News

Exports fall in May due to decline in shipments to U.S., overseas automobile sales

2025/05/21 17:00

Finding for the first three weeks of May show a slump in Korean shipments overseas. According to the Korea Customs Service on this Wednesday exports from May 1st to the 20th were down 2-point-4 percent on year. By destination shipments to the U.S. market slipped in light of tariff-related repercussions amid a sharp decline in auto exports. Korean shipments to the EU market also lost ground. This latest drop in exports comes after three straight months of growth through April.

Gov't to mobilize US$ 20.6 bil. in policy funds to counter tariff-related trade risks

2025/05/21 17:00

The Finance Ministry will mobilize policy funds to counter U.S. tariff-related trade repercussions. Policy funds totaling 28-point-6 trillion won or over 20 billion U.S. dollars will be earmarked for affected businesses to stabilize their operations to diversify their markets and for their facility investment. Acting Finance Minister Kim Beom-seok has also spoken of a support plan for product-specific tariffs including those on pharmaceuticals and semiconductors in the near future.

Second round of S. Korea-U.S. technical tariff discussions kick off in Washington

2025/05/21 17:00

Trade officials from South Korea and their U.S. counterparts in Washington D.C. opened a fresh round of tariff talks on Tuesday local time. On the agenda are six key matters including trade balance, non-tariff measures, and economic security. This is the second round of technical talks and likely the last ahead of the political transition here in South Korea as a new government takes office on June 4th. South Korea is seeking lower tariffs while the U.S. seeks greater access.

Trump unveils plans for 'Golden Dome' missile defense system

2025/05/21 17:00

Beyond borders. U.S. President Donald Trump has shared an ambitious and costly plan to protect America from missile assaults. Lee Seung-jae has more. U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday his plan for a missile defense program dubbed 'Golden Dome.' The multi-layered system would allow for U.S. weapons to be put into space for the first time. "Thank you very much, and thank you for being here in the Oval Office, one of the great places of the world, as we make a historic announcement about the Golden Dome Missile Defense Shield. That's something we want, and Ronald Reagan wanted it many years ago, but they didn't have the technology. But it's something that we're going to have." The 'Golden Dome' will include ground and space-based capabilities that can detect and destroy missiles at all major stages of a potential attack. Trump said that he had promised the American people that he would build a "cutting-edge missile defense shield" to protect the U.S. from the threat of foreign missile attacks. However, the ambitious plan also comes with a massive price tag. "I'm also pleased to report that the one big, beautiful bill will include $25 billion for the Golden Dome to help construction get underway. That's the initial sort of down posit. And we have probably you're talking about, General, we're talking about $175 billion total cost of this when it's completed." However, earlier this month, the Congressional Budget Office estimated that deploying and operating just the space-based interceptors of the defense system could cost up to 542 billion dollars over the next 20 years. Still, citing the increasingly sophisticated threats from North Korea, Russia, and China, Trump said the system could be operational within three years, as he named General Michael Guetlein, vice chief of operations for the U.S. Space Force, to oversee the 'Golden Dome' project. Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.

South Korea, U.S. launch joint excavation work for Korean War remains

2025/05/21 17:00

Here in South Korea on this Wednesday. A thirty-member team of South Korean and American officials have begun excavation work to recover the remains of soldiers who died during the Korean War. According to the Defense Ministry the latest mission in Mungyeong City, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province will last six weeks. This marks the sixteenth excavation effort by the two countries since the year 2000 underscoring their continued commitment to their alliance and to the sacrifice of their soldiers.

