News

PRES. LEE HOSTS HIS VIETNAMESE COUNTERPART TO LAM

2025/08/11 18:34

Hello and welcome to Press Perspective for this Monday August 11th here in Seoul. I'm Min Sunhee. The leaders of South Korea and Vietnam sat down for their first summit earlier this morning and for details on that meeting I have Steven Borowiec with Japanese weekly news magazine Nikkei Asia. Steven hope you had a good weekend. I also have freelance journalist Michael Tatarski based in Vietnam live on the line. Michael it's a pleasure. Steven, let's begin with details of what has been disclosed about the discussions during the summit between President Lee Jae Myung and his Vietnamese counterpart To Lam. Steven, the Vietnamese leader's agenda here in South Korea also includes active interaction with corporate leaders. What's the latest on that front? And Michael, what can you share with us about the response there in Vietnam with regard to this state trip to South Korea by its leader? Steven, in an interview with Vietnamese state-run news agency VNA, President Lee Jae Myung, among other aspects, highlighted the bilateral partnership on the trade front. For the sake of context, do tell us a bit about the economic cooperation between the two countries. Michael, staying with that interview, what would you choose to highlight as some of the other key takeaways from the comments shared by President Lee Jae Myung? Steven, President Lee says "people-to-people exchanges between the two countries form the bedrock of deeper ties." Do tell us more. Michael, simply speaking, what are the diplomatic implications of this state trip for the Vietnamese leader keeping in mind the current state of geopolitics and trade amid Mr. Trump's approach to ties with America's partners? And Steven, what is the significance of this first summit on the home ground for President Lee? Michael, Vietnam is poised to host the annual APEC forum in 2027. What do you suppose will it seek to take away from South Korea's hosting of the event later this year? Steven, what factors, do you believe, look to determine the success of this multilateral economic gathering for South Korea? All right.

S. KOREA-VIETNAM SUMMIT JOINT PRESS CONFERENCE

2025/08/11 14:34

Hello and welcome to our special live coverage of the joint press conference on the summit between President Lee Jae Myung and the chief of Vietnam's Communist Party, To Lam. President Lee hosted the Vietnamese leader as his first state guest since taking office on June 4th, as Seoul looks to strengthen cooperation with the fourth-largest economy in Southeast Asia. The two leaders are expected to have addressed a wide range of bilateral issues including politics, national security, trade and investment as well as ways to develop Vietnam's public infrastructure, particularly in nuclear energy and high-speed rail. This marks the first visit by the general secretary of Vietnam's Communist Party to South Korea since 2014. Lam, who arrived in Seoul on Sunday for a four-day trip, is expected to attend a state dinner hosted by President Lee where he will meet with heads of major businesses, including Hyundai Motors, SK, and LG. A number of major South Korean companies including Samsung Electronics have used Vietnam as an export hub, benefiting from lower labor costs and generous tax incentives. The presidential office said the rare visit by the Vietnamese leader is expected to contribute to favorable conditions for Korean businesses to invest in infrastructure and nuclear energy projects planned in Vietnam. We see President Lee Jae Myung entering the press conference room. It appears the press conference is about to start, we'll come back right afterwards.

Pres. Lee hosts Vietnam's leader To Lam in Seoul for key cooperation

2025/08/11 11:41

President Lee Jae Myung is hosting Vietnam's political leader To Lam at his office in Seoul. Their talks will include cooperation on trade, investment and science technology, including nuclear energy and high-speed rail, to bolster the two countries' Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Later in the day, Lam is set to meet with heads of major South Korean businesses, including SK Group. It's the first trip by a general secretary of Vietnam's Communist Party to Korea in 11 years. Lam is also the first foreign leader to be hosted by the new South Korean president.

New Zealand and Australia seek closer military ties

2025/08/11 11:39

The leaders of Australia and New Zealand agreed to strengthen military cooperation in the face of heightened regional tensions, including a Chinese live-fire naval drill earlier this year. New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met on Saturday in New Zealand, where they highlighted the need for improved interoperability between their armed forces. Luxon called Australia New Zealand's "only ally" and called for a unified Anzac force, referring to the Australian New Zealand Army Corps, operating across the region. Albanese reaffirmed their shared commitment to regional stability. The summit comes after Chinese naval vessels conducted a live-fire exercise in the Tasman Sea in February without prior notification, an action that disrupted commercial flights and prompted Canberra and Wellington to seek deeper defense alignment.

