News
Former Philippines leader Rodrigo Duterte arrested at request of ICC
2025/03/12 10:00
Good Morning, I'm Walter Lee, filling in for Choi Chi-hee, and this is the World Now. Starting off in the Philippines where the country's former leader Rodrigo Duterte has been arrested at the request of the International Criminal Court for his controversial "war on drugs" campaign which was a defining aspect of his presidency. Serving from 2016 to 2022, Duterte has been accused of having thousands of suspected drug dealers killed. The ICC estimates that somewhere between 12,000 to 13,000 people could have been killed. Earlier in the week at a Hong Kong rally, Duterte declared he was ready to be arrested and said, "What is my sin? I did everything in my time for peace and a peaceful life for the Filipino people."
N. Korea slams ROK-U.S. joint drills while mentioning bombing accident
2025/03/12 10:00
And North Korea has once again slammed the annual joint exercise, and also highlighted the accidental bombing of a civilian area by South Korea's Air Force. The regime's state-run news agency said Wednesday, that the joint drills must be taken "seriously," adding that they are "the root" of the worsening situation on the Korean Peninsula. It also said the accidental bombing by South Korean fighter jets last week was in a civilian area located near the border, adding that the situation could have escalated significantly if bombs had "dropped a little further north." Also on Tuesday, the White House condemned the North's recent launch of multiple ballistic missiles earlier this week. While condemning Pyongyang's actions, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt also reaffirmed the ironclad alliance between Seoul and Washington.
No announcement yet from Constitutional Court on date for Yoon's impeachment ruling
2025/03/12 10:00
All eyes are on when the Constitutional Court will announce a date for the ruling of President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment trial over his martial law declaration. Many initially believed the ruling could come as early as this Friday, but some are now expecting it to happen next week. Shin Ha-young reports. It's been two weeks since the final hearing in President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment trial, but the Constitutional Court has not yet announced a date for its ruling. Given that previous presidential impeachment rulings were made about two weeks after the final hearing, many expected the ruling to be this Friday. However, since the court decided to deliver impeachment verdicts on the chief state auditor and three top prosecutors on Thursday, expectations are rising that the ruling on Yoon could be delayed until next week. There is no precedent for the court delivering major rulings on consecutive days. Ahead of Yoon's verdict, police are considering banning the release of stored firearms to prevent potential attacks. The National Police Agency said it's reviewing refusing to release firearms stored at police stations used to kill dangerous wild animals. Under the current law, licensed gun owners must store their firearms at police stations and only take them out to hunt down wild boars or birds. On the day of the ruling, police will designate parts of Seoul's Jongno-gu and Jung-gu districts near the Constitutional Court as special crime prevention zones to maintain safety and manage crowds. Vehicle barriers will be set up within 100 meters of the Court. During a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Acting President Choi Sang-mok expressed concern about possible national division and conflict over the presidential impeachment ruling. "The government will respond firmly according to the law with zero tolerance for any illegal or violent protests as well as any acts that challenge public authority." Meanwhile, the main opposition Democratic Party began a sit-in protest at Gwanghwamun Square on Tuesday, calling for Yoon's removal, while the ruling People Power Party decided not to stage any demonstrations to pressure the Court. Shin Ha-young, Arirang News.
