News

DP preliminary candidates pledge fair competition as party primary kicks off in Chungcheong-do Provinces

2025/04/16 17:00

Partisan primaries are now well underway and the Democratic Party has a total of three contenders competing for the liberal party ticket to the top office. Our political correspondent Shin Ha-young reports. As the Democratic Party kicks off its primary race for the 21st presidential election, its three preliminary candidates pledged to compete fairly and come together after the race. On Wednesday, former party leader Lee Jae-myung; Kim Kyung-soo, former Gyeongsangnam-do Province Governor; and Kim Dong-yeon, current Gyeonggi-do Province Governor, made their first joint appearance since registering for the primary. "For a better life for the people and a hopeful future, the DP and our candidate whoever that may be must win this election." "I hope this primary will be a chance to fully showcase the DP's experience and capabilities." "I will give my best through fierce competition and come together to bring real change, beyond just a change in government." Starting Wednesday, the party will run four primaries through April 27th: Chungcheong-do, Gyeongsang-do, Jeolla-do provinces, and the Seoul Metropolitan Area alongside Gangwon-do Province and Jeju. During the regional primaries, dues-paying party members and party delegates will cast their votes, which will account for 50 percent of the total in selecting the presidential candidate. On the last day in each region, the voting results will be announced. Public polls will be conducted for two days sometime between April 21st and 27th, and these will account for the remaining 50 percent. The final candidate will be confirmed on April 27th. All three candidates are focusing their policy visions on the economy. Lee Jae-myung's think tank officially launched on Wednesday, outlining a national vision that aims for 3 percent potential growth, becoming one of the world's top four exporters, and creating a gross national income per capita of 50-thousand U.S. dollars by 2030. Kim Kyung-soo announced his economic policy focused on boosting the AI industry and promoting balanced regional growth, promising 100 trillion Korean won, around 70 billion dollars, in public-private investment over the next five years to secure AI leadership and drive industrial change. Kim Dong-yeon, meanwhile, has been emphasizing the so-called "Five Big Deals" to differentiate his economic policies, which includes focusing on balanced regional growth, climate change, and tax reform. Shin Ha-young, Arirang News.

N. Korea transferred millions of munitions to Russia in support of war in Ukraine: Reuters

2025/04/16 17:00

In other news. North Korea may have provided millions of munitions to Russia in support of the war in Ukraine. According to Reuters FOUR Russian-flagged container ships have made 64 trips from the North Korean port of Rajin to the Russian ports of Vostochny and Dunai delivering nearly 16-thousand containers of munitions since September 2023. Citing Ukrainian officials the outlet claims Pyongyang is supplying half the munitions Russia needs on the front lines and that at times Russian artillery units were almost entirely reliant on North Korean munitions.

TALKS THAN TENSIONS FOR TARIFFS

2025/04/16 17:00

Welcome to yet another edition of Press Perspective. It's Wednesday April 16th here in Seoul. I'm Min Sun-hee. South Korea's strategy in tackling U.S. tariffs is dialogue over dispute to draft a deal that will drive productive partnership. For more I have Lee Ji-hoon a correspondent for Reuters. Ji-hoon welcome back. I also have Christian Datoc White House Correspondent for Washington Examiner. Christian it's a pleasure. 1) Christian, for the sake of clarity, what import items currently face U.S. tariffs and what are the three broad tariff levels facing America's trade partners? 2) And Christian, what's the latest regarding talk about tariff exemptions on electronic devices and on cars and their parts? 3) Ji-hoon, what have been some of the support measures pledged by the Korean government in preparation of the fallout from U.S. tariffs? 4) Ji-hoon, beyond borders, South Korea is also seeking greater economic cooperation with partners like Vietnam amid Mr. Trump's protectionist trade policy. Do tell us more about the latest agreement between Seoul and Hanoi. 5) Christian, there is talk about Mr. Trump's tariff policy serving to push U.S. partners towards its rival China. Is this a concern shared by pundits there? 6) Ji-hoon, Trade and Industry Minister Ahn Duk-geun is expected to fly to the U.S. for tariff talks next week. Now, he's spoken about South Korea holding the "shipbuilding card" in its negotiations with the U.S. Do tell us more. 7) Christian, how big of a leverage does South Korea's "shipbuilding card" look to be? I mean, you wrote a piece about Trump asserting that the tariffs will be back on track after 90 days if he doesn't get the deals he likes. What deals with South Korea does he desire, do you think? 8) Meanwhile, Christian, there have been reports about American consumers stockpiling on certain goods amid U.S. tariffs. What has been the impact of tariffs on people there thus far? 9) Ji-hoon, back here in Korea, pundits here EARLIER believed the Bank of Korea may "cut rates faster and deeper" amid growing tensions over global trade in light of U.S. tariffs. I understand there has been a change in these thoughts? 10) And Christian, what are market experts there saying about the risks of a U.S. recession under the current Trump administration's tariff campaign? All right.

