News

[On-point] 100 days to APEC summit: What diplomatic outcomes lie ahead for South Korea?

2025/07/23 11:36

With just 100 days left until the APEC summit kicks off on October 31st in South Korea's historic city, Gyeongju --eyes are now on whether U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend. For more on what to expect at the summit, we're joined by Professor Andrew Millard, Assistant Professor of International Relations at Changwon National University. 1. The South Korean government has now sent invitations to all APEC member states, so there's a possibility that the leaders of the U.S., China, and Japan could all meet in Gyeongju. What are your thoughts on this potential gathering? 2. What might be some of the key issues on the agenda for discussion among APEC member state leaders? 3. This will be the first major diplomatic event hosted by South Korea since President Lee took office. How would you assess Korea's current diplomatic standing on the global stage, and what are the expectations for Korea's role as host of this year's APEC summit? 4. There's speculation that this could provide an opportunity for a meeting between President Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. What's your take on the possibility of inviting North Korea? How likely is it, in your opinion, that a high-profile event like this could happen on the sidelines of the APEC summit? 5. The summit will be held in Gyeongju, a city rich in history. What impact do you think hosting APEC in such a historic location will have on South Korea? Could this be an opportunity to enhance the country's soft power and promote its culture globally? Alright Professor Millard, thank you so much for your insight today. We appreciate it.

President Lee urges no efforts be spared helping victims of flooding

2025/07/23 11:35

President Lee Jae Myung has once again urged officials to spare no effort in helping people affected by the recent downpours and designated six cities or counties as special disaster zones. Our top office correspondent Yoon Jung-min reports. The day after returning to his office from a flood-hit area in the south, the President began Tuesday's Cabinet meeting by noting the suffering of the people from days of heavy rains and extreme heat. "The faces of people there were void as they thought of their destroyed homes and lost family members. As the president in charge of state affairs, I will try to be more sensitive to the pain of each and every person." He once again urged his Cabinet to spare no effort in helping those affected and searching for the missing, while speeding up the designation of special disaster zones. The first to be designated for state funding were six cities or counties, including Gapyeong in Gyeonggi-do Province, Damyang in Jeollanam-do, and Sancheong in Gyeongsangnam-do. Special grants of 5-and-a-half billion won, worth nearly 4-million U.S. dollars, will be used to help several regions recover, including Gwangju and Gyeongsangnam-do Province. President Lee Jae Myung went on to urge his Cabinet to look for new approaches, which could involve leveraging technologies such as AI. "I realized this time that existing methods, facilities, equipment, and countermeasures are no longer enough. I hope you newly reorganize fundamental measures." This, as nine new Cabinet members attended the meeting, including ministers in charge of finance, labor, and safety, signaling the start of a full-fledged new government. "Our economy faces very tough conditions. In the short term, we need to revive the livelihoods of the people and respond to tariff negotiations with the U.S. In the longer term, we should build the "real" Republic of Korea, "real" growth." Another focus was on minimizing industrial accidents, for which the Cabinet approved a revised law to disclose the builders if any such accidents occur at construction sites. In clear reflection of daunting tasks ahead, the President asked his new Cabinet to be mindful of the work they do, calling them a "touchstone" for the future that greatly affects the lives of every person in the country. Yoon Jung-min, Arirang News.

Leaders of S. Korea, Qatar to work toward deepening bilateral cooperation

2025/07/22 22:37

The leaders of South Korea and Qatar will work toward deepening cooperation following the launch of the new administration in Seoul. This was the focus of President Lee Jae Myung's first phone call with Qatar's Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on Tuesday evening. According to presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung, the two leaders shared their mutual interest in expanding cooperation across investment, artificial intelligence, defense, and sports. President Lee also asked for the emir's support for Korean companies doing business in Qatar. The two agreed to meet in person at a convenient time to further advance bilateral ties.

