News

South Korea's presidential security agents practice shooting, motorcade, attack scenarios ahead of Inauguration Day

2025/05/28 20:00

As Korea awaits a new leader, the Presidential Security Service revealed to media for the first time their agents in action, training for the upcoming inauguration, to ensure the event is held safely. Oh Soo-young takes us to the scene. A gunshot. An attempted assassination of the President. Instantly and instinctively, top security agents spring into action, using their bodies to shield an actor posing as South Korea's leader. Pistols drawn, they quickly hustle him towards the vehicle, securing all sides, before evacuating the President to safety. Ahead of the inauguration of South Korea's incoming leader next week, the Presidential Security Service for the first time in its 62-year history revealed its training to media outlets. The drills simulate the President's movements on the day of the inauguration, and potential crisis scenarios which include domestic and international terrorism. This includes a motorcade, stretching across a six-lane road. Over a dozen vehicles surround the presidential car, moving in close formation. Weaving around obstacles, agents create seamless mobility, and swiftly neutralise an attack suddenly coming their way. Shooting drills also sharpen their ability to hit small, specific target areas within a limited time and space with high accuracy. Practicing to perfection, the simulated exercises demonstrate collective readiness, and each agent's ultimate dedication to protecting the elected leader of South Korea's democracy. The PSS says it will allow no room for error to occur on Inauguration Day to enable a safe and dignified occasion for Korea on the world stage. It intends to execute protection that anticipates and prepares for every possible scenario, maintaining a thorough security posture that also puts public safety first. The Service will oversee the security of world leaders at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit in Korea this November. Oh Soo-young, Arirang News.

Two days of early voting begin Thursday for 21st presidential election

2025/05/28 20:00

Early voting for South Korea's 21st presidential election will begin on Thursday and run for two days at more than 35-hundred polling stations nationwide. Polling hours are from 6 AM to 6 PM, and ballots can be cast at any early voting station, regardless of the voter's registered address. A valid form of identification is required, such as a resident registration card, passport, or driver's license. Mobile ID, presented via an official app, is also accepted, but screenshots or image captures are not valid. Information on early voting locations is available on the National Election Commission's official website.

From nuclear weapons to joint S. Korea-U.S. military logistics; presidential candidates debate diplomacy, national security

2025/05/28 20:00

Speaking of the debate. A discussion to share visions for the next five years too often changed course to wage attacks against each other. The final debate yesterday was no exception, with candidates exchanging personal criticisms as they shared their own views on foreign policy and politics. Lee Eun-hee has the highlights. The final presidential TV debate on Tuesday took off with intense verbal exchanges as the four leading candidates clashed over their visions for foreign policy and domestic political reform. Democratic Party candidate Lee Jae-myung called the South Korea-U.S. alliance the foundation of Korea's diplomacy, and even said trilateral cooperation with Japan is necessary. But he maintained his stance that Seoul shouldn't neglect ties with China and Russia. "We must manage our relations well. There is no need to antagonise them as we are doing now." People Power Party Kim Moon-soo raised concern over Lee's alleged involvement in an illegal remittance to North Korea, saying it was fattening the Kim Jong-un regime, and its missile and nuclear threat. "I will strengthen nuclear deterrence and enhance our defense capability to build a Republic of Korea that will not be shaken by any threat." Responding to a question from Lee, Kim Moon-soo said nuclear weapons should be pursued if it is possible within the scope of the South Korea-U.S. alliance, and also suggested nuclear-sharing arrangements, similar to NATO's or a Korean-style model. Lee criticized this stance, saying that denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula is already a given. Meanwhile, the Reform Party's Lee Jun-seok criticised both the DP and PPP for simply aligning with larger powers, and pledged practical ways to overcome Korea's security crises. "I will elevate South Korea from a nation that depends on alliances to one that designs and leads them." He said he'd coordinate policy on foreign affairs, unification, defense, and internal affairs, with a Deputy Prime Minister for Security, and by merging the foreign affairs and unification ministries. He also suggested establishing joint S. Korea-U.S. military logistics facilities to produce shells and fill the U.S. ammunition gap, and replacing increases in defense cost-sharing with the supply of Korean-made weapons. Lee also questioned the DP candidate over his past claims on America's deployment of the THAAD missile defence system to South Korea, saying that such claims align with the views of China and conspiracy theorists. Lee Jae-myung said it isn't appropriate to continue fueling controversy over the matter. He also said there was no evidence of his alleged remittance to North Korea. Meanwhile, Democratic Labor Party candidate Kwon Young-guk declared that he would appoint a civilian as defense minister and dismantle elite military factions. "I will create a scene where the U.S. and North Korea establish diplomatic ties. Based on active exchanges, I will realize peace on the Korean Peninsula." The two-hour debate was also intended to address domestic political reform, but was overridden by mudslinging, targeting Lee Jae-myung's ongoing criminal trials and his party's push for legal revision and judiciary reform an apparent attempt to exonerate him. Kim Moon-soo meanwhile was criticised for his association with impeached President Yoon as other candidates called to close the chapter on the dark legacy of martial law. Lee Eun-hee, Arirang News.

