News

[Weather] Rain will stop tomorrow morning, summer heat comes back

2025/06/25 22:41

The monsoon rain has eased off a bit in most parts of the country. The rain will mostly stop tonight, but some parts of Gangwon-do Province and Chungcheongbuk-do Province will continue to have rain until tomorrow morning. Until tomorrow morning, around 5 to 20 millimeters of rain is expected in Gyeonggi-do Province, Gangwon-do Province, northern parts of Chuncheongbuk-do Province, and Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, and around 5 to 10 millimeters in other parts of the country including Seoul. As the monsoon rain takes a step back, daytime temperatures will move back up to nearly 30 degrees Celsius mainly in inland areas. Tomorrow morning will stay warm at around 19 to 22 degrees across the country. Highs will move up to 29 degrees in Chuncheon, Gwangju, Daegu, Gyeongju and Jeju. On Friday, more rain is expected in the Seoul metropolitan area and Chungcheongnam-do Province. It will then spread nationwide on Saturday. That's all for Korea. Here are the weather conditions around the world.

April birth growth hits 34-year high, marriage rate sees biggest rise in 6 years

2025/06/25 22:40

South Korea continues to see an uptick in the number of newborns. In fact, birth growth in April hit a high not seen in over three decades. Our Shin Se-byuck reports. South Korea recorded its sharpest April increase in births in 34 years. Data from Statistics Korea released on Wednesday show that 20-thousand-717 babies were born in April 2025, up 8-point-7 percent from a year earlier marking the highest year-on-year increase for April since 1991. With this, the number of newborns has seen on-month increases for ten consecutive months since July last year. This pushed the total fertility rate to point-7-9,.. up point-0-6 points on-year. It also marks four straight months of gains in the average number of children a woman is expected to have. Marriage figures also stayed on an upward trend. A total of 18-thousand-923 couples got married in April, up 4-point-9 percent from the previous year. This marks the 13th consecutive month of growth as well as the steepest April rise in six years. Divorces, meanwhile, fell by 5-point-2 percent over the same period. One expert, however, cautioned that the recent uptick may be temporary, driven more by demographic timing than by any meaningful change in social or economic conditions. "There are three key factors behind the trend: delayed marriages and childbirths due to the pandemic, and a large cohort currently in their prime age for marriage and childbirth. But this doesn't signal a fundamental shift in social conditions." To see lasting change, the expert stressed the need to address broader challenges, including housing, education, and job stability. Meanwhile, 28-thousand-785 deaths were reported in April, up point-8 percent from a year earlier. As a result, the population shrank by 8-thousand-68, marking the 66th consecutive month of natural decline. Shin Se-byuck, Arirang News.

New NIS director vows to ease tensions and help open dialogue with N. Korea

2025/06/25 22:39

New National Intelligence Service Director Lee Jong-seok has pledged to reduce tensions with North Korea while strengthening national security amid ongoing challenges. In his inauguration speech on Wednesday, Lee highlighted the critical state of inter-Korean relations and emphasized the need to ease military tensions and open dialogue. He also stressed the importance of advanced intelligence to address regional and global threats, particularly concerning the Middle East and U.S.-China relations.

President Lee Jae Myung holds town hall meeting in Gwangju City

2025/06/25 22:39

President Lee Jae Myung made his way down to Gwangju City on Wednesday to take time to sit down with citizens there and hear what they had to say about pending issues in the region. Our Presidential Office correspondent Song Yoo-jin has the details. Communication has been one of the top priorities for South Korean President Lee Jae Myung. As part of such efforts, he held a town hall meeting in the southwestern city of Gwangju on Wednesday. Topping the items on the agenda was the long-stalled relocation of the Gwangju Air Base. While the city seeks to move both the military air base and its civilian airport to Muan International Airport in the surrounding Jeollanam-do Province, the plan has faced strong opposition from the county, largely over concerns about noise and compensation. The live televised discussion brought together key stakeholders: local government leaders of Gwangju, Jeollanam-do Province, and Muan-gun County, as well as residents directly affected by the issue, to share their opinions. "You can't really hear the planes that much in Jinwol-dong." President Lee then proposed a solution, based on what he pledged during his campaign trail, to directly mediate and resolve the conflict. The discussion then turned to boosting the southwestern region, which is made up of Gwangju and the Jeolla-do provinces, for balanced development across the country. Residents presented their ideas directly to the President, including more support for AI adoption and renewable energy infrastructure. "It's not just about buying GPUs or building data centers. We need support for hospitals, factories, and local businesses to integrate AI into their operations and build the data pipelines to make that possible." In the final portion of the meeting, participants raised a wide range of concerns, from reforming the law school admissions system, supporting small business owners and creating more jobs for young people. Beyond the discussions, the President's visit to the region, traditionally a progressive stronghold, comes a week after he visited the conservative-leaning city of Ulsan, in an apparent message of unity. Song Yoo-jin, Arirang News.