President Lee urges no efforts be spared helping victims of flooding

2025/07/22 22:36

President Lee Jae Myung has once again urged officials to spare no effort in helping people affected by the recent downpours and designated six cities or counties as special disaster zones this evening. Our presidential office correspondent Yoon Jung-min reports. The day after returning to his office from a flood-hit area in the south, the President began Tuesday's Cabinet meeting by noting the suffering of the people from days of heavy rains and extreme heat. "The faces of people there were void as they thought of their destroyed homes and lost family members. As the president in charge of state affairs, I will try to be more sensitive to the pain of each and every person." He once again urged his Cabinet to spare no effort in helping those affected and searching for the missing, while speeding up the designation of special disaster zones. The first to be designated for state funding were six cities or counties, including Gapyeong in Gyeonggi-do Province, Damyang in Jeollanam-do, and Sancheong in Gyeongsangnam-do. Special grants of 5-and-a-half billion won, worth nearly 4-million U.S. dollars, will be used to help several regions recover, including Gwangju and Gyeongsangnam-do Province. President Lee Jae Myung went on to urge his Cabinet to look for new approaches, which could involve leveraging technologies such as AI. "I realized this time that existing methods, facilities, equipment, and countermeasures are no longer enough. I hope you newly reorganize fundamental measures." This, as nine new Cabinet members attended the meeting, including ministers in charge of finance, labor, and safety, signaling the start of a full-fledged new government. "Our economy faces very tough conditions. In the short term, we need to revive the livelihoods of the people and respond to tariff negotiations with the U.S. In the longer term, we should build the "real" Republic of Korea, "real" growth." Another focus was on minimizing industrial accidents, for which the Cabinet approved a revised law to disclose the builders if any such accidents occur at construction sites. In clear reflection of daunting tasks ahead, the President asked his new Cabinet to be mindful of the work they do, calling them a "touchstone" for the future that greatly affects the lives of every person in the country. Yoon Jung-min, Arirang News.

Additional 5,000-ton new destroyer to be built by Oct. 2026: N. Korea

2025/07/22 19:37

North Korea will build a THIRD five-thousand-ton destroyer by October next year. The regime's state media on Tuesday covered an event at Nampo Shipyard this past Monday to mark the start of the warship's construction. October 10th has reportedly been chosen as the completion date as it is the anniversary of the founding of the North Korean Workers' Party. Back in April North Korea unveiled its first five-thousand-ton destroyer and a second destroyer of the same class was launched in June following a botched attempt in May.

President Lee urges no efforts be spared helping victims of flooding

2025/07/22 19:35

President Lee Jae Myung has highlighted yet again the importance of tangible support for victims of the latest torrential rain and for those who lost their loved ones amid the deadly downpour. Our top office correspondent Yoon Jung-min reports. The day after returning to his office from a flood-hit area in the south, the President began Tuesday's Cabinet meeting by noting the suffering of the people from days of heavy rains and extreme heat. "The faces of people there were void as they thought of their destroyed homes and lost family members. As the president in charge of state affairs, I will try to be more sensitive to the pain of each and every person." He once again urged his Cabinet to spare no effort in helping those affected and searching for the missing, while speeding up the designation of special disaster zones. Special grants of 5-and-a-half billion won, worth nearly 4-million U.S. dollars, will be used to help several regions recover, including Gwangju and Gyeongsangnam-do Province. President Lee Jae Myung went on to urge his Cabinet to look for new approaches, which could involve leveraging technologies such as AI. "I realized this time that existing methods, facilities, equipment, and countermeasures are no longer enough. I hope you newly reorganize fundamental measures." This, as nine new Cabinet members attended the meeting, including ministers in charge of finance, labor, and safety, signaling the start of a full-fledged new government. "Our economy faces very tough conditions. In the short term, we need to revive the livelihoods of the people and respond to tariff negotiations with the U.S. In the longer term, we should build the "real" Republic of Korea, "real" growth." Another focus was on minimizing industrial accidents, for which the Cabinet approved a revised law to disclose the builders if any such accidents occur at construction sites. In clear reflection of daunting tasks ahead, the President asked his new Cabinet to be mindful of the work they do, calling them a "touchstone" for the future that greatly affects the lives of every person in the country. Yoon Jung-min, Arirang News.

