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[NEWs GEN] North Korean Defectors’ Day: How the younger generation is reaching S. Korea

2025/07/21 14:33

[NEWs GEN] North Korean Defectors’ Day: How the younger generation is reaching S. Korea 탈북민 절반 이상이 MZ 세대… 남북 평화로 가는 길은?

[On-point] How will Ichiba's upper house loss affect Japan's foreign policy?

2025/07/21 13:35

Now, with those results in for Japan's upper house election. Let's discuss what this means for Japan going forward as well as for Seoul-Tokyo relations. For more on this we have Professor Lim Eun-jung of Kongju National University with us this morning. Thank you for joining us, Professor. 1. What were the central issues that drove voter behavior in this election, and how did the candidates frame their positions on those concerns? 2. What does the outcome of this election suggest about the direction Japan is heading, both politically and economically, in the coming months? 3. How might this election result influence Japan's relationship with South Korea, especially amid ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation? 4. Based on the results, what kind of leadership and policy tone should we expect from Tokyo going forward, more nationalist and pragmatic, especially when it comes to the tariff issues with the U.S.?

Japan's ruling party loses upper house control

2025/07/21 13:35

Japan's ruling party coalition is certain to fail to maintain its majority in the upper house election held on Sunday. That's according to NHK on Monday, which said that the Liberal Democratic Party and its coalition partner Komeito are predicted to win 46 to 49 seats in the election, falling short of the 50 seats needed to maintain a majority. The Asahi Shimbun also reported that the ruling party coalition is certain to fail to maintain a majority. NHK also projected that the main opposition party, the liberal Constitutional Democratic Party would win 21 seats.

President Lee withdraws Education Minister nominee Lee Jin-sook

2025/07/21 13:35

President Lee Jae Myung has withdrawn his nomination of Lee Jin-sook, the former president of Chungnam National University, as South Korea's Education Minister. Senior Secretary for Political Affairs Woo Sang-ho told reporters on Sunday that the decision was made after "carefully listening to various opinions," including those shared during President Lee's meeting with the floor leader of the ruling Democratic Party and the main opposition People Power Party on Saturday. The nominee had come under fire after 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.

S. Korea, U.S., Japan vice foreign ministers meet in Tokyo, call for strong deterrence against N. Korea

2025/07/18 22:36

South Korea, the U.S. and Japan have reaffirmed the need for strong deterrence against North Korea. Vice Foreign Ministers Park Yoon-joo, Christopher Landau, and Takehiro Funakoshi held talks in Tokyo Friday, marking 10 years since the deputy-level trilateral began. The three officials pledged to keep up coordinated pressure on Pyongyang, while backing diplomatic efforts to reopen talks. They also pushed for deeper cooperation in economic and tech resilience, from AI to supply chains and critical minerals, as core initiatives to safeguard regional stability. The vice ministers lauded the launch of a new trilateral secretariat between their governments, as a key measure to expand their three-way cooperation.

Nat'l Assembly approves confirmation hearing reports for top economic and foreign policy Cabinet positions

2025/07/18 22:35

In parliament. The National Assembly today approved confirmation hearing reports for top economic and foreign policy Cabinet positions. Our political correspondent Moon Hye-ryeon reports. South Korea's National Assembly has approved confirmation hearing reports for three high-profile ministerial nominees, including the government's top economic and foreign policy positions. On Friday, lawmakers adopted reports for Koo Yun-cheol , chosen to serve as Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Economy and Finance, Cho Hyun , nominated for Foreign Minister, and Kim Jung-kwan , the pick for Trade Minister. The opposition People Power Party, which had initially vowed to withhold approval for the Cabinet nominees, ultimately agreed to move forward with those seen as essential to national policy. "With less than two weeks left before the U.S. begins imposing reciprocal tariffs, this is an urgent situation. We'll do our part to make sure the confirmation reports for the finance, foreign, and trade ministers are adopted quickly so they can get to work on the tariff negotiations right away." "The new administration needs to complete its Cabinet as soon as possible and focus fully on running the country. That's the only way we can not only help people recover from economic hardships, but also respond swiftly and effectively to disasters like the recent heavy rains." But not all nominees have been given the green light. Confirmation hearings continued on Friday for the administration's final batch of nominees for the week. Among them were Jeong Eun-kyeong , the nominee for Minister of Health and Welfare, and Yun Ho-jung , up for Interior and Safety Minister. Jung, the former head of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, acknowledged challenges such as South Korea's aging population and outlined plans to push forward expanding healthcare benefits for children and the elderly. "The Ministry must double down on its core mission—strengthening the social security system and improving public health—to ensure a basic standard of living for all citizens." Yun, a five-term sitting lawmaker, pledged to prioritize AI innovation and balanced national development led by districts outside the capital region. Meanwhile, two more nominees — for Land Minister and Culture Minister — are still awaiting their confirmation hearings. The PPP also continues to hold firm against two other controversial picks: Lee Jin-sook for Education Minister, and Kang Sun-woo for Gender Equality Minister, citing allegations of academic misconduct and abuse of authority, respectively. As President Lee looks to finalize his first Cabinet, the outcome of these final hearings and the political tensions around them could help shape the early direction of his administration. Moon Hye-ryeon, Arirang News.

