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Acting President joins commemoration of April 3 Incident and emphasizes unity

2025/04/03 20:00

Commemorating the 77th anniversary of the Jeju April 3rd Incident, Acting President and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo says the historical event teaches the nation the importance of unity and co-prosperity. This came on Thursday as he visited Jeju April 3rd Peace Park to join the event's main commemoration event. He added that unless the nation overcomes the division between generations and ideologies, there won't be sustainable growth in South Korea. The Jeju April 3rd Incident refers to what happened on the island between March 1st, 1947 and September 21st, 1954 as armed forces cracked down on civilians who stood up against the divided election of South and North Korea back in 1948. Official numbers from the official committee count nearly 15-thousand deaths during this period.

U.S. SLAPS 26% RECIPROCAL TARIFF ON S. KOREA

2025/04/03 17:00

Welcome to Thursday's edition of Press Perspective for April THIRD here in Seoul. I'm Min Sunhee. South Korea has been slapped with a 26-percent reciprocal tariff by the Trump administration. For more I have Ruy Valdes a correspondent for Spanish news agency EFE Spain. Ruy it's great to have you here again. I also have Professor Song Soo-young at Chung-Ang University live on the line. Professor Song as always it's a pleasure. 1) Ruy, let's start with details of the Trump administration's reciprocal tariffs announced on Tuesday local time. 2) And now Ruy, do delve into Trump's tariffs targeting South Korea. 3) Professor Song, how do these tariffs targeting South Korea affect the Free Trade Agreement between Seoul and Washington? 4) Ruy, what have been the reactions from the stock market here and elsewhere to Trump's tariff announcement? 5) Professor Song, prior to the U.S. tariff announcement, its Office of Trade Representative highlighted a number of, what it called, trade barriers in South Korea, including its regulations on imported vehicles, pharmaceutical products and American beef. Do you suppose these are the areas that the Trump administration is seeking compromises on? 6) Ruy, what has been the response of the American media to Mr. Trump's reciprocal tariffs? I mean, he claims these tariffs will liberate the U.S. Is this claim shared by pundits? 7) And Ruy, how are U.S. trade partners reacting to these reciprocal tariffs? 8) Professor Song, taking into account the events thus far, how should South Korea approach its trade negotiations with the Trump administration? All right.

Pres. Yoon will not attend impeachment verdict session on Friday; 3 impeachment verdict scenarios

2025/04/03 17:00

The Constitutional Court's ruling on President Yoon Suk Yeol's fate tomorrow may lead to a number of potential scenarios. Our correspondent Oh Soo-young tells us what they are. The fate of President Yoon Suk Yeol and the nation hangs on the Constitutional Court's decision on his impeachment Friday. The ruling will mean immediate consequences regarding the governance of the country as the leader's removal or reinstatement spells out very different outcomes. If the Court upholds the impeachment, Yoon would become the nation's second president in history to be removed from office—following Park Geun-hye's impeachment eight years ago. Effective immediately, Yoon would have to vacate his office for good and leave the official residence in Yongsan-gu District. He would lose all post-presidential privileges—no pension, no office, no staff support, and no burial rights at the National Cemetery. His protection would be limited to basic personal security. With the leadership vacuum made permanent, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo would continue as Acting President until an early election is held within 60 days. On the flip side, if the impeachment is dismissed with prejudice it would mean the Court has found the National Assembly's grounds for his removal insufficient and the case is closed for good. After over three months of suspension, the President would immediately resume his duties. It's expected he'd then address the public through a televised message or press conference. His first tasks back in office are likely to focus first on foreign policy and national security, as there has not been top-level engagement with the United States since President Donald Trump's inauguration. Yoon would also begin laying out proposals for constitutional and political reform, as pledged during his final court appearance. While his impeachment case would be closed for good, Yoon would still face investigations regarding his Dec. 3 Martial Law declaration, but during his presidency, would be immune from charges other than for treason and insurrection. Another scenario is the Court dismissing the case without prejudice. The case would be dropped due to legal or procedural issues, meaning the bench decided not to rule on the grounds or evidence presented. The President would return to office, but the National Assembly could reattempt impeachment in the future. Six or more justices must consent to uphold an impeachment. Three or more justices deciding against impeachment would lead to a dismissal. "While sources say the justices have reached an understanding on the verdict, the bench is expected to sign off their decision at the last minute, either the evening before or early in the morning of the ruling, to maintain utmost confidentiality." The ruling takes legal effect the moment the presiding justice reads the decision on live TV. President Yoon's lawyers told the press on Thursday that the suspended leader has decided not to go to the Court to hear his verdict in person, taking into the account the need to maintain public order, and presidential security arrangements. In past impeachment cases, former Presidents Park Geun-hye and Roh Moo-hyun did not attend their ruling sessions either. Oh Soo-young, Arirang News.

