News

First direct passenger flight between Moscow and Pyongyang takes off

2025/07/28 11:36

The first direct passenger flight between Moscow and Pyongyang in around three decades has taken off. On Sunday at 7:25 PM Moscow time, a Pyongyang-bound flight operated by Russian Nordwind Airlines departed from Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport. The flight carries about 400 passengers and takes around eight hours. Tickets cost about 45-thousand rubles, roughly 560 U.S. dollars. Until now, the only direct flight between Russia and North Korea was the Vladivostok-Pyongyang route. Since last year's comprehensive strategic partnership treaty, Russia and the North have expanded transport cooperation. Russia is also considering a new direct route to Wonsan on NorthKorea's east coast.

[On-point] Korean officials prepare for what will likely be last round of negotiations before Aug. 1 trade deadline

2025/07/28 11:36

As we just heard, Korean officials are now preparing for what will likely be the last round of negotiations, before the trade deadline set by U.S. President Donald Trump ends this week. For more on this, we're joined by Professor Hur Joon-young, Associate Professor of Economics at Sogang University. South Korean officials were still unable to reach a deal after recent trade talks in Washington. What would you say is the biggest obstacle to an agreement? The talks on July 31st are expected to be Korea's last chance to negotiate with the Trump administration before the August 1 deadline. How do you think the negotiations will play out? It seems South Korea is looking to use shipbuilding and semiconductors as leverage in the negotiations. Do you think this strategy will work? The presidential office says agricultural products are now also on the table --despite earlier government claims to the contrary. Is there a possibility that livestock products such as beef imports could become part of the deal? What happens if the two sides fail to reach an agreement before the deadline? How might that affect Korean businesses and the broader economy --especially given Korea's dependence on the U.S. market? Alright Professor Hur, thank you so much for your insight today. We appreciate it.

N. Korean leader's sister says it has no reason to sit down with Seoul for talks

2025/07/28 11:35

The North Korean leader's powerful sister says the regime has no interest in talking with South Korea showing no will for dialogue. She also says inviting Kim Jong-un to APEC 2025 Korea would be a "foolish delusion." Our Choi Soo-hyung reports. In its first official response to the Lee administration, North Korea says it has no interest in any policy or proposal by South Korea, and sees no reason to sit down with Seoul for talks. On Monday, Kim Yo-jong, the sister of the regime's leader Kim Jong-un, said through the North's Korean Central News Agency that "no matter how much the Lee Jae Myung government tries to act like a fellow Korean to draw our attention or gain international spotlight, we still see them as an enemy." She also said that state-to-state relations on the Korean Peninsula are now permanent, and strongly criticized the South for trying to pursue unification through absorption, using the Ministry of Unification as a front. Kim said that, looking at around the first 50 days of Lee's administration, it is no different from his predecessor in blindly following the South Korea and U.S. alliance, pursuing confrontation with the North. On the recent halting of loudspeaker broadcasts by the South, Kim said it is a problem Seoul created on its own, and that the end of the broadcasts are merely a reversal of something that should not have been done in the first place. She added it does not merit any evaluation. Kim also warned that it would be a serious mistake for Seoul to think that a few sentimental words could undo the extreme confrontation it had previously created. Regarding speculation that the North's leader, Kim Jong-un might be invited to the APEC 2025 KOREA, she dismissed it as "a foolish delusion." Choi Soo-hyung, Arirang News.

[Weekly Focus] Will Donald Trump, Xi Jinping come to APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting? Is North Korea invited?

