News
Uncertainty over President Yoon’s impeachment timeline as Court rules in favor of instating left-leaning justice
2025/02/28 10:00
In a unanimous decision, the Constitutional Court ruled on Thursday that acting President Choi Sang-mok's holding back of the appointment of justice nominee Ma Eun-hyuk stands in breach of the parliament's authority to recommend court justices. Oh Soo-young explains what this means. The Constitutional Court has ruled that Acting President Choi Sang-mok's decision to withhold the appointment of Justice nominee Ma Eun-hyuk was unconstitutional, violating the National Assembly's authority to select Constitutional Court justices. On Thursday, the Court announced its verdict that Choi does not have discretion to review or reject justices elected by the National Assembly, reaffirming that the legislature's selection power is independent and substantive. Choi had appointed two out of three justices put forward by the Assembly in December last year, but deferred Ma Eun-hyuk's appointment, calling for bipartisan agreement first. At the same time, the Court dismissed the request from the National Assembly Speaker to confirm Ma's status as a justice or order his immediate appointment, citing legal limitations. Following the ruling, Choi is now under significant pressure to appoint Ma Eun-hyuk,.. a left-leaning judge recommended by the opposition Democratic Party. His appointment is politically sensitive as he would be the fifth progressive justice on a nine-member bench. Choi's office said the Acting President would "respect" the Court's decision, and would carefully look into the verdict, but couldn't comment on if or when Ma would be appointed. If Ma is soon instated, various complications could arise in President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment trial, as the Court would then decide whether or not he will participate in the deliberation process. Given that Yoon's trial hearings concluded this week, the court could exclude Ma. Even if Ma is included, experts say he might choose to recuse himself to avoid controversy, and maintain the current eight-member bench. But if he participates, the Court would have to decide whether Ma should conduct a brief review of trial materials, or hold a retrial process which involves a more comprehensive examination with more hearings. The latter could significantly delay the ruling,.. which is currently expected in mid-March. President Yoon's legal team on Thursday strongly condemned the court's decision, calling it politically motivated, and aimed at securing a six-vote majority to uphold Yoon's impeachment. Yoon's team raised concerns over Ma Eun-hyuk's past affiliation with progressive legal groups which they said undermines judicial neutrality. They claim that Acting President Choi is not legally bound to appoint Ma and should conduct a thorough administrative review before making a final decision. Oh Soo-young, Arirang News.
Tate brothers arrive in Florida after Romania lifts travel ban
2025/02/28 10:00
Right-wing influencer Andrew Tate, who along with his brother Tristan is facing trial in Romania for human trafficking and organized sexual exploitation, has arrived in Florida. The Tate brothers, who departed on a private jet early Thursday, deny all charges, claiming they are "misunderstood." The brothers, who are British-American nationals were able to leave Romania after prosecutors lifted a two-year travel ban. Romanian authorities however, stress that this decision does not mean the case against them has been dropped. They remain under judicial supervision and are required to report to authorities regularly. Their departure has raised speculation over possible political influence from the Trump administration. President Donald Trump, however, has denied any involvement. The Tate brothers have been vocal supporters of Trump, with Tristan Tate claiming that his brother Andrew has helped sway millions of young men to back the U.S. president.
NIS confirms deployment of additional N. Korean troops to Kursk
2025/02/28 10:00
North Korea is said to have dispatched more of its soldiers to aid Russia's military operations in Ukraine. More than a thousand may have been sent to Kursk early this month on top of around 11-thousand they sent last year. Choi Min-jung reports. North Korea has reportedly deployed another batch of troops to support the Russian military. According to the National Intelligence Service on Thursday, additional North Korean troops have been deployed to the front lines in Kursk since early February. The exact number is yet to be determined, but military sources speculate over 1-thousand have been sent. This deployment follows a period of relative calm lasting about a month, during which the North Korean military had reportedly withdrawn from the front lines due to a significant number of casualties. One source stated that if the troops depart by ship from Chongjin Port or travel by train from Najin, their exact whereabouts are difficult to track because they may move beyond the military's surveillance, but the Joint Chiefs of Staff said the military is closely monitoring. "Our military is closely monitoring the movements of North Korean troops." In October last year,. the regime deployed around 11-thousand North Korean soldiers to Russia. So far, around 4-thousand casualties have been reported. A senior Unification Ministry official said Thursday that the additional troop deployment is expected to be a part of a planned rotation to maintain combat readiness. Choi Min-jung, Arirang News.