World News: 19 people killed in Israeli strike at UN clinic sheltering displaced

2025/04/03 17:00

This is the World Now, bringing you the latest stories from around the globe. In the Middle East, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced a major expansion of offensives in the Gaza Strip, aiming to increase pressure on Hamas to release the remaining hostages. On Wednesday local time, Netanyahu also mentioned establishing a new "security corridor" called the "Morag corridor" through southern regions, between Rafah and Khan Younis. The Israeli Defense Minister has also announced a significant expansion of military operations in Gaza, involving the occupation of large areas of land. Meanwhile, overnight airstrikes have claimed the lives of more than 40 Palestinians. A strike on a United Nations Relief and Works Agency shelter for displaced individuals resulted in the death of 19 people, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. Israel said it attacked a Hamas command center set up in the facility. Meanwhile, Netanyahu is making his first trip to Europe since the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant against him in November 2024 for alleged war crimes in Gaza. China has concluded two days of large-scale military exercises around Taiwan, intensifying regional tensions. Taiwan condemned the drills, vowing to maintain regional peace. The People's Liberation Army conducted the "Strait Thunder-2025A" drills on April 1 and 2, focusing on the Taiwan Strait and the East China Sea. These exercises included live-fire drills and simulated precision strikes, targeting key infrastructure such as ports and energy facilities. The Shandong aircraft carrier was also deployed and operated east of Taiwan, integrating naval and air units. Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense reported that multiple warships and aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait, prompting the island to deploy its own rapid response exercise. The United States condemned the drills, while China's Eastern Theater Command stated that the exercises achieved their objectives. Moving over to Europe NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte announced on Wednesday local time that during the first quarter of 2025, NATO allies pledged over 21 billion U.S. dollars in military aid to Ukraine. Rutte stated that the NATO command in Germany, specifically the NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine, would continue to coordinate military aid to Ukraine and the training of Ukrainian soldiers. The announcement comes ahead of a meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Brussels on Thursday and Friday, where further support measures for Ukraine are set to be discussed. In the United States, renowned actor Val Kilmer passed away on Tuesday night at the age of 65. The cause of death was complications from pneumonia. Kilmer had previously battled throat cancer, diagnosed in 2014, which significantly impacted his health and career. He was celebrated for his performances in iconic films, including Top Gun, in which he played the character "Iceman." He also played the role of the Caped Crusader in Batman Forever. Kilmer is survived by two children, Mercedes and Jack Kilmer, who continue his artistic legacy in the acting industry. Choi Chi-hee, Arirang News.

S. Korea and NATO discuss defense cooperation and security challenges

2025/04/03 17:00

Over in Brussels this past Wednesday. Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul sat down with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte to discuss defense cooperation. On the agenda were security concerns shared between Europe and the Indo-Pacific such as the military collaboration between North Korea and Russia. Minister Cho emphasized the importance of partnership between countries here in this part of the world including South Korea and NATO. This importance was echoed by Mr. Rutte who also called for expanded cooperation between South Korea and NATO members. Seoul also reaffirmed its commitment to Ukraine pledging two billion U.S. dollars in reconstruction support on top of last year's four-hundred million U.S. dollar contribution.

