News

Whippet becomes UK Dog Surfing Champ at record-breaking event

2025/07/28 11:39

In the UK, a pair of mixed-breed dogs and their human guardians made headlines at the Dog Masters Festival on Sunday, held at a beach in Dorset. Two teams broke a Guinness World Record with Matt Jenkins and his dog Gigi, alongside Benn Gray and Boo, breaking the 50-meter paddleboard sprint record in a time of 32 seconds. The festival, hosted as part of the UK Dog Surfing Championships, featured paddleboarding, surfing displays, and world-record attempts. Another World Dog Surfing Championships is set to take place in the San Francisco Bay area on August 2.

Passenger Train Derails in Germany, Killing at Least 3 People

2025/07/28 11:39

A passenger train derailed in southern Germany on Sunday, killing at least three people and seriously injuring others. Around 100 people were aboard the train when two carriages came off the rails at 6:10 PM local time, in a wooded area near the town of Riedlingen in the southwest of the country. Authorities are examining whether strong winds that swept the region shortly before the incident contributed to the derailment. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed grief on his social media, saying, "We mourn the victims."

Thailand and Cambodia to hold ceasefire talks in Malaysia

2025/07/28 11:39

The leaders of Thailand and Cambodia agreed to meet in Malaysia for talks after their deadly border conflict continued for a fourth day. The talks are scheduled to begin at 3 PM local time on Monday, in Kuala Lumpur. U.S. President Donald Trump publicly urged both nations to agree to an immediate ceasefire on Sunday, warning that ongoing trade negotiations would be suspended unless hostilities end. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, currently chairing the Association of Southeast Asian Nations regional bloc, offered to host peace talks for both parties. Thai Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet are expected to attend the talks. Over 30 people have died in the worst fighting between the two countries in over a decade, while more than 200,000 people have been displaced.

Israel announces daily pauses in Gaza fighting as aid airdrops begin

2025/07/28 11:38

Now, let's take a look at some stories from around the world with our Choi Chi Hee. Good morning, Chi Hee. Good morning, Eunji. Let's start in the Middle East, where Israel has announced a pause in military operations in three areas. Tell us more. Right. The Israeli military has announced a daily pause in military activity in three densely populated areas of Gaza to ease the ongoing humanitarian crisis. On Sunday, the Israel Defense Forces declared a "tactical pause" in fighting from 10 AM until 8 PM local time daily until further notice in Gaza City, Deir al-Balah, and Al-Mawasi, while launching air-dropped aid. To facilitate aid delivery, Israel has also designated secure corridors for UN and humanitarian convoys, which will be in place permanently between 6 AM and 11 PM. More than 100 truckloads of food, medicine, and supplies were dispatched toward southern Gaza. Meanwhile, Jordan and the UAE also airdropped about 25 tons of flour, sugar, and canned goods into the enclave. The military pause aims to "increase the scale of humanitarian aid" amidst warnings of mass starvation. However, aid groups say that only under 8 percent of World Food Programme trucks have successfully distributed supplies due to delays and theft, and point out that airdrops are inefficient and sometimes dangerous.

Ahead of APEC 2025, Gyeongju Arts Center hosts Korean contemporary art exhibition

