News

Rival parties stand poles apart on S. Korea-U.S. trade deal

2025/07/31 22:37

Rival parties in the National Assembly are poles apart on the U.S. trade deal. The ruling Democratic Party welcomed the agreement, calling it the result of a firm defense of national interests and a valuable achievement of President Lee's pragmatic diplomacy. DP floor leader Kim Byung-kee said Thursday the deal would further strengthen the bilateral alliance and industrial ties. The main opposition People Power Party expressed concern that Korea may have conceded too much, while acknowledging that the 15 percent tariff rate was reasonable. PPP floor leader Song Eon-seog pointed out that the pledged investments in, and imports from, the U.S. are excessive --surpassing the country's foreign exchange reserves.

President Lee says export uncertainties removed; Lee-Trump summit expected within 2 weeks

2025/07/31 22:36

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung notes that the trade deal with the U.S. has eliminated export uncertainties. With this, a South Korea-U.S. summit is picking up speed, which is set to take place within two weeks. Our Presidential Office Correspondent Yoon Jung-min reports. Uncertainties in export conditions have been substantially eliminated, and South Korea has crossed a "major hurdle." That was the assessment made by President Lee Jae Myung of the U.S. trade deal, as he noted the need to navigate an international trade order that's being reorganized. "Through flexible, pragmatic diplomacy centered on national interests, we must wisely overcome the waves of the external environment that change fast." Presiding over a weekly meeting with his aides on Thursday, the President instructed the officials to fully prepare for follow-up measures, as well as long-term tasks, such as expanding consumption at home and diversifying export markets. With a major diplomatic challenge somewhat removed, summit diplomacy between South Korea and the U.S. is expected to pick up speed, which has been stalled since President Lee Jae Myung took office in June. The first Lee-Trump summit is expected within two weeks. "I heard President Trump asked Secretary Rubio to set a date for next week, but considering schedules, it'll take place within two weeks." Details of the summit, including the date, could be discussed when South Korea's Foreign Minister Cho Hyun meets his U.S. counterpart Marco Rubio in Washington on Thursday, local time. The summit agenda is expected to include setting out details of the deal's framework. Security issues, such as the allies' defense cost-sharing and purchasing U.S.-made weapons, were not addressed this time, but could be brought up when the two leaders meet. Earlier in the day, South Korea's Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back spoke over the phone with U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, where they agreed to "modernize" the alliance and expand cooperation in shipbuilding. All this, as the South Korean leader says he expects Seoul and Washington to further strengthen their economic cooperation and alliance. Yoon Jung-min, Arirang News.

Disaster management officials, experts from Asia-Pacific gather in Incheon to enhance disaster response

2025/07/31 19:42

Disaster management authorities and pundits from the Asia-Pacific are currently gathered here in South Korea to address strategic cooperation against calamities. Shin Ha-young reports. Natural disasters, including floods and earthquakes, continue to threaten millions around the world and Asia-Pacific economies are no exception. Amid these challenges, South Korea's Ministry of the Interior and Safety is hosting this year's APEC meetings on disasters, in the western port city of Incheon from Wednesday, with disaster management officials and experts from across the Asia-Pacific participating to strengthen cooperation on risk reduction. As part of the three days of meetings, the Emergency Preparedness Working Group convened on Wednesday to explore ways to strengthen practical cooperation, with a focus on digital tools for disaster risk management. The Senior Disaster Management Officials Forum, scheduled for Thursday, is expected to build on those discussions and work toward actionable policy steps and stronger joint responses to emerging threats. "The key focus of this conference is to strengthen international cooperation in responding to complex disasters such as climate change and pandemics. With its advanced ICT capabilities, South Korea has a well-developed early warning system and is well positioned to contribute to global efforts, including the UN's Early Warning for All initiative." Alongside the meetings, the interior ministry is partnering with New Zealand's National Emergency Management Agency to conduct joint disaster drills, collaborate on research, and share information regularly to help reduce disaster risks. "From an emergency management perspective, the knowledge and the advancements that Korea has are well in advance of New Zealand. We're really looking forward to understanding how we can share knowledge, and how we can share our experiences to make both countries stronger, particularly, as I said earlier, in the light of the changing hazard scape that we all face." A disaster safety exhibition featuring Korea's latest technologies will be open through Sunday, highlighting the country's innovations and efforts to expand its presence in the global disaster-tech market. Shin Ha-young, Arirang News.

