News

Culture minister nominee pledges to open 300 tril. KRW 'K-culture market'

2025/07/29 19:35

At the parliament. Confirmation hearings for the nominees to lead the culture as well as the land ministries took place today. Our National Assembly Correspondent Shin Ha-young covers the latest sessions. The National Assembly held confirmation hearings on Tuesday, continuing its review of nominees for Lee Jae Myung's first Cabinet this time focusing on his picks for land and culture ministers. During the hearing of the nominee for culture, sports and tourism minister, Chae Hwi-young , the current CEO of travel platform Nol Universe, emphasized his commitment to materializing President Lee's vision of a K-culture market worth 300-trillion won, around 215 billion U.S. dollars, and attracting 30 million inbound tourists. "Culture is a part of the economy that is a key to international competitiveness. I will help industries such as movies and games overcome challenges, and support local content creators and streaming services to help them succeed worldwide." Chae also said he would develop a new K-tourism strategy to turn the global popularity of Korean culture into visits to regions across the country. To prepare for the growing use of AI, he pledged to support content innovation and help build AI training data that reflects Korea's history and culture. On the same day, Kim Yun-duk, the nominee for land, infrastructure and transport minister, and a three-term lawmaker of the ruling Democratic Party, pledged to quickly roll out a plan to boost housing supply. "I will increase housing supply in prime locations, such as near subway stations, by using available land and old public facilities. Redevelopment and reconstruction projects will also be promoted with a focus on balancing public and private interests." Kim also emphasized his commitment to achieving balanced regional growth, saying it is not a choice but a matter of survival. He noted that while local areas are struggling with an economic slowdown and rising unsold homes, housing prices in Seoul and the capital region are soaring, adding that the problem can only be solved through balanced regional growth. Shin Ha-young, Arirang News.

Trump says tariffs would be in 15-20% range for most countries that have yet to strike deal

2025/07/29 11:41

U.S. President Donald Trump says most trading partners that have not yet reached a trade deal will face tariffs of 15 to 20 percent. The comments come as Seoul continues to seek a deal before the negotiation deadline this week. Lee Seung-jae starts us off. U.S. President Donald Trump hinted that his administration expects to set tariffs somewhere between 15 to 20 percent for most of the countries that have not yet reached a trade deal. The U.S. leader made the remarks during a meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Scotland, as Trump's reciprocal tariffs, including the 25 percent levies on South Korea, are set to go into effect on Friday. Senior trade officials from Seoul have been busy with their negotiation efforts, but have yet to reach a deal. The Trump administration has so far agreed to bilateral trade deals with the EU, the UK, Japan, Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Meanwhile in Stockholm, top U.S. and Chinese trade officials held talks for more than five hours, with the aim of resolving longstanding economic disputes. Washington has given an August 12th deadline to China, to reach a tariff agreement, after the two economic powerhouses reached preliminary deals in May and June to end their tit-for-tat tariffs. The two sides are expected to continue discussions on Tuesday. A different kind of deadline was also issued by President Trump on Monday, as he gave Russia "10 or 12 days" for Russia to reach a peace deal, or face tough new sanctions. "Yeah, I'd say 10 to 12 days. I'll announce it probably tonight or tomorrow but there's no reason to wait. If you know what the answer's going to be, why wait? And it would be sanctions and maybe tariffs, secondary tariffs -you know what a secondary tariff is." Trump has repeatedly voiced frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin for continued attacks on Ukraine, despite his efforts to end the war. Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.

More than 40 killed in DR Congo attack linked to Islamic State

2025/07/29 11:39

Over in Africa, the UN reported on Monday that the attack on a Catholic church in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo on Sunday was done by a group linked to the Islamic State. At least 43 churchgoers were killed when armed fighters from the Allied Democratic Forces, a group affiliated with IS, entered the church in the town of Komanda in the Ituri province. The attackers also set fire to nearby homes and shops. Over 20 victims were buried in a mass grave on Monday. MONUSCO, the UN peacekeeping mission in the region, condemned the attack as "revolting." Pope Leo XIV also denounced the deadly attack, expressing sorrow and describing the victims as martyrs.