Lee Jun-seok continues outreach to young voters in Seoul

2025/05/28 20:00

Reform Party candidate Lee Jun-seok also continued his campaign today while reiterating his resolve to remain in the race. He held a lunchtime rally at Yeouido Park with white-collar workers before heading to Gangnam Station and COEX in southern Seoul to touch base with young voters and startup company workers. Starting later this evening until the last day of the official campaign period, Lee plans to engage in overnight events to interact with voters one-on-one. Also earlier in the day, he apologized for his use of crude language during Tuesday's presidential debate while referencing alleged remarks by the son of Democratic Party candidate Lee Jae-myung.

From nuclear weapons to joint S. Korea-U.S. military logistics; presidential candidates debate diplomacy, national security

2025/05/28 17:00

AND that final presidential election debate that was aired live Tuesday night saw its fair amount of ad hominem attacks as the candidates sought to share their defense and diplomatic policies. Our correspondent Oh Soo-young has the highlights. The final presidential TV debate on Tuesday took off with intense verbal exchanges as the four leading candidates clashed over their visions for foreign policy and domestic political reform. Democratic Party candidate Lee Jae-myung called the South Korea-U.S. alliance the foundation of Korea's diplomacy, and even said trilateral cooperation with Japan is necessary. But he maintained his stance that Seoul shouldn't neglect ties with China and Russia. "We must manage our relations well. There is no need to antagonise them as we are doing now." People Power Party Kim Moon-soo raised concern over Lee's alleged involvement in an illegal remittance to North Korea, saying it was fattening the Kim Jong-un regime, and its missile and nuclear threat. "I will strengthen nuclear deterrence and enhance our defense capability to build a Republic of Korea that will not be shaken by any threat." Responding to a question from Lee, Kim Moon-soo said nuclear weapons should be pursued if it is possible within the scope of the South Korea-U.S. alliance, and also suggested nuclear-sharing arrangements, similar to NATO's or a Korean-style model. Lee criticized this stance, saying that denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula is already a given. Meanwhile, the Reform Party's Lee Jun-seok criticised both the DP and PPP for simply aligning with larger powers, and pledged practical ways to overcome Korea's security crises. "I will elevate South Korea from a nation that depends on alliances to one that designs and leads them." He said he'd coordinate policy on foreign affairs, unification, defense, and internal affairs, with a Deputy Prime Minister for Security, and by merging the foreign affairs and unification ministries. He also suggested establishing joint S. Korea-U.S. military logistics facilities to produce shells and fill the U.S. ammunition gap, and replacing increases in defense cost-sharing with the supply of Korean-made weapons. Lee also questioned the DP candidate over his past claims on America's deployment of the THAAD missile defence system to South Korea, saying that such claims align with the views of China and conspiracy theorists. Lee Jae-myung said it isn't appropriate to continue fueling controversy over the matter. He also said there was no evidence of his alleged remittance to North Korea. Meanwhile, Democratic Labor Party candidate Kwon Young-guk declared that he would appoint a civilian as defense minister and dismantle elite military factions. "I will create a scene where the U.S. and North Korea establish diplomatic ties. Based on active exchanges, I will realize peace on the Korean Peninsula." The two-hour debate was also intended to address domestic political reform, but was overridden by mudslinging, targeting Lee Jae-myung's ongoing criminal trials and his party's push for legal revision and judiciary reform an apparent attempt to exonerate him. Kim Moon-soo meanwhile was criticised for his association with impeached President Yoon as other candidates called to close the chapter on the dark legacy of martial law. Oh Soo-young, Arirang News.