Freedom Shield S. Korea-U.S. joint exercise underway with air assault drills, port defense exercises
2025/03/12 10:00
Key springtime military exercises between South Korea and the U.S., marking the very first major drills between the two allies since U.S. President Donald Trump returned to office, are in full swing. Our defense correspondent Kim Bo-kyoung shares some scenes from drills. Troops aboard KUH-1 Surion utility helicopters, approach the landing zone. While the U.S. soldiers keep watch Korean soldiers conduct air assaults. About four-hundred troops from the ROK Army's 1st Infantry Division and the U.S. 2nd Infantry Division/ROK-US Combined Division's Stryker Brigade, held joint exercises on Tuesday. The drill at a training facility in Paju-city, is part of the allies' computer-simulated Freedom Shield exercise, that began its 11-day run on Monday. It aimed to strengthen South Korean-led combined operations capabilities, with an ROK army battalion commander directing U.S. company operations. "Through thorough war games, from helicopter boarding to capturing the objective, South Korean and U.S. troops were able to move as one. In particular, by sharing combat expertise between the two countries' forces, we were able to further enhance our combat capabilities." "We are very fortunate that we can conduct this training, this combined training with the ROK army. It was a great learning opportunity for my soldiers and myself increase interoperability with ROK Army and to strengthen the alliance." In connection to Freedom Shield, the Navy's Second Fleet, also led an integrated port defense drill at the western port of Pyeongtaek-Dangjin. Responsible for guarding the west coast, the Korean Navy aimed to boost response procedures for aerial, chemical, biological and radiological threats against the port, and many other critical national infrastructure sites. along with the army, police and coast guard. "We will continue to protect key facilities in the West Sea with a strong and close-knit coordination system with relevant agencies." The on-field drills are to continue until March 20th. Kim Bo-kyoung, Arirang News.
Trump's steel and aluminum tariffs to go into effect on Wednesday
2025/03/12 10:00
The U.S. is set to apply 25 percent tariffs on steel and aluminum imports as planned on Wednesday. And ahead of the big day, there was a squabble between the U.S. and Canada over reciprocal tariffs. Lee Seung-jae reports. The 25-percent steel and aluminum tariff announced by U.S. President Donald Trump will go into effect on Wednesday. According to an executive order signed by Trump last month, the 25 percent tariff will be imposed on all steel, aluminum, and derivative products imported by the U.S. at 12:01 AM. 166 derivative products,.. including bolts, nuts, and springs will be subject to tariffs starting on Wednesday, while 87 derivative items, including bumpers, suspensions, automobile parts, home appliance parts, and aircraft parts will be exempt from tariffs until further notice by the U.S. Commerce Department. This also means that South Korea's existing free-trade quota on steel and aluminum of two-point-6-3 million tons per year, which it has with the U.S., will be scrapped, as well. However, as the duty is applied to all countries, South Korea will not be at a disadvantage in competition with major exporters, while economists believe that Korean steel companies will be able to enter the U.S. market more actively as the export volume cap is removed. Meanwhile,.. amid concerns of a full-out tariff war between the U.S. and Canada, the Trump administration announced Tuesday that it has decided to withdraw the additional 25-percent tariff on Canadian steel and aluminum imports. Trump had threatened to impose an additional 25-percent, for a total 50-percent tariff on Canadian steel and aluminum imports, after Ontario threatened to impose a 25-percent surcharge for electricity imported by the U.S. Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced that he had agreed to suspend the 25-percent surcharge on electricity, after holding talks with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnik. The two will hold talks again on Thursday, along with the U.S. Trade Representative to discuss renewing the U.S.-Mexico-Canada free trade act, ahead of the April 2nd reciprocal tariff deadline set by Trump. Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.
Ukraine agrees to accept 30-day ceasefire proposal, as U.S. resumes military assistance
2025/03/12 10:00
Ukraine has said it's ready to accept an immediate 30-day ceasefire proposed by the U.S. President Zelenskyy is now urging the U.S. to convince Russia to do the same, while President Trump says he will talk to Putin about the deal. Bae Eun-ji reports. Talks between senior officials from the U.S. and Ukraine that took place in Saudi Arabia appear to have been fruitful, as Kyiv agreed to a proposal for an initial 30-day ceasefire with Russia. In a joint statement on Tuesday, the U.S. agreed to resume military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine, immediately after Kyiv said it was ready to accept the peace deal proposed by Washington. The two sides also said they will conclude an agreement for developing Ukraine's critical mineral resources, as soon as possible. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio who led the U.S. delegation to the talks said Washington would present the ceasefire offer to the Kremlin, noting that it's now up to Russia to end the fighting. "Now hopefully we'll take this offer now to the Russians. And we hope that they'll say yes. That they'll say yes to peace. The ball's now in their court." But,.. how Moscow might respond is far from certain. U.S. President Donald Trump also said he hopes Russia agrees to the ceasefire proposal, hinting that he may talk to Russian President Vladimir Putin about it possibly this week. He added that he is willing to invite Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy back to the White House. "Yeah, I'll talk to Vladimir Putin, yeah, I want to. Look, that's the other. It takes two to tango, as they say, right? So hopefully he'll also agree." Zelenskyy, who was in Saudi Arabia but did not participate in the talks, said the ceasefire was a "positive proposal," but stressed that Washington must convince Moscow to agree to it as well. "Ukraine accepts this proposal, we consider it positive. We are ready to take such a step, and the United States of America must convince Russia to do the same." European leaders welcomed the 30-day ceasefire proposal,.. saying the EU is ready to play its full part in the upcoming peace negotiations while also adding that this is a "positive development" that can be a step towards lasting peace for Ukraine. Bae Eun-ji, Arirang News.