2025/07/28 11:38

With less than 100 days left till the 2025 APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, the host city,.. Gyeongju, is holding a set of cultural events that allow visitors to get to know the city through Korean modern and contemporary art. Our Ahn Sung-jin has this report. A collection of four of the greatest. Kim Whanki, Park Sookeun, Lee Jungseop, and Jang Ucchin are artists who represent Korean contemporary art, and works of all four can be seen together at Gyeongju Arts Center. In celebration of the 2025 APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting taking place in Gyeongju this fall, the exhibition, a collaboration between MMCA and Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power, puts the spotlight on Korean art. "These four leading figures of modern and contemporary art reflect the hardships of their era, as well as Korea's tradition and nature and show it into their own unique artistic styles." Kim Whanki is known as the pioneer of Korean abstract art through his notable pieces, including "Mountains." His signature style of all-over dot paintings is often seen on canvases filled with blue dots. Park Sookeun also had his own style in portraying human goodness with layers of oil paint, as seen with his painting "Under the Tree." And just like Park, who illustrated the hardships of ordinary people in post-war Korea, Lee Jungseop expressed his hardships and emotions, such as deep longing for his family, using silver foil paintings like in "Family." And like all other artists, Jang Ucchin also focused on the everyday aspects of life that are reflected on his canvases through simple yet clear depictions, as seen in "Village." "I got to see all the artists in one spot, and as someone who is interested in art, I had to see the artworks up close. Pieces from Artist Kim Whanki are not so easily seen, and to see the change throughout his work was moving." Through this special exhibition with all four artists, visitors can see the essence of Korean beauty, and the Gyeongju Foundation for Arts and Culture notes that more such events in accordance with the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting will take place to boost the city. "Holding such a large-scale exhibition means a lot. Not only will it contribute to the vitalization of regional culture and art, but by hosting these exhibitions outside of Seoul and the capital area allow local residents to explore these cultural events and boost their pride." This exhibition runs till October, so for those interested in exploring Korean contemporary and modern art, visit the historical city of Gyeongju. Ahn Sung-jin, Arirang News, Gyeongju.

PM Kim thanks Korean War veterans, pledges continued support for their descendants

2025/07/28 11:36

South Korea's Prime Minister Kim Min-seok expressed his gratitude for the sacrifices of Korean War veterans on the occasion of the UN Forces Participation Day. At a commemoration ceremony held in Goyang, Gyeonggi-do Province on Sunday, Kim noted that over 40-thousand soldiers died and more than 100-thousand were wounded defending South Korea's freedom and peace. He stressed that South Korea will never forget the sacrifices made. The prime minister also pledged continued support for the descendants of Korean War veterans, announcing plans to expand scholarship and exchange programs.

First direct passenger flight between Moscow and Pyongyang takes off

2025/07/28 11:36

The first direct passenger flight between Moscow and Pyongyang in around three decades has taken off. On Sunday at 7:25 PM Moscow time, a Pyongyang-bound flight operated by Russian Nordwind Airlines departed from Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport. The flight carries about 400 passengers and takes around eight hours. Tickets cost about 45-thousand rubles, roughly 560 U.S. dollars. Until now, the only direct flight between Russia and North Korea was the Vladivostok-Pyongyang route. Since last year's comprehensive strategic partnership treaty, Russia and the North have expanded transport cooperation. Russia is also considering a new direct route to Wonsan on NorthKorea's east coast.

[On-point] Korean officials prepare for what will likely be last round of negotiations before Aug. 1 trade deadline

2025/07/28 11:36

As we just heard, Korean officials are now preparing for what will likely be the last round of negotiations, before the trade deadline set by U.S. President Donald Trump ends this week. For more on this, we're joined by Professor Hur Joon-young, Associate Professor of Economics at Sogang University. South Korean officials were still unable to reach a deal after recent trade talks in Washington. What would you say is the biggest obstacle to an agreement? The talks on July 31st are expected to be Korea's last chance to negotiate with the Trump administration before the August 1 deadline. How do you think the negotiations will play out? It seems South Korea is looking to use shipbuilding and semiconductors as leverage in the negotiations. Do you think this strategy will work? The presidential office says agricultural products are now also on the table --despite earlier government claims to the contrary. Is there a possibility that livestock products such as beef imports could become part of the deal? What happens if the two sides fail to reach an agreement before the deadline? How might that affect Korean businesses and the broader economy --especially given Korea's dependence on the U.S. market? Alright Professor Hur, thank you so much for your insight today. We appreciate it.