Thailand and Cambodia agree to 'immediate ceasefire'

2025/07/29 11:39

Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, starting Monday midnight local time, following five days of border clashes that killed nearly 40 people and displaced hundreds of thousands. This follows negotiations in the Malaysia headed by Malayian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. At a joint press conference with acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, Anwar outlined the step-by-step de-escalation process of the conflict. He also stated that a broader border committee session is scheduled for August 4 in Cambodia to address long-standing territorial issues. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump said he had phoned the leaders of both countries and celebrated the outcome, calling himself the "President of peace."

Trump says starvation crisis in Gaza is real

2025/07/29 11:39

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 U.S. President Donald Trump's remarks on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Give us the update. President Trump has acknowledged that the crisis in Gaza has reached a point of "real starvation" and vowed to build "food centers" in the enclave. Speaking during a visit to Scotland on Monday, Trump said visual evidence convinced him that starvation in Gaza is real and pledged the creation of U.S.-backed "food centers" in coordination with European partners. Trump emphasized that the current aid infrastructure is deeply flawed, adding the U.S. would work with other countries to establish food centers without entry barriers, allowing civilians to access aid freely. According to the White House, additional details on the plan are "forthcoming." Trump's remarks are in stark contrast with those of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has denied that Gaza is facing starvation, saying Israel continues to allow "significant amounts of humanitarian aid" into the enclave.

A Return Like Home: UN veterans honored in South Korea

2025/07/29 11:38

75 years after the start of the Korean War, some of the men who helped defend South Korea have returned to the country they once fought for. Our Kim Jung-sil reports. They were in their early twenties when they first arrived in Korea: young men in uniform, sent to fight in a country they had never seen. Seven decades later, some of them have returned. 55 guests from 19 countries are taking part in South Korea's "Re-Visit Korea, Re-View Korea" program. Among them: six veterans of the Korean War, their families, and delegates from veterans' associations. As part of the six-day program, participants visited the War Memorial of Korea ahead of the official commemoration ceremony on Sunday. "I came here in 1952, actually my experience in the war was as a tank driver. We had to defend that place because otherwise the Chinese communists would overrun and come back to Seoul. That was our job." Now 91, Yamashiroya was joined by his grandson, who reflected on his grandfather's influence on their family. "He's a really strong and tough person mentally and he's really ingrained that in our family and everything he has done. It's definitely an honor learning more about the culture of Korea the history behind the war hearing about their impact it means a lot." "I'm so happy for the Korean people because they persevered and built success for themselves." While some veterans were able to return, others could not. Sunday's ceremony was held for UN Forces Participation Day: South Korea's official day to honor foreign veterans of the Korean War. U.S. Army Corporal Fred B. McGee was recognized with the country's highest military honor. His daughter accepted the medal on his behalf. "What you've done here this past week has been highly commendable. It's above and beyond anything that I expected. I just celebrate the Korean government and the Korean people for all they've done for the Korean war veterans." The medal was presented by Prime Minister Kim Min-seok, who also addressed the ceremony. "To protect the freedom and peace of the Republic of Korea, 1.98 million UN troops stood alongside the Korean people. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten." For the veterans and families who visited this time, the trip offered not only commemoration, but connection. Kim Jung-sil, Arirang News.

[On-point] Trade talks between South Korea, U.S. continue as deadline looms

2025/07/29 11:36

As we just heard, Korean officials are making all-out efforts to strike a deal before the trade deadline set by U.S. President Donald Trump ends on Friday. For more on what to expect, we're joined by Dr. Stephen Noerper, President of Asia Dialogue. South Korean officials have yet to reach a trade deal, despite recent talks in Washington, D.C. What exactly is the United States seeking from South Korea? Seoul appears to be considering the shipbuilding sector as a bargaining chip in the negotiations, while also showing more flexibility on the agenda --now indicating that agricultural products are also on the table. Do you see this as an effective strategy? South Korea's foreign minister is also expected to hold talks with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington on the 31st. How should the Korean government address the burden-sharing issue regarding U.S. troops in Korea? Will security concerns also affect ongoing trade negotiations? President Trump has made it clear he's putting American interests over those of U.S. allies. How do you think the Lee administration should manage the alliance with the United States over its five-year term? How might President Trump's tariffs on Asian allies affect the broader U.S. strategy to counter China? Alright Dr. Noerper, thank you so much for your insight today. We appreciate it.

