will start off at around 23 to 26 degrees Celsius across the country. Highs will move up to 29 degrees in Seoul, Chuncheon and Busan, 31 degrees in Daegu. Rain in the Seoul metropolitan area and western parts of Gangwon-do Province will mostly stop by Sunday. That's all for Korea. Here are the weather conditions around the world.

[Arts & Culture] S. Korea's ancient petroglyphs added to UNESCO World Heritage List

2025/07/18 22:43

It's Friday, which means it's time for Arts and Culture. We have our culture correspondent Choi Soo-hyung in the studio. Welcome back, Soo-hyung! Thank you for having me here, Dami! So, what do you have for us today? Dami, as you know, about a week ago, ancient rock carvings, known as petroglyphs, in Ulsan city, in the southern part of the country, were successfully inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. So, I dug in to discover what their true meaning and value are. Let's take a look. The petroglyphs line the Bangucheon Stream in Ulsan and have become South Korea's 17th entry on the UNESCO World Heritage List. These are carvings made into rock walls beside the stream by prehistoric people who lived on the Korean Peninsula about 6-thousand years ago. This is South Korea's first UNESCO World Heritage listing of petroglyphs, and these show the prehistoric life of the people and their possible beliefs. "This inscription is especially meaningful as it marks the first petroglyph site in all of Asia to be recognized by UNESCO. Until now, only seven countries, including Russia, Algeria and Brazil, had petroglyphs on the World Heritage List. South Korea is the first in East Asia to achieve this." On July 12 in Paris, the World Heritage Committee recognized the Bangucheon Petroglyphs as masterpieces of human creativity, showcasing the artistic and unique skills of ancient people living along coastal areas of the Korean Peninsula. Especially, the committee said those featuring whales and whaling were a historically important record of "Outstanding Universal Value." "Whale inscriptions are extremely rare worldwide. These petroglyphs uniquely show not only different whale species, but also detailed hunting methods. With little written record from prehistoric times, the Bangucheon Petroglyphs provide invaluable insight into the lives and creativity of early humans." Following their addition to the UNESCO Tentative List in 2010, the full listing has finally come to fruition after 15 years of deliberation and review. Notably, it is the second prehistoric heritage site in Korea to gain World Heritage status, after the dolmen in Ganghwa, in the country's western region. Due to its location near a stream and risk of flooding, the World Heritage Committee recommended reporting progress on flood prevention measures and formally involving local communities in site management. The Korea Heritage Service also made special efforts to ensure their preservation, contributing to the successful listing. "To be listed as a World Heritage site, its value must be clearly identified and well preserved through strong management plans. All work needs to meet UNESCO's standards. We prepared thoroughly in these areas, which led to its successful listing." South Korea has 13 sites on the UNESCO Tentative List, including the second phase of tidal flats, Seoul's old city walls, and Busan's wartime heritage, all currently under review. I see. So Soo-hyung, as you mentioned earlier, what efforts were made to have the petroglyph site added to the UNESCO World Heritage list? Yes, Dami. Professor Lee said that government support was important, but local communities also played a key role. Due to flood and sunlight damage risks, it took decades after their 1970s discovery to reach the Tentative List in 2010. There were many efforts to reduce the risk of damage, including building a dam, setting up research centers, along with private-public cooperation. "The local community played a major role in inscribing the Bangucheon petroglyphs. There was much debate over building a dam and how to preserve the site. In the end, citizen groups, local government, and community members worked together to achieve the World Heritage listing." As the World Heritage Committee also commented, inscription is not the end, it is a shared responsibility to continue preserving this site of universal value. Right, then, what other sites is South Korea preparing to list for UNESCO World Heritage status? Currently, we have 13 left on the tentative list. The Korea Heritage Service aims to inscribe the second phase of South Korea's tidal flats, expanding the already-listed UNESCO World Heritage site covering Seocheon, Gochang, Shinan, Boseong and Suncheon, in the west of the country. By adding the tidal flats of Seosan, Muan, Goheung and Yeosu, the KHS said, submitting them to the list will better cover the habitats and migratory routes of waterbirds. In addition, Seoul's old city walls that once encircled Hanyang, an old name for the capital predating Seoul, and Busan's wartime heritage from the Korean War, are under review. Sounds really great, Soo-hyung. There's more good news about the next host of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, isn't there? That's right. On July 15, during this year's committee session, South Korea was selected as the next host country. While other Asian countries have hosted the committee in the past, this will be South Korea's first time since Japan last hosted it in 1998. As a result, Korea will serve as the chair of the 48th World Heritage Committee in July next year, with the host city being Busan. Officials in Busan say the city was chosen for its proven ability to host large-scale events, with strong infrastructure, security, and accommodation. Busan Metropolitan Government, has announced plans to showcase the value of World Heritage through unique programs only Busan can offer. Indeed, thank you so much, Soo-hyung, for sharing your report. My pleasure.