Impeachment trial decisions for public officials to come on Thursday, Yoon's to come later
2025/03/11 20:00
Now as mentioned in that report. The political fates of the Chairman of the Board of Audit and Inspection Choe Jae-hae and the Chief of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office Lee Chang-soo as well as two other prosecutors will be announced by the Constitutional Court this coming Thursday. The impeachment motions against these four public officials were passed unilaterally by the opposition-led parliament early last December. The prosecutors are accused of failing to properly investigate alleged crimes related to First Lady Kim Keon Hee while the head of the audit agency is accused of mishandling the inspection on the relocation of the top office from Cheongwadae to Yongsan.
N. Korea fires multiple missiles into West Sea, first time since Trump's return
2025/03/11 20:00
Welcome to Within The Frame where we bring the most pressing issues into focus, I'm Kim Mok-yeon. For the first time since Trump's second inauguration, North Korea fired multiple short-range ballistic missiles into the West Sea on March 10. The launch coincided with the start of the Freedom Shield joint military exercises between South Korea and the U.S., a drill Pyongyang has long condemned. Meanwhile, North Korea has been expanding its military capabilities—revealing a nuclear-powered submarine project, advancing nuclear material production, and modernizing conventional forces—raising concerns about its long-term strategic objectives and its potential military technology transfers with Russia. To explore deeper into North Korea's military advancements, its motivations, and the broader implications for international security and diplomacy, we invite into the studio Dr. Youngshik Bong, a Research Fellow at Yonsei University's Institute for North Korean Studies. Welcome, Dr. Bong. Joining us online is Brian Myers, Professor of International Studies at Dongseo University. Great to have you. 1.(BONG) So Dr. Bong, just yesterday, South Korean and U.S. military authorities began the Freedom Shield joint exercise to strengthen the defense of the Korean Peninsula. Given the deepening military cooperation between North Korea and Russia, what aspects will this year's exercise focus on? 2.(MYERS) 2. Now let's bring Professor Myers in, so on the first day of the Freedom Shield exercise, North Korea launched a ballistic missile, the first of which during Trump's second term. Some analysts suggest that this is not only a response to the joint exercise but also a calculated move with the possibility of U.S.-North Korea dialogue in mind. What is your view on this? 5.(MYERS) The timing of the nuclear-powered submarine revelation is also noteworthy. It was disclosed at a time when U.S. President Donald Trump was accelerating efforts to end the war in Ukraine, and just ahead of the first South Korea-U.S. joint exercise under a second Trump administration. How would you read into Pyongyang's intent behind this timing? 6.(BONG) There is considerable skepticism regarding North Korea's ability to operate a nuclear-powered submarine. Some experts predict that it will take a significant amount of time before the submarine can achieve full military capability. What is your assessment, Dr. Bong? Also, is there a possibility that North Korea has received technology transfers from Russia? 7.(MYERS) Meanwhile, satellite imagery analysis suggests that North Korea's first early warning aircraft is nearing completion. If North Korea successfully deploys it, what would be its military significance, Prof. Myers? 8.(BONG) Until now, North Korea has been primarily focused on nuclear weapons development. but recently it began modernizing its conventional forces as well. What do you see as the reasoning behind this shift, Dr. Bong? 9.(MYERS) Following the International Atomic Energy Agency's announcement on March 3rd, satellite imagery analysis from a North Korea-focused media outlet reported that Pyongyang appears to be continuously operating its Yongbyon nuclear facility. Analysts suggest that this is in line with Kim Jong-un's directive to expand nuclear material production. What do you think is North Korea's objective in ramping up nuclear material production? Is it an effort to showcase its nuclear capabilities ahead of potential negotiations with Trump? 10.(BONG) Given the growing concerns over North Korea's nuclear advancements and weapons modernization, what countermeasures should South Korea consider implementing?