President Lee holds emergency meeting in response to heavy rains

2025/07/18 22:34

To address the growing threat from heavy rains, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung canceled a scheduled town hall and instead convened an emergency response meeting. Our Presidential Office correspondent Song Yoo-jin has the details. Disasters may be inevitable, but their damage, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung says, can be reduced with thorough preparation. That was the key message from the President on Friday as he convened an emergency meeting in response to the heavy rains. "The state's top duty is to protect the lives and safety of its people. We must not hesitate to deploy every necessary resource, even if it feels excessive, to prevent accidents and minimize damage." With downpours battering the country for days and already claiming several lives, President Lee postponed a scheduled town hall in the southeastern city of Busan and instead visited the National Disaster and Safety Status Control Center in Seoul. Emphasizing preemptive action, he instructed the Korea Meteorological Administration to issue timely alerts tailored to each region. "We need thorough preemptive measures in vulnerable areas and for at-risk residents, including those living in semi-basement homes, those living alone, and regions prone to flooding, landslides, collapses, or sinkholes." The President also urged local governments to stay in full emergency mode and carry out post-disaster support and recovery efforts without delay. He then received updates on damage assessments and response measures from the Ministry of the Interior and Safety and local authorities. "President Lee spoke to the mayor of Osan in detail about why the road wasn't fully closed off despite prior warnings from residents before the retaining wall collapsed." The collapse on Wednesday killed a man trapped in his vehicle. Song Yoo-jin, Arirang News.

U.S. Senate defense policy bill calls for maintaining USFK troop level

2025/07/18 19:37

A U.S. defense spending bill for next year recently passed by the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee prevents the Pentagon from withdrawing American soldiers stationed here in South Korea in the absence of congressional approval. Lee Seung-jae has details. For the first time in five years, the National Defense Authorization Act for the 2026 fiscal year, includes a ban on using funds to reduce the number of U.S. Forces Korea troops below the current level of 28-thousand-500. The U.S. defense policy bill was posted on Congress's website on Thursday, where it affirmed the reinforcement of the ROK-U.S. alliance by maintaining the current USFK troop level. The bill reads "Amounts authorized to be appropriated by this Act may not be obligated or expended to reduce the total number of members of the Armed Forces permanently stationed in or deployed to the Republic of Korea below 28,500, or to complete the transition of wartime operational control of the United States-Republic of Korea Combined Forces Command from United States-led command to Republic of Korea-led command." However,.. the NDAA leaves open the possibility of using defense funds for a USFK reduction or OPCON transition if it is in the national security interest of the United States, adding that the action could only be undertaken after proper consultations with its allies,.. including South Korea, Japan and other countries that have sent military contributions to the UN Command. The ban was previously included in the NDAA from the 2019 to 2021 fiscal years, to prevent any potential unilateral reduction during the first Trump administration. However, it was removed from the bill during former President Joe Biden's term in office. It's the first time that the Senate added a ban on the use of funds for the completion of wartime OPCON transfer. The latest bill comes amid speculation that the Trump administration could reduce the number of USFK, and ask Seoul to increase spending for its own defense. Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.

Gov't clears West Sea of N. Korean uranium wastewater concerns

2025/07/18 19:36

South Korea says no contamination has been detected in the West Sea from North Korea's Pyongsan uranium plant wastewater. A two-week probe by agencies here including the Nuclear Safety Commission found no contamination at 10 sites along the West Sea and nearby rivers. Uranium cesium and heavy metals remained consistent with past levels and radioactive cesium was not detected. The government nonetheless will continue its monitoring at several key locations amid satellite analysis suggesting wastewater flow from North Korea into the West Sea.

