News

Here's how K-pop fans in Japan are living the dream at KCON JAPAN 2025

2025/05/12 17:00

Also this past weekend over in Japan a major K-culture festival opened doors to fans in the neighboring country and our culture correspondent Song Yoo-jin was there to bring us this report. The Makuhari Messe, Japan's second-largest convention center, has been transformed into a K-pop arena. Fans scream, sing along, and wave neon-colored lightsticks as their favorite artists take to the stage. The lineup features rising and top-tier acts, like KiiiKiii, QWER, ZEROBASEONE, and HIGHLIGHT. This is KCON JAPAN 2025. "Where I am right now, KCON JAPAN, is one of the world's largest K-culture festivals. Here, you can experience almost everything you need to know about Korean culture." Launched in Los Angeles in 2012, KCON has toured over 10 countries, growing from just 10-thousand attendees to now more than 1-hundred-thousand per event. KCON JAPAN, the festival's first Asian edition, has been held annually since 2015. "Japan isn't just a major music market. It's the biggest overseas consumer of K-content. We're seeing more top-tier artists like G-Dragon, SEVENTEEN, and Stray Kids performing here, which shows K-pop is no longer just a foreign genre. It's now part of Japan's mainstream culture." Beyond the music, KCON offers hands-on experiences related to the broader Korean Wave. Dozens of booths introduce the latest in K-beauty, K-food, dramas, and merchandise. But what truly sets KCON apart is how close fans can get to their favorite stars. "It was amazing. Everything I'd hoped for. The fan service was incredible. They even blew hand kisses. It felt like we were close, like friends." "What really stood out was getting to see the artists up close when they visited the artist booths. Also, at the meet-and-greet, you could see them from a very close distance, something you don't normally get to experience." Having wrapped up its three-day run in Japan, KCON now prepares for its next stop, Los Angeles, this August. Song Yoo-jin, Arirang News, Chiba.

Osan Air Base opens doors to local community for first air show in six years

2025/05/12 17:00

Following a pause of some six years in light of the global pandemic the Osan Air Base opened its doors to the public this past weekend for a showcase that shared its spectacular aerial capabilities. Our defense correspondent Kim Bo-kyoung was there. The F-16 Fighting Falcon performs advanced flight maneuvers, cutting through the rain-soaked sky. After a six-year pause, since the COVID-19 pandemic paused the tradition, Osan Air Base reopened its doors to the public over the weekend. Playing a critical role defending not just South Korea but also the Pacific region, this premier U.S. air base finally enjoyed the chance to welcome locals to showcase its capabilities. "This air show is, in many ways, a chance for us to say thank you for the hospitality and all the support we receive from the city of Pyeongtaek and the country of South Korea." Team Osan prepared a lot for people to see, but one of the most significant moments attendees could perhaps have enjoyed was this: "Fitting with the air show's theme, "Respect the past and forge the future," the show offered a final display in Korea of the A-10 Thunderbolt, which is in the process of phased withdrawal." The 51st Fighter Wing is the last overseas unit operating the A-10. Nicknamed Warthog, the aircraft will depart by the end of the fiscal year 2025. As part of a historic sendoff, visitors were able to witness static displays and weapon load demonstration. "For my squadron, we focused on close air support combat, search and rescue, and forward air control, and airborne missions, among others that are specific to Korea. And the significance of that is, as mentioned earlier, is that we, you know, take a deep pride in the mission of defending Korea." Another particularly special performance would be this year's final public performance of the Pacific Air Force's F-16 Demonstration Team, based out of Misawa Air Base, Japan. "I'm super honored that this is going to be our last show here in Korea, and then I get to do it as well." While letting the public experience the spirit of "Fight Tonight" firsthand, the air base was able to express gratitude to the local Korean community in its own way. Kim Bo-kyoung, Arirang News, Pyeongtaek.