Trump says homeless people in Washington, D.C. 'have to move out IMMEDIATELY'

2025/08/11 11:39

Good morning, I'm Choi Chi-hee, and this is The World Now. Beginning in the United States, President Donald Trump has announced sweeping measures to "clean up" Washington, D.C. He has ordered the immediate removal of homeless people from the city and pledged to crack down on violent crime. Trump said on Truth Social on Saturday that homeless individuals will be "moved out, IMMEDIATELY" to facilities "FAR from the Capital." Trump also said he would unveil on Monday his initiative to address the city's violent crime. The President threatened to "take Federal control" of Washington, D.C., on August 5, saying that "Crime in Washington, D.C., is totally out of control." The city's mayor Muriel Bowser responded on Sunday that Trump's move is legally questionable and noted that violent crime in the city is down 26% this year, with overall crime down 7%, and that 2024 had the lowest violent crime rate in three decades. The mayor said what the city needs instead are more federal prosecutors, judges, and funding for repairs to parks and buildings.

Netanyahu reiterates goal of ending Gaza war

2025/08/11 11:38

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday that the goal of expanding military operations in the Gaza Strip is not to prolong the war but to end it. Speaking to the press, the Israeli leader stressed that Israel has no choice but to defeat Hamas and "complete the mission," adding that Israel's goal is not to occupy Gaza, but to "liberate" it. He noted that he ordered the military to accelerate the timetable for seizing Gaza from Hamas control, citing his determination to end the war swiftly. Netanyahu reiterated five principles outlined during a security cabinet meeting last week, where he called for the disarmament of Hamas, the return of all hostages, the demilitarization of Gaza,.. Israeli security control over the territory, and the establishment of an alternative civilian government not linked to Hamas or the Palestinian Authority.

Gov't and ruling party agree to support vulnerable industries likely affected by Korea-U.S. trade deal

2025/08/11 11:38

On the local front. The first high-level consultation between government officials and the ruling party took place since the ruling Democratic Party elected a new leader. Key topics included follow-up measures for the trade deal between South Korea and the United States. Our political correspondent Shin Ha-young reports. South Korea's government and ruling party agreed to provide support to industries and businesses expected to be most affected by the new U.S. tariffs. This comes after the two sides on Sunday reviewed follow-up measures to the recent trade agreement between South Korea and the United States. During the meeting, Democratic Party leader Jung Chung-rae said the party and government will evaluate the impact of the recent trade deal on the economy and industries, and devise response measures. "We will work to ensure the outcome of the trade talks directly benefits the national interest, and quickly introduce the necessary bills and policies in the National Assembly to carry out follow-up measures without delay." The two sides agreed to deliberate on the Lee Jae Myung administration's recent proposal to tighten capital gains tax rules by lowering the threshold for major shareholders, a move that sparked strong backlash from retail investors. Currently, only those holding 5 billion won --roughly 3-point-6 million U.S. dollars --or more in a single listed stock are taxed. Under the new plan, that threshold would be reduced to 1 billion won, or just under 720 thousand dollars. "We closely consulted and decided to deliberate on the issue while monitoring developments." Sunday's meeting was the first high-level consultation between government officials and the ruling party since four-term lawmaker Jung was elected party leader. Prime Minister Kim Min-seok congratulated him on his election and emphasized that the party, government, and presidential office need to work as one. Shin Ha-young, Arirang News.

[On-point] Vietnam's Communist Party chief visits South Korea for first time in over a decade

2025/08/11 11:37

As we just heard, the general secretary of Vietnam's Communist Party, the country's most powerful official is in Seoul for a four-day trip, as South Korea looks to strengthen ties with the fourth-largest economy in Southeast Asia. For more on the significance of this visit, we're joined by Cho Won-deuk, Assistant Professor at the Department of Indo-Pacific Studies, at Korea National Diplomatic Academy. Professor Cho, thanks for joining us this morning. So, this is the first state visit by a Vietnamese leader to South Korea in 11 years. What might be discussed at the summit? He is the first foreign leader to make a state visit to South Korea since President Lee took office in early June. Could you tell us more about the significance of this visit? There are major diplomatic events coming up this month,.. and of course, eyes are now on President Lee's summit with U.S. President Donald Trump, which could take place on the 25th of this month. Lee said he'll focus on 'pragmatic diplomacy' --will we be able to see that approach in action? There are reports that President Lee may meet Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba in Tokyo, before heading to Washington to meet Trump. What might be on the agenda if they do meet? Alright Professor Cho, thank you so much for your insight today. We appreciate it.