Extreme heat continues with afternoon showers

2025/07/28 11:35

It's another sizzling start to the day — the extreme heat wave is showing no signs of letting up. Yesterday, Seoul soared to a sweltering 38 degrees Celsius — that's the fourth highest ever for late July! And today is just as hot — if not hotter. Heatwave warnings are in place across most of the country. So if you can, please stay indoors and avoid any unnecessary outdoor activities. And don't forget — UV levels will be very strong nationwide, so don't skip the sunscreen and take frequent breaks in the shade. Meanwhile, later this afternoon, we could see brief showers in southern Gyeonggi-do, Chungcheong-do, and Jeollabuk-do Provinces, with up to 30mm of rain expected. And this afternoon, Seoul will reach 37 degrees Celsius and 35 degrees in Gwangju. Looking ahead, tomorrow and the rest of the week will bring more of the same: highs over 35 degrees and tropical nights continuing. Please stay safe and take care in this extreme heat.

N. Korean leader's sister says it has no reason to sit down with Seoul for talks

2025/07/28 11:35

The North Korean leader's powerful sister says the regime has no interest in talking with South Korea showing no will for dialogue. She also says inviting Kim Jong-un to APEC 2025 Korea would be a "foolish delusion." Our Choi Soo-hyung reports. In its first official response to the Lee administration, North Korea says it has no interest in any policy or proposal by South Korea, and sees no reason to sit down with Seoul for talks. On Monday, Kim Yo-jong, the sister of the regime's leader Kim Jong-un, said through the North's Korean Central News Agency that "no matter how much the Lee Jae Myung government tries to act like a fellow Korean to draw our attention or gain international spotlight, we still see them as an enemy." She also said that state-to-state relations on the Korean Peninsula are now permanent, and strongly criticized the South for trying to pursue unification through absorption, using the Ministry of Unification as a front. Kim said that, looking at around the first 50 days of Lee's administration, it is no different from his predecessor in blindly following the South Korea and U.S. alliance, pursuing confrontation with the North. On the recent halting of loudspeaker broadcasts by the South, Kim said it is a problem Seoul created on its own, and that the end of the broadcasts are merely a reversal of something that should not have been done in the first place. She added it does not merit any evaluation. Kim also warned that it would be a serious mistake for Seoul to think that a few sentimental words could undo the extreme confrontation it had previously created. Regarding speculation that the North's leader, Kim Jong-un might be invited to the APEC 2025 KOREA, she dismissed it as "a foolish delusion." Choi Soo-hyung, Arirang News.

S. Korea seeking deal with U.S. before August 1 tariff deadline

2025/07/28 11:34

But South Korea has yet to strike a deal, leaving the country only a few days to negotiate with the United States. Top government officials are already in Washington, with the Minister for Finance traveling to join them this week. Our Kim Do-yeon has more. After a last-minute cancellation derailed his trip to the U.S. last week, Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol's new date for a one-on-one meeting with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is July 31st, the day before the U.S.'s tariff pause ends. With the tariffs set to take effect the following day, this could be Seoul's last chance to strike a deal before the 25-percent duties kick in as announced along with other tariffs for specific items such as cars, steel, and chips. Adding pressure, Japan has already secured a 12.5 percent tariff on auto exports compared to a rate of 25 percent rate for other nations, giving its automakers a potential edge over Korean competitors. In response, Seoul is reportedly preparing a broad package of proposals, including deeper cooperation in strategic sectors like shipbuilding and semiconductors, and significantly expanded investment commitments. One key bargaining chip: a possible boost to Korea's "100 billion dollars plus" investment plan, aimed at matching Japan's earlier pledge of 550 billion dollars in exchange for tariff concessions. The presidential office is also on full alert. President Lee Jae-myung is said to be watching the situation around the clock as the deadline approaches closely monitoring the situation. "The President's message is to approach the negotiations with multiple factors in mind, considering the complex and evolving global landscape, and to aim for outcomes that could bring significant benefits to our country." On Saturday, the top office convened its second emergency meeting in as many days, led by Policy Chief Kim Yong-beom and National Security Advisor Wie Sung-lac. With both the industry and trade ministers currently in the U.S., they joined virtually to brief on their latest meetings with U.S. counterparts. Shipbuilding again emerged as a key point of discussion, according to Industry Minister Kim Jeong-kwan, reflecting Washington's continued interest in strategic manufacturing ties. Kim Doyeon, Arirang News.