Meet K-pop rookie group 1VERSE featuring N. Korean defectors

2025/07/18 22:40

In K-pop news. A fresh new boy band debuted today, but they are truly one of a kind, with all of its members coming from outside of South Korea, including North Korea. Park Kun-woo has their story. Alone, they're just individuals with different verses, but together, they create a story, a song, and a universe. That's how you could describe this brand-new five-piece K-pop group 1VERSE, which has two members who are North Korean defectors. It's extremely rare to see North Korean-born "idol" stars debut on the K-pop scene, which makes you wonder how they first got into K-pop. "I came across F(x)'s 'LA chA TA' music video when I was young and heard K-pop songs through USBs passed around secretly." Coming to South Korea at a young age was already a dangerous journey, but their struggle didn't end there. "My beloved family were still in the North, and while coming here allowed me to finally dream, I still felt like the loneliest of the lonely. The biggest battle was with myself, a fight I kept losing. But just having our members by my side filled that emptiness and gave me strength." Even language was a hurdle, especially for rap. "I naturally speak in a North Korean dialect, but when I rap, I train myself to turn it off. As for English, I started with the ABCs and kept practicing until it finally started to feel natural." Other members -Asian-Americans "KENNY" and "NATHAN," and Japanese "AITO" -also faced their own challenges. "The hardest part about like training was the barrier of cultural barrier. There's a lot of getting used to that and also sentence structures. So I had to learn how to shape my mind into a Korean person." "I've never been away from family for the past twenty-three years in my life. There was a lot of adjustment to do. However, with the guys now and the staff and everyone, they're like my second family." Despite their different backgrounds, they found common ground in pursuing their dreams through music. "With diversity being a factor in our group, we learned that hey, everyone's story is important, everyone matters, and everyone deserves to be heard and deserves to be respected, despite wherever they come from." They hope to be of comfort to others, and that very hope is what's guiding them toward their own dreams. "I had a time when I didn't even look up at the sky. Those hard times live in my lyrics now. To anyone watching us, even from the North, I want to say: dream." Five different dreams in one universe(1VERSE). 1VERSE is showing that K-pop no longer solely belongs to South Korea, but to those with dreams and passion, regardless of where they are from. Park Kun-woo, Arirang News.

What has the popular K-pop animated movie led to?

