News

Opposition to impeach acting president with prime minister's impeachment ruling just days away

2025/03/21 20:00

Thank you for joining us. I'm Yoon Jung-min. Opposition parties today put forward a motion to impeach acting President Choi Sang-mok amid deeper partisan confrontation. The ruling party protested, saying it amounts to "terrorism" that destroys state affairs. Our Kim Do-yeon starts our coverage. After months of warnings and build-up the five opposition parties proposed an impeachment motion for Acting President and Deputy Prime Minister for Finance Choi Sang-mok. This came on Friday with the proposal accusing the Acting President of four different unconstitutional acts. First was an accusation that he was an accomplice to the alleged insurrection led by President Yoon Suk Yeol through martial law. Second, and what seemed to be the main reason, was Choi's decision to hold off on appointing the ninth Constitutional Court justice Ma Eun-hyeok despite the Constitutional Court's ruling last month that this is an infringement of the parliament's authorities. "To defy the ruling of the Constitutional Court is to defy the constitutional order itself — and beyond that, it is a denial and contempt of the Republic of Korea's very existence. That is how we see it." The other two were his decision to hold off on appointing a supreme court justice and a permanent special prosecutor. With the opposition parties having the majority, the motion can be passed unilaterally by the opposition lawmakers. Meanwhile, the ruling People Power Party has fired back saying this is, quote, "terrorism" against the government and the DP's emotional revenge by stopping government functions. PPP floor leader also added the DP is not confident about the upcoming ruling on President Yoon's impeachment at the Constitutional Court and needs add a liberal judge. "The reason Lee Jae-myung's Democratic Party faction is taking such extreme measures is clear: as procedural flaws in the impeachment trial become exposed, they're trying to overturn the case by pushing Ma Eun-hyuk into the Constitutional Court." "This is the 30th impeachment effort by the DP. 13 of them were passed by the National Assembly with 8 eventually making it to the Constitutional Court. None of the impeachments were upheld." In the meantime, the voting time for Choi's impeachment motion is yet to be decided. One variable is that the Constitutional Court will give its verdict on Prime Minister Han Duck-soo's impeachment on Monday morning. Han was impeached for similar reasons—refusing to appoint Constitutional Court justices. If the Court rejects his impeachment, Choi's motion could lose momentum even before the vote. In terms of succession, Han would return as acting president, and even if Choi is suspended, Han would still lead the government. But if Han's impeachment is upheld and Choi is suspended, Deputy Prime Minister for Social Affairs Lee Joo-ho, fourth in line, would take over as caretaker. Kim Do-yeon, Arirang News.

At least 592 dead in Gaza after Israel resumes airstrikes

2025/03/21 20:00

Civilians in Gaza, including many children, are bearing the brutal brunt of Israel's renewed ground offensive following conflict with Hamas over details of their earlier fragile ceasefire. Park Hyo-been has the latest. After Israel resumed airstrikes on Gaza from early Tuesday, the attacks have led to over 1-thousand-4-hundred casualties as of Thursday. Gaza's Ministry of Health reported that approximately 6-hundred people were killed in the first three days of the resumed airstrikes. Of the 4-hundred deaths on the first day of strikes, nearly 3-hundred were women and children. "We weren't living in a truce. We expected the war to return at any moment. We never felt stability at all. We would go to sleep without expecting to make it to the next morning." Israel has now deployed ground forces in Rafah, southern Gaza, to dismantle terrorist facilities. In northern Gaza, airstrikes targeted hospitals used by Hamas as command centers. Israel also launched attacks across the city, and the Israeli military confirmed the killing of two Hamas security commanders. In response, Hamas issued a statement accusing Israel of committing massacres, claiming that 6-hundred Palestinians were killed. It also launched three M90 rockets at Tel Aviv on Thursday, marking its first response to the latest Israeli airstrikes. Israel's defense ministry reported that one rocket was intercepted, and the other two landed in open areas with no casualties reported. On the same day, Iran-backed Houthi rebels joined the attack despite U.S. President Donald Trump's warning. "The Yemeni Armed Forces Missile Force carried out a qualitative operation targeting a military target of the Israeli enemy, south of the occupied Jaffa region, with 2 hypersonic ballistic missiles." As the clashes between Israel and Hamas intensify, peace in Gaza seems increasingly distant. Park Hyo-been, Arirang News.

