News

[Weather] Rain and snow will stop tonight, temperatures will rise tomorrow

2025/02/12 20:00

The cold has eased off a lot compared to a few days ago. Temperatures in most areas rose today with Seoul rising to 4 degrees Celsius. However, rain and snow has been falling across the country. Most of snow had stopped in the Seoul metropolitan area, while more rain and snow is expected in some areas. As for the amount of rain and snow to come, up to 8 centimeters of snow will fall in inland areas and the mountainous areas of Gangwon-do Province, 1 to 5 centimeters in northern Gyeonggi-do Province, Chungcheongbuk-do Province, and Gyeongsangbuk-do Province today. You should be careful on icy roads tomorrow morning with Seoul and Daejeon at minus 5 degrees Celsius. Daily highs will move up to 6 degrees in Gwangju, and 8 degrees in Daegu. The moon in Seoul today will be at its roundest at around 10:53. Enjoy the full moon. That's all for Korea. Here are the weather conditions around the world.

Yoon Jong-hyun wins silver, Shin Yeong-seop wins bronze in men's big air freestyle skiing

2025/02/12 20:00

Over in Harbin, China where the Winter Asiad is being held. Team Korea won one silver and one bronze medal in the men's big air freestyle skiing. On Wednesday, Yoon Jong-hyun and Shin Yeong-seop ranked second and third respectively. Big air is a sport where skiers perform freestyle moves in the air as they're traveling down the slope. Team Korea has won a total of five medals in freestyle skiing at this year's event, including one gold and two bronze.

Defendant in multiple vehicular manslaughter case sentenced to 7 years 6 months

2025/02/12 20:00

A 69-year-old defendant who drove against traffic in central Seoul, causing multiple fatalities and injuries, last year has been sentenced to seven years and six months imprisonment without labor. In its ruling, the court cited the number of casualties, including 9 deaths, and the bereaved families' call for a harsh sentence. It added the defendant showed no remorse and had failed to reconcile with the family members. His claim of "sudden acceleration" was also rejected. The court partially accepted the prosecution's request, which was seven and half years of imprisonment with labor.

2025 "Jeongwol Daeboreum": Wishes under the first full moon of the year

2025/02/12 20:00

Today is "Jeongwol Daeboreum" here in Korea, where we are poised to witness the first full moon of the lunar year tonight. Our Lee Eun-hee brings us a sneak peek of celebrations, and the meaning behind it all. People of all ages are enthusiastically writing down their wishes. That's because it's "Jeongwol Daeboreum," or "The Great Full Moon Festival." "I wrote a wish for the health and peace of my beloved family and for all their endeavors." "I wished for my family to stay healthy and safe." "Jeongwol Daeboreum" is a day celebrating the first full moon of the lunar year, celebrated on the 15th day of the first lunar month, and in the year 2025, it falls on February 12th. "On the night of the brightest full moon, the tradition of watching the moon rise and praying for prosperity and well-being held deep significance in Korea's agricultural society. It was a day to drive away bad luck and bring good fortune, and was celebrated with food and folk games." In light of this special day, the National Folk Museum of Korea hosted a special event that honored tradition while offering several hands-on activities. These include making a full moon-shaped lamp to symbolize a peaceful night and coloring activities to explore traditional "Jeongwol Daeboreum" customs like the tug-of-war and crafting fish amulets to ward off bad luck. "I didn't know about the holiday but it's very interesting to see and honestly it reminds me of some of the type of celebrations that we have back home in America." On the night of "Jeongwol Daeboreum," many people in South Korea gather under the bright moonlight and start a bonfire known as "daljip." This "daljip" is a pile of straw and firewood stacked together and set alight during the evening of "Jeongwol Daeboreum" to drive away negative energy. It is one of the key traditions of the holiday, and its spirit is kept alive across the country in ways like this. For anyone hoping to make a wish this evening, the full moon rose in Seoul at 5:46 PM, but a perfect full moon can be seen at 10:53 PM. Lee Eun-hee, Arirang News.