On-point: Why would Zelenskyy sign minerals deal without security guarantees?
2025/02/28 10:00
No security guarantees in the minerals deal, yet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to settle with the deal regardless. Why seal an unfavorable deal? Let's turn to Professor Christophe Gaudin. Welcome. 1. What do you think made Zelenskyy sign the deal even without security guarantees? Is it because Ukraine has no cards to play like Trump said? 2. Should we assume there will be no U.S. security guarantees at all? Or will there be more negotiations in the near future? 3. Does and will signing the minerals deal help Ukraine get invited to peace talks between Trump and Putin? Or not really? Why or why not? 4. U.S. officials argue that U.S. access to Ukraine's assets like Ukraine's minerals and natural resources is already a security guarantee because that itself limits and restricts a reinvasion by Russia. Is this a valid argument? What's your take on this? Is that so? 5. Trump has now gotten what he wanted: Ukraine's natural resources. What's needed next to bring lasting peace in Ukraine? Thanks so much for your insight this morning. We appreciate it.
Trump announces March 4 tariffs for Mexico, Canada, extra 10% for China
2025/02/28 10:00
U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday that the 25 percent tariffs he vowed to impose on Mexico and Canada will take effect on March 4. He added that an extra 10 percent tariff will be implemented on Chinese imports as deadly drugs are still coming into the U.S. Lee Seung-jae reports. Earlier this month, U.S. President Donald Trump put a pause on his plans to impose 25-percent tariffs on imports coming in from Canada and Mexico. This would allow the two neighboring countries to negotiate a deal to possibly avoid a tariff war in the region. However,.. Trump on Thursday announced that those tariffs will take effect on March 4th as his administration sees insufficient progress being made to curb the flow of fentanyl into the U.S. from bordering countries. A White House official also noted that while migration issues have seen improvements, there are still concerns over fentanyl deaths in the U.S., blaming the inflow of illicit drugs coming into the country. On top of the March 4th imposition of tariffs on Canada and Mexico, Trump told reporters at the Oval Office, that Chinese imports will see an additional 10 percent tariff, resulting in a cumulative 20 percent tariff. "The drugs come in through Mexico. They come. A lot of them, not all of them, but a lot of them come from China. And that's why we did as ten. It's ten plus ten. Okay. Was there confusion on that? Ten plus ten. It's a second ten." Trump also added that come April 2nd, announcements will be made on countries that the Trump administration will impose its reciprocal tariffs on. "And then on the 2nd of April, we have reciprocal tariffs that's reciprocal, where we charge countries what they're charging us. And nobody should have a problem with that. We have a, it's reciprocity. It's something that I think everybody I have spoken to said that's fair. And it is. If somebody charges us 25%, we charge them 25. If somebody charges us ten or 15 or 30 or 70, which charge them an exact like amount." Meanwhile, Trump's economic adviser Kevin Hassett told CNBC in an interview on Thursday that the U.S. leader will decide on tariff policies for all countries after April 1st. The advisor said that there's a study coming out on April 1st, on which Trump will base his tariff decisions for all countries. Mexican and Canadian officials are set to meet with U.S. officials on Thursday and Friday, in the hopes of avoiding the 25 percent tariff by Trump. Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.
N. Korea launched strategic cruise missile on Wed. to prove nuclear deterrence
2025/02/28 10:00
North Korea reportedly tested a strategic cruise missile in the West Sea, saying the launch demonstrated the reliability of its nuclear deterrence. According to the North's Korean Central News Agency on Friday, the missile launch was carried out on Wednesday morning. Overseeing the launch, the North's leader Kim Jong-un stressed that ensuring powerful striking capabilities will strengthen deterrence, while calling for thorough war preparedness with its nuclear forces. The report also noted that the missile launch was aimed at displaying the military's counterattack capabilities and various nuclear readiness options.