2025/07/18 22:38

Netflix's animated hit KPop Demon Hunters is still making waves, and the secret behind its success? A unique fusion of Korean tradition and pop culture. Ahn Sung-jin tells us more. K-pop and animation combining to create a global sensation. The Netflix movie "KPop Demon Hunters," which tells the story of a K-pop girl group and their secret identities as demon hunters, topped charts in 41 countries within the first week of its release on June 20. Its original soundtrack album also dominated global music charts, ranking second on the Billboard 200 and 8 individual tracks topping a variety of other charts. But it's not only the visuals and music. The movie is made even more special by incorporating Korean tradition and culture, even embedding aspects of shamanism. "Netflix has a lot of reach all over the world so who ever did not know about the Korean culture before was introduced to it some way or the other." "Also just like the K-pop part. It was a good way to combine something so main stream these days and Korean culture. It was also a good way to educate people about Korea." And this explosive craze for the animated film has resulted in a sales boost for products which bear a resemblance to characters and items that appear onscreen. In fact, at the gift store at the National Museum of Korea, items including tiger and magpie badges and a pen featuring a "gat" or traditional Korean hat, saw a huge uptick in sales. "This seems to be an opportunity to share Korean traditional culture with global consumers through content. Hallyu at the moment is trending with a lot of interest so we hope to further work on disseminating our culture through these products." The presence of such traditional icons play a true role in disseminating Korean culture beyond K-pop. "Not only is it very well-made, but it's the Korean elements that become interesting and refreshing for Western viewers. With their popularity, these films serve as cultural ambassadors, often more effective than government campaigns." By blending Korean heritage with intriguing storytelling and catchy rhythms, "KPop Demon Hunters" has turned into a trendsetter for global fans, fueling further interest in Korea's cultural icons. Ahn Sung-jin, Arirang News.

S. Korean economy faces "downward pressure," yet shows "positive signs"

2025/07/18 22:37

Concerns over downward pressure on the South Korean economy continue to linger. But the country's financial authorities note there are positive signs, such as improving consumer sentiment. Our correspondent Moon Ji-young explains. South Korea's economy continues to face downward pressure due to a delayed recovery in domestic demand and ongoing trade risks, but some "positive signs" such as improving consumer sentiment are emerging. That's according to the latest economic green book a monthly economic assessment report released by the Finance Ministry on Friday. This also marks the seventh consecutive month that the government stated that the economy faces "downside pressure." However, the ministry slightly toned down its assessment by omitting the term "increasing" in reference to downside risks. "Recent downward pressure on the Korean economy is largely due to the slow recovery of domestic demand, particularly in consumption and construction investment, coupled with persistent employment difficulties in vulnerable sectors and worsening external conditions stemming from U.S. tariff impositions. However, we're also starting to see some positive signs, like an improvement in consumer sentiment." He added that while downward factors previously dominated, both upward and downward factors are now coexisting. "It seems the recent significant rise in stock prices and expectations for supplementary budget projects are positively influencing consumer sentiment. There's potential for these factors to continue to positively affect consumption in the future." Despite these positive signals, trade risks in exports remain a significant concern as the August 1st deadline for tariff negotiations approaches. The ministry analyzed that exports in June rose by 4-point-3 percent compared to the same month last year, largely attributed to improved semiconductor market conditions and pull-forward demand before the end of the pause on U.S. reciprocal tariffs. To boost economic and livelihood recovery, the Ministry has pledged to swiftly execute a supplementary budget worth 31-point-8 trillion won or around 23 billion U.S. dollars. It also reaffirmed its efforts to ensure that the livelihood recovery consumption coupons, scheduled for distribution from July 21, become a catalyst for revitalizing domestic demand, including consumption and local economies. To address trade risks, the government said it is committed to providing comprehensive support for Korean companies affected by U.S. tariff impositions. Moon Ji-young, Arirang News.

S. Korea, U.S., Japan vice foreign ministers meet in Tokyo, call for strong deterrence against N. Korea

2025/07/18 22:36

South Korea, the U.S. and Japan have reaffirmed the need for strong deterrence against North Korea. Vice Foreign Ministers Park Yoon-joo, Christopher Landau, and Takehiro Funakoshi held talks in Tokyo Friday, marking 10 years since the deputy-level trilateral began. The three officials pledged to keep up coordinated pressure on Pyongyang, while backing diplomatic efforts to reopen talks. They also pushed for deeper cooperation in economic and tech resilience, from AI to supply chains and critical minerals, as core initiatives to safeguard regional stability. The vice ministers lauded the launch of a new trilateral secretariat between their governments, as a key measure to expand their three-way cooperation.

