News

Netherlands to deliver US$ 579 mil. worth of US weapon systems to Ukraine

2025/08/05 11:38

Now, let's take a look at some stories from around the world with our Choi Chi Hee. Good morning, Chi Hee. Good morning, Eunji. Let's begin with the Netherlands, saying it will contribute to the purchase of U.S. military equipment for Ukraine. Fill us in on this. Right. The Dutch defense minister announced a significant military aid package for Ukraine consisting of U.S.-made weapon systems. Minister Ruben Brekelmans made the announcement on Monday via social media, saying, "Ukraine needs more air defense and ammunition now." Valued at approximately 579 million U.S. dollars, the package will include parts and missiles for the Patriot air defense system and comes in response to an increase in Russian air attacks and requests from Kyiv to strengthen Ukraine's air defense capabilities. Brekelmans emphasized that the new package will help Ukraine defend itself and protect the rest of Europe against Russian aggression. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed the decision, saying that Ukraine and Europe would receive "greater protection from Russian terror."

Hamas demands 250 relief trucks per day

2025/08/05 11:37

Palestinian militant group Hamas is demanding at least 250 humanitarian aid trucks per day into Gaza, as a precondition for returning to negotiations with Israel. However, Israeli Prime Minister says he will convene his security cabinet this week to discuss how to instruct the military to proceed in the enclave to meet all of his "war goals." Lee Seung-jae has more. Palestinian militant group Hamas is open to restarting peace talks with Israel. However, the precondition to returning to negotiations is the entry of at least 250 humanitarian aid trucks per day into the Gaza Strip. According to Al Jazeera, Gaza officials report that over 22-thousand aid trucks are currently waiting outside the enclave, while an average of just 84 trucks have been allowed in daily since Israel eased restrictions on July 27th. Humanitarian organizations have warned that at least 600 trucks per day are required to meet basic needs. Gaza's Health Ministry said Monday that six more people, including a child, had died from starvation in the previous 24 hours, bringing the total number of starvation-related deaths since the start of the conflict to 181, including 94 children. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday that he would convene his security cabinet this week, in order to discuss how his military will proceed in Gaza, and meet all his war goals. "We must continue to stand together and fight together to achieve all our war objectives: the defeat of the enemy, the release of our hostages, and the assurance that Gaza will no longer pose a threat to Israel. Later this week, I will convene the cabinet to instruct the IDF on how to achieve these three objectives—all of them, without exception." Meanwhile, according to a report by Axios on Monday, more than a dozen House Democrats have signed a letter calling on the Trump administration to formally recognize a Palestinian state. The latest push signals a renewed effort among some U.S. lawmakers to support Palestinian statehood, with at least one Democrat planning to introduce a pro-statehood resolution in Congress. Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.

[On-point] S. Korea begins removing anti-N. Korean loudspeakers: Will it ease tensions?

2025/08/05 11:36

As we just heard, South Korea has begun dismantling loudspeakers along the border with the North as part of its latest effort to reduce tensions. For more on this, we're joined by Brian Myers, Professor of International Studies at Dongseo University. Professor Myers, thanks for joining us this morning. 1. South Korea has begun removing loudspeakers along the border with North Korea. What does this signal about the Lee administration's North Korean policy? And how effective might this be in easing inter-Korean tensions? 2. The Korean government is also considering postponing parts of its annual joint military exercise with the U.S., but North Korea continues to say the trainings are "military provocations." Do you think these conciliatory gestures from South Korea could produce meaningful results? 3. Last week, Kim Yo-jong, the influential sister of the North Korean leader, said Pyongyang has no interest in talking to South Korea. And she said the new government is no different from the previous Yoon administration. What might the North's intention behind this message be? 4. Kim Yo-jong also said the personal relationship between her brother Kim Jong-un and U.S. President Donald Trump "isn't bad," but said Washington must recognize the regime's status as a nuclear state for talks. How likely do you think Pyongyang will engage in dialogue with Washington under these conditions? Alright. Professor Myers, thank you so much for your insight today. We appreciate it.

