News

Former first lady Kim and close associates questioned by special counsel team

2025/08/18 19:36

Former First Lady Kim Keon Hee faces a second session of intense interrogation by the special counsel on this Monday following her arrest last week on corruption charges. Our political correspondent Shin Ha-young has more. Former first lady Kim Keon Hee and close associates appeared at the special counsel's office on Monday. Kim's questioning, which began at 10 AM, comes as special counsel Min Joong-ki investigates corruption allegations against the former first lady, with Monday's session focusing on her alleged interference in candidate nominations during past elections and stock price manipulation. As in her previous questioning last Thursday, according to the team, Kim refused to answer most of the team's questions. It was Kim Keon Hee's second questioning since her arrest last week, after a court issued an arrest warrant with detention. Kim Ye-seong , who's often described as the "butler" of her family, also appeared at the office. It was his first session since being taken into custody on Friday on charges of embezzling 2-point-4 million U.S. dollars from IMS Mobility, a company in which he holds a stake. Prosecutors suspect he diverted part of the funds into another firm he effectively controlled. Investigators also examined whether the embezzled money or other profits were funneled to Kim Keon Hee's family. The same day, a shaman named Jeon Seong-bae was also questioned over allegations that he delivered requests for business favors, along with luxury gifts from the Unification Church, to the former first lady. Meanwhile, the Seoul Central District Court held a hearing on Monday on former President Yoon Suk Yeol's insurrection and abuse of power charges without him present, as he has refused to attend. Yoon has skipped all five hearings in the insurrection case since his rearrest, citing health problems. His representatives said he will attend "once his condition improves," but declined to provide details on his current health. Shin Ha-young, Arirang News.

U.S. widened scope of 50% steel, aluminum tariffs takes effect

2025/08/18 19:35

MEANWHILE the Trump administration expands its 50-percent tariffs on steel and aluminium to include a long list of new derivative products starting today that is August 18th. Our correspondent Moon Ji-young has details. The broadened tariff measures apply to products imported into the U.S., or released from bonded warehouses, starting Monday. These additional tariffs, initially announced last Friday by the Trump administration, primarily target the steel and aluminum content within these derivative products. Specifically, a 50 percent tariff will be levied only on the value attributable to the steel and aluminum components. The expansion follows requests from U.S. domestic industries in May, which were then solidified by the U.S. Department of Commerce after a period of stakeholder consultation in June. These measures fall under Section 232 of the U.S. Trade Expansion Act, citing national security as the rationale. However, Korea has strongly asserted that Korean products do not pose a threat to U.S. national security. Despite these appeals, the Commerce Department largely approved its domestic industry's claims, excluding only about 60 items already under other Section 232 measures or investigations. The burden on the Korean exports is bound to be heavy. "The 50 percent tariff hike will severely diminish the price competitiveness of Korean firms, likely shrinking their U.S. market share. With many previously untaxed derivative products now included, Korean firms face significant risks of losing existing clients, struggling to find new ones, and grappling with increased production costs and long-term contract issues with U.S. partners." Concerns are growing in Seoul, with the Trade Ministry on Monday stating that the U.S. could further expand its 50 percent tariff list for steel and aluminum derivative products. These additional items are expected as early as September, fueled by ongoing requests from U.S. industries. The Trade Ministry has pledged to significantly expand its support programs for SMEs affected by import regulations. This includes broadening consultation services for verifying steel and aluminum content and providing proof of origin, while also substantially reducing the financial contributions required from companies for these support services. Moon Ji-young. Arirang News.