No announcement yet from Constitutional Court on date for Yoon's impeachment ruling
2025/03/11 20:00
Thank you for joining us. I'm Yoon Jung-min. The Constitutional Court is yet to disclose a date for its ruling on the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol. While many had initially believed a verdict would be delivered on Friday, some are now speculating the ruling may take place later than that. Shin Ha-young explains. It's been two weeks since the final hearing in President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment trial, but the Constitutional Court has not yet announced a date for its ruling. Given that previous presidential impeachment rulings were made about two weeks after the final hearing, many expected the ruling to be this Friday. However, since the court decided to deliver impeachment verdicts on the chief state auditor and three top prosecutors on Thursday, expectations are rising that the ruling on Yoon could be delayed until next week. There is no precedent for the court delivering major rulings on consecutive days. Ahead of Yoon's verdict, police are considering banning the release of stored firearms to prevent potential attacks. The National Police Agency said it's reviewing refusing to release firearms stored at police stations used to kill dangerous wild animals. Under the current law, licensed gun owners must store their firearms at police stations and only take them out to hunt down wild boars or birds. On the day of the ruling, police will designate parts of Seoul's Jongno-gu and Jung-gu districts near the Constitutional Court as special crime prevention zones to maintain safety and manage crowds. Vehicle barriers will be set up within 100 meters of the Court. During a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Acting President Choi Sang-mok expressed concern about possible national division and conflict over the presidential impeachment ruling. "The government will respond firmly according to the law with zero tolerance for any illegal or violent protests as well as any acts that challenge public authority." Meanwhile, the main opposition Democratic Party began a sit-in protest at Gwanghwamun Square on Tuesday, calling for Yoon's removal, while the ruling People Power Party decided not to stage any demonstrations to pressure the Court. Shin Ha-young, Arirang News.
Gov't looking into U.S. DOE's potential move to list S. Korea as "sensitive country"
2025/03/11 20:00
The government is looking into a potential move by the U.S. Department of Energy, to categorize South Korea as a "sensitive country." Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul said at the National Assembly on Tuesday that the government has raised the issue with the energy department, adding that the department is now in the process of reassessing the inclusion of Seoul on its "Sensitive Foreign Nations Control" list. He added that Washington does not appear to have finalized South Korea's designation yet. Cho's comments come a day after Korean local media said the department was reportedly considering adding South Korea to its new list set to be effective starting April 15th. Countries can be placed on the list for national security, national security, nuclear nonproliferation, or terrorism support reasons among others. Those currently classified as this type of nation include China, Russia, Cuba and North Korea.
N. Korea criticizes S. Korea-U.S. joint military exercise, but remains silent on latest missile launch
2025/03/11 20:00
North Korea has resumed its tough rhetoric against South Korea's annual military training with the U.S., while making no mention of its launch of ballistic missiles yesterday. Bae Eun-ji has the latest. North Korea on Monday fired what are presumed to have been multiple close-range ballistic missiles from an inland area called Hwangju County, toward waters off its west coast. But the regime's state media has remained silent about the launch, even the day after. North Korea typically acknowledges its ballistic missile launches the following morning through state media, often framing them as test firings. However, this time, it has made no mention of the launch. Instead, the Korean Central News Agency criticized the ongoing South Korea-U.S. combined military exercise which kicked off on Monday, labeling it a "confrontational war rehearsal." It also denounced the annual drills as "a dangerous provocative act." Experts say that the regime's intention may be to show, on one hand, its "muscularity," while on the other hand taking a slightly "quieter tone" about the missiles themselves. "The fact that North Korea launched ballistic missiles in line with the start of South Korea and the United States' military exercise.. shows that the regime was not lying when it previously warned it would retaliate against these drills. Nevertheless, responding to a large-scale combined military exercise with close-range missiles suggests an intention for a certain level of restraint." Because the North's latest launch was the first of its kind since the start of Trump's second presidency, pundits also believe this may suggest that the regime is open to talks with the United States. "By going ahead and launching, they show strength from their perspective in refraining from too much mention, they provide some wiggle room, should the Trump administration approach them and try to open doors in terms of talks." Following the North's launch, the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command issued a statement, calling on Pyongyang to refrain from further unlawful and destabilizing acts. It reaffirmed that Washington's commitments to the defense of South Korea and Japan remain strong. The European Union also denounced the launch, saying that it threatens regional security, heightens tensions, and violates UN Security Council resolutions. Bae Eun-ji, Arirang News.