Int'l peace forum expected to draw thousands to Jeju Island

2025/05/28 17:00

An annual international peace forum is currently underway on the southern island of Jeju. Organizers say some four thousand participants from 30 nations are attending the 20th Jeju Forum which began earlier on this Wednesday. On the agenda of the three-day forum are talks on geopolitics in the face of the Trump administration's America First Policy and stability on the Korean peninsula as well as regional maritime security.

U.S. pushing for mandatory review of social media pages of international students

2025/05/28 17:00

In its latest border control INITIATIVE the Trump administration has halted visa interviews for international students seeking to study in the U.S. as it prepares to vet their social media accounts. Lee Seung-jae has details. The U.S. government is now looking into mandating social media screening for international students who wish to study in their country. In preparation for the new review system, the U.S. State Department has ordered all diplomatic missions around the world to temporarily suspend visa interviews for international students. In an announcement made by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday, "consular sections should not add any additional student or exchange visitor visa appointment capacity until further guidance is issued," in preparation for "an expansion of required social media screening and vetting." However, Rubio said that the government will proceed with interviews that have already been scheduled. Those looking to apply for the F, M, and J visas will see their interviews temporarily suspended. F visas are issued to students who wish to study at a U.S. university or review language training, while the M visa is for those who wish to receive job training. The J visa is for exchanges in the fields of education, arts, and science, particularly for exchange researchers and students. If the Trump administration does carry out the screening process,.. it could significantly slow down student visa processing, effectively hurting many U.S. schools that rely heavily on foreign students to boost their financial coffers. The government had earlier imposed a partial social media screening requirement, mostly targeting returning students who may have participated in pro-Palestinian protests. However, the latest order does not specifically say what the government would be screening for, but that it aims to keep out terrorists and battle anti-Semitism. Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.

Israel-Hamas war reaches 600th day amid continued conflict and lack of aid

2025/05/28 17:00

In the Middle East. Ordinary Palestinians continue to bear the brutal brunt of Israel's counteroffensive against the militant group Hamas as both sides mark a tragic milestone today. Ahn Sung-jin reports. Thousands of people storm towards an aid distribution point, causing a stampede. Shots are fired into the air to disperse the crowd. On Tuesday, following almost three months of aid being blocked, the U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation distributed around 8-thousand food boxes or around 462-thousand meals in the southern city of Rafah. "We want to eat, we're hungry, we have been humiliated, with the communal kitchens and the (lack) of water and everything. Look what they've put for us." The Israel-Hamas war has reached the 600-day mark. Nearly two years into the conflict, more than 54-thousand people have been killed and over 123-thousand injured. Gazans suffer from severe food shortages and a lack of access to healthcare in the devastated enclave. Israel has faced widespread condemnation for the civilian suffering caused by the conflict. 600 days ago on October 7th, 2023, Hamas attacked Israel, killing more than 1,000 and kidnapping more than 200 people. That led to massive Israeli military offensives, air strikes and a ground invasion of Gaza. Though ceasefire negotiations continue with mediators including the U.S., Qatar and Egypt, a deal has yet to be reached. International organizations such as the World Health Organization urgently call for an immediate ceasefire and the release of all remaining hostages. Ahn Sung-jin, Arirang News.

