News

Korea Pavilion in Osaka Expo attracts over 1 million visitors

2025/06/23 17:00

In neighboring Japan. The Korea Pavilion at the Osaka Expo drew over one million visitors as of this past Sunday. The Pavilion opened on April 13th when the Expo began and is hosting some 30 events to share Korea's advanced technology and cultural heritage. It also features a large media wall that screens videos of diverse aspects of Korea. More than one-hundred-50 countries are taking part in the Osaka Expo which runs until October 13th.

S. Korea's exports up 8.3% on strong chip demand despite U.S. tariffs

2025/06/23 17:00

Exports EXPANDED over eight percent on year during the first 20 days of June driven by demand for chips. According to the Korea Customs Service on this Monday outbound shipments amounted to almost 38-point-7 billion U.S. dollars during this period as shipments of semiconductors surged close to 22 percent on year. What's more exports of passenger cars rose 9 percent on year while exports of ships soared nearly 48 percent. Officials link the favorable findings to the reality that the impact of U.S. tariffs has yet to fully kick in.

S. Korea, Malaysia to work towards concluding free trade agreement

2025/06/23 17:00

And earlier on this Monday morning President Lee Jae Myung spoke on the phone with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. According to Presidential Spokesperson Kang Yu-jung, the two leaders did so to celebrate 65 years of diplomatic relations and shared hopes of further advancing their Strategic Partnership which was upgraded last year. They agreed to bolster "mutually beneficial cooperation" in trade, investment and defense with renewed efforts to seal a free trade deal within this year. FTA negotiations resumed in March 2024 after a five-year hiatus.

Pres. Lee urges for emergency response system amid additional Middle East crisis

2025/06/23 17:00

Also in related news. President Lee Jae-myung presided over his first meeting with his senior aides and placed priority on preparations to respond to the broader potential fallout of the violence in the Middle East. Our top office correspondent Yoon Jung-min reports. Defining the crises in the Middle East as "urgent," the focus of President Lee's first meeting with his top aides at the start of the week was on these and their potential impact on the nation. "All ministries, including the presidential office, should form an emergency response system for corresponding actions. Safety measures must be ready for our people in the region." Also discussed were ways to tackle instability in the foreign exchange and financial markets. Noting that already high prices might further inflict pain on the people if coupled with higher oil prices, Lee asked for additional measures with regard to the government's recent supplementary budget proposal, if needed, now awaiting approval at the National Assembly. And as the president held this first meeting under a new government without a transition period, his message to them was specific. "We are still organizing our team at the presidential office, and it will be difficult for everyone due to the lack of manpower. Still, as I always say, an hour you spend is worth 52 million hours." On Sunday, President Lee Jae Myung decided not to attend the upcoming NATO summit this week in the Hague, hours after the U.S. bombed nuclear sites in Iran over the weekend. He considered participating in the summit, but after long consideration, a final call was made at the last minute. Observers believe the latest incident could have complicated any possible talks between President Lee and his U.S. counterpart, Donald Trump, with the U.S. deadline for tariff negotiations looming. Yoon Jung-min, Arirang News.