UN highlights N. Korea's ongoing human rights crisis; defectors testify

2025/05/21 17:00

At the United Nations on Tuesday local time two North Korean defectors detailed troubling tales of rampant human rights abuses in North Korea AND during the flight to freedom. Our correspondent Kim Jung-sil covers their testimonies and more. The first session of its kind at the General Assembly featured live testimonies from North Korean defectors. Kim Eun-joo shared her story of escape and the trauma she faced. "On our first night in China, my 14-year-old sister was kidnapped, sexually abused, and left on the roadside. Later, my mother, sister, and I were sold for only 2,000 CNY, less than US$ 300. This tragedy is not only my family's story; many others face the same brutal reality under the North Korean regime." Kang Gyu-ri, a relatively recent defector, spoke about many still in the North. "There are still millions of North Koreans who have no access to any information about the outside world, who believe that they have no choice but to live under the three generations of the Kim dynasty's personality cult." This point was also highlighted by UN official Ilze Brands Kehris. "The laws carry severe punishments, including the death penalty in some cases. The internet is not available. Similarly, freedom of movement is extremely restricted." Also discussed were the global security implications of North Korea's human rights violations. "The DPRK is exporting instability and violence to the Middle East and to Europe, and the root cause of this is the human rights violations that the DPRK perpetrates." Elizabeth Salmón, UN Special Rapporteur on North Korean human rights, tied militarization to more exploitation, citing troops sent to Russia. "As the DPRK expands its extreme militarization policies, it exacerbates the extensive reliance on forced labor and quota systems." North Korea's Permanent Representative to the UN, Kim Song, rejected the claims, accusing Western nations of politicizing the issue. "It is shocking that such a meeting is convened, going against the universal will of the international community." Despite Pyongyang's rejection of the claims, Tuesday's session has once again brought North Korea's human rights situation to the global forefront. Kim Jung-sil, Arirang News.

Reform Party candidate Lee Jun-seok again rejects merger idea, reaches out to centrist voters

2025/05/21 17:00

Also on the campaign trail. Reform Party candidate Lee Jun-seok has rejected yet again calls for a coalition by PPP contender Kim Moon-soo . Speaking here in Seoul earlier on this Wednesday Lee brushed aside attempts by the main conservative camp to seek a merger. Lee currently ranks third in public polls and has shared hopes to see his standing rise after the remaining two live TV debates. Later in the day he headed to Seongnam where he sat down with students at Gachon University and toured Seongnam Medical Center.

PPP's Kim talks up GTX success as PPP apologizes for fmr. 1st Lady Kim Keon Hee

2025/05/21 17:00

Up next we turn to the conservative camp whose contender Kim Moon-soo continues his campaign in the Greater Seoul region. For details I have Kim Do-yeon joining me live. Do-yeon welcome back. And where are you joining us from today? Sun-hee, I'm in Dongducheon City in Gyeonggi-do Province around 50 kilometers north of central Seoul. Kim is set to appear on the stage behind me momentarily, he's been making his way here by hitting Gyeonggi-do Province cities northwest of Seoul and moving clockwise. He's been reminding Gyeonggi-do residents that it was during his two terms as governor that the GTX express rail system first took shape — and now, he's vowing to expand it even further. "I promise you — I'll make sure anyone can travel anywhere within an hour. I'll deliver a transportation revolution." Now, as I said, the area he's covering also borders North Korea, with a large portion of the land left undeveloped due to restrictions related to security and the environment. He pledged to lift these to host different institutions and companies to create more jobs in the area. Also Do-yeon I understand Kim remains committed to coaxing his conservative rival into a coalition? That's right, Sun-hee. Kim repeated his message earlier in the day. His point continues to be that the merger is his means to turn this election around and he's apparently hopeful. Take a listen. "As for a dramatic turnaround, there's candidate Lee Jun-seok, who once served as our party leader and is now running independently. I believe that, in the end, he and I will merge our campaigns — and that he could play a key role in leading us to victory in this presidential race. I'm hopeful things will work out." But Lee Jun-seok is still publicly rejecting the idea. Still, the outreach continues — PPP lawmaker Ahn Cheol-soo visited Lee on the campaign trail in an apparent attempt to open dialogue. Momentum is building, though. Former justice minister and PPP primary runner-up Han Dong-hoon began campaigning for Kim yesterday — though they haven't appeared together yet. Han had made clear that he wouldn't hit the trail unless the party distanced itself from impeached ex-president Yoon Suk Yeol. Now that Yoon has left the party, Han appears to be on board. And to add to the distancing just about an hour ago, PPP interim leader Kim Yong-tae publicly apologized for controversies surrounding former first lady Kim Keon Hee. After his debate proposal for first lady prospects was rejected, he urged the Democratic Party to suggest their own format — saying vetting should still happen. That's the latest from Dongducheon. Back to you, Sun-hee. All right Do-yeon thank you for that coverage of the conservative camp.