Nat'l Assembly approves confirmation hearing reports for top economic and foreign policy Cabinet positions

2025/07/18 22:35

In parliament. The National Assembly today approved confirmation hearing reports for top economic and foreign policy Cabinet positions. Our political correspondent Moon Hye-ryeon reports. South Korea's National Assembly has approved confirmation hearing reports for three high-profile ministerial nominees, including the government's top economic and foreign policy positions. On Friday, lawmakers adopted reports for Koo Yun-cheol , chosen to serve as Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Economy and Finance, Cho Hyun , nominated for Foreign Minister, and Kim Jung-kwan , the pick for Trade Minister. The opposition People Power Party, which had initially vowed to withhold approval for the Cabinet nominees, ultimately agreed to move forward with those seen as essential to national policy. "With less than two weeks left before the U.S. begins imposing reciprocal tariffs, this is an urgent situation. We'll do our part to make sure the confirmation reports for the finance, foreign, and trade ministers are adopted quickly so they can get to work on the tariff negotiations right away." "The new administration needs to complete its Cabinet as soon as possible and focus fully on running the country. That's the only way we can not only help people recover from economic hardships, but also respond swiftly and effectively to disasters like the recent heavy rains." But not all nominees have been given the green light. Confirmation hearings continued on Friday for the administration's final batch of nominees for the week. Among them were Jeong Eun-kyeong , the nominee for Minister of Health and Welfare, and Yun Ho-jung , up for Interior and Safety Minister. Jung, the former head of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, acknowledged challenges such as South Korea's aging population and outlined plans to push forward expanding healthcare benefits for children and the elderly. "The Ministry must double down on its core mission—strengthening the social security system and improving public health—to ensure a basic standard of living for all citizens." Yun, a five-term sitting lawmaker, pledged to prioritize AI innovation and balanced national development led by districts outside the capital region. Meanwhile, two more nominees — for Land Minister and Culture Minister — are still awaiting their confirmation hearings. The PPP also continues to hold firm against two other controversial picks: Lee Jin-sook for Education Minister, and Kang Sun-woo for Gender Equality Minister, citing allegations of academic misconduct and abuse of authority, respectively. As President Lee looks to finalize his first Cabinet, the outcome of these final hearings and the political tensions around them could help shape the early direction of his administration. Moon Hye-ryeon, Arirang News.

President Lee holds emergency meeting in response to heavy rains

2025/07/18 22:34

To address the growing threat from heavy rains, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung canceled a scheduled town hall and instead convened an emergency response meeting. Our Presidential Office correspondent Song Yoo-jin has the details. Disasters may be inevitable, but their damage, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung says, can be reduced with thorough preparation. That was the key message from the President on Friday as he convened an emergency meeting in response to the heavy rains. "The state's top duty is to protect the lives and safety of its people. We must not hesitate to deploy every necessary resource, even if it feels excessive, to prevent accidents and minimize damage." With downpours battering the country for days and already claiming several lives, President Lee postponed a scheduled town hall in the southeastern city of Busan and instead visited the National Disaster and Safety Status Control Center in Seoul. Emphasizing preemptive action, he instructed the Korea Meteorological Administration to issue timely alerts tailored to each region. "We need thorough preemptive measures in vulnerable areas and for at-risk residents, including those living in semi-basement homes, those living alone, and regions prone to flooding, landslides, collapses, or sinkholes." The President also urged local governments to stay in full emergency mode and carry out post-disaster support and recovery efforts without delay. He then received updates on damage assessments and response measures from the Ministry of the Interior and Safety and local authorities. "President Lee spoke to the mayor of Osan in detail about why the road wasn't fully closed off despite prior warnings from residents before the retaining wall collapsed." The collapse on Wednesday killed a man trapped in his vehicle. Song Yoo-jin, Arirang News.

