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.

U.S. holds back-to-back meeting with Ukraine and Russia

2025/03/25 20:00

Welcome to Within The Frame where we bring the most pressing issues across the globe into focus, I'm Kim Mok-yeon. The U.S. is stepping up as a global mediator, juggling high-stakes diplomacy on two major fronts. Over the weekend, American officials held back-to-back ceasefire talks in Saudi Arabia—first with Ukraine on March 23rd, then a 12-hour meeting with Russia on the 24th. The discussions led to a joint statement with Moscow, on reviving the Black Sea grain deal and halting attacks on critical infrastructure. The Trump administration is looking to target April 20th—Easter Sunday—as a symbolic deadline for a partial ceasefire. Meanwhile, in the Middle East, Israeli forces have pushed deeper into Gaza following the collapse of ceasefire talks with Hamas. Concerns are mounting as Israeli leaders now say full occupation may be necessary to defeat Hamas—marking a significant policy shift. For more on the situation in the Middle East, we invite Robert Lawrence, Assistant Professor at Dongduk Women's University. Welcome. Also joining us is Lim Eun-jung, Professor of International Studies at Kongju National University. Great to have you. (LAWRENCE) 1. Let's start with Prof. Lawrence, so on March 23rd, the U.S. and Ukraine held talks in Riyadh ahead of the scheduled trilateral ceasefire discussions. Then on the 24th, the U.S. met separately with the Russian delegation. How significant are these back-to-back meetings in shaping the partial ceasefire plan? (LIM) 2. Now to Prof. Lim, Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, described the talks with Washington as "productive and dense." Meanwhile, the U.S. delegation has indicated they are aiming to freeze frontline activity and re-initiate grain exports via the Black Sea. How do you assess the latest discussions? (LIM) 3. Now to Washington's talks with Moscow, the two sides held a very lengthy 12-hour meeting in Saudi Arabia the following day. They also agreed on a joint statement. We hear that the resumption of the Black Sea agreement was top on the agenda. What could/did the joint statement entail? Could you explain Moscow's stance for our viewers? (LAWRENCE) 4. Unlike a three-party negotiation, the U.S. is conducting shuttle diplomacy—meeting Ukraine and Russia separately. Prof. Lawrence, what are the strategic reasons behind this structure, and what does it suggest about the level of trust—or lack thereof—between Moscow and Kyiv? (LAWRENCE) 5. As for the outcome, there are reports that the Trump administration has set April 20th—Easter in both Catholic and Russian Orthodox calendars—as a symbolic target for a ceasefire deal. Is this timeline realistic? (LIM) 6. Prof. Lim, given that the previous full ceasefire attempt failed, the current 30-day partial ceasefire focuses only on halting attacks on energy and infrastructure. Do you think this narrow scope still builds momentum toward lasting peace? (LIM) 7. Let's turn briefly to the Middle East. With the Israel-Hamas ceasefire talks collapsing, the Israeli military has now deployed troops into both northern and southern Gaza. Are we now seeing the start of a full-scale ground invasion? (LAWRENCE) 8. Amid this, Israeli leadership, including Prime Minister Netanyahu and his top security aides, reportedly believe that fully occupying parts of Gaza is the only way to defeat Hamas. Prof. Lawrence, how significant is this shift from Israel's previous stance of weakening Hamas through pressure and installing a new governing body? (LIM) 9. Prof. Lim, with both military operations intensifying and ceasefire negotiations collapsing, where is the Gaza conflict heading in the short term? Is there any diplomatic off-ramp left? (LAWRENCE) 10. So the U.S. is now mediating high-stakes negotiations in both Ukraine and Gaza. Prof. Lawrence, how is this shaping Washington's role—and credibility—as a global peace broker? Can it realistically sustain influence on both fronts?