DP’s Lee holds rally in his Nat'l Assembly constituency; unveils pet-friendly pledges

2025/05/21 17:00

Turning now to the latest on the campaign trail. Liberal party contender Lee Jae-myung is addressing his supporters in the city of Incheon today. I have our political correspondent Shin Ha-young standing by live with details. Ha-young it's good to have you on. Do FILL us in. Yes, Sunny. I'm currently in Incheon's Seo-gu District, where Democratic Party presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung has just begun delivering a speech, seeking support from voters here. Lee is continuing his campaign in the Seoul metropolitan area for the third consecutive day, this time in the city of Incheon. Before coming to Seo-gu, Lee held a rally in Namdong-gu District. Take a listen. "The sea takes in both murky and clean water isn't that the spirit of unity in Incheon? Winning in Incheon is what makes it a true victory. Will you help make that happen?" Incheon holds special significance for Lee, as it was a stepping stone in his political comeback after narrowly losing to former President Yoon Suk-yeol in the 2022 presidential election. Lee won a by-election in Gyeyang-gu, then became party leader and won the primary to run for president again. After finishing his rally in Seo-gu, he will wrap up his Wednesday rallies in Gyeyang-gu , the constituency he represents in the National Assembly. Lee is expected to thank the people of Gyeyang-gu for supporting his comeback. He aims to win votes by sharing his economic vision for Incheon, a global gateway city with an airport and port, focusing on logistics and the bio-industry. Ha-young I hear Lee also shared a few pledges for our furry friends. Do tell us more. Sure, Sunny. Lee laid out pet-friendly policy pledges ahead of today's rally. In a social media post, Lee promised to enact the so-called Basic Animal Welfare Act and work to create a government agency dedicated to promoting animal welfare. He also pledged to reduce pet care costs, especially for veterinary services, by setting standard fees and promoting the expansion of pet insurance. Lee also addressed the issue of stray cats. Take a listen. "Since more than 25 percent of people have pets, we need appropriate policies for them. On issues like stray cats, where opinions differ, we should find ways to coexist without causing problems for others." Additionally, Lee pledged to prevent animal abuse and abandonment by introducing a policy that bans offenders from owning animals for a set period. That's all for this hour. Back to you, Sunny. All right Ha-young thank you for that coverage of the liberal camp.

K-wave AI News

2025/05/21 14:00

Hello and welcome to your AI guide to the latest cultural updates from Korea. Here's our top story. Korea and France have agreed to significantly expand cultural exchanges between the two countries ahead of the 140th anniversary of diplomatic ties next year. Culture Minister Yu In-chon signed a 'Letter of Intention' with his French counterpart in Paris, pledging to strengthen cooperation across various cultural fields. The two countries agreed to build a cooperation framework for cultural institutions and promote public-private exchange programs in areas such as performances, exhibitions, and visual media. A variety of K-cultural events will be held throughout France next year to mark the 140th anniversary. Amid a wave of cultural exchanges marking 60 years since the normalization of Korea-Japan ties, a special museum in Kyoto is gaining renewed attention. The Korea Museum of Art, now in its 37th year, is attracting many locals and tourists, showcasing a rich collection of Korean cultural heritage that includes Goryeo celadon, Buncheong ware, as well as traditional paintings and crafts. It's a private institution founded on a collection of the late Jeong Jo-mun, a first-generation Korean-Japanese entrepreneur. Described as a place to reconnect with one's roots, the museum hopes to become a space where younger generations can engage in continued cultural exchange between Korea and Japan across various fields. A series of cultural events will be held at Joseon royal tombs in Seoul, offering the public a chance to experience the historical and cultural value of these UNESCO World Heritage sites. A program titled "Great Exploration of the Joseon Royal Tombs" will run from the end of this month through October at eight royal tomb sites across the capital. Highlights include hands-on programs where visitors can create traditional ornaments, try their hand at folk painting, and participate in Joseon-era style quizzes. A musical performance is also scheduled. For more details and reservations, visit the Royal Palaces and Tombs Center's official website. That's all from me. Stay tuned to the Kulture Wave.