Tariff countdown: Business insider's take on the future of U.S.-Korea trade

2025/07/18 21:35

Welcome to Within The Frame, where we bring the most pressing issues across the globe into focus. I'm Kim Mok-yeon. With the August 1st tariff deadline looming, tensions are escalating between the U.S. and South Korea. Earlier this month, President Trump announced a 25% "reciprocal" tariff targeting Korean imports — a move that has reignited trade concerns across Asia. While negotiations are underway, the pressure is mounting on both sides to deliver results within just two weeks. At the heart of this standoff are long-standing issues: non-tariff barriers, digital regulations, and strategic investments. To help us unpack what's at stake and where things may be headed, we're joined by Tami Overby — a seasoned expert on U.S.-Korea trade relations. She's the former head for Asia at U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the former President of AMCHAM Korea, and currently a partner at DGA Government Relations in Washington. A big welcome. Let's begin with the latest development. On July 8th, President Trump released a letter stating that the U.S. would impose a 25% reciprocal tariff on South Korea starting August 1st. Notably, the letter was addressed only to Korea and Japan. From your perspective as an American economist, how do you read this move? And what do you make of the decision to single out these two countries? In that context, last week, Korea's chief trade negotiator, Yeo Han-koo, visited Washington for high-stakes talks. How would you assess the Korean government's handling of the negotiations so far? President Trump has made it clear that if no deal is reached, the tariffs will take effect on August 1st. That said, this would be the third deadline, and some speculate another extension is still possible. In your view, how real is the risk that tariffs will actually be imposed this time? Looking at your past remarks, you've expressed optimism that a U.S.-Korea trade agreement is still achievable. What gives you that confidence at this stage? And from a strategic standpoint, what do you see as Korea's strongest card in negotiations right now? Now, to one of the core demands, the U.S. continues to push for the removal of non-tariff barriers, especially in agriculture. Issues like beef and rice imports remain politically sensitive in Korea. Given that, what kind of compromise could realistically satisfy both sides? Turning to digital trade concerns, Washington has also asked Seoul to ease restrictions on exporting high-resolution maps and to scale back regulations on U.S. tech platforms. These are closely tied to Korea's domestic regulatory sovereignty. How does the Trump administration likely view these issues, and is there room for a calibrated adjustment? On the investment front, Hyundai Motor Group's $21 billion investment pledge in the U.S. has been seen as a positive signal to the Trump administration. In your view, how much weight do such large-scale investments carry in influencing trade negotiations? With just two weeks to go before the deadline, what direction should the Korean government take to steer talks toward a resolution? You've stressed that Seoul must demonstrate "genuine intent" — but in concrete terms, what does that look like from Washington's point of view? And finally, beyond the immediate talks, what structural conditions do you believe are necessary to build a long-term, mutually beneficial U.S.-Korea economic partnership?

Severe flooding in South Korea kills at least 4, causes widespread damage

2025/07/18 19:41

We start on the national front as flash floods have led to losses of lives emergency evacuations and property damage. Kim Jung-sil has our top story. Severe flooding continues across South Korea, with heavy rain that began Wednesday causing widespread damage and evacuations. As of 11 AM Friday, four people have died — three in Chungcheongnam-do and one in Gyeonggi-do provinces — while two others remain missing in Gwangju, according to the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters. Over 5,600 people have been evacuated, with more than 3,500 still unable to return home. Roads, bridges and embankments have collapsed, with nearly 500 public facilities and over 400 private buildings damaged. Nearly 250 schools nationwide have been impacted by the rain, with some closed, others shifting to online classes, and many implementing shorter hours. In Dangjin, Chungcheongnam-do Province, the flooding has been particularly devastating. The rain has submerged neighborhoods, blocked roads, and caused widespread damage. Floodwaters have made it difficult for drivers, as the wheels of their vehicles are nearly submerged, making it dangerous to navigate flooded roads. Fallen trees are also obstructing highways, with emergency crews working to clear debris. "Heavy rain will continue through tomorrow, with up to 50 millimeters per hour expected tonight and tomorrow morning. Some areas could see up to 200 millimeters, with southern regions possibly experiencing up to 300 millimeters." Woo also urged foreigners in South Korea to stay informed about the weather and follow evacuation instructions sent through emergency text alerts. As the rain continues, authorities are on high alert, bracing for further damage, with more rainfall expected through the weekend. Kim Jung-sil, Arirang News.

