News

Trump gives Putin '50-day deadline' to end war

2025/07/15 19:55

Meanwhile in a tangible shift in stance. U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened tariffs targeting Russia in the absence of an agreement to end its aggression against Ukraine in 50 days. Lee Seung-jae covers this ultimatum and more. U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Russian President Vladimir Putin to finally put an end to the war in Ukraine. During a meeting with reporters alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in the Oval Office on Monday, Trump said Washington will impose "very severe tariffs" on Moscow in 50 days, if there is no deal made to end the war. "It's a horrible war and so if it's not done, if we don't have an agreement in 50 days, that's what we're doing. Secondary tariffs and they're biting. And I hope we don't get to the point where we do." This would mean 100 percent tariffs on Russian goods and secondary sanctions on purchasers of Russian oil. The move would also target Russia's trading partners in order to further isolate Moscow from the global economy. President Trump also announced a deal which will allow NATO member countries to purchase American-made weapons, which would be allowed to be given to Ukraine. "This is billions of dollars worth of military equipment. It's going to be purchased from the United States, going to NATO, etc., and that's going to be quickly distributed to the battlefield." The NATO chief said large numbers of weapons would be sent, including missiles, as part of its first wave of equipment to Ukraine. Meanwhile, with the news of military aid to Ukraine, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to President Trump for his readiness to protect Ukrainian lives. "I am grateful to President Trump for his readiness to support the protection of our people's lives." The latest deadline issued by Trump, along with a deal to provide Ukraine with American weapons, comes as the U.S. leader has been frustrated with the lack of progress Putin has made in committing to a ceasefire deal. Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.

Russia announces direct passenger flights between Moscow and Pyongyang starting on 27th

2025/07/15 19:45

Direct passenger flights between Pyongyang and Moscow will be available starting July 27th. According to the Kremlin's Transport Ministry Russia's Nordwind Airlines is scheduled to offer flights to and from the North Korean and Russian capital cities twice a week. Currently the only flights between Russia and North Korea are between Vladivostok and Pyongyang. The Moscow-Pyongyang flight will take about eight hours.

South Korea rebukes Japan's territorial claim over Dokdo islets

2025/07/15 19:35

Seoul has condemned Tokyo's latest claim over South Korea's Dokdo islets. Our foreign affairs correspondent Oh Soo Young has details. Seoul has called on Japan to immediately retract the territorial claim in Tokyo's latest Defense White Paper over South Korea's easternmost islets of Dokdo. On Tuesday, South Korea's foreign ministry released a statement, voicing strong objections to Tokyo's repeated territorial claim issued in its annual report. "We once again make it clear that any claim by the Japanese government over Dokdo, an integral part of South Korean territory, has no impact whatsoever on our sovereignty. We will respond firmly to any provocation by Japan regarding Dokdo." Published on Monday, the first defense white paper issued under Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba outlines Tokyo's view of the regional security environment. And once again, it refers to Dokdo as Takeshima, claiming sovereignty over the Korean territory, and marking the waters surrounding Dokdo with blue lines on several maps. Japanese media also revealed on Tuesday that Tokyo's Ministry of Defense for the first time distributed its white paper adapted for children to elementary schools. The booklet labels Dokdo as "Takeshima" and the East Sea as the "Sea of Japan." "Seoul's foreign ministry on Tuesday summoned the Japanese Embassy's minister for political affairs to formally lodge its complaint against Tokyo's latest move." South Korea rejects Japan's ungrounded claims, citing historical records dating back to the 6th century. While Korea was subjugated to Japan's imperial rule before and during World War Two, following Korea's liberation from Japan in 1945, Dokdo has been under Seoul's effective control with the South Korean Coast Guard playing a key role in its defence and management meeting the legal basis for its sovereignty under international law. As mentioned in Japan's latest document, the bilateral dispute remains unresolved. At the same time, amid rising geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Indo-Pacific, Japan for the second year in a row, named South Korea as "an important neighboring country and partner" in addressing shared global challenges. The white paper also states that close coordination between South Korea, Japan, and the United States is essential in addressing regional security concerns. It lists North Korea's advancing missile capabilities, China's regional pressure, and growing Russia–North Korea cooperation as key threats. While Seoul-Tokyo ties spiraled in 2019 due to disputes over historical issues related to Japan's wartime colonisation of Korea, the two governments resumed top-level diplomacy, trade and security cooperation in 2023. Leaders on both sides have committed to pursuing cooperation that looks to the future while separately addressing bilateral sticking points. Oh Soo-young, Arirang News.