Vance says U.S. working to set up Trump-Putin-Zelenskyy face-to-face talks

2025/08/11 11:36

Washington says it's working to set up a meeting between leaders of the U.S., Russia, and Ukraine. While Kyiv has not yet commented on the matter, European allies say any peace talks with Moscow must include Ukraine. Lee Seung-jae has more. U.S. Vice President JD Vance said Sunday that Washington is working to arrange talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. "We're at a point now where we're now trying to figure out, frankly, scheduling and things like that around when these three leaders could sit down and discuss an end to this conflict." Speaking to Fox News, Vance also noted that a meeting between the leaders of Russia and Ukraine would be more productive after Putin first sits down with U.S. President Donald Trump. The U.S. vice president added that the Trump administration hopes to secure a negotiated settlement to the war in Ukraine, though he warned that "both sides will probably be unhappy with the outcome." "We're gonna try to find some negotiated settlement that the Ukrainians and the Russians can live with, where they can live in relative peace, where the killing stops. It's not gonna make anybody super happy." Meanwhile, according to a senior U.S. official and three people briefed on internal discussions, the White House is considering inviting Zelenskyy to Alaska, where Trump is scheduled to meet Putin next week. However, the sources said no visit has been finalized and it remains unclear whether Zelenskyy will attend. When asked about the formal invitation, the senior official said that Trump remains open to a trilateral summit, but added that the White House is focusing on planning the bilateral summit requested by Putin. While Kyiv has yet to comment on the matter, European allies of Ukraine have reiterated that any peace talks with Russia must include Ukraine. In a joint statement on Saturday, the leaders of the UK, France, Italy, Germany, Poland, Finland, and the European Commission underscored that position ahead of Friday's Trump-Putin meeting in Alaska. The European leaders also expressed their support for Trump's efforts to end the war in Ukraine, but stressed that "only an approach that combines "diplomacy, support to Ukraine, and pressure on the Russian Federation to end their illegal war can succeed." Zelenskyy has previously said any agreements reached without Kyiv's involvement would amount to "dead decisions." Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.

N. Korea warns of 'self-defense' against S. Korea-U.S. drills

2025/08/11 11:35

North Korea has denounced the upcoming joint military drills between Seoul and Washington, vowing to take what it calls 'self-defense measures.' The warning comes amid recent signs of easing tensions, including both Seoul and Pyongyang taking down propaganda loudspeakers along the border. Moon Ji-young reports. North Korea's defense chief has denounced a planned large-scale joint military exercise between South Korea and the U.S. According to the North's state-run Korean Central News Agency on Monday, Defense Minister No Kwang-chol warned that Pyongyang would exercise its "self-defense" right against any provocation. He delivered the warning a week before Seoul and Washington are set to commence their annual summertime Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise scheduled from August 18th to 28th. Defense Minister No asserted that the joint exercise, conducted under a simulated nuclear war scenario, constitutes a direct military provocation against the North, significantly amplifies the unpredictability of the armistice on the Korean Peninsula, and cements regional destabilization. This follows the announcement by South Korea and the U.S. on Thursday that they would conduct their regular combined Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise for the defense of the Korean Peninsula in contingencies. The allies also stated that around 20 of the more than 40 field training exercises planned during this period would be postponed to September. However, North Korea did not mention the postponement of some exercises. North Korea's stern warning comes despite recent signs of a potential de-escalation from the reclusive state. Last Saturday, Pyongyang began dismantling some loudspeakers installed along its border, which were previously used for noise campaigns against South Korea. South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed that North Korean military activities to remove loudspeakers were detected in parts of the front-line area as of Saturday morning. The military indicated that further verification is required to determine if this removal will extend to all border areas. This move by the North comes after the South completed removing its border loudspeakers last Tuesday, aimed at reducing inter-Korean tensions. Moon Ji-young. Arirang News.

USFK Commander Gen. Brunson hints at possible "strategic flexibility"

2025/08/11 11:34

The South Korean defense press corps recently had a chance to visit the U.S. military base Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek. There, the USFK commander gave his views on key issues including alliance modernization. Our defense correspondent Kim Bo-kyoung was there. Capabilities over size. That is what General Xavier Brunson, the commander of the United States Forces Korea emphasized when asked to define "alliance modernization." This follows concerns in Seoul over a possible reduction of U.S. troops on the Korean peninsula for "strategic flexibility." The general did not directly mention any troop reduction, but he did highlight the need for Seoul to acknowledge strategic flexibility as well, citing the example of Patriot batteries that have been temporarily moved to the Middle East but that are expected to return with upgrades. "Whenever things of strategic flexibility happen — I think that the onus is on this command, read me, to ensure that our allies understand what I'm doing. But there's nothing that says that we can't move to where we need to be in support of allied nations and our own objectives." The general underlined that the ROK-U.S. alliance is not just dealing with North Korea, which he called the closest alligator to the boat, but also with Russia and China which both have strong links with Pyongyang. "What's being asked of Korea is to be stronger against DPRK—that we might have the flexibility as we modernize our alliance so that we could go do other things." Against such a backdrop, the issue of transferring wartime operational control --the OPCON transfer --was brought up as well. General Brunson said rushing things would hurt readiness, and that conditions need to be bilaterally agreed upon. "Now, if we choose to take shortcuts, that could endanger the readiness of the force here on the Peninsula. So I think that our approach has to be one that is, again, bilaterally managed, bilaterally considered, and bilaterally assessed in order to get to that point." The allies are slated to go ahead with the annual Ulchi Freedom Shield starting next week. Some outdoor exercises have been adjusted, but the general says he is comfortable with the decision and as the allies will still exercise fully. Kim Bo-kyoung, Arirang News.