How face restoration technology allowed daughter to see face of father killed in Korean War

2025/06/25 22:38

Indeed a picture is worth a thousand words but for some family members of our fallen heroes, putting a face to the name "father" is an indescribable experience. Ahn sung-jin has more. Song Young-hwan. He was only 26 years old when he died on the battlefield during the Korean War. His daughter Song Jae-suk was only 3 years old. She would go to the National Cemetery to remember him, but for her whole life, she knew little about her father and was even unable to picture how he looked. "I lost my father when I was just three years old. How many memories could I possibly have? So my grandmother raised me instead, but now and then, a story she used to tell comes back to me. She would say that my father always carried me everywhere, holding me close and calling me cute nicknames." But after more than 70 years, she was able to see his face. While searching for an uncle who was also a soldier and had gone missing during the war, she had submitted a DNA sample. Surprisingly, she heard back from the Defense Ministry's excavation and identification team that they had matched her sample, and her father's remains had been discovered. "I felt this deep sense of gratitude. It felt like a miracle. Really tears just came. My heart ached, but it was full. I feel so fortunate to be able to bring him home like this and honor him. I can finally repay my parents." Song was able to receive a restored version of her father's picture through the joint efforts of the National Remains Recovery Team and the National Forensic Service, making it the first completed case of face restoration from remains from the Korean War. Using a CT scanner and 3-D modeling software, the National Forensic Service reconstructs the structure of the subject's face, layering on muscles, skin, and shaping the eyes, nose, and mouth. "I had the privilege of taking part in a project that brings forgotten war heroes back to life to honor them. It gave me a deep sense of responsibility. And to help restore the image of who he was in life, we added the combat helmet and uniform that we would have worn at the time of his death." The goal was to recreate not just a likeness, but a presence. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Korean War, and there are still so many like Song Young-hwan that remain missing or unidentified. For many families of war veterans, it's the pain of not knowing that never fades, and through efforts like these, the return of these soldiers can become more than a historical footnote. Ahn Sung-jin, Arirang News.

Remembering the Korean War by Capturing the Faces of Its Veterans: Project Soldier

2025/06/25 22:37

Again, today, June 25th, marks the 75th anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War. Even after 75 years, stories and sacrifices of war veterans continue to be recollected through efforts like this photographer's who's spent over a decade taking pictures of Korean war veterans. Kim Bo-kyoung has more. An American war veteran, with a Korean flag next to him. He is a veteran of the Korean War, one of one-million-950-thousand soldiers from 22 countries who fought for freedom on the Korean Peninsula. Some call it "the Forgotten War," but with the belief that the war, and veterans' memories should not fade away, photographer Rami has been documenting Korean War veterans under an initiative named "Project Soldier." Since he started in 2013, Rami has met more than 25-hundred Korean War veterans, recording their stories. "Out of the 2,500 veterans we've interviewed so far, was there any veteran's story that stood out to you?" "All the interviews were meaningful, but Colonel William Weber stood out. When veterans see their photos that make them feel like real heroes, they often tear up and ask about the price of the frame. I usually say 'I'm just repaying a small debt.' But Colonel Weber told me I was wrong—that as a professional soldier, he simply did his duty, and Koreans owe them nothing." Photographer Rami's journey to document the veterans is not just to leave their stories behind; It is to let people know the value of freedom --and that freedom is not free. Sometimes, military items were used in the photos to show that. "The helmet is more than just equipment; it has a symbolic meaning of protecting freedom and peace. Each veteran wrote their name, military unit, and service time on a helmet before taking the photo — showing the lasting symbol of the freedom they helped defend." For freedom to truly endure, the sacrifices of veterans must be remembered—a message that resonates even with soldiers currently serving in Korea. Humbled, one said he was moved by how the photos capture the deep sincerity of senior veterans' commitment to freedom. "Even for me who's currently still serving, it has inspired me to make sure I do as good as I can every day in support of the ROK-US alliance and UNC right now. And then I'm really hopeful that our younger generation can come and see the why life is so great here in Korea." The photographer now aims to go beyond documenting war veterans—to share the stories of those who protect our freedom today. "After them, many others have stood to protect freedom—U.S. veterans in Korea, police, firefighters. I'll be sharing more stories of the guardians of freedom today." Kim Bo-kyoung, Arirang News.