Lee Jun-seok continues outreach to young voters in Seoul

2025/05/28 17:00

Moving on. Reform Party candidate Lee Jun-seok also continued his campaign today while reiterating his resolve to remain in the race. He held a lunchtime rally at Yeouido Park with white-collar workers before heading to Gangnam Station and COEX in southern Seoul to touch base with young voters and startup company workers. Starting later this evening until the last day of the official campaign period Lee plans to engage in overnight events to interact with voters one-on-one. Also earlier in the day he apologized for his use of crude language during Tuesday's presidential debate while referencing alleged remarks by the son of Democratic Party candidate Lee Jae-myung.

PPP's Kim rallies traditional support for final push; to vote in rival's district during early voting

2025/05/28 17:00

Up next we turn to the conservative camp whose contender Kim Moon-soo is campaigning in the country's southeastern region. For details I have Kim Do-yeon joining me live. Do-yeon welcome back. So what's the latest at your end? Sun-hee,.. I'm in Yeongcheon of Gyeongsangbuk-do Province this is also Kim's birthplace. Now, as you said it's a day before early voting starts and Kim chose the Gyeongsang-do provinces to rally targeting this conservative stronghold region. Take a listen to what he's pledging for the region. Dear citizens, we need an express train system that connects Busan, Ulsan, and all of Gyeongsangnam-do Province, so they're all within an hour of each other, to make cities that are convenient for commuting. I think jobs are the best welfare, and I'll be the president for it. He's got a total of 7 rallies throughout the day plus a visit to a university campus in the region and a visit to a national cemetery for servicemen and women. He started his rally far down in Changwon of Gyeongsangnam-do Province then hit Busan. Now, he's in Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, a bit further north in the region to hit cities in the province and he'll end his rally in Daegu later today. As I said this is his last push to unite traditional PPP supporters who were feeling lukewarm about the election which has come from the PPP's former president's impeachment. His message of course reiterates that his DP rival Lee Jae-myung has legal risks. Also Do-yeon as I mentioned to Ha-young two days of EARLY voting starts tomorrow and I hear Kim will also be casting his ballot then. Do tell us more. Sun-hee, that's right he is going to the lion's den for this. He's going to vote at a booth in Incheon City's Gyeyang-gu District the congressional district for Lee Jae-myung. Take a listen to what the camp said. To put meaning into voting in Incheon—it's not only Lee Jae-myung's home district, but also the historic city where the Incheon Landing Operation turned the tide of the Korean War, preventing a communist takeover and paving the way for South Korea's postwar transformation. Meanwhile, as for the merger the Reform Party's Lee Jun-seok continues to be adamant about finishing the election so the timing seems tough. And there doesn't seem like much communication between the two parties at the moment either but they have until late into the night today. The PPP however says it's willing to give anything, except for the candidacy. The PPP also claims that many reform party voters may change their minds as choosing Lee Jun-seok could be wasting a vote, so even a three-way race has its benefits. Sun-hee. All right Do-yeon thank you for that coverage of the conservative camp.