S. Korea begins to remove anti-Pyongyang loudspeakers along border

2025/08/05 11:35

Loudspeakers installed along the border for propaganda broadcasts against North Korea will be taken down within the next few days. The South Korean government decided to do so as part of efforts to alleviate tensions between the two Koreas. Our Kim Bo-kyoung starts us off. South Korea's military decided to remove loudspeakers on Monday that were used for anti-Pyongyang broadcasts. The move, comes amid the Lee Jae Myung administration's attempts to ease tensions on the Korean Peninsula. "Our military has begun dismantling the loudspeakers directed toward North Korea starting today. This is a practical measure aimed at easing tensions between the two Koreas, carried out within a scope that does not affect our military readiness." Removing the loudspeakers comes less than two months after President Lee ordered the suspension of broadcasts in early June, an action also followed by North Korea afterwards. Around 20 fixed loudspeakers will be removed within two to three days, as mobile loudspeakers had already been taken away when the broadcasts were suspended. North Korea still has its loudspeakers in position, though they are not being used. Despite Seoul's proactive measure, one expert says Pyongyang is not going to consider that this is a major step towards opening up dialogue as it is just a follow-up measure of "physically" getting rid of loudspeakers after the government promised to suspend broadcasts. However, he did say this was going to help the two Koreas build a bit more trust. "It's hard to say that this directly addresses the fundamental issues that North Korea is demanding. However, by taking actions as the South Korean government had stated, it could help build a bit more trust from Pyongyang toward Seoul." Pyongyang is known to be demanding the end to ROK-U.S. joint military exercises. However, this is unlikely to happen, as the upcoming Ulchi Freedom Shield is expected to go ahead as originally planned as of Monday, according to the defense ministry. Kim Bo-kyoung, Arirang News.

Filibuster stalls broadcasting reform bill, DP expected to call vote on Tuesday

2025/08/05 11:34

On the local front. Tensions are running high at the National Assembly, where rival parties have entered a second day of legislative standoff after the opposition launched a filibuster on Monday to block a series of reform bills. But, with the 24-hour limit on the filibuster approaching, the ruling Democratic Party is expected to begin voting on the first of those bills this afternoon. Our Moon Hye-ryeon has the details. A filibuster is underway at South Korea's National Assembly, as the opposition People Power Party attempts to stall the ruling Democratic Party's legislative push to pass a series of contentious reform bills. The plenary session on Monday brought a set of media reform bills that amend laws governing the country's public broadcasters to the table. This immediately prompted a filibuster from the PPP. The bill is the first of five high-profile bills that the PPP has vowed to launch a filibuster against, and marks the first time in a year that the legislature has entered a formal filibuster standoff. Under parliamentary rules, each filibuster can run for up to 24 hours, meaning that only one bill is likely to be voted on before the July extraordinary session closes on Tuesday, despite the fact that the DP-led ruling coalition bloc holds the 180-seat supermajority required to unilaterally end a filibuster. Since the filibuster began shortly after 4 PM yesterday, the Democratic Party-led bloc is expected to move to end the debate and call a vote at the same time this afternoon, once the required 24-hour period has passed. The DP's legislative package also includes amendments to the Commercial Act, as well as the so-called "Yellow Envelope Bill," which seeks to limit the ability of employers to claim damages against striking union members. The ruling party has branded the bill as essential for restoring fairness in labor relations and promoting "industrial peace." "By adjusting the balance in labor-management relations, this will be the first step toward enabling dialogue at sites where subcontractors couldn't even speak to their main contractors — paving the way for voluntary, horizontal cooperation." The PPP, however, is framing the bill as a major threat to the business environment. "The Yellow Envelope Bill could encourage unlimited illegal strikes and has high potential to devastate industrial sites." Before the filibuster began, lawmakers passed a set of non-contentious bills, including revisions to the Grain Management Act, which had been vetoed under the previous administration. Other bills included extending the central government's support for free high school education, redefining AI-based digital textbooks as educational material, and formalizing state support for local gift certificate programs. Any bills not voted on during the current extraordinary session will carry over into the August session, with a plenary session likely to be scheduled towards the end of the month. Moon Hye-ryeon, Arirang News.

