News
EU must rearm by 2030, EU's von der Leyen says
2025/03/19 10:00
The European Union has unveiled a plan to bolster its defense capabilities by 2030, aiming to enhance military autonomy and reduce reliance on external allies. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced on Tuesday in Copenhagen, the EU's initiative to rearm itself by 2030, targeting a significant enhancement of the bloc's defense infrastructure. The strategy aims to establish a credible deterrent in response to evolving geopolitical threats, notably the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and uncertainties regarding U.S. military support. The "Readiness 2030" strategy, which will be announced on Wednesday local time, comprises several key components, including fiscal flexibility, defense loans, and infrastructure development. The proposal also includes the creation of a European Military Sales Mechanism to streamline collective arms procurement across the EU and support arms manufacturers.
Israeli airstrikes on Gaza kill over 400
2025/03/19 10:00
Israel resumed extensive airstrikes across Gaza on Tuesday, killing over 400 Palestinians, injuring hundreds, and shattering the already fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the airstrikes are "just the beginning" and part of a broader strategy to dismantle Hamas and secure the release of Israeli hostages. He emphasized that future negotiations would proceed "under fire," indicating a readiness to continue military operations. While both Israel and the United States blame the renewed hostilities on Hamas, the international community has widely condemned the renewed violence. The United Nations has expressed deep concern over the escalating humanitarian crisis, and several countries, including Egypt and France, have called for an immediate halt in hostilities.
Top diplomats of S. Korea, Japan, China to hold talks in Tokyo this week
2025/03/19 10:00
The top diplomats of South Korea, Japan, and China are to hold talks this week in Tokyo. Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul will have a three-way meeting with his Japanese counterpart Takeshi Iwaya and Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Saturday. The talks come for the first time in more than a year, since November 2023. The three sides are to assess the progress of trilateral cooperation since the their leaders' summit that took place in May last year, and exchange views on regional and international issues. Cho is to hold one-on-one talks with his Japanese and Chinese counterparts as well with the key agenda to be about preparations for the 60th anniversary of the normalization of Seoul-Tokyo ties with Iwaya and the APEC summit with Wang.
Trump's top economic aide mentions trade deficit with S. Korea
2025/03/19 10:00
Washington apparently continues sending a message to its trading partners ahead of the April tariffs, this time, identifying Korea as a major "trade deficit" country. Shin Ha-young explains. With about two weeks until the announcement of reciprocal tariff plans, a top economic aide to U.S. President Donald Trump mentioned South Korea as a major "trade deficit" country. U.S. National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett told CNBC on Monday that trade deficits with Europe, China and South Korea have persisted for years, claiming the deficits are attributable to the countries' high tariffs and non-tariff trade barriers. He added that if U.S. trading partners immediately lower all barriers, the negotiations will be over. Since South Korea and the U.S. have a Free Trade Agreement that removes tariffs on most items, Hassett's statement is raising expectations of increased pressure on South Korea to lower non-tariff trade barriers. "The Trump administration is focused on fixing trade imbalances and seems to be taking a one-on-one approach with countries that have large trade deficits. For South Korea, this could mean either imposing tariffs to reduce imports or negotiating to lower barriers so South Korea can import more from the U.S." The expert from the Korea Institute for International Economic Policy emphasized the need for South Korea to review its contributions to the U.S. and assess potential U.S. demands on non-tariff trade barriers. "We need to review our contributions to the U.S. and potential demands from the U.S. on non-tariff trade barriers. However, with many uncertainties, it's too early for negotiations." Meanwhile, during the interview with CNBC, Hassett said there will be "some uncertainty" between "now and April 2nd," referring to the date Trump is set to unveil his reciprocal tariff plans. His comments come as market analysts and business leaders have criticized the sweeping tariff announcements, which have led to volatility in world markets. However, Hassett defended Trump's tariffs against Mexico, Canada and China, calling them "very positive developments" adding things will clear up after April 2nd. Shin Ha-young, Arirang News.
On-point: Will Constitutional Court announce ruling day for Yoon's impeachment trial on Wednesday?
2025/03/19 10:00
If the court doesn't declare a ruling date today, Wednesday, the final verdict may even be pushed to next week. We discuss this more with Professor Song Se-ryun this morning. Welcome back. 1. Aren't we expecting the Constitutional Court to announce the ruling day today, considering the announcement comes at least 2-3 days before the ruling day? 2. Many are expecting that Friday will be the big day. 3. What do you think the justices are contemplating at this point? 4. Why do you think Yoon's remaining silent ever since his release from custody? 5. We should probably expect the ruling for Prime Minister Han Duck-soo's impeachment to come after ruling for Yoon, right? Thank you so much for your insight and your time as always, professor Song.