Seoul confirms defection of N. Korean man after July 3 DMZ crossing

2025/07/31 19:41

The intentions of a North Korean man to defect to South Korea have been confirmed by officials here. According to the Unification Ministry on this Thursday the confirmation follows a comprehensive investigation. The North Korean man reportedly crossed the border on July third and was taken into custody by South Korean troops. He is now under government protection and set to enter South Korea's standard resettlement program.

As humanitarian crisis intensifies in Gaza, more countries state the need to recognize State of Palestine as a country

2025/07/31 19:41

On the international front. Canada is the latest country to share intentions to recognize Palestine as a state amid Israel's continued military offensive in Gaza. Ahn Sung-jin explains. Canada says it plans to join several countries in formally recognizing Palestine as a state. According to Prime Minister Mark Carney, during a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Canada intends to do so at a meeting of the UN General Assembly in September this year, as long as preconditions are met. "This intention is predicated on the Palestinian Authority's commitment to much-needed reforms, including commitments by the Palestinian Authority's President Abbas, to fundamentally reform its governance, to hold general elections in 2026, in which Hamas can play no part, and to demilitarize the Palestinian state." Canada also signed the New York Call, a joint statement of the ministers of foreign affairs from 15 countries, including Australia, France, and Spain, that calls for an immediate ceasefire, release of hostages, and a two-state solution where Israel and Palestine live within secure and recognized borders. Conditions in Gaza remain dire. Israeli soldiers reportedly killed at least 48 Palestinians. According to Associated Press on Wednesday, IDF soldiers opened fire on a crowd at a key gateway for aid trucks at a checkpoint in the north of the Strip. This incident comes as Trump's special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, is headed to Israel for talks on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. UN agencies have repeatedly stated that the population has already exceeded the threshold for famine in the Gaza Strip. Ahn Sung-jin, Arirang News.

"Public officials must serve the people": Pres. Lee emphasizes core values of public service, calls for administrative reform

2025/07/31 19:37

Earlier on this Thursday President Lee Jae Myung presided over his first workshop with government officials to share the new administration's approach to state governance. Addressing an audience of 2-hundred-80 people he stressed that public service should be grounded in serving the people. He further emphasized that tangible change depends on those putting polices into practice on the ground. Do take a listen. He also called for the elimination of policy audits finding fault with the retrospective punishment of civil servants for policy decisions.

Rival parties stand poles apart on S. Korea-U.S. trade deal

2025/07/31 19:37

Meanwhile the National Assembly stands poles apart in its response to news of a trade deal between Seoul and Washington. The ruling Democratic Party welcomed the deal calling it a rewarding result of productive protection of national interests and a tangible feat of the president's pragmatic diplomacy. DP floor leader Kim Byung-kee said Thursday the deal would bolster the bilateral alliance as well as broader trade ties. Meanwhile the main opposition People Power Party voiced concern that South Korea may have made excessive concessions while acknowledging that the 15-percent U.S. tariff rate was reasonable. PPP floor leader Song Eon-seog underscored that the value of the pledged investment in and imports from the U.S. surpass the country's foreign exchange reserves.

Korean, U.S. top diplomats to meet Thursday, likely to discuss Lee-Trump summit, alliance modernization

2025/07/31 19:37

Foreign Minister Cho Hyun is set to sit down with his American counterpart Marco Rubio in Washington, D.C. on Thursday local time. The meeting will mark their first face-to-face as top diplomats and follows the recently concluded trade talks between their two administrations. On their agenda are prospects of a summit between their leaders at "the White House within the next two weeks" as shared by the U.S. leader on his social media platform on Wednesday.