Lee Jae-myung focuses campaign on eastern Seoul; DP urges early voting

2025/05/28 17:00

We are counting down less than a week to the snap election scheduled for June third. And on HIS campaign trail liberal party contender Lee Jae-myung is addressing his supporters here in Seoul. I have our political correspondent Shin Ha-young standing by live with details. Ha-young it's good to have you on. So where exactly are you reporting from? Sunny, I'm currently in front of Seoul Children's Grand Park in Gwangjin-gu District, where Democratic Party candidate Lee Jae-myung is delivering a speech. Following the final televised debate yesterday, Lee is now focusing his campaign on eastern Seoul, which the party describes as a region that shows Seoul's past, present, and future. Lee aims to attract support from voters in the capital by sharing his plan to make eastern Seoul not only a new hub for business, culture and transportation growth, but also – as a result a better place to live. Ahead of Wednesday's rally, Lee joined a live YouTube broadcast where he emphasized his commitment to push South Korea's benchmark index, the KOSPI, to 5-thousand points and outlined plans for stock market reform. "South Korea's conservative governments have not been typical conservative governments, which has made them irrational. The economy relies on rationality and predictability. With little economic policy and frequent corporate abuses, the market stayed weak. Fixing these issues could boost the market by 200 to 300 points." Ha-young early voting begins tomorrow and I understand the liberal camp called on voters to exercise their civic duty? That's right, Sunny. A day before early voting begins for the snap presidential election, the Democratic Party focused on getting people out to vote. Floor leader and Acting Chairman Park Chan-dae, who also serves as a chair of the presidential campaign committee, urged the public to vote to end what the party described as an insurrection. Take a listen. "Let's bring peace, revive the economy, and unite the country by taking part in early voting this Thursday and Friday. Everyone, please make sure to vote your vote is more powerful than guns and swords." Park also noted that overseas voter turnout had reached a record high, reflecting a strong desire among Koreans abroad for peace and change in the country. He stressed that it is now up to voters in South Korea to carry that momentum forward. Lee is expected to cast his vote in Seoul's Sinchon on the first day of early voting, tomorrow, and encourage others to take part as well. That's all for now. Back to you, Sunny. All right Ha-young thank you for that coverage of the liberal camp.

On-point: Expert's take on last TV presidential debate ahead of 21st election

2025/05/28 10:00

The people of South Korea will elect their new leader in 6 days, which made last night's TV debate even more critical for the main presidential runners. Will the course of the next 6 days be a game changer? Let's turn to Professor Mason Richey. Good morning. 1. I'd like to start with the third and final debate last night. Do you think any of the four runners excelled in trying to convince voters they're the most suitable leader? 2. Voting in South Korea's snap presidential election officially begins here in the country tomorrow, with two days of early voting. Can it be a barometer of the actual election day and election day voter turnout? How important is early voting? 3. The tentative overseas voter turnout marked a record high at 79.5%. What does this figure indicate? 4. One remaining variable in this election could be a possible conservative merger. Reform Party candidate Lee Jun-seok is committed more than ever to run and win the race, rejecting the People Power's push for a merger. Do you see any possibility left here? 5. We're now in a so-called poll blackout mode until the election, when we no longer know the support rate for any of the presidential runners. How crucial is this period? Will this period be a game changer? Or not? It was pleasure to have you with us, Professor Richey. Thanks for your time.

Int'l peace forum expected to draw thousands to Jeju Island

2025/05/28 10:00

An annual international peace forum kicked off on Wednesday on South Korea's southern island of Jeju. The 20th Jeju Forum is expected to draw four thousand people from 30 different nations. Throughout the three-day event, which will run until this Friday, discussions will be held on various geopolitical issues, including changes to the diplomatic landscape following U.S. President Donald Trump's re-election to a second term. Under this year's theme of 'harnessing innovation for peace and prosperity,' the forum will also address ways to maintain stability on the Korean Peninsula, as well as ways to enhance multilateral cooperation on maritime security.

U.S. pushing for mandatory review of social media pages of international students

2025/05/28 10:00

The Trump administration has ordered a pause on new student visa interviews and is weighing requiring social media screening for foreign students who wish to study in the U.S. in its latest in a series of restrictions on international students. Lee Seung-jae has more. The U.S. government is now looking into mandating social media screening for international students who wish to study in their country. In preparation for the new review system, the U.S. State Department has ordered all diplomatic missions around the world to temporarily suspend visa interviews for international students. In an announcement made by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday, "consular sections should not add any additional student or exchange visitor visa appointment capacity until further guidance is issued," in preparation for "an expansion of required social media screening and vetting." However, Rubio said that the government will proceed with interviews that have already been scheduled. Those looking to apply for the F, M, and J visas will see their interviews temporarily suspended. F visas are issued to students who wish to study at a U.S. university or review language training, while the M visa is for those who wish to receive job training. The J visa is for exchanges in the fields of education, arts, and science, particularly for exchange researchers and students. If the Trump administration does carry out the screening process,.. it could significantly slow down student visa processing, effectively hurting many U.S. schools that rely heavily on foreign students to boost their financial coffers. The government had earlier imposed a partial social media screening requirement, mostly targeting returning students who may have participated in pro-Palestinian protests. However, the latest order does not specifically say what the government would be screening for, but that it aims to keep out terrorists and battle anti-Semitism. Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.