[WEEKLY FOCUS] July session ends in filibuster over contentious bills; Political showdown looms in August

2025/08/09 12:35

South Korea's National Assembly kicked off its August extraordinary session this week amid intense political tensions, as the rival parties face off over key legislation, following the first filibuster in a year. For more on the key legislation and what lies ahead throughout the August extraordinary session, we turn to our political correspondent Shin Ha-young. Welcome Ha-young. Thanks for having me. So Ha-young, the July parliamentary session wrapped up with a series of filibusters. Could you first walk us through those? Sure, during the July extraordinary session at the National Assembly, five contentious bills were at the center of heightened political tensions between the ruling and opposition parties. These included three media reform bills aimed at changing how the heads of public broadcasters are appointed. Among them, an amendment to the Broadcasting Act --which affects KBS --was the first to be introduced during Monday's plenary session. The ruling Democratic Party argues this will reduce political interference and promote independence in public broadcasting. Take a listen. "To boost press freedom and independence, the bill makes CEO appointments more transparent and democratic." But the main opposition People Power Party strongly disagrees, saying the change could instead shift control toward liberal-leaning civic groups, and further politicize media under the guise of reform. The party responded by launching a filibuster at the session to stall the DP's legislative push. Take a listen. "How is this a public broadcaster for the people? Does appointing someone of your choice truly make it a broadcaster for the people?" The 24-hour-long filibuster came to an end Tuesday afternoon after the DP passed a motion to close the debate. The party then immediately pushed the bill through, with 178 lawmakers voting in favor and two against, out of 180 votes cast amid a boycott by the PPP. The second reform bill, targeting another public broadcaster, MBC, was then introduced, prompting another filibuster by the PPP. That, too, was cut short at midnight as the July extraordinary session ended after just seven hours. Aside from the ones already mentioned, what are the remaining contentious bills? Beyond the media reform bills, there are two others that lawmakers are divided on. One of them is the so-called "Yellow Envelope Bill," which is essentially an amendment of labor union laws that limits employer action on striking union members. Another is a proposed revision to the Commercial Act that aims to strengthen corporate governance transparency and protect minority shareholders’ rights, particularly within large corporations. Both are being championed by the DP, while the PPP remains staunchly opposed. Here's what they had to say on the "Yellow Envelope Bill." "By adjusting the balance in labor-management relations, this will be the first step toward enabling dialogue at sites where subcontractors couldn’t even speak to their main contractors --paving the way for voluntary, horizontal cooperation." "The Yellow Envelope Bill could encourage unlimited illegal strikes and has high potential to devastate industrial sites." Then, Ha-young, will these bills come up again in the next extraordinary session? And what's the game plan for each side? You're right. With the August extraordinary session now underway as of Wednesday, the DP is planning to push ahead with the remaining contentious bills. As only one of the five contentious bills was put to a vote during the latest plenary session, the remaining two media reform bills, the Yellow Envelope Bill, and the revision to the Commercial Act are expected to be addressed this time. A plenary session is scheduled for August 21st, and the PPP has already warned that it will launch filibusters against all remaining bills on the agenda if they are pushed forward without bipartisan agreement. Meanwhile, the DP appears to be adopting what's being called a "salami-slicing" strategy --passing bills one by one to wear down resistance. In short, such a cycle is likely to escalate the political standoff even further. Is there any potential for bipartisan cooperation that we can expect throughout the August extraordinary session? Well, the worsening tensions between the ruling and opposition parties are clear even outside the plenary session. The DP's newly elected leader Jung Chung-rae said that he is unable to work with the PPP, citing the continued presence of lawmakers who support former President Yoon Suk Yeol. The PPP urged the DP leader to respect the opposition as a partner in governance, saying it was the only way to serve the people. Reflecting this divide, Jung met with leaders of four liberal opposition parties after his election but did not meet with representatives from the People Power Party or the Reform Party. Given the current tensions, it may be too early to tell whether there's room for bipartisan cooperation --but it's definitely something to watch as the August extraordinary session unfolds. Alright, thank you, Ha-young, for your wrap-up. Keep us posted on future developments. Thank you.