Israel confirms Hamas delivered hostages' bodies as Palestinian prisoners released
2025/02/28 10:00
Israel has confirmed the identities of four bodies handed over by Hamas in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners. The announcement came on Thursday following forensic examinations. With this handover, the delayed release of over 600 Palestinian prisoners and detainees was also made possible. This was the final exchange of the six-week-long first stage of the Gaza ceasefire agreement. Meanwhile, according to the Egyptian government, negotiations between Israel and Hamas for the second phase of the ceasefire began on Thursday in Cairo. The talks aim to prevent a collapse of the agreement as the first phase concludes this weekend. Key objectives of the negotiations include ending the war, securing the release of all remaining Israeli hostages, and ensuring the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
Uncertainty over President Yoon’s impeachment timeline as Court rules in favor of instating left-leaning justice
2025/02/27 20:00
Thank you for joining us. I'm Yoon Jung-min. We begin with a crucial ruling today by the Constitutional Court. In a unanimous decision, it said acting President Choi Sang-mok holding back the appointment of justice nominee Ma Eun-hyuk stands in breach of the parliament's authority to recommend court justices. This was in response to a parliamentary lawsuit against the acting President. Oh Soo-young covers this ruling and its implications. The Constitutional Court has ruled that Acting President Choi Sang-mok's decision to withhold the appointment of Justice nominee Ma Eun-hyuk was unconstitutional, violating the National Assembly's authority to select Constitutional Court justices. On Thursday, the Court announced its verdict that Choi does not have discretion to review or reject justices elected by the National Assembly, reaffirming that the legislature's selection power is independent and substantive. Choi had appointed two out of three justices put forward by the Assembly in December last year, but deferred Ma Eun-hyuk's appointment, calling for bipartisan agreement first. At the same time, the Court dismissed the request from the National Assembly Speaker to confirm Ma's status as a justice or order his immediate appointment, citing legal limitations. Following the ruling, Choi is now under significant pressure to appoint Ma Eun-hyuk,.. a left-leaning judge recommended by the opposition Democratic Party. His appointment is politically sensitive as he would be the fifth progressive justice on a nine-member bench. Choi's office said the Acting President would "respect" the Court's decision, and would carefully look into the verdict, but couldn't comment on if or when Ma would be appointed. If Ma is soon instated, various complications could arise in President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment trial, as the Court would then decide whether or not he will participate in the deliberation process. Given that Yoon's trial hearings concluded this week, the court could exclude Ma. Even if Ma is included, experts say he might choose to recuse himself to avoid controversy, and maintain the current eight-member bench. But if he participates, the Court would have to decide whether Ma should conduct a brief review of trial materials, or hold a retrial process which involves a more comprehensive examination with more hearings. The latter could significantly delay the ruling,.. which is currently expected in mid-March. President Yoon's legal team on Thursday strongly condemned the court's decision, calling it politically motivated, and aimed at securing a six-vote majority to uphold Yoon's impeachment. Yoon's team raised concerns over Ma Eun-hyuk's past affiliation with progressive legal groups which they said undermines judicial neutrality. They claim that Acting President Choi is not legally bound to appoint Ma and should conduct a thorough administrative review before making a final decision. Oh Soo-young, Arirang News.