Korean soldiers brave extreme cold in intense winter training

2025/02/12 20:00

Despite the brutal winter conditions, a rigorous training session that puts to the ultimate test the resolve and resilience of South Korean soldiers is taking place. Our defense correspondent Kim Bo-kyung reports. It is below zero outside, but Korean soldiers are braving this extreme cold, aiming to enhance their collective defense capabilities and ensure readiness even in the most challenging conditions. South Korea's Naval Special Warfare Flotilla --known as the UDT/SEAL, this week started their high-intensity winter exercises. Rigorous drills, with members asked to do amphibious landings, navigate through rough seas, and conduct inland infiltration exercises, hone their skills in both maritime and terrestrial operations. "The Navy special warfare operators, following the UDT/SEAL motto of "nothing is impossible," will be fully prepared to complete their missions in any extreme environment— at sea, on land or in the air." Grueling exercises are not limited to the sea. Around five-hundred soldiers from the Marine Corps' reconnaissance battalions, endure the cold in the mountains as well, as they began winter training in Pyeongchang and the surrounding area of Hwangbyeongsan Mountain. On the mountain covered with snow, soldiers practice fast-roping, descending a thick rope, allowing troops to be deployed from a helicopter in places where aircraft cannot land. They master individual ski maneuvering skills, to be able to ensure rapid mobility. Keeping in mind their role as reconnaissance battalions, having to provide quick, accurate information on an uncertain battlefield to secure a military advantage, the soldiers say they dedicate themselves to the training. "We will continue to dedicate ourselves to training and education to become a strong Marine Corps that the public can always trust." "South Korea, Fighting! Marine Corps, Fighting!" Kim Bo-kyoung, Arirang News.

UK and U.S. refuse to sign international agreement on AI at global summit in Paris

2025/02/12 20:00

The third AI Action Summit held in Paris has closed after adopting a declaration on the "inclusive and sustainable" development of artificial intelligence. The statement, signed by 60 countries, stressed the need to ensure AI development was "transparent" and "safe" as well as "secure and trustworthy." They further agreed to cooperate to reduce digital divides by promoting AI accessibility to developing countries. Meanwhile, the U.S. and the UK refused to sign the declaration, giving priority to their own interests in the AI race. U.S. Vice President JD Vance had previously expressed the U.S.' determination to maintain its dominance in the surging industry in a speech at the summit on Tuesday.

Trump calls on Jordan to take in refugees from Gaza during meeting with King Abdullah II

2025/02/12 20:00

Meanwhile, Trump has maintained his claim over Gaza while calling on regional neighbors to open their doors wider to Palestinians as he met Jordan's King Abdullah at the Oval Office. Lee Seung-jae covers his most recent remarks. U.S. President Donald Trump held talks with King Abdullah II of Jordan at the White House on Tuesday, where Trump reiterated his plan to take over and develop the Gaza Strip. As the two leaders discussed ending the Israel-Hamas war, Trump also pressured Jordan to take in Palestinian refugees. This comes as Trump suggested Monday, that he would withhold U.S. funding from Jordan and Egypt to persuade the Middle Eastern countries to accept Palestinians from Gaza. While King Abdullah II did not say Jordan would be accepting the Palestinian refugees, he offered to take in two thousand sick Palestinian children. "I think one of the things that we can do right away is take 2,000 children that are either cancer children or in very ill state to Jordan as quickly as possible and then wait for, I think, the Egyptians to present their plan on how we can work with the president to work on Gaza challenges." Trump showed appreciation for what he called "a beautiful gesture," adding that Jordan, along with Egypt will see "great progress" moving forward. "What you just said 2,000 children with cancer or other problems. And that's really a beautiful gesture. That's really good. And we appreciate it. And we'll be working on the rest. With and with Egypt, I think you're going to see some great progress. I think with Jordan, you're going to see some great progress, three of us, and we'll have some others helping and we're going to have some others at a very high level helping and the whole thing will come." While the Jordanian king did not agree to take in the displaced Gazans during their talks, Trump said both Jordan and Egypt would ultimately agree to house the refugees. Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.