K-wave AI News

2025/04/16 14:00

Hello and welcome to your AI guide to the latest cultural updates from Korea. Here's our top story. Korean dramas and films have established themselves as the most popular non-U.S. content on Netflix. According to content market analysis firm Ampere, Korean content has ranked second only to U.S. shows in total viewing time on Netflix since 2023, with a share of 8 to 9%. U.S. content accounts for almost 60%. Ampere also noted that Korean titles make up 85 of the 500 most-watched non-U.S. shows and films on the platform. Standout hits include "Squid Game" Season 2, which amassed nearly 620 million viewing hours in the second half of last year, the romance drama "Love Next Door," and the culinary competition show "Culinary Class Wars." The entire county of Danyang in Chungcheongbuk-do Province has been officially designated a UNESCO Global Geopark, becoming the first in the Chungcheong region to earn the title. The area has drawn international recognition for its iconic karst landscapes, distinctive structural geology, and stunning natural scenery. Home to geological formations spanning 1.3 billion years, Danyang offers valuable insights into paleoclimate through cave formations and bears traces of Earth's mass extinction events. The UNESCO designation honors not only geological value but also aesthetic, cultural, and historical significance, promoting conservation and sustainable development. The 'Haeundae Sand Festival' will take place from May 16 to 19 in Busan. Marking its 20th anniversary, the festival will center on the global expansion of K-culture, showcasing popular Korean culture through some 20 sand sculptures. Artists from Korea, the U.S., Canada, China, and Russia will create stunning works depicting various K-culture scenes, from the Korean alphabet 'Hangeul' to the beloved Baby Shark character. Interactive experiences, including traditional games featured in Squid Game, will also entertain visitors. That's all from me. Keep it tuned to the Kulture Wave.

[K-Correspondent] Exhibition "Western Fairy Tales in Hanbok" in Italy promotes Korea's traditional beauty with Western touch

2025/04/16 14:00

If you tuned in from the beginning of the program, you might have wondered why I mentioned Alice in Wonderland and Cinderella wearing hanbok. These are featured in an exhibition promoting the traditional beauty of Korea currently running in Italy along with a Western touch. This beauty, captured by delicate brushstrokes, is attracting the attention of local visitors. We connect with our "K-correspondent" Claudia Gambino to learn more about this exhibition. Hello Claudia! Q1-1. Please introduce yourself to our viewers as well as the exhibition that's being held right now. What is it about and what role do you play in it? Q1-2. What's behind the idea of hosting such an event? Q2. Could you introduce us to one representative masterpiece you'd like to recommend to visitors? Q3. How has the response been from local visitors especially seeing these Western fairy tales in hanbok? Q4. Are there any services available that make the exhibition easier to understand or more fun? Q5. Claudia, is there anything new you've learned about Korea's culture through this exhibition? Q6. Let's now talk a little bit about the general public in Italy and their interest in Korean culture or hallyu. What or who is popular these days? Q7. So, for those who want to check out the exhibition, until when can we enjoy it and what other K-culture events are planned for later this year? Thank you very much Claudia for connecting with us today and introducing us to the "Western Fairy Tales in Hanbok" exhibition and more. Hope we keep in touch. Thank you Walter as always. We'll have you back next week.

[Features-reporter] Overcoming loneliness through local community: Seoul’s ‘Mind Convenience Stores’