President Lee urges to implement existing inter-Korean agreement in phases

2025/08/18 19:34

And President Lee Jae Myung has reaffirmed his administration's commitment to its people amid the start of defense drills this week also asserting that true security on the peninsula lies in promoting peace. Arirang's Yoon Jung-min reports from the Presidential Office. The state's top priority is to protect the lives and safety of the people. That's according to President Lee Jae Myung as he presided over a Cabinet meeting on the first day of the nationwide Ulchi exercise. "We need an integrated security capability against a complex crisis. Through the Ulchi exercise, I hope we closely examine our security posture and further develop our nation's overall crisis management capabilities." The four-day Ulchi civil defense drills, involving more than 580-thousand people at some 4-thousand public institutions, are designed to reinforce government readiness and run parallel to the South Korea-U.S. joint military exercises. This year's focus is on fending off new security threats, including drone and cyberattacks. At the same time, South Korea's Commander-in-Chief noted true security lies in safeguarding peace. "If small actions pile up like pebbles, mutual trust will be restored. This will broaden the path to peace and lay the foundation where the South and the North can grow together." For that, he instructed relevant ministries to prepare implementing existing inter-Korean agreements in phases, first starting with those possible to carry out. A reconciliatory message was evident in Lee's Liberation Day speech last Friday, where he vowed to gradually restore the 2018 military agreement. "The Ulchi exercise is designed to protect our people's lives and safety. It is defensive in nature and has no intention of attacking North Korea or raising tensions on the Korean Peninsula." On top of that, noting the popularity of the Netflix hit animation "KPop Demon Hunters," the President asked for comprehensive measures to support K-content going global, calling the power of culture a "new driving force" for national strength. Approved on Monday were more than a dozen bills, some of which were vetoed by Lee's predecessor, including the DP-led broadcasting bill revision aimed at changing the governance structures at public broadcasters and a grain bill that mandates government intervention on rice prices. Also on the discussion table was utilizing social media for government advertisements in the digital era, and the President mentioned the need to hold accountable any media that spreads disinformation. Yoon Jung-min, Arirang News.

EFFORTS TO PROMOTE PEACE AND STABILITY

2025/08/18 18:34

Hope your workweek is off to a good start. You're watching Press Perspective for this Monday August 18th here in Seoul. I'm Min Sunhee. President Lee Jae Myung has rejected unification on the Korean peninsula via absorption adding that South Korea respects North Korea's political system. We have more on his remarks BUT FIRST we touch upon the recent talks between U.S. President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in Alaska. For this I have Celio Fioretti with French daily La Croix here in the studio. Celio it's good to have you here. I also have Professor Ban Kil Joo at the Korea National Diplomatic Academy live on the line. Professor Ban welcome. Celio, let's begin with a recap of the press announcements given by Russia's Vladimir Putin and his U.S. counterpart Donald Trump in Alaska following their meeting in Alaska last Friday. Professor Ban, many pundits believe the summit was a diplomatic win for Putin and not so much so for Trump. What are your takeaways? Celio, what has been the response from Europe to the Alaska summit? Professor Ban, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is scheduled to sit down with Mr. Trump at the White House on this Monday. What might he be seeking to achieve and what might he be hoping to avoid? Celio, let's now turn our attention to an event that took place here in South Korea ALSO last Friday. President Lee Jae Myung was formally ushered into the top office on the same day that the country marked the 80th anniversary of liberation from Japanese colonial rule. First then, do walk us through the message shared by the president as Korea seeks a path forward from a painful chapter in its history. Professor Ban, President Lee Jae Myung is scheduled to make a summit visit to Japan this weekend AHEAD of a similar call to the U.S. Celio, with regard to North Korea, President Lee Jae Myung ruled out unification by absorption on the Korean peninsula. What exactly did he say, and what has been the broader response to his remarks? Professor Ban, again, do help us understand the broader implications of this stance by the Lee administration for peace and security on the Korean peninsula. All right.

