News

PPP’s Kim courts loyal base after impeachment fallout and presidential nomination turmoil

2025/05/14 10:00

The conservative party candidate Kim Moon-soo was also in the southeast, courting the party's loyal base after the impeachment fallout and the recent presidential nomination turmoil. Our correspondent Kim Do-yeon files this report from Busan. People Power Party candidate Kim Moon-soo spent a second straight day campaigning in the Gyeongsang-do region Tuesday — pledging to revive an area that's seen a clear population decline. He wrapped up the day's events at a local market in Busan — the nation's second-largest city — promising more jobs and better infrastructure. "If I become the president, I will build an express train system here and make the surrounding cities all within 30 minutes of each other. Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongsangnam-do Province will become one giant -and the best -global city that can be on par with the capital." "While cities like Busan here are traditionally viewed as a conservative stronghold, Kim enters the race at a disadvantage an impeachment of its former president, and the turmoil between Kim and the leadership over his candidacy. That's likely why he started his first extended stay in this region, to solidify the supporter base." Before Busan he was also in the neighboring city of Ulsan, a major industrial city as well. For this city, he pledged a multi-cultural complex. "The city has requested a large-scale cultural complex, estimated to cost around 500 billion won. If I'm elected president, I'll make sure it doesn't take long. I'll allocate a special budget of that amount to Ulsan as soon as I take office." But Kim's visit to the southeast doesn't end there. On Wednesday, he's expected to campaign in smaller cities like Jinju and Sacheon, continuing efforts to shore up support. At the same time, how to deal with issues regarding former president Yoon Suk Yeol and his martial law declaration continues to cast a shadow over the campaign. In a televised interview Monday, Kim offered his first public apology for the incident and its aftermath to the nation. The apology also gave attention to calls from some to expel Yoon from the party. Kim responded to this on Tuesday morning, saying whether the president leaves the party or not is up to him. It's not right for the party to decide that for him. With some party loyalists still backing Yoon, Kim must walk a fine line — keeping the base intact while reaching out to undecided voters, many of whom remain critical of the martial law attempt. Kim Do-yeon, Arirang News, Busan.

DP’s Lee Jae-myung visits southeast, focuses on national unity and balanced regional growth

2025/05/14 10:00

We're exactly 20 days away from the snap presidential election. Candidates are traveling across the country to woo voters, and the three main runners all made it down to the southeastern part of the country on Tuesday. Let's start with Democratic Party candidate Lee Jae-myung. Our Shin Ha-young followed the trail. National unity was a key topic that Democratic Party presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung shared during his second day of campaigning for the presidency. Lee kicked off Tuesday in Gumi, the birthplace of former conservative President Park Chung-hee known both for his autocratic rule and having led the country's rapid economic development. Lee's visit to Gumi was part of his campaign through regions known as traditional conservative strongholds, including Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, 경상북도, Daegu and Ulsan. The DP said Lee's visit to this key industrial area shows how strong his intention is to bring the country together and promote balanced regional growth. Lee laid out his vision to make Gumi a key engine driving South Korea's economy. He also acknowledged Park's contributions to the country's industrialization and promised to be a capable leader. Lee said the country's future matters more than political sides or ideology. "What matters most is people's everyday lives not left or right, red or blue, or where you're from. It doesn't matter if a policy came from Park Chung-hee or Kim Dae-jung. If it works, we use it. If not, we don't. Ideology isn't as important as the lives of our people and the future of this country." In the afternoon, Lee visited Pohang, the nation's traditional powerhouse for steel, seeking voter's support. "During his speech, Lee Jae-myung urged people to come together to overcome the hardships that followed the declaration of martial law. He also emphasized national unity regardless of political affiliation." Lee wrapped up his Tuesday campaign in Ulsan, where he focused on strategies for industrial growth and supply chain restructuring. Shin Ha-young, Arirang News, Pohang.

S. Korea adds jobs for 4th straight month in Apr. but losses in manufacturing, construction continue

2025/05/14 10:00

South Korea's job market continued to grow, with on-year employment figures up by six figures for a fourth consecutive month in April. Data from Statistics Korea on Wednesday showed that the number of employed people aged 15 or older stood at 28-point-9 million last month, up 194-thousand from a year earlier. This marks a gain in the 100-thousand range for the fourth straight month starting January, led by job additions in health and welfare as well as scientific and technical services. But the manufacturing sector continued to face headwinds, showing the biggest drop since February 2019 while construction employment extended a year-long decline.