Zelenskyy says he's ready to meet Putin in Istanbul for peace talks

2025/05/12 17:00

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has shared his intentions to meet with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in Türkiye this week for talks to end the Kremlin's aggression against Kyiv. Lee Seung-jae has the latest. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says he's ready to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin face-to-face for talks to finally end the Russia-Ukraine War. The Ukrainian leader said Sunday that he would be in Istanbul to negotiate with his Russian counterpart "personally," raising hopes for a complete ceasefire. Zelenskyy took to X, saying that it was a "positive sign that the Russians have finally begun to consider ending the war." However, he stressed that "the very first step in truly ending any war is a ceasefire," adding that Kyiv hopes Moscow will confirm a ceasefire starting Monday. Zelenskyy's comments came after Putin announced that Moscow is ready to resume direct talks with Kyiv in Istanbul starting on May 15. According to the Associated Press on Sunday, Putin said that "Russia has continuously proposed a ceasefire," adding they "had never once refused dialogue with Ukraine." The Russian leader also stressed that "Ukraine bears the responsibility for the suspension of negotiations in 2022," and called on Kyiv to "resume the previously suspended negotiations unconditionally." However, Putin did not specify whether the talks in Istanbul would involve the two leaders directly. A number of world leaders,.. including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk met with Zelenskyy in Kyiv on Saturday. They issued a joint call for a 30-day ceasefire starting Monday, a plan which has also received support from both the EU and Washington. The leaders also pledged tougher sanctions on Moscow if Putin did not accept the ceasefire proposal. Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.

U.S. and China to roll back on tariffs by 115%

2025/05/12 17:00

And in a dramatic turn of events.. the U.S. and China have agreed to tangible bilateral tariff cuts. The Trump administration will slash its import duties on Chinese products from 1-hundred-45 percent to 30 percent while Beijing will cut its tariffs from 1-hundred-25 percent to 10 percent. This latest development follows talks among senior trade officials from Beijing and Washington this past weekend in Geneva.

S. Korea's Acting President Lee Ju-ho calls for national interests, mutual benefits in trade talks with U.S.

2025/05/12 17:00

Acting President Lee Ju-ho urged officials to place priority on national interests as well as bilateral benefit during trade talks with the U.S. Remarks to this end were made at a Cabinet meeting on this Monday during which he also stressed the need to monitor U.S. tariff negotiations with allies like the UK. with whom U.S. President Donald Trump claimed a trade deal had been reached. Seoul's top trade officials are expected to engage with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer later this week when he lands Thursday in Korea to attend the APEC trade ministers' meeting.

Fmr. President Yoon uses court's public entrance for first time at third criminal trial hearing

2025/05/12 17:00

Former President Yoon Suk-yeol attended the third hearing of his criminal trial on charges of insurrection at the Seoul Central District Court earlier on this Monday morning. He also passed through the main public entrance for the first time in sharp contrast to his earlier visits that allowed him entry via the underground car park area to avoid media scrutiny. On this Monday Yoon walked straight into the court building without any interaction with the press pool. Meanwhile a group of people were also gathered outside the court chanting his name in a show of support.

Reform Party candidate promises new future with stronger economy, democratic institutions

2025/05/12 17:00

Staying on the campaign trail. Reform Party candidate Lee Jun-seok has pledged to revitalize the economy and rebuild democratic institutions. Lee was at an industrial complex in the southern city of Yeosu in the wee hours of this Monday sharing plans to address slowing exports to bolster industrial safety standards and to create flexibility in minimum wage. Later in a speech here in Seoul the forty-year-old contender claimed the snap election is a showdown between "the future and the past integrity and corruption."