Reciprocal tariffs can be avoided if unfair trade practices stop: U.S. Treasury Dept.
2025/03/19 10:00
According to U.S Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, some reciprocal tariffs may be avoided under a pre-negotiated deal, or negotiations after April 2nd. Lee Seung-jae reports. U.S. President Donald Trump said he would be announcing a detailed plan on the reciprocal tariffs on U.S. imports by April 2nd. With the deadline looming, the Trump administration is showing some flexibility with its tariff policies. Speaking to Fox News on Tuesday, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent expressed optimism that come April 2nd, "some of the tariffs" may not go into effect if a deal is pre-negotiated or if countries look to negotiate after April 2nd. Emphasizing that the U.S. is only in pursuit of "fair and reciprocal" trade, Bessent said that countries that stop trade practices that the U.S. deems unfair could avoid reciprocal tariffs. Such practices include, non-tariff barriers, currency manipulation, unfair funding and labor suppression. Meanwhile, Bessent said that come April 2nd, each country will receive a specific reciprocal tariff number deemed fair by the U.S. He added that the tariff calculation would be determined by the U.S. Trade Representative and the U.S. Commerce Department. The U.S. treasury secretary said that he has not seen any figures yet, as they are still being calculated. While Bessent believes reciprocal tariffs could lead to a "win-win" situation for everyone,.. they have raised concerns here in South Korea, with trade officials keen to avoid new U.S. tariffs. Seoul fears that with South Korea's trade surplus with the U.S. reaching over 55 billion U.S. dollars last year, it could be a major target for the Trump administration. Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.
Trump and Putin agree to 30-day Russia-Ukraine ceasefire on energy and infrastructure targets
2025/03/19 10:00
The U.S. and Russia have made a partial deal for Russia and Ukraine to stop attacking energy and infrastructure facilities for now. Our Choi Soo-hyung has the latest. U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin have agreed on a limited ceasefire on energy and infrastructure targets in Russia and Ukraine. On Tuesday, local time, the White House announced that in a lengthy phone call between both parties, Russia agreed to halt attacks on energy and infrastructure facilities for 30 days. The Kremlin stated that Putin had immediately ordered a halt to attacks on these sites. During the three-year conflict between Russia and Ukraine, attacks on these sites caused immense damage. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also stated that he supports Trump's proposal. "We support all steps towards ending the war. We will give support but in order to support something we need to understand what specifically it is." He expressed his willingness to speak with Trump at any time to hear the details of the phone talks with Putin. He also stated that Ukraine cannot be excluded from future discussions on the details of the ceasefire. However, a full ceasefire still seems some way off. Recently, Putin rejected Trump's proposal for a 30-day full ceasefire, citing concerns such as Ukraine's potential rearmament. During the call, Putin also insisted that foreign military and intelligence assistance to Ukraine should be halted. Europe welcomed the agreement between Trump and Putin but stressed that Ukraine's position must be taken into account. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron stated in a press conference on Tuesday that Ukraine must be involved in the negotiations to achieve a just peace for Ukraine. Meanwhile, Moscow said that Russia and Ukraine are set to exchange 175 prisoners of war each on Wednesday. Choi Soo-hyung, Arirang News.
S. Korea says inclusion on U.S. 'sensitive country' list is due to security issues, not foreign policy
2025/03/18 20:00
Thank you for joining us. I'm Yoon Jung-min. We begin with the latest on what's taken as confusion on the diplomatic front. The authorities explain that South Korea being designated as a "sensitive" country by the U.S. Energy Department reportedly comes in line with security concerns. Our foreign affairs correspondent Bae Eun-ji reports. Concerns are rising after South Korea, a key U.S. ally, was recently added to the U.S. Energy Department's Sensitive and Other Designated Countries List alongside North Korea, China, Russia, and Iran. While South Korea is in the lowest tier as "Other Designated Countries," it is the only U.S. ally with a formal defense treaty. Following communication with the U.S., Seoul's Foreign Ministry confirmed that South Korea's inclusion is due to security-related issues, rather than foreign policy concerns. The government also clarified that the U.S. has said the designation will not significantly impact joint energy research or technology cooperation. The ministry further highlighted that it's closely cooperating with the U.S., while noting that South Korea has been on the list in the past and was removed through similar diplomatic efforts. According to a report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office in 1996, South Korea was previously on the DOE's sensitive country list from January 1993 to June 1996. But the report added that South Korea was a country no longer considered sensitive as of July 28th, 1994. Despite the government's explanation, many experts still believe there are other reasons behind the matter. Because the U.S. list cites concerns over national security and nuclear proliferation, some observers in Seoul suggest it has to do with growing discussions on the need for South Korea to acquire its own nuclear weapons capability. "I think that's the biggest reason. The main reason why the U.S. Department of Energy would designate a specific country to its sensitive countries list is nuclear non-proliferation." Others believe South Korea's domestic political situation may have influenced the move since the U.S. decision, made in January, follows President Yoon's martial law declaration on December 3rd. "Once the Constitutional Court's decision on the impeachment is announced, the political turmoil in South Korea will be resolved. In that case, there would be no reason for the Trump administration to keep South Korea on this list." Meanwhile,.. the acting U.S. ambassador to Seoul, Joseph Yun, said on Tuesday that the energy department's listing was not a serious matter that could affect bilateral relations adding that the matter was "not a big deal." He explained that Seoul was put on the DOE list due to "some mishandling of sensitive information" that should not be taken out of laboratories, without further elaboration. Nonetheless, Seoul is looking to actively engage with Washington to resolve the issue before the designation takes effect on April 15th with trade minister Ahn Duk-geun set to visit the U.S. later this week to meet with his counterpart. Bae Eun-ji, Arirang News.