Tariff shock: S. Korea grapples with steep reciprocal tariffs and auto export levies

2025/04/03 17:00

And the White House's announcement of a 26-percent tariff on South Korea is prompting fresh alarm over bilateral trade as both government officials and corporate leaders attempt to understand the broader repercussions of this latest decision by the Trump administration. Our correspondent Moon Hye-ryeon reports. The Trump administration's latest round of tariffs has sparked concerns for South Korea's export-dependent economy. The 26 percent tariff imposed on South Korean exports to the U.S. is notably higher than what many analysts had anticipated—especially given the existing Free Trade Agreement between the two countries. The rate surpasses the tariffs applied to other U.S. allies, such as the European Union and Japan, making it the highest among Washington's FTA partners. Experts say there are several reasons why Washington is citing Seoul's tariffs on U.S. agricultural goods as a key factor behind the levies. "The U.S. appears to be focusing on the agricultural sector because it has a high volume of agricultural exports. Also, South Korea's trade surplus with the U.S. was originally below 50 to 60 billion dollars. If a trade deficit with a specific country rapidly increases over a few years, U.S. federal law requires an investigation, and appropriate measures can be taken in response." These tariffs mark a clear shift in U.S. trade policy, reinforcing a protectionist stance that makes no exceptions — even for close allies. For South Korea, this necessitates a shift in strategy from pledging investments in the U.S. "Trump just says, "Thanks for the investment, tariffs are working, so now we're going to put tariffs on everybody, including you." So I think what may work, though, is trying to work the so-called "quid pro quo" – we're going to make this investment if you do not increase the tariffs." Beyond reciprocal tariffs, levies on auto exports, which took effect shortly after midnight in Washington, are expected to hit hard. "Half of all cars exported abroad are shipped to the U.S., meaning Hyundai and Kia will take the biggest hit. In particular, Korea's GM branch, which sends roughly 85 percent of its vehicles to the U.S., is likely to suffer a direct blow." This has prompted officials in Seoul to respond. Acting President Han Duck-soo swiftly convened an emergency meeting to discuss support measures for affected industries, while Trade Minister Ahn Duk-geun met with industry insiders to pledge high-level negotiations with Washington and the rapid rollout of countermeasures. With the Trump administration threatening levies on semiconductors, South Korea now faces mounting pressure to secure a deal or risk a further slowdown in its manufacturing sector. Moon Hye-ryeon, Arirang News.

U.S. President Trump reveals sweeping reciprocal duties on all U.S. trade partners; S. Korea facing 26% duty

2025/04/03 17:00

As promised on Tuesday U.S. time after Wall Street closed its trading for the day U.S. President Donald Trump announced his reciprocal tariffs on America's trade partners that includes a baseline of 10-percent on all imports and country-specific duties with 26 percent for South Korea. Lee Eun-hee has details. The 26-percent reciprocal tariff imposition on South Korea has become official as U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday local time, signed an executive order imposing his sweeping reciprocal tariff plan. According to the panel presented by President Trump, South Korea would face a 25-percent tariff. However, an annex to the executive order later released by the White House listed South Korea's rate as 26-percent, with no clear explanation for the discrepancy. "It's gonna be Liberation Day in America and it's gonna be a day that hopefully you're going to look back in years to come and you're gonna say, you know, he was right. This has turned out to be one of the most important days in the history of this country. God bless you and God Bless America." Trump announced a baseline tariff of 10% on all imports, set to take effect on April 5th. Higher rates will be imposed on select countries, which he labeled as the "worst offenders," and are scheduled to take effect on April 9th. South Korea faces a 26-percent reciprocal tariff, higher than the EU's 20-percent and Japan's 24-percent. Major U.S. trading partners will also be subject to steep tariff rates, including 34% on China, which will come in addition to existing 20-percent tariffs on Chinese imports, for a total 54-percent tariff rate. In response, a number of countries have announced plans for retaliatory measures, signaling a global escalation in the current trade war. The European Union says it will respond "through legal, legitimate, proportionate and decisive measures." The Chinese commerce ministry urged the Trump administration to cancel the tariffs and said China would take countermeasures to safeguard its interests. The Canadian prime minister said Canada will fight the decision with purpose and with force, while Italy's leader responded by calling the tariffs "wrong and not in the interest of either party." The reciprocal tariffs do not apply to certain goods, including semiconductors, semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, energy, or "certain minerals that aren't found in the U.S." However, according to a White House official, Trump is planning additional tariffs targeting semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, and potentially critical minerals. Lee Eun-hee, Arirang News.