PPP candidate Kim Moon-soo kicks off uphill presidential election, stressing livelihoods and economy

2025/05/12 17:00

Up next after an eventful weekend the conservative camp is rallying behind its candidate Kim Moon-soo who opened his campaign at an open market also here in Seoul. For more I have our correspondent Kim Do-yeon standing by live. Do-yeon it's good to have you on. Now you are currently in Daegu? That's right, Sun-hee I'm currently at Seomun Market in Daegu a conservative stronghold where Kim is set to arrive momentarily. Kim when he arrives will first meet with shoppers and storekeepers here and appear on the stage behind me afterwards. As you said, it's quite a distance. Kim started early, earlier than his rival in fact, at 5 AM of the first day of the official campaign period at Garak Market an agricultural wholesale market in southern Seoul. This is to show his motivation in improving the livelihoods of working-class people, according to him, and this market is where wholesale and retail, sellers and consumers come together, starting from the early hours. The message is actually very important, as that is one of the main themes of his campaign. Take a listen. "I really need to become a market president. A president for livelihoods. Also, a president for the economy. I think I need to become a president who improves living in South Korea." After this, he was at the campaign headquarters to hold a campaign committee meeting. After that, Kim held a strategy meeting, then began his journey south—stopping at the Daejeon National Cemetery. There, he emphasized honoring those who gave their lives for the country—something he says lies at the core of his political philosophy. Do-yeon a market president is a key message for his campaign and it's a part of his top 10 pledges. Do tell us more. That's right, Sun-hee. First, as you heard from Ha-young as well, presidential candidates handed in their top 10 campaign pledges. The first one on the list for Kim is free markets, to make the nation a good place to run a business. The second one for him is growing AI capacities and the third is focused on helping the younger generations to grow. Now, this ties into the fact that Kim named a 34-year-old freshman lawmaker to lead the party as the chair of the emergency committee. Kim Yong-tae has been picked and is now among seven campaign committee chairs. While he was being awarded with certification, he said, as a young politician, he apologizes for what happened in he past five months. The People Power Party must acknowledge its faults: that the martial law declared by the president it produced was wrong; that the party failed to hold him properly accountable for his misguided pursuit of personal satisfaction; that it failed to achieve genuine cooperative governance with the president before this constitutional amendment came about. Of course, the change in party leadership comes after Kwon Young-se's resignation following the merger between Kim and independent candidate Han Duck-soo falling through. That's all for now. Back to you, Sun-hee.

DP’s Lee Jae-myung to focus on science and technology during campaigning in Daejeon

2025/05/12 17:00

We now turn our attention to the two main political camps. Democratic Party candidate Lee Jae-myung launched his campaign at a major landmark in downtown Seoul before heading BEYOND the capital city. I have our political correspondent Shin Ha-young standing by with the latest from the liberal camp. Ha-young welcome. So I hear you are currently in the city of Daejeon ? Yes, Sunny, I'm here on Euneungjeongi Street in the central city of Daejeon, where Democratic Party presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung is set to arrive and continue his campaign in about an hour. Lee, who kicked off his campaign in Gwanghwamun today morning, has been heading south to visit what the party calls the "K-Initiative Belt," which includes Pangyo and Dongtan in Gyeonggi-do Province, as well as Daejeon. In this central city, a hub for scientific research, Lee will focus on science and technology. This afternoon, he visited Pangyo, which is known for its IT companies, to focus on innovation. Lee spoke with workers in IT research and development and said he plans to expand support for startups. On a visit to Dongtan, home to major chipmaker plants, Lee asked for support as he pledged to boost the semiconductor industry. Which of course is a major driver of the export market for Korea. Ha-young before you leave us do tell us a bit about the campaign launch in Gwanghwamun this morning. Sure, Sunny. The DP launched its campaign and Lee delivered his first public speech of the campaign as an official presidential candidate at Seoul's Cheonggye Plaza near Gwanghwamun, drawing around 20-thousand people. Lee's camp chose Gwanghwamun as his first stop of the official campaign because it's where people gathered with light sticks, calling for the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk Yeol. The DP refers to the process of overcoming the December 3rd martial law declaration and subsequent unrest as a "Revolution of Light." The concept of the campaign centers on "listening" and "unity." During the speech Lee emphasized that national unity was his number one priority. Take a listen. "I'm running not only as the DP's candidate, but for all people who seek to end insurrections, overcome crises, and ensure everyone's happiness. I will lead with humility to unite the country, which I believe is the president's most important duty." Today, Lee's camp also outlined three key goals: recovery, growth, and happiness along with ten major pledges. These included boosting the economy, restoring democracy, strengthening national security, and overcoming challenges such as the low birth rate, the aging population, and climate change. That's all I have for this hour. Back to you Sunny. All right Ha-young thank you for the coverage from the liberal camp.