Shoigu visits Pyongyang amid deepening Russia-N. Korea military ties

2025/03/21 20:00

Russia's top security official, Sergei Shoigu, has arrived in North Korea for high-level talks, according to Russian state media. The Security Council Secretary reportedly arrived in Pyongyang on Friday and is expected to meet with leader Kim Jong-un during his visit. This marks his first trip to the regime in about six months. His arrival comes as military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang deepens, especially after a North Korean troop deployment to Russia. Observers are also watching to see whether a possible visit by Kim to Moscow will be discussed.

Top diplomats from Seoul, Beijing address Xi Jinping's potential visit to S. Korea

2025/03/21 20:00

Ahead of trilateral talks between the top diplomats of South Korea, Japan, and China scheduled for this weekend in Tokyo, Seoul's foreign minister Cho Tae-yul today sat down separately with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi. During the 50-minute long meeting, they decided to work towards a visit to South Korea by Chinese President Xi Jinping to attend the APEC summit later this year. The two sides also agreed to make efforts to restore cultural exchanges. This comes after China started to restrict the distribution of Korean movies, dramas, and all other forms of pop culture in 2016, in retaliation to Korea's deployment of U.S. THAAD missile defense systems.

Seoul, Washington agree to resolve S. Korea's placement on "Sensitive Countries" list

2025/03/21 20:00

As key agenda lie ahead, Trade Minister Ahn Duk-geun was back in Washington in three weeks, this time, to relay concerns over the U.S.' so-called sensitive country list. The two countries agreed to swiftly resolve the issue. Shin Ha-young has the details. South Korea and the U.S. have agreed to work together to resolve the issue of South Korea being placed on the U.S. Department of Energy's "Sensitive and Other Designated Countries List" during Minister Ahn Duk-geun's visit to Washington. On Friday, the trade ministry said Ahn raised concerns about the designation in his first meeting with U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright, and both sides agreed to address the matter swiftly. If South Korea remains on the list, new restrictions on research collaboration and visits to institutions affiliated with the U.S. energy department will take effect starting April 15. However, Ahn stated that Washington does not expect the designation to significantly impact bilateral scientific cooperation. Seoul hasn't been removed from the list yet, but securing U.S. cooperation increases the likelihood of changes before it takes effect next month. His visit comes at a crucial time, ahead of the new Trump administration's anticipated tariff announcement on April 2nd, and securing a favorable position is another key objective for the talks. "Our priority is to seek South Korea's removal from the "Sensitive and Other Designated Countries List". If immediate removal is not possible, we will work on alternative solutions to ensure that this designation does not hinder scientific and industrial collaboration between our nations." The two officials also agreed to strengthen energy cooperation in areas such as LNG, hydrogen, power grids and nuclear energy including small modular reactors. Ahn said the visit to the U.S. provided an opportunity to confirm both sides' commitment to resolving the sensitive country designation issue and to strengthen the momentum of Korea-U.S. energy cooperation. During his two-day visit to the U.S. Ahn will also meet with U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick. With the U.S. set to impose new tariffs worldwide on April 2, Ahn plans to share South Korea's government and industry stances with Lutnick, whom he met just three weeks ago. Shin Ha-young, Arirang News.