[Weekly Focus] Will Donald Trump, Xi Jinping come to APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting? Is North Korea invited?

2025/07/26 12:35

This week, we're less than 100 days from the opening of the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting or AELM. To discuss which global figures may be attending and sensitive geopolitical developments unfolding behind the scenes, we're joined by our foreign affairs correspondent Oh Soo-young. Q1: First, the big headline — is North Korean leader Kim Jong Un really being invited to APEC? At this stage, no. But later, maybe. There's currently no formal effort to invite North Korea to the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting. The unification ministry told reporters Thursday that "there are no ongoing discussions on inviting Chairman Kim" Meanwhile, the foreign ministry put out a separate statement that "North Korea is not an APEC member and is not eligible in principle to attend." But it said "the host country can invite non-member states for informal dialogue." The Presidential Office also clarified that North Korea was not among formally invited countries --and an invitation would have to be considered by foreign policy and unification circles. It seems the idea is being explored behind the scenes. National Intelligence Service Director Lee Jong-seok reportedly briefed the President before he took office that APEC could serve as a potential platform for dialogue between the two Koreas, the U.S., and China. Unification Minister Chung Dong-young has expressed support for the idea. He said during his July 14 confirmation hearing that it would be "a historic opportunity." On Friday, the day of his inauguration, the minister went to the joint inter-Korean border area of Panmunjeom to examine the communication line. As Minister under the Roh Moo-hyun administration in 2005, Chung had previously pushed to invite Kim Jong Il to the Busan APEC Summit as an observer. Diplomatic insiders caution that the likelihood of Kim attending remains extremely low. "There is no precedent that North Korean leader to participate this multilateral mechanism or multilateral dialogue because North Korea they have a one man rule --which we call "suryeong" system. means the top leader according to the concept, is not supposed to mix with any other kind of any other leaders and should be top and not mingled with other common leaders." "In order to extend an invitation to the North, the inter-Korean liaison channels must be restored first. But that's not even the case. In my view, North Korea is still designated as a hostile state by two countries. So how could he suddenly attend under those circumstances? Also, considering that the war in Ukraine is still going on, the possibility of a Trump-Kim summit being held at Panmunjom or anywhere else around that area is not very high either." But never say never. A lot can happen in 3 months. Q2: What about other big names? Presidents Trump and Xi? Are they expected to attend? According to diplomatic sources I've spoken to, and those cited in other media, it seems Chinese leader Xi Jinping's unofficially looking to attend the AELM in Korea. This would mark his first trip to South Korea since 2014. With that, there's growing speculation in both Seoul and Washington that a Trump–Xi summit could be held on the sidelines in Gyeongju --which would mark their first in-person meeting since Trump's return to the White House. "it's not that easy to meet these two leaders before the APEC. So this could be a first time it would be the first time that these two great powers meet up and at the same time this multilateral setting is getting important in this kind of very unpredictable world." On the U.S. side, Donald Trump has not officially confirmed he will attend. But Seoul officials are preparing for his attendance, it seems. I'd imagine the Lee Administration sees both leaders attending as crucial to raising APEC's profile --and possibly laying groundwork for parallel discussions on Korean Peninsula issues, bilateral trade, and security in the Indo-Pacific. Q3: That leads to the broader significance of this year's APEC for South Korea. Yes. It is deeply symbolic. It comes after the months-long political turbulence in Korea surrounding now-impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol's brief martial law declaration in December last year. With the crisis behind us, hosting APEC gives the government a rare chance to reset its image on the global stage. South Korea has positioned the AELM as a revival of "K-democracy," and its role in promoting multilateralism. "Over the years, Korea has filled trust and meaningful contributions in the international community. Building on that, at the APEC Economy Leaders' Meeting, which is returning to Korea after 20 years will serve as a great opportunity for us to show that we've restored our K-Democracy and that Korea is back on track after the political challenges we faced last year The emblem and the smile of Shilla not only reflect our warmth and hospitality and openness with Korea's commitment in fulfilling our role as a responsible member of the international community." Q4: Finally, walk us through what to expect at this year's APEC? Under the theme of Building a Sustainable Tomorrow, leaders from 21 member economies will address emerging challenges for the region. Seoul is pushing to adopt related initiatives in the interest of future generations, from cooperation on AI and addressing demographic changes as a key initiative among many other global issues. Highlighting the need to quote "Connect, Innovate, and Prosper," Korea hope to see many deliverables emerge, including a standalone document alongside the Gyeongju Declaration at the leaders' meeting in late October. Thank you. With just under 100 days to go, it looks like APEC 2025 could shape not only South Korea's role on the world stage — but the wider balance of diplomacy in the region.