[Kulture Issue] Year 1995 and the evolution of K-culture content

2025/05/12 14:00

Did you know that 1995, or 30 years ago was a turning point for Korean pop culture? It's said that the current Korean wave or hallyu has its roots in that year. Let's find out why in today's 'Kulture Issue' segment. For that, we're joined by culture critic, Professor Chie Hye-won at Kyung Hee University. Welcome Professor Chie! Q1. Let's travel back in time to 1995. What's significant about that year in terms of the K-culture industry, that's now loved around the world? Q2. It's impressive to hear that SM Entertainment and CJ ENM, two of the biggest names in K-pop and K-content, both started off in 1995. How have they revolutionized Korea's culture industry? Q3. Also, that year was the first year of cable TV in Korea, which opened up a wide variety of channels. (Riding on that trend, Arirang TV was also launched a couple years later.) How did this change affect the media/content consumption culture? Q4. Let's talk about Hongdae which not only is a famous art district in Seoul, but the indie music scene began to take root at clubs in Hongdae, which through to this day is a very hip place for young people. How have these scenes added diversity to Korean music? Q5. Online communities were also starting to take off around then. What was their impact like and were those clubs the foundation of the fandom community culture we see today? Q6. Anything else notable from a cultural aspect about the year 1995? Q7. There's been a resurgence of interest in 1990s culture lately. Why do you think that is? Thank you Professor Chie for your insights on this interesting topic. See you next time. Thank you Walter, we'll see you tomorrow.

[K-Enter] Jennie's "like JENNIE" MV surpasses 100 million views

2025/05/12 14:00

Starting off with some news on BlackPink's Jennie. Recently we talked about her latest music video "Seoul City", today it's her song "like JENNIE" making hits again it has been consistently performing well on the video streaming platform YouTube, correct? Jennie's music video "like JENNIE", from her first full solo album "Ruby" released on March 7, officially surpassed 100 million views on YouTube last Friday, making it the first K-pop music video of 2025 to hit that milestone. This marks Jennie's second music video to cross the 100 million mark, following "Mantra" off the album "Ruby". She also holds the record as the first female K-pop artist to reach 1 billion views on a single music video, with "SOLO" achieving that feat in February last year. On top of that, "like JENNIE" made Jennie the first female soloist this year to top both the Melon TOP 100 and daily charts in South Korea. Moving onto some news of a K-pop concert that we reported on before but now there's a possible cancellation in talk? K-pop boy group EPEX were scheduled to hold a concert in Fuzhou . But EPEX's agency, C9 Entertainment, announced on its official social media that "the concert originally scheduled to take place in Fuzhou on May 31 has been unavoidably postponed due to local circumstances." The eight-member boy group, composed entirely of Korean members, had planned to hold their solo concert "Youth Scarcity in Fuzhou" on May 31. The concert had drawn attention as it would have marked the first K-pop group concert in China in about nine years since the Chinese government unofficially imposed a "Hallyu Ban". According to sources C9 Entertainment is in talks with selecting a new date and venue for the concert and have said they will share the details as soon as possible. China has been enforcing the Hallyu Ban, an unofficial retaliatory measure limiting Korean music, dramas, and films, since around 2016 in response to South Korea's deployment of the U.S. THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area 데펜스) missile defense system. Last but not least let's talk about SHINee. Starting May 18 to 22 at 8 p.m. Korea time, SHINee will kick off "SHINee WEEK" a special event marking the 17th anniversary of their 데뷔 by streaming replays of their first through fifth solo concerts on their official YouTube channel. The band will also hold three concerts this month, titled "SHINee World Ⅶ (Every Stage Shines Around You), held from May 23 to 25 at the KSPO DOME in Seoul's Olympic Park, which will be followed by the release of a new single on May 25. The single will consist of two tracks, including the title song, and will be released on major music platforms at midnight on May 25. It will showcase SHINee's latest music and performances, and is timed for the anniversary of their debut. Definitely a week that SHINee fans will look forward to. Thanks for the news Walter, stick around as we move onto our AI anchor Ari who has some interesting culture-related news at hand. Ari!