How South Korea became a global security partner 75 years since Korean War

2025/06/25 22:36

Seventy-five years ago today, South Korea was invaded by North Korean and Chinese forces — triggering a brutal war that would draw in countries from around the world to come to its defence. We take a closer look at how far South Korea has come since then — from the ruins of war to a global defence power. We have in the studio our lead foreign affairs correspondent Oh Soo-young. Q1. Let's start with a recap of where we were seventy-five years ago today. The outbreak of war that drew in 22 nations under the United Nations Command. That's right. It was an international coalition that came to defend South Korea's freedom and sovereignty at its darkest hour. Among the 22 countries was the Netherlands, which dispatched over 5-thousand volunteers to the South. Their sacrifice was not only a defence of South Korea's territory, but of shared values that remain to this day freedom, democracy, and the rule of law. "Of the more than 5,000 troops, we lost almost 125, and we're still present today. We're still a member of UNC. We have personnel at UNC and I think that's important because it shows our commitment to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. Why is that important? I think it's important because nowadays our security in the Euro Atlantic region is so connected with security here in the Indo Pacific region." Q2. Today, the situation couldn't be more different. South Korea has transformed into a global defence powerhouse. Yes. South Korea's massive defence industry comes from humble beginnings, following the Korean War. With the threat of U.S. troop withdrawals under the Nixon Doctrine, South Korea was triggered into action. In 1970, the government established the Agency for Defense Development, and began reverse-engineering small arms. By the 1980s and 1990s, South Korea was producing tanks, artillery, naval ships, and eventually aircraft. Defense exports remained relatively modest through the early 2000s, hovering around 1 to 2 billion dollars annually. The real breakthrough came in the 2020s. In 2021, defense exports reached 7.3 billion dollars. That figure more than doubled in 2022, surging to 17.3 billion dollars. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, South Korea now ranks as the world's eighth-largest arms exporter — a position few would have imagined even a decade ago. Korean weapons combine cutting-edge technology, tested reliability, fast delivery, and lower prices — often half the cost of Western competitors — making them highly attractive to buyers worldwide. This was evident when Poland, facing growing security concerns after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, turned to South Korea for tanks, howitzers, and fighter jets. Q3. Europe, in particular, seems to be seeking closer ties with Seoul on security matters. Absolutely. The momentum for cooperation peaked at the height of the Ukraine crisis. South Korea provided indirect support by supplying critical ammunition stocks to NATO countries, while simultaneously deepening bilateral partnerships with European nations,.. such as the United Kingdom, agreeing to co-develop quantum missile technology, and the Netherlands, forging a Comprhensive Strategic Partership and a semiconductor alliance. "We mean a lot to each other as security partners. And that's in the field of defense cooperation but also defense industry cooperation in the field of cyber, maritime security etc. One important area under the broader umbrella of security is also economic security." With NATO as a whole, Seoul forged a "tailored partnership" in 2023, agreeing on 11 sectors of cooperation between Korea and NATO like anti-terrorism efforts, disarmament and nonproliferation, emerging technologies, and cybersecurity. So beyond the commercial aspect, South Korea's security footprint building long-term strategic partnerships grounded in mutual trust. Q4. Another region of the world, where South Korea's defence ties extend is the Middle East. That's right. South Korea has quietly contributed towards Middle East security over the past three decades. It hasn't engaged in combat, but provided assistance in humanitarian efforts such as reconstruction and medical aid. It also plays vital peacekeeping roles, with its ongoing key deployments: Since 2011, the Akh Unit in the United Arab Emirates provides elite training for UAE special forces. The Dongmyeong Unit in Lebanon, since 2007, has focused on peacekeeping, engaging in community outreach and efforts to prevent clashes between Israel and Hezbollah, as well as internal Lebanese conflicts. "Locals develop great affection for South Korean troops. It's the same in Sudan and elsewhere. Korean troops consistently perform exemplary duties in UN peacekeeping or other missions. In this way, our overseas deployments have played a significant role in raising Korea's international stature." Alongside these deployments, Korea's defense exports to the Middle East have expanded sharply from air defense systems and missile interceptors to warships and smart precision weapons. "These nations ask Korea not just to sell weapons, but to share know-how. Our defense R&D institutes actively provide advice to Gulf states like Saudi Arabia. These countries want to benchmark our R&D models, facilities, and production systems. Thus, Korea is becoming an indispensable security partner for Gulf nations, not just as an arms supplier but as a key collaborator in building their self-sufficiency." Q5. So what does all this mean for South Korea's role in the world as security crises continue to mount? Just as it overcame existential threats in the 1970s through innovation and determination, Seoul must tackle a new geopolitical reality, and stay ahead technologically. That'll require investing boldly in next-generation capabilities, expanding multilateral security partnerships, and most importantly, staying true to the values that brought the world to its defence 75 years ago. "So I think what we share it is a commitment to uphold the international legal order a belief that we are both open, export oriented economies. We can only as middle powers be who we are if we can operate in a rules based international order. So it's up to us to uphold that. And that is, I think you know, the values that we share democracy, freedom, freedom of navigation, human rights." An extraordinary journey set to continue as South Korea develops as a key player in global security. Thank for coming in today, Sooyoung.