N. Korean troops involved in Kursk counteroffensives: Ukraine's top commander
2025/03/11 20:00
Ukraine says North Korean soldiers have been actively engaged in counteroffensive operations alongside their Russian counterparts in the Kursk region. Lee Seung-jae has more. Ukraine's top military commander Oleksandr Syrsky said Monday that North Korean soldiers have taken part in Russian military counteroffensives to recapture territory in Kursk lost to Ukrainian forces. According to Reuters and AFP, General Syrksky said on social media that a significant number of Russian troops, supported by North Korean soldiers, went on the offensive, but suffered significant losses in troops and equipment. The comments come amid reports that the Russian military has been successful in its counteroffensive against Ukraine in the Kursk region, after the U.S. cut off military support for Kyiv. The Russian military also claimed that it had recaptured a number of villages in the Kursk region. Meanwhile, high-level meetings will be held in Saudi Arabia between officials from the United States and Ukraine this week. Ukrainian diplomatic and military leaders will hold talks with U.S. officials on Tuesday. This includes U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who expressed confidence that the talks with Kyiv will lead to a positive outcome, but insists Ukraine needs to make concessions. Rubio also stressed that while Russia cannot "conquer all of Ukraine," it'll be "very difficult for Ukraine in any reasonable time period" to get back territory lost to Moscow since 2014. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump's envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff is set to visit Moscow for a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. According to sources familiar with the matter, the visit comes as the administration looks to secure a ceasefire. Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.
N. Korea criticizes S. Korea-U.S. joint military exercise, but remains silent on latest missile launch
2025/03/11 17:00
And North Korea has resumed its tough rhetoric against South Korea's annual military training with the U.S. while making no mention of its launch of multiple missiles into the West Sea Monday afternoon. Our defense correspondent Bae Eun-ji has the latest. North Korea on Monday fired what are presumed to have been multiple close-range ballistic missiles from an inland area called Hwangju County, toward waters off its west coast. But the regime's state media has remained silent about the launch, even the day after. North Korea typically acknowledges its ballistic missile launches the following morning through state media, often framing them as test firings. However, this time, it has made no mention of the launch. Instead, the Korean Central News Agency criticized the ongoing South Korea-U.S. combined military exercise which kicked off on Monday, labeling it a "confrontational war rehearsal." It also denounced the annual drills as "a dangerous provocative act." Experts say that the regime's intention may be to show, on one hand, its "muscularity," while on the other hand taking a slightly "quieter tone" about the missiles themselves. "The fact that North Korea launched ballistic missiles in line with the start of South Korea and the United States' military exercise.. shows that the regime was not lying when it previously warned it would retaliate against these drills. Nevertheless, responding to a large-scale combined military exercise with close-range missiles suggests an intention for a certain level of restraint." Because the North's latest launch was the first of its kind since the start of Trump's second presidency, pundits also believe this may suggest that the regime is open to talks with the United States. "By going ahead and launching, they show strength from their perspective in refraining from too much mention, they provide some wiggle room, should the Trump administration approach them and try to open doors in terms of talks." Following the North's launch, the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command issued a statement, calling on Pyongyang to refrain from further unlawful and destabilizing acts. It reaffirmed that Washington's commitments to the defense of South Korea and Japan remain strong. The European Union also denounced the launch, saying that it threatens regional security, heightens tensions, and violates UN Security Council resolutions. Bae Eun-ji, Arirang News.