"Ceasefire deal will end if Hamas does not return our hostages by Saturday": Netanyahu

2025/02/12 20:00

Over in the Middle East. Israel and Hamas continue to trade tough rhetoric about the fate of the truce in the Gaza Strip amid uncertainty over the release of additional Israeli hostages. Choi Soo-hyung has the latest. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned the Palestinian militant group Hamas on Tuesday, local time, that the ceasefire deal could come to an end. "The decision I passed unanimously in the Cabinet is this: if Hamas does not return our hostages by Saturday noon, the ceasefire will end, and the IDF will return to intense fighting until Hamas is finally defeated." This comes after a Hamas announcement on Monday that it would indefinitely postpone the release of three hostages scheduled for Saturday. Hamas said Israel violated the ceasefire agreement by firing on civilians and blocking the delivery of aid supplies. Recently, Israeli forces opened fire in northern Gaza City and southern Khan Yunis, killing four civilians. Following Netanyahu's statement, the Israeli military announced it would deploy additional reserve forces near the Gaza Strip. Amid the growing tensions, experts said it was necessary to wait calmly to see if better negotiations could take place. "So you know, I think as far as what will actually happen, it's probably best not to get ahead of ourselves. It's not inevitable, but certainly if the hostages aren't returned by noon, I think it's very likely that a resumption and an escalation of fighting will ensue." Meanwhile, the Iranian-backed Yemeni Houthis warned that they would also attack Israel if it resumes the war. The Houthis, who support Hamas, have been threatening foreign ships passing through the Red Sea since the Gaza conflict began. After a six-week Gaza ceasefire deal was agreed to, the Houthis also stopped their attacks. Choi Soo-hyung, Arirang News.

How Trump's potential tariffs on cars, semiconductors may affect South Korea

2025/02/12 20:00

Concerns also grow as cars and semiconductor chips could be next on Trump's tariff list. Here's our Bae Eun-ji on how this may affect local companies. Starting March 12th, the United States will be imposing 25 percent tariffs on steel and aluminum imports and this is set to affect many countries, including South Korea. Announcing this, U.S. President Donald Trump said that he's also looking at tariffs on cars and semiconductor chips to create jobs. "But we'll be talking about other subjects like cars. We'll be talking about drugs and pharmaceuticals. We'll be discussing chips. And we're going to be doing some other things in addition to that, all of which will bring in a lot of jobs into our country. Cars is going to be a very big one and a very important one." Trump's comments have raised more concerns in South Korea, as cars and semiconductors take up more than 30 percent of the country's total exports to the United States. S&P Global Ratings said in a report released in November, that a potential 20-percent tariff on imports from South Korea could cut Hyundai and Kia's earnings by up to 19 percent. As for chips, experts say that the potential tariff hikes on chips are not likely to have a significant impact on Korean companies for the time being. "As for memory chips, there's not really a product in the market that can replace South Korean chips. So considering the time until the tariffs start to have an impact for example, the time needed for South Korea to build a semiconductor factory in the U.S. I don't think it will have that much of an impact in the semiconductor industry for now." But pundits warn the message that Trump is trying to say is clear: to pressure foreign companies. "Using tariffs, they're trying to pressure South Korean companies to make it more beneficial to the United States, when those companies invest in the U.S." To avoid tariff risks, industry watchers say that it's now more important than ever for Korean semiconductor manufacturers such as Samsung and SK hynix to secure deals with big tech companies in the U.S. Bae Eun-ji, Arirang News.