[Weather] Heavy rain until tomorrow with strong winds, landslide warnings

2025/07/18 19:40

Rain is pouring down across the country today. By tomorrow, there will be as much as 300 millimeters more of heavy rain in Jeollanam-do Province and Gyeongsangnam-do Province, and more than 200 millimeters in the Chungcheong-do provinces and Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, as well as up to 100 millimeters of rain in Seoul. There will be strong winds all over the country by tomorrow. In particular, there will be gusty winds of around 20 meters per second in the mountainous areas. Currently, landslide warnings have been issued in the Chungcheong-do, Jeolla-do, and Gyeongsangbuk-do Provinces. Please take extra precautions. Morning temperatures will start off at around 23 to 26 degrees Celsius across the country. Highs will move up to 29 degrees in Seoul, Chuncheon and Busan, Jeju at 32 degrees. Rain in the Seoul metropolitan area and western parts of Gangwon-do Province will continue until Sunday. That's all for Korea. Here are the weather conditions around the world.

Meet K-pop rookie group 1VERSE featuring N. Korean defectors

2025/07/18 19:40

On the K-pop front. A new boy band is gaining quite a bit of attention here in South Korea as some of its members hail from North Korea. My colleague Park Kun-woo met up with them. Alone, they're just individuals with different verses, but together, they create a story, a song, and a universe. That's how you could describe this brand-new five-piece K-pop group 1VERSE, which has two members who are North Korean defectors. It's extremely rare to see North Korean-born "idol" stars debut on the K-pop scene, which makes you wonder how they first got into K-pop. "I came across F(x)'s 'LA chA TA' music video when I was young and heard K-pop songs through USBs passed around secretly." Coming to South Korea at a young age was already a dangerous journey, but their struggle didn't end there. "My beloved family were still in the North, and while coming here allowed me to finally dream, I still felt like the loneliest of the lonely. The biggest battle was with myself, a fight I kept losing. But just having our members by my side filled that emptiness and gave me strength." Even language was a hurdle, especially for rap. "I naturally speak in a North Korean dialect, but when I rap, I train myself to turn it off. As for English, I started with the ABCs and kept practicing until it finally started to feel natural." Other members -Asian-Americans "KENNY" and "NATHAN," and Japanese "AITO" -also faced their own challenges. "The hardest part about like training was the barrier of cultural barrier. There's a lot of getting used to that and also sentence structures. So I had to learn how to shape my mind into a Korean person." "I've never been away from family for the past twenty-three years in my life. There was a lot of adjustment to do. However, with the guys now and the staff and everyone, they're like my second family." Despite their different backgrounds, they found common ground in pursuing their dreams through music. "With diversity being a factor in our group, we learned that hey, everyone's story is important, everyone matters, and everyone deserves to be heard and deserves to be respected, despite wherever they come from." They hope to be of comfort to others, and that very hope is what's guiding them toward their own dreams. "I had a time when I didn't even look up at the sky. Those hard times live in my lyrics now. To anyone watching us, even from the North, I want to say: dream." Five different dreams in one universe(1VERSE). 1VERSE is showing that K-pop no longer solely belongs to South Korea, but to those with dreams and passion, regardless of where they are from. Park Kun-woo, Arirang News.

Korean content's growing popularity boosts Netflix 2Q earnings growth

2025/07/18 19:38

Also on Netflix. Korean content reportedly pushed up profits for this streaming service during the second quarter. According to Netflix officials original animation "KPop Demon Hunters" and drama series "Squid Game" Season Three were among the screen productions that led to better-than-expected earnings. In fact revenue rose almost 16 percent in the second quarter on year amounting to over 11 billion U.S. dollars.

What has the popular K-pop animated movie led to?