S. Korea begins to remove anti-Pyongyang loudspeakers along border

2025/08/04 22:43

Loudspeakers installed along the border for propaganda broadcasts against North Korea will be taken down within the next few days. The South Korean government decided to do so as part of efforts to alleviate tensions between the two Koreas. Our Kim Bo-kyoung starts us off. South Korea's military decided to remove loudspeakers on Monday that were used for anti-Pyongyang broadcasts. The move, comes amid the Lee Jae Myung administration's attempts to ease tensions on the Korean Peninsula. "Our military has begun dismantling the loudspeakers directed toward North Korea starting today. This is a practical measure aimed at easing tensions between the two Koreas, carried out within a scope that does not affect our military readiness." Removing the loudspeakers comes less than two months after President Lee ordered the suspension of broadcasts in early June, an action also followed by North Korea afterwards. Around 20 fixed loudspeakers will be removed within two to three days, as mobile loudspeakers had already been taken away when the broadcasts were suspended. North Korea still has its loudspeakers in position, though they are not being used. Despite Seoul's proactive measure, one expert says Pyongyang is not going to consider that this is a major step towards opening up dialogue as it is just a follow-up measure of "physically" getting rid of loudspeakers after the government promised to suspend broadcasts. However, he did say this was going to help the two Koreas build a bit more trust. "It's hard to say that this directly addresses the fundamental issues that North Korea is demanding. However, by taking actions as the South Korean government had stated, it could help build a bit more trust from Pyongyang toward Seoul." Pyongyang is known to be demanding the end to ROK-U.S. joint military exercises. However, this is unlikely to happen, as the upcoming Ulchi Freedom Shield is expected to go ahead as originally planned as of Monday, according to the defense ministry. Kim Bo-kyoung, Arirang News.

Gyeongju to start "K-Miso City" Campaign ahead of APEC 2025 Korea

2025/08/04 22:40

APEC 2025 Korea in Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, is taking place in less than three months from now. In the meantime, the province is busy finding ways to make it easier for foreign visitors to get around. Ahn Sung-jin reports. A taxi driver wearing a shirt, vest, and tie embroidered with the Gyeongju City symbol welcomes a foreign guest. Speaking through a smartphone app, the guest tells the driver his destination. "Please take me to the Bulguk Temple." It is translated automatically on the driver's cell phone. What the driver says to the customer is also translated immediately. This two-way, AI translator has been provided to around a thousand taxi drivers in the Gyeongju area ahead of APEC 2025 Korea. "Since we have the translation application ready, we can communicate with foreign guests and take them to destinations more easily." Gyeongsangbuk-do Province has started its "K-MISO CITY" project, which stands for "My Innovative Smart Open City," for foreign visitors ahead of the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in November. The province says it's a "civic movement" with the aim of encouraging people to revisit Korea. Key tasks aim to transform aspects of society to create a smart and open city. The project is also set to improve public transport services, lodging facilities, and traditional markets. With events like "APEC Plogging" and "APEC Clean Day," citizens will clean the streets to make sure the city is as clean as it can be. "We try to set our smiles, kindness, and cleanliness as our standard practice from the service industry to daily life. This will create a smart and safe city for everyone." Since the voluntary participation of citizens is essential for the successful hosting of the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, the province plans to promote the campaign through civic education. Ahn Sung-jin, Arirang News.

Hamas releases videos of Israeli hostages

2025/08/04 22:38

Over in the Middle East. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to eliminate Hamas and secure the release of hostages after videos of two visibly emaciated Israelis being held by the militant group were released. Lee Seung-jae has more. Palestinian militant group Hamas has released two videos of two Israeli hostages, Evyatar David and Rom Braslavski. The video released by Hamas on Saturday, showed David saying that he hasn't eaten for days and is digging his own grave. "What I'm doing now is digging the grave, the grave I consider is for myself, because every day that goes by, every day that goes by my body is weakening, getting skinnier and weaker. To me it seems that I'm heading towards my own death." The video of Rom Braslavski was released by Hamas on Thursday, showing the 22-year-old pleading for food, water, and rescue. Both men were abducted from a music festival by Hamas during the October 7, 2023, attacks. In response to the hostage video, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday vowed to destroy Hamas, adding that Israel is determined to free the hostages. " I am filled with even stronger determination to free our kidnapped sons, to eliminate Hamas, and to ensure that Gaza will no longer pose a threat to the State of Israel." Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff met with families of hostages held by Hamas on Saturday. There, he told the families that Washington is working with the Israeli government on a plan that would effectively end the war in Gaza. The envoy also said that the militant group was prepared to disarm in a move to end the war, however, the group has repeatedly said it will not lay down its weapons. Witkoff is currently visiting Israel as the U.S. is facing mounting pressure over the worsening humanitarian conditions in the enclave. Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.