K-wave AI News

2025/08/18 16:39

Hello and welcome to your AI guide to the latest cultural updates from Korea. Here's our top story. Ulju County Library in the southeastern city of Ulsan will host a month-long series of special events in September to celebrate the inscription of the Bangudae Petroglyphs as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The programs, organized under the themes of history, culture, and environment, will feature events such as hand crafts, petroglyph lectures, and performances showcasing Korean traditions. Eco-friendly upcycling programs will also be held to underscore the importance of environmental preservation. The Bangudae petroglyphs, which portray hunting scenes and animals believed to date back to prehistoric times, were added to the UNESCO list last month. Paju City in Gyeonggi-do Province will reopen the DMZ Peace Trail theme course from September 4. Divided into three routes, the theme course includes a rare walk along barbed-wire fences normally closed to the public, as well as visits to major DMZ attractions such as the Dora Observatory and the Third Infiltration Tunnel. The program was temporarily suspended in July for safety checks during the peak summer heat and monsoon season. Participation is limited to 20 people per session, with details available on the Peace Trail website, www.dmzwalk.com. Tourist arrivals at beaches on Korea's southern resort island of Jeju have already topped one million. According to Jeju Island, the milestone was reached on August 13, nine days earlier than last year, with a more than 20 percent increase in the number of visitors. Hamdeok Beach in Jeju City drew the largest crowds at nearly 506,000 visitors, followed by Hyeopjae and Geumneung beaches. Jeju officials attributed the surge to the early opening of beaches in response to unseasonably early heatwaves. That's all from me. Stay tuned to the Kulture Wave.

[K-Correspondent] Taekwondo culture in Hong Kong

2025/08/18 16:38

Taekwondo is known around the world, but in Hong Kong, the Korean martial art is more than just a sport its educational and cultural aspects are being valued more and more. How popular is Taekwondo in Hong Kong and how is the Korean martial art expanding its presence there? Let’s hear more from a special guest who is leading the way in spreading Taekwondo culture in Hong Kong. We are now connected with Taekwondo master No Rae, CEO of NRG Taekwondo Korea. Welcome Master No! Q1. First off, how popular is Taekwondo in Hong Kong right now? Q2. How big of an expansion have you seen in the number of Taekwondo practitioners, formal Taekwondo training halls, referred to as “dojang” and Taekwondo lessons or programs? Q3. Hong Kong is known for its education fever. So, in terms of the educational, or also social and cultural aspects, how is Taekwondo appealing to the Hong Kong people? Q4. Your “dojang” teaches Taekwondo for little children, teenagers and adults. Based on your experience in teaching classes for a wide range of age groups, what are the differences you see? (What are the different needs and what are the different responses you get?) Q5. How is Taekwondo reaching out to the Hong Kong public? I heard there are international competitions, cultural festivals and programs working with public institutions and schools? Q6. What do you think is needed for Taekwondo to continue to get plenty of love in Hong Kong? Are there any challenges that need to be overcome for the expansion of the martial art? A) Although Taekwondo has been around in many countries for some time, has the interest increased further due the growing popularity of the Korean wave? B) Any final words for our global viewers who might want to start learning Taekwondo? Thank you very much Master No, for connecting with us today and your role in spreading Korea's Taekwondo culture in Hong Kong. Thank you Walter, we'll see you back tomorrow.

[K-Enter] Kpop Demon Hunters’ ‘Golden’ first K-pop song to spend total of 2 weeks at no. 1 in UK

2025/08/18 16:37

Time for K-enter news with Walter Lee. Starting off with the latest news on Netflix's "Kpop Demon Hunters"! I feel like HUNTR/X is just a part of the K-pop girl group universe now. The "Kpop Demon Hunters" song "Golden" has climbed back to No. 1 on the UK Official Singles Chart. On Friday local time, the Official Charts reported that "Golden" rose one spot on the Top 100 Singles chart, knocking Chappell Roan's "The Subway" from the top position to reclaim the crown. This marks the first time in K-pop history that a song has reached No.1 on the UK Official Singles Chart for two non-consecutive weeks. Previously, Psy's "Gangnam Style" held the top spot for a single week back in 2012. We have also seen the song's impact in the U.S., since debuting at No. 8, the album has never fallen outside the Top 10 on the Billboard 200. Let's see how long the song will stay up, up, up for in the coming weeks! What no singing Walter? That was a one-time thing Soa. Alright, let's move away from one powerful girl group's achievement in the UK and U.S. charts, to a powerhouse girl group performing huge in the UK. On Friday and Saturday local time, BLACKPINK lit up the stage at one of London's most iconic venues, Wembley Stadium. This is a historic moment, as BLACKPINK are the first Korean girl group to headline a solo concert at Wembley, an arena that holds some of the UK's biggest concerts and sport events. BTS became the first K-pop act to perform there in June 2019. In addition on Monday, news about BLACKPINK's next album was revealed by YG Entertainment's executive producer Yang Hyun-suk where he discussed upcoming projects from YG artists set for the latter half of 2025. Yang officially confirmed BLACKPINK's new album is being worked on and is aiming for a release this November. Can't wait for that! Lastly we turn to a veteran singer receiving a touching award. Singer Insooni has been selected as the recipient of the "Woman of Influence Award" from Pearl S. Buck International. The organisation announced the honour on its official website, marking the first time in 25 years that a Korean has received the award. The last Korean to win it was the late Lee Hee ho , wife of former President Kim Dae jung , in 2000. Pearl S. Buck International introduced Insooni as a humanitarian and a strong advocate for young people of mixed-race and multicultural backgrounds. Born after the Korean War to a Korean mother and an African American father, Insooni was supported through Pearl S. Buck International's child sponsorship program. The organisation said, "She overcame racial discrimination, rose to success in the music industry, and became a celebrated figure in her homeland." Insooni will attend the award ceremony on August 21 local time in Pennsylvania, USA. Thanks for the news Walter. Now we move onto our AI anchor Ari for more on the culture front. Ari!