Infinite variance of snakes from medication to robots

2025/02/12 17:00

Also according to the lunar calendar 2025 is the year of the snake. That being said in this next report we take a look at the intriguing medical contributions of these reptiles. Cha Yun-kyung reports. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is one of the most common chronic diseases in South Korea. The ACE protein in the human body is the cause as it raises blood pressure by contracting blood vessels. Scientists in the U.S. have discovered substances in snake venom that suppress this protein, and have developed them as treatments for hypertension. One of those was captopril, the first medication based on venom, which was approved by the FDA in 1981. "There are various kinds of proteins in snake venom and scientists are developing them as treatments after finding out their therapeutic effects through research. There are actually numerous kinds of them. What I have found was in cobra toxin " New research has found that snake venom proteins are not only effective for hypertension but also for cancer, and scientists are trying to develop new types of cancer treatment. Brazilian researchers back in 2023 also found that proteins derived from snake venom induce cell death in melanoma, a skin cancer. The researchers are expecting a more dramatic therapeutic effect if the newly found substances are used in combination therapy. In addition to medical uses, robots are being developed in the shape of snakes for exploration and rescue work. These developed robotic snakes can move easily on snow, and pass through narrow holes. NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in the U.S. has developed this kind of robot to observe the subterranean ocean on Enceladus, one of Saturn's moons. This robot is designed to move by itself and create maps after sensing the surrounding environment autonomously. In 2021, the Korea Institute of Robotics & Technology Convergence showcased snake-shaped robots, that can find survivors in disaster sites by crawling around and through the rubble. They can also provide water and drugs to survivors. Cha Yun-kyung, Arirang News.

Korean soldiers brave extreme cold in intense winter training

2025/02/12 17:00

And despite the brutal winter conditions here a rigorous training session that puts to the ultimate test the resolve and resilience of South Korean soldiers is taking place. Our defense correspondent Kim Bo-kyung reports. It is below zero outside, but Korean soldiers are braving this extreme cold, aiming to enhance their collective defense capabilities and ensure readiness even in the most challenging conditions. South Korea's Naval Special Warfare Flotilla --known as the UDT/SEAL, this week started their high-intensity winter exercises. Rigorous drills, with members asked to do amphibious landings, navigate through rough seas, and conduct inland infiltration exercises, hone their skills in both maritime and terrestrial operations. "The Navy special warfare operators, following the UDT/SEAL motto of "nothing is impossible," will be fully prepared to complete their missions in any extreme environment— at sea, on land or in the air." Grueling exercises are not limited to the sea. Around five-hundred soldiers from the Marine Corps' reconnaissance battalions, endure the cold in the mountains as well, as they began winter training in Pyeongchang and the surrounding area of Hwangbyeongsan Mountain. On the mountain covered with snow, soldiers practice fast-roping, descending a thick rope, allowing troops to be deployed from a helicopter in places where aircraft cannot land. They master individual ski maneuvering skills, to be able to ensure rapid mobility. Keeping in mind their role as reconnaissance battalions, having to provide quick, accurate information on an uncertain battlefield to secure a military advantage, the soldiers say they dedicate themselves to the training. "We will continue to dedicate ourselves to training and education to become a strong Marine Corps that the public can always trust." "South Korea, Fighting! Marine Corps, Fighting!" Kim Bo-kyoung, Arirang News.

Heavy snowfall warnings across S. Korea lifted; no fatalities reported in accidents caused by snow

2025/02/12 17:00

Staying in the country. Heavy snowfall warnings that were issued nationwide on this Wednesday morning have been lifted. The Interior Ministry has also lowered its alert level from "caution" to "attention." Treacherous road conditions earlier in the day led to a number of accidents and road closures as well as flight cancellations. No severe casualties have reported.

Lawmakers kick off three-day gov't interpellation, quiz Cabinet members on politics, diplomacy

2025/02/12 17:00

The National Assembly has kicked off its regular government interpellation session. This latest session will span over three days and today the questions are centered on politics, diplomacy and national security. About a dozen lawmakers are taking turns to grill key Cabinet members including the ministers of justice, foreign affairs and national defense. Tomorrow the questions will be focused on the economy and on Friday education, society and culture.