Israel-Hamas war reaches 600th day amid continued conflict and lack of aid

2025/05/28 10:00

It's already been 600 days since the October 7 attack by Hamas, which triggered massive Israeli military offensives in Gaza. With no signs of a ceasefire, civilians in the devastated Gaza Strip are suffering from a lack of food and healthcare. Ahn sung-jin has the details. Thousands of people storm towards an aid distribution point, causing a stampede. Shots are fired into the air to disperse the crowd. On Tuesday, following almost three months of aid being blocked, the U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation distributed around 8-thousand food boxes or around 462-thousand meals in the southern city of Rafah. "We want to eat, we're hungry, we have been humiliated, with the communal kitchens and the (lack) of water and everything. Look what they've put for us." The Israel-Hamas war has reached the 600-day mark. Nearly two years into the conflict, more than 54-thousand people have been killed and over 123-thousand injured. Gazans suffer from severe food shortages and a lack of access to healthcare in the devastated enclave. Israel has faced widespread condemnation for the civilian suffering caused by the conflict. 600 days ago on October 7th, 2023, Hamas attacked Israel, killing more than 1,000 and kidnapping more than 200 people. That led to massive Israeli military offensives, air strikes and a ground invasion of Gaza. Though ceasefire negotiations continue with mediators including the U.S., Qatar and Egypt, a deal has yet to be reached. International organizations such as the World Health Organization urgently call for an immediate ceasefire and the release of all remaining hostages. Ahn Sung-jin, Arirang News.

From nuclear weapons to joint S. Korea-U.S. military logistics.. presidential candidates debate diplomacy, national security

2025/05/28 10:00

We start with the third and final TV debate between the four leading presidential candidates this time on politics and foreign policy. As ever, they locked horns in every respect, not only contrasting policies, but exchanging personal criticisms. Oh Soo-young reports. The final presidential TV debate on Tuesday took off with intense verbal exchanges as the four leading candidates clashed over their visions for foreign policy and domestic political reform. Democratic Party candidate Lee Jae-myung called the South Korea-U.S. alliance the foundation of Korea’s diplomacy, and even said trilateral cooperation with Japan is necessary. But he maintained his stance that Seoul shouldn't neglect ties with China and Russia. "We must manage our relations well. There is no need to antagonise them as we are doing now." People Power Party Kim Moon-soo raised concern over Lee's alleged involvement in an illegal remittance to North Korea, saying it was fattening the Kim Jong-un regime, and its missile and nuclear threat. "I will strengthen nuclear deterrence and enhance our defense capability to build a Republic of Korea that will not be shaken by any threat.” Responding to a question from Lee, Kim Moon-soo said nuclear weapons should be pursued if it is possible within the scope of the South Korea-U.S. alliance, and also suggested nuclear-sharing arrangements, similar to NATO’s or a Korean-style model. Lee criticized this stance, saying that denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula is already a given. Meanwhile, the Reform Party's Lee Jun-seok criticised both the DP and PPP for simply aligning with larger powers, and pledged practical ways to overcome Korea's security crises. "I will elevate South Korea from a nation that depends on alliances to one that designs and leads them." He said he'd coordinate policy on foreign affairs, unification, defense, and internal affairs, with a Deputy Prime Minister for Security, and by merging the foreign affairs and unification ministries. He also suggested establishing joint S. Korea-U.S. military logistics facilities to produce shells and fill the U.S. ammunition gap, and replacing increases in defense cost-sharing with the supply of Korean-made weapons. Lee also questioned the DP candidate over his past claims on America's deployment of the THAAD missile defence system to South Korea, saying that such claims align with the views of China and conspiracy theorists. Lee Jae-myung said it isn't appropriate to continue fueling controversy over the matter. He also said there was no evidence of his alleged remittance to North Korea. Meanwhile, Democratic Labor Party candidate Kwon Young-guk declared that he would appoint a civilian as defense minister and dismantle elite military factions. "I will create a scene where the U.S. and North Korea establish diplomatic ties. Based on active exchanges, I will realize peace on the Korean Peninsula." The two-hour debate was also intended to address domestic political reform, but was overridden by mudslinging, targeting Lee Jae-myung's ongoing criminal trials and his party's push for legal revision and judiciary reform an apparent attempt to exonerate him. Kim Moon-soo meanwhile was criticised for his association with impeached President Yoon as other candidates called to close the chapter on the dark legacy of martial law. Oh Soo-young, Arirang News.