Will President Yoon's impeachment verdict come next week or early April? Fmr. Court officials give their views

2025/03/21 20:00

As the Constitutional Court continues to contemplate President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment case, pundits are weighing in with their thoughts regarding the prolonged deliberation. Our Oh Soo-young reports. Almost a month has passed with no indication of when President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment verdict will be delivered. As of Friday, the Constitutional Court has not yet revealed when it will rule on the National Assembly's motion to remove Yoon from power, which was passed in December last year, following the leader's controversial Martial Law. For more than three weeks, the justices have been convening almost daily to deliberate on the case -a record period of time compared to past presidential impeachments. It took at most two weeks for verdicts on former presidents Park Geun-hye and Roh Moo-hyun, but there has been no word from the Court as of Friday 24 days since Yoon's final trial hearing was held. Given that the Constitutional Court notified former leaders two to three days in advance of their respective ruling dates, Yoon's verdict could fall between next Wednesday at the earliest,. and early April before two of the justices retire. The longer-than-expected deliberation has given rise to plenty of speculation over what's holding up the eight-member bench. Some believe the justices are working towards a unanimous decision to impeach President Yoon, and are fine-tuning their positions to deliver an indisputable judgment amid fears the result may trigger extreme reactions from the public. Some speculate the bench are struggling to align their views, given how an earlier impeachment case of Korea Communications Commission chair Lee Jin-sook was dismissed as the justices opinions were split evenly in line with their political orientations. "It seems the grounds for impeachment are clear and it is hard to dispute the President's declaration of martial law was unconstitutional and unlawful but the justices must determine whether the constitutional violations are severe enough to warrant removal from office. There may be justices who argue that it does not meet the threshold for an impeachable offense." In any case, the justices are facing growing calls to make a swift decision as Yoon's prolonged suspension from office, hinders effective governance. "This case is neither legally complex nor presents particularly difficult legal issues. We actually thought a conclusion would come by mid-March at the latest. The prolonged ruling has fueled speculation about political influence but I believe the justices fully understand the gravity and urgency of this case. I don't expect it to be delayed until early April. I believe that by the end of March, the ruling will be delivered one way or another." Still, the context of the decision and its timing is inevitably political. Those supporting Yoon's impeachment wish to quickly trigger a snap presidential election, which polls show would favor opposition Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung. Meanwhile, conservatives including Yoon's supporters are calling for the case to be dismissed, or for the Court to deliver a ruling after Lee Jae-myung's own verdict on Wednesday, March 26th, on one of his five criminal cases. With pressure coming from every side, the Court faces the challenge of ensuring its constitutional decision doesn't worsen the deep political division in the country. If at least six justices agree to uphold the presidential impeachment, Yoon will be removed from office immediately, triggering an early election that must be held within 60 days. If at least three are against impeachment, the President will resume his duties. Oh Soo-young, Arirang News.

Will President Yoon's impeachment verdict come next week or early April? Fmr. Court officials give their views

2025/03/21 17:00

As the Constitutional Court continues to contemplate President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment case and pundits are weighing in with their thoughts regarding the prolonged deliberation. Our Oh Soo-young reports. Almost a month has passed with no indication of when President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment verdict will be delivered. As of Friday, the Constitutional Court has not yet revealed when it will rule on the National Assembly's motion to remove Yoon from power, which was passed in December last year, following the leader's controversial Martial Law. For more than three weeks, the justices have been convening almost daily to deliberate on the case -a record period of time compared to past presidential impeachments. It took at most two weeks for verdicts on former presidents Park Geun-hye and Roh Moo-hyun, but there has been no word from the Court as of Friday 24 days since Yoon's final trial hearing was held. Given that the Constitutional Court notified former leaders two to three days in advance of their respective ruling dates, Yoon's verdict could fall between next Wednesday at the earliest,. and early April before two of the justices retire. The longer-than-expected deliberation has given rise to plenty of speculation over what's holding up the eight-member bench. Some believe the justices are working towards a unanimous decision to impeach President Yoon, and are fine-tuning their positions to deliver an indisputable judgment amid fears the result may trigger extreme reactions from the public. Some speculate the bench are struggling to align their views, given how an earlier impeachment case of Korea Communications Commission chair Lee Jin-sook was dismissed as the justices opinions were split evenly in line with their political orientations. "It seems the grounds for impeachment are clear and it is hard to dispute the President's declaration of martial law was unconstitutional and unlawful but the justices must determine whether the constitutional violations are severe enough to warrant removal from office. There may be justices who argue that it does not meet the threshold for an impeachable offense." In any case, the justices are facing growing calls to make a swift decision as Yoon's prolonged suspension from office, hinders effective governance. "This case is neither legally complex nor presents particularly difficult legal issues. We actually thought a conclusion would come by mid-March at the latest. The prolonged ruling has fueled speculation about political influence but I believe the justices fully understand the gravity and urgency of this case. I don't expect it to be delayed until early April. I believe that by the end of March, the ruling will be delivered one way or another." Still, the context of the decision and its timing is inevitably political. Those supporting Yoon's impeachment wish to quickly trigger a snap presidential election, which polls show would favor opposition Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung. Meanwhile, conservatives including Yoon's supporters are calling for the case to be dismissed, or for the Court to deliver a ruling after Lee Jae-myung's own verdict on Wednesday, March 26th, on one of his five criminal cases. With pressure coming from every side, the Court faces the challenge of ensuring its constitutional decision doesn't worsen the deep political division in the country. If at least six justices agree to uphold the presidential impeachment, Yoon will be removed from office immediately, triggering an early election that must be held within 60 days. If at least three are against impeachment, the President will resume his duties. Oh Soo-young, Arirang News.