Filibuster stalls reform bills on broadcasting, commercial and labor union laws

2025/08/04 22:37

Tensions are running high at South Korea's National Assembly, where rival parties have entered a legislative standoff as the opposition launches a filibuster to block a series of reform bills. Our Moon Hye-ryeon has the details. A filibuster is underway at South Korea's National Assembly, as the opposition People Power Party attempts to stall the ruling Democratic Party's legislative push to pass a series of contentious reform bills. The plenary session convened at 2 PM this afternoon after the PPP vowed to filibuster five high-profile bills tabled by the DP — marking the first time in a year that the legislature has entered a formal filibuster standoff. Under parliamentary rules, each filibuster can run for up to 24 hours, meaning that only one bill is likely to be voted on before the July extraordinary session closes on Tuesday, despite the fact that the DP-led ruling coalition bloc holds the 180-seat supermajority required to unilaterally end a filibuster. Given these time constraints, the DP decided to prioritize passing a contentious set of media reform bills that amend laws governing the country's major public broadcasters, placing them at the top of the agenda. The DP's legislative package also includes amendments to the Commercial Act, as well as the so-called "Yellow Envelope Bill," which seeks to limit the ability of employers to claim damages against striking union members. The ruling party has branded the bill as essential for restoring fairness in labor relations and promoting "industrial peace." "By adjusting the balance in labor-management relations, this will be the first step toward enabling dialogue at sites where subcontractors couldn't even speak to their main contractors — paving the way for voluntary, horizontal cooperation." The PPP, however, is framing the bill as a major threat to the business environment. "The Yellow Envelope Bill could encourage unlimited illegal strikes and has high potential to devastate industrial sites." Before the filibuster began, lawmakers passed a set of non-contentious bills, including revisions to the Grain Management Act, which had been vetoed under the previous administration. Other bills included extending the central government's support for free high school education, redefining AI-based digital textbooks as educational material, and formalizing state support for local gift certificate programs. Any bills not voted on during the current extraordinary session will carry over into the August session, with a plenary session likely to be scheduled towards the end of the month. Moon Hye-ryeon, Arirang News.

President Lee begins five-day summer vacation

2025/08/04 22:35

President Lee Jae Myung officially began his five-day summer vacation today. According to the Presidential Office, he is staying on Jeodo Island in Geoje City, Gyeongsangnam-do Province, and plans to reflect on national affairs and recharge by reading and watching films. The top office says it has activated an "emergency reporting system," as the President intends to continue monitoring key issues, including those related to people's livelihoods.

S. Korea to work with U.S., Japan to manage relations with "somewhat problematic" China: FM

2025/08/04 22:33

South Korea's foreign minister says U.S. troops will stay on the Korean Peninsula, and that Seoul will work with Washington and Tokyo to manage relations with Beijing. In an interview with the Washington Post, Cho Hyun said there's no concern over a reduction in U.S. forces, adding he received assurances from American senators during his trip to D.C. last week. Touching upon the regional order, Cho said China was becoming "somewhat problematic" for its neighbors, citing its maritime actions. He stressed the importance of upholding international law and said cooperation with Japan is key, warning that containment alone won't be effective.

World News: Fire at Sochi oil depot after reported Ukrainian drone strikes

2025/08/04 19:41

This is the World Now, bringing you the latest stories from around the globe. Ukraine launched a drone strike on Sunday targeting an oil depot near the Russian city of Sochi. The first significant attack on the Black Sea resort city in years resulted in two oil tanks catching fire. Local authorities in the Krasnodar region confirmed that debris from a downed Ukrainian drone struck two fuel tanks, starting a fire. Over 120 firefighters worked to extinguish the blaze, and no casualties were reported. An airport in Sochi, the city that hosted the 2014 Winter Olympics, also briefly suspended operations. According to Russia's Defense Ministry, 93 Ukrainian drones were intercepted over the Krasnodar region and the Black Sea over the weekend. Pope Leo XIV presided over a closing mass for the Jubilee of Youth in Rome on Sunday attended by more than one million young Catholics, marking the largest public event of his papacy. The Mass at Tor Vergata field brought together young people from approximately 150 countries, alongside 7,000 priests and 450 bishops, marking the close of a week of spiritual and cultural programs. Pope Leo urged the gathering to be "the sign that a different world is possible," advocating for peace, fraternity, and resolution through dialogue, rather than violence. He expressed solidarity with young people suffering from the wars in Gaza and Ukraine. The Pope encouraged participants to return home and "spread your enthusiasm and the witness of your faith." He also said that the next destination for the World Youth Day would be Seoul in 2027. The Krasheninnikov volcano on Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula erupted on Sunday, marking its first confirmed eruption in approximately 600 years. The eruption began around 6 AM local time, sending an ash plume up to 6 kilometers into the sky. The event followed a massive 8.8-magnitude earthquake on July 29 and was accompanied by a 7.0-magnitude aftershock, leading many scientists to suggest that seismic triggering had contributed to the eruption. While eruption intensity is decreasing, moderate explosive activity may continue. Scientists traced the last eruption to around 1463, with an estimated margin of error of plus or minus 40 years. Finally, a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket that launched the Crew-11 mission from NASA's Kennedy Space Center on Friday has successfully docked with the International Space Station, just 15 hours later. A SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule carried an international team of four astronauts from the U.S., Russia, and Japan. Crew-11 will remain aboard the ISS for at least six months, possibly up to eight months, conducting scientific experiments and station maintenance, potentially extending standard rotation durations. Choi Chi-hee, Arirang News.