[K-Correspondent] The Korean wave hits Melbourne with official launch of Koreatown

2025/05/21 14:00

It’s time for our ‘K-correspondent’ segment, where we get all the latest in K-culture issues from around the world. Today we connect to Melbourne in Australia, where interest in the Korean wave has grown so much, that it led to the opening of a new area where Australian hallyu fans are expected to flock to Our correspondent in Melbourne Farnaz Pirasteh is now connected with us, to tell us what this is. Hello Farnaz! Q1. Farnaz, what have you been up to these days? Q2. Something exciting related to Korea is going on in the heart of Melbourne. Please reveal to us what it is. Q3. It’s quite a landmark event, having a Koreatown in the middle of an Australian city. How is the atmosphere in the area and how has the response by citizens been so far? Q4. Let’s now talk about the Koreatown itself. Please introduce for us in more detail what you can find there and what you were most impressed by. Q5. What do you think fans of hallyu will feel at K-Town in Melbourne?

[K-enter] "Dear Hongrang" enters Netflix's Global Top 10 Non-English Shows

2025/05/21 14:00

Time for some K-entertainment news with Bella Kim. Bella, today we’ll start with the latest Korean Netflix series, “Dear Hongrang.” How is it doing? “Dear Hongrang” is doing great not only domestically, but globally as well. The new series, released on the 16th, is a mystery romance that tells the story of Hong-rang, the son of the largest trading group in Joseon, returning after a decade-long disappearance with no memory of his childhood, while his half-sister, Jae I, seeks the truth behind Hong-rang’s sudden disappearance. "Dear Hongrang" stars Lee Jae-wook, Cho Bo-ah, Jung Ga-ram, and Uhm Ji-won. Within just 3 days of its release, the series recorded a total of 2.2 million viewers, making it onto Netflix’s Top 10 non-English shows at No.6. It’s currently receiving positive reviews, so if you haven’t seen it yet, make sure to check it out on Netflix. It makes me especially proud to see "sageuk" dramas, or historical K-dramas doing well overseas, the great review of the drama has also raised interest in the novel this series is based on by Jang Da-hye "Tangeum: Swallowing Gold" Up next, let's talk about K-pop artists doing great on the Billboard chart? Rosé continues to make history on the Billboard Hot 100. On Tuesday, Billboard revealed that Rosé and Bruno Mars’ hit song “APT.” is now spending its 30th consecutive week on the Hot 100 at No. 22. With the new record, Rosé is now the first female K-pop artist ever to have a song in the chart for 30 weeks on the Hot 100, and only the 4th overall, including male K-pop artists. Aside from “APT.”, the only other songs by a K-pop act to spend 30 weeks on the Hot 100 are PSY’s “Gangnam Style,” BTS’s “Dynamite,” and BTS Jimin’s “Who.” Another K-pop group doing great on the Billboard chart is P1Harmony. The group’s latest mini album “DUH!” debuted on Billboard 200 at No. 23. This is their 4th time entering Billboard 200 after their previous works, “HARMONY : ALL IN,” “Killin’ It,” and “SAD SONG.” Amazing records by both artists! Let’s stay on the topic of K-pop this time it's a comeback story. Who’s coming back to the K-pop scene? TWICE will make a comeback with their 4th full-length album “THIS IS FOR” on July 11th. The group’s agency, JYP Entertainment, released the news with the intro video on its official SNS. The short video captures nine members in a one-take video, centering on the keyword ‘FOUR.’ Their new full-length album comes 3 years and 8 months after their 3rd full-length album back in 2021. After their new release in July, TWICE will heat up the global stage as they will headline Lollapalooza Chicago on August 2nd. TWICE and summer sound great together! Thank you Bella for today’s stories.

[Features reporter] 2025 Seoul Plaza Exercising: Seoul plaza transforms into huge workout playground for everyone