President Lee visits downpour-devastated southern county

2025/07/22 12:34

President Lee Jae Myung also visited one of the areas hit hard by recent downpours, a southern county in Gyeongsangnam-do Province. He called for a swift designation of flood-hit areas as special disaster zones, to provide residents with financial and recovery support. Our presidential office correspondent Yoon Jung-min reports. Stepping on the ground where a trail of devastation was evident, President Lee Jae Myung met with residents, many of whose homes and farms had been turned into wreckage. He was in Sancheong-gun County in Gyeongsangnam-do Province on Monday, where at least 10 people were killed and four are missing. "Do you need anything?" "The entrance to our cattle shed has been completely blocked." "Do you need a machine to remove the debris?" The President also met rescue workers and was briefed about the situation by the county's deputy mayor. "Why has the town been hit particularly hard?" "We thought the clouds would dissipate, but they didn't and caused downpours." The President expressed his condolences and instructed officials to establish measures to prevent such disasters from happening again. He asked rescue workers to do their best searching for the missing, as he listened to the suffering of the people. "The president asked officials to provide recovery and relief support that people actually need, as he heard from the residents that they are in short supply of shoes and underwear because they had to evacuate abruptly." For that, Lee called for speedy aid, in line with the announcement the previous day to swiftly designate areas hit hard as special disaster zones to help facilitate financial and recovery support, while also mentioning providing special grants. Present at the site was the new interior minister Yun Ho-jung, who was instructed by the President to use all available measures to help support the residents affected. Yoon Jung-min, Arirang News.

Hegseth, Marcos reaffirm U.S.-Philippines alliance during Pentagon meeting

2025/07/22 11:37

In the United States, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth hosted Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the Pentagon on Monday. They reaffirmed that the Mutual Defense Treaty applies to all Pacific waters, reaffirming their bilateral cooperation. Speaking after their closed-door meeting, Secretary Hegseth called the alliance "storied" and "essential," highlighting that treaty obligations extend to armed attacks on Philippine forces, public vessels, aircraft, or Coast Guard in any part of the Pacific, including the South China Sea. The two shared aligned views on Chinese assertiveness in the contested South China Sea. President Marcos mentioned the earlier March visit by Hegseth to Manila, saying it sent "a very clear message" of continued cooperation and strengthened partnership under the Mutual Defense Treaty.

Additional 5,000-ton new destroyer to be built by Oct 2026: N. Korea

2025/07/22 11:36

North Korea will build an additional 5-thousand-ton "Choe Hyon-class" destroyer by October 10th next year. According to the North's Korean Central News Agency on Tuesday, employees at the { {Nampo Shipyard held an event on Monday, to mark the construction of what will be the regime's third five-thousand-ton naval destroyer. October 10th was reportedly chosen as its completion date, as it is the anniversary of the founding of the North Korean Workers' Party. North Korea continues to step up efforts to strengthen its naval power, unveiling its first new-type destroyer in April. A month later, it attempted to launch a second destroyer in the same class, but the ship capsized during the launching ceremony.