Hamas releases videos of Israeli hostages

2025/08/04 19:39

In the Middle East. Fresh footage of two hostages released by Hamas is fueling more despair about the fate of those kidnapped by the Palestinian militant group on the morning of October 7th 2023. Lee Seung-jae reports. Palestinian militant group Hamas has released two videos of two Israeli hostages, Evyatar David and Rom Braslavski. The video released by Hamas on Saturday, showed David saying that he hasn't eaten for days and is digging his own grave. "What I'm doing now is digging the grave, the grave I consider is for myself, because every day that goes by, every day that goes by my body is weakening, getting skinnier and weaker. To me it seems that I'm heading towards my own death." The video of Rom Braslavski was released by Hamas on Thursday, showing the 22-year-old pleading for food, water, and rescue. Both men were abducted from a music festival by Hamas during the October 7, 2023, attacks. In response to the hostage video, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday vowed to destroy Hamas, adding that Israel is determined to free the hostages. " I am filled with even stronger determination to free our kidnapped sons, to eliminate Hamas, and to ensure that Gaza will no longer pose a threat to the State of Israel." Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff met with families of hostages held by Hamas on Saturday. There, he told the families that Washington is working with the Israeli government on a plan that would effectively end the war in Gaza. The envoy also said that the militant group was prepared to disarm in a move to end the war, however, the group has repeatedly said it will not lay down its weapons. Witkoff is currently visiting Israel as the U.S. is facing mounting pressure over the worsening humanitarian conditions in the enclave. Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.

PPP launches filibuster on contentious bills at plenary session on Monday

2025/08/04 19:37

Indeed the main opposition People Power Party has responded by launching a filibuster at today's plenary session. Convening shortly after 2 PM the parties processed non-contentious bills ahead of the high-profile bills that the PPP has strongly opposed including amendments to broadcasting and commercial acts as well as the so-called "Yellow Envelope Bill" that limits employer action on striking union members. With a filibuster in action only one bill the broadcasting reform bill is likely to pass before the current extraordinary session ends on Tuesday as current parliamentary law guarantees at least 24 hours of debate. The remaining bills will likely carry over to the August session.

Ruling DP’s new leader pushes reform of prosecution, media, judiciary

2025/08/04 19:37

Four-term lawmaker Jung Chung-rae is taking the helm of the ruling Democratic Party and has vowed tangible reforms as his priority including those for the prosecution. Our political correspondent Shin Ha-young covers his intentions. The ruling Democratic Party's newly elected leader has begun swiftly driving reforms to the prosecution, media, and the judiciary. DP leader Jung Chung-rae announced on Monday that the party has launched special committees dedicated to reforming these three sectors. "The three major reforms have already got clear direction and public support, especially in the wake of the recent insurrection. If the special committees set a comprehensive course and push forward, I believe we can fulfill our promise to complete the reforms before the Chuseok holiday." The four-term lawmaker Jung vowed in his acceptance speech following his election to swiftly push ahead with these reforms. Jung won 61-point-7-4 percent of the vote at the party's convention on Saturday, defeating rival candidate Park Chan-dae , the DP's former floor leader. During the press conference, Jung said he is unable to work with the main opposition People Power Party as it still includes members who support former President Yoon Suk Yeol. "We're at war with the insurrection. It's not about ruling and opposition parties." The PPP urged the DP leader to respect the opposition as a partner in governance, saying it was the only way to serve the people. "With a new leader in place, the Democratic Party is expected to use its majority to push through contentious bills rather than work with the People Power Party a move that could further heighten political tensions. Shin Ha-young, Arirang News."

President Lee begins five-day summer vacation

2025/08/04 19:36

President Lee Jae Myung began his five-day summer break today. According to the Presidential Office he's spending his holiday on Jeodo Island in Geoje City, Gyeongsangnam-do Province, and plans to reflect on national affairs and to recharge by reading books and watching films. The top office has also activated an "emergency reporting system" as the President intends to continue monitoring key issues including those related to people's livelihoods.