President Lee urges for peace to guarantee solid security

2025/06/25 22:33

On this day, marking the 75th anniversary of the start of the Korean War, President Lee Jae Myung said the most solid security was possible through making peace the state where fighting was no longer needed. Taking to his Facebook account, Lee added that the era of solely relying on military power was over. As he appreciated the sacrifices and devotion of all people, he vowed to seek "various measures" to better compensate those who made "extraordinary" sacrifices to defend the nation. Adding that security was key to the economy, Lee appreciated South Korea's rise from the ruins to become one of the world's top 10 economic powers.

75 years post-Korean War: Can trust be rebuilt under the new administration?

2025/06/25 21:34

Welcome to Within The Frame, where we bring the most pressing issues across the globe into focus. I'm Kim Mok-yeon. This week marks 75 years since the outbreak of the Korean War—an inflection point that holds deep resonance here on the Peninsula. As President Lee Jae Myung begins his term, he's taking visible steps to reset the tone with North Korea: halting propaganda broadcasts and reemphasizing past military agreements. But still, challenges remain. Pyongyang has officially labeled the South as an enemy state and severed all remaining ties. At the same time, the U.S. has just launched a precision strike on Iran's nuclear facilities, leading to a full ceasefire with Israel. That sequence is already reshaping strategic assumptions worldwide. So tonight, we ask: what room is there for trust and diplomacy now? For more on this we're joined in the studio by Go Myong-hyun, Senior Research Fellow at Institute for National Security Strategy. Welcome. Brian Myers, Professor of International Studies at Dongseo University (GO) So this year marks the 75th anniversary of the Korean War. President Lee Jae Myung has ramped up conciliatory signals toward the North, including halting loudspeaker broadcasts. Do you think these series of conciliatory gestures become a turning point in inter-Korean relations? (MYERS) Continuing from there, President Lee has consistently stressed restoring the September 19 military agreement since his candidacy. Can we expect more concrete, forward-looking peace proposals from his administration? And what measures are necessary to truly improve inter-Korean ties? (GO) However, it's worth noting that North Korea has unilaterally declared the South an "enemy state" and severed all communication. In that context, what do you see as the most pressing challenge to peace on the Korean Peninsula right now? (MYERS) Turning to Pyongyang's latest moves—at the three-day Workers' Party plenary session from June 21st to 23rd, there was speculation Kim Jong-un might send a message in response to U.S. and South Korean overtures. But his speech was kept entirely under wraps. Why do you think the North chose secrecy this time? (GO) Meanwhile, following a U.S. strike on Iran's nuclear facilities, Washington announced that Iran and Israel have agreed to a full ceasefire. How is North Korea, which has consistently rejected President Trump's outreach, interpreting the rapid sequence from airstrike to ceasefire? (MYERS) Despite swiftly condemning the U.S. strike, Pyongyang seemed to calibrate its language carefully. What might be the strategy behind this measured response? (GO) Given the precision of the U.S. strike on Iran's nuclear sites, there's rising speculation about whether Washington might consider similar action against the North. While Iran and North Korea differ, could the U.S. potentially justify a preemptive strike on facilities like Yongbyon in the name of nuclear deterrence? (MYERS) President Trump's strike signals a shift from diplomacy to force—a show of unpredictability. What kind of posture do you think North Korea will adopt going forward in its dealings with the U.S.? Will they avoid or engage in talks? (GO) Finally, looking at the broader picture—the flare-up between Israel and Iran and America's response— What lessons or warnings does this hold for the security dynamics on the Korean Peninsula?