Political tensions at Nat'l Assembly ahead of President Yoon's impeachment ruling

2025/04/03 17:00

Tensions are also running high at the parliament as lawmakers await in anticipation the verdict that also holds immense implications for party plans going forward. Our National Assembly correspondent Shin Ha-young reports. Ahead of the ruling on President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment trial, the political standoff at the National Assembly continues, with rival parties holding different expectations for the outcome. The ruling People Power Party expects the Constitutional Court to dismiss the impeachment and for President Yoon to return to office. If Yoon is reinstated, the PPP plans to push for a constitutional amendment to fit present day values. Yoon said earlier that he would not cling to power, but instead pursue constitutional reform. Interim PPP leader Kwon Yong-se on Thursday reaffirmed that the party will accept the Court's ruling and urged the opposition to do the same. "The PPP and I will accept the Constitutional Court's impeachment ruling and prepare for what comes next. We strongly urge the Democratic Party to deeply reflect on its actions and accept the outcome." Kwon also urged the Court to deliver a ruling that the public can accept to minimize conflict and confusion. Some PPP lawmakers decided to hold an overnight sit-in near Anguk Station, close to the Constitutional Court, until Friday morning. On the other hand, the main opposition Democratic Party argues that Yoon's removal is the only option, urging the Court for a unanimous decision to impeach Yoon. The DP lawmakers have stepped up their protests, holding an all-night sit-in at their tent set up in Gwanghwamun Square for outdoor rallies. DP floor leader Park Chan-dae said there is enough evidence to prove Yoon's impeachment. "There is already overwhelming evidence to justify Yoon's removal. I have no doubt that the Court will remove him from office for violating the Constitution." While the National Assembly has tightened security, restricting outside personnel from entering the premises, both parties have ordered their lawmakers to stay on standby at the parliament this week. "Amid growing political tension between the rival parties as the impeachment ruling approaches, there are calls for politicians to prioritize national unity after the verdict. Shin Ha-young, Arirang News."

Live from Constitutional Court: One day to President Yoon's impeachment ruling

2025/04/03 17:00

And as we count down fewer than 24 hours now to the Constitutional Court's ruling on the president's fate the atmosphere around the venue of the court is intense to say the least. For more I have my colleague Song Yoon-jin standing by live. Yoon-jin welcome. What have you been seeing and hearing there ahead of tomorrow's verdict? Sunny, I'm right outside the Constitutional Court. Compared to the loud, intense demonstrations we've seen in recent weeks -protests that turned these usually quiet streets into a political flashpoint -the atmosphere here today is noticeably subdued. There's a heavy police presence, and barricades are lining the streets near the Court's main gate. That's because authorities have implemented tight security measures ahead of tomorrow's ruling. The area within a 1-hundred-50 meter radius of the Court has been designated as a so-called "vacuum zone," a controlled, locked down zone for vehicles. Only pedestrians are allowed within this zone to keep disruption to a minimum, but also to minimize the risk of threats to the Court. We had to present our press IDs to the police to access the street leading to the Court's main gate. But beyond that perimeter, the mood is very different. Outside the restricted zone, near Anguk Station, both pro and anti-impeachment demonstrators have gathered, holding signs and chanting, awaiting the Constitutional Court's decision. And as the day progresses, those crowds are steadily growing. And all of that of course underscores just how high the stakes are. What more can you tell us about the safety precautions in place by authorities there? Public safety has been top of the agenda ever since the Constitutional Court announced on Tuesday that it will deliver its verdict tomorrow. In 2017, when the Court upheld former President Park Geun-hye's impeachment, four demonstrators died during clashes that broke out in response to the ruling. This morning at 9 AM, police elevated the emergency alert level in Seoul to "Eulho," the second-highest level in their three-tier emergency response system. This allows for up to half of the available national police forces to be mobilized. Already, 7-thousand officers have been deployed across Seoul. Starting at midnight, that alert will be raised to the highest level, "gapho," which enables full nationwide police mobilization. Take a listen to the head of Seoul's police agency for more. "We expect a large turnout on the day of the ruling and will do everything we can to manage the crowds and maintain public order. We'll take a zero-tolerance approach to any serious illegal acts, such as violence or destruction of property. We're also closely monitoring threats made online and will respond swiftly to any signs of potential terrorism or intimidation." Tomorrow, 14-thousand riot police will be on duty across Seoul. Anguk Station will be closed, and some schools, banks, museums, and businesses nearby will either shut down or switch to remote work for the day. With an estimated 1-hundred-thousand protestors expected to take to the streets, the nation is on high alert, hoping to avoid any violence between opposing groups or confrontations with police. Back to you, Sunny. All right Yoon-jin thank you for the latest on the atmosphere around the venue of the Constitutional Court.