Industry minister optimistic going into talks with Washington
2025/02/27 20:00
South Korea's trade chief is in Washington D.C., tasked with seeking Korea's exemption from recent U.S. tariff plans as well as building a stronger trade partnership with America. Lee Seung-jae has the latest. South Korea's industry minister Ahn Duk-geun expressed confidence that his upcoming talks with U.S. trade officials will be constructive, adding that the two sides will be able to find "win-win" alternatives amid Trump administration tariff plans. Speaking to reporters upon arriving at the Dulles International Airport on Wednesday, Minister Ahn said that Seoul and Washington will be able to "dispel various misunderstandings" as most of the trade issues have been addressed through past FTA renegotiations. "We are in a situation where most of the issues, including non-tariff barriers, have been addressed in past FTA renegotiations. Through specific consultations with the U.S. side, I believe that we can dispel various misunderstandings and craft a constructive alternative." The industry minister also emphasized that his visit to Washington is aimed at finding the "best" option to protect South Korean businesses, while deepening bilateral partnership with the U.S. on strategic industrial sectors. He also said that he feels a great sense of responsibility, as the matter is of great national interest. Ahn cited the handling of the previous-Biden administration's Inflation Reduction Act, saying that Seoul will be able to find a constructive, win-win alternative with the current U.S. administration. The minister will hold talks with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnik during his visit,.. with plans to discuss U.S. tariffs and bilateral cooperation in the shipbuilding industry, cutting-edge industries, energy, and other strategic sectors. Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.
Trump threatens 25% tariffs on EU, says bloc was formed to 'screw' U.S.
2025/02/27 20:00
U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to impose a 25 percent tariff on imports from the European Union, accusing the bloc of being created to cheat the U.S. Addressing the White House press corps, Trump claimed an announcement would be made "very soon," adding that the tariffs will be centered on cars and other goods. The European Commission, for its part, has rejected Trump's accusation, adding that creation of the regional bloc had in fact facilitated business ventures in Europe for American companies. The Commission also vowed to respond "firmly and immediately against unjustified tariffs." The EU currently has in place a 10 percent tariff on American vehicle imports which is four times higher than the U.S. tariff on European passenger car imports. The U.S., nonetheless, already has a 25 percent tariff on imported pickup trucks.
NIS confirms deployment of additional N. Korean troops to Kursk
2025/02/27 20:00
North Korea is said to have dispatched more troops to assist Russia's military operations in Ukraine. More than a thousand soldiers may have been sent to the front lines in Kursk again amid speculation over snowballing casualties. Choi Min-jung reports. North Korea has reportedly deployed another batch of troops to support the Russian military. According to the National Intelligence Service on Thursday, additional North Korean troops have been deployed to the front lines in Kursk since early February. The exact number is yet to be determined, but military sources speculate over 1-thousand have been sent. This deployment follows a period of relative calm lasting about a month, during which the North Korean military had reportedly withdrawn from the front lines due to a significant number of casualties. One source stated that if the troops depart by ship from Chongjin Port or travel by train from Najin, their exact whereabouts are difficult to track because they may move beyond the military's surveillance, but the Joint Chiefs of Staff said the military is closely monitoring. "Our military is closely monitoring the movements of North Korean troops." In October last year,. the regime deployed around 11-thousand North Korean soldiers to Russia. So far, around 4-thousand casualties have been reported. A senior Unification Ministry official said Thursday that the additional troop deployment is expected to be a part of a planned rotation to maintain combat readiness. Choi Min-jung, Arirang News.