[Features reporter] A firsthand look at the Hangang Bus, Seoul’s newest river-based public transport

2025/08/18 16:35

When you think of getting around Seoul, cars, buses, and subways probably come to mind. But now, there’s another option , a ferry bus cruising along the Hangang River. I heard you hopped on board Hyobeen , right? Exactly. The Hangang Bus is set to make its official debut soon, and some residents have already had a chance to test it out including myself. Let's take a look. In a city driven by cars, buses, and subways, this one moves differently. No rails, no tires, just water. This is the Hangang Bus, Seoul’s new ferry-based public transport, designed to connect key spots along the Hangang River. "This ferry just left Apgujeong and is heading toward Yeouido. The view from here is stunning , you can see the river, bridges, tall buildings all in one frame." Ahead of its official launch in September, the city began offering early test rides for residents to experience the new service firsthand. As the ferry glides across the water, slicing through the breeze with the skyline in full view, smiles spread among passengers on board. "It was really fun riding the Hangang Bus. It made me feel happy." "It's very refreshing. I’d say the view is very good. Excellent." "I’ve been on ferries abroad, but seeing one as public transport in Seoul is amazing. The view is beautiful. It feels completely different being on the river instead of just looking at it." Step inside, and it feels far from your typical subway or bus. Panoramic windows and ceiling skylights flood the interior with natural light. Nearly 200 seats are paired with foldable tray tables, and there's even a café corner where passengers can grab a quick snack or drink. The ferry is scheduled to operate two main routes starting in September. The Hangang Bus operates a 75-minute one-way route linking seven stops from west to eastern Seoul, and returns along the same path. For faster travel, a 54-minute express route is also available. What's more, the ferry runs on a hybrid propulsion system, cutting carbon emissions, and it has passed all required safety tests and certifications. A one-way ticket costs 3,000 won or about 2 U.S. dollars for adults, with transfer discounts available through the city’s transit card system. Whether you’re commuting, sightseeing, or simply taking a break from the city’s rush, the Hangang Bus offers a moment to slow down and see Seoul from a whole new perspective. Hyo-been, you've actually been on board the Hangang Bus. What was it like? It was actually really refreshing. It was a completely different experience from taking the bus or subway. The best part was stepping out on the deck, feeling the breeze and capturing that iconic view. That really sounds like the coolest way to cross the city. But when it comes to public transport, accessibility is key. Was that taken into consideration? Yes, and that really stood out to me. The Hangang Bus has facilities for disabled people, like wheelchair seating, and restrooms for accessibility. So in that sense, the ferry really is for everyone. That's good to hear. You said the official launch was this September, right? Can you wrap up some key information so that we can keep things in mind? Sure. The Hangang Bus is expected to begin official services on September 18. It connects seven stops along the river, from Magok in the west of Seoul to Jamsil in the east. A one-way ticket costs 3,000 won, or about 2 U.S. dollars, and you can get transfer discounts with the city’s transit card. The city also confirmed that the system is preparing to work with short-term passes for foreign tourists, so stay tuned. And if you’re in Seoul next month, don’t miss the chance to enjoy the city from the river. Thank you Hyobeen for that exciting coverage today. I’ll definitely keep the Hangang Bus in mind for my next trip across the river. Same here. Can't wait to get on board! Thank you, it was my pleasure.