[On-point] How S. Korea is intensifying last-minute efforts to avert U.S. tariffs

2025/07/22 11:34

As we just heard, South Korea's national security advisor is on his second trip to the United States, and the new finance minister is also set to travel to Washington later this week --as Seoul intensifies its last-minute efforts to avert tariffs before the August 1st deadline. For more on this, we're joined by Professor Choi Hyun Jin, Professor at the Department of Political Science at Kyung Hee University. Professor Choi, thanks for joining us this morning. So with the top security advisor now in Washington, can we expect him to finalize an agreement with the U.S.? What factors might hinder an agreement from being reached? Although it remains unclear who Wi will meet in Washington, there's speculation that he could meet with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. If they do meet, what might be on the agenda? Security is another key issue in negotiations with the U.S., especially as President Trump continues to pressure South Korea to pay more for American troops stationed in Korea. How should South Korea respond to Washington's demands on the burden-sharing issue? Meanwhile, it's still unclear when President Lee and Trump will hold their first summit. If the meeting continues to be pushed back, is there any risk to bilateral relations? It's been six months since President Donald Trump took office for the second time. He is pushing for a more aggressive "America First" policy compared to his first term. In light of the Trump administration's current policy, how should the bilateral relationship be managed moving forward? Alright. Professor Choi, thank you so much for your insight today. We appreciate it.

Japan's ruling coalition loses majority in upper house election

2025/07/21 22:38

Japan's ruling coalition has lost control of the upper house in a major political setback. For the first time in 70 years, the long-ruling Liberal Democratic Party has failed to hold its majority in both the lower and upper houses. Choi Soo-hyung reports. Japan's ruling coalition has failed to secure a majority in the upper house. In the election on Sunday, the ruling coalition comprised of the Liberal Democratic Party and its partner Komeito lost its majority gaining only 47 seats. To keep their majority, the ruling coalition parties needed to win at least 50 seats, adding to the 75 they already held. But the LDP won just 39, and Komeito got 8, falling short of that target. Currently, Japan's House of Councilors has 248 members, each serving a 6-year term. Every three years, half of the seats are up for election and this year, 125 seats were voted on, including one vacant seat in Tokyo. As a result, the ruling camp now holds 122 seats, while the opposition claimed 126 taking over the upper house. Following last year's major defeat in the House of Representatives election, the Liberal Democratic Party has lost ground again. This is the first time since the party was founded in 1955 that the LDP-led government has failed to hold a majority in both the lower and upper houses. Taking its place is the rising Democratic Party for the People, which advocates a moderate line and gained strong support, winning 17 seats. The party earned votes with appeals to ordinary people, such as raising take-home pay and lowering insurance costs for young people. The right-leaning Sanseito won 14 seats by promoting a "Japanese First" policy, including restrictions on foreign land ownership in Japan, despite criticism for discriminating against foreigners. Voter turnout was 58-point-52 percent, rising more than 6 percentage points compared to three years ago. Regardless of the election results, experts say bilateral cooperation between South Korea and Japan will remain positive, especially on external threats. "We need to deal with non-conventional new emerging threats as well, and of course challenges from China technologically, economically, and politically, which is not simple at all. So, having had all these conflicts and threats and challenges surrounding us, I think again, the bilateral relationship will remain pretty much cooperative." Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is now expected to come under pressure to resign after the consecutive defeats. However, right after exit polls, he stated that he would fulfill his responsibility as the leader of the largest party, showing his determination to remain in office. Choi Soo-hyung, Arirang News.

President Lee withdraws nomination for Lee Jin-sook as Education Minister

2025/07/21 22:35

President Lee Jae Myung's Cabinet is continuing to take shape, with several appointments confirmed and one notable nomination withdrawn over the weekend. Our Presidential Office correspondent Song Yoo-jin reports. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung is building his first Cabinet, but not without a few bumps along the way. On Sunday, President Lee withdrew his nomination of Lee Jin-sook, the former president of Chungnam National University, as Education Minister. "President Lee has been carefully weighing up his decision, listening to a wide range of opinions. On Saturday, he met with Kim Byung-kee, floor leader of the ruling Democratic Party, and Song Eon-seog, interim leader and floor leader of the main opposition People Power Party, to hear their views as well." The nominee had come under fire following allegations of plagiarism in her academic work and controversy over sending her daughter abroad alone to study while still a middle school student, which is illegal under Korean law. Woo added that the government will search for a new candidate to lead the Education Ministry. However, the President is standing by his pick for the Minister of Gender Equality and Family, Democratic Party lawmaker Kang Sun-woo, who's also facing backlash over allegedly mistreating her aides. "After thoroughly reviewing the issues raised, Kang's explanation, and opinions shared through various channels, the President has made his final decision." President Lee has filled seven of the 19 minister posts in his first Cabinet so far: six new faces and one holdover, retaining Agriculture Minister Song Mi-ryung. More appointments could follow this week, as confirmation hearings have been completed for all but the Culture and Land ministries. In South Korea, minister nominees must go through parliamentary confirmation hearings, though it's the President who makes the final decision. Song Yoo-jin, Arirang News.