President Lee officially invites 20 APEC member states to summit in Gyeongju

2025/07/15 19:34

President Lee Jae Myung has formally requested the presence of all leaders of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation at this year's summit in the South Korean city of Gyeongju . According to Presidential Spokesperson Kang Yu-jung official invitation letters were delivered to each country's diplomatic mission this past Monday. She also pointed out a final list of participants will be shared once the replies to the invitations are received. This year's APEC summit will take place from October 31st to November 1st under the theme of "Building a Sustainable Tomorrow."

TRUMP'S TARIFFS ON AMERICA'S ALLIES

2025/07/15 18:35

Hello and welcome to yet another edition of Press Perspective. It's Tuesday July 15th here in Seoul. I'm Min Sunhee. When the Trump administration initially postponed the imposition of country-specific tariffs to July 9th back in April it predicted 90 deals in 90 days. The U.S. has sealed two deals thus far one with the U.K. and the other with Vietnam. What's more just days AHEAD of the July deadline U.S. allies including South Korea and neighboring Japan were slapped with letters simply informing them of their respective tariff rates. For more I have Shin Hieun with Agence France Presse. Hieun it's been a long time. Welcome back. I also have Peter Lee a research fellow at the Asan Institute for Policy Studies. Peter it's a pleasure to have you with us. Hieun, a week ago, Mr. Trump sent letters to 14 foreign governments including 10 here in Asia, unilaterally informing them of their respective tariffs starting August 1st. Politico covered the response from America's allies here in Asia. Do tell us a bit about this coverage and what have been your own observations on the ground? Peter, there is a stark difference in response to this latest U.S. threat regarding tariffs between South Korea and Japan. South Korea sees it as a three-week extension while Japan appears vexed. How do you explain this discrepancy in response from the two American allies? Hieun, do tell us a bit about the package deal that South Korea has proposed to the U.S. amid the fresh threat over tariffs. Peter, MSNBC says the latest tariff threat has reinforced the belief that "Trump cannot be trusted." What are your thoughts, and what contingency plan do you propose for South Korea as it seeks to work with an America under the Trump administration? Hieun, the new government here has been seeking a summit between President Lee Jae Myung and his American counterpart Donald Trump. What is the latest on that front? Peter, the Lee administration has highlighted the importance of a pragmatic approach to trade and diplomacy. Is this a possible strategy keeping in mind the Trump administration's pressure on its partners to contain China? Hieun, for the sake of comparison, do share with us the tariff rates set by Mr. Trump on America's biggest trade partners Canada and Mexico as well as the EU and their respective responses. Peter, some regional scholars believe the confusion caused by Mr. Trump over global trade may be a "great gift" to China. Do you share this sentiment? Can China replace the U.S. in terms of regional trade? All right.

US Supreme Court clears way for Trump to gut Education Department

2025/07/15 11:42

The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday sided with President Trump's administration, lifting a lower-court injunction to clear the way to implement sweeping workforce reductions at the Department of Education. The injunction had required the reinstatement of nearly 1,400 employees dismissed in March as part of plans to dismantle the department. The court's unsigned order enables the Education Department to dismiss almost 40 percent of its staff, as originally planned under an executive order aimed at returning key duties to other federal agencies like Health and Human Services. Further legal challenges are continuing in lower courts.