Calligraphy and resistance: Lee Sang-ryong's legacy on display

2025/08/08 22:39

Shifting focus, South Korea is just one week away from the 80th anniversary of its liberation from Japan's colonial rule. Tonight, we put the spotlight on a lesser-known but pivotal figure in the fight for freedom. Byun Ye-young tells the story of the late Lee Sang-ryong. This year marks the 80th anniversary of Korea's liberation from Japanese colonial rule. To commemorate, a special exhibition is underway to spotlight the life and legacy of Lee Sang-ryong, one of the leaders of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea. Titled "Prime Minister Lee Sang-ryong and Imcheonggak", the exhibit also celebrates 100 years since his inauguration. After Japan's annexation of Korea in 1910, Lee gave up his fortune and relocated to Manchuria, China with his entire family to escape colonial oppression and lay the foundations for armed resistance. "He focused on unifying the fragmented independence movement groups and also established the Shinheung Military Academy, where he aimed to provide proper historical education to the cadets by writing the Daedong History and teaching them accurate accounts of Korea's past." But Lee's story cannot be told without Imcheonggak, his ancestral home in Andong city. Imcheonggak is a 500-year-old hanok, or traditional Korean house, and one of the largest preserved residences from the Joseon Dynasty. The home also produced no fewer than ten recognized independence activists, including Lee's brothers, son, grandchildren, nephews, and even his uncle. "Imcheonggak is a historic site that shows how the sacrifices made for the nation will ultimately be honored and protected by the nation itself. Though it was damaged due to its role in the independence movement, the government is now fully committed to restoring it." "Lee Sang-ryong was not only an independence fighter, but also a literary figure. Through letters, essays, and manifestos, he chronicled Korea's suffering and yearning for independence. These handwritten records in the exhibition are being featured as works of calligraphy." A gifted poet and writer, Lee's literary contributions have been brought to light by the brushwork of master calligrapher Lee Dong-ik. "This exhibition was created to give visitors a chance to engage with the Seokju Yugo, a collection of Lee Sang-ryong's writings. It's especially meaningful because it also features calligraphy works that reflect his passion and sacrifice for Korea's independence." The exhibition can be enjoyed for free at the Seoul Museum of History until August 31st. Byeon Ye-young, Arirang News.

Israel approves plan to occupy Gaza City while detailing 'principles for ending the war'

2025/08/08 22:38

Turning to major developments in the Middle East, Israel's top office announced that it's planning to go forth with a plan to occupy Gaza City, a move raising fears of a further escalation in an already devastating war. Kim Do-yeon reports. Israel's political-security cabinet has approved a plan to occupy Gaza City the largest city in the enclave early Friday, signaling a significant escalation in the near two-year conflict, despite intensifying international and domestic criticism. A statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office on social media read, quote, "The IDF will prepare to take control of Gaza City while providing humanitarian aid to the civilian population outside the combat zones," detailing the following "principles for ending the war": Disarmament of Hamas Return of all hostages -both living and dead Demilitarization of the Gaza Strip Israeli security control over the Gaza Strip The existence of an alternative civilian government that is not Hamas or the Palestinian Authority Netanyahu's office also noted most political-security cabinet members believed an alternative plan would not achieve the defeat of Hamas or the return of hostages. However, government sources indicate that the security cabinet's decision still requires final approval from the full cabinet, a session not expected until Sunday. The cabinet's approval came just hours after Netanyahu said Israel intended to assume full military control of the entire strip. "In order to assure our security, remove Hamas there, enable the population to be free of Gaza, and to pass it to civilian governance that is not Hamas and not anyone advocating the destruction of Israel. That's what we want to do. We want to liberate ourselves and liberate the people of Gaza from the awful terror of Hamas." As the cabinet votes, mass protests erupted across Israel. According to Israel, it already controls around 75 percent of Gaza. Most of Gaza's population of about 2 million has been displaced multiple times over the past 22 months and aid groups are warning that the enclave's residents are on the verge of famine. Kim Do-yeon, Arirang News.

