News

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.

Gov't proposes larger extra budget for disaster, trade response

2025/04/15 20:00

The Finance Ministry has proposed an extra budget of 12-trillion won or some 8-billion U.S. dollars. The proposal was made during a ministerial economic meeting on Tuesday during which Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok said the government will submit what he called the "necessary" supplementary budget to the National Assembly next week. The budget, up 1-point-4 billion U.S. dollars from the initial proposal, includes 2-billion dollars for disaster response, 3-billion dollars for trade and AI, and 3-billion dollars for small businesses and vulnerable groups.

S. Korea's auto exports to U.S. drop in first quarter, even before reciprocal tariffs take effect

2025/04/15 20:00

Korea's overall auto exports rose on-year during the first quarter of 2025, but shipments to the U.S. market declined over 11-percent ahead of U.S. tariffs. Park Jun-han explains. South Korea's automobile exports in March were valued at 6.24 billion dollars — the second-highest figure for the month on record. Data released by the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy on Tuesday showed that the earnings from automobile shipments posted year-on-year growth in both February and March, marking two consecutive months of gains. Year-on-year auto exports to Asia and the Middle East in the first quarter saw significant increases of 37% ( 1) and 22.7% ( 2), respectively. However, preliminary data shows that shipments to the United States fell by 11.2% ( 3) over the same period compared to last year. The auto industry is concerned that the decline in exports to the U.S. will lead to a fall in South Korea's overall exports, as the 25% auto tariff could further reduce demand. "We expect that exports to the U.S. will likely continue to decline this year, as prices rise due to tariffs and demand in the U.S. market drops significantly. With demand from the U.S. weakening, South Korean car companies need to look for alternative markets to help make up for the shortfall." As South Korea's automobile industry is directly under the influence of the United States' tariff policies, the trade ministry laid out a policy support framework for Korean companies last Wednesday, after automobile tariffs separate from the so-called reciprocal tariffs went into effect. The ministry said that it plans to swiftly implement necessary support measures and respond flexibly by closely monitoring both the extent of the damage and the progress of negotiations with the United States. Park Jun-han, Arirang News.

Trump signals tariff relief for auto industry following exemptions on electronics

2025/04/15 20:00

And this time, Trump has hinted at potential relief from tariffs for the auto industry to give them time to adjust their supply chains. Moon Hye-ryeon reports. U.S. President Donald Trump has signaled another wave of temporary tariff suspensions — this time, for the auto industry. Speaking to reporters on Monday, he said that he was looking to help car companies with potential pushbacks on his 25 percent tariffs on complete vehicle and parts imports. "I'm looking at something to help some of the car companies where they're switching to parts that were made in Canada, Mexico, and other places, and they need a little bit of time because they're going to make them here, but they need a little bit of time." He did not specify when this pause would be implemented nor how long automakers would be granted relief. Levies on fully built vehicles took effect on April 3rd, and those on parts are due to be implemented in stages no later than May 3rd — prompting automakers to lobby for exclusions over the past few weeks. Shares of U.S. car companies, including General Motors and Ford Motor Company, peaked following his comments — reflecting investor optimism that the administration may be softening its stance, at least temporarily, to cushion the impact of trade tensions on vehicle manufacturers. Trump also mentioned that he had spoken to Tim Cook, the head of Apple, and "helped" him and "that whole business". On Friday, the Trump administration granted exemptions for popular consumer electronics from weighty tariffs on Chinese products and the baseline tariff on imports from other countries, stating that these products would instead be levied based on its national security investigation on semiconductors. Amid these shifts in trade policy, the U.S. stock market has seen fluctuations — and following these exemptions, Wall Street showed gains on Monday. The Dow Jones and S&P 500 both ended around point-eight percent higher than the previous session, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq rose more than point-six percent. Moon Hye-ryeon, Arirang News.