Relationship between Trump and Kim Jong-un shouldn't be used for denuclearization push: Kim Yo-jong

2025/07/29 11:34

The powerful sister of North Korea's leader has issued her second statement in two days, this time saying that while relations between the U.S. and North Korean leaders are not bad, there won't be any future talks to end the North's nuclear program. Our Choi Soo-hyung reports. On Tuesday, Kim Yo-jong, the sister of the regime's leader Kim Jong-un, said through the North's state-run Korean Central News Agency that the U.S. must accept the new reality. She added that if Washington continues to cling to the past, any meeting with the North will remain only America's hope. Kim noted that the personal relationship between the U.S. President Donald Trump and the North's leader Kim Jong-un is not bad. But she stressed that if the U.S. intended to use this relationship as a step toward denuclearization, it would only be regarded as "mockery" to the North. She said that since Trump's first term, both North Korea's nuclear capabilities and the geopolitical environment have changed dramatically. Kim warned that, "Any attempt to deny the position of the North as a nuclear weapons state will be thoroughly rejected." She also said it would not be wise for two nuclear-armed states to move toward confrontation, suggesting that other forms of contact should be explored. Following Kim's statement, the White House has again said that President Trump remains open to talks with Kim Jong-un about denuclearization. Washington and Pyongyang held summits in Singapore in June 2018 and in Hanoi in February 2019, and later met at Panmunjom in June 2019. On Monday, Kim also issued an official statement criticizing South Korea's Lee Jae-myung administration, saying it is no different from its predecessor. Choi Soo-hyung, Arirang News.

ROK Navy and Marine Corps take part in multinational drill jointly hosted by U.S. and Australia

2025/07/28 22:37

South Korea's Navy and Marine Corps successfully took part in a multinational exercise, jointly hosted by the U.S. and Australia. Our Kim Bo-kyoung has the details. South Korea's Navy and Marine Corps have successfully completed their part in a biennial multinational exercise in Australia, that went on for around a month starting early this July. Named "Talisman Sabre," meaning "sword with mysterious power," the exercise marks the largest bilateral military drill between Australia and the U.S. Aiming to hone operational capabilities, this year's edition united more than 35-thousand military personnel from 19 like-minded countries. Korea's Navy first participated in 2021, and the Marine Corps joined in 2023. More than eight-hundred personnel from the Navy and Marine Corps, along with around ten types of equipment, including Korean amphibious assault vehicles, K-9 self-propelled howitzers, and multiple Chunmoo rocket systems, joined the exercise. With U.S. and Australian forces, Korean troops conducted joint live-fire training, with K-1 tanks joining the drill for the first time. and amphibious, airborne assault drills, using Korean and Australian assault assets, also took place. The drill was seen as a chance to improve operational capabilities. "We have conducted combined joint operations with the Republic of Korea, conducting naval, maritime, and land operations as part of ongoing integration training in order to ensure that we can work together in a safe environment and fight together if required." "Through tactical exchanges with various countries such as Australia and the United States during this training, our unit's combat capabilities have advanced to a higher level. We will do our best to complete our mission with strong unity and ensure everyone returns safely." The Navy and Marine Corps personnel who took part will depart Australia on Tuesday, and arrive at a port in Jinhae of Gyeongsangnam-do Province in mid-August. Kim Bo-kyoung, Arirang News.

Unification minister proposes adjustment to ROK-U.S. military exercises

2025/07/28 22:36

South Korea's new unification minister says he'll propose an adjustment to upcoming joint military exercises with the U.S., calling it a move toward de-escalation. Speaking to reporters Monday, Chung Dong-young did not call for a suspension, but his remarks suggested possible adjustments to the exercises' scale and nature. Regarding Chung's idea, the presidential office notes that any decision would involve input from all key ministries, including defense. Chung, also on Monday, vowed to ease restrictions on civilian contact with North Koreans, saying only a simple report will be required.