President Lee visits downpour-devastated southern county

2025/07/21 22:34

President Lee toured a southern county in Gyeongsangnam-do Province today, which has been hit hard by recent downpours. He called for the need to speed up designating flood-hit areas as special disaster zones. Our presidential office correspondent Yoon Jung-min reports. Stepping on the ground where a trail of devastation was evident, President Lee Jae Myung met with residents, many of whose homes and farms had been turned into wreckage. He was in Sancheong-gun County in Gyeongsangnam-do Province on Monday, where at least 10 people were killed and four are missing. "Do you need anything?" "The entrance to our cattle shed has been completely blocked." "Do you need a machine to remove the debris?" The President also met rescue workers and was briefed about the situation by the county's deputy mayor. "Why has the town been hit particularly hard?" "We thought the clouds would dissipate, but they didn't and caused downpours." The President expressed his condolences and instructed officials to establish measures to prevent such disasters from happening again. He asked rescue workers to do their best searching for the missing, as he listened to the suffering of the people. "The president asked officials to provide recovery and relief support that people actually need, as he heard from the residents that they are in short supply of shoes and underwear because they had to evacuate abruptly." For that, Lee called for speedy aid, in line with the announcement the previous day to swiftly designate areas hit hard as special disaster zones to help facilitate financial and recovery support, while also mentioning providing special grants. Present at the site was the new interior minister Yun Ho-jung, who was instructed by the President to use all available measures to help support the residents affected. Yoon Jung-min, Arirang News.

Lee Jae Myung’s envoy diplomacy begins; shift in Korea’s foreign priorities?