Fears of economic shock for Korea rise as Iran threatens Hormuz blockade

2025/06/23 17:00

Indeed South Korea relies on the Strait of Hormuz for 99-percent of its crude oil from the Middle East. Accordingly Iran's intentions to close the channel is causing much concern here in the country. Shin Se-byuck has details Tensions are rising in the Middle East, with growing fears over the potential fallout for South Korea's economy. On Sunday, Iran announced it would move to block the Strait of Hormuz in response to a U.S. strike on its nuclear facilities. The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow sea passage connecting the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. It plays a vital role in global energy flows, with roughly 20 to 25 percent of the world's crude oil exports and around 20 percent of LNG shipments passing through it. A full blockade would disrupt global energy supply chains and send shockwaves through oil markets, hitting energy-dependent economies like South Korea especially hard. According to the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency, 99 percent of Middle Eastern crude imported to Korea travels through the Strait of Hormuz. An expert warned that if Iran's response escalates, the price of oil hitting the 100-dollar per barrel mark would only be "a matter of time," raising concerns about broader market volatility. "The bigger risk is not just rising oil prices, but how long the stock market stays under pressure. A severe drop in Korean and global stocks could have an even greater impact on the economy." He also pointed to the currency market, saying the Bank of Korea may face limits on policy flexibility. "If the won weakens to 1,450 or even 1,500 per dollar during a prolonged crisis, the central bank simply won't be able to lower rates without fueling further currency instability." A prolonged military standoff between the U.S., Israel, and Iran could also drag Korea's economic growth well below current projections. The Bank of Korea's latest forecast, released late last month, projected economic growth of zero-point-8 percent for this year. That would be the lowest in five years, excluding major crisis periods like the COVID-19 pandemic or past financial shocks. But since the forecast was issued before the U.S. strike, the risk of a deeper downturn remains. Meanwhile, with uncertainty mounting, the government held an emergency inter-agency meeting on Monday. It says it will crack down on unfair oil price hikes and keep domestic fuel prices in check. Authorities also plan to closely monitor financial markets and act quickly if volatility spikes. Key sectors like finance, energy, trade, and logistics will be watched around the clock, with swift responses to any unexpected developments. Shin Se-byuck, Arirang News.

Iran's parliament votes to close Strait of Hormuz

2025/06/23 17:00

Now in response to the U.S. air assaults against its nuclear facilities the Iranian parliament has voted in support of closing the Strait of Hormuz a crucial shipping lane for the world's daily oil and gas supply. Lee Seung-jae reports. The United States over the weekend attacked three key Iranian nuclear sites, with B-2 stealth bombers dropping more than a dozen "bunker-buster" bombs. In response, Iran's parliament on Sunday endorsed a measure to close the Strait of Hormuz,.. a major global transit checkpoint. According to Iran's state-run broadcaster Press TV on Sunday, the country's legislature reached a consensus to close the strait, with the final decision resting on the Supreme National Security Council and the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The Strait of Hormuz, which separates Iran and Oman, is a key gateway for oil shipments from Persian Gulf countries. It's estimated that around 25 percent of the global crude oil supply and 20 percent of the liquefied natural gas supply pass through the strait. South Korea, which is heavily reliant on crude from the Middle East, could be heavily impacted by the closure, as the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency analyzes that 99 percent of Middle Eastern crude oil coming to Korea passes through the strait. Meanwhile, in an interview with NBC News on Sunday, U.S. Vice President JD Vance said it would be "suicidal" for Iran, if they blocked off the major trade route. Vance argued that Iran's entire economy runs through the strait, and such action would not only cause global disruption but also destroy their own economy. Despite the direct U.S. involvement in the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict, Vance says Washington wants peace with Iran "in the context of them not having a nuclear weapons program." Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.

Kulture Issue_Tony award winning "Maybe Happy Ending" opens new era for K-musicals

2025/06/23 14:00

After sweeping six Tony awards, the Korean-made musical "Maybe Happy Ending" has proven that when it comes to cultural content or entertainment, Korea knows no limits. Today we want to take a deeper look at the recent achievement on Broadway as well as the further potential of K-musicals. For that, we're joined by our culture critic, Professor Chie Hye-won at Kyung Hee University. Welcome Professor Chie! Q1. The Korean original musical "Maybe Happy Ending" won six Tony Awards earlier this month. We were able to touch upon it briefly on the day it happened, but it is such a meaningful achievement worth going deeper. How has the domestic and overseas response been so far? Q2. We've had our attention on this work since its debut on Broadway last year. (You Professor Chie, of course have been following it from much earlier since its domestic release) What do you think has been the most compelling aspect of the musical that led to its global acknowledgment? (And is there anything in particular about the production or creative process that stood out to you?) Q3. The plot of "Maybe Happy Ending" hasn't changed from the domestic production, but the Broadway version did go through some transformations. What are they? Q4. Professor Chie, what are the most important factors to look at in order to resonate with the international audience? (And how did "Maybe Happy Ending" succeed with this?) Q5. Apart from "Maybe Happy Ending", as Korean musicals are growing on the international stage, which productions are currently running overseas like on Broadway or which Korean actors are active abroad? Q6. What do you think is the main thing that Korean original musicals should do to reach higher in the global market from hereon? Q7. Do you believe K-musicals have the potential to become a hallyu genre of its own? Thank you Professor Chie for your insights. Have a happy start to the week. Have a happy rest of the day Walter, I'll see you tomorrow.