Seoul to continue push for peace despite Kim Yo-jong’s rebuke

2025/07/28 22:36

North Korea issued its first official comments directed at the Lee Jae Myung administration on Monday, calling South Korea an "enemy" and rejecting talks. But Seoul says it's staying the course. Kim Jung-sil reports. South Korea says it won't be swayed from its push for peace. Following North Korea's first official statement since the Lee Jae-myung administration took office, the presidential office said Monday it's taking the North's remarks seriously, but insists its focus remains on building peace through steady, necessary action. At the Unification Ministry, the message was much the same. "We believe the statement shows Pyongyang is closely watching our policy direction. While distrust from the North remains deep, our push for peace and inter-Korean cooperation will continue, calmly and with consistency." "Officials here say they won't be swayed by every comment from Pyongyang, and that they're sticking to a steady, non-confrontational approach." But the tone from the North was very different. The statement came earlier in the day from Kim Yo-jong, the sister of North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un. She dismissed Seoul's suspension of border loudspeaker broadcasts as "not worthy of recognition," and criticized other recent moves, including talk of resuming tourism and halting leaflet campaigns. She also rejected speculation that Kim Jong-un might be invited to the APEC meeting in the South, calling the idea a "vain illusion." Kim accused the South of being trapped in the "ghost of unification by absorption," and said North Korea no longer sees the South as part of "one people," but simply as another state. "Even before Seoul's new cabinet takes shape, North Korea is rejecting anything it sees as a threat to its interests. With no shift in the ROK-U.S. alliance, the North sees little value in peace overtures." Analysts say Pyongyang may be rejecting dialogue to sideline Seoul and entrench its two-state strategy, a move that runs directly against the South's push for reconciliation. Kim Jung-sil, Arirang News.

Foreign Minister Cho to travel to Tokyo for first bilateral, ahead of meeting U.S. counterpart

2025/07/28 22:35

Foreign Minister Cho Hyun is set to visit Japan tomorrow for a bilateral meeting with his Japanese counterpart, Takeshi Iwaya. This marks Cho's first foreign trip since taking office last week. Their talks are expected to focus on strengthening cooperation across a range of areas to improve bilateral ties, as the two countries this year mark their 60th anniversary of normalizing diplomatic relations. Following his one-night stay in Japan, Cho will head to Washington D.C., to meet U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday local time. Prior to his confirmation hearing, Cho told reporters that it was time to move beyond the fixed notion that Seoul's diplomatic outreach must start with the U.S.

Lee briefed on S. Korea-U.S. trade talks for response measures

2025/07/28 22:33

Against this backdrop, President Lee Jae Myung was briefed about the latest trade consultations with the U.S. and discussed response measures with his aides. That's according to Lee's spokesperson Kang Yu-jung on Monday in a written statement, saying the President was briefed by Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan and Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo, who are currently overseas. Over the weekend, the trade ministers of South Korea and the U.S. held discussions twice, in Washington and New York, for discussions that included cooperation in shipbuilding. Present at the briefing were Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol and Foreign Minister Cho Hyun, who are soon to leave for Washington for similar talks. Seoul's top office added that the government is looking for the most "desirable" plan, keeping in mind "various possibilities."

"HOPES FOR BETTER INTER-KOREAN RELATIONSHIP"