2025/07/21 21:35

Welcome to Within The Frame, where we bring the most pressing issues across the globe into focus. I'm Kim Mok-yeon. It's been just over a month since President Lee Jae Myung officially took office, and already, diplomatic gears are turning. South Korea is signaling a full return to international engagement after a six-month vacuum following the impeachment of former President Yoon. Special envoy teams have been dispatched to key global players—including France, the UK, India, and the EU—marking a clear departure from the traditional focus on Washington, Beijing, Tokyo, and Moscow. At the same time, Foreign Minister Cho Hyun is reportedly preparing for his first trip to the U.S., aiming to break ground on stalled tariff negotiations. With summit diplomacy hanging in the balance and geopolitical tensions still active, many are asking—how is South Korea recalibrating its foreign policy? For more on this, we invite Hannah Kim, Associate Professor at Sogang University GSIS. Welcome. Also joining us is Robert Kelly, Professor of International Relations at Pusan National University. Good to see you. 1. (Kelly) Let's start with Prof.Kelly, the Lee Jae Myung's administration recently sent special envoys to three major countries—France, the UK, and India, as well as the EU—starting July 14th. This marks a shift from previous governments, which traditionally prioritized ties with the U.S., China, Japan, and Russia. How do you interpret the latest move? 2. (Kim) Building on that, South Korea went through a roughly six-month suspension of summit diplomacy following the impeachment of President Yoon. Could this latest round of envoy dispatches be read as a clear signal that Korea is reopening formal diplomatic channels? 3. (Kelly) Now turning to a broader scope, Seoul's presidential office has announced plans to send envoys to as many as 14 countries. How likely could this expanded outreach translate into tangible economic and security partnerships?(Some see this as a message of practical diplomacy, while others worry the impact may be diluted if too many countries are engaged at once. Where do you stand?) 4. (Kim) Let's narrow in on the U.S. angle, so just over a month into the new administration, a special envoy to the U.S. was formed, headed by former KCCI Chairman Park Yong-maan. Given that a business leader was chosen to represent the administration, should we interpret this as a signal that Korea intends to emphasize economic issues—especially trade—in its U.S. relations? 5. (Kelly) Looking eastward, envoys to China, Japan, and Russia haven't been finalized yet. These countries involve complex issues tied to history, security, and trade. Would you say the administration is taking a more cautious, calculated approach? 6. (Kim) Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Cho Hyun, who officially took office today—reportedly is coordinating a visit to the U.S. During his confirmation hearing, he expressed optimism that the Korea-U.S. tariff negotiations could be concluded on time. Do you expect his trip to bring a potential breakthrough moment for those talks? 7. (Kelly) Taking all these factors into account, when do you think would be the most realistic timeframe for a Korea-U.S. summit to actually take place? 8. (Kim) In the absence of a confirmed Korea-U.S. summit date, there's speculation that a Korea-Japan summit might happen first. What's your outlook on that possibility? 9. (Kelly) Lastly, reports say President Lee has decided not to attend China's 80th Victory Day commemoration, after deliberation. While this may reflect consideration for Korea-U.S. ties, there's also talk of a Korea-China summit during the APEC meetings in Gyeongju later this year. What kind of impact do you think this might have on Seoul-Beijing relations? And more broadly—how should Korea navigate its diplomatic path with China?

JAPAN'S RULING COALITION LOSES MAJORITY IN UPPER HOUSE

2025/07/21 19:44

Welcome to Press Perspective. It's Monday July 21st here in South Korea. I'm Min Sunhee. Today we touch upon the results of a key parliamentary election in neighboring Japan and their broader implications. For this I have Celio Fioretti with French daily La Croix here in Seoul. Celio welcome back. I also have Walter Sim with Singaporean daily The Straits Times over in Tokyo. Walter it's great to have you on. Walter, let's begin with the result of Sunday's Upper House election and its political implications for the ruling coalition. Walter, what has been the public response to the election result? Celio, keeping in mind Sunday's election result, what potential policy changes in Japan are likely to be closely watched by South Korea? Celio, last week, Seoul condemned Tokyo's claim over Korea's Dokdo islets. Now the claim was carried in Japan's annual white paper, which also referred to South Korea as an important regional partner. Do you believe global geopolitics will help the two countries find a way to move beyond the past conflict and into a future of constructive collaboration? And why is such cooperation critical under the current climate of geopolitics? Walter, back in Japan, domestic concerns including inflation and immigration are believed to have strongly shaped voter sentiment. First, how severe is the inflation there? And Walter, do explain the anti-foreigner sentiment there in Japan. I hear some scholars have also shared concern over the growing xenophobia there? Celio, immigration has been proposed as one potential option to address South Korea's own population crisis, and UPI recently covered a dire reality for the country over the next one hundred years. Do tell us a bit about this petrifying population prediction, and the prospects of immigration as a tool to tackle it here in this country. Meanwhile, Walter, what's the latest with regard to Japan's tariff talks with the Trump administration? Celio, what has been the impact of Mr. Trump's trade protectionism on the concept of nationalism versus globalism here in this part of the world? And Walter, I extend the same question to you. How is the U.S. under the Trump administration shaping the regional debate over nationalism versus globalism? All right.