N. Korean troops involved in Kursk counteroffensives: Ukraine's top commander
2025/03/11 17:00
In other news. Ukraine says North Korean soldiers have been actively engaged in counteroffensive operations alongside their Russian counterparts in the Kursk region. Lee Seung-jae has more. Ukraine's top military commander Oleksandr Syrsky said Monday that North Korean soldiers have taken part in Russian military counteroffensives to recapture territory in Kursk lost to Ukrainian forces. According to Reuters and AFP, General Syrsky said on social media that a significant number of Russian troops, supported by North Korean soldiers, went on the offensive, but suffered significant losses in troops and equipment. The comments come amid reports that the Russian military has been successful in its counteroffensive against Ukraine in the Kursk region, after the U.S. cut off military support for Kyiv. The Russian military also claimed that it had recaptured a number of villages in the Kursk region. Meanwhile, high-level meetings will be held in Saudi Arabia between officials from the United States and Ukraine this week. Ukrainian diplomatic and military leaders will hold talks with U.S. officials on Tuesday. This includes U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who expressed confidence that the talks with Kyiv will lead to a positive outcome, but insists Ukraine needs to make concessions. Rubio also stressed that while Russia cannot "conquer all of Ukraine," it'll be "very difficult for Ukraine in any reasonable time period" to get back territory lost to Moscow since 2014. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump's envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff is set to visit Moscow for a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. According to sources familiar with the matter, the visit comes as the administration looks to secure a ceasefire. Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.
Impeachment trial decisions for public officials to come on Thursday, Yoon's to come later
2025/03/11 17:00
Now as mentioned in that report. The political fates of the Chairman of the Board of Audit and Inspection Choe Jae-hae and the Chief of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office Lee Chang-soo as well as two other prosecutors will be announced by the Constitutional Court this coming Thursday. The impeachment motions against these four public officials were passed unilaterally by the opposition-led parliament early last December. The prosecutors are accused of failing to properly investigate alleged crimes related to First Lady Kim Keon Hee while the head of the audit agency is accused of mishandling the inspection on the relocation of the top office from Cheongwadae to Yongsan.
No announcement yet from Constitutional Court on date for Yoon's impeachment ruling
2025/03/11 17:00
The Constitutional Court has yet to disclose a date for its ruling on the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol and while many had initially believed a verdict would be delivered this coming Friday some are now speculating the court's ruling may take place next week. Our political correspondent Shin Ha-young tells us why. It's been two weeks since the final hearing in President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment trial, but the Constitutional Court has not yet announced a date for its ruling. Given that previous presidential impeachment rulings were made about two weeks after the final hearing, many expected the ruling to be this Friday. However, since the court decided to deliver impeachment verdicts on the chief state auditor and three top prosecutors on Thursday, expectations are rising that the ruling on Yoon could be delayed until next week. There is no precedent for the court delivering major rulings on consecutive days. Ahead of Yoon's verdict, police are considering banning the release of stored firearms to prevent potential attacks. The National Police Agency said it's reviewing refusing to release firearms stored at police stations used to kill dangerous wild animals. Under the current law, licensed gun owners must store their firearms at police stations and only take them out to hunt down wild boars or birds. On the day of the ruling, police will designate parts of Seoul's Jongno-gu and Jung-gu districts near the Constitutional Court as special crime prevention zones to maintain safety and manage crowds. Vehicle barriers will be set up within 100 meters of the Court. During a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Acting President Choi Sang-mok expressed concern about possible national division and conflict over the presidential impeachment ruling. "The government will respond firmly according to the law with zero tolerance for any illegal or violent protests as well as any acts that challenge public authority." Meanwhile, the main opposition Democratic Party began a sit-in protest at Gwanghwamun Square on Tuesday, calling for Yoon's removal, while the ruling People Power Party decided not to stage any demonstrations to pressure the Court. Shin Ha-young, Arirang News.