U.S., Russia hold 12-hour talks on Ukraine ceasefire

2025/03/25 20:00

In Saudi Arabia. U.S. and Russian officials held a marathon negotiation over a partial ceasefire in Ukraine. Even during the talks, Russia continued attacking Ukraine. Park Joon-han has the latest. The meeting in Saudi Arabia between U.S. and Russian officials on Monday ended after over 12 hours, with a draft joint statement. An official joint statement is expected to be released on Tuesday, which a White House source said would be a "positive" one. Among other issues, the White House said the initial aim of the Saudi talks was to secure a maritime truce in the Black Sea, as it was President Trump's efforts to end the three-year-old war. Security Adviser Mike Waltz also mentioned discussions for a so-called "line of control" between Ukraine and Russia, which he described as "verification measures, peacekeeping, freezing the lines where they are". The talks, aimed at establishing a partial ceasefire in Ukraine were held behind closed doors in Riyadh and focused on implementing a limited 30-day pause in attacks. While all parties acknowledged the importance of reducing hostilities, disagreements emerged, particularly about which targets should not be attacked. The White House referred more broadly to "energy and infrastructure" while Russia was more narrow in its reference to "energy infrastructure." Ukraine wanted to also see other infrastructure like railways and ports protected. Discussions also touched on halting Black Sea attacks to safeguard commercial shipping routes. Meanwhile, on Monday, even as the meeting for a peace deal was underway in Saudi Arabia, Russian forces launched a missile strike in the Sumy region of northeastern Ukraine, which injured almost 90 people, including 17 children. Ukraine's foreign minister criticized Moscow for making hollow statements of peace despite brutal strikes on Ukrainian cities, adding that Russia must stop bombing civilians. According to Ukraine's national broadcaster Suspilne, Ukrainian and U.S. delegations will meet on Tuesday for talks. Park Jun-han, Arirang News.

Renewed Israeli strikes in Gaza lead UN to reduce its staff

2025/03/25 20:00

Over in the Middle East. Israel looks to be expanding its ground operations across the Gaza Strip. Making matters worse, numbers of international UN staff there will be reduced following the death of a UN staff member at a time when there's a growing need for humanitarian help. Cha Yun-kyung has more. Gaza's health authorities said on Monday that at least 730 people have been killed in the Gaza Strip since the Israeli military resumed airstrikes across the enclave last week, ending a two-month truce. Israeli troops have been attacking the northern Gaza border town of Beit Hanoun and the southern city of Rafah and also have destroyed over 100 pickup trucks belonging to Hamas. The Health Ministry of Gaza said that Palestinian death toll in the enclave has passed 50-thousand from the 17-month war. Wall Street Journal reported that Israel's military seems to expand its ground operations across the Gaza Strip to occupy its security zone in Gaza. Meanwhile, the United Nations announced on Monday that it is reducing its international staff numbers in Gaza due to the risk to its staff. The spokesman said about 30 percent of the international staff in Gaza were being withdrawn. " The strikes hitting a U.N. compound in Deir al-Balah on March 19th were caused by an Israeli tank shell " Israel denied that it was responsible for the strike. Meanwhile, the air-raid alarm was sounded in Tel Aviv on Monday as a missile was launched at Israel by Yemen's Houthis rebels. Cha Yun-kyung, Arirang News.

Second vice FM meets UN Deputy Secretary-General to discuss N. Korea and cooperation

2025/03/25 20:00

Second Vice Foreign Minister Kang In-sun met with UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed in New York on Monday on the margins of a UN Security Council meeting. Their talks covered the importance of multilateral cooperation to address security concerns, including North Korea's military collaboration with Russia. Separately, Kang also sat down with officials from the UN Development Programme to propose more meaningful joint projects as Korea seeks to further expand its global contributions.

Seoul condemns Japan’s approval of textbooks claiming Dokdo as Japanese territory

2025/03/25 20:00

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.

White House affirms commitment to working with S. Korea's Acting President Han Duck-soo

2025/03/25 20:00

The White House has confirmed its commitment to working with South Korea's Acting President and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo. 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.

Acting President and PM Han pledges to leverage all his experience in dealing with U.S. tariffs

2025/03/25 20:00

Acting President Han Duck-soo has reaffirmed the government's priority on protecting national interests amid a global trade war. It's in line with this that he vows to lead a task force and tackle the issue at a higher level. Kim Do-yeon has this report. 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 50년 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.

Acting President and PM Han pledges to leverage all his experience in dealing with U.S. tariffs

2025/03/25 17:00

Here in Korea. Acting President Han Duck-soo has reaffirmed the government's priority on protecting national interests amid mounting concerns over a global trade war. Our correspondent Kim Do-yeon covers his remarks. 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.