How has Korean literature taken the heart of Japanese readers?

2025/06/23 14:00

Sung-jin, we are heading towards the end of your series from Japan, and today it's another interesting topic to delve into! I have already covered Han Kang's story and her Nobel Prize win at a bookstore here in Korea. This time, I delve into a similar aspect of it in Japan. Have a look at how Korean literature is appealing to readers in Japan. On a rainy street in Tokyo, a sign with the word " " colored in red stands out. This is a street in Jinbocho, known as one of the world's oldest bookstore districts, located in Tokyo, and also where the only Korean bookstore in the district stands. But Chaeccori is more than a bookstore: it's a gateway to Korea. When Kim Seung-bok opened her first publishing company in 2007, Hallyu had only just arrived in Japan. Some told her that her endeavor to introduce it was useless, but Kim said she had faith. "Through these small efforts, a lot more people began to notice us. It's been deeply rewarding to see Japan's publishing industry recognize our work and have Japanese readers seek out Korean literature. Even literary critics here finally acknowledged its value as well." Ranging from novels, essays, and poetry to picture books, now there are more than a thousand books to quench the desire of Korean learners and Korean culture enthusiasts in the bookstore she has been running since 2015. Kim's first translated book, published here in Japan, was Han Kang's "The Vegetarian." She said that of all the works she read in the 2000s, this novel stood out the most due to its powerful resonance with Japanese society. "Did Han Kang become famous because of the Nobel Prize? Not really. If anything, I'd say the Nobel Committee was late to the party. But yes, after the Nobel buzz, her books sold in huge numbers with multiple reprints and strong sales. What surprised me most, though, was how many middle-aged men came in specifically to buy her books." But she added that beyond Han Kang's books, as Korea's cultural standing has risen tremendously, there is a genuine admiration for Korea's creative content, which helps those like Kim working in content and publishing. There are also trends in literature that show parallels between Korea and Japan. "Right now, there's a growing interest in caregiving here in Japan, and I've been pitching some of these books to publishers. We're also seeing a wave of feminist books and essays exploring new forms of family, a theme that feels timely and also resonates with what Japanese readers are interested in today." And to further fuel interest, from poetry readings, workshops, and author visits, the bookstore offers a bridge to mutual understanding. "This publisher hosts around 100 events annually at this bookstore to introduce more Korean literature to the Japanese public." "What's appealing about Korean literature is that you can clearly sense the writer's perspective on the history of societal issues, so through their works, you're able to see various aspects of Korea's past and present. If more translations of other genres like poetry or comics were introduced, I think that could spark a wider interest." "I'm currently studying Korean literature translation through the Chekccori Translation class. I'm interested in Korean literature or novels because it often delves deep into social issues and the inner humanity of human nature." As Korean literature continues to find its voice in Japan, through committed publishers like Kim, aspiring translators, and communities like Chaeccori, what was once marginal is becoming mainstream. With trends and stories that speak across borders, literature is becoming a tool to broaden the cultural landscape.