King says 'strong and free' Canada is a force for good in historic throne speech

2025/05/28 10:00

Good morning, I'm Choi Chi-hee, and this is the World Now. In a historic address to Canada's Parliament, King Charles III reaffirmed the nation's sovereignty and freedom, responding to U.S. President Donald Trump's recent suggestions of annexing Canada as the 51st state. This was the first time in nearly five decades that a reigning monarch has opened a session of the Canadian Parliament. "Today, Canada faces another critical moment. Democracy, pluralism, the rule of law, self-determination, and freedom are values which Canadians hold dear, and ones which the Government is determined to protect." "As the anthem reminds us: The True North is indeed strong and free!" King Charles delivered the speech from the throne in the Senate in Ottawa on Tuesday, emphasizing Canada's enduring strength and independence. Quoting the national anthem, he declared, "The true North is indeed strong and free," a statement interpreted as a rebuttal to President Trump's annexation suggestion. While the King did not directly mention President Trump, his remarks were seen as a clear affirmation of Canada's sovereignty in the face of external pressures. The speech, written by Prime Minister Mark Carney's government, outlined Canada's legislative agenda and underscored the government's commitment to democratic values and the nation's independence.

DP's Lee scales back campaign ahead of final debate; PPP's Kim meets with fmr. Pres. Lee

2025/05/27 19:00

Thank you for joining us. I'm Yoon Jung-min. We're coming to you live an hour earlier than usual, before the live presidential debate. Exactly seven days from now, voters in the country will be heading to polling stations to elect the next leader. With the big day coming up, the final debate is scheduled for this evening. Major candidates spent the day keeping a low profile ahead of the debate, though efforts did continue to muster support as much as they can. Our political correspondent Shin Ha-young reports. With one week to go until the election, presidential hopefuls scaled back their campaigns ahead of their final televised debate on Tuesday evening. Democratic Party candidate Lee Jae-myung did not hold any rallies on Tuesday, choosing instead to focus on preparing for the debate. Meanwhile, the DP encouraged people to participate in early voting, which begins on Thursday. Highlighting the record-high turnout in overseas voting, the party said this reflects public sentiment against what it calls insurrection forces. It added that it plans to maintain this momentum through early voting. The party also continued its criticism of People Power Party candidate Kim Moon-soo. "Every time he speaks, it's all false propaganda and misleading agitation. He's a dangerous person. To him, honesty is just a mask, and morality is nothing more than a prop." The PPP's Kim Moon-soo has been putting in efforts to rally as much support as possible from across the political spectrum, including undecided voters, ahead of early voting. Kim met with former President Lee Myung-bak over lunch on Tuesday, in what was seen as an effort to consolidate support among conservative voters. A PPP spokesperson told reporters that Lee encouraged Kim, and advised him to make a sincere effort to pursue a merger with the Reform Party's Lee Jun-seok. This comes a day after Kim met with former Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon. Following the meeting, Lee a former chief of the DP voiced his support for Kim on Tuesday, saying that he would join efforts to prevent what he called a "monster dictatorship" if Lee Jae-myung were to win the election. With two days to go until early voting, the PPP expressed confidence in a major comeback. "Kim Moon-soo's character and abilities stand in sharp contrast to Lee Jae-myung's, leaving a strong impression on voters. A major turnaround is coming." Meanwhile, Reform Party candidate Lee Jun-seok reaffirmed his determination to stay in the presidential race, rejecting a merger with the PPP. During a press conference on Tuesday, he said he would not join forces with those responsible for the declaration of martial law, and that he would fight to the end and win. The third debate between the candidates will take place from 8 PM this evening and last for two hours. They will discuss political polarization, political reform, and possible constitutional amendments. Other topics will include foreign affairs and national security. Shin Ha-young, Arirang News.