K-wave AI News

2025/05/12 14:00

Hello and welcome to your AI guide to the latest cultural updates from Korea. Here's our top story. Korea's performance and exhibition services exports reached 754 million U.S. dollars last year with imports at 419 million dollars, posting a surplus for the third consecutive year. While exports to Asia remain dominant, K-pop performances and other Korean exhibition exports have significantly grown in North America and Europe. The Korea Culture and Tourism Institute noted that the surplus was achieved despite most other service sectors experiencing trade deficits. A replica of the "Joseon Tongsinsa" ship, once a symbol of Korea-Japan exchange, has arrived in Osaka. According to the National Research Institute of Maritime Heritage, this is the first time in 261 years that a Joseon Tongsinsa ship has made the journey to Osaka since its 11th mission in 1764. The term "Tongsinsa" refers to the official diplomatic envoys sent by the Joseon government to Japan from the 1600s to the 1800s to promote cultural exchanges. The symbolic reenactment comes as part of the two nations' celebrations marking the 60th anniversary of their normalized diplomatic relations. A one-of-a-kind event took over Seoul's Banpo Hangang River Park on Sunday — the annual "Space-Out Competition," where doing absolutely nothing earns you the top prize. This year, 126 participants across 80 teams joined the event in colorful flair, with some dressed as clowns and llamas while others opted for traditional 'hanbok.' Launched in 2016, the competition aims to challenge the modern obsession with constant productivity by celebrating stillness and mental rest. Contestants must sit in silence and remain motionless for 90 minutes, with winners determined by heart rate stability and audience votes. This year's champions, punk band "Pogo Attack," said the contest offered them a rare break from their packed daily schedules. That's all from me. Keep it tuned to the Kulture Wave.

On-point: Official campaigning begins for June 3 Election: How can overseas Koreans participate, vote on Election Day?