2025/04/16 14:00

Believing in the power of local communities, special convenience stores have opened in Seoul to tackle loneliness and isolation. They offer not just simple meals, but also a place where you can open up your heart. Our News Features reporter Choi Soo-hyung delivers us the story. Soup is cooked in a simple instant cooker. Neighbors gather to chat and share warm food, enjoying a comforting lunch together. This is “Mind Convenience Store”, a place run by the Seoul Metropolitan government and local district offices. Here, anyone can come in and enjoy a free meal. For those living alone, this store becomes a cozy, welcoming space. "I really like it. We get to enjoy a nice cup of tea and have delightful chats with other seniors. It’s all just so nice." A report from the Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs last year found that nearly 80 percent of single-person households in the country are at risk of dying alone. The government created this space to overcome loneliness by fostering small local communities with the power of togetherness. With donated goods from private businesses, the store offers not only shared meals, but also programs to ease loneliness and prevent social isolation. Through a self-test, people can assess their loneliness, and social workers are on-site for immediate support if needed. "Visitors can assess their loneliness and, if needed, they go through an additional checklist that looks at daily life and potential crisis areas. Based on the results, we provide counseling, or connect them to special programs offered at Mind Convenience Store, all through a one-stop support system." Starting in late March, it has now opened in four districts across Seoul in Gangbuk-gu, Dobong-gu, Gwanak-gu, and Dongdaemun-gu. Although it’s only been open about three weeks, the Dobong-gu store is already welcoming over 60 local residents a day. "Until now, we didn't have many cozy spaces in the area where locals could gather and talk like this. But the response from the residents has been even better than expected, they are happy to have a place that’s comfortable and easy to use." The stores plan to launch many programs that will not only target the elderly but also include young adults and middle-aged groups. In addition, the Seoul Metropolitan government plans to open more Mind Convenience Stores, aiming to have one in each district by 2027. Choi Soo-hyung, Arirang News. It's assuring to have these new ideas to help people deal with loneliness, but it's also sad to know we need such measures. Right, as it shows how big of a problem loneliness has become here in the country. A survey by the culture ministry last year said roughly seven out of ten Koreans felt lonely on a regular basis. What it also said is that culture can solve this issue as cultural content can play a positive role in raising people's happiness. And doesn't Korea have plenty of that to show? Of course and we have more culture to show in our program, coming up.

[K-Enter] BTS's Jin to release second mini-album

2025/04/16 14:00

Starting off with news on a new mini album! Who is it from? (who is it from? who is it from?) (That's the hint to what the album is called ) BTS's Jin has revealed the promotion for his second mini-album "Echo" through BTS's official social media. He actually dropped the promotion at midnight local time, which was too late for me! The album is set to be released on May 16. It captures how the various moments in life spread like different forms of "echoes." This comes roughly six months after his first solo album "Happy" in November last year. His decision for making a quick return was that he wanted to stay connected to his fan base. Jin is also busy these days featuring on Netflix's reality show "Kian's bizarre B&B". "Echo" will be released worldwide on May 16 at 1 p.m. Korean local time. I am sure that this will be another album that won't disappoint. Now, we move on to hanbok and Park Bo-gum news, that we hinted on before I mean, he has starred in dramas that required him to wear hanbok but what's the news about? Actor Park Bo-gum , who recently starred alongside IU in the Netflix series "When Life Gives You Tangerines," has been selected as a Korean cultural arts ambassador to promote the beauty of Korea's traditional hanbok clothing to the world for the "2025 Hanbok Wave" program according to The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Now in its sixth year, Hanbok Wave is a project where hanbok companies with potential and technical skill collaborate with Korean cultural artists to develop hanbok-related products. In 2022, former superstar figure skater Kim Yuna participated in the project, followed by K-pop girl group Miss-A member and actress Suzy and actress Kim Tae-ri . Park Bo-gum is the first male model to be selected for this role. Park will collaborate with four domestic hanbok brands to promote the elegance and dignity of hanbok. I like the name of the program "2025 Hanbok Wave", well we'd be welcoming him with open arms on "The Kulture Wave" to showcase the beauty of hanbok to the world. Lastly we have updates on the Kim Sae-ron and Kim Soo-hyun case? Since allegations of actor Kim Soo-hyun's romantic relationship with the late actress Kim Sae-ron while she was underage surfaced from a YouTube channel, Kim Soo-hyun has been met with constant malicious comments. On Tuesday, Kim Soo-hyun's agency, Gold Medalist, issued an official statement revealing that they had filed legal complaints against individuals posting malicious content. The agency stated: "Recently, malicious posts, comments, and false information targeting Kim Soo-hyun have been recklessly spread online. Based on active reports from fans and our internal monitoring, we submitted a complaint on April 14 to investigative authorities for defamation under the Information and Communications Network Act and insult under the Criminal Act." On March 31, Kim Soo-hyun held an emergency press conference, where he denied all allegations and announced his intent to pursue legal action against the YouTube channel responsible for leaking said allegations and also Kim Sae-ron's parents. Thank you for that news Walter, don't go anywhere as we now move onto more culture news with our AI anchor Ari. Take it away Ari.

