News
What latest ruling on DP's Lee Jae-myung means for nation's political scene
2025/03/26 20:00
For a closer look on what today's ruling could mean for the nation, we're joined by our political correspondent Kim Do-yeon. Do-yeon, why does the opposition leader's legal case matter? First, the obvious reason is that Democratic Party of Korea Chair Lee Jae-myung is the most favored candidate to be the next president. And, as we all know there could be an early presidential election that will kick off within a matter of weeks if the Constitutional Court upholds President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment. Take a look at the most recent survey. According to a survey conducted by Gallup on 1,003 adults aged over 18 from last Tuesday to Thursday, DP leader Lee Jae-myung was the most favored candidate for the next presidency at 36 percent, followed by Labor Minister Kim Moon-soo at 9 percent ,and former PPP leader Han Dong-hoon at 4 percent. This of course was surveyed before the ruling today. That means there are some swing voters who could have had doubts over Lee Jae-myung due to the legal battles, and since he's been found not guilty he could be attracting more voters. Right, but is the case over and done with? Of course, the case can be taken to the Supreme Court, which would be the final and definite ruling. Now, since it's the prosecutors that lost the case at the appeals court, they are the ones that will have to appeal the case. The ruling People Power Party lawmakers are already calling for prosecutors to do so. As we saw from Hayoung's report just now, if there is an appeal and if the Supreme Court overturns the latest decision to acquit Lee Jae-myung, Lee will lose his legislative seat and be barred from running for a public office for the next five years. Here is the thing the Supreme Court has three months to make a ruling if prosecutors do appeal. That means even if the Constitutional Court's decides to uphold President Yoon's impeachment within the next couple weeks which kicks off a presidential election election day would be in just 60 days. This means theoretically speaking, DP Chair Lee Jae-myung could be the president before the Supreme Court rules on his case anyway which would pause the legal process. Article 84 of South Korea’s Constitution states that the president shall not be charged with a criminal offense during his tenure of office, barring insurrection or treason. And it's all up to the Supreme Court's decision. Take a listen to an expert. "Even if the prosecutors speed up the appeal process and Lee Jae-myung doesn't purposely delay the legal process, the final issue at hand would be the will of the Supreme Court" Does this affect President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment trial at the Constitutional Court? To put it simply of course it shouldn't. But the two cases have always been tied together in context as it has to do with the country's two most influential politicians. The President, and the chairman of the main opposition who has the majority on the floor. And by the looks of it the verdict from the Constitutional Court won't be coming this week as there were no announcement today and it usually comes two days before. Now, it's highly likely it will come before April 18 though, when two justices retire. And in the meantime, messages from lawmakers could be a bit different from both parties now. For example, the ruling People Power Party lawmakers have been accusing Lee of delaying the trial process for his alleged crime so the presidential election happens before the final ruling. However, Lee has been acquitted and while prosecutors may appeal, such a message may not carry the same weight as it did before this latest ruling. Thank you for the report. Thank you.
Both major political parties pledge full support for wildfire suppression, recovery
2025/03/26 20:00
Major political parties are joining efforts to combat the devastating wildfires. The ruling People Power Party formed a special committee on Wednesday to aid fire suppression and discuss recovery strategies. It also called for bipartisan cooperation to ensure public safety. The main opposition Democratic Party also pledged full support, urging authorities to do their best as the fires spread across regions.
N. Korea may be ready for 'short notice' nuclear test, seeks tacit recognition as nuclear power: U.S.
2025/03/26 20:00
In other news. U.S. intelligence authorities raise fresh alarms over additional nuclear test by North Korea, and says the regime may use an ICBM test as leverage in future talks with Washington. Lee Seung-jae has the details. North Korea may be ready to conduct a nuclear test "on short notice." That's according to the Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, who made the remark while addressing Congress on the 2025 Annual Threat Assessment of the U.S. Intelligence Community. While assessing security challenges from China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, and others, she stressed that Pyongyang is likely prepared to conduct its 7th nuclear test. She added that the regime continues to flight test ICBMs to "demonstrate their increasing capabilities as leverage in future negotiations." Her comments are in line with Seoul's assessment that the North has already completed preparations for another nuclear test. Pyongyang last conducted a nuclear test in 2017. The director also noted that the regime is looking to achieve "at least tacit recognition" as a nuclear power, as North Korean leader Kim Jong-un pursues, "stronger strategic and conventional capabilities that can target U.S. forces and allies in the region, as well as the U.S. homeland." She added that through such weapons, North Korea is looking to bolster its leverage and stature. Gabbard said those goals are being supported by a strategic partnership with Russia, which gives the regime greater financial, military, and diplomatic assistance. She also said the deployment of North Korean troops to the Kursk region is providing the regime with "authentic warfighting experience." Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.