2025/07/18 19:38

On the entertainment front. Netflix's animation "KPop Demon Hunters" continues to make headlines with its original storytelling and intriguing blend of Korean culture. Ahn Sung-jin files this report. K-pop and animation combining to create a global sensation. The Netflix movie "KPop Demon Hunters", which tells the story of a K-pop girl group and their secret identities as demon hunters, topped charts in 41 countries within the first week of its release on June 20. Its original soundtrack album also dominated global music charts, ranking second on the Billboard 200 and 8 individual tracks topping a variety of other charts. But it's not only the visuals and music. The movie is made even more special by incorporating Korean tradition and culture, even embedding aspects of shamanism. "Netflix has a lot of reach all over the world so who ever did not know about the Korean culture before was introduced to it some way or the other." "Also just like the K-pop part. It was a good way to combine something so main stream these days and Korean culture. It was also a good way to educate people about Korea." And this explosive craze for the animated film has resulted in a sales boost for products which bear a resemblance to characters and items that appear onscreen. In fact, at the gift store at the National Museum of Korea, items including tiger and magpie badges and a pen featuring a "gat" or traditional Korean hat, saw a huge uptick in sales. "This seems to be an opportunity to share Korean traditional culture with global consumers through content. Hallyu at the moment is trending with a lot of interest so we hope to further work on disseminating our culture through these products." The presence of such traditional icons play a true role in disseminating Korean culture beyond K-pop. "Not only is it very well-made, but it's the Korean elements that become interesting and refreshing for Western viewers. With their popularity, these films serve as cultural ambassadors, often more effective than government campaigns." By blending Korean heritage with intriguing storytelling and catchy rhythms, "KPop Demon Hunters" has turned into a trendsetter for global fans, fueling further interest in Korea's cultural icons. Ahn Sung-jin, Arirang News.

U.S. Senate defense policy bill calls for maintaining USFK troop level

2025/07/18 19:37

A U.S. defense spending bill for next year recently passed by the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee prevents the Pentagon from withdrawing American soldiers stationed here in South Korea in the absence of congressional approval. Lee Seung-jae has details. For the first time in five years, the National Defense Authorization Act for the 2026 fiscal year, includes a ban on using funds to reduce the number of U.S. Forces Korea troops below the current level of 28-thousand-500. The U.S. defense policy bill was posted on Congress's website on Thursday, where it affirmed the reinforcement of the ROK-U.S. alliance by maintaining the current USFK troop level. The bill reads "Amounts authorized to be appropriated by this Act may not be obligated or expended to reduce the total number of members of the Armed Forces permanently stationed in or deployed to the Republic of Korea below 28,500, or to complete the transition of wartime operational control of the United States-Republic of Korea Combined Forces Command from United States-led command to Republic of Korea-led command." However,.. the NDAA leaves open the possibility of using defense funds for a USFK reduction or OPCON transition if it is in the national security interest of the United States, adding that the action could only be undertaken after proper consultations with its allies,.. including South Korea, Japan and other countries that have sent military contributions to the UN Command. The ban was previously included in the NDAA from the 2019 to 2021 fiscal years, to prevent any potential unilateral reduction during the first Trump administration. However, it was removed from the bill during former President Joe Biden's term in office. It's the first time that the Senate added a ban on the use of funds for the completion of wartime OPCON transfer. The latest bill comes amid speculation that the Trump administration could reduce the number of USFK, and ask Seoul to increase spending for its own defense. Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.

Gov't clears West Sea of N. Korean uranium wastewater concerns

2025/07/18 19:36

South Korea says no contamination has been detected in the West Sea from North Korea's Pyongsan uranium plant wastewater. A two-week probe by agencies here including the Nuclear Safety Commission found no contamination at 10 sites along the West Sea and nearby rivers. Uranium cesium and heavy metals remained consistent with past levels and radioactive cesium was not detected. The government nonetheless will continue its monitoring at several key locations amid satellite analysis suggesting wastewater flow from North Korea into the West Sea.