2025/07/26 12:35

This week, we're less than 100 days from the opening of the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting or AELM. To discuss which global figures may be attending and sensitive geopolitical developments unfolding behind the scenes, we're joined by our foreign affairs correspondent Oh Soo-young. Q1: First, the big headline — is North Korean leader Kim Jong Un really being invited to APEC? At this stage, no. But later, maybe. There's currently no formal effort to invite North Korea to the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting. The unification ministry told reporters Thursday that "there are no ongoing discussions on inviting Chairman Kim" Meanwhile, the foreign ministry put out a separate statement that "North Korea is not an APEC member and is not eligible in principle to attend." But it said "the host country can invite non-member states for informal dialogue." The Presidential Office also clarified that North Korea was not among formally invited countries --and an invitation would have to be considered by foreign policy and unification circles. It seems the idea is being explored behind the scenes. National Intelligence Service Director Lee Jong-seok reportedly briefed the President before he took office that APEC could serve as a potential platform for dialogue between the two Koreas, the U.S., and China. Unification Minister Chung Dong-young has expressed support for the idea. He said during his July 14 confirmation hearing that it would be "a historic opportunity." On Friday, the day of his inauguration, the minister went to the joint inter-Korean border area of Panmunjeom to examine the communication line. As Minister under the Roh Moo-hyun administration in 2005, Chung had previously pushed to invite Kim Jong Il to the Busan APEC Summit as an observer. Diplomatic insiders caution that the likelihood of Kim attending remains extremely low. "There is no precedent that North Korean leader to participate this multilateral mechanism or multilateral dialogue because North Korea they have a one man rule --which we call "suryeong" system. means the top leader according to the concept, is not supposed to mix with any other kind of any other leaders and should be top and not mingled with other common leaders." "In order to extend an invitation to the North, the inter-Korean liaison channels must be restored first. But that's not even the case. In my view, North Korea is still designated as a hostile state by two countries. So how could he suddenly attend under those circumstances? Also, considering that the war in Ukraine is still going on, the possibility of a Trump-Kim summit being held at Panmunjom or anywhere else around that area is not very high either." But never say never. A lot can happen in 3 months. Q2: What about other big names? Presidents Trump and Xi? Are they expected to attend? According to diplomatic sources I've spoken to, and those cited in other media, it seems Chinese leader Xi Jinping's unofficially looking to attend the AELM in Korea. This would mark his first trip to South Korea since 2014. With that, there's growing speculation in both Seoul and Washington that a Trump–Xi summit could be held on the sidelines in Gyeongju --which would mark their first in-person meeting since Trump's return to the White House. "it's not that easy to meet these two leaders before the APEC. So this could be a first time it would be the first time that these two great powers meet up and at the same time this multilateral setting is getting important in this kind of very unpredictable world." On the U.S. side, Donald Trump has not officially confirmed he will attend. But Seoul officials are preparing for his attendance, it seems. I'd imagine the Lee Administration sees both leaders attending as crucial to raising APEC's profile --and possibly laying groundwork for parallel discussions on Korean Peninsula issues, bilateral trade, and security in the Indo-Pacific. Q3: That leads to the broader significance of this year's APEC for South Korea. Yes. It is deeply symbolic. It comes after the months-long political turbulence in Korea surrounding now-impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol's brief martial law declaration in December last year. With the crisis behind us, hosting APEC gives the government a rare chance to reset its image on the global stage. South Korea has positioned the AELM as a revival of "K-democracy," and its role in promoting multilateralism. "Over the years, Korea has filled trust and meaningful contributions in the international community. Building on that, at the APEC Economy Leaders' Meeting, which is returning to Korea after 20 years will serve as a great opportunity for us to show that we've restored our K-Democracy and that Korea is back on track after the political challenges we faced last year The emblem and the smile of Shilla not only reflect our warmth and hospitality and openness with Korea's commitment in fulfilling our role as a responsible member of the international community." Q4: Finally, walk us through what to expect at this year's APEC? Under the theme of Building a Sustainable Tomorrow, leaders from 21 member economies will address emerging challenges for the region. Seoul is pushing to adopt related initiatives in the interest of future generations, from cooperation on AI and addressing demographic changes as a key initiative among many other global issues. Highlighting the need to quote "Connect, Innovate, and Prosper," Korea hope to see many deliverables emerge, including a standalone document alongside the Gyeongju Declaration at the leaders' meeting in late October. Thank you. With just under 100 days to go, it looks like APEC 2025 could shape not only South Korea's role on the world stage — but the wider balance of diplomacy in the region.