President Lee calls balanced regional growth "inevitable" for survival of nation

2025/07/25 22:36

President Lee Jae Myung held another town hall meeting today in the southeastern city of Busan. There, he addressed the need to achieve balanced regional growth in Korea, for which he vowed to speed up relocating the Oceans Ministry to the port city. Correspondent Yoon Jung-min reports. Achieving balanced regional growth is not an act of goodwill, but a must for the nation's survival. That was according to President Lee Jae Myung on Friday, as he highlighted his policy framework on related matters at a town hall meeting in the southeastern port city of Busan. "Everything's extremely concentrated in the capital area, which makes it chokingly overcrowded. Rural areas, on the contrary, are on the verge of extinction. For the Republic of Korea to continue to grow and develop, it has become an inevitable strategy for the survival of the nation." Part of those efforts was relocating the Oceans Ministry from Sejong to Busan, which had been one of Lee's key election campaign pledges, to make the port city a leading global maritime hub, completion of which is aimed at by the end of this year. "The relocation of the Oceans Ministry and related government institutions, well, it's been the talk of the town, but it is being implemented in as speedy a manner as possible." It's also tied to expanding Arctic shipping routes; the project aimed at leveraging maritime passages through the Arctic Ocean to shorten trade routes between Asia and Europe. For that, a road map was shared. "First, we will relocate the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries to Busan. Secondly, we will create a court specialized in maritime affairs. Thirdly, we will integrate competitive shipping conglomerates like HMM. And lastly, we will launch the Southeast Investment Bank." Present along with government officials were some 300 local citizens to pitch their own ideas. "There are four national universities in Busan, including Pusan National University. Through integration and cooperation, we should establish a world-class specialized university system." Friday's town hall meeting in the conservative stronghold of Busan was the third of its kind since Lee took office last month, following the ones in Daejeon and the liberal-leaning Gwangju. It was delayed by a week due to last week's rain damage in the country. It's widely seen as a move to bolster direct communication with the people. Yoon Jung-min, Arirang News.

Heat wave warning alert level raised to "serious"

2025/07/25 22:35

With the country grappling with an extreme heat wave, the heat wave alert for South Korea has been raised to its highest level. With temperatures today reaching 37 degrees Celsius in Seoul, the extreme heat is expected to persist through the weekend. Byeon Ye-young has more. The Ministry of the Interior and Safety announced on Friday that its national heat wave alert level has been raised to "serious," its highest level. The "serious" level is issued when over 40% of the country is expected to experience a daily maximum perceived temperature of 35 degrees Celsius or higher for more than three consecutive days. As of 10 AM on Friday, heat wave advisories were issued for 180 out of 183 designated regions nationwide. Level 1 of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters was also activated as of 2 PM, marking the initial stage of disaster responses. Temperatures across the nation rose to as high as 37°C, with the scorching heat forecast to persist through the weekend. Seoul is forecast to see highs of 38°C on Saturday, and 37°C on Sunday. According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency's heat-related illness monitoring system, a total of 1,979 people have been affected by heat-related illnesses so far since May 15, including 10 presumed deaths. The Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters has called for pan-government efforts to minimize damage from the extreme heat. The CDSCH ordered strengthened protection measures for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, farmers, and "shanty town" residents, as well as enhanced supervision to ensure heat illness prevention guidelines are followed at construction sites and crowded outdoor events. The authorities were also instructed to actively operate cooling shelters and heat-reducing facilities, and to thoroughly manage fire risks and electricity supply amid the surge in air conditioner use. The Korea Meteorological Administration has also urged the public to refrain from outdoor activities due to the high risk of heat-related illnesses. Byeon Ye-young, Arirang News.