[NEWs GEN] Koreans on Korea: What people really think about their country

2025/08/18 15:33

[NEWs GEN] Koreans on Korea: What people really think about their country

Jeollanam-do Province seeks to become capital of AI, energy industries

2025/08/18 13:37

With the new government planning to promote artificial intelligence and energy sectors, South Korea's Jeollanam-do Province, home to related institutions is now seeking to create an industry-academic cooperation hub. Cha Yun-kyung reports. The Korea Institute of Energy Technology, or KENTECH, which is the first global university solely focused on energy and technology research, welcomed its first undergraduate and graduate students in 2022. KENTECH has five major energy research areas which are AI and energy, energy materials and devices, grid modernization, hydrogen energy, and environmental and climate technology. KENTECH launched a national energy research center last month to establish industry-academic cooperation, in order to help the energy industry utilize and capitalize on its R&D results. "We are studying models that can be designed by integrating power system operation, generation, transmission, and storage, which is at the highest level in Korea and, in my opinion, is not far behind the U.S. level." "Jeollanam-do Province's efforts are now perfectly aligned with the new government's policy direction, laying the groundwork to take a greater step forward. The province will lead in energy transformation, which is a common task for mankind." The government is expected to open a Climate and Energy Department in Jeollanam-do Province utilizing KEPCO and KENTECH, which can create industry-academic cooperation clusters. Cha Yun-kyung, Arirang News.

How "KPop Demon Hunters" character 'Duffy' comes to life through traditional Korean folk play

2025/08/18 13:36

In other news. As the Netflix animated film "KPop Demon Hunters" continues to gain popularity, Korean traditional culture has also been coming to light. Our Ahn Sung-jin tells us more. The dense blue fur shakes as the tiger stands on its feet. Its oversized mask, weathered yet alive, seems to breathe. This is saja chum or saja talchum, directly translated as the lion dance. It's a traditional Korean dance or folk play that portrays a lion to bring good fortune, but Yeonhee Connect Eul, a group of young performers have given it a twist to it, using a tiger instead. The tiger happens to resemble the character 'Duffy' from "KPop Demon Hunters," but the group say they began using it instead of a lion to combine elements of its fierceness, traditional Korean folk paintings and the symbol of the mythical Seoul 'Haetae' creature with its team color blue. "The fact that this piece reminded some of "KPop Demon Hunters" suggests that we successfully conveyed a universal narrative combining traditional themes and immersive media." Through performances like this, the group works on bringing traditional folk performance arts back to life. It often performs a type of Korean percussion music known as samulnori. But rather than merely replicating the tradition, it instead adds digital projections or modern media like DJing. "We aim to continue building on the foundation of traditional Korean performance arts while incorporating modern aspects through contemporary storytelling, media art and choreography to create entirely new stage experiences. For them it's not about reproducing the past but creating works that breathe with the present. Ahn Sung-jin, Arirang News.

[On-point] S. Korea, U.S. kick off joint military exercise --How will North Korea respond?

2025/08/18 13:35

As we just heard, the joint military exercise between South Korea and the U.S. has now kicked off. For more on this, we're joined by Professor Park Won-gon, Professor of North Korea studies at Ewha Womans University. Professor Park, thanks for joining us this morning. Half of the drills have been postponed to next month, but North Korea is continuing to take a hardline stance against Seoul and Washington. How might the North respond to the joint exercise, and what measures should South Korea take to improve inter-Korean relations? South Korea took down propaganda loudspeakers near the border, but the North rejected the conciliatory gesture. Do you think this move had any effect? In his Liberation Day address, President Lee said he hoped North Korea would return to the negotiating table. Will Lee's summit with Trump in Washington next week open the door for talks? Instead of showing signs of returning to talks, North Korea seems to be strengthening relations with Russia, right? Alright, Professor Park. Thank you so much for your insight today. We appreciate it.