Appeals court acquits DP leader Lee Jae-myung over election law violation charges
2025/03/26 20:00
We now turn to a major ruling today that could mean much to the politics on the local front. An appellate court acquitted the opposition leader Lee Jae-myung of election violation charges, overturning the lower court's decision. Our correspondent Shin Ha-young explains. The main opposition Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung has been acquitted by an appeals court with regard to election violation charges. The Seoul High Court on Wednesday overturned a ruling by a lower court, which had handed Lee a suspended prison term. Lee was indicted on charges of making false statements in December 2021, during a media interview where he denied knowing the late Kim Moon-ki, an executive involved in a development scandal in Seongnam City where Lee previously served as mayor. He is also accused of having made false claims that there was pressure from South Korea's land ministry to rezone a research institute site in the Baekhyeon-dong area. The appellate court ruled that neither of the statements made by Lee can be seen as spreading false information, overturning the Seoul Central District Court's ruling in November. The lower court found Lee guilty of making false statements, though it said that parts of statements regarding Kim could not be considered a violation of the election law. It handed Lee a one-year prison sentence, suspended for two years. Prosecutors demanded the Seoul High Court give a two-year prison term for Lee during the appellate trial, the same sentence as they demanded in the first trial. Right after the ruling, Lee thanked the court for delivering what he called "a proper ruling." "I appreciate the court for delivering a proper ruling based on truth and justice. But it's frustrating that so much effort and national resources were spent on something so obvious." The DP also welcomed the ruling, saying that the investigation and indictment were baseless from the start. Meanwhile, the ruling People Power Party expressed regret over court's ruling and said that it will wait for the Supreme Court's decision. "We deeply regret this ruling. Many politicians have lost their political careers due to false statement charges, so I can't understand how Lee was acquitted on the same issue, even from a legal professional's perspective." The prosecution announced that it will appeal the Seoul High Court's ruling at the Supreme Court. Now if the Supreme Court decides to overturn Wednesday's ruling, sentencing Lee to a fine of one million Korean won which is about 680 U.S. dollars, or more, he would lose his legislative seat and be barred from running in elections for five years. If sentenced to a prison term, the ban extends to ten years. Shin Ha-young, Arirang News.
Discussion with experts on N. Korea's response to Freedom Shield, ties with Russia
2025/03/26 20:30
Welcome to Within The Frame, where we bring the most up-to-date issues across the globe into focus, I'm Kim Mok-yeon. The first South Korea–U.S. joint military drill under the Trump 2.0 administration, the Freedom Shield, wrapped on March 20th. The 11-day exercise simulated threats from North Korea’s shifting strategy, growing ties with Russia, and modern warfare tactics like nuclear and drone attacks. Pyongyang fired a surface-to-air missile and slammed the drills as a “provocative nuclear war rehearsal.” At the same time, back-to-back high-level visits between North Korea and Russia hint at deepening military cooperation—including arms exports and possible troop deployments. With Washington showing signs of distancing itself from Seoul, concerns are mounting over shifting alliances and what they mean for South Korea’s security. For a deeper discussion on this, we invite Evans Revere, Former U.S. Acting Assistant Secretary of State and Nonresident Senior Fellow in the Foreign Policy Program at Brookings. Welcome. Also joining us is Park Won-gon, Professor of North Korea Studies at Ewha Womans University. Great to see you. 1.(Revere) Let's start with Mr. Revere, so the Freedom Shield exercises concluded a few days ago. North Korea reacted sharply at the start of the drills, launching several short-range ballistic missiles, but it later shifted to verbal criticism and refrained from launching stronger military provocations during the remainder of the exercise. Why did North Korea, which had warned of high-intensity provocations, opt for restraint? 2.(Park) But on March 21st, the day after Freedom Shield ended, North Korea announced it had successfully test-fired its latest surface-to-air missile. There is speculation that this test may have been aimed at verifying the performance of missiles intended for export to Russia. Prof. Park, do you think this could be considered as evidence of military-technical cooperation between North Korea and Russia? 3.(Revere) Now, let's delve deeper into North Korea's ties with Russia. On the same day, Secretary of the Russian Security Council Sergei Shoigu visited North Korea for a two-day trip. Mr. Revere, who is Shoigu? And why is his visit significant, considering past precedents? 4.(Park) Shoigu’s visit to North Korea came right after Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko’s visit in mid-March. Given the timing and scheduling, some analysts see this as unusual. Prof. Park, how about you? What do you think is the background behind Shoigu’s visit? 