Parliament to request gov't draft up supplementary budget within March
2025/03/18 20:00
The National Assembly is set to ask the government to come up with a draft for a supplementary budget within this month. This came on Tuesday after Speaker Woo Won-shik held a meeting with the floor leaders of the ruling People Power Party and the main opposition the Democratic Party of Korea. DP lawmaker Park Sung-joon argued that the government has been passive when it comes to a supplementary budget, so the two main parties felt the need to urge the government to create one. PPP lawmaker Park Hyung-joon added that the authority to draft a supplementary budget lies with the government, so the Parliament cannot force it to submit a proposal by a certain deadline, but the intention is to fully coordinate with the government.
Top diplomats of S. Korea, Japan, China to hold talks in Tokyo this week
2025/03/18 20:00
The top diplomats of South Korea, Japan, and China are to hold talks this week in Tokyo. Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul will have a three-way meeting with his Japanese counterpart Takeshi Iwaya and Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Saturday. The talks come for the first time in more than a year, since November 2023. The three sides are to assess the progress of trilateral cooperation since the their leaders' summit that took place in May last year, and exchange views on regional and international issues. Cho is to hold one-on-one talks with his Japanese and Chinese counterparts as well with the key agenda to be about preparations for the 60th anniversary of the normalization of Seoul-Tokyo ties with Iwaya and the APEC summit with Wang.
Trump warns Iran of "dire" consequences if Houthi attacks continue
2025/03/18 20:00
U.S. President Donald Trump declares that any strike against the U.S. by Yemen's Houthi rebels will be considered a strike by Iran and that Iran would face "dire consequences". Park Kun-woo covers his remarks and more. U.S. President Donald Trump has warned Iran that it will be held responsible for any further attacks or retaliation by Yemen's Houthi rebels long backed by Tehran. Calling the Houthis "sinister mobsters and thugs," Trump posted on social media Monday that "every shot" fired by the rebels will be seen as being fired from the "weapons and leadership" of Iran and that there will be "dire" consequences. The White House even reinforced Trump's stance, urging that Iran take the warnings seriously. Such threats came after the U.S. launched a new series of airstrikes over the weekend, which according to the Houthi-run health ministry, targeted more than 30 Yemeni group sites and killed at least 53 people. The U.S. continued its attacks on Monday, targeting the Red Sea port city of Hodeidah and Al Jawf governorate, north of the Yemeni capital Sanaa. While the Pentagon said strikes will continue in the coming days, it added that will persist until the Houthis cease their attacks. "The Houthis could stop this tomorrow if they said, 'We're going to stop shooting at your people,' but they've clearly chosen not to do that." Amid these warnings from the U.S., Iran's United Nations envoy through a letter on Monday told the UN Security Council that Trump and other U.S. officials had made "reckless and provocative statements" that leveled "baseless accusations" against Tehran. He also said that the U.S. had threatened the use of force against them, adding that Washington is seeking to "unlawfully justify" its acts of "aggression and war crimes" against Yemen. Park Kun-woo, Arirang News.