Ex-first lady, associate to appear for special counsel questioning Monday

2025/08/18 13:35

Former first lady Kim Keon Hee and a close associate are scheduled to face questioning by a special counsel team today. The session, which began at 10 AM, comes as special counsel Min Joong-ki investigates corruption allegations surrounding the former first lady, including ties to Kim Ye-seong, who's often described as the "butler" of her family. It will be the former first lady's second interrogation since her arrest last Tuesday, and the first for Kim Ye-seong, who was taken into custody Friday on charges of embezzling two-point-four million U.S. dollars from IMS Mobility, a company in which he holds a stake. Prosecutors suspect he diverted part of the funds into another firm he effectively controlled. The inquiry is also examining whether the embezzled money or other profits were funneled to Kim Keon Hee's family. Both she and Kim Ye-seong have denied the allegations.

Trump promises 'big progress on Russia,' will meet with Zelenskyy

2025/08/18 13:34

Over in Washington. U.S. President Donald Trump has promised "big progress on Russia," despite failing to achieve any peace deal in his recent meeting with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Trump is also set to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, with European and NATO leaders vowing to stand with the Ukrainian leader, in Washington on Monday. Lee Seung-jae has more. U.S. President Donald Trump, in a social media post on Sunday, promised "BIG PROGRESS ON RUSSIA." However, he did not provide any details on what progress has been made, since the no-deal after his summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin last Friday in Alaska. According to sources cited by Reuters, Washington and Moscow have floated proposals under which Russia would give up small pockets of occupied Ukrainian territory in exchange for Kyiv ceding fortified land in the east and freezing front lines elsewhere. But most importantly for Kyiv, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio says a security guarantee is something Washington will continue to push for, for Ukraine. "In the meantime, the one thing we do know that Ukraine has said repeatedly and publicly talked about is security guarantees. That's a very reasonable request. That's something we're working on and that's something the Russian side has to understand." Washington has also discussed the possibility of a defense pact, as Trump's envoy to Russia Steve Witkoff told Fox News on Sunday, that the U.S. and its European partners could offer Ukraine NATO-style security guarantees outside the alliance framework as part of a settlement. "It means that the United States is potentially prepared to be able to give Article 5 security guarantees, but not from NATO, directly from the United States and other European countries. That is big. I mean, really big." Meanwhile, European and NATO leaders announced they will stand with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Washington on Monday, presenting a united front as Trump pursues peace talks with Russia. Leaders from Britain, France, Germany, Italy and Finland are joining Zelenskyy after his exclusion from Trump's summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin last Friday. Their show of support comes after a tense Oval Office meeting in February, when Trump clashed with Zelenskyy in a heated exchange. Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.

South Korea–U.S. joint military exercise "Ulchi Freedom Shield" begins today

2025/08/18 12:36

South Korea and the United States launched their annual summertime military exercise the Ulchi Freedom Shield today, aimed at strengthening their defense against evolving security threats. While Pyongyang has denounced the drills, Seoul is also preparing for a nationwide civil defense drill later this week. Byeon Ye-young starts us off. The annual Ulchi Freedom Shield joint military exercise between South Korea and the United States begins today. The combined drills, aimed at defending the Korean Peninsula in the event of a contingency, will run through the 28th. "This is a defensive exercise conducted annually, and this year's scenarios incorporate realistic threats, including those analyzed from recent wartime situations." The exercise has also been strengthened to prepare for new security challenges, such as drone, GPS, and cyber attacks, as well as advanced weapons powered by cutting-edge technology. "The planning for Ulchi Freedom Shield, the virtual and live training, is done, in coordination agreements between the ROK and the U.S. What's important to remember is the quality of training that will occur " Around 18,000 South Korean troops are taking part, about the same as last year, along with a similar number of U.S. troops. About half of the 40 planned field training exercises have been postponed to next month, with the ongoing heat waves cited as a reason for the adjustment. While Pyongyang dismissed the drills, concerns remain that it may use the UFS as a pretext for provocations. In a statement last Thursday, Kim Yo-jong, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, called the joint drills "worthless and futile." Meanwhile, a 20-minute nationwide civil defense drill will take place on Wednesday at 2 PM (KST). The drill will involve air raid evacuation training and exercises to clear the way for fire trucks, ambulances and other rescue vehicles. Byeon Ye-young, Arirang News.