5.(Revere) The two stated that they “confirmed complete agreement” on international affairs surrounding North Korea and Russia. What kind of discussions may have taken place between them, Mr. Revere? 6.(Park) There is speculation that Kim Jong-un and Secretary Shoigu may have discussed reciprocal compensation for the deployment of North Korean troops. Prof. Park, could Russia provide advanced military technologies such as ICBM reentry technology or military reconnaissance satellites in exchange for troop deployments? 7.(Revere) It is reported that Shoigu delivered a personal letter from President Putin to Chairman Kim Jong-un. Some also say that Kim may have been invited to 러시아 for Victory Day on May 9th. Though Russia has not made specific comments on this, how likely is a visit by Kim Jong-un to Russia, Mr. Revere? 8.(Park) Last week, North Korea sent government delegations on economy and health to Russia, indicating that bilateral cooperation is expanding across multiple areas. Prof. Park, as the peace negotiations in the Ukraine war seem to show progress, do you think the North Korea-Russia partnership will continue? And in the face of deepening North Korea-Russia ties, how should South Korea respond? 9.(Park) On a separate occasion, Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence, stated at the Senate Intelligence Committee that “North Korea is ready to conduct additional nuclear tests at any time,” and assessed that “Chairman Kim Jong-un has no intention of giving up nuclear weapons through negotiations.” Prof. Park, this perception is similar to that of the Biden administration. What impact might this have on U.S.-North Korea dialogue? 10.(Revere) Meanwhile, Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence, who oversees U.S. intelligence agencies, recently visited four Asian countries — excluding South Korea. U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is also reportedly excluding South Korea from his Indo-Pacific tour next week. Should this be seen as a sign of “Korea Passing” becoming a reality? What measures should be taken?
World News: Russia and Ukraine agree to suspend strikes on energy facilities and ensure safe navigation in Black Sea
2025/03/26 17:00
This is the World Now, bringing you the latest stories from around the globe. Starting with updates on Ukraine and Russia. Although there was no joint statement following the extended talks between the U.S. and Russia in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Monday, the two agreed on a few key points, including reducing hostilities between Russia and Ukraine in the Black Sea and banning strikes on energy facilities. The proposed agreement, announced on Tuesday, focuses on the Black Sea, aiming to ensure safe navigation, eliminate the use of force, and prevent the militarization of commercial vessels in the region. However, the Kremlin has stipulated that its commitment to the ceasefire is contingent upon the lifting of specific Western sanctions affecting its food and fertilizer exports. Russia and the United States have agreed to implement measures to stop attacks on Russian and Ukrainian energy facilities for 30 days. Despite extensive negotiations and expectations no joint statement has been issued. Israel's parliament has approved the 2025 state budget a move that solidifies Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition government. The passage of the budget has led to heated protests. On Tuesday, the Israeli parliament, the Knesset, passed the state budget for 2025 with a vote of 66 to 52. This narrowly met the March 31 deadline, avoiding potential snap elections. However, the budget's passage was met with public dissent. Families of hostages held in Gaza protested outside the parliamentary chamber, displaying photos and signs referencing the hostages captured during a Hamas attack in October 2023. Meanwhile, the Israeli finance minister referred to the budget as a "budget of war," emphasizing its focus on national security amid resumed military actions against Hamas in Gaza. Brazil's Supreme Court concluded the first day of proceedings on Tuesday, to determine whether former President Jair Bolsonaro, and several associates will stand trial on charges including attempting to stage a coup. The session ended without a decision, and deliberations are set to continue. Bolsonaro has been accused of orchestrating a plan to remain in power after his defeat in the 2022 election. Allegations against the former leader include plotting to poison his successor President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and assassinate a Supreme Court Justice. Bolsonaro denies the charges, claiming political persecution. Finally, in the UK five neglected lions rescued from war-torn Ukraine have found a new home at the Big Cat Sanctuary in Smarden, Kent. The group includes a male African lion named Rori and lionesses Amani, Lira, Vanda, and Yuna. Their rescue journey was facilitated by the Wild Animals Rescue Center in Ukraine. After being temporarily cared for in Belgium, the lions arrived at The Lion Rescue Center, a sanctuary established through a fundraising campaign and officially opened on Tuesday. Choi Chi-hee, Arirang News.