World News: EU leaders vow to continue backing Ukraine, but make no concrete pledges

2025/03/21 17:00

This is The World Now, bringing you the latest stories from around the globe. European Union leaders convened in Brussels for a two-day summit to deliberate on strengthening defense support for Ukraine. However, the summit concluded without a concrete financial commitment. During the summit held on Thursday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the EU leaders via video, urging them to maintain pressure on Russia through sanctions and to provide additional military aid. However, the EU leaders kept a cautious approach and didn't give a solid answer regarding Zelenskyy's appeal for approximately 5.4 billion U.S. dollars for artillery shells. EU foreign policy chief and Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas had previously proposed a 43.4 billion-dollar military aid package for Ukraine, but the plan has faced opposition from several member states. Reaching consensus was further complicated by Hungary's refusal to endorse the summit's joint statement supporting Ukraine. Zimbabwe's Kirsty Coventry was elected as the next president of the International Olympic Committee on Thursday, becoming the first woman and first African leader of the organization in its 130-year history. Coventry secured 49 out of 97 votes, defeating six other candidates. 41-year-old Coventry has won two Olympic gold medals in swimming and serves as Zimbabwe's Sports Minister. Outgoing IOC president Thomas Bach was among those sending messages of congratulations to Coventry. She pledged to expand Olympic participation and will officially assume the presidency on June 23. Paris is hosting a unique exhibition titled "Snoopy In Style: A History of Peanuts and Fashion" to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Peanuts comic strip. The exhibition runs from March 22 to April 5 showcasing Snoopy's influence on fashion over the decades. Ahead of the exhibition, dozens of dolls of the cartoon beagle dog wearing designer clothes were on display in Paris on Thursday. Visitors can explore original comic strips, designer collaborations, and fashion items featuring Snoopy and his sister Belle in the exhibition. The exhibition highlights partnerships with renowned designers such as Karl Lagerfeld and Giorgio Armani. Choi Chi-hee, Arirang News.