75 YEARS SINCE OUTBREAK OF KOREAN WAR

2025/06/25 19:43

Hello. You're watching Press Perspective for this Wednesday June 25th here in Seoul. I'm Min Sunhee. Today we mark a solemn anniversary that is the start of the outbreak of the Korean War back in 1950. That being said in this session of panel discussion with our foreign journalists we shed light on cross-border ties. For more I have Thomas Maresca with American news agency UPI. Thomas it's great to have you here. I also have Fabian Kretschmer with the German news agency dpa. Fabian welcome. Thomas, Jack James who worked for UPI, like you, was the first foreign journalist to cover North Korea's incursion into South Korea in the wee hours of June 25th 1950. Could you tell us a bit about the UP journalist Jack James and his broader coverage of the peninsula? Fabian, I suppose man has yet to learn about the futility of war. We have a number of raging wars as we speak over in Ukraine and in the Middle East. Beyond sharing the facts, what is the broader job of a journalist covering a war zone? Thomas, back here in South Korea. A recent survey by the Unification Ministry shows four out of ten South Korean school students believe unification with North Korea is unnecessary, and this ratio has been rising steadily over time. How do you explain this phenomenon? Fabian, when South Koreans talk about unification with North Korea, they frequently refer to the unification of East and West Germany. What does history tell us about the sentiments of the Germans just ahead of their reunification? Thomas, earlier today, President Lee Jae-myung posted a message on his social media platform to mark the solemn anniversary of the start of the Korean War on June 25th in 1950. What did he say? Meanwhile, Fabian, the Unification Minister nominee is Chung Dong-young. What can you tell us about Chung and his potential approach to North Korea? Thomas, North Korea's Kim Jong-un has ruled out prospects of unification with South Korea, claiming a while back that the constitution will be changed to designate South Korea as the "principal enemy". Do you envision a shift in this sense of animosity under the new South Korean administration? Thomas, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un recently presided over a key party meeting. What do we know about what was discussed? Fabian, do you believe civic engagement can serve to ease tensions on the Korean peninsula? I mean, is there a need to raise civic awareness about matters on the peninsula between the two Koreas and the risks faced amid the North's pursuit of nuclear weapons? All right.

Israel-Iran ceasefire appears to hold after Trump outburst at both sides

2025/06/25 19:42

We start with a stern warning from U.S. President Donald Trump directed at Israel and Iran amid allegations of violations of the ceasefire he had earlier declared. Shin Ha-young starts us off. The 12-day war between Israel and Iran ended on Wednesday, following the end of a 24-hour phased ceasefire announced by U.S. President Donald Trump, though both sides traded minor attacks during the truce. President Trump gave a strong warning to both Israel and Iran, accusing them of violating the ceasefire. According to the Associated Press, Trump on Tuesday expressed frustration with Israel for retaliating against Iran and called Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, urging him to stop the attacks. "Israel, as soon as we made the deal, they came out and they dropped a load of bombs, the likes of which I've never seen before. The biggest load that we've seen. I'm not happy with Israel." Trump also emphasized that he does not want to see "regime change" in Iran, which he said would lead to chaos. "No, I don't want to. I'd like to see everything calm down as quickly as possible. Regime change takes chaos and ideally, we don't want to see so much chaos." This comes as tensions flared again just hours after the ceasefire between Israel and Iran took effect on Tuesday. Israel accused Iran of violating the ceasefire with missile launches, while Iran denied the claims. Israel and Iran both claimed victory in their recent conflict. Israel said it had removed two major threats Iran's nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles. "Dear citizens of Israel, during the 12 days of the operation Rising Lion, we achieved a historic victory, and this victory will stand for generations." Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said on social media that Israel will respect the ceasefire as long as the other side does. The military chief of staff Eyal Zamir said that Israel's military is shifting its focus back to Gaza. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran would only hit Israel if it violates the ceasefire deal. He also expressed his country's readiness to resolve disputes with the U.S. within an international framework. Meanwhile, Trump's special Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, said the U.S. and Iran are engaged in both direct talks and discussions through intermediaries about returning to negotiations on Iran's nuclear program following Israeli and U.S. strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities. In an interview with Fox News, Witkoff added that the conversations are promising. Shin Ha-young, Arirang News.

[Weather] Rain until tomorrow morning, summer heat comes back

2025/06/25 19:41

Rain has been continuing on and off in most parts of the country today. The rain will mostly stop tonight, but some parts of Gangwon-do Province and Chungcheongbuk-do Province will have rain until tomorrow morning. As for the amount of rainfall, about 5 to 20 millimeters of rain is expected in Gyeonggi-do Province, Gangwon-do Province, northern parts of Chuncheongbuk-do Province, and Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, and around 5 to 10 millimeters in other parts of the country including Seoul. Tomorrow and Friday, as the monsoon rain takes a break, daytime temperatures will rise back to around 30 degrees Celsius mainly in inland areas. Tomorrow morning will stay warm at around 19 to 22 degrees all over the country. Highs will move up to 28 degrees in Seoul, 27 degrees in Daejeon and Busan. More rain will begin in the Seoul metropolitan area and Chungcheongnam-do Province on Friday and spread nationwide on Saturday. That's all for Korea. Here are the weather conditions around the world.