2025/05/12 10:00

And it's not just the candidates and their teams taking to the streets for the next 3 weeks. Voters too can participate, even if they are Koreans living abroad. We have our political correspondent Oh Soo-young in studio to discuss what's ahead. Sooyoung, it's great to have you in studio. 1. Official campaigning begins today, but there are important rules and restrictions to keep in mind. What can we expect to see? A total of seven candidates have officially registered for South Korea’s 21st presidential election, and they'll be able to campaign until the day before the election -so for a total of 22 days. During this period, we'll see large-scale street rallies with campaign vehicles blasting theme songs all over the country. There are some ground rules of course. From 7AM to 11PM, candidates can give speeches and hold talks in public spaces, with the use of loudspeakers only until 9PM. The candidates and their teams can also distribute banners, leaflets and namecards. Volunteers can help but are prohibited from receiving or requesting compensation. Voters can also take part in campaigning. According to the National Election Commission, you can express support for a party or candidate through speech or phone calls until the day before the election. Campaigning via text messages or social media is allowed even on election day. However, sharing false information, defamatory content, or producing and distributing deepfake videos may violate election laws and result in legal consequences. 2. Now some rules apply to overseas Koreans too. That's right. Overseas Koreans can participate in election campaigning even on election day as long as they do so within legal boundaries. They are permitted to send campaign-related information via text messages; post campaign messages or videos on personal websites, message boards, or chat rooms, as well as send related content through email. However, non-candidates cannot send out automated messages, advertise the campaign on news websites, nor can they use or outsource mass email delivery. These guidelines apply to Korean citizens residing abroad under the Public Official Election Act. Violation may result in penalties under Korean election law, so please check out the full guidelines at ok.nec.go.kr the National Election Commission’s Overseas Election website. 3. Over 258-thousand overseas voters are eligible to participate in this election. Yes, overseas ballots will be open at 182 diplomatic missions around the world for those who have registered already. Voting will be held from May 20 to 25 that's next Tuesday to Sunday, from 8 AM to 5 PM local time. Details about specific locations and time will be posted on the NEC’s Overseas Election website this week at least 20 days before election day. Now, as for the documents you need: Voters must bring valid photo ID issued by a Korean or a foreign government agency with their full name, and date of birth. Voters must also present documents that verify they have not acquired foreign nationality, such as a permanent resident certificate, or visa. If you're residing overseas but are in Korea during that time, you can vote between May 26th and June 3 here in Korea, by reporting to the local election commission in charge of their last registered Korean address. Again, you can find all the information you need, along with the candidates' campaign pledges, at ok.nec.go.kr. I see. There's a surge of energy that comes with the start of official election campaigning. Thanks for coming in today.

[Weather] Early summer warmth under plenty of sunshine

2025/05/12 10:00

After some typhoon-force weather on Saturday, we are having a beautiful start to the new week. The sun will be strong as we head into the afternoon, bringing with it a touch of early summer warmth. However, that familiar spring trend of a significant temperature difference between day and night is still with us, so if you're heading out, a light jacket for your commute is still a good idea. And with the sunshine, the UV index will be climbing. We're expecting 'high' levels across most of the country, with 'very high' levels along the south coast. Be mindful that ozone concentrations will also be elevated. And this afternoon, Seoul will see highs of 24 degrees, Daejeon and Gwangju climbing to 25 degrees Celsius. As we enter mid-May, morning temperatures will also get warmer as the week goes on with rain in the forecast for parts of central regions on Thursday. Today is shaping up to be a beautiful spring day so enjoy it!

Love in the air as giant Cannes posters go up for 2025 film festival

2025/05/12 10:00

Finally, in France, the 78th Cannes Film Festival kicks off Tuesday until May 24. This year's festival will open with the French comedy Leave One Day by Amelie Bonnin, marking the first time a debut director's film has been selected for the opening slot. 22 films have been officially selected for competition. Notably, actors Scarlett Johansson and Kristen Stewart will debut as directors with their respective films Eleanor the Great and The Chronology of Water. Despite global challenges, including potential U.S. tariffs on international films, the festival's president expressed confidence in Cannes' commitment to showcasing diverse and significant films.

Iran and US end 4th round of talks over Tehran's nuclear program on positive note

2025/05/12 10:00

Iran and the United States concluded their fourth round of nuclear negotiations in Muscat, Oman, on Sunday. The talks, mediated by Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr al-Busaidi, lasted approximately three hours and were described as "difficult but useful." Both sides expressed cautious optimism at the progress made, despite ongoing disagreements over uranium enrichment, a central issue of the negotiations. Iran maintains that its right to enrich uranium for civilian purposes is non-negotiable, while the U.S. insists on a complete halt to such activities and dismantling related infrastructure. Despite the differences, both parties agreed to schedule a fifth round of talks.