Israeli strikes kill 52 in Gaza, including 36 in school-turned shelter

2025/05/27 19:00

Turning to a major war happening elsewhere. Israel continues pounding Gaza, killing dozens of people at a school used as a shelter. Meantime, aid is trickling into the enclave after a months-long blockade. Choi Chi-hee has the latest. On Monday, a school-turned-shelter in Gaza City's Daraj neighborhood was one of the two targets hit by an Israeli airstrike. Hundreds of people, mostly women and children, were sheltering there at the time. "This isn't normal. What kind of missiles are they dropping? What are they doing? I don't understand. All of them were children -the three children were burned, along with their mother." According to Gaza's Civil Defense, the attack, which reportedly occurred while occupants were sleeping, killed at least 36 individuals and injured dozens of others. The Israel Defense Forces said the strikes targeted a Hamas and Islamic Jihad command and control center, believed to be operating within the school premises. They asserted that the facility was being used for planning attacks against Israeli civilians and troops. However, local witnesses and Palestinian officials have denied the presence of militants at the site. "There is no military in it, there is not even a piece of a weapon in it." In a separate strike, 16 people were killed when the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza was hit. The attacks have drawn international condemnation, including from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who cautioned against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu taking excessive military actions. Merz said he no longer "understands what Israel is trying to achieve." Ireland's deputy prime minister said legislation for a potential ban on imports from Israeli settlements would be unveiled on Tuesday. Also on Monday, a new aid system in Gaza, backed by the U.S., opened its first distribution hubs following months of being blockaded by Israel. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation has taken over the handling of aid, and truckloads of food delivered to its hubs have begun to be distributed to Palestinians on the same day. Choi Chi-hee, Arirang News.

Why South Korea’s next president could reset diplomacy

2025/05/27 19:00

To follow up on that, our correspondent Kim Jung-sil joins us in the studio. Jung-sil, as you compared policy positions between the candidates in your report, was there anything worth noticing? What can you tell us in detail? Yes, Jungmin. One thing that stood out is that despite their political differences, and while they vary in emphasis and detail, all three candidates share a common focus on the ROK-U.S. alliance, and support the idea of resuming dialogue with North Korea. Let's start with Democratic Party candidate Lee Jae-myung, who unveiled his foreign policy platform just yesterday. A notable shift is his approach to North Korea, which seems more cautious than that of previous progressive administrations. While former President Moon Jae-in emphasized engagement, Lee is focusing on practical progress, particularly on the nuclear issue. Some analysts link the shift to changing global dynamics and renewed uncertainty over U.S. policy toward Pyongyang under President Trump. That was on the liberal side. Now, what about Kim Moon-soo on the conservative side? Kim takes a defense-first approach: calling for stronger military coordination with the U.S. and raising the idea of tactical nuclear deterrence. One thing that stood out from his campaign was his response to how South Korea should balance between the U.S. and China. He rejected the idea, saying it could lead to mistrust from both sides. While recognizing the value of economic ties with China, he also emphasizes the need to avoid overdependence through supply chain resilience and trade diversification. He has also expressed interest in meeting President Xi Jinping at this year's APEC summit. And what about Lee Jun-seok, another conservative-leaning candidate? Lee Jun-seok hasn't laid out a full foreign policy plan, but his recent remarks point to a broad, future-oriented approach. Last month, he proposed space and technology cooperation with Japan, citing the potential for synergy through shared infrastructure. He also said he would suggest a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un without preconditions. We'll likely hear more from him and the other candidates in tonight's televised debate, which will cover both political and foreign policy issues. Certainly a lot to watch for tonight, thank you, Jung-sil. My pleasure.