Pres. Lee welcomes trade deal with U.S., eliminating export uncertainties

2025/07/31 19:36

So what is the Presidential Office saying about the efforts of its top economic delegation to seal a deal with the U.S. ahead of Friday's deadline? To answer this question and more I have Arirang's Yoon Jung-min standing by live at the Yongsan office. Jung-min welcome. Let's begin with the president's response to the trade deal. Sunny. President Lee said the deal has eliminated uncertainties in export conditions, and that South Korea has crossed a "major hurdle." Take a listen. "Through flexible, pragmatic diplomacy centered on national interests, we must wisely overcome the waves of the external environment that change fast." Presiding over a weekly meeting with his aides on Thursday, the President instructed the officials to fully prepare for follow-up measures, as well as long-term tasks, such as expanding consumption at home and diversifying export markets. Lee added he expects South Korea and the U.S. to further strengthen their economic cooperation and alliance. Taking to social media earlier, Lee noted the investment fund worth 350-billion U.S. dollars will solidify the foundation of bilateral cooperation in shipbuilding, semiconductors, and rechargeable batteries among others. In particular, he added 150-billion dollars will be solely committed to shipbuilding to help Korean shipbuilders make inroads into the U.S. Meanwhile what's the latest regarding the proposed summit between the president and his U.S. counterpart? The two leaders' first face-to-face talks are expected within two weeks, according to the Presidential chief of staff for policy, Kim Yong-beom. "I heard President Trump asked Secretary Rubio to set a date for next week, but considering schedules, it'll take place within two weeks." With a major diplomatic challenge somewhat removed, summit diplomacy between South Korea and the U.S. is expected to pick up speed, which has been stalled since President Lee Jae Myung took office in June. Details of the summit, including the date, could be discussed when South Korea's Foreign Minister Cho Hyun meets his U.S. counterpart Marco Rubio in Washington on Thursday, local time. The summit agenda is expected to include setting details of the framework deal. Security issues, such as the allies' defense cost-sharing and purchasing U.S.-made weapons, were not addressed this time, but they could be brought up when the two leaders meet. Earlier this morning, South Korea's Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back spoke over the phone with U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, where they agreed to "modernize" the alliance and expand cooperation in shipbuilding. Back to you, Sunny. All right that was our Yoon Jung-min with the response from the Presidential Office regarding Seoul's trade deal with Washington.

K-wave AI News

2025/07/31 15:38

Hello and welcome to your AI guide to the latest cultural updates from Korea. Here's our top story. The presidential office, Cheong Wa Dae, will temporarily close to the public from tomorrow as preparations begin for the Korean president's return to the compound. Public access will be suspended while security enhancements and other preparations are carried out ahead of President Lee Jae-myung's move. Public tours have been partially restricted since July 16, with only pre-registered visitors allowed to access outdoor areas. The Blue House Foundation plans to partially reopen the top office to the public once the president officially resumes duties at the site. Cheong Wa Dae has been open for public viewing since 2022, after former President Yoon Suk-yeol relocated the presidential office to Yongsan. A newly updated Korean-language audio guide will be available at St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican starting next month. The Archdiocese of Seoul and the Korean Embassy to the Holy See jointly produced the guide and recently delivered it to the Vatican. The project was a collaborative effort, with veteran actor Cha Seung-won volunteering his voice for the narration. While a Korean audio guide had previously been offered, the new version has been updated to align with recent upgrades to the basilica's exhibition and visitor information. The revised guide will officially launch on August 1. The government's 6,000-won movie ticket discount program, aimed at reviving Korea's slumping film industry, is beginning to show results. According to the Korea Box Office Information System, theater attendance rose by nearly 100,000 over the past weekend from the previous week, while weekday audiences also increased by up to 90,000, marking a 46% jump from pre-subsidy levels. The government is offering 4.5 million discount coupons on a first-come, first-served basis, available through major multiplex chains such as CGV and Megabox via their websites and mobile apps. That's all from me. Stay tuned to the Kulture Wave.