Nat'l Assembly approves confirmation hearing reports for top economic and foreign policy Cabinet positions

2025/07/18 19:35

Also on this Friday. The parliament has approved the president's nominations for the posts of economy foreign and trade minister. Our political correspondent Moon Hye-ryeon has the latest on the confirmation hearings. South Korea's National Assembly has approved confirmation hearing reports for three high-profile ministerial nominees, including the government's top economic and foreign policy positions. On Friday, lawmakers adopted reports for Koo Yun-cheol , chosen to serve as Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Economy and Finance, Cho Hyun , nominated for Foreign Minister, and Kim Jung-kwan , the pick for Trade Minister. The opposition People Power Party, which had initially vowed to withhold approval for the Cabinet nominees, ultimately agreed to move forward with those seen as essential to national policy. "With less than two weeks left before the U.S. begins imposing reciprocal tariffs, this is an urgent situation. We'll do our part to make sure the confirmation reports for the finance, foreign, and trade ministers are adopted quickly so they can get to work on the tariff negotiations right away." "The new administration needs to complete its Cabinet as soon as possible and focus fully on running the country. That's the only way we can not only help people recover from economic hardships, but also respond swiftly and effectively to disasters like the recent heavy rains." But not all nominees have been given the green light. Confirmation hearings continued on Friday for the administration's final batch of nominees for the week. Among them were Jeong Eun-kyeong , the nominee for Minister of Health and Welfare, and Yun Ho-jung , up for Interior and Safety Minister. Jung, the former head of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, acknowledged challenges such as South Korea's aging population and outlined plans to push forward expanding healthcare benefits for children and the elderly. "The Ministry must double down on its core mission—strengthening the social security system and improving public health—to ensure a basic standard of living for all citizens." Yun, a five-term sitting lawmaker, pledged to prioritize AI innovation and balanced national development led by districts outside the capital region. Meanwhile, two more nominees — for Land Minister and Culture Minister — are still awaiting their confirmation hearings. The PPP also continues to hold firm against two other controversial picks: Lee Jin-sook for Education Minister, and Kang Sun-woo for Gender Equality Minister, citing allegations of academic misconduct and abuse of authority, respectively. As President Lee looks to finalize his first Cabinet, the outcome of these final hearings and the political tensions around them could help shape the early direction of his administration. Moon Hye-ryeon, Arirang News.

Australian PM pays visits to an old 'friend'--Fu Ni the panda

2025/07/18 11:39

In China's southwestern city of Chengdu on Thursday, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited Fu Ni, the giant panda that returned from Adelaide Zoo in Australia after a 15-year loan. Albanese and his partner, Jodie Haydon, visited the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, where they greeted Fu Ni and praised her as "a great friend of Australia." The visit concluded his six-day state visit to China. Fu Ni and her partner Wang Wang were replaced by female giant panda Yi Lan and male Xing Qiu at the Adelaide Zoo.

Personal details of UK special forces and spies were included in Afghan data breach

2025/07/18 11:38

In the UK, it was revealed on Thursday that over 100 British officials' identities, including special forces and MI6 members were also compromised in the 2022 data breach that endangered thousands of Afghans. In a breach dating back to early 2022, nearly 19,000 Afghan helpers of British forces and 100 Britons, including MI6 operatives and SAS soldiers, had their data compromised due to a mistakenly sent Ministry of Defense email. A super-injunction had been in place since 2023, preventing the public from knowing about the leak and the covert operation of relocating more than 16,000 Afghans at an estimated cost of 2.7 billion U.S. dollars. The government had already admitted on Tuesday the data breach, which had been kept secret by the previous injunction.

S. Korea’s confirmation hearings: Key discussions on U.S. tariffs, economic challenges, and security

2025/07/18 11:37

Meanwhile, at parliament, confirmation hearings for the foreign and economy minister nominees took place Thursday. Our Lee Soo-jin reports. Foreign minister nominee Cho Hyun expressed confidence that an agreement on U.S. tariffs could be reached before the August 1st deadline set by President Donald Trump. When asked at Thursday's confirmation hearing whether the negotiations could conclude in such a short time, Cho said this: "It seems possible, though it's hard to predict. We are putting in our utmost efforts, and from the U.S. perspective, South Korea is not only a very important ally but also a key trading partner, so I believe they will prioritize negotiations with us." Cho also highlighted the potential for both countries to turn the crisis into a win-win opportunity by leveraging South Korea's strengths. If appointed, he pledged to visit the U.S. as early as next week to help finalize the crucial negotiations. Moving to security, Cho was asked whether North Korea remains South Korea's "primary enemy." "North Korea is an urgent and existential threat, but it is also a necessary partner in dialogue for peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula." Cho emphasized the importance of close cooperation with the U.S. to ease tensions with North Korea and create opportunities for dialogue. He also outlined plans to strengthen trilateral cooperation with the U.S. and Japan, while encouraging constructive roles from China and Russia. Meanwhile, confirmation hearings for key economic positions also took place. The finance minister nominee, Koo Yun-cheol, highlighted rising inflation, declining household incomes, and worsening external factors, stressing the decline in growth potential. He vowed to lead economic reforms to boost South Korea's future growth. Industry minister nominee, Kim Jung-kwan, outlined plans to boost exports and investments, emphasizing trade policies to strengthen the national interest, especially in response to U.S. tariffs, and expanding global trade networks through agreements and APEC Summits. As hearings continue, focus remains on how nominees' policies will shape South Korea's security and economy. , Arirang News.