Washington says trade talks with S. Korea scheduled for next week

2025/04/15 20:00

Thank you for joining us. I'm Yoon Jung-min. South Korea and the U.S. are expected to hold trade talks next week, as the Trump administration prioritizes negotiations with certain countries while its trade policy continues adding much confusion. Our Shin Se-byuck has more. Trade negotiations between South Korea and the U.S. could take place next week. That's according to U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, on Monday during an interview with Bloomberg TV. Bessent said that the U.S. held talks with Vietnam last week, with Japan scheduled for Wednesday, and South Korea penciled in for "next week," and added negotiations will proceed quickly. The Wall Street Journal reported on 월요일 that the Trump administration is prioritizing negotiations with five countries, namely South Korea, the United Kingdom, Australia, India and Japan. Meanwhile, Seoul's trade minister, Ahn Duk-geun, could visit the U.S. as early as next week for negotiations with Washington. Acting President Han Duck-soo on Monday announced plans to dispatch a delegation to the U.S., led by the Trade Minister, to launch negotiations with Washington. Minister Ahn previously visited the U.S. in February and March following the launch of the Trump administration to convey Seoul's stance on Washington's tariff plans. One expert says South Korea should consider increasing imports from the U.S. to help narrow its trade surplus, a move that could serve as a bargaining chip in the talks. "Seoul needs to increase its imports from the U.S. — such as energy, agricultural, and livestock products — to help narrow its trade surplus with Washington, so that, in turn, it can secure tariff reductions on crucial items like automobiles." He also added that Seoul could ease non-tariff barriers on relatively low-volume goods, such as meat and produce, in exchange for concessions in sectors that account for a larger share of South Korean exports. Shin Se-byuck, Arirang News.

[Weather] Typical warm spring weather comes back, be careful of strong winds

2025/04/15 20:00

Unlike the cloudy weather yesterday, the skies stayed clear today. With warm westerly winds blowing from this afternoon, the daytime temperature in Seoul rose to 14 degrees Celsius, about 4 degrees below the average. Tomorrow, the temperature will rise further, and it will move back to typical warm spring conditions. Seoul will be as warm as 23 degrees during the day, about 9 degrees higher than today. Even though rain clouds have moved away, strong winds are blowing across the country today. For the time being, there will be a moment when gusty winds of more than 15 meters per second blow nationwide. Please take extra precautions in advance. Tomorrow morning, Seoul and Daejeon will start off at 6 degrees, Daegu at 5 degrees. Daily highs will move up to 22 degrees in Chuncheon, 26 degrees in Daegu and Gyeongju. More rain is forecast in Gyeonggi-do Province and southern parts of Gangwon-do Province on Thursday. That's all for Korea. Here are the weather conditions around the world.

Korea steps up push to list 'hanbok' culture as UNESCO heritage

2025/04/15 20:00

Korea is stepping up efforts to have 'hanbok' culture recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. From government initiatives to private sector campaigns, a wide range of efforts are underway to protect, preserve, and promote its cultural significance. Our Han Da-eun takes a closer look. With its graceful lines, vivid colors, and exquisite design, 'hanbok' is more than just a traditional attire—it's a reflection of Korean history, value, and identity. But hanbok has become quite distant from everyday life in Korea, and at times, has been the subject of groundless debates over its origins. To safeguard hanbok from cultural misappropriation and to further promote its beauty and significance worldwide, Korea's leading hanbok experts have come together to launch the 'Hanbok Globalization Foundation.' Its primary goal is to have hanbok culture recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Around 180 prominent figures from hanbok-related industries have joined the group. "Hanbok is unarguably Korea's unique traditional costume and an essential part of the country's cultural heritage. Hanbok culture should've been recognized by UNESCO long ago." The government has recently been accelerating efforts to preserve and promote hanbok. In 2022, it designated hanbok as a national intangible cultural heritage, and last year, it unveiled the "Basic Plan for Promoting Traditional Cultural Industries" to integrate traditional culture into modern industries. "We frequently see foreigners wearing hanbok and taking photos at Korea's traditional palaces. Hanbok has transcended time, evolving into a "hip" and trendy cultural expression." A hanbok fashion show was held at the Paris Olympics, and specially designed hanboks will be crafted for world leaders attending the upcoming APEC Summit in Gyeongju this fall. Hanbok is not just a symbol of Korea's cultural identity but a living tradition that plays a vital role in cultural industry. As the government and private sector continue their efforts, it's time for citizens to embrace hanbok more closely to ensure it thrives as a vibrant part of modern life, both at home and abroad. Han Da-eun, Arirang News.