Dozens killed in sectarian clashes in Syria

2025/07/15 11:41

Now, let's take a look at some stories from around the world with our Choi Chi Hee. Good morning, Chi Hee. Good morning, Eunji. Let's begin in Syria, where dozens have been killed in armed clashes in the country. Fill us in on this. Sectarian clashes in southern Syria's Sweida region between fighters from Syria's Druze community and Sunni Bedouin tribes have left more than 80 dead and dozens more injured on Monday. The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that at least 89 people were killed and dozens injured after armed confrontations broke out late Friday following a series of targeted kidnappings. The clashes were reportedly triggered by the abduction of a Druze merchant on Friday along the Damascus-Sweida highway. Druze fighters responded by attacking Bedouin tribal groups accused of involvement. The SOHR said the people killed included Druze fighters, Bedouin fighters, civilians, and security personnel. The country's interior ministry said National Security Forces have been deployed to the region to restore order; however, fighting continued in western parts of the province. This marks the latest outbreak of deadly sectarian violence in the country since Islamist-led rebel forces overthrew President Bashar al-Assad in December.

Russia announces direct passenger flights between Moscow and Pyongyang starting on 27th

2025/07/15 11:38

Direct passenger flights connecting Pyongyang and Moscow are expected to begin operating on July twenty seventh. According to Russia's transport ministry on Monday local time, Russia's Nordwind Airlines will operate a direct route connecting the Russian and North Korean capitals. The move comes as the airline requested approval from Russia's Federal Agency for Air Transport last month, to allow a direct route between Moscow and Pyongyang twice a week, and received the approval last week. Currently, the only flights between Russia and North Korea are between Vladivostok and Pyongyang. The Moscow-Pyongyang flight will take about eight hours.

Confirmation hearings begin for Pres. Lee’s first Cabinet picks

2025/07/15 11:36

On the local front. Confirmation hearings for President Lee Jae Myung's inaugural Cabinet picks are set to continue throughout this week at the National Assembly. On day one of the hearings, rival parties engaged in fiery discussions over allegations involving the nominees. Our political correspondent Shin Ha-young has the details. The Assembly confirmation hearings for President Lee Jae Myung's first Cabinet got off to a rocky start, with tensions between the rival parties prompting some sessions to be delayed or suspended. National Assembly standing committees held four hearings on Monday, including those for the nominees for unification, science, oceans, and gender equality ministers. In South Korea, Cabinet appointments are subject to parliamentary hearings, but do not require legislative approval to take effect. While the main opposition People Power Party has vowed to examine the nominees' qualifications and moral integrity, claiming many are unfit and should step down, the ruling Democratic Party is backing the nominees, saying there are no critical flaws. "The Democratic Party will support the swift formation of the Lee Jae Myung administration's Cabinet to ensure smooth governance and help stabilize state affairs." "The Lee Jae Myung administration's first Cabinet lineup is completely flawed. None of the nominees are qualified. There are concerns that the hearings will just become a stage for baseless excuses and lies." During the hearing for unification minister, nominee Chung Dong-young emphasized the need to improve relations between South and North Korea and restore peace on the Korean Peninsula. He also said the ministry's name should be reconsidered and discussed in the National Assembly, suggesting "Ministry of the Korean Peninsula" as one possible option. Chung has been stressing that renaming the ministry would help focus on making peace on the Korean Peninsula a top priority. "The Lee Jae Myung administration needs a fresh start. As part of that, I believe it's time to consider changing the name of the Ministry of Unification." Kang Sun-woo, a DP lawmaker nominated for minister of gender equality, faced a rough start to her hearing amid intense debates over allegations of workplace abuse. "With 18 nominees, including 16 ministerial candidates, scheduled to appear before the National Assembly over the course of the week, the political standoff between the rival parties is expected to continue. Shin Ha-young, Arirang News."