Zelenskyy, U.S. special envoy headed to Türkiye for talks

2025/05/14 10:00

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and special envoys from the U.S. are headed to Türkiye for peace talks with Russia. However, the Kremlin remains silent on whether President Vladimir Putin will be taking part in the talks himself. Lee Seung-jae has more. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy left for Ankara on Tuesday, in the hopes of getting a ceasefire agreement with Moscow. However the Ukrainian president said that he would be going to Istanbul, where Thursday's talks will be held,.. if Russian President Vladimir Putin attends the talks himself,.. as he called on the Russian leader to come to the negotiation talks. "We will wait for the meeting with Putin in Türkiye, If Putin is ready to meet, not only for media purposes but in real life, then on the level of leaders, we will do everything to agree on a ceasefire because I must reach a deal about a ceasefire with him, because he is the only person to decide." Over on the U.S. side, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will be headed to Istanbul, along with the U.S. Special Envoys for the Middle East and Ukraine, Steve Witkoff and Keith Kellogg. The U.S. officials will look to broker a ceasefire deal, hoping Moscow will agree to a comprehensive 30-day ceasefire agreement. According to Washington, Kyiv has already agreed to such a deal. While Russian officials will be taking part in the negotiation talks in Istanbul, the Kremlin has remained silent on who's going to represent their side at the talks. According to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, Russia is continuing its preparations for the upcoming talks, but remained tight-lipped on whether its leader will be traveling to Türkiye, as well. The U.S., Russia and Ukraine will meet in Istanbul on Thursday to discuss a ceasefire for the over-three-year-long war. Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.

Trump lifts sanctions on Syria, warns Iran of nuclear weapons but signals openness to deals

2025/05/14 10:00

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced the removal of all U.S. sanctions on Syria during his state visit to Saudi Arabia. He also expressed willingness to strike a deal with Iran there, while warning Tehran against its pursuit of nuclear weapons. Our Park Kun-woo reports. The more than a decade-long U.S. sanctions on Syria to pressure the country's former dictatorship are set to be lifted. That was announced by U.S. President Donald Trump in a speech made at an investment forum held in Riyadh during his four-day visit to the Gulf, Trump's first international trip since his return to the Oval Office. "I will be ordering the cessation of sanctions against Syria in order to give them a chance at greatness." Trump said he made the move at the request of Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, while saying U.S. measures against Syria had now fulfilled their purpose. Syria had been urging the U.S. to lift sanctions since last December, following the ousting of its former dictator. Syria's Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani called Trump's decision a "pivotal turning point" as Syria enters a phase of "reconstruction" after years of war. Trump is expected to meet with Syria's interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa on Wednesday, while U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will hold talks with Syria's Foreign Minister in Türkiye later this week. On Tuesday, Trump called Iran the "most destructive force" in the Middle East, vowing it would never be allowed to have nuclear weapons. Trump also said he remains open to diplomacy with Tehran, saying he is not just condemning Iran's previous choices. "I want to make a deal with Iran. But if Iran's leadership rejects this olive branch and continues to attack their neighbors, then we will have no choice but to inflict massive maximum pressure, drive Iranian oil exports to zero, like I did before." Also on Tuesday at the U.S.-Saudi investment forum, Saudi Arabia announced an investment of 600 billion U.S. dollars in the United States. The agreement includes an arms deal -worth nearly 142 billion dollars -which the White House called the "largest defense cooperation deal Washington has ever done" as well as other technology partnerships. Park Kun-woo, Arirang News.