Opposition-led Assembly passes special counsel bill to investigate Yoon's alleged election interference
2025/02/27 20:00
Turning to the National Assembly. Opposition lawmakers passed a bill prompting a special probe into allegations of election interference by President Yoon Suk Yeol and first lady Kim Keon Hee through a political broker, which sparked sharp criticism from the ruling bloc. Our correspondent Shin Ha-young explains. The main opposition Democratic Party, with support from minor parties, unilaterally passed a special counsel bill to investigate President Yoon and first lady Kim for their alleged election interference through Myung Tae-kyun. Myung is accused of conducting public opinion polls favorable to Yoon ahead of the last presidential race, and soliciting his support in the People Power Party's nomination process during the 2022 parliamentary by-elections. Last year, a phone call between Yoon and Myung surfaced where they discussed the candidacy of a then-upcoming by-election, something that is illegal. DP floor leader Park Chan-dae said the special counsel bill was key to uncovering the truth behind the December 3rd declaration of martial law, stressing the need to restore the country and democracy. "There is already overwhelming evidence of serious crimes involving Yoon Suk Yeol, Kim Keon Hee, and Myung Tae-kyun. The probe is about fixing the party, not political fighting." The ruling PPP criticized the bill for targeting the party's entire procedure for elections and for suggesting it could investigate all ruling party members at any time. Ahead of the vote, the party reached a consensus to oppose the bill and decided to request Acting President Choi Sang-mok to veto it if the opposition pushes it through. Its floor leader Kweon Seong-dong called the appointment of a special counsel a political move for an early election. "The special counsel bill is a political scheme by Myung Tae-kyun and the Democratic Party. The DP claims the case was a trigger for a martial law declaration, but it's just a baseless delusion." Along with the special counsel bill, the Assembly passed a bill, backed by both parties, aimed at supporting the semiconductor industry by offering greater tax incentives to chipmakers. The bill raises the tax credit rate for companies investing in facilities in national strategic industries, including chips and secondary batteries. However, the vote on the opposition-led Commercial Act amendment was postponed with Speaker Woo Won-shik calling for more talks due to the sharp divide between the parties. "As the speaker, I've decided not to put down the revision of the Commercial Act at today's plenary session to encourage more talks between the parties. I urge the parties to keep discussing it until the next session." The amendment expands a company director's duty to act in good faith, requiring them to serve both the company and its shareholders' interests. The PPP has criticized the amendment, claiming it will lead to endless lawsuits and disrupt businesses, even though the revision is meant to protect shareholders. The DP, which has been pushing the amendment, expressed regret over the delay. Shin Ha-young, Arirang News.
U.S.-Russia ceasefire talks and their geopolitical impact on the Korean Peninsula
2025/02/27 20:00
Welcome to Within The Frame, where we bring the most pressing issues across the globe into focus, I'm Kim Mok-yeon. As the Ukraine war continues, U.S. President Donald Trump claims his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin is willing to negotiate a peace deal, though there remains "tremendous distrust" between Russia and Ukraine. Trump, who is also eyeing a minerals deal with Ukraine, made it clear that his administration would not offer Kyiv strong security guarantees, garnering concerns over that country's security. The Kremlin has confirmed that while no immediate talks are planned, Trump and Putin have the ability to communicate at any time if urgent matters arise, suggesting the possibility of renewed dialogue. In Within The Frame today, we delve into these pressing issues, exploring the broader implications of a U.S.-Russia-led ceasefire and its impact on global stability. For this, we connect with Robert Kelly, Professor of International Relations at Pusan National University Also joining us is Park Won-gon, Professor of North Korea studies at Ewha Woman's University (KELLY) 1. Let's start with Professor Kelly. The U.S. and Russia are accelerating their efforts to end the Ukraine war with high-level discussions on the way. Before we dig any deeper, how big are the chances for a ceasefire? What could the deal likely entail? (PARK) 2.Now to Professor Park, so if the U.S. and Russia normalize relations, what impact will this have on security dynamics on the Korean Peninsula? (KELLY) 3. As for talks with Ukraine, President Trump has announced that Ukrainian President Zelensky will visit the U.S. on February 28 to sign a mineral agreement. Trump has claimed that the war could end within "a few weeks," and suggested that the resource extraction agreement is part of the broader ceasefire process. Professor Kelly, how significant is this deal for both countries? (PARK) 4. With the war still ongoing, Professor Park, how do you think this mineral agreement will impact Ukraine's ability to defend itself, while simultaneously engaging in diplomatic negotiations? (KELLY) 5. The latest mineral agreement spurred concerns over Trump's transactional approach to diplomacy. If the U.S. prioritizes economic agreements over military alliances, how should South Korea interpret this in the context of its security reliance on the U.S. Prof.Kelly? (PARK) 6. Meanwhile, North Korea reportedly deployed up to 3,000 additional troops to Russia between January and February. Prof.Park, What does this suggest about Pyongyang's strategic objectives in supporting Russia's war in Ukraine? How much longer could they extend such support? (KELLY) 7. But if the war comes to an end with agreements from Washington and Moscow, some analysts believe Moscow may distance itself from Pyongyang, as it no longer needs North Korea's support and may seek to restore economic ties with South Korea. Others argue that the wartime alliance has evolved into a deeper strategic partnership. What are your thoughts Prof.Kelly? (KELLY) 8. As the U.S. pursues a peace deal in Ukraine, there is speculation that Washington could also attempt to manage provocations by North Korea. Could this lead to the reopening of communication channels between Washington and Pyongyang? What kind of leverage does Pyongyang hold? (PARK) 9. Another major development is Ukraine's claim that its forces captured two North Korean soldiers fighting in the Russian military Some analysts suggest that North Korea might seek leverage by demanding concessions, such as nuclear arms reduction talks, in exchange for withdrawing its forces. What are the chances of this Prof.Park? (PARK) 10. Lately, North Korea appears to be restoring ties with China, as seen in recent diplomatic exchanges and cultural cooperation. What do you think is driving this shift? And what role could China play in shaping the post-war geopolitical landscape?