Trump gives Putin '50-day deadline' to end war

2025/07/15 11:35

U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a fifty-day deadline for Russia to end its war with Ukraine. Trump threatened that Washington will impose "very severe tariffs" on Moscow if the deadline is not met. Lee Seung-jae has more. U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Russian President Vladimir Putin to finally put an end to the war in Ukraine. During a meeting with reporters alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in the Oval Office on Monday, Trump said Washington will impose "very severe tariffs" on Moscow in 50 days, if there is no deal made to end the war. "It's a horrible war and so if it's not done, if we don't have an agreement in 50 days, that's what we're doing. Secondary tariffs and they're biting. And I hope we don't get to the point where we do." This would mean 100 percent tariffs on Russian goods and secondary sanctions on purchasers of Russian oil. The move would also target Russia's trading partners in order to further isolate Moscow from the global economy. President Trump also announced a deal which will allow NATO member countries to purchase American-made weapons, which would be allowed to be given to Ukraine. "This is billions of dollars worth of military equipment. It's going to be purchased from the United States, going to NATO, etc., and that's going to be quickly distributed to the battlefield." The NATO chief said large numbers of weapons would be sent, including missiles, as part of its first wave of equipment to Ukraine. Meanwhile, with the news of military aid to Ukraine, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to President Trump for his readiness to protect Ukrainian lives. "I am grateful to President Trump for his readiness to support the protection of our people's lives." The latest deadline issued by Trump, along with a deal to provide Ukraine with American weapons, comes as the U.S. leader has been frustrated with the lack of progress Putin has made in committing to a ceasefire deal. Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.

President Lee stresses sense of duty for civil servants

2025/07/14 23:36

In line with his focus on communication, President Lee Jae Myung delivered a lecture today to soon-to-be civil servants, sharing his views on the mindset they should bring to public service. Our Presidential Office correspondent Song Yoo-jin has more. Ever since taking office, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has emphasized that every hour spent by a public official is equivalent to 52 million hours for every person in the country. That sense of responsibility was the main message in a lecture the President delivered to some 3-hundred trainee civil servants on Monday at the National Human Resources Development Institute in Jincheon, Chungcheongbuk-do Province. He described public service as work that could "determine the country's fate." "In the hands of public officials rest the lives of so many people. Especially for all of you, starting out as mid-level managers in the Korean civil service, as deputy directors, an enormous amount of authority is being entrusted to you." The President also pointed out what he called the biggest problem in Korea's bureaucracy: a culture where well-intentioned decisions are still punished if they fail, which he says makes civil servants passive. "When you're in public service, every choice you make, there are countless possibilities. But if you're judged after the fact, if people say, 'You should have known this was the better decision,' that's like asking them to be god-like creatures. But we're not gods. We're human beings doing our best." After the lecture, President Lee took questions from the audience, offering advice based on his experience as Seongnam City mayor and Gyeonggi-do Province governor. "In policy making, there is no decision that will please absolutely everyone. We've been given the mandate from the people to mediate conflicts of interest. So with that, we should do our best to minimize misunderstandings, explain our decisions, and adjust where we can. And when all else fails, we must exercise our authority firmly." This was the first time in 20 years that a sitting president lectured soon-to-be deputy directors, the entry-level grade for those who pass the national civil service exam. Afterward, President Lee visited the site of the 2023 underpass flooding in Osong in the city of Cheongju for a safety inspection, reflecting his view that public officials must always prioritize people's safety. Tuesday marks exactly two years since the disaster, which killed 14 people. Song Yoo-jin, Arirang News.

President Lee dispatches special envoys to EU, France, UK, India

2025/07/14 23:33

President Lee Jae Myung is dispatching special envoys overseas to signal what he calls the "return of democratic Korea" and share his administration's policy agenda. The Presidential Office said Sunday that four delegations will visit the EU headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, as well as France, the United Kingdom, and India to strengthen South Korea's global ties. The EU team, led by former environment minister Yoon Yeo-joon, departed on Monday, with the other three teams leaving by Wednesday. Each delegation is made up of three members, mostly sitting lawmakers, headed by a chief envoy. They plan to meet with key officials and deliver personal letters from President Lee underscoring South Korea's commitment to stronger ties. Additional envoys will be announced once schedules are finalized.