S. Korea tentatively agrees to establish diplomatic relations with Syria
2025/03/11 17:00
South Korea has tentatively agreed to establish diplomatic relations with Syria which is the only UN member state that Seoul has yet to forge ties with. This is according to the Foreign Ministry here on this Tuesday adding that related protocols are underway. Early last month ministry officials were in Syria and met with authorities there to discuss prospects of official ties. Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa took power after bringing an end to Bashar al-Assad and his family's half-century-long dictatorship last December.
Candidates get ready for 'important', 'exciting' Greenland election
2025/03/11 10:00
Greenland is set to hold its parliamentary election on Tuesday local time, attracting significant international attention due to recent comments by U.S. President Donald Trump, regarding his interest in acquiring the world's largest island. Greenland's electorate will vote to fill all 31 seats in the parliament on Tuesday. Approximately 40,500 of Greenland's 57,000 residents are eligible to vote, and some Greenlanders cast early ballots on Monday. The election's central issue is whether it should pursue independence from Denmark, as the island remains a self-governing territory of the country. Recent statements by U.S. President Donald Trump, proposing that Greenland could join the United States, have intensified this debate. The election's outcome is unpredictable, with Greenlanders emphasizing their right to self-determination amid external pressures.
Nat'l Assembly celebrates launch of first official bipartisan body to bolster ROK-U.S. alliance
2025/03/11 10:00
Building on decades of the Seoul-Washington alliance, the National Assembly has opened an official bipartisan group that aims to strengthen engagement with American lawmakers. Our political correspondent Lee Shi-hoo tells us more. A first in over 76 years of its history South Korea's National Assembly on Monday celebrated the launch of an official bipartisan group of lawmakers, aimed at strengthening interactions with the members of the U.S. Congress. "It is now time for parliamentary diplomacy to shine its light. I ask that you communicate closely and strengthen the alliance between South Korea and the U.S. I, too, as the speaker, will support your efforts along the way." Speaker Woo, in his congratulatory speech, shared his optimism for greater diplomatic endeavors between the two countries' legislators. Over 1-hundred-60 South Korean lawmakers have joined the new exchange group to engage with 1-hundred-80 of their counterparts in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, who are part of the "Korea Caucus." Joseph Yun, the U.S. interim ambassador to South Korea, also highlighted the importance of cooperation between the two at the event. On the agenda this year are comprehensive trade talks, also involving major firms and think tanks, as well as group visits to the U.S. Lee Shi-hoo, Arirang News.
Dispute between rival parties escalates into legal complaints following Yoon's release
2025/03/11 10:00
On the political front now. President Yoon Suk Yeol's release from custody has left politics in a wrangle, with rival parties taking respective legal actions. Our correspondent Shin Ha-young reports. After President Yoon Suk Yeol was released from Seoul Detention Center, the dispute between the rival parties escalated into legal complaints against investigative agencies. The ruling People Power Party has been pressuring the Constitutional Court since the release. "The Constitutional Court judges should stay firm and make the right decision based on their conscience, beliefs, and legal judgment, without being swayed by the opposition's unconstitutional claims." The PPP on Monday filed a complaint with the Supreme Prosecutors' Office against Oh Dong-woon, head of the CIO. It argued that the agency overstepped its authority by arresting the president on insurrection charges, leading to an illegal arrest through an abuse of power. Meanwhile, the main opposition Democratic Party has criticized the prosecution for not challenging the Seoul Central District Court's decision to cancel the detention. The DP and other opposition parties filed a complaint to the CIO against prosecutor general Shim Woo-jung and called for his resignation and are even looking to pass an impeachment motion against him. "The prosecution simply repeated Yoon Suk Yeol and the PPP's claims, taking the lead in protecting Yoon, 'the chief conspirator of the insurrection.'" In response to the opposition's pressure, Prosecutor General Shim said on Monday that his decision not to appeal the court ruling was based on due process of law. "The court clearly ruled that it violates the principles of warrants, due process, and the principle of proportionality. We felt that raising more constitutional issues by filing an immediate appeal wasn't the right thing to do." Shim stated that his decision did not justify his resignation or impeachment, adding that he would respond accordingly if the National Assembly moves forward with impeachment. Shin Ha-young, Arirang News.