U.S. to impose tariffs on small parcels with contents valued under US$ 800 starting Aug. 29

2025/07/31 12:37

As part of his push to boost American manufacturing, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Wednesday, ending the long-standing exemption that allowed duty-free imports of low-cost parcels into the U.S. Starting on August 29th, shipments valued under 800 U.S. dollars will no longer be exempt from tariffs, instead they'll be taxed based on the item and its country of origin, to close what was described as a "tariff loophole." Trump said the policy shift is aimed at reducing U.S. dependence on foreign goods and narrowing trade deficits that he argues have disadvantaged American workers.

S. Korean defense minister and U.S. counterpart agree to strengthen extended deterrence, shipbuilding

2025/07/31 12:36

South Korea's Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back held his first phone call with U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on Thursday, with both sides agreeing to strengthen extended deterrence against North Korean threats, and cooperate on shipbuilding. While describing the ROK-U.S. alliance as "blood-forged," Ahn said he hopes to further develop the alliance into a comprehensive strategic one that is future-oriented. The two saw eye to eye on deepening extended deterrence efforts to counter North Korea's threats, including its illegal military ties with Russia. They also agreed to modernize the alliance, and expand cooperation in fields including shipbuilding, as well as maintenance, repair, and overhaul in that industry.

Kamala Harris announces she won't run for California governor

2025/07/31 11:35

Former U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris announced on Wednesday that she will not run for governor of California in the 2026 race. Harris said that, "after deep reflection," she has decided not to pursue elected office at this time, citing her intention to focus on broader national service and support Democratic candidates across the country. With Governor Gavin Newsom term-limited, several high-profile contenders, including former United States Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra, have announced their candidacies. Although Harris ruled out the Governor position, she did not eliminate the possibility of running for president in 2028, stating that she will "get back out and listen to the American people."

Carney says Canada plans to recognise Palestinian state

2025/07/31 11:35

Good morning, I'm Choi Chi-hee, and this is the World Now. Beginning with Canada, which has announced it will formally recognize the State of Palestine at the UN General Assembly in September. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the decision in a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday. But he said that recognition of Palestine's statehood depends on the Palestinian Authority holding general elections in 2026, excluding participation by Hamas, and committing to demilitarization, alongside urgent governance reforms. Carney also described conditions in Gaza as "intolerable," citing widespread humanitarian suffering. The announcement follows France and the United Kingdom making similar conditional recognition pledges earlier this week. Canada is also among 15 countries that co-signed the "New York Call," which calls for the recognition of Palestine's statehood and a push toward a two-state solution. Israel's foreign ministry criticized Canada's move to recognize a Palestinian state, arguing that it rewards terrorism and undermines ceasefire negotiations. Meanwhile, the UN World Food Program stated on Tuesday that it could officially declare a famine in the Gaza Strip unless conditions drastically improve.

Disaster management officials, experts from Asia-Pacific gather in Incheon to enhance disaster response

2025/07/30 22:50

South Korea is hosting the Third Senior Officials' Meeting in Incheon, ahead of the upcoming APEC 2025 Korea. In related meetings, disaster management experts across the Asia-Pacific have gathered to strengthen international cooperation in tackling major disasters. Our Shin Ha-young reports. Natural disasters, including floods and earthquakes, continue to threaten millions around the world and Asia-Pacific economies are no exception. Amid these challenges, South Korea's Ministry of the Interior and Safety is hosting this year's APEC meetings on disasters, in the western port city of Incheon from Wednesday, with disaster management officials and experts from across the Asia-Pacific participating to strengthen cooperation on risk reduction. As part of the three days of meetings, the Emergency Preparedness Working Group convened on Wednesday to explore ways to strengthen practical cooperation, with a focus on digital tools for disaster risk management. The Senior Disaster Management Officials Forum, scheduled for Thursday, is expected to build on those discussions and work toward actionable policy steps and stronger joint responses to emerging threats. "The key focus of this conference is to strengthen international cooperation in responding to complex disasters such as climate change and pandemics. With its advanced ICT capabilities, South Korea has a well-developed early warning system and is well positioned to contribute to global efforts, including the UN's Early Warning for All initiative." Alongside the meetings, the interior ministry is partnering with New Zealand's National Emergency Management Agency to conduct joint disaster drills, collaborate on research, and share information regularly to help reduce disaster risks. "From an emergency management perspective, the knowledge and the advancements that Korea has are well in advance of New Zealand. We're really looking forward to understanding how we can share knowledge, and how we can share our experiences to make both countries stronger, particularly, as I said earlier, in the light of the changing hazard scape that we all face." A disaster safety exhibition featuring Korea's latest technologies will be open through Sunday, highlighting the country's innovations and efforts to expand its presence in the global disaster-tech market. Shin Ha-young, Arirang News.