President Lee calls balanced regional growth "inevitable" for survival of nation

2025/07/25 22:36

President Lee Jae Myung held another town hall meeting today in the southeastern city of Busan. There, he addressed the need to achieve balanced regional growth in Korea, for which he vowed to speed up relocating the Oceans Ministry to the port city. Correspondent Yoon Jung-min reports. Achieving balanced regional growth is not an act of goodwill, but a must for the nation's survival. That was according to President Lee Jae Myung on Friday, as he highlighted his policy framework on related matters at a town hall meeting in the southeastern port city of Busan. "Everything's extremely concentrated in the capital area, which makes it chokingly overcrowded. Rural areas, on the contrary, are on the verge of extinction. For the Republic of Korea to continue to grow and develop, it has become an inevitable strategy for the survival of the nation." Part of those efforts was relocating the Oceans Ministry from Sejong to Busan, which had been one of Lee's key election campaign pledges, to make the port city a leading global maritime hub, completion of which is aimed at by the end of this year. "The relocation of the Oceans Ministry and related government institutions, well, it's been the talk of the town, but it is being implemented in as speedy a manner as possible." It's also tied to expanding Arctic shipping routes; the project aimed at leveraging maritime passages through the Arctic Ocean to shorten trade routes between Asia and Europe. For that, a road map was shared. "First, we will relocate the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries to Busan. Secondly, we will create a court specialized in maritime affairs. Thirdly, we will integrate competitive shipping conglomerates like HMM. And lastly, we will launch the Southeast Investment Bank." Present along with government officials were some 300 local citizens to pitch their own ideas. "There are four national universities in Busan, including Pusan National University. Through integration and cooperation, we should establish a world-class specialized university system." Friday's town hall meeting in the conservative stronghold of Busan was the third of its kind since Lee took office last month, following the ones in Daejeon and the liberal-leaning Gwangju. It was delayed by a week due to last week's rain damage in the country. It's widely seen as a move to bolster direct communication with the people. Yoon Jung-min, Arirang News.

Trump visits Fed ahead of FOMC meeting, amping up pressure to lower rates

2025/07/25 22:34

U.S. President Donald Trump amps up the pressure on Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell to make benchmark interest rate cuts ahead of the Fed's meeting next week this time in person by making a rare visit to the Federal Reserve. Our Moon Ji-young reports. U.S. President Donald Trump engaged in another subtle, tension-filled bout with Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, this time at a construction site. In a rare visit on Thursday to the Federal Reserve, less than a week before the FOMC meeting, Trump inspected what he calls the "costly" renovation of the central bank's buildings. "So we're taking a look, and it looks like it's about 3.1 billion. Went up a little bit or a lot. So the 2.7 is now 3.1." In response to Trump's cost allegations, the Fed leader noted that it appeared the president had included the cost of overhauling another central bank office in the current repair cost for two buildings. "No, it's been it was built five years ago. We finished Martin five years ago." This tense exchange unfolds amid the Trump administration's consistent criticisms of Chairman Powell's stewardship of the independent agency and its decision not to cut interest rates this year, a move strongly demanded by Trump. Trump reiterated his stance that the Fed's position on interest rates was hindering economic progress. He stated that: "Well, I'd love him to lower interest rates, but other than that, what can I tell you? The country's doing really well." After the visit, Trump said it was not necessary to fire Powell although he has previously raised the possibility of getting rid of the Fed leader. President Trump has explicitly called for the Federal Reserve to lower key rates by three percentage points. However, the U.S. central bank has held interest rates in the 4-point-2-5 percent to 4-point-5 percent range throughout the year, as it monitors the potential economic impact of tariffs. Presidential visits to the Federal Reserve are uncommon, with former President George W. Bush's visit in 2006 marking the last such occasion before this event. Moon Ji-young, Arirang News.