2025/07/28 20:34

Hope your workweek is off to a good start. You're watching Press Perspective for this Monday July 28th here in Seoul. I'm Min Sunhee. The Unification Ministry here says South Korea remains committed to its push for peace on the peninsula. For more I have Celio Fioretti with French daily La Croix. Celio welcome. I also have Professor Edward Kwon at the Northern Kentucky University who recently wrote an article for The National Interest on the new South Korean administration's hopes for better cross-border ties. Professor Kwon it's a pleasure. Celio, let's begin with a quick rundown of some of the actions taken by the Lee Jae Myung administration with regard to North Korea and the overall response. Professor Kwon, you recently wrote a piece for American magazine The National Interest on the new South Korean administration's policy on North Korea. First then, what is your assessment of the new South Korean administration's North Korea policy? Celio, North Korea, meanwhile, continues its bellicose rhetoric with its leader Kim Jong-un's sister Kim Yo-jong rejecting South Korea's efforts to resume cross-border engagement. What did she say? And Celio, Kim Jong-un himself recently calling on his soldiers to prepare for an actual war. Do tell us more. Professor Kwon, how do you explain North Korea's hardline stance? Do you believe it's simply seeking leverage and not necessarily an escalation in tensions? Celio, South Korea is reportedly exploring the option of tourism to engage North Korea. What are the prospects of this option bearing fruit and leading to improved cross-border ties? Professor Kwon, what conditions are likely to coax North Korea back to the dialogue table? Most pundits believe getting Kim Jong-un to sit down for talks will be tough this time around given his military pact with Russia. That being said, do you suppose a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine will lead to talks between Kim and Lee or Kim and Trump? Celio, despite the commitment to denuclearization that South Korea and its global partners have shared with regard to North Korea's nuclear weapons, a growing number of pundits are casting doubt on this goal. Do share with us these doubts. Professor Kwon, speaking as a scholar, what are your thoughts? Should the international community be looking for nuclear disarmament or nuclear control with regard to North Korea's nuclear weapons? Professor Kwon, with regard to South Korea's broader pragmatic diplomatic, what feasible is this foreign policy keeping in mind the rivalry between the U.S. and China? All right.

ROK Navy and Marine Corps take part in multinational drill jointly hosted by U.S. and Australia

2025/07/28 19:36

South Korea took part in one of the Indo-Pacific's largest and most complex military exercises which began earlier this month. Our defense correspondent Kim Bo-kyoung reports. South Korea's Navy and Marine Corps have successfully completed their part in a biennial multinational exercise in Australia, that went on for around a month starting early this July. Named "Talisman Sabre," meaning "sword with mysterious power," the exercise marks the largest bilateral military drill between Australia and the U.S. Aiming to hone operational capabilities, this year's edition united more than 35-thousand military personnel from 19 like-minded countries. Korea's Navy first participated in 2021, and the Marine Corps joined in 2023. More than eight-hundred personnel from the Navy and Marine Corps, along with around ten types of equipment, including Korean amphibious assault vehicles, K-9 self-propelled howitzers, and multiple Chunmoo rocket systems, joined the exercise. With U.S. and Australian forces, Korean troops conducted joint live-fire training, with K-1 tanks joining the drill for the first time. and amphibious, airborne assault drills, using Korean and Australian assault assets, also took place. The drill was seen as a chance to improve operational capabilities. "We have conducted combined joint operations with the Republic of Korea, conducting naval, maritime, and land operations as part of ongoing integration training in order to ensure that we can work together in a safe environment and fight together if required." "Through tactical exchanges with various countries such as Australia and the United States during this training, our unit's combat capabilities have advanced to a higher level. We will do our best to complete our mission with strong unity and ensure everyone returns safely." The Navy and Marine Corps personnel who took part will depart Australia on Tuesday, and arrive at a port in Jinhae of Gyeongsangnam-do Province in mid-August. Kim Bo-kyoung, Arirang News.

First direct passenger flight between Moscow and Pyongyang takes off

2025/07/28 19:35

The first direct passenger flight between Moscow and Pyongyang in some three decades has taken off. This past Sunday evening a Pyongyang-bound flight by Russia's Nordwind Airlines departed from Moscow. Each flight can accommodate about four hundred passengers and takes around eight hours. Tickets cost roughly 5-hundred-60 U.S. dollars. Prior to this route the only direct flight between Russia and North Korea was the Vladivostok-Pyongyang route. Russia is also reportedly considering a direct route to Wonsan on North Korea's east coast.