[Politics & Diplomacy] Kim Yo-jong releases back-to-back statements toward Seoul, Washington; what does this suggest?

2025/07/30 22:45

North Korea has broken the silence and issued back-to-back statements toward both South Korea and the U.S. this week. Seoul is pondering whether to downsize joint military drills, while Washington maintains its stance that it is open to dialogue with Pyongyang. For more on this, we invite our defense correspondent Kim Bo-kyoung, into the studio. Bo-kyoung, welcome. Thank you for having me. Let's delve a little bit deeper into what Kim Yo-jong said earlier this week. It marked the North's first official statement on the Lee administration. Right, amid Seoul trying to ease tensions and resume dialogue with Pyongyang, Kim Yo-jong released a statement on Monday and said President Lee is no different from his predecessor in blindly adhering to the ROK-U.S. alliance. While saying that Seoul's recent suspension of anti-Pyongyang broadcasts is not something that deserves any appreciation, she also said that Pyongyang is not interested in any proposal put forward by Seoul. To this, the Unification Ministry said this shows the high walls of distrust between the two Koreas, emphasizing that it will continue to pursue reconciliation with the North. "The government will stay steady and consistent in pursuing reconciliation, cooperation, and peaceful coexistence on the Korean Peninsula, without overreacting to the North's responses." The Presidential Office also issued a similar message, saying it will consistently take the necessary actions to make a peninsula without hostility and conflict. Regarding Kim Yo-jong's remarks, one expert said the regime is asking more from Seoul, especially regarding its alliance with the U.S. "The message points to a more fundamental issue—the nature of the South Korea-U.S. alliance. It suggests that the future of inter-Korean dialogue and the restoration of relations will depend on how much autonomy South Korea can exercise from the U.S. in managing its relationship with the North." After Kim's such remarks, the unification minister talked about downsizing the ROK-U.S. drills. Right, Minister Chung Dong-young said he will propose to the President that the scale of the Seoul-Washington joint military drills be adjusted. South Korea and the U.S. conduct two major joint drills every year Freedom Shield in March, and Ulchi Freedom Shield in August. Both are Command Post Exercises, a war game in which military leadership executes wartime scenarios. They are accompanied by various field training exercises, and U.S. strategic assets, too, are sometimes deployed to the Peninsula. A lot of reporters asked the Defense Ministry whether there would be any changes regarding the joint drill. "The joint drills are proceeding as agreed between South Korea and the U.S., with no changes so far." But one expert says there is a case of a drill having been suspended in 2018, and there could be changes made even at the last minute if the Korean and the U.S. leaders agree to do so. "Back in 2018, South Korea and the U.S. suspended joint military drills amid improving inter-Korean and U.S.-North Korea relations. While changing the current exercise schedule may be difficult, if both leaders agree, a decision to adjust or pause the drills could still be made to support broader peace efforts." Kim Yo-jong issued a message to Washington the next day. What was at the core of her message? Yes, she urged the U.S. to approach North Korea based on new thinking, and asked to recognize Pyongyang as a nuclear-weapon state. She did admit that personal ties between the leaders Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un are "not bad, " but ruled out talks on Pyongyang's denuclearization. Still, the White House reaffirmed its readiness for dialogue with the regime's leader for denuclearization. The same expert said Pyongyang is asking Washington to make a decisive shift for talks to resume, tossing the ball in Trump's court. "It is calling for new thinking and the search for an exit strategy: to recognize North Korea as a nuclear-armed state and begin a new round of nuclear arms reduction talks based on that premise." Until now, we've focused on Pyongyang's messages toward Seoul and Washington. How is the regime's relationship with Moscow going? Their ties are strengthening more than ever, with Russia having launched direct passenger flights between Moscow and Pyongyang for the first time in about three decades, and Pyongyang keeps providing arms to Moscow for its war in Ukraine. In fact, according to a report by South Korea's National Intelligence Service on Wednesday, such boosted ties with Russia support from Moscow and Pyongyang's troop dispatches, have been cited as reasons behind Pyongyang's boosted confidence. The regime is considering itself to have a significantly more advantageous strategic position than before, which apparently led to Kim Yo-jong's back-to-back statements. Meanwhile, the relationship between Pyongyang and Beijing seems to have weakened a bit. North Korea's Central News Agency did show Kim Jong-un paying tribute at the Friendship Tower recently symbolizing the ties between them, on the occasion of the 72nd anniversary of the Armistice Agreement. The report on it was quite shorter than before, though, hinting at a bit strained relations between the two. Alright, this is all the questions I have for you, Bo-kyoung. Thank you for the wrap-up. Thank you.