Italy's La Scala names Korean conductor Chung Myung-whun as Music Director

2025/05/13 20:00

Staying in Europe. Korean conductor Chung Myung-whun will take the podium of the renowned Italian opera house La Scala next year to become its first Asian musical director in history. Byeon Ye-young covers this upcoming event. On Monday, Italy's world-renowned opera house, Teatro alla Scala, announced on its official website the appointment of a new Music Director. According to reports, 72-year-old Korean conductor Chung Myung-whun was unanimously chosen for the role by the opera house's board of directors in a meeting on the same day. Inaugurated in 1778, this is the first time in La Scala's 247-year history that an Asian person will hold the position. Chung will also be just the second non-Italian to take up the role. "This isn't just about being appointed as a music director of an opera house — first and foremost, it marks a personal milestone for the 72-year-old Chung Myung-whun the peak of his career. Secondly, as the first Asian music director of La Scala, it elevates the global status of Asian, and especially Korean, classical music. It's something that can inspire and give hope to the next generation of Korean conductors." Chung's musical journey began as a pianist, but he stepped onto the conductor's podium in 1978, when he was named Associate Conductor of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. In the 1980s, he entered the European scene, serving as Music Director of Germany's Saarbrücken Radio Symphony Orchestra and later of the Paris Opera. Chung's ties to La Scala run deep. Since 1989, Chung has led nine opera productions across 84 performances and conducted 141 concerts at La Scala, which is more than any other conductor who did not hold the title of Music Director. According to AP News, the opera house praised his "close and productive" relationship with its orchestra, choir, and philharmonic, stating that no other non-director has contributed more to enhancing La Scala's global reputation. Chung will succeed Riccardo Chailly, with his official term beginning late next year and running through early 2030. Byeon Ye-young, Arirang News.

Pope Leo XIV emphasizes peace and responsible communication in his first press conference

2025/05/13 20:00

At the Vatican. Pope Leo XIV engaged with the media for the first time as pontiff, addressing freedom of the press as well as the role of the media to promote peace. Park Hyo-been covers his comments. Amid thunderous applause, Pope Leo XIV, the 267th pontiff, made his entrance. "Buongiorno, and good morning." He started his first press conference at the Vatican on Monday with a light-hearted joke. "They say when they clap at the beginning, it doesn't matter much. If you're still awake at the end and you still want to applaud, thank you very much." In his address to more than 1,000 journalists from around the world, the Pope emphasized the way the media communicates is key to promoting peace. "We must say 'no' to the war of words and images, we must reject the paradigm of war." He warned against using language that fuels hatred, and emphasized the need to amplify the voices of those who cannot speak for themselves. "Let us disarm words. Disarming words will help disarm the world." He also called for the release of imprisoned journalists, underscoring the importance of press freedom. Pope Leo addressed the rise of artificial intelligence, urging its responsible and ethical use for the benefit of all humanity. "I am thinking in particular of artificial intelligence, with its immense potential, which nevertheless requires responsibility and discernment in order to ensure that it can be used for the good of all, so that it can benefit all of humanity." After speaking for about ten minutes, Pope Leo stepped down from the podium to personally greet and engage with journalists. Following his call for an end to the wars in Ukraine and Gaza last Sunday, Pope Leo has made 'peace' a central theme of the start of his papacy. Park Hyo-been, Arirang News.

Israeli-U.S. hostage released by Hamas after more than 19 months

2025/05/13 20:00

In the Middle East. The last surviving American hostage was set free by Hamas, just one day ahead of Trump's diplomatic tour to the region. This comes as Israel continues ramping up its military actions in Gaza. Choi Chi-hee has the latest. On Monday, local time, Edan Alexander, a 21-year-old Israeli-American from New Jersey, was released by Hamas. He had been captured during the October 7, 2023, attacks, while serving in the Israeli military. The announcement of the decision was made on Sunday night by Hamas, after holding days of talks with the United States. Israel had been bypassed during the negotiations. Alexander's release is the first since the resumed military operations by Israel, ending a previous ceasefire. The handover occurred in Khan Yunis, southern Gaza, where Alexander was transferred to the Red Cross before being handed over. Arriving at an Israeli military base, he reunited with his family. "How strong you are, I love you so much Edan, we were so worried." President Donald Trump praised the decision, which comes a day before he visits the Middle East on Tuesday, with scheduled stops in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, as a step toward peace. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the occasion "a very emotional moment," and credited the release to Israel's military pressure and political influence from the U.S. He reaffirmed his commitment to securing the release of the remaining hostages with plans to continue intensifying military actions in Gaza. Following Alexander's release, still in captivity in Gaza are 58 other hostages, and at least 20 of them are believed to be alive. Alexander was the last U.S. citizen held by Hamas thought to be still alive. Choi Chi-hee, Arirang News.