2025/05/21 14:00

Soo-hyung, welcome back, so I hear you've got a story about group exercising outdoors. That sounds really fun to me. Did you go and try it out yourself? Yes, absolutely. With big speakers in the center of the plaza and many people enjoying themselves together, I couldn’t help but join in too. Exercising alone is good, but doing it together makes it feel less hard and sometimes even more fun. Every week, Seoul Plaza transforms into a giant workout playground. I went to there to see it for myself. Let's do take a look. As K-pop star Rosé's song 'APT' plays,.. people start copying the dance moves. This is Seoul Plaza, and right now, it’s K-pop dance practice time. Following the dancers' lead, everyone enjoys the moves and gets soaked in sweat. "It's really good. I mean, we were not expecting to come here but I've heard the song a lot." "I've heard it on the radio and stuff so it's nice that we can kind of connect to it too especially because it's in English." Taking place in the evening under the clear spring sky, the event is particularly popular among office workers. "I love it! I usually don’t have much time with my baby to have fun because of work, but thanks to this event, we are having a great time." The 2025 Seoul Plaza Exercising is held every Thursday and some Tuesdays until June 26th starting at 7 PM. The events offer fun and easy group workout programs for anyone whether they're a complete newbie or they just love to exercise. Each session will feature a different activity such as Zumba, yoga class, or cheer-leading, so participants can try something new every time. In one corner of the plaza, visitors can also try sports that are hard to find in everyday life in South Korea, such as lacrosse and padminton, which is similar to badminton, but played with table tennis style paddles. Now in its third year, the event drew around 10-thousand people last year. During the event, a coaching program with fitness experts allows participants to get one-on-one advice on posture correction and diet. I knew it would be fun! I really want to enjoy myself as well, what exactly are the group workouts they’re offering and what’s coming up next? In the official timetable, dynamic activities such as yoga, step aerobic workouts, and trampoline fitness are planned. The sessions in the middle of the plaza are all group workouts, packed with fun and effective exercises way better to do together. The new sports zone in the corner of the plaza offers easy-to-enjoy games like Spikeball and Boloball, along with lacrosse and padminton as we saw earlier. There’s also a flying disc zone where anyone can join in and have fun. I can't wait. How can I join, do I need to register in advance? Yes. I’d love to try it with my family too. Do we need to pay an entrance fee? No, you don't need to pay a penny. There is no participation fee. All events held at Seoul Plaza are free of charge. Everyone is welcome to come and enjoy the activities. For group exercise sessions, participants may register online in advance or sign up on-site on the day of the event. For the K-pop dance class we just saw, about 80 people had signed up in advance. But when I went yesterday, around 150 people were actually there. For a detailed event schedule, please refer to the official website. I will take a look at the schedule right after the show. Thank you Soo-hyung for sharing the story. Thank you Soo-hyung!

[Weather] Heat continues with sudden showers across Korea

2025/05/21 10:00

It felt like we fast-forwarded two months on the calendar yesterday! Gyeongju and Daegu soared past 33 degrees, reaching heat advisory levels. Even Seoul saw its highest temperature of this year so far, feeling like July. The heat continues in the capital area, but temperatures in Gyeongsang-do provinces will go down a few notches compared to yesterday but still very warm. Keep an eye out for sudden afternoon and evening showers across Korea. These showers can be intense and quick, coming along with gusty winds and lightning. So with the humidity, the feels-like temperature will be even higher. By the afternoon, Seoul will reach 27 degrees, Gwangju at 28 degrees. Mostly sunny skies are in store until the passing showers arrive. Rain is a frequent visitor lately. We're expecting nationwide rain tomorrow, which should finally break this early heat.

Humanoid robots prepare for boxing contest in Hangzhou

2025/05/21 10:00

Hangzhou, China, will host the world's first live-streamed humanoid robot boxing match this Sunday. The contest, titled "Iron Fist King," organized by Unitree Robotics, features two G1 humanoid robots, each 1.32 meters tall and weighing approximately 35 kilograms. These robots are equipped with advanced AI and motion control systems, enabling them to perform complex combat moves such as spinning kicks and rapid punches. Their design also allows for quick recovery from falls. The boxing event comes after the world's first half marathon with humanoid robots in Beijing last month, as part of a series of robot competitions sponsored by China Media Group.

WHO members adopt global pandemic accord

2025/05/21 10:00

The World Health Organization adopted its first international pandemic agreement during the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva on Tuesday, to bolster global cooperation in preventing and responding to future pandemics. The agreement outlines measures to enhance surveillance and ensure equitable access to vaccines and treatments following the uncoordinated global response to COVID-19. 124 countries voted in favor while 11 abstained. The accord was touted as a "gift to the world" by the WHO Director General. Notably, the United States did not participate in the treaty, having withdrawn from the WHO under the Trump administration, criticizing the body as "moribund."

Rubio may have revoked thousands of visas as crackdown continues

2025/05/21 10:00

In the United States, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the State Department has likely revoked thousands of visas, emphasizing that visas are a privilege, not a right. During a Senate hearing on Tuesday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the U.S. will continue to revoke student visas, reaffirming the Trump administration's hardline stance on immigration enforcement. He indicated that the number of visa revocations so far is probably in the thousands and that the efforts are ongoing. The revocations primarily targeted individuals involved in on-campus pro-Palestinian protests. However, critics argue that this approach infringes on First Amendment rights to free speech.