K-wave AI News

2025/06/23 14:00

Hello and welcome to your AI guide to the latest cultural updates from Korea. Here's our top story. The Korea Beauty Festival 2025 has kicked off in Seoul as part of the Culture Ministry's global tourism initiative. The festival celebrates the booming K-Beauty industry with events taking place across Seoul's busiest districts, including Dongdaemun, Myeong-dong, Hongdae, and Gangnam. Centered on five key categories, namely hair, makeup, fashion, medical, and wellness, the festival offers a variety of programs such as personal color analysis, free makeup touch-ups, hairstyling sessions, and herbal oil crafting. It will run through July 18. K-Beauty has become a major driver of Korean tourism, with cosmetics exports reaching a record high last year, surpassing 10 billion U.S. dollars. World-renowned conductor Chung Myung-whun and pianist Cho Seong-jin lit up a summer evening in Busan with a masterful display of classical music. The performance, held to mark the grand opening of the Busan Concert Hall on Sunday, brought together a rare collaboration between Chung, Cho, and pianist-organist Cho Jae-hyuck. Highlights included Cho Seong-jin performing Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 5, known as the "Emperor," with the Asia Philharmonic Orchestra led by Chung, as well as Cho Jae-hyuck delivering a powerful rendition of Bach's Toccata and Fugue on the pipe organ. The concert came on the heels of Chung's appointment as the first Asian music director of Italy's prestigious La Scala opera house. Museum SAN, located in Wonju City in Gangwon-do Province, is hosting a major solo exhibition by acclaimed British sculptor Antony Gormley. Titled "Drawing on Space," the exhibition explores Gormley's long-standing contemplation of the relationship between sculpture, space, and the human body. Featuring 48 works, it marks Gormley's largest solo exhibition ever held in Korea. Museum SAN's newly constructed exhibition space, "Ground," co-designed by globally celebrated architect Tadao Ando, is 또한 impressive scale. The exhibition runs through November 30. That's all from me. Stay tuned to the Kulture Wave.

[Short-form] Unravelling the Mystery: Koreans’ Love for Acorns

2025/06/23 14:00

Acorns are squirrel food? Think again, they’re surprisingly tasty and packed with health benefits!

President Lee meets with leaders of two major parties on Sunday

2025/06/23 10:00

President Lee Jae Myung hosted a luncheon with leaders of the ruling Democratic Party and the main opposition People Power Party at the presidential residence on Sunday. According to the top office, President Lee shared his experience at the recent G7 Summit in Canada and emphasized the importance of bipartisan cooperation on foreign affairs. On the domestic front, he acknowledged differing views on the proposed supplementary budget but underscored the need to build consensus to swiftly tackle economic challenges. The two parties each presented proposals on real estate policy and personnel appointments. All sides described the gathering as a meaningful step toward candid dialogue and agreed to meet regularly.

Seoul "hopes for swift de-escalation," resolution of Iran's nuclear issue

2025/06/23 10:00

The South Korean government says it hopes for a prompt de-escalation and the resolution of Iran's nuclear issue,.. following the United States' bombing of Iran's nuclear facilities. The foreign ministry told reporters Sunday that Seoul places great importance on resolving the Iranian nuclear issue "from the perspective of nuclear non-proliferation." It hopes regional tensions will lower quickly, and will continue to participate in international efforts toward this end. Meanwhile, officials held a meeting led by Vice Minister Kim Jina to review safety measures for Koreans in the Middle East. So far, the ministry has supported the evacuation of 56 Korean nationals and their family members from Iran to Turkmenistan. Over two dozen have been evacuated from Israel to Jordan.

[On-point] U.S. intervention in Israel's war against Iran raises Middle East concerns

2025/06/23 10:00

The U.S. has now entered Israel's war with Iran by dropping bombs on key nuclear sites in Iran --further raising tensions in the region. For more on how the situation in the Middle East will unfold, we're joined by Professor Kim Kangsuk, Professor at the Department of Arabic at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies. Professor Kim, thanks for joining us this morning. 1. The U.S. carried out an attack on Iran's nuclear sites, after Trump said he would decide within two weeks on a move by the U.S. What's behind Trump's decision to engage in the conflict between Israel and Iran directly? 2. What will Iran's next move be? How might the country retaliate in response to the latest U.S. attack on its nuclear facilities? 3. Iran's parliament has now voted to shut the Strait of Hormuz. If the country's government makes the final decision to close the strait, how will that affect the rest of the world? 4. What does U.S. intervention mean for the wider region? Will the conflict escalate into a full-scale war, or even spread to become a wider war? 5. Surely, the fighting can't go on forever. How might this conflict end — and when? Alright Professor Kim. Thank you so much for your insight. We appreciate it.