Pres. Lee faces key diplomatic events upon returning from summer break

2025/08/08 22:35

President Lee Jae Myung wraps up his five-day summer break today. Waiting for him is a packed calendar, including summits with global leaders as well as key domestic decisions. Our Presidential Office correspondent Yoon Jung-min has a preview. The President will have a lot on his plate when he returns to work from his week-long vacation. First off, he is set to host Vietnam's political leader To Lam on Monday, the first foreign leader to be hosted by President Lee Jae Myung. Their focus is on partnership in key areas at a time when global trade uncertainty grows. "On top of politics, security, trade and investment, the leaders will discuss strategically important areas in-depth, including nuclear energy, high-speed railways, and smart cities, as well as science technology and human resources." Then will come the first Lee-Trump summit in Washington, likely slated for August 25th, according to diplomatic sources. A framework trade deal has been reached between Seoul and Washington with the U.S. tough on tariffs, but it's not a done deal. The two sides still need to work on the details, such as the quarantine process for fruit and vegetables imported from the U.S. Security issues could be also on the table, such as upping South Korea's defense spending and a possible change to the role and scale of U.S. troops stationed in Korea as Washington focuses on countering China's influence. Here at home, Lee's official schedule includes the "People's Appointment Ceremony" --as named by the top office --on August 15th at Gwanghwanmun Square, when the nation celebrates the 80th anniversary of its liberation from Japan's colonial rule. It will act as the official inauguration ceremony for the president who took office in June right after the election and without a formal inauguration ceremony, given that it was a snap election. "At this event, the people will be declared as the owner of the country and a pledge will be made develop the Republic of Korea as a leading nation by upholding the sovereign will of the people." Invited are former presidents and first ladies --both conservatives and liberals alike --and people from all walks of life. Also, appointments of key posts will likely pick up speed to fill the remainder of the Cabinet seats as well as ambassadorial posts to the U.S., Japan, China and Russia that are currently vacant. On top of the nominations, speculation is rife that Lee will confirm the first round of presidential pardons during next week's Cabinet meeting for the Liberation Day, that could spark some political repercussions. Yoon Jung-min, Arirang News.

S. Korea, U.S. express "interest" in reviving Trump-Kim dialogue

2025/08/08 22:34

But trade isn't the only point of common ground between Seoul and Washington. Reviving talks with North Korea also seems to be high on the list. A U.S. State Department official says Washington is watching closely after rare remarks from Pyongyang hinting at a possible return to the table. Seoul today welcomed the idea. Our Oh Soo-young reports. Seoul and Washington have again expressed their wish to revive top-level dialogue between the United States and North Korea. On Friday, South Korea's Ministry of Unification said Seoul has on a number of occasions "revealed its active support" for resuming summitry between Washington and Pyongyang. "South Korea and the US share the position that they are open to dialogue with North Korea to seek peace on the Korean Peninsula and resolve the North Korean nuclear issue." The official added that peace on the Korean Peninsula and inter-Korean relations are being discussed in preparation for the meeting of Presidents Lee Jae Myung and Donald Trump this month. Various related agencies are closely coordinating on the matter, she said, saying further details cannot be revealed at this time. This comes after a U.S. official on Thursday said Washington is "noting with interest" a recent remark by North Korea hinting it may be open to dialogue. The U.S. State Department's Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for East Asian Affairs, Seth Bailey, referenced last week's statement made by Kim Yo-jong, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Kim Yo-jong had said the relationship between the U.S. and North Korean leaders is "not bad," and called for a "new" approach by Washington, saying Pyongyang's nuclear capabilities and the geopolitical reality had changed since Donald Trump's first term. But she flatly rejected the idea of denuclearization --included in the 2018 statement following then-President Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un's first summit in Singapore. The two leaders had agreed to work towards denuclearization and to build new bilateral relations. Bailey said that the second Trump administration is still committed to the statement's principles, and that the U.S. leader has clearly shown his willingness to engage in negotiations. Washington, however, remains committed to North Korea's denuclearization, through its alliance with South Korea to counter security challenges in Northeast Asia. President Trump in his first term, met with Kim Jong-un on three occasions. While the first Singapore Summit offered hope for a breakthrough deal on North Korea's denuclearization and economic development, disagreements over the scope of dismantling nukes led to the breakdown of their summit in Hanoi. A meeting at the inter-Korean border in 2019 was brief and saw no outcome. South Korea's new Lee Jae Myung administration has expressed its support for the resumption of Trump-Kim talks, as well as inter-Korean diplomacy. Oh Soo-young, Arirang News.