[Weather] Rain in Gyeonggi-do, Gangwon-do provinces, heatwave intensifies

2025/08/18 12:35

Those of us in the capital and surrounding areas need to have an umbrella handy today. It could rain down heavily in northern Gyeonggi-do and northern Gangwon-do with up to 80 millimeters in the forecast while Seoul and southern Gyeonggi-do Province are looking at 5 to 40 millimeters. The southern regions will have mostly clear skies but sudden showers are possible this afternoon in Gwangju and the Jeolla-do provinces. Heatwave advisories have been expanded and intensified nationwide. Heatwave warnings have been issued for the east coast of Gangwon-do, the southern regions, and Jeju Island. Jeju, Daegu and Gwangju will make it to 33 degrees, Seoul rises to 31 degrees Celsius this afternoon. However, it will feel even hotter with that high humidity. Looking ahead, rain will be frequent in the capital area and Gangwon-do Province through the middle of the week. Meanwhile, the heatwave and tropical nights will continue to stay with us.

Actor Terence Stamp, who starred as Superman villain, dies aged 87

2025/08/18 12:34

British Actor Terence Stamp, who played the role of villain General Zod in the original Superman films, died on Sunday aged 87. Throughout his six-decade career, Stamp earned an Oscar nomination in 1963 for his first film, "Billy Budd", and delivered standout performances, including "The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert", in which he portrayed a transgender woman. Stamp's final screen appearance was in "Last Night in Soho" in 2021. His family stated, "He leaves behind an extraordinary body of work, both as an actor and as a writer, that will continue to touch and inspire people for years to come."

Air Canada flight attendants continue strike despite return-to-work order

2025/08/18 12:34

Air Canada cabin crew have defied a government-mandated return-to-work order and are continuing their strike. This comes despite a binding arbitration directive issued by the Canada Industrial Relations Board, which requires more than 10,000 flight attendants to resume their duties by 2 PM on Sunday. Now entering its third day, the strike has grounded 700 flights daily, affecting travel for up to 130,000 passengers each day. Leaders of the Canadian Union of Public Employees have condemned the order as "unconstitutional" and are demanding a fair contract that includes compensation for unpaid ground duties.

Flash floods kill more than 300 in Pakistan

2025/08/18 12:34

In Pakistan's northwestern Khyber Pakh-tun-khwa province, flash floods and landslides have killed more than 300 people, with over 200 still missing. According to Pakistan's National Disaster Management Authority, by Sunday morning, the death toll had risen to at least 337 people, with most killed in flash floods. In Buner District, a three-and-a-half-hour drive from the capital Islamabad, 207 people died after the area saw more than 150 millimeters of rain in just one hour on Friday. Rescue efforts are underway, but heavy rainfall is forecast to continue until August 21. While the region typically experiences monsoon rains between June and September, scientists say that climate change is intensifying and increasing the frequency of flash floods and landslides.

Huge protests in Israel calling for hostage deal and end to Gaza war

2025/08/18 12:33

Let's begin in the Middle East. Large crowds have gathered in Israel calling for an end to the Gaza war. Tell us more. That's right. Tel Aviv's Hostage Square was filled with hundreds of thousands of people on Sunday demanding an end to the Gaza war and a deal to bring home the remaining hostages. On the same day, a nationwide strike swept the country, bringing much of Israel to a standstill. In one of the largest protests since the conflict began, approximately 500,000 people reportedly participated in the Tel Aviv demonstration alone, with other protests around Israel bringing the nationwide total to an estimated one million people. The protests were organized by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, and included a one-day national strike on Sunday morning. This strike involved blocking roads and halting work nationwide. Israeli police made dozens of arrests during the day. The protests coincided with the Israeli military's finalization of plans for a major ground operation aimed at capturing Gaza City. Despite the growing public pressure, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized the protests and defended the ongoing military offensive.