Trump says he could join Russia, Ukraine ceasefire talks

2025/05/13 20:00

Ceasefire talks are set to begin between Russia and Ukraine later this week in Türkiye. And the American leader may join the much-anticipated meeting. Park Kun-woo has more. As Russia and Ukraine gear up for their upcoming ceasefire negotiations in Istanbul later this week, U.S. President Donald Trump said he might travel to Turkiye, as well. Speaking to reporters at the White House on Monday, Trump raised the prospects of taking part in the talks, in the hope of putting an end to the killing on the battlefields. "I was thinking about flying over. I don't know where I'm going to be on Thursday. I've got so many meetings. But I was thinking about actually flying over there. There's a possibility of it, I guess, if I think things can happen. But we've got to get it done. We've got to save 5,000 lives a week. 5,000 lives -it's really more than that. It's worse than that." President Trump will be visiting Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar this week. Amid prospects of Trump taking part in the talks in Istanbul, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Monday that he wanted the U.S president to join the peace talks. In a post on X, Zelenskyy said that everyone in Ukraine wants President Trump to take part in the peace talks in Turkiye, calling it a "good idea." However, the Kremlin remained silent about whether Russian President Vladimir Putin would take part in the talks this week. Park Kun-woo, Arirang News.

Trump says China will "fully" open its markets to U.S. firms, hints at call with Xi

2025/05/13 20:00

U.S. President Donald Trump has hailed recent tariffs talks with China, claiming that Beijing will fully open its market to American businesses. In the meantime, stock markets were the first to respond to a major rollback on tariffs. Lee Soo-jin has the details. President Donald Trump on Monday hailed the temporary de-escalation of trade tensions with China as a 'total reset' that will open China's market to American companies. "In addition, yesterday we achieved a total reset with China after productive talks in Geneva. And they've agreed to open China, fully open China. And, I think it's going to be fantastic for China. I think it's going to be fantastic for us." He also told reporters in the Oval Office that he may speak to Chinese President Xi Jinping later this week. The U.S. and China reached a trade agreement that slashes U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods to 30 percent from 1-hundred-45 percent, and lowers Chinese tariffs on U.S. imports to 10 percent from 1-hundred-25 percent, a decision that cuts tariffs from both nations by 1-hundred-15 percentage points. But sector-specific tariffs on automobiles, automobiles, aluminum, and steel are still in place, and China will be subject to the tariffs on pharmaceuticals that Trump previously said would arrive "shortly." The agreement followed two days of discussions held in Switzerland between senior-level officials from both nations. "Neither side wants a decoupling. We do want trade, we want more balanced trade and I think that both sides are committed to achieving that." "The two sides held in-depth exchanges on trade and economic issues of their respective concern. The atmosphere of the meeting was candid, in-depth and constructive." The deal,. which will be in place by May 14, will be effective for 90 days and sets up a framework for further talks between the two countries. U.S. stocks responded positively to the news, with the Dow Jones surging to close at 2-point-81 percent, the S&P 500 closed nearly 3-point-3 percent up, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq closed 4-point-35 percent compared to the previous trading day. This comes as investors reacted favorably to the unexpected progress in talks between the U.S. and China, sparking a rally in major tech stocks such as Nvidia, Nvidia, Amazon, and Meta. Companies like Best Buy and Dell Technologies, which rely heavily on Chinese manufacturing, also saw strong gains. Lee Soo-jin, Arirang News.

Icheon warehouse fire under control after 6 hours, no fatalities reported

2025/05/13 20:00

In other news. A massive fire broke out this morning at a logistics warehouse in Icheon city, Gyeonggi-do Province, and was brought under control by 4 PM. Authorities say the blaze, which started on the third floor, did not spread to lower levels. No injuries or fatalities have been reported, and all 178 people inside the building were evacuated. The 80-thousand square meter warehouse stored various items, including paper products and lithium-ion batteries, which made firefighting efforts more challenging. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Reform Party candidate declares himself 'future of Daegu City,' appealing to conservative voters

2025/05/13 20:00

Staying on the campaign trail. Reform Party candidate Lee Jun-seok was at the conservative stronghold of Daegu. Starting with a rally in the city's commercial center, Lee then sat down for lunch with students at a university cafeteria before heading for talks with medical professionals. The 40-year-old candidate declared himself the future of Daegu, emphasizing his youth and intentions to interact directly with all those involved. He also found fault with the conservative party presidential hopeful for failing to oust the impeached former president from the party. Similarly, he accused the liberal party candidate of abusing legislative power to attack the former administration while inciting political division.