S. Korean economy faces "downward pressure," yet shows "positive signs"

2025/07/18 19:36

The economy remains vulnerable to persistent challenges including sluggish spending and construction activity BUT consumer sentiment appears to be improving. Our correspondent Moon Ji-young covers the economic assessment for July by the Finance Ministry. South Korea's economy continues to face downward pressure due to a delayed recovery in domestic demand and ongoing trade risks, but some "positive signs" such as improving consumer sentiment are emerging. That's according to the latest economic green book a monthly economic assessment report released by the Finance Ministry on Friday. This also marks the seventh consecutive month that the government stated that the economy faces "downside pressure." However, the ministry slightly toned down its assessment by omitting the term "increasing" in reference to downside risks. "Recent downward pressure on the Korean economy is largely due to the slow recovery of domestic demand, particularly in consumption and construction investment, coupled with persistent employment difficulties in vulnerable sectors and worsening external conditions stemming from U.S. tariff impositions. However, we're also starting to see some positive signs, like an improvement in consumer sentiment." He added that while downward factors previously dominated, both upward and downward factors are now coexisting. "It seems the recent significant rise in stock prices and expectations for supplementary budget projects are positively influencing consumer sentiment. There's potential for these factors to continue to positively affect consumption in the future." Despite these positive signals, trade risks in exports remain a significant concern as the August 1st deadline for tariff negotiations approaches. The ministry analyzed that exports in June rose by 4-point-3 percent compared to the same month last year, largely attributed to improved semiconductor market conditions and pull-forward demand before the end of the pause on U.S. reciprocal tariffs. To boost economic and livelihood recovery, the Ministry has pledged to swiftly execute a supplementary budget worth 31-point-8 trillion won or around 23 billion U.S. dollars. It also reaffirmed its efforts to ensure that the livelihood recovery consumption coupons, scheduled for distribution from July 21, become a catalyst for revitalizing domestic demand, including consumption and local economies. To address trade risks, the government said it is committed to providing comprehensive support for Korean companies affected by U.S. tariff impositions. Moon Ji-young, Arirang News.

Nat'l Assembly approves confirmation hearing reports for top economic and foreign policy Cabinet positions

2025/07/18 19:35

Also on this Friday. The parliament has approved the president's nominations for the posts of economy foreign and trade minister. Our political correspondent Moon Hye-ryeon has the latest on the confirmation hearings. South Korea's National Assembly has approved confirmation hearing reports for three high-profile ministerial nominees, including the government's top economic and foreign policy positions. On Friday, lawmakers adopted reports for Koo Yun-cheol , chosen to serve as Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Economy and Finance, Cho Hyun , nominated for Foreign Minister, and Kim Jung-kwan , the pick for Trade Minister. The opposition People Power Party, which had initially vowed to withhold approval for the Cabinet nominees, ultimately agreed to move forward with those seen as essential to national policy. "With less than two weeks left before the U.S. begins imposing reciprocal tariffs, this is an urgent situation. We'll do our part to make sure the confirmation reports for the finance, foreign, and trade ministers are adopted quickly so they can get to work on the tariff negotiations right away." "The new administration needs to complete its Cabinet as soon as possible and focus fully on running the country. That's the only way we can not only help people recover from economic hardships, but also respond swiftly and effectively to disasters like the recent heavy rains." But not all nominees have been given the green light. Confirmation hearings continued on Friday for the administration's final batch of nominees for the week. Among them were Jeong Eun-kyeong , the nominee for Minister of Health and Welfare, and Yun Ho-jung , up for Interior and Safety Minister. Jung, the former head of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, acknowledged challenges such as South Korea's aging population and outlined plans to push forward expanding healthcare benefits for children and the elderly. "The Ministry must double down on its core mission—strengthening the social security system and improving public health—to ensure a basic standard of living for all citizens." Yun, a five-term sitting lawmaker, pledged to prioritize AI innovation and balanced national development led by districts outside the capital region. Meanwhile, two more nominees — for Land Minister and Culture Minister — are still awaiting their confirmation hearings. The PPP also continues to hold firm against two other controversial picks: Lee Jin-sook for Education Minister, and Kang Sun-woo for Gender Equality Minister, citing allegations of academic misconduct and abuse of authority, respectively. As President Lee looks to finalize his first Cabinet, the outcome of these final hearings and the political tensions around them could help shape the early direction of his administration. Moon Hye-ryeon, Arirang News.