President Lee unveils blueprint for long-term economic growth

2025/07/30 22:39

President Lee Jae Myung held another emergency economic meeting today to unveil his blueprint for the country's long-term growth strategy. That includes creating a large-scale fund for investments in AI and other future growth engines. Our presidential office correspondent Yoon Jung-min starts us off. The emergency meeting on economic affairs will shift to one seeking growth engines in the long term, as the fully-fledged new government takes shape. That was according to President Lee Jae Myung on Wednesday, as he presided over the third emergency economic meeting at his office, hinting at where the economy is headed for the next five years. "Our government of people's sovereignty will be a pragmatic, market-oriented government. It will be the government that supports and encourages business activities to create opportunities and engines for growth." Lee promised to create a fund of over 100-trillion won, worth some 72-billion U.S. dollars, which the people and corporations take part in, to make investments in areas deemed strategically important, such as AI and renewable energy. The liberal-leaning leader also vowed to cut red tape to encourage businesses in Korea and launch another task force to revamp penalties too heavy on firms. "To ensure that corporate activities are not intimidated by excessive economic punishments, the government will immediately launch a task force to rationalize economic punishments. It will be discussed at the upcoming National Assembly regular session to set up specific targets, like revamping 30% within a year." He was pointing to a case where "breach of trust" is abused to place penalties too heavy on corporations, raising questions about whether it fits into a "global standard." Another pillar for growth was on achieving balanced regional growth, for a country where too much concentration on its capital area has often been cited as a factor that threatens the sustainability of the nation. Lee vowed to draw up rules and policies to make sure resources are used in an "efficient way," noting as an example his consumption voucher policy that favors people living in rural areas over those in the capital. Also hinted at was aggressive belt-tightening in fiscal policy so that more funds can be used for "key" policies. "With regard to next year's budget, President Lee ordered a bold restructuring of budgets that yield very little or are used routinely." Details of the new government's growth strategy will be unveiled in August, based on what was discussed on Wednesday, apparently taking into account not-so-favorable conditions, such as low growth and higher prices. Yoon Jung-min, Arirang News.

Suga’s visits Seoul and Ishiba’s possible resignation, where are Korea-Japan relations headed?