Industry minister optimistic going into talks with Washington
2025/02/27 17:00
Trade Minister Ahn Duk-geun is in Washington D.C. for talks with U.S. officials as a number of Trump tariffs are poised to go into effect in the weeks ahead. Lee Seung-jae reports. South Korea's industry minister Ahn Duk-geun expressed confidence that his upcoming talks with U.S. trade officials will be constructive, adding that the two sides will be able to find "win-win" alternatives amid Trump administration tariff plans. Speaking to reporters upon arriving at the Dulles International Airport on Wednesday, Minister Ahn said that Seoul and Washington will be able to "dispel various misunderstandings" as most of the trade issues have been addressed through past FTA renegotiations. "We are in a situation where most of the issues, including non-tariff barriers, have been addressed in past FTA renegotiations. Through specific consultations with the U.S. side, I believe that we can dispel various misunderstandings and craft a constructive alternative." The industry minister also emphasized that his visit to Washington is aimed at finding the "best" option to protect South Korean businesses, while deepening bilateral partnership with the U.S. on strategic industrial sectors. He also said that he feels a great sense of responsibility, as the matter is of great national interest. Ahn cited the handling of the previous-Biden administration's Inflation Reduction Act, 이전 바이든 행정부의 인플레이션 감축 법안 처리를 예로 들면서, saying that Seoul will be able to find a constructive, win-win alternative with the current U.S. administration. The minister will hold talks with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnik during his visit,.. with plans to discuss U.S. tariffs and bilateral cooperation in the shipbuilding industry, cutting-edge industries, energy, and other strategic sectors. Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.
World News: Hamas hands over bodies of 4 Israeli hostages in exchange for release of hundreds of prisoners
2025/02/27 17:00
This is The World Now, bringing you the latest stories around the globe. The Palestinian militant group Hamas has handed over the bodies of four Israeli hostages, to the Red Cross early on Thursday, just days before the first phase of the truce comes to an end. In return, Israel has also begun to release Palestinian prisoners from Ofer Prison in the occupied West Bank. Israel has agreed to release 602 Palestinian prisoners, a move that was initially planned for last weekend, but later postponed. Under the truce agreement that began on February 19th, Hamas released six hostages on this past Saturday. However, Israel delayed the prisoner release due to what it described as the mistreatment and humiliation of the freed hostages during the handover process. Through mediators, both sides have now agreed to proceed with the remaining prisoner and hostage exchanges. According to the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the upcoming transfer will take place without any special ceremonies. At least 18 people have been killed and 23 others injured after a double-decker tour bus overturned in eastern Thailand. The crash occurred early Wednesday, local time after the bus lost control due to a brake failure and plunged down a slope. A total of 49 adults were on board, traveling as part of an educational tour. Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra extended her sympathies to the victims' families and stated that an investigation was underway. Thailand's Ministry of Transport has also announced that it will work with police to investigate the incident and strengthen inspections to guarantee that all public transportation vehicles meet safety standards. Turning to the United States. Amid a growing measles outbreak, Texas has reported its first child fatality from the disease. This marks the first measles-related death in the U.S. in nearly a decade, with the last case occurring in Washington state in 2015. According to the Texas Department of Health on Tuesday, the number of reported measles cases in West Texas has risen to 124 an increase of more than 30 cases since late last week. The highest infection rates have been observed among children aged 5 to 17. So far, a total