PPP’s Kim courts loyal base after impeachment fallout and presidential nomination turmoil

2025/05/13 20:00

The conservative camp's candidate Kim Moon-soo was also in the southeast, continuing his rally there for the second day. This as he apparently walks on a tightrope as former President Yoon Suk Yeol and his martial law continue to cast a shadow over the campaign. Our correspondent Kim Do-yeon explains. People Power Party candidate Kim Moon-soo spent a second straight day campaigning in the Gyeongsang-do region Tuesday — pledging to revive an area that's seen a clear population decline. He wrapped up the day's events at a local market in Busan — the nation's second-largest city — promising more jobs and better infrastructure. "If I become the president, I will build an express train system here and make the surrounding cities all within 30 minutes of each other. Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongsangnam-do Province will become one giant -and the best -global city that can be on par with the capital." "While cities like Busan here are traditionally viewed as a conservative stronghold, Kim enters the race at a disadvantage an impeachment of its former president, and the turmoil between Kim and the leadership over his candidacy. That's likely why he started his first extended stay in this region, to solidify the supporter base." Before Busan he was also in the neighboring city of Ulsan, a major industrial city as well. For this city, he pledged a multi-cultural complex. "The city has requested a large-scale cultural complex, estimated to cost around 500 billion won. If I'm elected president, I'll make sure it doesn't take long. I'll allocate a special budget of that amount to Ulsan as soon as I take office." But Kim's visit to the southeast doesn't end there. On Wednesday, he's expected to campaign in smaller cities like Jinju and Sacheon, continuing efforts to shore up support. At the same time, how to deal with issues regarding former president Yoon Suk Yeol and his martial law declaration continues to cast a shadow over the campaign. In a televised interview Monday, Kim offered his first public apology for the incident and its aftermath to the nation. The apology also gave attention to calls from some to expel Yoon from the party. Kim responded to this on Tuesday morning, saying whether the president leaves the party or not is up to him. It's not right for the party to decide that for him. With some party loyalists still backing Yoon, Kim must walk a fine line — keeping the base intact while reaching out to undecided voters, 많은 who remain critical of the martial law attempt. Kim Do-yeon, Arirang News, Busan.

DP’s Lee Jae-myung visits southeast, focuses on national unity and balanced regional growth

2025/05/13 20:00

Thank you for joining us. I'm Yoon Jung-min. We are now counting down precisely three weeks to the June 3rd presidential election. The liberal camp's candidate Lee Jae-myung traveled to the conservative-leaning southeastern part of the country, saying what matters is people's everyday lives, rather than ideologies. Our correspondent Shin Ha-young reports. National unity was a key topic that Democratic Party presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung shared during his second day of campaigning for the presidency. Lee kicked off Tuesday in Gumi, the birthplace of former conservative President Park Chung-hee known both for his autocratic rule and having led the country's rapid economic development. Lee's visit to Gumi was part of his campaign through regions known as traditional conservative strongholds, including Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, 경상북도, Daegu and Ulsan. The DP said Lee's visit to this key industrial area shows how strong his intention is to bring the country together and promote balanced regional growth. Lee laid out his vision to make Gumi a key engine driving South Korea's economy. He also acknowledged Park's contributions to the country's industrialization and promised to be a capable leader. Lee said the country's future matters more than political sides or ideology. "What matters most is people's everyday lives not left or right, red or blue, or where you're from. It doesn't matter if a policy came from Park Chung-hee or Kim Dae-jung. If it works, we use it. If not, we don't. Ideology isn't as important as the lives of our people and the future of this country." In the afternoon, Lee visited Pohang, the nation's traditional powerhouse for steel, seeking voter's support. "During his speech, Lee Jae-myung urged people to come together to overcome the hardships that followed the declaration of martial law. He also emphasized national unity regardless of political affiliation." Lee wrapped up his Tuesday campaign in Ulsan, where he focused on strategies for industrial growth and supply chain restructuring. Shin Ha-young, Arirang News, Pohang.