2025/07/30 21:37

Welcome to Within The Frame, where we bring the most pressing issues across the globe into focus. I'm Kim Mok-yeon. Japan is entering political uncertainty, and South Korea is moving quickly to maintain ties. With Prime Minister Ishiba under pressure after election losses, former PM Yoshihide Suga's visit to Seoul has reignited hopes for restoring shuttle diplomacy. As Korea and Japan mark 60 years since normalization, President Lee's meeting with the latest Japanese delegation signals significant intent — but deeper challenges still remain. With trilateral dynamics with the U.S. shifting and unresolved issues still on the table, what's next for Korea-Japan relations? To break down these, we have Choi Hyun Jin, professor of political science at Kyung Hee University. Welcome. And Dr. John Nilsson-Wright, head of the Japan and Koreas program at the University of Cambridge. Good to see you. 1. (CHOI) Starting with today's meeting — President Lee Jae-myung officially received former Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and members of the Japan-Korea Parliamentary Union at the presidential office in Yongsan. Suga is known to have delivered a personal message from Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. Could this be seen as the symbolic start of shuttle diplomacy? And at this point, what is the significance of Suga's visit? 2. (Nilsson-Wright) Just a day before Suga's visit, on July 29th, Korea's Foreign Minister Cho Hyun visited Japan. Traditionally, South Korean foreign ministers make their first overseas visit to the U.S., but this time, Japan was chosen. Does this suggest a shift in diplomatic priorities? How should we interpret this departure from convention? 3. (Nilsson-Wright) Building on that — today, Minister Cho paid a courtesy visit to Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. With both sides recognizing the 60th anniversary of diplomatic normalization and the need for concrete cooperation outcomes, could a Korea-Japan summit come before a Korea-U.S. summit, given the current gridlock in Washington? 4. (CHOI) So Foreign Minister Cho's visit to Japan comes just prior to his scheduled meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Rubio on the 31st. What kind of strategic calculations could be behind visiting Japan ahead of the U.S.? Could it involve sharing trade negotiating know-how? 5. (Nilsson-Wright) And looking at the wider picture, Cho's stop in Japan, followed by a direct trip to Washington, is being seen as a positive sign for Korea-U.S.-Japan trilateral cooperation. What message does this send about the current state of that trilateral alliance? Could it be seen as the Lee administration's willingness to improve Korea-Japan ties and deepen three-way cooperation? 6. (CHOI) Let's turn to what came out of the foreign ministers' talks. In the recent talks, Seoul reportedly emphasized a "two-track" approach — separating historical issues from practical cooperation. Do you think this approach could realistically lead to future-oriented progress in the bilateral relationship? 7. (CHOI) Meanwhile, within Japan's ruling LDP, calls are growing for Prime Minister Ishiba to step down following the upper house election. Ishiba had earlier pledged to resume shuttle diplomacy and reinforce Korea-U.S.-Japan cooperation. How might the political fallout from the LDP's defeat affect the trajectory of Korea-Japan relations? 8. (Nilsson-Wright) Let's shift to South Korea's diplomatic approach. President Lee's administration has already sent special envoys to 14 countries, beginning with the EU, yet still hasn't finalized a delegation for Japan. Is this delay a sign of more cautious handling, given the sensitive nature of issues like historical grievances, security, and economic ties? 9. (CHOI) And finally, with Japan's internal uncertainty growing, some analysts say South Korea's role in bilateral relations is now larger than ever. For pragmatic diplomacy to succeed, what kind of approach should the Lee Jae Myung administration take toward Japan moving forward?

World News: UK will recognize Palestinian state in Sept. unless Israel agrees to conditions