Sanctions monitoring team raises concerns over military cooperation between N. Korea, Russia

2025/07/18 11:35

The Multinational Sanctions Monitoring Team, created to support the implementation of international sanctions against North Korea, said on Thursday that military cooperation between North Korea and Russia violates UN sanctions. The United States, a member of the MSMT, reaffirmed its position that the Trump administration takes violations of sanctions against North Korea seriously, adding that it maintains the principle of complete denuclearization of North Korea. It also said that it will continue to pursue dialogue with Pyongyang. The monitoring team shared reports of sanctions violations by North Korea at the UN Headquarters, calling on countries to join in on efforts to maintain international peace and security in the face of continued UN sanctions violations.

Leaders of S. Korea, Türkiye agree to bolster cooperation in defense, nuclear energy

2025/07/18 11:35

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung spoke over the phone with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday for discussions on cooperation between the two countries. Speaking for the first time since Lee took office, Erdogan congratulated him on his inauguration, while Lee thanked his counterpart and referred to Türkiye as a "brother nation" for its support during the Korean War. The two leaders agreed to further strengthen the two countries' "strategic partnership," according to Seoul's top office on the same day. They also agreed to work closely together to advance cooperation in defense, arms industry, nuclear, and green energies.

U.S. Senate defense policy bill calls for maintaining USFK troop level

2025/07/18 11:34

A U.S. Senate defense policy bill for the 2026 fiscal year, includes a ban on the use of funds to reduce the number of U.S. Forces Korea troops below the current level of 28-thousand-500. The bill comes amid concerns that U.S. President Donald Trump could seek to cut the number of troops stationed in South Korea. Lee Seung-jae has more. For the first time in five years, the National Defense Authorization Act for the 2026 fiscal year, includes a ban on using funds to reduce the number of U.S. Forces Korea troops below the current level of 28-thousand-500. The U.S. defense policy bill was posted on Congress's website on Thursday, where it affirmed the reinforcement of the ROK-U.S. alliance by maintaining the current USFK troop level. The bill reads "Amounts authorized to be appropriated by this Act may not be obligated or expended to reduce the total number of members of the Armed Forces permanently stationed in or deployed to the Republic of Korea below 28,500, or to complete the transition of wartime operational control of the United States-Republic of Korea Combined Forces Command from United States-led command to Republic of Korea-led command." However,.. the NDAA leaves open the possibility of using defense funds for a USFK reduction or OPCON transition if it is in the national security interest of the United States, adding that the action could only be undertaken after proper consultations with its allies,.. including South Korea, Japan and other countries that have sent military contributions to the UN Command. The ban was previously included in the NDAA from the 2019 to 2021 fiscal years, to prevent any potential unilateral reduction during the first Trump administration. However, it was removed from the bill during former President Joe Biden's term in office. It's the first time that the Senate added a ban on the use of funds for the completion of wartime OPCON transfer. The latest bill comes amid speculation that the Trump administration could reduce the number of USFK, and ask Seoul to increase spending for its own defense. Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.

Nat'l Assembly unveils monument symbolizing its identity on 77th Constitution Day