of 18 people have been hospitalized due to the outbreak, and all of them were unvaccinated. Actress Michelle Trachtenberg, best known for her roles in Gossip Girl and other hit TV dramas, has died at the age of 39. She was found dead in her New York apartment on Wednesday morning, local time. The exact cause of death remains under investigation. According to police, no signs of foul play were detected, but Trachtenberg had recently undergone a liver transplant and may have suffered complications. Born in New York in 1985, Trachtenberg began her career as a child actress, and later gained widespread recognition for her roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Gossip Girl. Yoon Se-young, Arirang News
Opposition-led Assembly passes special counsel bill to investigate Yoon's alleged election interference
2025/02/27 17:00
Meanwhile at the National Assembly. Lawmakers across the aisle locked horns over a bill paving the path for a special probe into allegations of election interference by President Yoon Suk Yeol and First Lady Kim Keon Hee through a political broker called Myung Tae-kyun. Our correspondent Shin Ha-young is standing by live on the line. So Ha-young, I hear the bill was passed by the parliament today. You're right, Sunny. Just a few hours ago, the main opposition Democratic Party, with support from minor parties, unilaterally passed a special counsel bill to investigate President Yoon and first lady Kim for their alleged election interference through Myung Tae-kyun. It passed with 182 votes in favor, 91 against, and one abstention. Myung is accused of conducting public opinion polls favorable to Yoon ahead of the last presidential race, and soliciting his support in the People Power Party's nomination process during the 2022 parliamentary by-elections. Last year, a phone call between Yoon and Myung surfaced where they discussed the candidacy of a then-upcoming by-election, something that is illegal. Ahead of the plenary session, DP floor leader Park Chan-dae said the special counsel bill was key to uncovering the truth behind the December 3rd declaration of martial law, stressing the need to restore the country and democracy. Take a listen. "There is already overwhelming evidence of serious crimes involving Yoon Suk Yeol, Kim Keon Hee, and Myung Tae-kyun. The probe is about fixing the country, not political fighting." Ahead of the vote, the ruling PPP reached a party consensus to oppose the bill and decided to request Acting President Choi Sang-mok to veto it if the opposition pushes it through. Its floor leader Kweon Seong-dong called the appointment of a special counsel a political move for an early election. Take a listen. "The special counsel bill is a political scheme by Myung Tae-kyun and the Democratic Party. The DP claims the case was a trigger for a martial law declaration, but it's just a baseless delusion." The PPP criticized the bill for targeting the party's entire procedure for elections and for suggesting it could investigate all ruling party members at any time. And Ha-young, before you go do tell us about the postponement of the vote on the revision of the Commercial Act. Sunny, Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik decided to hold off on the Commercial Act amendment at today's plenary session, citing the need for more talks due to the sharp divide between the parties. Let's listen. "As the speaker, I've decided not to put down the revision of the Commercial Act at today's plenary session to encourage more talks between the parties. I urge the parties to keep discussing it until the next session." The amendment expands a company director's duty to act in good faith, requiring them to serve both the company and its shareholders' interests. The PPP has criticized the amendment, claiming it will lead to endless lawsuits and disrupt businesses, even though the revision is meant to protect shareholders. The DP, which has been pushing the amendment, expressed regret over the delay. Speaker Woo said the voting deadline would be determined as the negotiations progress. That's all I have for this hour. Back to you Sunny. All right Ha-young, thank you for that coverage. That was our political correspondent Shin Ha-young with the latest at the parliament.