UN adopts human rights review on N. Korea; S. Korea warns of "extreme militarization"
2025/03/26 17:00
The UN Human Rights Council has adopted the final results of the fourth Universal Periodic Review on North Korea. At a meeting on Tuesday in Geneva South Korea shared regret over North Korea's rejection of nearly half of the 2-hundred-94 recommendations for action against human rights violations. South Korea also called for the release of three detained missionaries as well as abductees and prisoners of war. It also shed grave light on the impact of North Korea's "extreme militarization" on human rights.
Navy holds memorial service for 2010 Cheonan sinking, marking 15th anniversary
2025/03/26 17:00
The Navy held a memorial service earlier on this Wednesday in honor of the sailors killed during the sinking of the Cheonan warship on March 26th 2010. The warship went down near the western Northern Limit Line after being hit by a North Korean torpedo. 46 South Korean sailors lost their lives. Some two hundred people including bereaved family members were present at this year's memorial service in Pyeongtaek that marks the 15th anniversary of the tragic event.
N. Korea may be ready for 'short notice' nuclear test, seeks tacit recognition as nuclear power: U.S.
2025/03/26 17:00
Meanwhile U.S. intelligence authorities believe North Korea is most likely prepared to carry out a nuclear test on quote "short notice". Lee Seung-jae has details. North Korea may be ready to conduct a nuclear test "on short notice." That's according to the Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, who made the remark while addressing Congress on the 2025 Annual Threat Assessment of the U.S. Intelligence Community. While assessing security challenges from China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, and others, she stressed that Pyongyang is likely prepared to conduct its 7th nuclear test. She added that the regime continues to flight test ICBMs to "demonstrate their increasing capabilities as leverage in future negotiations." Her comments are in line with Seoul's assessment that the North has already completed preparations for another nuclear test. Pyongyang last conducted a nuclear test in 2017. The director also noted that the regime is looking to achieve "at least tacit recognition" as a nuclear power, as North Korean leader Kim Jong-un pursues, "stronger strategic and conventional capabilities that can target U.S. forces and allies in the region, as well as the U.S. homeland." She added that through such weapons, North Korea is looking to bolster its leverage and stature. Gabbard said those goals are being supported by a strategic partnership with Russia, which gives the regime greater financial, military, and diplomatic assistance. She also said the deployment of North Korean troops to the Kursk region is providing the regime with "authentic warfighting experience." Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.
Appeals court acquits DP leader Lee Jae-myung over election law violation charges
2025/03/26 17:00
Meanwhile on the political front. Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung has won an appeal over an earlier conviction of election law violation by a lower court late last year. For details our political correspondent Shin Ha-young joins me live. Ha-young welcome. Let's start with details of the verdict by the Seoul High Court. Sure, Sunny, the main opposition Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung has been acquitted by an appeals court with regard to election violation charges. The Seoul High Court today overturned a ruling by a lower court, which handed Lee a suspended prison term. Lee was indicted on charges of making false statements in December 2021, during a media interview where he denied knowing the late Kim Moon-ki, an executive involved in a development scandal in Seongnam City where Lee previously served as mayor. He is also accused of having made false claims that there was pressure from South Korea's land ministry to rezone a research institute site in the Baekhyeon-dong area. The appellate court ruled on Wednesday that neither of the statements made by Lee can be seen as spreading false information, overturning the Seoul Central District Court's ruling in November. The lower court found Lee guilty of making false statements, though it said that parts of statements regarding Kim could not be considered a violation of the election law. It handed Lee a one-year prison sentence, suspended for two years. Prosecutors demanded the Seoul High Court give a two-year prison term for Lee during the appellate trial, the same sentence as they demanded in the first trial. And what has been Lee Jae-myung 's response to this ruling? Well, right after the ruling, the opposition leader Lee Jae-myung thanked the court for delivering what he called "a proper ruling." Take a listen. "I appreciate the court for delivering a proper ruling based on truth and justice. But it's frustrating that so much effort and national resources were spent on something so obvious." Meanwhile, the ruling People Power Party expressed regret over court's ruling and said that it will wait for the Supreme Court's decision. There is much speculation that prosecutors will appeal today's verdict at the Supreme Court. Now if that happens and the Supreme Court overturns today's ruling, sentencing Lee to a fine of one million Korean won which is about 680 U.S. dollars, or more, he would lose his legislative seat and be barred from running in elections for five years. If sentenced to a prison term, the ban extends to ten years. That's all I have for this hour. Back to you, Sunny. All right Ha-young thank you for that coverage. That was our political correspondent Shin Ha-young with the latest on the opposition leader's legal battle.