Confirmation hearings begin for Pres. Lee’s first Cabinet picks

2025/07/14 22:38

Tonight we begin at the National Assembly. Confirmation hearings for President Lee Jae Myung's inaugural Cabinet picks have kicked off, with the rival parties exchanging barbs over allegations involving the nominees. Our political correspondent Shin Ha-young reports. The Assembly confirmation hearings for President Lee Jae Myung's first Cabinet got off to a rocky start, with tensions between the rival parties prompting some sessions to be delayed or suspended. National Assembly standing committees held four hearings on Monday, including those for the nominees for unification, science, oceans, and gender equality ministers. In South Korea, Cabinet appointments are subject to parliamentary hearings, but do not require legislative approval to take effect. While the main opposition People Power Party has vowed to examine the nominees' qualifications and moral integrity, claiming many are unfit and should step down, the ruling Democratic Party is backing the nominees, saying there are no critical flaws. "The Democratic Party will support the swift formation of the Lee Jae Myung administration's Cabinet to ensure smooth governance and help stabilize state affairs." "The Lee Jae Myung administration's first Cabinet lineup is completely flawed. None of the nominees are qualified. There are concerns that the hearings will just become a stage for baseless excuses and lies." During the hearing for unification minister, nominee Chung Dong-young emphasized the need to improve relations between South and North Korea and restore peace on the Korean Peninsula. He also said the ministry's name should be reconsidered and discussed in the National Assembly, suggesting "Ministry of the Korean Peninsula" as one possible option. Chung has been stressing that renaming the ministry would help focus on making peace on the Korean Peninsula a top priority. "The Lee Jae Myung administration needs a fresh start. As part of that, I believe it's time to consider changing the name of the Ministry of Unification." Kang Sun-woo, a DP lawmaker nominated for minister of gender equality, faced a rough start to her hearing amid intense debates over allegations of workplace abuse. "With 18 nominees, including 16 ministerial candidates, scheduled to appear before the National Assembly over the course of the week, the political standoff between the rival parties is expected to continue. Shin Ha-young, Arirang News."

Pres. Lee faces first major policy test amid Trump's tariffs and defense cost pressure

2025/07/14 21:35

Welcome to Within The Frame, where we bring the most pressing issues across the globe into focus. I'm Kim Mok-yeon. Only 18 days remain until President Trump’s sweeping tariffs hit Korean exports—and Seoul is running out of time. The Korean government has entered emergency mode, rushing to secure a broad framework deal with Washington before the August 1st deadline, with a phased negotiation strategy aimed at protecting national industries while fending off Trump’s escalating demands. Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo warned that this is not Trump’s first term—this time, over 20 nations are caught in simultaneous high-stakes talks as the U.S. moves to reshape the global trade order. Korea is pushing a “package deal” that ties tariffs to investment, defense costs, LNG cooperation, and digital trade—while drawing red lines around sensitive issues like agricultural imports and wartime operational control. But the stakes are higher than ever as Trump just slapped 30 percent tariffs on Mexico and the EU after near-deals collapsed. For a deeper discussion on this, we're joined by Ban Kil Joo, Assistant Professor at the Korea National Diplomatic Academy. Welcome. Also joining us is Andrew Millard, Assistant Professor of International Relations at Changwon National University. (Ban) Kicking things off—with President Donald Trump ramping up pressure on South Korea by pushing for higher defense cost-sharing on top of existing tariffs, Seoul has responded with a proposed “package deal” that links trade, investment, and security. Why do you think the Korean government shifted gears to suggest a package deal that merges economic and security issues, despite initially planning to address them separately? (Millard) Following up on that—what specific negotiation cards do you anticipate the Korean government might bring to the table in this package deal approach? (Ban) Continuing with the strategy itself—how effective do you think this bundling of trade and security issues will be as a negotiation method? (Millard) With Washington’s pressure intensifying, some are suggesting that the transfer of wartime operational control (OPCON) should be raised as a bargaining chip in the U.S.-Korea negotiations. Why is the OPCON issue coming into the spotlight now? Given Trump’s foreign policy posture, do you think this could give Korea leverage in the broader trade-security talks? (Ban) On that point—National Security Office chief Wi Sung-lac has stated that the OPCON transfer is a separate matter from the tariff negotiations. What’s the significance of Korea drawing that clear line and choosing not to use OPCON as a trade negotiation card? (Ban) Some argue that regaining wartime control could bring Korea closer to achieving autonomous defense, but it may also weaken the combined defense posture with the U.S. How do you assess that trade-off? (Millard) Looking at the bigger picture—America’s military strategy is shifting toward countering China, and President Trump reportedly wants U.S. Forces Korea to play a more flexible regional role. If OPCON is returned to Korea, could that directly lead to U.S. troop reductions or redeployment from the Peninsula? (Ban) Meanwhile, hopes are high that the upcoming U.S.-Korea summit could help break the deadlock in tariff negotiations. But with the tariff exemption deadline set for August 1st, time is running short. What do you see as the key factors for arranging an early summit? (Millard) Wrapping up—with all eyes on these talks, this moment could prove a major test of President Lee Jae Myung’s “pragmatic diplomacy centered on national interest.” In your view, what’s the most critical element in navigating this negotiation landscape? Thank you for your time and for your insights tonight Prof BAN and Prof. MILLARD, we appreciate it.