U.S. President Trump reveals sweeping reciprocal duties on all U.S. trade partners; S. Korea facing 25% duty

2025/04/03 10:00

The Trump administration has unveiled its long-warned reciprocal tariffs for all of its trade partners: a baseline 10% tariff on all imports, with even higher rates for select countries that includes South Korea with a 25% reciprocal tariff. Bae Eun-ji has our top story. The 25-percent reciprocal tariff imposition on South Korea has become official as U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday local time, signed an executive order imposing his sweeping reciprocal tariff plan. "My fellow Americans, this is Liberation Day. Been waiting for a long time. April 2nd, 2025 will forever be remembered as the day American industry was reborn Our country and its taxpayers have been ripped off for more than 50 years. But it is not going to happen anymore. It's not going to happen." Trump announced a baseline tariff of 10% on all imports, with higher rates for select countries that he labeled bad actors. South Korea faces a 25-percent reciprocal tariff, higher than the EU's 20-percent and Japan's 24-percent. Major U.S. trading partners will also be subject to steep tariff rates, including 34% on China, which will come in addition to existing 20-percent tariffs on Chinese imports, for a total 54-percent tariff rate. The reciprocal tariffs effectively nullify the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement, forcing South Korea to negotiate a new trade deal with the U.S. In response, Acting President and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo convened an emergency meeting early Thursday morning, where he instructed the trade ministry to work closely with businesses to analyze the details and impact of the newly announced tariffs. He also ordered the government to swiftly set up emergency support for affected industries and businesses, especially in the automotive sector. Bae Eun-ji, Arirang News.

NATO allies pledged over US$ 21 billion in aid to Ukraine in 2025 Q1

2025/04/03 10:00

Moving over to Europe NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte announced on Wednesday local time that during the first quarter of 2025, NATO allies pledged over 21 billion U.S. dollars in military aid to Ukraine. Rutte stated that the NATO command in Germany, specifically the NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine, would continue to coordinate military aid to Ukraine and the training of Ukrainian soldiers. The announcement comes ahead of a meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Brussels on Thursday and Friday, where further support measures for Ukraine are set to be discussed.

Chinese military completes large-scale exercises in Taiwan Strait

2025/04/03 10:00

China has concluded two days of large-scale military exercises around Taiwan, intensifying regional tensions. Taiwan condemned the drills, vowing to maintain regional peace. The People's Liberation Army conducted the "Strait Thunder-2025A" drills on April 1 and 2, focusing on the Taiwan Strait and the East China Sea. These exercises included live-fire drills and simulated precision strikes, targeting key infrastructure such as ports and energy facilities. The Shandong aircraft carrier was also deployed and operated east of Taiwan, integrating naval and air units. Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense reported that multiple warships and aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait, prompting the island to deploy its own rapid response exercise. The United States condemned the drills, while China's Eastern Theater Command stated that the exercises achieved their objectives.

19 people killed in Israeli strike at UN clinic sheltering displaced

2025/04/03 10:00

Let's begin in the Middle East. Israel has intensified its military operations in the Gaza Strip. Tell us more. Israel's Prime Minister has announced a major expansion of offensives in the Gaza Strip, aiming to increase pressure on Hamas to release the remaining hostages. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday local time also mentioned establishing a new "security corridor" called the "Morag corridor" through southern regions, between Rafah and Khan Younis. The Israeli Defense Minister has also announced a significant expansion of military operations in Gaza, involving the occupation of large areas of land. Meanwhile, overnight airstrikes have claimed the lives of more than 40 Palestinians. A strike on a United Nations Relief and Works Agency shelter for displaced individuals resulted in the death of 19 people, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. Israel said it attacked a Hamas command center set up in the facility. Meanwhile, Netanyahu is making his first trip to Europe since the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant against him in November 2024 for alleged war crimes in Gaza.

On-point: Why 25% reciprocal tariffs for South Korea?