Trump visits Fed ahead of FOMC meeting, amping up pressure to lower rates

2025/07/25 22:34

U.S. President Donald Trump amps up the pressure on Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell to make benchmark interest rate cuts ahead of the Fed's meeting next week this time in person by making a rare visit to the Federal Reserve. Our Moon Ji-young reports. U.S. President Donald Trump engaged in another subtle, tension-filled bout with Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, this time at a construction site. In a rare visit on Thursday to the Federal Reserve, less than a week before the FOMC meeting, Trump inspected what he calls the "costly" renovation of the central bank's buildings. "So we're taking a look, and it looks like it's about 3.1 billion. Went up a little bit or a lot. So the 2.7 is now 3.1." In response to Trump's cost allegations, the Fed leader noted that it appeared the president had included the cost of overhauling another central bank office in the current repair cost for two buildings. "No, it's been it was built five years ago. We finished Martin five years ago." This tense exchange unfolds amid the Trump administration's consistent criticisms of Chairman Powell's stewardship of the independent agency and its decision not to cut interest rates this year, a move strongly demanded by Trump. Trump reiterated his stance that the Fed's position on interest rates was hindering economic progress. He stated that: "Well, I'd love him to lower interest rates, but other than that, what can I tell you? The country's doing really well." After the visit, Trump said it was not necessary to fire Powell although he has previously raised the possibility of getting rid of the Fed leader. President Trump has explicitly called for the Federal Reserve to lower key rates by three percentage points. However, the U.S. central bank has held interest rates in the 4-point-2-5 percent to 4-point-5 percent range throughout the year, as it monitors the potential economic impact of tariffs. Presidential visits to the Federal Reserve are uncommon, with former President George W. Bush's visit in 2006 marking the last such occasion before this event. Moon Ji-young, Arirang News.

National interests first and mutually beneficial for U.S. tariff negotiations: Top office

2025/07/25 21:42

Amid concerns over a lack of visible progress in the tariff negotiations with the U.S., the top office gave a briefing regarding the progress so far. Negotiations are well underway, and various options are being considered. Our Kim Do-yeon has our top story. The Presidential Office says negotiations with the U.S., to reduce the announced tariffs, are underway, aiming for a mutually beneficial deal with national interests as the principle. On Friday, Presidential Chief of Policy Kim Yong-beom and National Security Advisor Wi Sung-lac gave a briefing following a high-level strategy meeting at the top office with Deputy Prime Minister for Finance Koo Yun-cheol and senior presidential officials. This also came as Korea's industry and trade ministers met with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick in Washington on Thursday local time. "The two sides reaffirmed the importance of cooperation in strategic manufacturing sectors, including shipbuilding and semiconductors. We agreed to further detail that cooperation and reaffirmed our commitment to achieving a mutually beneficial deal before the August 1st deadline." Negotiations are being pursued as a comprehensive package, spanning tariffs, investment, security, and government procurement, especially focusing on bilateral cooperation on chips, shipbuilding, and manufacturing industries. While concerns have been raised over a lack of visible progress, especially following the cancellation of a planned meeting between Deputy Prime Minister Koo and U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, as well as the National Security Advisor Wi not being able to meet his U.S. counterpart Marco Rubio in person during his trip to Washington. "There's been some talk of a breakdown in negotiations, but as you can see, discussions are ongoing across all fronts." Officials noted that Korea's negotiating team is stationed in Washington and maintaining close contact with U.S. officials, including Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Secretary Lutnick. Another round of meetings is scheduled for Friday, Washington time. Meanwhile, the Korean side is closely studying the recent U.S.-Japan deal — reportedly tied to a 550 billion dollar investment commitment — to better position itself in the ongoing negotiations. Seoul is also assessing what terms were actually agreed to, as much of the content remains undisclosed. Kim Do-yeon, Arirang News.