Overseas voting underway across U.S., Europe and Africa for S. Korea's 21st Presidential Election

2025/05/21 10:00

Overseas voting is well underway for the snap presidential election, giving Korean nationals living abroad a chance to help shape the country's future. From the U.S. to Europe, many voters are turning out with a renewed sense of purpose. Our Moon Hye-ryeon has our top story. Sung Jin-ok, a Korean national living in Pittsburgh, Pennyslvania, drove 4 hours to a polling station in Virginia. Arriving at daybreak to cast her vote, she said that she had never felt such an urgent need to vote in all her 16 years of living overseas. "There was something deeply moving about stamping my vote. I used to think my vote was too small to matter, so I often gave up. But this time, I hope it becomes a vote for real change." With overseas voting for South Korea's presidential election now underway, Korean nationals across the United States are heading to polling stations in what they describe as a hopeful, even emotional, act of civic duty. For many, this election feels more personal than ever. "I hope this election brings us closer together — a society united through democracy." Meanwhile, others cast their ballot thinking of future generations. "I want our children to grow up in a society where responsible leaders step up." The overseas voting period began Tuesday and runs to Sunday, taking place across 118 countries, according to the National Election Commission. A total of 258 thousand overseas voters registered for this year's election, which is roughly a 14 percent increase in numbers compared to the previous election. Overseas voters in Asia account for the largest bloc at around 129 thousand registered voters, followed by the United States and Europe. When heading out to the ballot booths, voters must bring photo ID. Those who have emigrated or acquired permanent residency must also present proof they remain solely Korean nationals, such as visa documents and permanent residency cards. Requirements for each country of residence are available on the respective embassy or consulate websites. In an effort to improve accessibility for Korean citizens living abroad, the NEC has installed new polling stations, such as those in Lithuania, Estonia, and Luxembourg. Until now, Korean residents in Lithuania had to travel to Poland to vote, while those in Estonia made a two and a half hour ferry trip to Finland. As the overseas voting window continues ahead of the domestic election period, many voters say they're not just casting a ballot but expressing their hopes for a better, more unified country. Moon Hye-ryeon, Arirang News.

UK suspends trade talks with Israel over new Gaza offensive

2025/05/21 10:00

Beginning in Europe, the United Kingdom has suspended free trade negotiations with Israel. Yes. Citing concerns over Israel's recent military actions in Gaza, the British government said it will suspend new FTA talks with Israel. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced on Tuesday that the UK is freezing its negotiations for a free trade agreement with Israel and implementing other punitive measures. Secretary Lammy condemned the Israeli government's military escalation in Gaza as "monstrous." He also criticized the blockade of humanitarian aid to Gaza and summoned the Israeli Ambassador to express the UK's concerns. The UK government also imposed new sanctions targeting settlers in the West Bank, including freezing assets and banning travel. The announcement comes after Prime Minister Keir Starmer joined French President Emmanuel Macron and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in urging Israel to cease its military operations and allow increased humanitarian aid into Gaza. The European Union has similarly voted to review its trade agreement with Israel. The Israeli government dismissed the UK's actions, saying its military operations are necessary for national security.

On-point: How South Korea's presidential runners approach handling U.S. trade issues

2025/05/21 10:00

And different approaches to handling U.S. trade-related issues have also risen as crucial selling points for South Korea's presidential runners. Should South Korea take things slow or speed things up when it comes to U.S. tariff matters? Let's turn to Professor Kim Yong-jin. Welcome back, Professor Kim. 1. The Democratic Party's Lee Jae-myung argues we should take enough time, and the People Power Party's Kim Moon-soo believes a South Korea-U.S. summit is necessary right after the election. 2. Then how might a South Korea-U.S. summit right after the election work better? 3. Some experts expect the talks this time will see little progress and be another round of Team Korea exploring the U.S.'s demands. 4. Are you saying finding out Washington's wants and needs will be Seoul's number one task? 5. Do you think South Korea and the U.S. will make sure not to pass the July 8th deadline? Thanks so much for joining us this morning.