Hamas rejects Israeli ceasefire disarmament proposal

2025/04/16 10:00

Let's begin with the ongoing Gaza conflict, as Hamas has reportedly rejected Israel's latest ceasefire proposal. Fill us in. Right. A senior Palestinian official said Hamas rejected a new Israeli ceasefire offer that demanded the group's disarmament. The ceasefire, presented by Israel to Hamas through mediators Egypt and Qatar on Monday, reportedly included the disarmament of Hamas as a condition for the first time. However, on Tuesday, Hamas is said to have rejected the offer, labeling the disarmament clause a "red line" for the group and asserting that it will not surrender its weapons under any circumstances. The offer also included a six-week truce and a phased release of more hostages. Hamas insists that any agreement must include a permanent end to hostilities and a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. The rejection of the ceasefire proposal comes amid ongoing negotiations in Cairo, which have yet to yield a breakthrough.

S. Korean FM to meet U.S. Treasury chief next week for trade talks

2025/04/16 10:00

South Korean Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok is set to visit the U.S. next week for trade talks with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. According to Yonhap News Agency on Wednesday, Choi's trip comes in response to a meeting proposal from U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. The report follows Bessent's interview with Bloomberg TV on Monday, where he said Washington would hold trade negotiations with South Korea next week. The Wall Street Journal reported earlier this week that the Trump administration is prioritizing negotiations with five countries, including South Korea and Japan.

'Ball is in China's court' on tariffs: White House

2025/04/16 10:00

In the meantime, Trump continues to press China that it's up to Beijing to come to the negotiating table over tariffs, leaving the ball in China's court. Lee Seung-jae has more. The two biggest economies in the world have been going blow-for-blow on tariffs, with China imposing 125 percent tariffs on U.S. goods, while the U.S. has imposed tariffs of up to 145 percent on Chinese imports. With neither side backing down, U.S. President Donald Trump believes it's up to China to come to the negotiating table. "The president has made his position on China quite clear, although I do have an additional statement that he just shared with me in the Oval office. The ball is in China's court: China needs to make a deal with us, we don't have to make a deal with them." The White House Press Secretary added that "there's no difference between China and any other country except they are much larger," noting that other countries have initiated trade talks first. Leavitt also pointed to the strength of the U.S. consumer market as leverage against China. While trade tensions between Washington and Beijing have been brewing for years, the situation has worsened since Trump took office in January. While it started off with the U.S. leader imposing tariffs on Chinese goods over its alleged role in the fentanyl trade, it's gone beyond that, with Trump imposing additional tariffs, on top of duties from previous administrations. Not only has China imposed its own massive tariffs against U.S. goods, but it's also using its rare earth supplies as leverage. Consumers fear the tariff war between the two countries will only escalate further, with no sign of talks from either country. Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.

EU calls for further efforts from U.S. for fair trade deal

2025/04/16 10:00

The U.S. and EU held their long-due tariff talks on Tuesday, only to make minimal progress in bridging their differences. Our Park Kun-woo starts us off EU trade officials met with their U.S. counterparts in Washington, D.C., on Monday to reach a deal on tariffs, but were unable to bridge gaps in their stances on trade. According to the European Commission on Tuesday, the EU's proposal of zero-for-zero reciprocal tariffs on industrial goods, including cars along with non-tariff barriers, were among the main items on the agenda. It added talks about overcapacity in steel and aluminum, and the resilience of supply chains in semiconductors and pharmaceutical sectors were also part of the talks. And the EU emphasized it would not budge on standards, standing firm on "red lines," including food, health, and safety, as well as regulations regarding technology and the digital market. European Commission spokesperson Olof Gill urged the U.S. to clarify its stance, saying the EU is doing its part, and more engagement from Washington is needed to keep the process moving. Following Monday's meeting, EU trade commissioner Maros Sefcovic posted on social media, saying a "significant joint effort" from both sides would be needed to reach a fair deal, adding that the EU is ready. Officials from the U.S. trade representative's office reportedly did not respond to requests for comments on the U.S. stance following the meeting. With the EU's 90-day pause on retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods set to last until July 14, EU officials say further measures are also being discussed internally in case no agreement is reached by then. Park Kun-woo, Arirang News.