2025/04/03 10:00

Trump's so-called Liberation Day tariffs are reigniting yet another global trade war, and South Korea is cornered in once again. How to survive through Trump's trade war this time? Let's turn to Professor Hur Joon-young. Welcome. 1. Why a whopping 25% for South Korea when it's 34% for China, 32% for Taiwan, 24% for Japan, and 20% for the EU? 2. The Trump administration has expanded its tariffs on aluminum to include canned beer imports. 3. Trump's tariff policies will highly likely be a blow to American consumers, hike up prices, and worsen consumer sentiment. 4. Should we expect more tariffs to come? 5. South Korea's trade minister made visits to the U.S. himself to sort things out but clearly, the trips weren't as fruitful as we all hoped. Thanks so much for sharing your insight with us this morning.

3 Impeachment verdict scenarios: What Yoon's removal or return to office will mean for South Korea

2025/04/03 10:00

With President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment fate to be sealed on Friday, we take a look at the various outcomes that the Court's decision could lead to. How would the verdict affect the President himself and the nation? Our Oh Soo-young explains. The fate of President Yoon Suk Yeol and the nation hangs on the Constitutional Court's decision on his impeachment Friday. The ruling will mean immediate consequences regarding the governance of the country as the leader's removal or reinstatement spells out very different outcomes. If the Court upholds the impeachment, Yoon would become the nation's second president in history to be removed from office—following Park Geun-hye’s impeachment eight years ago. Effective immediately,. Yoon would have to vacate his office for good and leave the official residence in Yongsan-gu District. He would lose all post-presidential privileges—no pension, no office, no staff support, and no burial rights at the National Cemetery. His protection would be limited to basic personal security. With the leadership vacuum made permanent, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo would continue as Acting President until an early election is held within 60 days. On the flip side, if the impeachment is dismissed with prejudice it would mean the Court has found the National Assembly's grounds for his removal insufficient and the case is closed for good. After over three months of suspension, the President would immediately resume his duties. It's expected he'd then address the public through a televised message or press conference. His first tasks back in office are likely to focus first on foreign policy and national security, as there has not been top-level engagement with the United States since President Donald Trump's inauguration.. Yoon would also begin laying out proposals for constitutional and political reform, as pledged during his final court appearance. While his impeachment case would be closed for good, Yoon would still face investigations regarding his Dec. 3 Martial Law declaration, but during his presidency, would be immune from charges other than for treason and insurrection. Another scenario is the Court dismissing the case without prejudice. The case would be dropped due to legal or procedural issues, meaning the bench decided not to rule on the grounds or evidence presented. The President would return to office, but the National Assembly could reattempt impeachment in the future. Six or more justices must consent to uphold an impeachment. Three or more justices deciding against impeachment would lead to a dismissal. "While sources say the justices have reached an understanding on the verdict, the bench is expected to sign off their decision at the last minute, either the evening before or early in the morning of the ruling, to maintain utmost confidentiality." The ruling takes legal effect the moment the presiding justice reads the decision on live TV. 20 members of the public will be selected through a lottery to attend the ruling. 12-thousand people applied on the first day that registration opened on the Court's website. President Yoon's attendance is largely expected but has not been confirmed by his lawyers. Oh Soo-young, Arirang News.

Myanmar announces 3-week temporary ceasefire amid earthquake relief efforts

2025/04/03 10:00

Myanmar's military government has declared a three-week temporary ceasefire to ramp up relief and reconstruction efforts following the deadly earthquake. According to local media, the death toll has now exceeded 3,000. Lee Seung-jae reports. In a bid to speed up relief and reconstruction efforts following last week's magnitude 7-point-7 earthquake that struck Myanmar, the military government on Wednesday announced a temporary ceasefire. In a statement, the State Administration Council announced the ceasefire from April 2nd to April 22nd. However, according to local media MRTV, the military junta warned that if rebel groups attack, the military will take necessary measures. Earlier this week, the rebel Three Brotherhood Alliance, which consists of the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, the Ta'ang National Liberation Army and the Arakan Army, announced a unilateral ceasefire to support quake response for one month. However,.. the military government had refused to do the same until Wednesday's announcement. Since the military junta's coup in 2021, Myanmar has been marred by violence amid a civil war between the military government and ethnic militias and resistance forces. As the country continues recovery and relief efforts, a hotel worker who had been buried under the rubble in Naypyidaw was rescued after 108 hours. The 26-year-old hotel employee was found alive by a rescue team, covered in dust, but conscious. He was immediately transported to the hospital for medical treatment. Local media says the death toll from the devastating earthquake has now surpassed three thousand. Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.