K-democracy on the global stage: resilience, legacy, and the road ahead

2025/07/25 21:35

Welcome to Within The Frame, where we bring the most pressing issues across the globe into focus. I'm Kim Mok-yeon. For the first time in 28 years, the World Congress of Political Science was held in Korea — a country navigating a complex political moment, just months after the December 3rd martial law incident and the election of a new administration. At a time when democratic backsliding is being reported across the globe, Korea is drawing attention for its civic resilience and evolving democratic model. President Lee Jae Myung, in his opening address, introduced the concept of "K-democracy," asserting that democracy must prove it can put food on the table — that "freedom is the economy." But even as Korea is celebrated, questions persist: how much of its authoritarian past still shapes its politics? And how does its democracy stack up against global standards? To help us unpack these questions, we're joined by Ji Yeon Hong — associate professor of Political Science and Korea Foundation professor of Korean Studies at the University of Michigan — who also attended the Congress in person. Welcome. 1. To start off, the World Congress of Political Science (IPSA) was held in Korea for the first time in 28 years just last week. You were there in person — what do you think was the most significant message this congress delivered to the global political science community, especially considering Korea's recent governmental transition after the December 3 martial law incident? 2. With global democratic decline increasingly evident, how is Korea's civil society — particularly its political resilience and democratic capacity — being evaluated on the world stage? 3. President Lee Jae Myung, during the opening ceremony of the Congress, highlighted the achievements of what he called K-democracy. He also stressed the importance of proving that "democracy can feed the people." How should we interpret that statement? 4. Building on that, in your view, what are the key strengths of K-democracy? 5. Looking at its historical roots, Korea's political system began under a legacy of authoritarian military rule. Given your research on authoritarianism and political economies, do you see remnants of that legacy still influencing Korean politics today? If so, in what ways does it manifest? 6. You've mentioned before that overcoming Korea's authoritarian legacy is still very much an ongoing process. What, in your opinion, are the most effective paths forward to overcome it? 7. Based on your longstanding research on elite structures under authoritarian regimes, what improvements are needed in the elite-centered political structure of Korean parties today? 8. Considering the current climate, Korea's political polarization appears to be deepening along lines of class and region, among others. What kind of impact do you think this polarization could have on the quality of Korean democracy — and what institutional or cultural approaches might help alleviate it? 9. Finally, what direction should K-democracy take going forward? And what do you believe is the single most crucial condition for it to be recognized as a legitimate model in the global democratic landscape?

France to formally recognise Palestinian state, Macron says

2025/07/25 18:42

French President Emmanuel Macron has announced that France will recognize Palestine as a state. The French President stated in a social media post on Thursday that France will formalize its recognition of the State of Palestine at the UN General Assembly in September, in support of "sustainable peace in the Middle East." Macron emphasized that ending the Gaza war, securing the release of hostages, demilitarizing Hamas, and delivering massive humanitarian aid are urgent priorities that his decision supports. The move makes France, home to the largest Jewish and Muslim populations in Western Europe, the first G7 country to recognize Palestinian statehood. While the Palestinian Authority welcomed the announcement, calling it proof of France's support for international law and Palestinian self-determination, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denounced it as "rewarding terror." The State of Palestine is currently recognized by more than 140 of the 193 UN member countries. In Russia, a plane crash in the far east of the country killed all 48 people on board. The An-24 passenger plane, operated by Angara Airlines, was en route from Khabarovsk to Tynda with a stopover in Blagoveshchensk, near the Chinese border. The plane disappeared from radar near Tynda shortly after 1:00 PM local time, before rescue crews discovered its burning fuselage on a hillside. On board were six crew members and 42 passengers, including five children. Regional officials have confirmed that none had survived. The aircraft was built in 1976 and had been in service for nearly five decades. Despite a history of mechanical incidents, it had recently passed a safety inspection. A criminal investigation has been launched into suspected air traffic violations. President Vladimir Putin offered condolences, and the Amur region in Russia's Far East declared three days of mourning. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi formally signed a free trade agreement in London on Thursday, promising tariff cuts and increased market access for both economies. The agreement aims to increase bilateral trade by approximately 34 billion U.S. dollars, marking Britain's most significant bilateral trade deal since Brexit. The pact reduces India's average tariff on UK goods from around 15 percent to 3 percent, including the immediate halving of tariffs on Scotch whisky from 150 percent to 75 percent and duties on British automobiles from over 100 percent to roughly 10 percent. American pro-wrestling legend Hulk Hogan died on Thursday in Florida after suffering a "cardiac arrest." Hogan, whose real name was Terry Bollea, was the biggest professional wrestler of the 1980s and 90s, transforming the World Wrestling Federation, which later became the WWE into a global entertainment powerhouse. With his iconic "Hulkamania" persona, Hogan won the world champion title 12 times and popularized wrestling through crossovers into film, reality TV, and pop culture. Figures across wrestling, entertainment, and politics, including President Trump, paid tribute, while the WWE described him as "one of pop culture's most recognizable figures." Choi Chi-hee, Arirang News.