Uncertainty over President Yoon’s impeachment timeline as Court rules in favor of instating left-leaning justice
2025/02/27 17:00
Acting President Choi Sang-mok's decision to hold back the appointment of justice nominee Ma Eun-hyuk stands in breach of the parliament's authority to recommend Constitutional Court justices. That is the verdict reached by the court in response to a parliamentary lawsuit against acting President Choi. Oh Soo-young covers this ruling and its broader implications. The Constitutional Court has ruled that Acting President Choi Sang-mok's decision to withhold the appointment of Justice nominee Ma Eun-hyuk was unconstitutional, violating the National Assembly's authority to select Constitutional Court justices. On Thursday, the Court announced its verdict that Choi does not have discretion to review or reject justices elected by the National Assembly, reaffirming that the legislature's selection power is independent and substantive. Choi had appointed two out of three justices put forward by the Assembly in December last year, but deferred Ma Eun-hyuk's appointment, calling for bipartisan agreement first. At the same time, the Court dismissed the request from the National Assembly Speaker to confirm Ma's status as a justice or order his immediate appointment, citing legal limitations. Following the ruling, Choi is now under significant pressure to appoint Ma Eun-hyuk,.. a left-leaning judge recommended by the opposition Democratic Party. His appointment is politically sensitive as he would be the fifth progressive justice on a nine-member bench. Choi's office said the Acting President would "respect" the Court's decision, and would carefully look into the verdict, but couldn't comment on if or when Ma would be appointed. If Ma is soon instated, various complications could arise in President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment trial, as the Court would then decide whether or not he will participate in the deliberation process. Given that Yoon's trial hearings concluded this week, the court could exclude Ma. Even if Ma is included, experts say he might choose to recuse himself to avoid controversy, and maintain the current eight-member bench. But if he participates, the Court would have to decide whether Ma should conduct a brief review of trial materials, or hold a retrial process which involves a more comprehensive examination with more hearings. The latter could significantly delay the ruling,.. which is currently expected in mid-March. President Yoon's legal team on Thursday strongly condemned the court's decision, calling it politically motivated, and aimed at securing a six-vote majority to uphold Yoon's impeachment. Yoon's team raised concerns over Ma Eun-hyuk's past affiliation with progressive legal groups which they said undermines judicial neutrality. They claim that Acting President Choi is not legally bound to appoint Ma and should conduct a thorough administrative review before making a final decision. Oh Soo-young, Arirang News.
Navy's Task Fleet Command conducts very first major maritime exercise
2025/02/27 17:00
The Navy's new Task Fleet Command has conducted its first major maritime exercise since its launch earlier this month. The exercise included nine warships including the 7-thousand-6-hundred-ton Sejong the Great destroyer one submarine and 13 aircraft in and above waters off South Korea's western and southern coasts. The three-day drills that lasted until this Thursday saw troops engaged in various sessions including live-fire training and anti-submarine warfare. The Sejong the Great destroyer also engaged in ballistic missile detection and tracking drills to strengthen its capabilities against North Korean missile threats.
NIS confirms N. Korean troop redeployment to Kursk frontline with possible additional reinforcements
2025/02/27 17:00
Starting early this month North Korea has been deploying troops again to the front lines of the battle in Kursk. This is according to the National Intelligence Service earlier on this Thursday. Now there appears to have been a reinforcement in the deployment but intelligence authorities here have yet to confirm its size. Sources for their part have suggested over one thousand more soldiers being sent between January and February. Back last October North Korea sent some 11-thousand soldiers to Russia. Meanwhile a senior official at the Unification Ministry says the additional troop deployment aligns with the rotation of forces aimed at maintaining combat readiness.
U.S. official Kevin Kim reassures Seoul it won't be sidelined if N. Korean talks resume under Trump
2025/02/27 17:00
A senior U.S. official has brushed aside concerns of South Korea being sidelined from potential denuclearization talks with North Korea. U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Kevin Kim also reaffirmed the Trump administration's commitment to issues on the Korean peninsula. Remarks to this end were shared at the U.S. Embassy here in Seoul earlier on Wednesday and they come amid the political turmoil in Korea.