[Weather] Hottest day of the year with Seoul at 38 degrees tomorrow

2025/07/25 21:41

The momentum of the heat wave has become stronger. Except for Taebaek in Gangwon-do Province, heat wave warnings are in effect across the country. The daytime temperature in Seoul soared to a high of 37 degrees Celsius and it was the same in Jeonju. The peak of this summer heat is coming tomorrow. Tomorrow will be the hottest day of the year as the daytime temperature in Seoul rises to 38 degrees. There is a high possibility of heat-related illnesses so it's better to refrain from outdoor activities. If you're outside, you should drink plenty of water often. Tomorrow morning, Seoul will start off at 28 degrees, Busan at 26 degrees. Highs will reach 35 degrees in Chuncheon and Daegu, 31 degrees in Jeju. As there is an indirect effect of a typhoon, heavy rain and winds will hit Jeju Island this weekend. That's all for Korea. Here are the weather conditions around the world.

STOCK&FX

2025/07/25 21:40

KIDS SWEAT OFF HEAT IN WATER SEOUL, S. KOREA JULY 25, 2025 40TH NATIONAL FLOWER ROSE OF SHARON EXHIBITION BUSAN, S. KOREA JULY 25, 2025 BORYEONG MUD FESTIVAL BORYEONG, S. KOREA JULY 25, 2025

[Arts & Culture] Lost Joseon-era building returns home from Japan after nearly 100 years

2025/07/25 21:40

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? About a year ago, a lost Joseon-era building was returned home from Japan after about 100 years. This is "Gwanwoldang," which is believed to have been used as a Joseon royal shrine, has been returned. Around 5-thousand pieces have been revealed for the first time. Let's take a look. Roof tiles, wooden pillars, and planks all carefully wrapped one by one. A lost Joseon-era building that had been hidden behind a Japanese Buddha statue for nearly 100 years has finally come home, piece by piece with nearly 5,000 wooden parts. This building, called Gwanwoldang, is now being kept in the Traditional Architecture Elements Conservation Center in Paju, Gyeonggi-do Province. It is the first time that a full wooden Korean structure like this has been returned home. It used to be located at the very back of a famous Japanese temple called Kotoku-in in Kanagawa Prefecture. It is believed that in 1924, during the Japanese occupation of Korea, the building was given to a Japanese businessman by the Joseon Industrial Bank, and from there, it was moved to Japan. Later, the building was donated to the temple and used as a prayer room until it was first revealed in the 1990s by a Korean professor Kim Jeong-dong. Though Korea tried several times to bring it back, those efforts failed, until last year. However, thanks to the support and strong will of Takao Sato, the chief priest of the temple, the return was made possible ensuring the shrine could be preserved in its original home, Korea. Experts say the building may be related to royal architecture, based on the unique and colorful roof tile designs, including dragons and butterflies. "This feature has a striking appearance. It is usually found in palace buildings, and at Gwanwoldang, 10 pillar patterns like this were installed. This shows that Gwanwoldang is linked to royal architecture." "There are five known remaining, Joseon royal shrines. We think this one was also royal, but likely outside in a small palace near Gyeongbokgung. It's probably a prince's shrine, smaller than those for royal concubines." Park also noted that, even though the building stayed in Japan for a long time, there are clear signs that any attempts at restoration followed traditional Joseon architectural styles. "The roof tiles taken from Joseon were only the original ones installed at Gwanwoldang. So, if those tiles were damaged, they would have had made new ones in Japan. But they copied the original Joseon's designs exactly, even though the dragon pattern is very complex to produce." Administrator of Korea Heritage Service, Huh Min, also expressed a strong commitment to continue bringing back cultural heritage items that were taken out of the country. "Currently, about 247,000 national heritage items have been taken abroad. Of these, only about 5 percent have been returned by repatriation or donation. We are determined to recover all items that were stolen or illegally taken." Once research are complete, the plan is to restore Gwanwoldang by preserving its key parts and recreating the damaged sections using traditional methods as much as possible. Right, Soo-hyung. Then, what is the current stage of the research progress on Gwanwoldang? Actually, there's not much information about whether "Gwanwoldang" is even its real name, what it was used for, where it was located, or when it was built. Even in the process of it being taken abroad, it is believed that the Joseon Industrial Bank gave it to a Japanese businessman, but also, we still don't know how the bank came to possess it in the first place. Experts said since the building was made of wood, tree rings and carbon dating can reveal when the timber was cut and the structure was built, providing important clues about its age and possibly even about who owned it. I'm sure a lot of research will be needed. So, what are the restoration plans for Gwanwoldang? Fortunately, the damage is not severe, so many key parts can likely be preserved. KHS plans to restore Gwanwoldang to its original location after the investigation. However, if that site is already occupied, they are considering restoring it elsewhere, as they did with Ajaedang, now in Paju. Originally located at Unhyeongung in Seoul, Ajaedang was moved because the original site had been redeveloped. Most of its original materials were reused, with damaged parts restored using traditional methods. Gwanwoldang will be restored in a similar way. And Soo‑hyung, besides Gwanwoldang, what other cultural heritage items are being preserved at the conservation center? Currently, besides those awaiting restoration, some items are preserved under strict temperature and humidity controls between 65 percent and 80 percent. Around 3,500 burnt pillars, panels, and debris from Sungnyemun Gate, which was destroyed in a 2008 fire, are being stored. Also, peeled dancheong traditional decorative coloring and broken pillars from various buildings from Gyeongbokgung Palace are stored awaiting restoration. Soo-hyung, thanks for sharing your report. My pleasure.