S. Korea issues travel warning for areas near Thai-Cambodian border amid fear of war

2025/07/25 18:41

South Korea is warning against travel to areas near the Thai-Cambodian border where deadly clashes continue for a second day. The Foreign Ministry has placed districts in Cambodia and Thailand under special travel advisories as of noon on this Friday. This comes as Thailand warns the clashes could "move towards war." Thailand reported 15 fatalities and at least 46 wounded while Cambodia confirmed one civilian killed and five injured. The clashes reignite a decades-old dispute over an 8-hundred-kilometer border marked by colonial-era maps. Both sides blame each other for the military confrontation marking their bloodiest in more than a decade.

U.S. lawmakers reintroduce bill to provide work visas for highly skilled Korean nationals

2025/07/25 18:39

Two American lawmakers have reintroduced a bill to provide work visas for highly skilled South Koreans. Republican lawmaker Young Kim and Democrat lawmaker Sydney Kamlager on Thursday introduced the "Partner with Korea Act" as part of efforts to encourage greater collaboration between South Korean and American businesses. The bill seeks to create an allotment of 15-thousand E-4 highly skilled work visas for South Koreans with specialized education or expertise. The bill was previously introduced in the 113th 116th 117th and 118th congresses but to no avail.

President Lee vows "no deaths" at workplaces

2025/07/25 18:38

President Lee Jae Myung has pledged to make workplaces safe to ensure quote "no one dies". The pledge was made earlier on this Friday during his visit to an SPC Samlip bread factory in Gyeonggi-do Province where an accident in May killed a female employee sparking much public outrage. Noting that he himself was once a factory worker the human rights lawyer-turned-president called for "practical" measures to reduce the death rate at workplaces here in Korea which is said to be notoriously high among OECD members. He also asserted that no cost consideration can justify the neglect of workplace safety and human life.

Trump visits Fed ahead of FOMC meeting, amping up pressure to lower rates

2025/07/25 18:38

And a muted confrontation between the U.S. leader and the head of the U.S. central bank took place on Thursday just ahead of the Federal Reserve's policy meeting next week. Moon Ji-young covers the interaction and more. U.S. President Donald Trump engaged in another subtle, tension-filled bout with Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, this time at a construction site. In a rare visit on Thursday to the Federal Reserve, less than a week before the FOMC meeting, Trump inspected what he calls the "costly" renovation of the central bank's buildings. "So we're taking a look, and it looks like it's about 3.1 billion. Went up a little bit or a lot. So the 2.7 is now 3.1." In response to Trump's cost allegations, the Fed leader noted that it appeared the president had included the cost of overhauling another central bank office in the current repair cost for two buildings. "No, it's been it was built five years ago. We finished Martin five years ago." This tense exchange unfolds amid the Trump administration's consistent criticisms of Chairman Powell's stewardship of the independent agency and its decision not to cut interest rates this year, a move strongly demanded by Trump. Trump reiterated his stance that the Fed's position on interest rates was hindering economic progress. He stated that: "Well, I'd love him to lower interest rates, but other than that, what can I tell you? The country's doing really well." After the visit, Trump said it was not necessary to fire Powell although he has previously raised the possibility of getting rid of the Fed leader. President Trump has explicitly called for the Federal Reserve to lower key rates by three percentage points. However, the U.S. central bank has held interest rates in the 4-point-2-5 percent to 4-point-5 percent range throughout the year, as it monitors the potential economic impact of tariffs. Presidential visits to the Federal Reserve are uncommon, with former President George W. Bush's visit in 2006 marking the last such occasion before this event. Moon Ji-young, Arirang News.