Pres. Lee Jae-myung's ASEAN pivot: Diplomacy, strategy, and high-stakes summits

2025/08/08 21:35

Title: Pres. Lee Jae-myung's ASEAN pivot: Diplomacy, strategy, and high-stakes summits Welcome to Within The Frame, where we bring the most pressing issues across the globe into focus. I'm Kim Mok-yeon. The ASEAN turns 58 this week, but the region is no longer just a ceremonial partner in Korean diplomacy. It’s now a frontline player in the shifting power dynamics of the Indo-Pacific. As U.S.-China tensions deepen, the ASEAN is pushing to assert its strategic autonomy, and South Korea is moving fast to align with that goal. Under President Lee Jae Myung, Seoul is signaling a pivot: from idealistic slogans to hard-nosed, pragmatic engagement. With high-level envoy visits, renewed policy frameworks, and back-to-back summits with key leaders, South Korea’s ASEAN strategy is being put to the test — and the stakes have never been higher. For a deeper discussion on this, we connect to Professor Park Jang-sik, Director of The Institute of ASEAN Studies at Dong-A University. Welcome. Also joining us is James Chin, Professor of Asian Studies at University of Tasmania. Good to see you. 1. To start, so today ASEAN now marks its 58th anniversary. Prof. Park, could you explain for us the strategic and economic importance of the ASEAN for South Korea’s diplomacy? And how do you see its status evolving recently? 2. Building on that, the ASEAN has long pursued “strategic autonomy” by maintaining a balanced approach without leaning toward any one major power. Amid intensifying U.S.-China tensions, what is the importance of cooperation with South Korea in helping the ASEAN secure its strategic autonomy? 3. Looking ahead, the Lee Jae Myung administration is expected to upgrade the former Moon Jae-in administration’s New Southern Policy in a more pragmatic direction. In that case, what should be the top priorities for improvement or reinforcement in Lee’s ASEAN policy? 4. Turning to recent diplomacy, South Korea has been dispatching presidential envoys to the ASEAN region. Most recently, on July 23rd, President Lee’s envoy made an official visit to Malaysia, which was the first special envoy sent to an ASEAN country since Lee took office. What diplomatic message do you think was conveyed by choosing Malaysia as the first destination? 5. Following the envoy’s visit to Vietnam on July 29th, Vietnam’s top-ranking official, To Lam, General Secretary of the Communist Party, is scheduled to visit South Korea on August 10th. What diplomatic symbolism and strategic significance does To Lam’s visit to Korea hold? 6. As part of the visit, President Lee Jae Myung and General Secretary To Lam are scheduled to hold a summit on August 11th. What key agenda items do you foresee for this meeting? 7. So as U.S.-China rivalry intensifies, Vietnam continues to pursue balanced diplomacy. In this context, what diplomatic impact could stronger cooperation between South Korea and Vietnam bring? 8. Expanding on the scope of cooperation, collaboration with ASEAN countries—including Malaysia and Vietnam—is now reaching into various fields such as technology, supply chains, climate, finance, and culture. Among these, which core area should the Lee administration focus on strategically? 9. To strengthen South Korea’s presence, there are growing calls to enhance cultural, educational, and people-to-people exchanges across the ASEAN. What kinds of policy mechanisms or agreements should be prioritized? 10. Finally, looking ahead to October, the upcoming "ASEAN+3 Summit" to be held in Malaysia is expected to be the first major test of the Lee Jae Myung administration’s ASEAN diplomacy. What messages and strategies are needed? Thank you for your time and for your insights tonight Prof. PARK and Prof.Chin, we appreciate it. And that will be all from us on Within the Frame. Be sure to tune in next time as we continue to explore the stories that matter. Until then, stay informed and engaged!

Calligraphy and resistance: Lee Sang-ryong's legacy on display

2025/08/08 20:34

Back on the local front. National Liberation Day is precisely one week away and in light of the upcoming occasion today we turn the spotlight onto a lesser known but equally important individual who strove for Korea's independence. Byeon Ye-young shares his story. This year marks the 80th anniversary of Korea's liberation from Japanese colonial rule. To commemorate, a special exhibition is underway to spotlight the life and legacy of Lee Sang-ryong, one of the leaders of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea. Titled "Prime Minister Lee Sang-ryong and Imcheonggak", the exhibit also celebrates 100 years since his inauguration. After Japan's annexation of Korea in 1910, Lee gave up his fortune and relocated to Manchuria, China with his entire family to escape colonial oppression and lay the foundations for armed resistance. "He focused on unifying the fragmented independence movement groups and also established the Shinheung Military Academy, where he aimed to provide proper historical education to the cadets by writing the Daedong History and teaching them accurate accounts of Korea's past." But Lee's story cannot be told without Imcheonggak, his ancestral home in Andong city. Imcheonggak is a 500-year-old hanok, or traditional Korean house, and one of the largest preserved residences from the Joseon Dynasty. The home also produced no fewer than ten recognized independence activists, including Lee's brothers, son, grandchildren, nephews, and even his uncle. "Imcheonggak is a historic site that shows how the sacrifices made for the nation will ultimately be honored and protected by the nation itself. Though it was damaged due to its role in the independence movement, the government is now fully committed to restoring it." "Lee Sang-ryong was not only an independence fighter, but also a literary figure. Through letters, essays, and manifestos, he chronicled Korea's suffering and yearning for independence. These handwritten records in the exhibition are being featured as works of calligraphy." A gifted poet and writer, Lee's literary contributions have been brought to light by the brushwork of master calligrapher Lee Dong-ik. "This exhibition was created to give visitors a chance to engage with the Seokju Yugo, a collection of Lee Sang-ryong's writings. It's especially meaningful because it also features calligraphy works that reflect his passion and sacrifice for Korea's independence." The exhibition can be enjoyed for free at the Seoul Museum of History until August 31st. Byeon Ye-young, Arirang News.