Ahead of APEC 2025, Gyeongju Arts Center hosts Korean contemporary art exhibition

2025/07/25 21:37

With less than 100 days left till the 2025 APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, the host city, Gyeongju, is holding a set of cultural events that allow visitors to get to know the city through Korean modern and contemporary art. Our Ahn Sung-jin has this report. A collection of four of the greatest. Kim Whanki, Park Sookeun, Lee Jungseop, and Jang Ucchin are artists who represent Korean contemporary art, and works of all four can be seen together at Gyeongju Arts Center. In celebration of the 2025 APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting taking place in Gyeongju this fall, the exhibition, a collaboration between MMCA and Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power, puts the spotlight on Korean art. "These four leading figures of modern and contemporary art reflect the hardships of their era, as well as Korea's tradition and nature and show it into their own unique artistic styles." Kim Whanki is known as the pioneer of Korean abstract art through his notable pieces, including "Mountains." His signature style of all-over dot paintings is often seen on canvases filled with blue dots. Park Sookeun also had his own style in portraying human goodness with layers of oil paint, as seen with his painting "Under the Tree." And just like Park, who illustrated the hardships of ordinary people in post-war Korea, Lee Jungseop expressed his hardships and emotions, such as deep longing for his family, using silver foil paintings like in "Family." And like all other artists, Jang Ucchin also focused on the everyday aspects of life that are reflected on his canvases through simple yet clear depictions, as seen in "Village." "I got to see all the artists in one spot, and as someone who is interested in art, I had to see the artworks up close. Pieces from Artist Kim Whanki are not so easily seen, and to see the change throughout his work was moving." Through this special exhibition with all four artists, visitors can see the essence of Korean beauty, and the Gyeongju Foundation for Arts and Culture notes that more such events in accordance with the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting will take place to boost the city. "Holding such a large-scale exhibition means a lot. Not only will it contribute to the vitalization of regional culture and art, but by hosting these exhibitions outside of Seoul and the capital area allow local residents to explore these cultural events and boost their pride." This exhibition runs till October, so for those interested in exploring Korean contemporary and modern art, visit the historical city of Gyeongju. Ahn Sung-jin, Arirang News, Gyeongju.