ARF URGES COMPLETE DENUCLEARIZATION

2025/07/14 20:34

Welcome to Press Perspective for this Monday July 14th here in Seoul. I'm Min Sunhee. First Vice Foreign Minister Park Yoon-joo was in Malaysia to attend a number of ASEAN-related gatherings including the ASEAN Regional Forum as well as a trilateral interaction with the top diplomats of the U.S. and Japan on the margins of the regional multilateral meetings. For more I have freelance journalist Raphael Rashid from the U.K. here in the studio. Raphael hope you had a good weekend. I also have Steven Borowiec with Japanese weekly news magazine Nikkei Asia with us. Steven welcome back. Raphael, let’s begin with the statement against North Korea’s nuclear weapons program shared at this year’s ASEAN Regional Forum and its significance. Steven, North Korea’s denuclearization was also addressed during a trilateral ministerial exchange among South Korea, the U.S., and Japan. Do tell us a bit about this meeting that took place on the sidelines of the ASEAN-related gatherings and its relevance. Raphael, for the first time in 25 years, North Korea skipped this year’s ASEAN Regional Forum. Do give us some context behind its absence. Steven, Russia, for its part, reportedly expressed regret over North Korea’s absence at the security forum. Its foreign minister also flew to Pyongyang. Do tell us about his remarks and his latest trip to North Korea. If I were to ask you to read into the optics of this trip, which came right after the ARF, what would you choose to highlight? Raphael, the Russian diplomat also warned against a security partnership targeting North Korea by South Korea, Japan and the U.S. What exactly did he say, and how do his remarks look to affect the trilateral framework? Steven, against this backdrop, a number of scholars in Japan have been echoing sentiments that we’ve touched upon here on our show in recent times that a Trump-Kim summit may not be in the cards in the near future. Now then, what are these Japanese pundits saying? Raphael, in spite of the pessimism over prospects of a U.S.-North Korea summit, top diplomats of the U.S. and China met on the margins of the ASEAN-related agenda. What topped their talks, and what were your takeaways? Steven, come Tuesday, that is tomorrow, China hosts the foreign ministerial meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. Do tell us a bit about this meeting and its agenda this year. Raphael, earlier this month, Brazil hosted this year’s BRICS, which Trump accused of being “anti-American” and he then proceeded to threaten the bloc with additional tariffs. How is Mr. Trump’s tariff policy affecting international diplomacy and cooperation? Steven, it may be too early to ask, but based on Seoul’s diplomatic activities thus far, how is the foreign media evaluating its efforts thus far? All right.