At least 92 killed by Israeli fire while seeking aid in Gaza

2025/07/21 19:39

Dozens of Palestinians were shot dead in Gaza while seeking much-needed food aid. Park Hyo-been covers this tragic event. Last Sunday marked one of the deadliest days for Gazans seeking humanitarian aid as, according to Al Jazeera, at least 92 Palestinians were killed by Israeli gunfire across the Gaza Strip. It was one of the highest death tolls reported in a string of recent incidents where civilians were killed while trying to access food and aid. The shootings came as Israel's ongoing siege deepened Gaza's hunger crisis, with health officials reporting at least 19 deaths from starvation over the past day. "We were just going to get food for our children. We were not going to beg or fight, we just wanted to eat." "Now, Al-Shifa hospital is full of martyrs and the wounded. The situation is catastrophic. We can no longer handle the influx of injuries, so we have started directing patients to other field hospitals." The Israeli military acknowledged the incident, saying troops had fired "warning shots to remove an immediate threat posed to the forces," but did not provide specific evidence. Hamas expressed outrage over the incident, warning that the growing humanitarian catastrophe could derail the ongoing ceasefire talks in Qatar. Meanwhile, the Israeli military has expanded its ground operations in central and northern Gaza. Residents in Deir al-Balah said Israeli planes dropped leaflets ordering evacuations and later bombed three homes in the area. It marks the first time such an evacuation order has been issued for the area since the war began. The city was believed to be a potential location where hostages were being held, and Israel had avoided launching attacks due to concerns Hamas might execute them. But with ceasefire talks between the two groups in Doha once again stalled, Israel now appears to be ramping up military pressure on Hamas by expanding its ground operations. Park Hyo-been, Arirang News.

Japan's ruling coalition loses majority in upper house election

2025/07/21 19:38

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's ruling coalition lost its majority at the upper house in a parliamentary election this past Sunday. Our Choi Soo-hyung covers this result and its broader implications. Japan's ruling coalition has failed to secure a majority in the upper house. In the election on Sunday, the ruling coalition comprised of the Liberal Democratic Party and its partner Komeito lost its majority gaining only 47 seats. To keep their majority, the ruling coalition parties needed to win at least 50 seats, adding to the 75 they already held. But the LDP won just 39, and Komeito got 8, falling short of that target. Currently, Japan's House of Councilors has 248 members, each serving a 6-year term. Every three years, half of the seats are up for election and this year, 125 seats were voted on, including one vacant seat in Tokyo. As a result, the ruling camp now holds 122 seats, while the opposition claimed 126 taking over the upper house. Following last year's major defeat in the House of Representatives election, the Liberal Democratic Party has lost ground again. This is the first time since the party was founded in 1955 that the LDP-led government has failed to hold a majority in both the lower and upper houses. Taking its place is the rising Democratic Party for the People, which advocates a moderate line and gained strong support, winning 17 seats. The party earned votes with appeals to ordinary people, such as raising take-home pay and lowering insurance costs for young people. The right-leaning Sanseito won 14 seats by promoting a "Japanese First" policy, including restrictions on foreign land ownership in Japan, despite criticism for discriminating against foreigners. Voter turnout was 58-point-52 percent, rising more than 6 percentage points compared to three years ago. Regardless of the election results, experts say bilateral cooperation between South Korea and Japan will remain positive, especially on external threats. "We need to deal with non-conventional new emerging threats as well, and of course challenges from China technologically, economically, and politically, which is not simple at all. So, having had all these conflicts and threats and challenges surrounding us, I think again, the bilateral relationship will remain pretty much cooperative." Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is now expected to come under pressure to resign after the consecutive defeats. However, right after exit polls, he stated that he would fulfill his responsibility as the leader of the largest party, showing his determination to remain in office. Choi Soo-hyung, Arirang News.