Medical standoff loosens with gov't plans including med. school students return unveiled

2025/07/25 18:35

Back here in Korea. A new study schedule has been proposed for medical students whose prolonged protest against the former administration's healthcare reform has disrupted their original academic time table. Park Kun-woo has details. A year-and-a-half-long standoff between the South Korean government and the medical community is now showing signs of a breakthrough. On Friday, the Education Ministry unveiled a plan allowing roughly 8,000 medical students, who faced failing their courses after boycotting classes, to return in the second semester. The students had protested the previous administration's push to expand medical school admissions. The new plan follows a proposal put forward by the Council of Medical School Presidents, which has been under discussion. Key elements of the government's plan include shifting from a year-based academic system to a semester-based one, allowing students to make up missed credits during breaks and continue their studies. Graduation timelines for third-year students will now vary by school, with options in either February or August of 2027. As the duration of clinical training varies by university, those graduating in February will be able to graduate one semester earlier. Additional national medical licensing exams will also be scheduled to accommodate returning students that graduate this August. The government on Friday also held the first disaster response meeting on the collective resignations by doctors since President Lee Jae Myung took office. Second Vice Health Minister Lee Hyung-hoon expressed deep regret over the prolonged disruption to healthcare services. He reaffirmed the government's commitment to a "people-centered" medical reform, built on dialogue and trust with the medical community. The minister added that both the new administration and the medical sector are beginning to take steps toward rebuilding trust, emphasizing efforts to listen to feedback directly from the field. With these developments, a once tightly knotted standoff now appears to be slowly unravelling. Park Kun-woo, Arirang News.

Britain and India sign free trade pact during Modi visit

2025/07/25 13:38

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi formally signed a free trade agreement in London on Thursday, promising tariff cuts and increased market access for both economies. The agreement aims to increase bilateral trade by approximately 34 billion U.S. dollars, marking Britain's most significant bilateral trade deal since Brexit. The pact reduces India's average tariff on UK goods from around 15 percent to 3 percent, including the immediate halving of tariffs on Scotch whisky from 150 percent to 75 percent and duties on British automobiles from over 100 percent to roughly 10 percent.

Thailand closes border with Cambodia after military clashes kill at least 12 people

2025/07/25 13:37

In Southeast Asia. Thailand's health minister has said that at least 12 people have been killed and 14 wounded in the country's conflict with Cambodia. Cha Yun-kyung reports. At least 12 Thais, mainly civilians, have been killed as Thai and Cambodian troops exchanged fire on Thursday morning in a disputed border area. The Royal Thai Army said that the deaths occurred in at least three different provinces along the Thai-Cambodia border. Thailand has accused Cambodia of firing heavy weapons, such as BM-21 rocket launchers and artillery, into a Thai village and a hospital. Thailand also says it has carried out air strikes on Cambodian military targets. Both sides have accused the other of firing the first shots. Anti-personnel landmines within Thai territory also caused injuries to Thai soldiers who were patrolling on Wednesday. This follows injuries from a landmine last week. As a result, Thailand has closed its entire border with Cambodia after telling all its nationals there to leave, while Cambodia has downgraded its ties with Thailand to the lowest level. "Now we have escalated the measures to level four, which involves the complete closure of all border checkpoints along the Thai-Cambodian border." Thursday's fighting has ramped up a long-standing border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia. Recent border tensions in May led to the death of one Cambodian soldier. Cha Yun-kyung, Arirang News.

U.S. lawmakers reintroduce bill to provide work visas for highly skilled Korean nationals

2025/07/25 13:36

Two American lawmakers have reintroduced a bill to provide work visas for highly skilled South Korean nationals. Republican lawmaker Young Kim,.. and Democrat lawmaker Sydney Kamlager on Thursday introduced the "Partner with Korea Act" as part of an effort to encourage more collaboration between South Korean and U.S. businesses. The bill seeks to create an allotment of 15-thousand E-4 highly skilled work visas for South Korean nationals with specialized education or expertise. Kim, who is the chairwoman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on East Asia and the Pacific, stressed that South Korea's highly skilled workforce can help support the U.S.'s economic and national security amid rising threats in the Indo-Pacific. The bill was previously introduced in the 113th, 116th, 117th, and 118th Congresses but did not pass in any of those sessions.