Witnesses claim martial law was legal but ill-advised at Yoon's 7th impeachment hearing

2025/02/12 17:00

The Constitutional Court has opened what looks to be its final week of hearings into the impeachment trial against the president. Tuesday's session started in the morning and lasted past sunset. Our correspondent Oh Soo-hyung recaps that hearing. President Yoon Seok Yeol's martial law was ill-advised but lawfully proclaimed, according to his officials who were present at his office on the night of December third. This came at Yoon's seventh impeachment trial hearing, as more witnesses were summoned on Tuesday, amid claims by some senior Cabinet ministers that Yoon had bypassed the Cabinet procedures required by the Constitution before declaring the decree. Former interior minister Lee Sang-min said otherwise. While admitting a Cabinet meeting hadn't been called in advance, he said the seven or so members who initially gathered at the President's Office waited for the 11-member quorum to be filled,.. after which Yoon spoke briefly before proclaiming Martial Law on live TV. Lee said he believes "those present considered themselves at a Cabinet meeting." National Security Advisor Shin Won-sik also said he was told by the President's Chief-of-Staff that a Cabinet meeting was ongoing when he later arrived at the scene. Both Lee and Shin said while they, along with other ministers and secretaries, tried to dissuade the President from declaring Martial Law, they understood the political context of the decision. On this, Yoon took the chance to speak, reiterating his claim that the opposition Democratic Party had sabotaged the administration with a series of impeachments, and, a major budget cut. The hearing also addressed the election fraud allegations raised by Yoon as a pretext for declaring martial law. Former intelligence official Baek Jong-wook said the National Election Commission's servers upon inspection seemed highly vulnerable to external attack and could potentially trigger a social crisis. But he wouldn't comment on election fraud, saying the servers hadn't been examined for such irregularities. Secretary-General of the Election Commission Kim Yong-bin said he hadn't been made aware of the false voting ballots mentioned by Yoon's legal team, and insisted regular inspections were conducted. Given the conflicting narratives and discrepancies with previous statements, experts say it's likely the Court will have to summon more witnesses,.. inevitably extending the trial date. While the Court has focused on delivering a speedy verdict, the President's side has continued raising objections to the trial proceedings. Yoon himself opposed the Court's decision to accept investigation records as evidence, arguing it is crucial to hear out witness statements in person. However, the opposition has called for a quick end to the trial,.. saying the evidence is out there. "Our patience is wearing thin. How much longer must we put up with baseless conspiracy theories about election fraud? There's already been enough consideration given to the respondent through this week's witness examination. We hope for a swift conclusion to the proceedings." The Court on Tuesday rejected Yoon's request to summon Prime Minister Han Duck-soo as a witness, deeming it unnecessary. The next and final hearing for now is scheduled for Thursday with three witnesses to testify. Oh Soo-young, Arirang News.

"Ceasefire deal will end if Hamas does not return our hostages by Saturday": Netanyahu

2025/02/12 17:00

And over in the Middle East. Israeli authorities and regional militants continue to trade tough rhetoric about the fate of the truce in the Gaza Strip amid uncertainty over the release of additional Israeli hostages by Hamas this coming Saturday. Choi Soo-hyung has the latest. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned the Palestinian militant group Hamas on Tuesday, local time, that the ceasefire deal could come to an end. "The decision I passed unanimously in the Cabinet is this: if Hamas does not return our hostages by Saturday noon, the ceasefire will end, and the IDF will return to intense fighting until Hamas is finally defeated." This comes after a Hamas announcement on Monday that it would indefinitely postpone the release of three hostages scheduled for Saturday. Hamas said Israel violated the ceasefire agreement by firing on civilians and blocking the delivery of aid supplies. Recently, Israeli forces opened fire in northern Gaza City and southern Khan Yunis, killing four civilians. Following Netanyahu's statement, the Israeli military announced it would deploy additional reserve forces near the Gaza Strip. Amid the growing tensions, experts said it was necessary to wait calmly to see if better negotiations could take place. "So you know, I think as far as what will actually happen, it's probably best not to get ahead of ourselves. It's not inevitable, but certainly if the hostages aren't returned by noon, I think it's very likely that a resumption and an escalation of fighting will ensue." Meanwhile, the Iranian-backed Yemeni Houthis warned that they would also attack Israel if it resumes the war. The Houthis, who support Hamas, have been threatening foreign ships passing through the Red Sea since the Gaza conflict began. On January 19th, after a six-week Gaza ceasefire deal was agreed to, the Houthis also stopped their attacks. Choi Soo-hyung, Arirang News.