Brazil's Bolsonaro attends court hearing on acceptance of coup charges
2025/03/26 10:00
Brazil's Supreme Court concluded the first day of proceedings on Tuesday, to determine whether former President Jair Bolsonaro, and several associates will stand trial on charges including attempting to stage a coup. The session ended without a decision, and deliberations are set to continue. Bolsonaro has been accused of orchestrating a plan to remain in power after his defeat in the 2022 election. Allegations against the former leader include plotting to poison his successor President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and assassinate a Supreme Court Justice. Bolsonaro denies the charges, claiming political persecution.
Israelis protest outside parliament as state budget approved
2025/03/26 10:00
Israel's parliament has approved the 2025 state budget a move that solidifies Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition government. The passage of the budget has led to heated protests. On Tuesday, the Israeli parliament, the Knesset, passed the state budget for 2025 with a vote of 66 to 52. This narrowly met the March 31 deadline, avoiding potential snap elections. However, the budget's passage was met with public dissent. Families of hostages held in Gaza protested outside the parliamentary chamber, displaying photos and signs referencing the hostages captured during a Hamas attack in October 2023. Meanwhile, the Israeli finance minister referred to the budget as a "budget of war," emphasizing its focus on national security amid resumed military actions against Hamas in Gaza.
Seoul condemns Japan’s approval of textbooks claiming Dokdo as Japanese territory
2025/03/26 10:00
Seoul has strongly condemned Japan's approval of high school textbooks that continue to make unfounded claims over the South Korean islands of Dokdo. In a statement released on Tuesday, Seoul's foreign ministry called on Japan to correct these inaccuracies and uphold its commitment to show sincere remorse over past wartime atrocities. Japan's Ministry of Education has reportedly approved high school textbooks for use starting in 2026. These textbooks are reported to continue pushing Japan's false narrative over South Korea's Dokdo.
Appeals court to rule on DP leader Lee Jae-myung’s election violation charges
2025/03/26 10:00
Also later at 2 PM this afternoon, Seoul High Court will give its ruling on the appeal of the main opposition Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung regarding his election violation charges. Lee was indicted on charges of making false statements in December 2021, during a media interview where he denied knowing a man involved in a land development scandal in Seongnam. He is also accused of making false claims that South Korea's land ministry pressured him to rezone a research institute site in the Baekhyeon-dong area. The ruling comes about four months after Lee received a one-year prison sentence, suspended for two years, in his first trial. If the appeals court upholds the sentence and the Supreme Court finalizes it, Lee will lose his legislative seat and be barred from running in elections for ten years.
On-point: Will President Yoon's impeachment ruling pushed into April now?
2025/03/26 10:00
Constitutional Court justices continue putting their heads together on Wednesday to make their final call on reinstating or removing President Yoon Suk Yeol over his martial law order. If a ruling date isn't announced today, the decision could be pushed into April. Let's turn to legal expert An Junseong. Good morning. 1. We are now looking at April for the ruling to happen. When in April, then? Which day is highly likely? 2. But still, we shouldn't rule out the possibility that a ruling date may be announced today, right? If yes, when will the big day be? 3. The court's dismissal of Prime Minister Han has made it even harder to tell how the ruling for President Yoon might turn out. Is that so? What do you think? No hint whatsoever? 4. Do you think justices will be unable to draw unilateral votes on Yoon's ruling as was the case with Han's? Why? 5. Is that why the justices are yet to give a ruling date? Because they're having a hard time narrowing their opinions? Why are they taking this long? Thanks so much for connecting with us this morning. We appreciate it.