Confirmation hearings begin for Pres. Lee’s first Cabinet picks

2025/07/14 19:46

We start at the National Assembly today where a number of nominees for the president's first cabinet fielded questions from lawmakers about their qualifications while similar sessions for others were suspended. Our political correspondent Shin Ha-young starts us off. The Assembly confirmation hearings for President Lee Jae Myung's first Cabinet got off to a rocky start, with tensions between the rival parties prompting some sessions to be delayed or suspended. National Assembly standing committees held four hearings on Monday, including those for the nominees for unification, science, oceans, and gender equality ministers. In South Korea, Cabinet appointments are subject to parliamentary hearings, but do not require legislative approval to take effect. While the main opposition People Power Party has vowed to examine the nominees' qualifications and moral integrity, claiming many are unfit and should step down, the ruling Democratic Party is backing the nominees, saying there are no critical flaws. "The Democratic Party will support the swift formation of the Lee Jae Myung administration's Cabinet to ensure smooth governance and help stabilize state affairs." "The Lee Jae Myung administration's first Cabinet lineup is completely flawed. None of the nominees are qualified. There are concerns that the hearings will just become a stage for baseless excuses and lies." During the hearing for unification minister, nominee Chung Dong-young emphasized the need to improve relations between South and North Korea and restore peace on the Korean Peninsula. He also said the ministry's name should be reconsidered and discussed in the National Assembly, suggesting "Ministry of the Korean Peninsula" as one possible option. Chung has been stressing that renaming the ministry would help focus on making peace on the Korean Peninsula a top priority. "The Lee Jae Myung administration needs a fresh start. As part of that, I believe it's time to consider changing the name of the Ministry of Unification." Kang Sun-woo, a DP lawmaker nominated for minister of gender equality, faced a rough start to her hearing amid intense debates over allegations of workplace abuse. "With 18 nominees, including 16 ministerial candidates, scheduled to appear before the National Assembly over the course of the week, the political standoff between the rival parties is expected to continue. Shin Ha-young, Arirang News.

World News: France's Macron announces plan to accelerate military spending

2025/07/14 19:44

This is the World Now, bringing you the latest stories from around the globe. French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Sunday, an accelerated military spending plan, aiming to double France's armed forces budget by 2027 which is three years ahead of schedule as Europe faces mounting security threats. On July 13, Macron announced an additional 7.6 billion U.S. dollars in defense funding over 2026 and 2027, pushing France's military budget to 74.8 billion dollars in 2027, which would be double the 37.64 billion dollars in annual spending when Macron took office in 2017. Making an address to the armed forces on the eve of the Bastille Day national holiday, Macron described the move as essential in response to "unprecedented threats" including Russia's aggression, nuclear proliferation, terrorism, and global instability. He said, "To be free in this world, we must be feared. To be feared, we must be powerful." He also said details on the 2026 budget plans will be announced on Tuesday by the Prime Minister. In the United States, a fast-moving wildfire near the Grand Canyon's North Rim has forced a full evacuation and destroyed key infrastructure. Park authorities said Sunday that the Grand Canyon Lodge, the only lodging inside the park at the North Rim, had been destroyed by the flames, and evacuation orders were issued. The blaze, dubbed the Dragon Bravo Fire, rapidly grew to more than 20 square kilometers, consuming the historic Grand Canyon Lodge, visitor center, administrative offices, and a wastewater treatment plant. Park authorities evacuated all staff and approximately 500 visitors from the North Rim, which opens seasonally. The wastewater plant fire triggered a chlorine gas leak, leading officials to restrict access to inner canyon trails until air quality is verified. Nearby crews are also battling the White Sage Fire, which has burned over 40,000 acres north of the park. Cambodia celebrated the inscription of three former Khmer Rouge sites as UNESCO World Heritage, marking the first modern-era recognition on behalf of the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, Choeung Ek Killing Fields, and M-13 prison. These are notorious locations used as torture and execution sites in the past. At a UNESCO meeting in Paris on July 11, the sites were officially listed under "Cambodian Memorial Sites: From centers of repression to places of peace and reflection." Cambodia held nationwide drum-beating ceremonies on Sunday to honor the designation. Cambodia's Interim Culture Minister described the listing as a "model for the world." 23-year-old Jannik Sinner won his first Wimbledon men's singles title on Sunday in a historic final between the world's No. 1 and No. 2 players, defeating defending champion Carlos Alcaraz with scores of 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, and 6-4. Sinner became the first-ever Italian Wimbledon singles champion, and the victory marks his fourth Grand Slam title overall. Despite dropping the first set, Sinner played on with resilience as he won three consecutive sets, to end his five-match losing streak against Alcaraz. Alcaraz, seeking a third consecutive Wimbledon crown, acknowledged Sinner's performance, calling their rivalry "a class apart."