S. Korea-U.S. summit will be held within August: FM Cho Hyun

2025/08/04 19:34

The first summit between President Lee Jae Myung and his U.S. counterpart Donald Trump will take place within this month. The upcoming agenda was reaffirmed by Foreign Minister Cho Hyun this past Sunday upon his arrival from Washington, D.C. but he refrained from disclosing a date. With regard to security he added that he and his U.S. counterpart Marco Rubio touched upon the commitment to the combined defense posture of their two countries and to extended deterrence.

S. Korea to work with U.S., Japan to manage relations with "somewhat problematic" China: FM

2025/08/04 19:33

Foreign Minister Cho Hyun says U.S. soldiers will stay stationed on the Korean peninsula and that Seoul will work with Washington and Tokyo to navigate relations with Beijing. In an interview with the Washington Post Seoul's top diplomat brushed aside concerns of a potential U.S. troop reduction adding that he had secured assurances against any such plan from American senators during his trip to D.C. last week. With regard to regional matters Cho observed that China was becoming quote "somewhat problematic" for its neighbors given its maritime actions. However he also highlighted the importance of seeking to engage China instead of simply seeking to contain it while working with partners like Japan to uphold international law.

S. Korea to invest over US$ 85 mil. to upgrade joint command system with U.S.

2025/08/04 19:33

South Korea will invest roughly 1-hundred-18 billion won or over 85 million U.S. dollars by 2029 to enhance its joint command system with the U.S. According to the Defense Acquisition Program Administration Seoul will upgrade the Allied Korea Joint Command and Control System which is used in joint drills like the Ulchi Freedom Shield. The upgrade includes AI-based automation cloud servers and new auto-translation as well as video conferencing tools. This latest investment follows recent remarks by Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back regarding the potential transfer of wartime operational control from U.S. to South Korea.

TARIFF DEAL ON BILATERAL ALLIANCE

2025/08/04 18:34

Hope your workweek is off to a good start. It's Monday August 4th here in Seoul. I'm Min Sunhee. The recently sealed trade deal between South Korea and the U.S. is poised to go into effect starting Thursday this week that is August 7th. That being said on Press Perspective today we REVISIT the trade deal and its broader implications on the bilateral alliance and more. For more I have Celio Fioretti with French daily La Croix. Celio welcome back. I also have research fellow Peter Lee from the Asan Institute for Policy Studies with the pundit's take on the day's discussion. Peter it's good to have you here again. Celio, last week, South Korea and the U.S. signed their deal on tariffs and trade. Let's start by walking through the broad agreement between the two countries. Peter, speaking within your capacity as a researcher, what aspects of the deal do you applaud, and what aspects are you slightly apprehensive about? And Celio, what has been the various reactions to the deal sealed between Seoul and Washington? Peter, first, I'd like you to play for you a soundbite from the White House that claims the trade deal offers "historic market access to American rice" into South Korea. Do take a listen. "will pay a 15% tariff rate, including 15% on autos, while providing historic market access to American goods like autos and rice. Korea will purchase $100 billion in American energy by 2028, and the centerpiece of this deal is that South Korea has agreed to invest $350 billion at the president's direction to revitalize American industry." Peter, officials here have said there has been no change with regard to South Korea's import of American rice as well as its beef. What are your thoughts regarding these remarks by the White House? And Celio, within the agriculture arena here, farmers have not hidden their intentions to respond strongly to any South Korea concession to Mr. Trump with regard to rice and beef. Do tell us more. Peter, contrary to initial expectations, defense cost-sharing was not included in the latest trade deal between Seoul and Washington. Do you expect this topic to emerge during the summit between President Lee Jae Myung and his U.S. counterpart Donald Trump at the White House this month? Celio, staying with security. Top defense officials of Seoul and Washington recently held talks on the phone. Do tell us a bit about what was discussed and its broader implications. Peter, what are the potential consequences of a shrink in size in U.S. troop presence here in South Korea? Celio, over in Washington, D.C. last week, Foreign Minister Cho Hyun sat down with his U.S. counterpart Marco Rubio. Again, do fill us in on their talks and your takeaways. Peter, the two diplomats reportedly reaffirmed their commitment to denuclearization of North Korea. Some pundits are claiming nuclear weapons control would be a more realistic alternative. How do you respond? All right.