Trump calls on Jordan to take in refugees from Gaza during meeting with King Abdullah II

2025/02/12 17:00

Meanwhile Mr. Trump has maintained his claim over the Gaza Strip while calling on regional neighbors to open their doors wider to Palestinians. Lee Seung-jae covers his most recent remarks. U.S. President Donald Trump held talks with King Abdullah II of Jordan at the White House on Tuesday, where Trump reiterated his plan to take over and develop the Gaza Strip. As the two leaders discussed ending the Israel-Hamas war, Trump also pressured Jordan to take in Palestinian refugees. This comes as Trump suggested Monday, that he would withhold U.S. funding from Jordan and Egypt to persuade the Middle Eastern countries to accept Palestinians from Gaza. While King Abdullah II did not say Jordan would be accepting the Palestinian refugees, he offered to take in two thousand sick Palestinian children. "I think one of the things that we can do right away is take 2,000 children that are either cancer children or in very ill state to Jordan as quickly as possible and then wait for, I think, the Egyptians to present their plan on how we can work with the president to work on Gaza challenges." Trump showed appreciation for what he called "a beautiful gesture," adding that Jordan, along with Egypt will see "great progress" moving forward. "What you just said 2,000 children with cancer or other problems. And that's really a beautiful gesture. That's really good. And we appreciate it. And we'll be working on the rest. With and with Egypt, I think you're going to see some great progress. I think with Jordan, you're going to see some great progress, three of us, and we'll have some others helping and we're going to have some others at a very high level helping and the whole thing will come." While the Jordanian king did not agree to take in the displaced Gazans during their talks, Trump said both Jordan and Egypt would ultimately agree to house the refugees. Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.

S. Korea to hold export strategy meeting next week amid U.S. aluminum, steel tariffs

2025/02/12 17:00

In response government officials here are scheduled to hold an export strategy meeting next week amid the mounting uncertainty over global trade. According to acting President Choi Sang-mok on this Wednesday the meeting will thoroughly review the potential impact of U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminium imports for South Korean companies and seek an effective response mechanism. Korea will also seek to diversify its export markets and products with renewed focus on the bio-industry as the world aims to bolster its biomedical supply chain.

U.S. likely to impose reciprocal tariffs as early as Tuesday

2025/02/12 17:00

Following his 25-percent blanket tariffs on all steel and aluminium imports into the U.S. market U.S. President Donald Trump is now poised to announce reciprocal tariffs on American trade partners. CHOI Min-jung has our top story. The U.S. is anticipated to announce plans to impose reciprocal tariffs on other countries, as early as Tuesday, or by Wednesday at the latest. "I'll be announcing probably Tuesday or Wednesday at a news conference reciprocal tariffs. And very simply, it's if they charge us, we charge them." Trump claims that introducing reciprocal tariffs will create a fairer trading environment for the U.S. In theory, the U.S. would apply identical levies on imports from a specific country that the country imposes on American exports. Pundits say one of the most significant countries impacted by reciprocal tariffs would be India. In 2022, India imposed an average tariff of 9-point-5 percent on American products, significantly higher than the 3-percent rate the U.S. imposed on Indian goods. Europe will also likely face reciprocal tariffs. The U.S. imposes a 2-point-5 percent tariff on cars from BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Volkswagen, while the EU charges 10 percent on American auto imports. On top of that, there's the question of how Trump will handle value-added tax in the EU, which averages at over 20 percent. "The European Union charges as 20% plus, plus, plus of VAT tax, called a VAT tax, very similar, and it cost us an absolute fortune. We are treated so badly." If Trump takes a country-level approach, countries with which the U.S. has free trade agreements, including South Korea, are likely to remain unaffected, as most products are tariff-free. "Most of the goods that Korea sells to the United States as well as most of the goods that U.S. sells to Korea are covered by the KOR-U.S. FTA, which means that they have zero tariffs So the reciprocal tariffs will probably not affect Korea that much unless Trump specifically targets Korea." Given that South Korea posted a record trade surplus with the U.S. last year, there's a possibility that President Trump could target this issue. Nonetheless, the White House has indicated that reciprocal tariffs may not be implemented immediately this week, as Trump focuses on reviewing existing tariffs. Choi Min-jung, Arirang News.