2025/07/17 22:37

Today, July 17th, marks the 77th anniversary of Constitution Day here in South Korea. The National Assembly took the time to reflect of the true ideas of democracy and the power of Constitution. Our political correspondent Shin Ha-young tells us more. "The National Assembly of the Republic of Korea The Last Bastion of Democracy" are the words engraved on a monument unveiled on Thursday on the front lawn of the National Assembly, marking the 77th anniversary of the first proclamation of the Constitution. On the back, it commemorates the day the Assembly, with the people, blocked martial law troops, ending the decree's implementation, and reaffirming its commitment to protect the people and strengthen democracy. "Beneath the monument lies a 'National Assembly time capsule,' buried to mark the 77th Constitution Day. It contains items that reflect the spirit of the times and will be opened 100 years later, on July 17, 2125." The items include legislative and policy reports, notable bills, Dokdo-related publications, photos of the Assembly, a backup gavel, and messages from lawmakers and staff to future generations. South Korea's constitution was promulgated in 1948 based on open democracy. It was last revised in 1987 after decades of authoritarian rule. To celebrate the anniversary, the National Assembly held a special ceremony on Thursday, where Speaker Woo Won-shik highlighted the power of the Constitution. "This is the first Constitution Day since the December 3rd martial law declaration. In Korea, the people protect the Constitution, and the Constitution protects them. That's why the Constitution is powerful, and Korea is strong." Woo also called for constitutional reform, saying this was needed to meet today's needs and to build a stronger democracy and improve people's lives. He floated the idea of a constitutional referendum alongside the presidential election back in April in order to address calls for decentralization of power following the martial law declaration, but withdrew this after a backlash. "We need to act before it's too late. Rather than a full reform, we should begin with small, gradual amendments that the National Assembly, government and people can all agree on." Posting on Facebook, President Lee Jae Myung called for a discussion on constitutional reform and urged the National Assembly to lead the process, pledging to work alongside the legislature to reflect the will of the people. Meanwhile, following several recently proposed bills to reinstate Constitution Day as a public holiday, attention is on whether it will become a national holiday again for the first time since 2007. Shin Ha-young, Arirang News.

President Lee Jae Myung names special envoys to U.S.

2025/07/17 22:36

President Lee Jae Myung has appointed Park Yong-maan, former chairman of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, to lead his special envoys to the United States. Senior Secretary for Political Affairs Woo Sang-ho told reporters Thursday that the three-member delegation will be made up of Park, along with ruling Democratic Party lawmakers Han Jun-ho and Kim Woo-young. Woo noted that the envoys are not being sent to address a specific issue, but rather to explain the changes in South Korea since President Lee took office. Their departure date has not yet been decided. This week, the President dispatched envoys to the European Union headquarters in Brussels, France, the United Kingdom, and India.

S. Korea’s confirmation hearings: Key discussions on U.S. tariffs, economic challenges, and security

2025/07/17 22:35

Day four of confirmation hearings for the Lee Jae Myung administration's inaugural Cabinet picks took place today, where the nominees' visions and plans largely centered on security, diplomacy, and the economy. Our Kim Jung-sil has the latest. Foreign minister nominee Cho Hyun expressed confidence that an agreement on U.S. tariffs could be reached before the August 1st deadline set by President Donald Trump. When asked at Thursday's confirmation hearing whether the negotiations could conclude in such a short time, Cho said this: "It seems possible, though it's hard to predict. We are putting in our utmost efforts, and from the U.S. perspective, South Korea is not only a very important ally but also a key trading partner, so I believe they will prioritize negotiations with us." Cho also highlighted the potential for both countries to turn the crisis into a win-win opportunity by leveraging South Korea's strengths. If appointed, he pledged to visit the U.S. as early as next week to help finalize the crucial negotiations. Moving to security, Cho was asked whether North Korea remains South Korea's "primary enemy." "North Korea is an urgent and existential threat, but it is also a necessary partner in dialogue for peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula." Cho emphasized the importance of close cooperation with the U.S. to ease tensions with North Korea and create opportunities for dialogue. He also outlined plans to strengthen trilateral cooperation with the U.S. and Japan, while encouraging constructive roles from China and Russia. Meanwhile, confirmation hearings for key economic positions also took place. The finance minister nominee, Koo Yun-cheol, highlighted rising inflation, declining household incomes, and worsening external factors, stressing the decline in growth potential. He vowed to lead economic reforms to boost South Korea's future growth. Industry minister nominee, Kim Jung-kwan, outlined plans to boost exports and investments, emphasizing trade policies to strengthen the national interest, especially in response to U.S. tariffs, and expanding global trade networks through agreements and APEC Summits. As hearings continue, focus remains on how nominees' policies will shape South Korea's security and economy. Kim Jung-sil, Arirang News.

President Lee orders all-out response to heavy rain

2025/07/17 22:33

President Lee Jae Myung has ordered an all-out response to the heavy rain. At a weekly meeting with his top aides on Thursday, the President called for safety inspections at high-risk areas, including underpasses, 지하도, underground parking lots, and retaining walls. "We're already receiving reports of flood damage and casualties. There must be zero tolerance for even the smallest mistakes when it comes to protecting lives." Stressing that the state's top duty is to protect its people, the President also urged swift investigations into recent workplace deaths, strict accountability for those responsible, and stronger support for those falling through the cracks of the welfare system. And marking Constitution Day, he proposed reinstating it as a public holiday, calling it a chance to reflect on the spirit of popular sovereignty.