[Weather] More taste of an early summer heat under strong sunlight

2025/05/13 20:00

Many places had a real taste of early summer heat today. Temperatures in the capital will go up even higher tomorrow, hovering way above the norms, feeling more typical of June! And how about the sunshine? It was hard to walk around without sun protective items. Intense sunlight continues nationwide. We hope you managed to stay cool and you protected yourselves from that strong sun. The morning starts off similar to slightly higher temperatures tomorrow, at 15 degrees Celsius in the capital and Gwangju, 14 degrees in Daegu. Highs in the eastern regions were nearing 30 degrees today, and it will be a couple of degrees lower than that on Wednesday. But most parts will see highs in the mid to upper twenties. Heat relief is coming with rain in the forecast on Thursday in central regions, the southern coast, and Jeju. The amount won't be much this time. That's Korea for you, here's a look at the international weather conditions.

261 years later, Korea's peace mission docks in Osaka

2025/05/13 20:00

Over in Japan. People there welcomed a special guest as a symbol of Korea's peace mission has arrived in Osaka for the first time in over 260 years. And this year, it's all the more special. Our Correspondent Song Yoo-jin explains why. It's a landmark voyage brought back to life more than two centuries later. The reconstructed Joseon Tongsinsa ship, once used to carry Korean envoys to Japan from the 17th to 19th centuries, has now reached its final destination: Osaka. While the recreated vessel also sailed to Japan in recent years, this is the first time it has anchored in Osaka since the 11th Tongsinsa mission from 1763 to 64. This year's arrival is all the more symbolic, as it coincides with the 60th anniversary of normalized diplomatic ties between South Korea and Japan. "Korea and Japan can't move away from each other. We're very close geographically and historically. This ship isn't just a symbolic restoration. Just as it opened a sailing route, I hope it also opens a path for both nations to grow together in the future." "The Tongsinsa mission has been a symbol of mutual respect and cultural exchange beyond borders. Recreating that history today will play an important role in helping Korea and Japan learn from their friendly past and build a future-focused relationship." This journey wouldn't have been possible without this team, who designed, built, and sailed the vessel, modeled after the original Tongsinsa blueprints. "We began planning this reconstruction back in 2015, and now, nearly a decade later, we've reached Osaka. We're deeply grateful to everyone who helped make it happen. Our institute will continue restoring and sailing traditional Korean vessels to preserve this legacy on the water." But the celebration didn't end at the port. "As Tuesday, May 13th, marked Korea Day of Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai, the reenacted Joseon Tongsinsa prepared something special here." The envoy procession marched through the expo grounds, just as the original envoys did when they set foot in Japan. Drawing large crowds, the parade echoed across the venue, spotlighting the centuries-old message of peacebuilding and cultural diplomacy. As for the Tongsinsa ship, now docked in Osaka, it will offer an onboard exhibition on the goodwill mission, before its journey back home. Song Yoo-jin, Arirang News, Osaka.

DP’s Lee Jae-myung visits southeast, focuses on national unity and balanced regional growth

2025/05/13 17:00

We are now counting down precisely three weeks to the June third snap election and that being said we start our newscast today with the latest on the campaign trail. The liberal camp's candidate is in the southeastern part of the country. For details I have our political correspondent Shin Ha-young standing by live. Ha-young, it's good to have you on. So I hear you are currently in Pohang? Yes, Sunny, I'm here on the east coast at Pohang City Hall, in the nation's traditional powerhouse for steel. Democratic Party presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung just wrapped up his speech a few minutes ago. (Lee Jae-myung is delivering his speech, seeking voter's support.)* And as you can see behind me, a large crowd has gathered in front of the stage. During the speech, Lee said ________. Lee's visit to Pohang is part of today's campaign through regions known as traditional conservative strongholds, including Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, 경상북도, Daegu and Ulsan. The DP said Lee's visit to this key industrial area shows how strong his intention is to bring the country together and promote balanced regional growth. Ha-young, do tell us a bit about Lee's agenda earlier this morning. Sure, Sunny. Earlier today, Lee kicked off his second day of campaigning in Gumi the birthplace of former conservative President Park Chung-hee known both for his autocratic rule and having led the country's rapid economic development. There, Lee laid out his vision to make Gumi a key engine driving South Korea's economy. He acknowledged Park's contributions to the country's industrialization and promised to be a capable leader. Emphasizing national unity, Lee said the country's future matters more than political sides or ideology. Take a listen. "What matters most is people's everyday lives not left or right, red or blue, or where you're from. It doesn't matter if a policy came from Park Chung-hee or Kim Dae-jung. If it works, we use it. If not, we don't. Ideology isn't as important as the lives of our people and the future of this country." After his morning campaign, Lee headed to Daegu, where he pointed out that local businesses have been struggling since the December 3rd martial law declaration. He emphasized that politics is all about improving people's livelihoods and securing the country's future. Lee will wrap up his Tuesday campaign in Ulsan, where he will focus on strategies for industrial growth and supply chain restructuring. That's all I have for now. Back to you, Sunny. All right Ha-young, thank you for the coverage from the liberal camp.