Difficult to predict if grace period for reciprocal tariffs will be extended: S. Korea's trade minister

2025/06/23 10:00

South Korea's Minister of Trade Yeo Han-koo arrived in the United States on Sunday, to hold talks with Washington on trade. Speaking to reporters upon arriving at Dulles International Airport, Yeo Han-koo said that it's difficult to predict whether the U.S. will extend the grace period for the reciprocal tariffs. However, ahead of a meeting with U.S. trade officials set for Monday, he said he's "keeping all possibilities open." Before departing for the U.S., Yeo said he would pursue a "national interest-based and pragmatic" approach in trade negotiations. The grace period for reciprocal tariffs is set to end on July 8th.

Pres. Lee decides not to attend NATO summit

2025/06/23 10:00

Meanwhile, Seoul has also been closely monitoring the situation in the Middle East. Just hours after the U.S. attack on Iran's nuclear facilities, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung decided not to attend the upcoming NATO summit in the Netherlands. Our Presidential Office Correspondent Yoon Jung-min reports. At the last moment, South Korea's president decided on Sunday not to attend the NATO summit slated for this week in the Hague. President Lee Jae Myung considered participating in the multilateral summit despite "piles of" pending issues at home, but after long consideration, decided not to attend, citing various domestic issues and growing uncertainty in the Middle East. It was a call made hours after the U.S. bombed nuclear sites in Iran amid the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. Observers believe the latest incidents could have complicated any possible talks between President Lee and his U.S. counterpart Donald Trump with the U.S. deadline for tariff negotiations looming. Coordination will be made with NATO as to who will be attending the meeting on behalf of Lee. Also on Sunday, South Korea's top office held an emergency meeting presided over by National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac following the U.S. attack on Iran to check on its potential impact on the nation's security and the economy. Particular emphasis was placed on the lives and safety of the public. "Wi called for close coordination among relevant ministries to minimize any fallout on the security of the Korean Peninsula and the economy." Seoul is closely monitoring developments in the Middle East and its impact on oil and financial markets. Yoon Jung-min, Arirang News.

Iran's parliament votes to close Strait of Hormuz

2025/06/23 10:00

In response to the United States attack on Iran's nuclear sites, Iran's parliament voted to close off the Strait of Hormuz, a global crude oil transport route and 'bottleneck' of global trade. However, U.S. Vice President JD Vance warns closing the strait would be "suicidal" for Iran. Lee Seung-jae has more. The United States over the weekend attacked three key Iranian nuclear sites, with B-2 stealth bombers dropping more than a dozen "bunker-buster" bombs. In response, Iran's parliament on Sunday endorsed a measure to close the Strait of Hormuz,.. a major global transit checkpoint. According to Iran's state-run broadcaster Press TV on Sunday, the country's legislature reached a consensus to close the strait, with the final decision resting on the Supreme National Security Council and the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The Strait of Hormuz, which separates Iran and Oman, is a key gateway for oil shipments from Persian Gulf countries. It's estimated that around 25 percent of the global crude oil supply and 20 percent of the liquefied natural gas supply pass through the strait. South Korea, which is heavily reliant on crude from the Middle East, could be heavily impacted by the closure, as the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency analyzes that 99 percent of Middle Eastern crude oil coming to Korea passes through the strait. Meanwhile, in an interview with NBC News on Sunday, U.S. Vice President JD Vance said it would be "suicidal" for Iran, if they blocked off the major trade route. Vance argued that Iran's entire economy runs through the strait, and such action would not only cause global disruption but also destroy their own economy. Despite the direct U.S. involvement in the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict, Vance says Washington wants peace with Iran "in the context of them not having a nuclear weapons program." Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.