Local by-elections sees ruling party win 1 seat, DP 3, minor Rebuilding Korea Party win 1

2025/04/03 10:00

Wednesday's local by-elections saw the ruling People Power Party win one seat in the race to select five local government chiefs while the main opposition Democratic Party, won three. The by-elections also saw a surprise win for the Rebuilding Korea Party. Jeong Cheol-won was elected chief of Damyang in Jeollanam-do Province, taking a seat from the DP. Damyang has long been a traditional stronghold for the main opposition party. The Rebuilding Korea Party picked up its first local government head seat since the foundation of the party in 2024.

What President Yoon's impeachment ruling will look like this Friday

2025/04/02 20:00

The ruling on the president is slated for the day after tomorrow. With much focus at the Constitutional Court, our Oh Soo-young walks us through the formalities that may unfold on that day. President Yoon Suk Yeol's removal or return to power, will take effect the moment his fate is stated aloud by the Constitutional Court bench on Friday. Set to be broadcast live at 11 AM, the nation will be reading the lips of Justice Cheong Hyung-sik who, as the presiding judge on the case, will deliver the decision by the eight-member bench. The ruling will come 111 days after the National Assembly's impeachment vote last December, following the President's martial law order. The bench's deliberation is the longest-ever for a presidential case, as the ruling will be delivered 38 days after Yoon's final trial hearing in February. "While sources say the justices reached an understanding on the verdict, and scheduled a meeting for Wednesday, most likely to discuss procedural matters, the bench is expected to sign off their decision at the very last minute, to maintain utmost confidentiality. In the case of former President Park Geun-hye in 2017, justices arrived early in the morning of the ruling to confirm their decision." If the same procedure is followed, the lead justice for the case, Cheong Hyung-sik, will present his opinion first, followed by other justices in reverse order of their appointments to the Court. Once they establish a consensus, the bench will conduct a final review of the written judgment, collect signatures, and seal the ruling. When entering the courtroom to deliver their decision, the justices will take their seats in order of seniority, with Acting Chief Justice Moon Hyung-bae at the center to declare a start to the proceedings. Typically,.. if there has been a unanimous decision, the lead justice explains the rationale for the ruling first, followed by the main decision. If there are dissenting or various concurring opinions, the main decision is usually read first, followed by explanations from individual justices representing differing views. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo’s impeachment trial was also concluded with the bench first declaring the case dismissed, before revealing various opinions. However, as the order of delivery is at the Court’s discretion, the style of the proceedings could vary. If the Court upholds the impeachment, with the consent of at least six justices, President Yoon will be removed from office. If the case is dismissed or rejected on procedural grounds by three or more members of the bench, he will return to his duties. While previous presidents did not attend their ruling session, President Yoon may choose to show up in the courtroom, as he has done for his hearings throughout the trial. Oh Soo-young, Arirang News.

S. Korean gov’t implements “top-tier visa” to attract high quality talent

2025/04/02 20:00

South Korea has from today implemented its new "top-tier visa" system to attract high-quality foreign talent in cutting-edge industries. This visa program is designed to qualify top-level engineers who will oversee projects and spearhead technological advancements in sectors such as semiconductors, biotechnology and secondary batteries. Eligibility requires foreigners to have a master's degree or PhD from a top 100 global graduate school. Also, applicants must have professional experience in global institutions and an annual salary that exceeds three times the GNI per capita.

Opposition-led impeachment motion against finance minister Choi Sang-mok reported to plenary session

2025/04/02 20:00

An opposition-led impeachment motion against Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok was reported to the National Assembly's plenary session this afternoon. The motion accuses Choi, during his time as acting president, of delaying the appointment of Constitutional Court justice nominee Ma Eun-hyuk. Ma had been recommended for the court by the opposition Democratic Party. A vote on the impeachment motion must take place between 24 and 72 hours after being reported to the plenary session. The DP plans to decide whether to proceed with the vote based on the ruling in President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment trial on Friday. The ruling People Power Party criticized the move to impeach Choi, calling it an "attack" on the country's economy and demanding its immediate withdrawal.