World News: Police and protesters clash in Turkiye, more than 1,000 arrested

2025/03/25 17:00

This is the World Now, bringing you the latest stories from around the globe. Amid the widespread protests in Turkiye following the detention of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu more than one thousand people have been arrested. The country's interior minister reported on Monday that 1,133 people across Turkiye had been taken into custody between March 19 and March 23 for illegal activities carried out while protesting the arrest of Imamoglu, a prominent opposition figure, and potential presidential candidate. Tens of thousands took to the streets in cities such as Istanbul and Ankara, participating in the largest demonstrations in the country in more than a decade. Law enforcement responded by employing tear gas, water cannons, and rubber bullets to disperse crowds. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned the demonstrations, calling them a "movement of violence." The United Nations has announced a reduction in its operations within the Gaza Strip following a fatal incident involving personnel from the organization. An Israeli tank strike on March 19 resulted in the death of a UN employee and injuries to five others. In response, the UN spokesperson for Secretary-General Antonio Guterres announced Monday that the UN will temporarily withdraw around one-third of its staff members from the region. The decision follows escalated risks faced by humanitarian workers after Israel restarted military operations in the enclave. Finally, in the UK, London has turned into an open-air gallery with the launch of The Big Egg Hunt 2025 which runs from March 24 to April 27 ahead of Easter. The event features over 100 artist-designed egg sculptures, each standing about 60 centimeters tall, scattered across iconic locations within the city. Organized by the wildlife charity Elephant Family, the initiative, launched in 2021, aims to raise awareness and funds for Asian wildlife conservation projects. Participants can download The Big Egg Hunt app to track eggs they've discovered through QR code scans and unlock rewards along the way. Choi Chi-hee, Arirang News.

Second vice FM meets UN Deputy Secretary-General to discuss N. Korea and cooperation

2025/03/25 17:00

In New York this past Monday. Second Vice Foreign Minister Kang In-sun met with UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed on the margins of a UN Security Council meeting. Their talks covered the importance of multilateral cooperation to address security concerns including North Korea's military collaboration with Russia. Separately Kang also sat down with officials from the UN Development Programme to propose more meaningful joint projects as Korea seeks to further expand its global contributions.

U.S., Russia hold 12-hour talks on Ukraine ceasefire

2025/03/25 17:00

In Saudi Arabia on Monday. U.S. efforts to mediate a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia continue and a statement on talks between Washington and Moscow is scheduled to be shared on Tuesday. Our Park Joon-han has the latest. The meeting in Saudi Arabia between U.S. and Russian officials on Monday ended after over 12 hours, with a draft joint statement. An official joint statement is expected to be released on Tuesday, which a White House source said would be a "positive" one. Among other issues, the White House said the initial aim of the Saudi talks was to secure a maritime truce in the Black Sea, as it was President Trump's efforts to end the three-year-old war. Security Adviser Mike Waltz also mentioned discussions for a so-called "line of control" between Ukraine and Russia, which he described as "verification measures, peacekeeping, freezing the lines where they are". The talks, aimed at establishing a partial ceasefire in Ukraine were held behind closed doors in Riyadh and focused on implementing a limited 30-day pause in attacks. While all parties acknowledged the importance of reducing hostilities, disagreements emerged, particularly about which targets should not be attacked. The White House referred more broadly to "energy and infrastructure" while Russia was more narrow in its reference to "energy infrastructure." Ukraine wanted to also see other infrastructure like railways and ports protected. Discussions also touched on halting Black Sea attacks to safeguard commercial shipping routes. Meanwhile, on Monday, even as the meeting for a peace deal was underway in Saudi Arabia, Russian forces launched a missile strike in the Sumy region of northeastern Ukraine, which injured almost 90 people, including 17 children. Ukraine's foreign minister criticized Moscow for making hollow statements of peace despite brutal strikes on Ukrainian cities, adding that Russia must stop bombing civilians. According to Ukraine's national broadcaster Suspilne, Ukrainian and U.S. delegations will meet on Tuesday for talks. Park Jun-han, Arirang News.