Acting President and PM Han pledges to leverage all his experience in dealing with U.S. tariffs
2025/03/26 10:00
And as the nation's acting leader, Han is putting the protection of areas of national interest on top of his to-do list to navigate through yet another looming global trade war. To do that, he'll be leading a special economic security task force. Kim Do-yeon reports. In his first Cabinet meeting since returning from suspension Acting President and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo on Tuesday acknowledged the challenges facing the nation — from a global trade war sparked by U.S. tariffs to growing pressures on small business owners and the cost of living. He emphasized the need for all-out effort from everyone as well as cooperation with the National Assembly amid the fierce stand-off between the main rival parties. "Fellow Cabinet members, our calling at this moment is to protect the safety of our people, safeguard our national interests amid the ongoing trade war, and swiftly devise solutions to urgent national issues through cooperation with the National Assembly." He also pledged to leverage his experience of which he has more than 50 years in public service related to trade and foreign affairs to protect Korea's interests, especially in the face of what he called a "tariff storm," started from the U.S. He called on the members of the Cabinet to do the same and to make sure that the citizens can feel the efforts made by the government. "I ask each Cabinet member to exercise full authority and responsibility in implementing their respective policies in a timely manner. I also urge you to communicate actively with the public, providing clear and transparent explanations throughout the process and on the outcomes." This comes as for nearly the past three months South Korea had both its president and prime minister suspended with the deputy prime minister for finance in control of the government. With the Prime Minister's comeback as the acting president, the South Korean government can be seen as more stabilized and a conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump could take place. In fact, he held a meeting that followed the Cabinet meeting with ministers related to trade as his office says that Han was taking on the U.S.-related matters himself. There, the Acting President announced a restructuring of the existing "External Economic Issues Meeting"—which had been chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister for Finance—into the "Economic Security Strategy Task Force," which he will personally lead. According to the Acting President's office, the move aims to strengthen the government's ability to respond to growing external uncertainties, including the U.S. administration's tariff policies, and to enhance coordination between trade and security issues. Kim Do-yeon, Arirang News.
White House affirms commitment to working with S. Korea's Acting President Han Duck-soo
2025/03/26 10:00
Following the return of South Korea's Acting President and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo to office on Monday, the White House confirmed its commitment to working with him. The Prime Minister's Office here shared a statement on Tuesday that included the first remarks made by the Trump administration on Han's return to office. It said that the U.S. is committed to working with Han and the South Korean government, further expressing confidence in the "democratic resilience" of South Korea and its people.
Russia and Ukraine agree to suspend strikes on energy facilities and ensure safe navigation in Black Sea
2025/03/26 10:00
Starting with updates on Ukraine and Russia. Although there was no joint statement following the extended talks between the U.S. and Russia in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Monday, the two agreed on a few key points, including reducing hostilities between Russia and Ukraine in the Black Sea and banning strikes on energy facilities. The proposed agreement, announced on Tuesday, focuses on the Black Sea, aiming to ensure safe navigation, eliminate the use of force, and prevent the militarization of commercial vessels in the region. However, the Kremlin has stipulated that its commitment to the ceasefire is contingent upon the lifting of specific Western sanctions affecting its food and fertilizer exports. Russia and the United States have agreed to implement measures to stop attacks on Russian and Ukrainian energy facilities for 30 days. Despite extensive negotiations and expectations no joint statement has been issued.
UN adopts human rights review on N. Korea; S. Korea warns of "extreme militarization"
2025/03/26 10:00
The UN Human Rights Council has adopted the final results of the fourth Universal Periodic Review on North Korea on Tuesday local time. At Tuesday's meeting in Geneva, South Korea expressed regret over North Korea's rejection of nearly half of the 294 recommendations and urged action. South Korea also called for the immediate release of three detained missionaries and the resolution of long-standing issues, including abductees and prisoners of war. It also highlighted the impact of North Korea's "extreme militarization" on human rights.
N. Korea may be ready for 'short notice' nuclear test, seeks tacit recognition as nuclear power: U.S.
2025/03/26 10:00
The U.S. has once again recognized North Korea's nuclear and missile ambitions, saying the regime is prepared to carry out a nuclear test with no prior warning. Lee Seung-jae has more. North Korea may be ready to conduct a nuclear test "on short notice." That's according to the Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, who made the remark while addressing Congress on the 2025 Annual Threat Assessment of the U.S. Intelligence Community. While assessing security challenges from China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, and others, she stressed that Pyongyang is likely prepared to conduct its 7th nuclear test. She added that the regime continues to flight test ICBMs to "demonstrate their increasing capabilities as leverage in future negotiations." Her comments are in line with Seoul's assessment that the North has already completed preparations for another nuclear test. Pyongyang last conducted a nuclear test in 2017. The director also noted that the regime is looking to achieve "at least tacit recognition" as a nuclear power, as North Korean leader Kim Jong-un pursues, "stronger strategic and conventional capabilities that can target U.S. forces and allies in the region, as well as the U.S. homeland." She added that through such weapons, North Korea is looking to bolster its leverage and stature. Gabbard said those goals are being supported by a strategic partnership with Russia, which gives the regime greater financial, military, and diplomatic assistance. She also said the deployment of North Korean troops to the Kursk region is providing the regime with "authentic warfighting experience." Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.