India, Pakistan agree to ceasefire

2025/05/12 10:00

The truce between India and Pakistan remains fragile with reports of renewed tensions. On Saturday, May 10, India and Pakistan reached a ceasefire agreement following a series of military exchanges that had raised concerns about a broader conflict. However, within hours of the truce being announced, renewed hostilities were reported along the Line of Control in Kashmir. Both sides accused each other of violating the ceasefire, with incidents of shelling and drone activity occurring. The ceasefire was facilitated by the United States, with President Donald Trump announcing the agreement and praising both nations for their decision. It followed military clashes that had begun after a deadly attack by militants in Pahalgam in the Indian-administered region of Kashmir on April 22.

'No more war' says Pope Leo XIV in first Sunday message

2025/05/12 10:00

Starting in Rome, Pope Leo XIV delivered his inaugural Sunday address in St. Peter's Square, making a powerful plea for global peace, urging for an end to conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. "As Pope Francis has repeatedly stated, I too appeal to the great ones of the world, repeating the ever-relevant plea: No More War!'' On May 11, Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pope, stood on the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica to deliver his first Sunday blessing in front of a crowd of approximately 100,000. He chose this position over the usual Apostolic Palace window, departing from tradition to symbolize a new approach. In his address, Pope Leo XIV echoed the words of his predecessor, Pope Francis, by urging "No more war." He expressed deep concern over the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, describing the global situation as a "Third World War being fought piecemeal." While calling for lasting peace in Ukraine and an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the pontiff also acknowledged the recent ceasefire between India and Pakistan.

Tracing the history of the Joseon Tongsinsa

2025/05/12 10:00

This year marks 60 years since South Korea and Japan normalized diplomatic ties. In light of the anniversary, the Seoul Museum of History is spotlighting a centuries-old goodwill mission, the Joseon Tongsinsa, with a special exhibition. Our culture correspondent Song Yoo-jin has more. These paintings offer a glimpse into the original Joseon Tongsinsa missions, depicting the formal procession and the ships that carried the envoys across the sea to Japan. For those curious about how these centuries-old diplomatic journeys helped bridge the two countries, you can step back in time here. "This exhibition, 'Bonds of the Heart, Waves of Resonance,' currently on at the Seoul Museum of History, is the largest-ever held on the Joseon Tongsinsa. It also marks the museum's biggest exhibition since its opening in 2002." More than 100 artifacts from both Korea and Japan are on display, some of them listed on the UNESCO Memory of the World Register. "The Tongsinsa missions were launched after the Imjin War, at a time when Japan was still viewed as a sworn enemy. But Joseon decided to restore diplomatic ties for the peace and stability of its people. Those efforts to rebuild trust is what we've focused on." The three-part exhibition traces the history of the 12 Tongsinsa missions from the 17th to 19th centuries, from their dispatch and sea voyage, to cultural exchanges in Japan, and their return home. "As the missions continued, mutual understanding grew, and many of the artifacts on display, such as the handwritten exchanges and literary works by the envoys, reflect that deepening relationship." That human connection is captured in this painting, collected by the late Korean historian Shin Gi-su. Shin donated over a hundred artifacts related to the Joseon Tongsinsa to the Osaka Museum of History. "This painting shows an everyday interaction. An envoy on horseback is greeted by a Japanese citizen, almost like an autograph signing. While we have many records of formal diplomacy, there's little that shows how ordinary people connected with the envoys." The first part of 'Bonds of the Heart, Waves of Resonance' will close on May 25th. The second and final phase will open on May 27th with new artifacts, until June 29th. Song Yoo-jin, Arirang News.

Lee Ok-sun, survivor of Japanese military sexual slavery, passes away at 97

2025/05/12 10:00

Lee Ok-sun, a victim and survivor of the Japanese military's wartime sexual slavery, passed away on Sunday at the age of 97. Born in Busan, Lee was taken to China at the age of 14, where she suffered three years as a sexual slave for the Japanese military. She has spoken out globally for about two decades, taking part in protests to demand an official apology from Japan and giving testimony abroad to raise awareness. Lee moved to a nursing hospital in Seongnam, Gyeonggi-do Province in March last year due to health issues. With her death, the number of registered surviving victims in South Korea now stands at six.