World News: Russian missile strikes kill at least 26 in Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk region

2025/06/25 19:41

This is the World Now, bringing you the latest stories from around the globe. A Russian missile strike on Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk region has killed at least 26 civilians and injured hundreds, in one of the most devastating attacks this week. On Tuesday, around midday local time, a Russian ballistic missile attack hit the city of Dnipro and surrounding areas, including the town of Samar. The strike struck a passenger train, schools, kindergartens, a hospital, and other civilian infrastructure. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, attending the NATO summit in The Hague, condemned the attack as a "message of terror and rejection of peace." He urged Western allies to impose tougher sanctions on Russia and supply additional military aid to Ukraine. Russian drones and missiles have struck multiple regions this week, leaving a high civilian toll across Ukraine. In Greece, a state of emergency remains in effect on the island of Chios, where wildfires have been burning for the past three days. Hundreds of firefighters have been deployed to contain the blazes before they reach villages and vital farmland. More than 400 firefighters, supported by 14 helicopters, two water-dropping planes, and more than 80 vehicles, are fighting multiple fire fronts, as strong winds fan the blazes. Forests, olive groves, and some farmland, including areas known for producing Chios's famous mastiha resin, have been devastated. Authorities have evacuated hundreds of residents from more than 20 villages. Greece's minister for climate crisis and civil protection confirmed that investigators are looking into the possibility of arson after simultaneous outbreaks in unconnected locations. Eastern parts of the United States are experiencing an intense "heat dome" effect, characterized by oppressive heat and high humidity across New York and its surrounding area. On Tuesday, New York City reached 38 degrees Celsius at JFK Airport for the first time since 2013, as extreme heat warnings covered the entire metropolitan area through 8 PM when it was downgraded to heat advisories through Wednesday evening. Experts predict that the heat dome will persist through midweek. Residents have been advised to stay hydrated and limit outdoor exposure during the late morning and afternoon hours. Choi Chi-hee, Arirang News.

Military service break no longer a setback for K-pop artists

2025/06/25 19:40

In other news. Korea's mandatory military service break is no longer considered a career setback for K-pop idols. Our Park Kun-woo tells us why. "Welcome Back." Fans say it with sincerity after a long wait for their favorite K-pop idols to finish their military service. Those two words have never felt more powerful than this June, the month when BTS finally became whole again, with SUGA being the last member to officially complete his military duty. "Military service is very demanding, so they need to take a little break, but we're looking forward to the comeback, their new potential concepts, their new music. We're just happy that they're back together." Fans from around the world had been preparing for this moment, some even from the year before. On this day, it was easy to find global fans from regions, including Southeast Asia, and North and South America, celebrating the return of their favorite stars. That was especially visible at fan cafes, where fans transform regular cafes into customized spaces for special events, like being discharged from the military. "At first glance, this may look like an ordinary cafe. But take a closer look and you'll find all kinds of decorations celebrating the discharge of BTS members from the military, from photo displays to fan letters and even custom-made merchandise. There was a time when military service meant two years of silence with less interaction with fans, but these days, fans have found ways to stay connected." Fans say they managed the wait, thanks, ironically, to the abundance of content released when the artists were away. "They were prepared before they went into the military. At least they had some content for all of the ARMY to consume while they were away, so I'm sure they really thought of us." One expert says the military service break used to be seen as a major obstacle to idol careers, but not anymore. "Unlike now, in the past, idol groups typically lasted only a few years, and very few made it past seven. That meant going to the military during their peak, often ended their career and fandom. But K-pop's global expansion is also another factor as international fans tend to stay loyal, regardless of age, giving artists greater longevity." He added that in the case of BTS, the group's decision to enlist one by one was a smart strategy, helping maintain the group's brand, even while some members were away. As public perception toward military service breaks has shifted, the time away is no longer seen as a full stop, but merely a comma before a brand new chapter begins. Park Kun-woo, Arirang News.

S. Korea successfully conducts separation test for homegrown long-range air-to-surface guided missile

2025/06/25 19:39

South Korea has successfully conducted a safety separation flight test of its homegrown long-range air-to-surface guided missile. According to the state-run procurement agency the test was conducted on Monday and comes as part of its plan to develop missiles for the KF-21 fighter jets for precision strikes on enemy targets. More tests are scheduled to be carried out in the future before simulations involving a KF-21 prototype starting in 2027.