2025 "Jeongwol Daeboreum": Wishes under the first full moon of the year

2025/02/12 17:00

Up next for those of us here in Korea we are poised to witness the first full moon of the new lunar new year tonight. Our Lee Eun-hee covers this upcoming event and its symbolic implications. People of all ages are enthusiastically writing down their wishes. That's because it's "Jeongwol Daeboreum," or "The Great Full Moon Festival." "I wrote a wish for the health and peace of my beloved family and for all their endeavors." "I wished for my family to stay healthy and safe." "Jeongwol Daeboreum" is a day celebrating the first full moon of the lunar year, celebrated on the 15th day of the first lunar month, and in the year 2025 it falls on February 12th. "On the night of the brightest full moon, the tradition of watching the moon rise and praying for prosperity and well-being held deep significance in Korea's agricultural society. It was a day to drive away bad luck and bring good fortune, and was celebrated with food and folk games." In light of this special day, the National Folk Museum of Korea hosted a special event that honored tradition while offering several hands-on activities. These include making a full moon-shaped lamp to symbolize a peaceful night and coloring activities to explore traditional "Jeongwol Daeboreum" customs like the tug-of-war and crafting fish amulets to ward off bad luck. "I didn't know about the holiday but it's very interesting to see and honestly it reminds me of some of the type of celebrations that we have back home in America." On the night of "Jeongwol Daeboreum," many people in South Korea gather under the bright moonlight and start a bonfire known as "daljip." This "Daljip" is a pile of straw and firewood stacked together and set alight during the evening of "Jeongwol Daeboreum" to drive away negative energy. It is one of the key traditions of the holiday, and is kept alive across the country. For those looking to make a wish this evening, the full moon is expected to rise in Seoul at 5:46 PM, with the perfect full moon occurring at 10:53 PM. This map shows the timeline for other regions. Why not take a moment to make a wish under the full moon and embrace the spirit of the season? Lee Eun-hee, Arirang News.

U.S. likely to impose reciprocal tariffs as early as Tuesday

2025/02/12 10:00

On top of the 25% steel and aluminum tariffs, the U.S. is set to issue reciprocal tariffs with its leader claiming it's an effort to create fairer trade conditions. Choi Min-jung has more. The U.S. is anticipated to announce plans to impose reciprocal tariffs on other countries, as early as Tuesday, or by Wednesday at the latest. "I'll be announcing probably Tuesday or Wednesday at a news conference reciprocal tariffs. And very simply, it's if they charge us, we charge them." Trump claims that introducing reciprocal tariffs will create a fairer trading environment for the U.S. In theory, the U.S. would apply identical levies on imports from a specific country that the country imposes on American exports. Pundits say one of the most significant countries impacted by reciprocal tariffs would be India. In 2022, India imposed an average tariff of 9-point-5 percent on American products, significantly higher than the 3-percent rate the U.S. imposed on Indian goods. Europe will also likely face reciprocal tariffs. The U.S. imposes a 2-point-5 percent tariff on cars from BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Volkswagen, while the EU charges 10 percent on American auto imports. On top of that, there's the question of how Trump will handle value-added tax in the EU, which averages at over 20 percent. "The European Union charges as 20% plus, plus, plus of VAT tax, called a VAT tax, very similar, and it cost us an absolute fortune. We are treated so badly." If Trump takes a country-level approach, countries with which the U.S. has free trade agreements, including South Korea, are likely to remain unaffected, as most products are tariff-free. However, given that South Korea posted a record trade surplus with the U.S. last year, there's a possibility that President Trump could target this issue. Nonetheless, the White House has indicated that reciprocal tariffs may not be implemented immediately this week, as Trump focuses on reviewing existing tariffs. Choi Min-jung, Arirang News.