Xi Jinping begins state visit to Vietnam seeking joint response to U.S. tariffs

2025/04/15 20:00

Chinese President Xi Jinping is on a SOUTHEAST Asia tour in a bid to rally the region against the Trump administration's tariff campaign. Lee Seung-jae covers his first agenda in Vietnam. Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived at Hanoi International Airport on Monday, to begin his two-day visit to Vietnam. The trip to the communist nation comes just days after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that he's pausing reciprocal tariffs on most countries for 90 days while focusing his trade war on China. During his visit, Xi called on Vietnam to join China in upholding multilateral trade and countering Washington's tariff policies. Xi also signed dozens of cooperation agreements with Vietnam after holding talks with To Lam, the general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee. While the contents of the agreement have not yet been released, Xi's visit also comes as Vietnam has been tightening controls on some trade with China, to make sure products exported to the U.S. with a "Made in Vietnam" label have sufficient added value, after pressure from Washington. In order to bypass U.S. tariffs against Chinese goods, Beijing would ship products to Vietnam before they are exported to the U.S. as "Made in Vietnam" products. The Chinese leader will also visit Malaysia and Cambodia from Tuesday to Friday. The two countries have seen increased trade and investment with China in recent years. However, it's also worth noting that Vietnam and Cambodia were among the highest hit by Trump's sweeping reciprocal tariffs, set at 46 percent and 49 percent, respectively. As the U.S and China exchange tariff after tariff, Southeast Asian nations are growing increasingly anxious about being caught in the mix. Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.

U.S. designation of S. Korea as 'sensitive country' goes into effect, despite Seoul's efforts to resolve issue

2025/04/15 20:00

The U.S.'s designation of South Korea as a "sensitive country" went into effect today. Working-level negotiations between the two countries are underway over the issue. Our foreign affairs correspondent Bae Eun-ji has more. The U.S. Energy Department's designation of South Korea as a "sensitive country" has taken effect, as of Tuesday midnight local time. The DOE reportedly put its Asian ally on the lowest tier of the "Sensitive and Other Designated Countries List" in January, shortly before then-President Joe Biden left office for it to take effect on April 15th. Korean researchers visiting laboratories in the U.S. will now be required to get approval by submitting relevant documents at least 45 days in advance. This led to fears that it could possibly hinder collaboration between Seoul and Washington in areas such as nuclear energy and artificial intelligence. In response, South Korea's Foreign Ministry reassured the public on Tuesday, saying that the government is actively in talks with the DOE to resolve the situation as soon as possible. But it added that it needs more time for South Korea to be removed from the list, as this matter is proceeding in accordance with the U.S. internal procedures. The ministry also clarified that Washington has said the designation will not significantly impact joint research projects. "During a recent working-level consultation between the two countries, the US Department of Energy reaffirmed that the designation of South Korea as a sensitive country will not affect on-going or future research and development cooperation between Seoul and Washington." The comments come after South Korea's Trade Minister Ahn Deok-geun met with U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright in Washington last month, where the two sides agreed to continue cooperation to swiftly resolve this issue. The Foreign Ministry also noted that South Korea has been on the list in the past and was removed through similar diplomatic efforts. According to a report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office in 1996, South Korea was previously on the DOE's sensitive country list from January 1993 to June 1996. But the report added that South Korea was a country no longer considered sensitive as of July 28th, 1994. The Foreign Ministry has repeatedly explained that it was told South Korea's inclusion is due to security-related issues rather than foreign policy concerns. But some experts in Seoul have suggested that it has to do with growing discussions on the need for South Korea to acquire its own nuclear weapons capability. Bae Eun-ji, Arirang News.