France to formally recognise Palestinian state, Macron says

2025/07/25 13:34

Let's begin with France's move to recognize Palestine as a state. Sure. French President Emmanuel Macron has announced that France will recognize Palestine as a state. President Macron stated in a social media post on Thursday that France will formalize its recognition of the State of Palestine at the UN General Assembly in September, in support of "sustainable peace in the Middle East." Macron emphasized that ending the Gaza war, securing the release of hostages, demilitarizing Hamas, and delivering massive humanitarian aid are urgent priorities that his decision supports. The move makes France, home to the largest Jewish and Muslim populations in Western Europe, the first G7 country to recognize Palestinian statehood. While the Palestinian Authority welcomed the announcement, calling it proof of France's support for international law and Palestinian self-determination, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denounced it as "rewarding terror." The State of Palestine is currently recognized by more than 140 of the 193 UN member countries.

Beyond missiles: How Pyongyang is expanding its power through deals and deterrence

2025/07/24 22:35

Welcome to Within The Frame, where we bring the most pressing issues across the globe into focus. I'm Kim Mok-yeon. As North Korea accelerates both military and diplomatic maneuvers, signs of strategic recalibration are surfacing across the region. Pyongyang has announced the construction of a third 5,000-ton destroyer, expanded uranium enrichment capacity, and deepened military-industrial cooperation with Russia — all while floating nuclear threats aimed at the U.S.-ROK-Japan alliance. At the same time, Seoul appears to be rethinking its approach, suspending decades-long radio broadcasts to the North and even reviewing the possibility of individual tourism. On Within The Frame tonight, we take a closer look at how these moves reshape not just the Peninsula but the broader security architecture in Northeast Asia. For this, we invite Youngshik Bong, Research Fellow at the Yonsei University Institute for North Korean Studies. Welcome. Also joining us is Brian Myers, Professor of International Studies at Dongseo University. Good to see you. Let's begin with North Korea's naval announcement. On July 21st, Pyongyang declared plans to complete its third 5,000-ton "Choe Hyon-class" destroyer by October 10th, 2026, coinciding with Party Foundation Day. How do you interpret the significance of the timing, and what does it signal about North Korea's broader maritime strategy? Building on that, we know the second ship in this class ran aground during its launch in May — a high-profile embarrassment — but Kim Jong-un doubled down, promising two destroyers per year from 2025. What does this insistence on naval expansion reveal about North Korea's military ambitions or internal messaging? Meanwhile, this isn't the only military investment Pyongyang's doubling down on. A recent KIDA report estimates North Korea could theoretically produce over 125 nuclear warheads annually by next year. What are the implications for regional stability if the North continues to industrialize at this pace? Adding to that, the same report notes the expansion of uranium enrichment facilities in Yongbyon and Kangson, potentially doubling production lines. How does this impact diplomatic leverage for future arms control negotiations, and should Washington and Seoul now shift from denuclearization to containment? Parallel to its military developments, North Korea appears to be diversifying its strategic lifelines — especially through deeper ties with Russia. We're now seeing North Korean apples in Russian supermarkets, local brands filing trademarks, and a 100 million dollar bridge going up over the Tumen River. How should we interpret this economic engagement? In contrast, South Korea seems to be exploring its own form of engagement — with reports that the government is reviewing individual tourism to the North, a policy not seen since the early Moon administration. How would you read into this efforts? Following South Korea's full suspension of state-run radio broadcasts to the North — a policy in place since 1973 — North Korea has now responded by halting its own jamming signals across most frequencies as of July 22nd. Given this unexpected move, should we interpret this pause in the decades-long broadcast battle as a de-escalation gesture or as a tactical silence before new messaging begins? Meanwhile, we are seeing North Korea intensify its rhetoric against the U.S.-ROK-Japan alliance, calling it a "nuclear triangle" accelerating war. Is this simply ideological noise, or do you see this as groundwork for potential provocations during upcoming trilateral drills in September? Finally, South Korea just awarded 30-day leave and commendations to soldiers who helped guide a North Korean defector across the DMZ earlier this month. Given this is the first such incident under the current administration, what message does it send domestically, and how might Pyongyang interpret it externally?