White House official warns Trump's tariff threat "will be real" on Aug. 1

2025/07/14 19:38

The Trump administration's country-specific tariffs will go into effect on August first should U.S. negotiations with its trade partners fail to produce deals that the U.S. leader likes. Our foreign affairs correspondent Oh Soo-young has the latest. Washington has emphasised its reciprocal tariffs on trading partners will take effect from next month, if President Donald Trump doesn't get a deal he likes. On Sunday local time in an interview with ABC News, White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett said if President Donald Trump "doesn't get a deal he thinks is good enough, the tariffs will be real." Hassett implied that Trump was not satisfied with some "sketches of deals" negotiated by Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and others on his trade team," and believes the deals "need to get better." This comes after Trump sent letters to 25 countries over the past week, notifying them of their blanket tariff rates. South Korea, Japan and Malaysia were handed 25 percent tariffs, while Mexico and the European Union on Saturday were told to pay up 30 percent. Regarding the higher 50 percent rate announced for Brazil, Hassett said Trump has been "very frustrated" with bilateral negotiations with Brazil and its actions. Trump has also accused the incumbent government of targeting its former President Jair Bolsonaro. In response to Trump's letter, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that the EU will delay its own imposition of retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods, originally scheduled to take effect on Monday, until early August. Acknowledging Washington's notice over the weekend, von der Leyen indicated the Brussels prefers to negotiate to seek a resolution within the given timeframe. The EU initially prepared a first round of retaliatory tariffs in response to U.S. duties on European steel and aluminium, targeting 21 billion euros worth of American goods with additional duties. While showing willingness to negotiate, European leaders including French President Emmanuel Macron have also voiced determination to defend European interests. Meanwhile, the Mexican leader Claudia Sheinbaum struck an optimistic tone saying she is confident she can reach a deal, saying Trump's letter indicates his intention to negotiate. Oh Soo-young, Arirang News.

Kim Jong-un reaffirms full alignment with Russia on "all strategic matters"

2025/07/14 19:36

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has reaffirmed Pyongyang's alignment with Moscow on all strategic matters. Remarks to this end followed his meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov this past weekend in Wonsan. Kim reportedly reiterated North Korea's "unconditional" support for Russia's military campaign in Ukraine. Lavrov in response underscored the Kremlin's commitment to deepening strategic cooperation with Pyongyang.

Lee calls K-democracy "beacon" for democratic citizens worldwide

2025/07/14 19:36

And the president this past Sunday sought to share South Korea's democratic resilience in a speech to mark Seoul's latest hosting of an international symposium on political science. Our correspondent Yoon Jung-min has more. Standing before a global audience, South Korean leader Lee Jae Myung's message of the resilience of democracy was loud and clear. "The remarkable resilience and the power of democracy that our people have shown belong to the Republic of Korea and to people all over the world. I am confident that the colorful K-democracy that our people themselves have shown will be a beacon and a new milestone for democratic citizens around the world. As he made the remarks at the opening ceremony of the International Political Science Association's 2025 World Congress in Seoul on Sunday, President Lee was highly critical of the martial law incident by former President Yoon Suk Yeol, calling it a "coup d'état" aimed at permanent rule. His message was also directed at what lies ahead: reconciliation. "Conversation over conflict, healing over wounds, reconciliation over confrontation. The core spirit of 'K-democracy' that will save our future lies in thoroughly restoring the values of democracy: freedom, equality and solidarity." He went on to extend the value of democracy to the lives of the people, calling democracy and freedom "inextricable." "In an era of crisis where the wave of inequality, polarization, and poverty hinders growth, freedom means the economy. Freedom means a warm meal that will fill hunger, a decent job to make a living." The liberal leader wrapped up his speech by describing what the future holds for democracy in a digital era, as he noted the use of smartphones to monitor abuse of power. "The AI revolution will further develop digital democracy, help facilitate rational debate and democratic decision-making and strengthen direct democracy." This year's congress runs from July 12 to 16 in the South Korean capital under the theme of "Resisting Autocratization in Polarized Societies," bringing together some 35-hundred political scientists from around the world. It's the second time that Seoul hosted the event. It last hosted the congress in 1997. Yoon Jung-min, Arirang News.