U.S. bombs Iranian nuclear sites in 'Operation Midnight Hammer'

2025/06/23 10:00

The United States has bombed key Iranian nuclear sites, escalating tensions in the Middle East. President Trump confirmed the mission as a success, declaring that Iran's nuclear capabilities have been "obliterated." Our Kim Jung-sil starts us off. In an operation codenamed 'Midnight Hammer', the U.S. targeted three nuclear facilities in Iran: Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan. Satellite images show significant damage, with craters at Fordo and collapsed buildings at both Isfahan and Natanz. The operation involved over 125 aircraft, including B-2 bombers, as well as Tomahawk missiles launched from a U.S. submarine. President Trump confirmed the strikes on Saturday evening at the White House. "Tonight, I can report to the world that the strikes were a spectacular military success. Iran's key nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated. Iran, the bully of the Middle East, must now make peace." While the full extent of the damage is still being assessed, Iranian officials have downplayed the impact, claiming the facilities had been evacuated before the bombs hit. Although President Trump had last Thursday announced a two-week window to decide on a strike, the operation was carried out just three days later. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the action, saying it "needed to be done." "I think the world today is safer and more stable than it was 24 hours ago. And a bunch of these countries putting out statements condemning us. Privately, they all agree with us that this needed to be done." Rubio echoed Trump's message, saying the door to negotiations remains open, but Iran must choose between peaceful nuclear energy or facing continued military pressure. He added that pursuing nuclear weapons would put "the regime at risk." Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned Sunday that the U.S. strikes could escalate tensions, urging diplomacy to prevent further retaliation. Kim Jung-sil, Arirang News.

Intense heat spreads to inland areas

2025/06/23 10:00

Get ready for an even hotter day than yesterday! The sunshine will be intense today, and the UV index will be strong nationwide. Gwangju will have the strongest UV rays. Don't forget your sun protection items. Let's check on today's afternoon highs. Many inland areas will see daytime temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius this afternoon. Seoul, Daegu, Gwangju will climb to 32 degrees, Jeju at 27 degrees, with monsoon rains expected this afternoon. Speaking of which, another round of monsoon rain makes its return tomorrow. Starting from the south coast, spreading nationwide by tomorrow night, continuing into Wednesday with 20 to 60 millimeters in the forecast. Then we are looking at another chance of monsoon rain this weekend. Today seems like it will be the hottest day of this week. Stay safe in the heat!

Yoga enthusiasts celebrate International Yoga Day in Rio and Bali

2025/06/23 10:00

Millions of people across the world celebrated the 11th International Day of Yoga on Saturday, under this year's theme of "Yoga for One Earth, One Health." In India, crowds gathered nationwide, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading a massive session at a stretch of beach in the city of Visakhapatnam. In Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, sunrise yoga sessions brought hundreds to Arpoador Beach, uniting locals and tourists. Indonesia's Bali, Nusa Dua, hosted organized group practices, also drawing enthusiasts. The annual event was first celebrated in 2015, following a United Nations declaration, to highlight yoga's benefits.

'Stop the war before it becomes an irreparable abyss,' Pope Leo says during Sunday prayer

2025/06/23 10:00

Pope Leo XIV issued a powerful appeal during Sunday's prayers in St. Peter's Square, saying, "Every member of the international community has a moral responsibility" to stop the tragedy of war before it becomes an "irreparable abyss." He spoke amid escalating U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, warning that no military victory can compensate for "the pain of mothers, the fear of children, the stolen future." Describing the situation in the Middle East as "alarming," the pope urged diplomacy to replace weapons and criticized how humanitarian suffering risked being overshadowed.