Thailand closes border with Cambodia after military clashes kill at least 12 people

2025/07/24 21:37

In Southeast Asia. Thailand's health minister has said that at least 12 people have been killed and 14 wounded in the country's conflict with Cambodia. Cha Yun-kyung reports. At least 12 Thais, mainly civilians, have been killed as Thai and Cambodian troops exchanged fire on Thursday morning in a disputed border area. The Royal Thai Army said that the deaths occurred in at least three different provinces along the Thai-Cambodia border. Thailand has accused Cambodia of firing heavy weapons, such as BM-21 rocket launchers and artillery, into a Thai village and a hospital. Thailand also says it has carried out air strikes on Cambodian military targets. Both sides have accused the other of firing the first shots. Anti-personnel landmines within Thai territory also caused injuries to Thai soldiers who were patrolling on Wednesday. This follows injuries from a landmine last week. As a result, Thailand has closed its entire border with Cambodia after telling all its nationals there to leave, while Cambodia has downgraded its ties with Thailand to the lowest level. " Now we have escalated the measures to level four, which involves the complete closure of all border checkpoints along the Thai-Cambodian border." Thursday's fighting has ramped up a long-standing border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia. Recent border tensions in May led to the death of one Cambodian soldier. Cha Yun-kyung, Arirang News.

Russia, Ukraine agree to exchange 1,200 POWs each in Istanbul talks

2025/07/24 19:45

This is the World Now, bringing you the latest stories from around the globe. The third round of ceasefire talks between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul ended swiftly on Wednesday, with no ceasefire reached, but progress was made on additional prisoner exchanges. The two delegations met for approximately 40 minutes at Istanbul's Ciragan Palace and discussed further prisoner swaps, but remained far apart on the terms of a ceasefire and a possible meeting of their leaders. Both sides agreed to advance a prisoner-of-war exchange, committing to release at least 1,200 more POWs each, including severely wounded soldiers and civilians. Russia's chief delegate, Vladimir Medinsky, said the bodies of 3,000 Ukrainian soldiers will also be returned. Discussions reportedly included cases of abducted children. Ukraine's delegation, led by Rustem Umerov, proposed a direct summit between Presidents Zelenskyy and Putin by the end of August; however, Russia suggested forming online working groups on military, political, and humanitarian issues instead. The UN's top legal body, the International Court of Justice, has ruled that countries that fail to meet their climate commitments may be violating international law and could face paying reparations to countries suffering the consequences. In a unanimous advisory opinion delivered on Wednesday, the ICJ declared that wealthy and high-emitting nations are legally obliged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, curb fossil fuel production and subsidies, and establish ambitious climate plans linked to the Paris Agreement. Judge Yuji Iwasawa emphasized that a "clean, healthy, and sustainable environment" is a recognized human right and that failure to take adequate climate action may amount to internationally wrongful conduct, leading to reparations for states harmed by climate impacts. The advisory is non-binding, but small island nations and low-lying states, as well as environmental groups, celebrated the landmark ruling. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also welcomed the decision, describing it as a "victory for our planet." The UN World Food Programme announced on Wednesday that food and nutrition supplies in north-eastern Nigeria have been completely depleted, putting 1.3 million people at risk by the end of July. The depletion is primarily due to significant funding shortfalls, largely resulting from major donor cuts, particularly from the U.S. Agency for International Development, which previously contributed approximately 45% of the region's budget. Over 150 nutrition clinics in Borno and Yobe states are also being closed, halting treatment for more than 300,000 malnourished children. The aid agency needs 131 million U.S. dollars to restart operations in the region this year. Chongqing Zoo in China's southwest celebrated the third birthday of a pair of twin giant pandas this week. The twins, named Yu Ke, the brother, and Yu Ai, the sister, were born on July 22, 2022. A special birthday party was designed to help them stay cool in the region's summer heat, with frozen fruit cake sculptures, bamboo ice treats, and chilled play areas. While Yu Ai was resting in a non-exhibition zone due to a mild eye condition, Chongqing Zoo officials stated that both pandas are thriving, healthy, and remain popular attractions. Choi Chi-hee, Arirang News.