Ukraine minerals deal imminent: Trump

2025/03/21 17:00

U.S. President Donald Trump claims Washington and Kyiv are close to concluding a critical minerals deal. Lee Seung-jae has more. U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday, that a minerals and natural resources deal with Ukraine is getting closer. Trump made the announcement at the White House,.. after signing an order to increase U.S. production of critical minerals. "We're doing very well with regard to Ukraine and Russia. And one of the things we are doing is signing a deal very shortly with respect to rare earths with Ukraine, which they have tremendous value in rare earth. And we appreciate that." Washington and Kyiv said earlier this month that they had agreed to conclude the minerals deal as soon as possible. The comments by Trump also come as he spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Wednesday, in what the White House said was a "fantastic" one-hour phone call. President Trump also said Thursday that progress towards a ceasefire deal between Russia and Ukraine is progressing well. "And we spoke yesterday with, as you know, President Putin and President Zelenskyy. And we would love to see that come to an end. And I think we're doing pretty well in that regard. So hopefully we would save thousands of people a week from dying. That's what it's all about. They're dying." Meanwhile, officials from the U.S., Russia and Ukraine will head to Saudi Arabia next week to hold talks on a potential ceasefire deal. Talks on a U.S.-led proposal for a partial ceasefire will resume next Monday with Russian and Ukrainian officials holding talks separately with U.S. officials. According to President Zelenskyy speaking at a news conference in Oslo on Thursday, U.S. officials would meet with Ukrainian experts, and then hold separate talks with Russian representatives. The White House issued a statement saying that President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin had agreed to technical negotiations on a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, and a potential full ceasefire and permanent peace during their talks on Tuesday. Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.

At least 592 dead in Gaza after Israel resumes airstrikes

2025/03/21 17:00

In international news. Civilians in Gaza including children are bearing the brutal brunt of Israel's latest ground offensive following conflict with Hamas over details of their earlier fragile ceasefire. Park Hyo-been has the latest. After Israel resumed airstrikes on Gaza from early Tuesday, the attacks have led to over 1-thousand-4-hundred casualties as of Thursday. Gaza's Ministry of Health reported that approximately 6-hundred people were killed in the first three days of the resumed airstrikes. Of the 4-hundred deaths on the first day of strikes, nearly 3-hundred were women and children. "We weren't living in a truce. We expected the war to return at any moment. We never felt stability at all. We would go to sleep without expecting to make it to the next morning." Israel has now deployed ground forces in Rafah, southern Gaza, to dismantle terrorist facilities. In northern Gaza, airstrikes targeted hospitals used by Hamas as command centers. Israel also launched attacks across the city, and the Israeli military confirmed the killing of two Hamas security commanders. In response, Hamas issued a statement accusing Israel of committing massacres, claiming that 6-hundred Palestinians were killed. It also launched three M90 rockets at Tel Aviv on Thursday, marking its first response to the latest Israeli airstrikes. Israel's defense ministry reported that one rocket was intercepted, and the other two landed in open areas with no casualties reported. On the same day, Iran-backed Houthi rebels joined the attack despite U.S. President Donald Trump's warning. "The Yemeni Armed Forces Missile Force carried out a qualitative operation targeting a military target of the Israeli enemy, south of the occupied Jaffa region, with 2 hypersonic ballistic missiles." As the clashes between Israel and Hamas intensify, peace in Gaza seems increasingly distant. Park Hyo-been, Arirang News.

Two N. Korean nationals found adrift in West Sea on March 7 aboard small wooden boat

2025/03/21 17:00

Two North Korean nationals are facing questioning here in South Korea after being found adrift in the West Sea earlier this month. The South Korean Navy's maritime patrol aircraft detected the boat some one-hundred-70 kilometers west of Eocheongdo a little after 11 in the morning on March 7th. They reportedly unintentionally crossed the Northern Limit Line owing to a malfunction in their small wooden boat. And as they have not expressed any intention to defect South Korea is reviewing its options of sending them home as all cross-border communication has been severed.

N. Korea tests new surface-to-air missile as Kim Jong-un watches

2025/03/21 17:00

North Korea says it has successfully tested a newly 개발된 지대공 미사일 시스템을 성공적으로 시험 발사했다고 북한이 밝혔다.

Top diplomats of S. Korea, China holds talks in Tokyo

2025/03/21 17:00

Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul is in Tokyo for trilateral talks with his Japanese and Chinese counterparts. Now ahead of the trilateral gathering with Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya scheduled for Saturday Cho sat down separately with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to address bilateral issues of interest on this Friday. Among the matters addressed was the possibility of a visit to South Korea by Chinese President Xi Jinping to attend the APEC summit this autumn.