Seoul to continue push for peace despite Kim Yo-jong’s rebuke

2025/07/28 19:35

In other news. South Korea is committed to seeking communication with North Korea despite the latter's tough rhetoric against potential cross-border interaction. Kim Jung-sil covers these comments by the Unification Ministry here and more. South Korea says it won't be swayed from its push for peace. Following North Korea's first official statement since the Lee Jae-myung administration took power, the presidential office said Monday it's taking the North's remarks seriously, but insists its focus remains on building peace through steady, necessary action. At the Unification Ministry, the message was much the same. "We believe the statement shows Pyongyang is closely watching our policy direction. While distrust from the North remains deep, our push for peace and inter-Korean cooperation will continue, calmly and with consistency." "Officials here say they won't be swayed by every comment from Pyongyang, and that they're sticking to a steady, non-confrontational approach." But the tone from the North was very different. The statement came earlier in the day from Kim Yo-jong, the sister of North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un. She dismissed Seoul's suspension of border loudspeaker broadcasts as "not worthy of recognition," and criticized other recent moves, including talk of resuming tourism and halting leaflet campaigns. She also rejected speculation that Kim Jong-un might be invited to the APEC meeting in the South, calling the idea a "vain illusion." Kim accused the South of being trapped in the "ghost of unification by absorption," and said North Korea no longer sees the South as part of "one people," but simply as another state. "Even before Seoul's new cabinet takes shape, North Korea is rejecting anything it sees as a threat to its interests. With no shift in the ROK-U.S. alliance, the North sees little value in peace overtures." Analysts say Pyongyang may be rejecting dialogue to sideline Seoul and entrench its two-state strategy, a move that runs directly against the South's push for reconciliation. Kim Jung-sil, Arirang News.

Thailand and Cambodia to hold ceasefire talks in Malaysia

2025/07/28 11:39

The leaders of Thailand and Cambodia agreed to meet in Malaysia for talks after their deadly border conflict continued for a fourth day. The talks are scheduled to begin at 3 PM local time on Monday, in Kuala Lumpur. U.S. President Donald Trump publicly urged both nations to agree to an immediate ceasefire on Sunday, warning that ongoing trade negotiations would be suspended unless hostilities end. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, currently chairing the Association of Southeast Asian Nations regional bloc, offered to host peace talks for both parties. Thai Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet are expected to attend the talks. Over 30 people have died in the worst fighting between the two countries in over a decade, while more than 200,000 people have been displaced.

Israel announces daily pauses in Gaza fighting as aid airdrops begin

2025/07/28 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 start in the Middle East, where Israel has announced a pause in military operations in three areas. Tell us more. Right. The Israeli military has announced a daily pause in military activity in three densely populated areas of Gaza to ease the ongoing humanitarian crisis. On Sunday, the Israel Defense Forces declared a "tactical pause" in fighting from 10 AM until 8 PM local time daily until further notice in Gaza City, Deir al-Balah, and Al-Mawasi, while launching air-dropped aid. To facilitate aid delivery, Israel has also designated secure corridors for UN and humanitarian convoys, which will be in place permanently between 6 AM and 11 PM. More than 100 truckloads of food, medicine, and supplies were dispatched toward southern Gaza. Meanwhile, Jordan and the UAE also airdropped about 25 tons of flour, sugar, and canned goods into the enclave. The military pause aims to "increase the scale of humanitarian aid" amidst warnings of mass starvation. However, aid groups say that only under 8 percent of World Food Programme trucks have successfully distributed supplies due to delays and theft, and point out that airdrops are inefficient and sometimes dangerous.

PM Kim thanks Korean War veterans, pledges continued support for their descendants

2025/07/28 11:36

South Korea's Prime Minister Kim Min-seok expressed his gratitude for the sacrifices of Korean War veterans on the occasion of the UN Forces Participation Day. At a commemoration ceremony held in Goyang, Gyeonggi-do Province on Sunday, Kim noted that over 40-thousand soldiers died and more than 100-thousand were wounded defending South Korea's freedom and peace. He stressed that South Korea will never forget the sacrifices made. The prime minister also pledged continued support for the descendants of Korean War veterans, announcing plans to expand scholarship and exchange programs.