2025/07/30 19:45

This is the World Now, bringing you the latest stories from around the globe. Starting in the UK, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced that the UK will recognize the State of Palestine at the UN General Assembly in September, unless Israel meets key conditions, including agreeing to a ceasefire in Gaza. On Tuesday, following an emergency cabinet meeting, Starmer outlined the UK's conditional recognition of Palestine's statehood. He said recognition will be formalized in September unless Israel agrees to an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, pledges no annexation of the West Bank, allows full humanitarian access, and recommits to a viable two-state solution. Starmer reiterated that there is "no equivalence between Israel and Hamas" and reaffirmed demands on Hamas to release all hostages and disarm. However, Israel's government strongly rejected the announcement, calling it a "reward for Hamas." Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump, after meeting with Starmer in Scotland, stated that the recognition was not discussed during their talks. The UK's warning follows reports of a severe famine in Gaza and plans to airdrop aid into the enclave. In the United States, after 4 people died in a deadly shooting in Midtown Manhattan on Monday, investigators have been sent to Las Vegas, where the gunman, who also shot himself, lived, to learn more about the possible motive. Investigators, who recovered a handwritten note, say there were no links to terrorism or criminal organizations found. The note, found on the body of 27-year-old Shane Devon Tamura, said, "Study my brain. I'm sorry." It also claimed he suffered from CTE, a brain disease triggered by head injuries, and blamed the NFL for his condition, despite having never played football professionally. Tamura, who had driven from Las Vegas, entered the lobby of a building housing the National Football League headquarters and major financial firms at around 6.30 PM on Monday with an assault-style rifle. The victims included an off-duty New York City police officer, who was described as a "New York Hero." The incident marks the city's deadliest mass shooting in over two decades. Pope Leo XIV met over 1,000 Catholic influencers and digital missionaries from more than 140 countries at a Jubilee Mass in St. Peter's Basilica on Tuesday. The Pope addressed the young people in Spanish, English, and Italian, reiterating his call for an end to violence and the need to proclaim peace. He emphasized that digital missionaries are more essential than ever in spreading the message of peace. He also cautioned that while technology has become increasingly influential, creativity should not be used to undermine human dignity. At the 2025 India Couture Week in Delhi, Rohit Bal's design house unveiled the "Kash-Gul" collection on Tuesday, marking a tribute to the late designer nearly nine months after his death. The collection is rooted in Rohit Bal's lifelong bond with Kashmir, drawing on symbols of flowers and his signature motifs of lotus and peacocks. Bollywood actor Arjun Rampal closed the show wearing a black velvet 'Sherwani' detailed in silver embroidery. He paused midway on the ramp to honor his friend, saying "legends never die." Choi Chi-hee, Arirang News.

94-year-old U.S. Korean War vet returns to a country that never forgot

2025/07/30 19:40

Up next we take you for a walk down memory lane as one Korean War veteran recounts his experience of the past conflict here and his impression of South Korea today. Our Kim Jung-sil had the pleasure of meeting up with him. More than seventy years ago, he served aboard a U.S. Navy minesweeper during the Korean War. This week, he returned to the country he once helped protect. Dr. Malcolm Lynn Williamson is one of six UN veterans invited to Korea as part of a government-led program marking UN Forces Participation Day on July 27th. "Dr. Williamson, welcome back to Korea. Thank you so much for being here. What do you think when you think of the word Korea?" "I served in the Korean War in 1951 through 1953 on a minesweeper and had some close calls. But I appreciate the fact that we have a chance to come and revisit Korea through the program." One of those close calls came during a mission near Incheon when his ship took a direct hit. "The water just churned, and the smoke drifted by. The ship shuddered, and I knew we'd been hit. And if I had run down the starboard side, I would have been right where a shell hit." He never forgot that moment, and returning decades later, he found a country transformed. "I've been very impressed with the advancements that have been made in your country because I know it was devastated during the war. But you know the thing that I'm impressed most by is the people." By his side this week is someone who didn't live through the war but now calls Korea home. Emily, his granddaughter, has spent the past five years teaching kindergarten in Seoul. "I've lived here for five years and I've always been very proud of my grandfather and the sacrifices he made." For Emily, it wasn't just stories this time, it was seeing that gratitude, in person. "I'm really touched, and it's been a very special experience seeing my grandparents here in Korea and having them be taken care of by so many loving people." After the war, Dr. Williamson earned a Ph.D. in statistics from USC and spent decades consulting on medical research. Now, at 94, he leaves Korea with one final message: "I hope that people will recognize that their inalienable rights come from God." A sailor. A grandfather. A man of science, and of faith. Honored by the nation he once helped protect. Kim Jung-sil, Arirang News.