S. Korea, U.S. officials agree to cooperate on 'Sensitive and Other Designated Countries List' issue

2025/03/21 17:00

Relevant authorities from Seoul and Washington will work together to address South Korea's inclusion in the U.S. Energy Department's list of sensitive countries. According to the Trade Ministry here on this Friday intentions to this end were agreed upon during talks between Trade Minister Ahn Duk-geun and U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright over in Washington on Thursday local time. Their talks also reportedly included future energy partnership including joint projects as well as investments.

Opposition to impeach acting president with prime minister's impeachment ruling just days away

2025/03/21 17:00

Meanwhile in the latest confrontation between rival political parties opposition lawmakers at the parliament are preparing an impeachment motion against acting President Choi Sang-mok . Our correspondent Kim Do-yeon reports. After months of warnings and build-up the five opposition parties proposed an impeachment motion for Acting President and Deputy Prime Minister for Finance Choi Sang-mok. This came on Friday with the proposal accusing the Acting President of four different unconstitutional acts. First was an accusation that he was an accomplice to the alleged insurrection led by President Yoon Suk Yeol through martial law. Second, and what seemed to be the main reason, was Choi's decision to hold off on appointing the ninth Constitutional Court justice Ma Eun-hyeok despite the Constitutional Court's ruling last month that this is an infringement of the parliament's authorities. "To defy the ruling of the Constitutional Court is to defy the constitutional order itself — and beyond that, it is a denial and contempt of the Republic of Korea's very existence. That is how we see it." The other two were his decision to hold off on appointing a supreme court justice and a permanent special prosecutor. With the opposition parties having the majority, the motion can be passed unilaterally by the opposition lawmakers. Meanwhile, the ruling People Power Party has fired back saying this is, quote, "terrorism" against the government and the DP's emotional revenge by stopping government functions. PPP floor leader also added the DP is not confident about the upcoming ruling on President Yoon's impeachment at the Constitutional Court and needs add a liberal judge. "The reason Lee Jae-myung's Democratic Party faction is taking such extreme measures is clear: as procedural flaws in the impeachment trial become exposed, they're trying to overturn the case by pushing Ma Eun-hyuk into the Constitutional Court." "This is the 30th impeachment effort by the DP. 13 of them were passed by the National Assembly with 8 eventually making it to the Constitutional Court. None of the impeachments were upheld." In the meantime, the voting time for Choi's impeachment motion is yet to be decided. One variable is that the Constitutional Court will give its verdict on Prime Minister Han Duck-soo's impeachment on Monday morning. Han was impeached for similar reasons—refusing to appoint Constitutional Court justices. If the Court rejects his impeachment, Choi's motion could lose momentum even before the vote. In terms of succession, Han would return as acting president, and even if Choi is suspended, Han would still lead the government. But if Han's impeachment is upheld and Choi is suspended, Deputy Prime Minister for Social Affairs Lee Joo-ho, fourth in line, would take over as caretaker. Kim Do-yeon, Arirang News.

EU leaders vow to continue backing Ukraine, but make no concrete pledges

2025/03/21 10:00

European Union leaders convened in Brussels for a two-day summit to deliberate on strengthening defense support for Ukraine. However, the summit concluded without a concrete financial commitment. During the summit held on Thursday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the EU leaders via video, urging them to maintain pressure on Russia through sanctions and to provide additional military aid. However, the EU leaders kept a cautious approach and didn't give a solid answer regarding Zelenskyy's appeal for approximately 5.4 billion U.S. dollars for artillery shells. EU foreign policy chief and Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas had previously proposed a 43.4 billion-dollar military aid package for Ukraine, but the plan has faced opposition from several member states. Reaching consensus was further complicated by Hungary's refusal to endorse the summit's joint statement supporting Ukraine.