[Weather] Pleasant warm up in store

2025/04/16 10:00

Many people wore winter jackets yesterday while walking the sidewalks filled with spring blossoms. But we could be shaking off that chill with a pleasant warm-up today! Those afternoon temperatures are really going to bounce back, rising a good 8 degrees warmer than yesterday. Wth this big swing in temperatures, we're looking at a significant daily temperature range of about 10 to 15 degrees in most parts of Korea, so layering will be a good idea. Meanwhile, the wind will still be a bit of a factor today. Jeju Island, in particular, could see some pretty strong winds, so a strong wind advisory is likely there. And come afternoon, we're talking highs of 22 degrees Celsius in Seoul and Chuncheon, 24 in Daejeon and Gwangju under fairly bright skies with good air quality. Expect temperatures to remain generally warmer than average for the next few days. However, we do have rain in the forecast for this Saturday. But for today, enjoy the sunshine and the warmer afternoon!

Macron decorates those who restored Notre-Dame on 6th anniversary of fire

2025/04/16 10:00

Finally, in France, President Emmanuel Macron honored a hundred-and-one individuals who played significant roles in the restoration of Notre-Dame de Paris on Tuesday local time. The ceremony at the Elysee presidential palace coincided with the sixth anniversary of the devastating fire at the cathedral in 2019. Among the honorees were carpenters, carpenters, ironworkers, scaffolders, organ restorers, and dozens of other craftspeople recognized for their contributions. Prestigious awards presented by Macron included the Legion of Honour and the National Order of Merit. Commander of the Legion of Honour, France's highest public distinction, was bestowed upon Philippe Jost, who supervised the reconstruction.

Trump threatens Harvard's tax-exempt status after freezing US$ 2 bil. funding

2025/04/16 10:00

In the United States, President Donald Trump threatened to revoke Harvard's tax-exempt status on Tuesday, accusing the university of promoting political agendas contrary to public interest. The Trump administration has frozen over 2.2 billion U.S. dollars in federal grants and contracts to Harvard after the university rejected demands to overhaul its academic programs, including eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and increasing cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Harvard's president hit back saying, "The university will not surrender its independence or its constitutional rights." Former President Barack Obama praised Harvard's stance and urged other institutions to defend academic independence.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu visits northern Gaza

2025/04/16 10:00

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made an unannounced visit to northern Gaza to encourage troops, marking a rare appearance in the conflict zone. On Tuesday local time, Netanyahu met with Israeli troops, accompanied by Defense Minister Israel Katz and top military officials. He received briefings on ongoing operations aimed at dismantling Hamas and securing the release of hostages. Netanyahu reiterated Israel's commitment to achieving its war objectives, stating, "We are fighting for our existence. We are fighting for our future." During his visit, he also addressed a recent statement by Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, saying that Iran's calls for Israel's destruction show the existential nature of the conflict.

Beyond Division: Yang Han-jong's 1 billion KRW donation for N. Korean defectors brings new hope

2025/04/16 10:00

Up next we share with you the story of one elderly man who is seeking emotional closure through a generous donation to help defectors build a new home here in South Korea. Our Kim Jung-sil has his story. 89-year-old Yang Han-jong's life reflects the deep pain and division that has shaped Korea for decades. His story, filled with personal tragedy, is one shared by many families torn apart by the invisible line that divides North and South Korea. In 1947, when Yang was only 11, his father, a respected intellectual, made the life-changing decision to defect to North Korea. This left Yang, his mother, and five siblings behind in the South. The family's world was shattered, and poverty took over. Yang's father's name became a source of shame. "I was just a child when my father went over to the North My mother, at 33, was left alone to raise six children. We lived in a small room, so poor it's hard to describe." Despite everything, Yang's resilience was stronger than the weight of his sorrow. In Seoul, during the 1970s and 1980s, he built a successful life running 'Sansugapsan,' a classical music nightclub that became a haven for the city's artistic community. But even in success, the memory of his father and the division within Korea never really faded. It wasn't until later in life that Yang found peace—by giving back. Earlier this month, Yang's donation was recognized at Hanawon, a South Korean center helping North Korean defectors. His contribution of one billion won, about 700,000 U.S. dollars, will be distributed as around 500 dollars per person, each month, until the fund is used up. For Yang, this is about more than just financial help—it's about giving North Korean defectors a fresh start. "I hope this small donation will help North Korean defectors build new lives here. The South is different from the North. Here, you can make something of yourself with your own efforts, and I want them to feel that possibility, that they can dream again." Yang's family is equally proud of his decision. Choi Han-chul, Yang's stepson, voiced his full support. "I'm very proud of my father. I think that the money will be a great help to the people who evacuated from North Korea." In his later years, Yang has found a way to bridge the gap—turning his painful past into something lasting and meaningful for others. Kim Jung-sil, Arirang News.