U.S., Russia hold 12-hour talks on Ukraine ceasefire

2025/03/25 10:00

Let's begin with the U.S.-Russia talks on a Ukraine ceasefire. Sure. The meeting in Saudi Arabia between U.S. and Russian officials on Monday ended after over 12 hours, with a joint statement expected to follow. While talks aimed at establishing a partial ceasefire in Ukraine were ongoing in Riyadh with a Black Sea ceasefire also topping the meeting agenda hostilities persisted on the ground in the Sumy region. The talks behind closed doors focused on implementing a 30-day pause in attacks targeting energy infrastructure. While both the U.S. and Russian parties acknowledged the importance of reducing hostilities, disagreements emerged. Discussions also touched upon halting Black Sea attacks to safeguard commercial shipping routes. A joint statement is to be published on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Russian forces launched a missile strike in Sumy, northeastern Ukraine, injuring nearly 90 people, including 17 children.

On-point: Will we have to wait until April for Yoon's impeachment ruling?

2025/03/25 10:00

South Korea's top court has brought the country's Prime Minister back into office, but President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment ruling is still up in the air, with speculation that the ruling may not be made until April. We are joined by Professor Song Se-ryun. Good morning. 1. I'd like to recap Prime Minister Han Duck-soo's impeachment ruling with you first. 2. And how likely is it that Han will appoint the opposition-recommended Constitutional Court Justice candidate Ma Eun-hyuk as the ninth justice? 3. What happens if Han does appoint Ma? 4. Two of the 8 justices’ terms end on April 18th. If we pass that deadline, what happens to the ruling for President Yoon’s impeachment? 5. Patience is running out with the court yet to announce a ruling date for President Yoon. 6. President Yoon Suk Yeol’s insurrection trial is also ongoing, with the Seoul Central District Court having held the second preparatory hearing yesterday. Thanks so much for sharing your insight with us this morning.

Han Duck-soo calls for national unity as he returns as acting president

2025/03/25 10:00

After the top court overturned his impeachment, acting President Han immediately got back to work with a pledge to steer the country out of challenges, amid growing social division and the global trade war. Our political correspondent Kim Do-yeon reports. In an address to the nation after 88 days in suspension Acting President and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo on Monday emphasized national unity. He especially called for politicians to work together amid multiple crises. "If there's one clear lesson we've learned over the past few years, it's that a society divided by extremes leads only to misery and fulfills the dreams of no one. The ruling and opposition parties, as well as the government, must truly change. And, I will start with myself." He also noted that during the 50 years he's spent in public service, the majority of the people in South Korea have wanted to make the country go up and forward not left or right. As for his return as the caretaker, he said during his suspension he thought deeply about what his last responsibilities would be if he were to return. He pointed out the global trade war started by U.S. President Donald Trump and said the world is currently facing an intensifying U.S.-China power rivalry following the inauguration of President Trump, along with a new wave of geopolitical shifts and the restructuring of the global economic order. "I will devote all my wisdom and capabilities to safeguarding our national interests in the trade war that has already become a reality. For the remainder of my term, every decision I make will be guided by what best serves Korea's industries and future generations. The entire Cabinet will move forward alongside me." Han was immediately briefed about the ongoing devastating wildfires in the southeast of the country. He also made orders to public safety officials amid the turbulent times. For his first lunch back, he ate with Cabinet members. There, he urged ministers to push forward on key issues directly tied to people's livelihoods with greater speed. And, he asked all Cabinet members and public officials across the country to do their utmost to ensure that every aspect of state affairs — including diplomacy, national security, the economy, trade, public safety, and administration — functions smoothly. Kim Do-yeon, Arirang News.

Acting President holds NSC on first day back from suspension, says security and economy go together

2025/03/25 10:00

Acting President and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo says South Korea's security situation is more serious than ever, noting recent provocations by North Korea including missile and nuclear threats and cyberattacks. This came on Monday evening as he held his first emergency National Security Meeting since returning from 88 days of suspension and after visiting an area hit by wildfires in the nation's southeast. He also said that in current global conditions security and economic policies can no longer be separated. He added that due to this, all government ministries must work together as one team and cooperate closely to ensure that companies competing in the global market can secure stable supply chains and fully demonstrate their capabilities.

United Nations to scale down operations in Gaza amid renewed fighting

2025/03/25 10:00

The United Nations has announced a reduction in its operations within the Gaza Strip following a fatal incident involving personnel from the organization. An Israeli tank strike on March 19 resulted in the death of a UN employee and injuries to five others. In response, the UN spokesperson for Secretary-General Antonio Guterres announced Monday that the UN will temporarily withdraw around one-third of its staff members from the region. The decision follows escalated risks faced by humanitarian workers after Israel restarted military operations in the enclave.