April birth growth hits 34-year high, marriage rate sees biggest rise in 6 years

2025/06/25 19:38

The month of April recorded yet another tangible rise in the birth of babies here in South Korea. Our Shin Se-byuck covers the latest findings. South Korea recorded its sharpest April increase in births in 34 years. Data from Statistics Korea released on Wednesday show that 20-thousand-717 babies were born in April 2025, up 8-point-7 percent from a year earlier marking the highest year-on-year increase for April since 1991. With this, the number of newborns has seen on-month increases for ten consecutive months since July last year. This pushed the total fertility rate to point-7-9,.. up point-0-6 points on-year. It also marks four straight months of gains in the average number of children a woman is expected to have. Marriage figures also stayed on an upward trend. A total of 18-thousand-923 couples got married in April, up 4-point-9 percent from the previous year. This marks the 13th consecutive month of growth as well as the steepest April rise in six years. Divorces, meanwhile, fell by 5-point-2 percent over the same period. One expert, however, cautioned that the recent uptick may be temporary, driven more by demographic timing than by any meaningful change in social or economic conditions. "There are three key factors behind the trend: delayed marriages and childbirths due to the pandemic, and a large cohort currently in their prime age for marriage and childbirth. But this doesn't signal a fundamental shift in social conditions." To see lasting change, the expert stressed the need to address broader challenges, including housing, education, and job stability. Meanwhile, 28-thousand-785 deaths were reported in April, up point-8 percent from a year earlier. As a result, the population shrank by 8-thousand-68, marking the 66th consecutive month of natural decline. Shin Se-byuck, Arirang News.

President Lee Jae Myung holds town hall meeting in Gwangju City

2025/06/25 19:38

President Lee Jae Myung held a town hall forum in the city of Gwangju today to address a host of regional matters. Our top office correspondent Song Yoo-jin reports. Communicating with the public has been one of the key priorities for South Korean President Lee Jae Myung. As part of such efforts, he held a town hall meeting in the southwestern city of Gwangju on Wednesday. The first half of the meeting centered on the long-stalled relocation of the Gwangju Air Base. While the city seeks to move both the military air base and its civilian airport to Muan International Airport in the surrounding Jeollanam-do Province, the plan has faced strong opposition from residents of Muan-gun County, largely over concerns about noise and compensation. The live televised event brought together the mayors and governors of the key stakeholders, Gwangju City, Jeollanam-do Province, and Muan-gun County, each presenting their positions and offering possible compromises. "The air base relocation should be a chance to elevate Muan International Airport into a gateway hub for the southwestern region. It would be great if the President gives an order to form a joint team, including Muan-gun County, Gwangju City, the Finance and Defense Ministries, to meet and reach a conclusion." "If the project is led by the central government and comes with groundbreaking incentives that outweigh the costs, I would have a basis to persuade our residents." The President laid out his plan after hearing from both sides. Before the town hall, President Lee visited the Sorokdo National Hospital for Hansen's disease patients, becoming the first South Korean president to do so. This was a promise made by First Lady Kim Hea Kyung, who had visited the island where it's located during the campaigning period. Song Yoo-jin, Arirang News.

Confirmation hearing wraps up for PM nominee amid continued fierce debate regarding personal finances

2025/06/25 19:37

The confirmation hearing for Prime Minister nominee Kim Min-seok opened for a second day earlier on this Wednesday and rival lawmakers remained poles apart over his qualifications. Our correspondent Moon Hye-ryeon has more. The confirmation hearing for Prime Minister nominee Kim Min-seok entered its second day on Wednesday — with the ruling and opposition parties continuing to clash. Even before the main questioning session began, the ruling Democratic Party and the main opposition People Power Party were once again at odds over the submission of documents from Kim, following on from yesterday's heated debate centered around the nominee's personal wealth and finances. The PPP said that not a single document had been submitted by Kim, while the DP defended him — arguing that he had followed the precedent set by previous nominees. "We haven't received any additional documents. That's why people are calling him a 'document-less prime minister.'" "During the confirmation hearing for former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, he also refused to submit certain documents — like the details and balances of his savings accounts." Kim responded by saying that he has disclosed everything that needs to be disclosed. The hearing also saw Kim remarking on what he believes to be the core responsibility of the government. "There are lots of important things when it comes to running a country, but in the end, it's about keeping people safe and making sure they can live their lives without constant worry. I think one reason South Korea stands out as a meaningful travel destination for people from other countries is because we don't have guns and it's safe here." Kim also addressed President Lee Jae Myung's campaign pledges, such as a shorter workweek of four and a half days and raising the retirement age. He acknowledged that there are many questions that need to be asked for such pledges to be implemented, and he would consider commissioning an in-depth study by a think tank. He added that policy should be crafted with care, and with close attention to potential effects. As the hearing concludes today, the two parties will consider whether to adopt the review report and on Kim's eligibility for the post. While the president cannot appoint a prime minister without the National Assembly's consent, the Democratic Party's majority in parliament means it can still push through with appointing Kim — even without the backing of the People Power Party. Moon Hye-ryeon, Arirang News.