[Weather] Warmer in the capital area with intense sunlight

2025/05/13 17:00

It certainly felt like summer made an early arrival today! The air conditioner was much appreciated when out in public places, and it was hard to walk around without sun protective items. Temperatures in the capital will go up even higher tomorrow, hovering way above the norms, feeling more typical of June! Intense sunlight continues nationwide; imagine how warm it's going to be with that sunshine. We hope you managed to stay cool and you protected yourselves from that strong sun. The morning starts off similar to slightly higher temperatures tomorrow, at 15 degrees Celsius in the capital and Gwangju and Busan. Highs in the eastern regions were nearing 30 degrees today, and it will be a couple of degrees lower than that on Wednesday. Daegu and Gyeongju both get up to 27 degrees. Heat relief is coming with rain in the forecast on Thursday in central regions, the southern coast, and Jeju. That's Korea for you, here's a look at the international weather conditions.

DMZ Peace Trail opening gives opportunity to experience history and nature

2025/05/13 17:00

And for those of you interested scenic tours of the treks in South Korea's northernmost border regions are open again. Cha Yun-kyung reports. Horogoru Embankment in Yeoncheon was a strategic location during the Three Kingdoms period. One course on the trail here connects the embankment to an infiltration point where a North Korean guerrilla force came to the south to blow up the Blue House, where the presidential office was located in 1968. Gyeonggi-do province opened sections of the DMZ Peace Trail last week in Yeoncheon, Gimpo, Goyang and Paju. "I am a bit nervous since the area is close to North Korea, but it has beautiful scenery and lots to see making it quite meaningful for me to walk here." The trail courses provide places to visit, pointing to their history and natural resources. The North Korean border town of Kaesong can be seen from Dora Observatory in Paju. Also, the Han River Estuary and the North Korean town can be viewed from Gimpo. Visitors can experience undisturbed nature at Janghang wetlands in Goyang. "Since the DMZ is a very rare and special place where foreigners from all over the world want to visit, I encourage everyone to feel the special atmosphere here." Tours can be reserved through the website of the DMZ Peace Trail. Twenty people can participate per tour, and they must carry an identification card since visitors pass through the military's Civilian Control Line. Participation costs 10-thousand Korean won. Cha Yun-kyung, Arirang News.

Robots and AI help to enhance the library experience

2025/05/13 17:00

Over in Ulsan City. Imagine a local library for children where robots help with book borrowing and where AI assists with book reading. Lee Eun-jin has more. As children start their search for a book they want to read, a robot sets out to guide them. This library robot named "Romi" not only helps the young visitors navigate through the library, but also helps with the returning and lending of books. "It was a lot fun! I want to come again with my mother." This is a children's and young adults' library at the Jongha Innovation Center in Ulsan, the first of such an experience-based digital media library. There are a total of some 42 thousand books at this library, made up of donations from both the public and private sectors, with 26 thousand books given by the Undang Nanum Foundation. "During the building of the Jongha Innovation Center, we felt the need for a program with good content. That led to the creation of the Undang Nanum Foundation, and its first project was a donation project for this library." Storybooks are read to children using AI. And beyond just reading books, there are various interactive programs and lectures available. While the library is open to all children and young adults, borrowing books and signing up for some of the programs are exclusively for Ulsan residents. Ulsan City plans to further expand its various learning programs and experiences. "It is the first library in Ulsan exclusively for children and young adults, a new pride. This library will serve as a foothold for reading culture for the children and young adults in Ulsan." The Jongha Innovation Center will continue to develop as a complex cultural space. Lee Eunjin, Arirang News.