New foreign minister Cho Hyun underlines pragmatic diplomacy; prioritizes establishing peace on Peninsula

2025/07/21 19:37

Newly-appointed Foreign Minister Cho Hyun has reaffirmed the importance of the Lee Jae Myung administration's pragmatic diplomacy centered on national interests especially in light of the rapid changes in geopolitics. Speaking at his inauguration ceremony earlier on this Monday the top diplomat also asserted that establishing peace on the Korean Peninsula is the top priority under the current climate of uncertainty and tension. And to this end he spoke of seeking dialogue with Pyongyang in close coordination with Washington. He also underscored the importance of seeking broader diplomatic relations with global partners amid the rivalry between the U.S. and China.

President Lee withdraws nomination for Lee Jin-sook as Education Minister

2025/07/21 19:36

In other news. The president's first Cabinet is taking tangible shape with a number of his nominees confirmed but one name withdrawn over the weekend. Our Presidential Office Correspondent Song Yoo-jin has the latest. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung is building his first Cabinet, but not without a few bumps along the way. On Sunday, President Lee withdrew his nomination of Lee Jin-sook, the former president of Chungnam National University, as Education Minister. "President Lee has been carefully weighing up his decision, listening to a wide range of opinions. On Saturday, he met with Kim Byung-kee, floor leader of the ruling Democratic Party, and Song Eon-seog, interim leader and floor leader of the main opposition People Power Party, to hear their views as well." The nominee had come under fire following allegations of plagiarism in her academic work and controversy over sending her daughter abroad alone to study while still a middle school student, which is illegal under Korean law. Woo added that the government will search for a new candidate to lead the Education Ministry. However, the President is standing by his pick for the Minister of Gender Equality and Family, Democratic Party lawmaker Kang Sun-woo, who's also facing backlash over allegedly mistreating her aides. "After thoroughly reviewing the issues raised, Kang's explanation, and opinions shared through various channels, the President has made his final decision." President Lee has filled seven of the 19 minister posts in his first Cabinet so far: six new faces and one holdover, retaining Agriculture Minister Song Mi-ryung. More appointments could follow this week, as confirmation hearings have been completed for all but the Culture and Land ministries. In South Korea, minister nominees must go through parliamentary confirmation hearings, though it's the President who makes the final decision. Song Yoo-jin, Arirang News.

Kulture Issue_Taking a look back at the development of hallyu ahead of APEC summit

2025/07/21 17:34

Gyeongju is hosting this year's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. The APEC summit takes place in late October to early November this year. As a city that can best showcase South Korea's unique identity, Gyeongju may be seen as the root of hallyu. With that in mind, today we want to take a look back at the history of the Korean Wave from the period Korea joined APEC in 1989 until today. We're going to do that with Professor David Tizzard at Seoul Women's University and Hanyang University, who is now connected with us. Hello Professor Tizzard! Korea joined APEC in 1989. Back then, no one really spoke about the "Korean Wave", like we do today. (There may have been a few Korean songs that had become known overseas after the 1988 Seoul Olympics ) So, could you first give us an overall assessment of Korean culture before and after the late 1980s? In the late 1990s, the Korean Wave began to take off. Why did it take off around this time? Now let's travel to year 2005. South Korea hosted its first APEC summit in Busan back then. And it's also around this time that the Korean Wave really started to get going. What triggered this? So, which Korean content was popular around that time? And two decades later, that's this year, 2025, Gyeongju will host another APEC summit in the fall. Gyeongju was the capital of the Kingdom of Silla and is often referred to as a "museum without walls". How would you describe the city of Gyeongju? Professor Tizzard, please tell us about your own experience in Gyeongju. (Any differences you felt between your first and most recent visit?) What are some must-visit places or attractions there? Comparing Korea's culture from when the first APEC summit took place in 2005 to now in 2025, how has it evolved and how much has Korea's status on the international stage changed? (I'm also curious about whether the increase in tourists due to hallyu has impacted big cities in terms of infrastructure, new attractions, renovations, etc.) Do international events like APEC have an impact on the rising popularity of hallyu? Thank you Professor Tizzard for your insights. Have a great rest of the day. Thank you Walter, see you back tomorrow.