Thailand, Cambodia reach consensus on ceasefire details

2025/08/08 19:43

This is the World Now, bringing you the latest stories from around the globe. Thailand and Cambodia have reached a consensus on implementing a ceasefire, agreeing to deploy ASEAN observer teams and pledging to freeze troop movements along their shared border. At a General Border Committee session in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday, officials from both countries finalized ceasefire terms, following armed clashes that erupted on their disputed border last month. They agreed to a ceasefire covering all types of weapons, a pledge to refrain from unprovoked fire, and a commitment not to increase troop deployments along the contested border area. Both parties also agreed to establish interim observer teams comprised of ASEAN defense attachés and coordinated by Malaysia, with limited oversight from observers from China and the U.S. The teams will operate within their respective borders, without crossing into neighboring territory. The Cambodian Minister of National Defense said that Cambodia will fully implement the agreement, and Thailand's Acting Defense Minister stated that this meeting was crucial to regional peace. ChatGPT-maker OpenAI has officially launched GPT-5, its most advanced AI model yet, which will be available to all 700 million users of ChatGPT from Thursday. CEO Sam Altman explained that the latest model can provide PhD-level expertise across a wide range of tasks, with faster responses, reduced incorrect, misleading, or fabricated information, and built-in reasoning. The model introduces variants, GPT-5-mini and GPT-5-nano, optimized for speed and cost, as well as advanced tiers such as GPT-5-pro and GPT-5-thinking, designed for complex tasks. Finally, a study published in Scientific Reports on Thursday unveiled evidence of Neolithic cannibalism in northern Spain. Researchers examined human remains found in El Mirador cave. The remains from 11 individuals including adults, adolescents, and children date back roughly 5,600 years. Their bones displayed cut marks, human bite marks, fractures consistent with marrow extraction, and signs of boiling, suggesting that the remains were skinned, defleshed, cooked, and consumed. Researchers speculate that a single act of intergroup violence caused the cannibalization, and there were no signs of ritual or famine that might otherwise explain the event. Choi Chi-hee, Arirang News.

S. Korea, U.S. express "interest" in reviving Trump-Kim dialogue

2025/08/08 19:39

South Korea has reaffirmed its strong support for the resumption of dialogue with North Korea including that between the U.S. and the regime. Oh Soo-young has the latest. Seoul and Washington have again expressed their wish to revive top-level dialogue between the United States and North Korea. On Friday, South Korea's Ministry of Unification said Seoul has on a number of occasions "revealed its active support" for resuming summitry between Washington and Pyongyang. (Korean_AI) "South Korea and the US share the position that they are open to dialogue with North Korea to seek peace on the Korean Peninsula and resolve the North Korean nuclear issue." The official added that peace on the Korean Peninsula and inter-Korean relations are being discussed in preparation for the meeting of Presidents Lee Jae Myung and Donald Trump this month. Various related agencies are closely coordinating on the matter, she said, saying further details cannot be revealed at this time. This comes after a U.S. official on Thursday said Washington is "noting with interest" a recent remark by North Korea hinting it may be open to dialogue. The U.S. State Department's Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for East Asian Affairs, Seth Bailey, referenced last week's statement made by Kim Yo-jong, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Kim Yo-jong had said the relationship between the U.S. and North Korean leaders is "not bad," and called for a "new" approach by Washington, saying Pyongyang's nuclear capabilities and the geopolitical reality had changed since Donald Trump's first term. But she flatly rejected the idea of denuclearization --included in the 2018 statement following then-President Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un's first summit in Singapore. The two leaders had agreed to work towards denuclearization and to build new bilateral relations. Bailey said that the second Trump administration is still committed to the statement's principles, and that the U.S. leader has clearly shown his willingness to engage in negotiations. Washington, however, remains committed to North Korea's denuclearization, through its alliance with South Korea to counter security challenges in Northeast Asia. President Trump in his first term, met with Kim Jong-un on three occasions. While the first Singapore Summit offered hope for a breakthrough deal on North Korea's denuclearization and economic development, disagreements over the scope of dismantling nukes led to the breakdown of their summit in Hanoi. A meeting at the inter-Korean border in 2019 was brief and saw no outcome. South Korea's new Lee Jae Myung administration has expressed its support for the resumption of Trump-Kim talks, as well as inter-Korean diplomacy. Oh Soo-young, Arirang News.