Hamas says it fired rockets toward Tel Aviv as Israel renews attacks on Gaza

2025/03/21 10:00

Hostilities in the Middle East are escalating, with Hamas launching rockets in response to Israel's renewed military operations. Hamas claimed to have fired three rockets toward Tel Aviv on Thursday, following resumed military operations by Israel in Gaza. This marks Hamas' first offensive since a ceasefire collapsed earlier this week following Israel's resumption of air and ground operations in Gaza. The Israeli military reported that one of the three rockets was intercepted by air defenses, while the others landed in open areas, causing no casualties. Yemen's Houthi rebel group also fired two ballistic missiles at Israel on Thursday but these were intercepted. Israeli airstrikes have resulted in over 500 Palestinian deaths and hundreds of injuries since Tuesday, with at least 85 fatalities reported on Thursday alone. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has threatened "total devastation" of Gaza unless Hamas releases the remaining hostages.

S. Korea's FM heads to Tokyo for trilateral meeting with Japanese, Chinese counterparts

2025/03/21 10:00

South Korea's foreign minister Cho Tae-yul left for Tokyo this morning to take part in a trilateral meeting with his Japanese and Chinese counterparts. Throughout his two-day visit, Cho is also scheduled to hold separate bilateral meetings with Japan's Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya and China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The three officials are expected to hold discussions on a wide range of regional and global issues. This marks their first meeting since South Korea's brief imposition of martial law in December, with their last meeting held in November, 2023 in Busan.

S. Korea's minister of trade to hold high-level talks with Washington about its "Sensitive Countries List" and tariffs

2025/03/21 10:00

South Korea is pushing for negotiations amid potential new U.S. tariffs and restrictions on scientific collaboration. Trade Minister Ahn Duk-geun is back in Washington for crucial talks. Our Moon Hye-ryeon reports. As the United States prepares to announce reciprocal tariffs next month, South Korea's Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy has returned to Washington in an effort to secure Seoul's removal from its recent designation into the U.S. Energy Department's "Sensitive and Other Designated Countries List". On Thursday, local time, Trade Minister Ahn Duk-geun spoke to reporters about the government's stance prior to beginning a series of high-level discussions. His first meeting is scheduled with the U.S. Secretary of Energy, Chris Wright. "Our priority is to seek South Korea's removal from the "Sensitive and Other Designated Countries List". If immediate removal is not possible, we will work on alternative solutions to ensure that this designation does not hinder scientific and industrial collaboration between our nations." If South Korea remains on the list, new restrictions on research collaborations and visits to institutions affiliated with the U.S. Energy Department will take effect starting April 15. However, Ahn gave reassurance that Washington has indicated that the designation is not expected to have a significant impact on bilateral scientific cooperation. His visit comes at a crucial time, ahead of the new Trump administration's anticipated tariff announcement on April 2nd, and securing a favorable position is another key objective for talks. This marks Ahn's second trip to Washington in just three weeks, following discussions with the U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick last month, and they are due to meet again. "The Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement (FTA) has effectively eliminated tariffs between our two countries. However, non-tariff barriers have emerged as a concern. We are actively addressing these issues domestically and will communicate our progress to our U.S. counterparts." U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent recently identified the so-called "Dirty 15" – a group of countries with significant tariffs on U.S. goods – as targets for the upcoming tariff measures. When asked whether South Korea could be included, Ahn stated it was too early to tell, and emphasized that South Korea already imports most U.S. goods without tariffs under the Free Trade Agreement between Seoul and Washington. Regarding a potential exemption from the new tariffs, the Trade Minister explained that there haven't been many cases where specific countries were granted exemptions – and it appears that the measures will be implemented first before adjustments can be made. He added that ongoing communication and negotiations will be needed to shape the trade framework between the two allies. Moon Hye-ryeon, Arirang News.

EU postpones retaliatory tariffs to mid-April for further negotiations with Washington

2025/03/21 10:00

The European Union has pushed back its first phase of retaliatory tariffs against the U.S., originally set to take effect on April 1st. The European Commission announced on Thursday that the countermeasures will now take effect on April 13th, and all at once instead of across two stages. The first phase originally was set to levy tariffs on U.S. exports of whiskey, motorboats and motorcycles to the EU, and the second phase on beer, poultry, beef and other produce. The announcement also stated the postponement would allow time for negotiations with Washington, and that tariffs would be imposed without further delay should they fail to find a resolution.