How face restoration technology allowed daughter to see face of father killed in Korean War

2025/06/25 19:36

Indeed a picture is worth a thousand words BUT for some family members of our fallen heroes putting a face to the name "father" is an indescribable experience. My colleague Ahn sung-jin files this report. Song Young-hwan. He was only 26 years old when he died on the battlefield during the Korean War. His daughter Song Jae-suk was only 3 years old. She would go to the National Cemetery to remember him, but for her whole life, she knew little about her father and was even unable to picture how he looked. "I lost my father when I was just three years old. How many memories could I possibly have? So my grandmother raised me instead, but now and then, a story she used to tell comes back to me. She would say that my father always carried me everywhere, holding me close and calling me cute nicknames." But after more than 70 years, she was able to see his face. While searching for an uncle who was also a soldier and had gone missing during the war, she had submitted a DNA sample. Surprisingly, she heard back from the Defense Ministry's excavation and identification team that they had matched her sample, and her father's remains had been discovered. "I felt this deep sense of gratitude. It felt like a miracle. Really tears just came. My heart ached, but it was full. I feel so fortunate to be able to bring him home like this and honor him. I can finally repay my parents." Song was able to receive a restored version of her father's picture through the joint efforts of the National Remains Recovery Team and the National Forensic Service, making it the first completed case of face restoration from remains from the Korean War. Using a CT scanner and 3-D modeling software, the National Forensic Service reconstructs the structure of the subject's face, layering on muscles, skin, and shaping the eyes, nose, and mouth. "I had the privilege of taking part in a project that brings forgotten war heroes back to life to honor them. It gave me a deep sense of responsibility. And to help restore the image of who he was in life, we added the combat helmet and uniform that we would have worn at the time of his death." The goal was to recreate not just a likeness, but a presence. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Korean War, and there are still so many like Song Young-hwan that remain missing or unidentified. For many families of war veterans, it's the pain of not knowing that never fades, and through efforts like these, the return of these soldiers can become more than a historical footnote. Ahn Sung-jin, Arirang News.

Remembering the Korean War by Capturing the Faces of Its Veterans: Project Soldier

2025/06/25 19:35

Now as I just mentioned 75 years ago today the Korean peninsula broke out into war. And in light of this solemn occasion our defense correspondent Kim Bo-kyoung met up with a photographer who's spent over a decade taking pictures of Korean War veterans to better share their stories. An American war veteran, with a Korean flag next to him. He is a veteran of the Korean War, one of one-million-950-thousand soldiers from 22 countries who fought for freedom on the Korean Peninsula. Some call it "the Forgotten War, " but with the belief that the war, and veterans' memories should not fade away, photographer Rami has been documenting Korean War veterans under an initiative named "Project Soldier." Since he started in 2013, Rami has met more than 25-hundred Korean War veterans, recording their stories. "Out of the 2,500 veterans we've interviewed so far, was there any veteran's story that stood out to you?" "All the interviews were meaningful, but Colonel William Weber stood out. When veterans see their photos that make them feel like real heroes, they often tear up and ask about the price of the frame. I usually say 'I'm just repaying a small debt.' But Colonel Weber told me I was wrong—that as a professional soldier, he simply did his duty, and Koreans owe them nothing." Photographer Rami's journey to document the veterans is not just to leave their stories behind; It is to let people know the value of freedom --and that freedom is not free. Sometimes, military items were used in the photos to show that. "The helmet is more than just equipment; it has a symbolic meaning of protecting freedom and peace. Each veteran wrote their name, military unit, and service time on a helmet before taking the photo — showing the lasting symbol of the freedom they helped defend." For freedom to truly endure, the sacrifices of veterans must be remembered—a message that resonates even with soldiers currently serving in Korea. Humbled, one said he was moved by how the photos capture the deep sincerity of senior veterans' commitment to freedom. "Even for me who's currently still serving, it has inspired me to make sure I do as good as I can every day in support of the ROK-US alliance and UNC right now. And then I'm really hopeful that our younger generation can come and see the why life is so great here in Korea." The photographer now aims to go beyond documenting war veterans—to share the stories of those who protect our freedom today. "After them, many others have stood to protect freedom—U.S. veterans in Korea, police, firefighters. I'll be sharing more stories of the guardians of freedom today." Kim Bo-kyoung, Arirang News.