11th anniversary memorial ceremony to take place at site of Sewol Ferry disaster

2025/04/16 10:00

Wednesday marks 11 years since the tragic Sewol Ferry disaster, which claimed the lives of 304 people, most of them high school students. The April 16th Foundation will hold a memorial service at 10:30 AM, on a boat close to where the ferry sank in Jindo-gun, Jeollanam-do Province. The memorial service will include the reading out of the names of the victims and speeches given by family members. Other organizations will hold memorial services all over the country, including in Ansan, Gyeonggi-do Province, where most of the victims were students at Danwon High School. A memorial service will also be held at the Sewol Ferry Memorial Hall in Paengmokhang Port, near the disaster site from 1 PM.

Korean content ranked second place in global viewership on Netflix

2025/04/16 10:00

Movies and dramas from South Korea are the second most-watched content on Netflix worldwide. According to global media analytics firm Ampere on Tuesday, Korean content has maintained the number two position behind the U.S. since 2023, accounting for nearly 10 percent of global viewership on the platform. The report said strong content production capabilities and licensing strategies were key factors behind the success. It also cited shows, including Squid Game and Culinary Class Wars, as standout examples. The UK and Japan followed in 3rd and 4th place on the list.

Registration closes for presidential candidacy for major parties

2025/04/16 10:00

The candidate list for the presidential primaries is now complete. Three from the Democratic Party and 11 from the People Power Party. Those from the PPP who will advance to the first round of the primary will be announced on Wednesday. Our Kim Do-yeon reports. The official registration for candidacy for the upcoming presidential election closed for both parties on Tuesday. The Democratic Party of Korea has three contestants, while the People Power Party has eleven. The DP's race is largely seen as predictable, with its former chair Lee Jae-myung set to take the party's ticket. However, Kim Kyung-soo, former Gyeongsangnam-do Province Governor and Kim Dong-yeon, current Gyeonggi-do Province Governor are, in their own right, heavyweight politicians. With just one day to go until the first regional voting opens for electors of the Chungcheong-do provinces, candidates continued to promote their bids. Lee released an interview with Roh Moo-hyun Foundation's YouTube channel. Kim Kyung-soo, after handing in the registration paper himself met with small business owners in Gyeonggi-do Province. Kim Dong-yeon held a meeting to follow up on his visit to the U.S. to deal with U.S. tariffs, focusing on the auto industry. Both of them are non-Lee Jae-myung faction politicians in the DP, with backers of their own. Meanwhile, with many more contestants for People Power Party, in a week, the list will be cut down to 4 in the first round cut-off. Among the registered, 8 notable contestants are Kim Moon-soo, the latest labor minister, four-term lawmaker Ahn Cheol-soo, former PPP chair Han Dong-hoon, the latest Daegu mayor Hong Joon-pyo, five-term lawmaker Na Kyung-won, Incheon mayor Yoo Jeong-bok, Gyeongsanbuk-do Province governor Lee Cheol-woo, and former lawmaker Yang Hyang-ja. With the media day for the runners coming up on Wednesday candidates promoted their bids. Han Dong-hoon, Hong Joon-pyo, and Na Kyung-won shared detailed pledges and visions. Kim Moon-soo and Lee Cheol-woo went to visit former president Park Jung-hee's memorial. What they all had in common, however, was their messages against the DP's Lee Jae-myung as he leads the polls to become the next president. They unilaterally criticized Lee's ongoing legal battles and said that his pledges are too liberal. All in all, the final candidate will be chosen within a couple of weeks. For DP, the final candidate is likely to be decided by April 27th, with Lee expected to take more than 50-percent of the final vote. For the PPP, if a candidate takes more than 50-percent of votes in the second round, then it'll end on April 29th if not, there's a run-off on May 3rd. Kim Do-yeon, Arirang News.

On-point: How to remove S. Korea from U.S. sensitive countries list?

2025/04/16 10:00

One thing after another South Korea is now officially a sensitive country to the U.S. as of Tuesday. How can it be removed from the sensitive country list? We are joined by Professor Chai Sangmi. Good morning. 1. What is a 'sensitive' country to begin with, according to the U.S.? 2. It all started with visitors to U.S. labs who mishandled sensitive information, the U.S. argues. 3. The designation is even more concerning in that it will impair bilateral cooperation in science and technology and pose economic limitations. 4. Does the designation have anything to do with Trump's tariffs? 5. Can the designation be dropped? How? Thank you Professor Chai for sharing your insight with us this morning.