Deadly Israeli strikes in Gaza kill over 320 Palestinians, breaking ceasefire with Hamas
2025/03/18 20:00
Over in the Middle East. Israel has resumed strikes on Gaza amid its fragile ceasefire with Hamas. More than 300 people had been reportedly killed, including many children. Cha Yun-kyung has the latest. The Israeli Prime Minister's Office said on Tuesday morning that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz have instructed the Israel Defense Forces to take firm action against the armed militant group Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The office announced that such action follows Hamas' repeated refusal to release Israeli hostages, as well as its "continuous" rejection of all proposals from mediators. Katz reiterated that Israel will continue to fight in the Gaza Strip if all hostages are not returned home. Destroying much of the housing and infrastructure in Gaza including the hospital system, Israel's surprise attack could mean a return to fighting in the 17-month war that has killed thousands of Palestinians and 팔레스타인인 수천 명의 사망자를 낸 17개월 전쟁에서 다시 전투가 벌어질 수 있다고 AP 뉴스는 보도했습니다. caused widespread destruction across the region, according to AP News. Bloomberg also reported that the sudden airstrike by Israel shatters the ceasefire deal with Hamas, as Israel carried out the most deadly offensive since a ceasefire took effect two months ago, killing more than 3-hundred-20 including women and children. With Netanyahu vowing to use "increasing military strength" against Hamas, the militant group has strongly criticized the IDF and accused Netanyahu of overturning the ceasefire agreement and leaving the remaining hostages in Gaza "to an unknown fate." Meanwhile, Israelis whose family members are still being held hostage in Gaza have demanded to meet with Netanyahu and his officials after the resumption of airstrikes on the enclave. Cha Yun-kyung, Arirang News.
Trump's top economic aide mentions trade deficit with S. Korea
2025/03/18 20:00
Washington apparently continues sending a message to its trading partners ahead of President Trump's reciprocal tariffs in April, this time, identifying Korea as a major "trade deficit" country, likely referring to non-tariff trade barriers. Our Shin Ha-young explains. With about two weeks until the announcement of reciprocal tariff plans, a top economic aide to U.S. President Donald Trump mentioned South Korea as a major "trade deficit" country. U.S. National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett told CNBC on Monday that trade deficits with Europe, China and South Korea have persisted for years, claiming the deficits are attributable to the countries' high tariffs and non-tariff trade barriers. He added that if U.S. trading partners immediately lower all barriers, the negotiations will be over. Since South Korea and the U.S. have a Free Trade Agreement that removes tariffs on most items, Hassett's statement is raising expectations of increased pressure on South Korea to lower non-tariff trade barriers. "The Trump administration is focused on fixing trade imbalances and seems to be taking a one-on-one approach with countries that have large trade deficits. For South Korea, this could mean either imposing tariffs to reduce imports or negotiating to lower barriers so South Korea can import more from the U.S." The expert from the Korea Institute for International Economic Policy emphasized the need for South Korea to review its contributions to the U.S. and assess potential U.S. demands on non-tariff trade barriers. "We need to review our contributions to the U.S. and potential demands from the U.S. on non-tariff trade barriers. However, with many uncertainties, it's too early for negotiations." Meanwhile, during the interview with CNBC, Hassett said there will be "some uncertainty" between "now and April 2nd," referring to the date Trump is set to unveil his reciprocal tariff plans. His comments come as market analysts and business leaders have criticized the sweeping tariff announcements, which have led to volatility in world markets. However, Hassett defended Trump's tariffs against Mexico, Canada and China, calling them "very positive developments" adding things will clear up after April 2nd. Shin Ha-young, Arirang News.
What does it mean for South Korea to be included on U.S. 'sensitive country' list?
2025/03/18 20:00
For a closer look, our Bae Eun-ji, who has been following the story, joins us in the studio. Eun-ji, unlike what the acting U.S. ambassador said, as we just saw in your report, it looks like Seoul is not taking this issue lightly. Right. This was a huge blow to South Korea as this could mean potentially hindering technology and science cooperation with the United States. And as you mentioned, another problem was that the Korean government was not aware of this for two months leading to harsh criticism. South Korea was put on the list in January, shortly before then-President Joe Biden left office. But this month the government began to ramp up efforts to overturn the decision. But whether the Trump administration will reconsider the move remains to be seen. 2. As for the reason behind the listing, there appears to be lots of different speculation. And some have suggested this may have been led by what happened at an institution under the U.S.' energy department. That's right. Some observers have said the U.S. listing may have to do with a recent incident at Idaho National Laboratory --a research institution under the U.S. Department of Energy --where security regulations were breached. In a report to Congress last year, the department said it fired the laboratory's contractor employee, who tried to board a flight to South Korea with export-controlled information on nuclear reactor design software. But it was not immediately clear if this case contributed to the designation. And some say a single incident would not have led to such a significant decision by the U.S. government, so questions persist over why South Korea was placed in the lowest category of the Energy Department's sensitive countries list. We'll have to see how the situation unfolds. Thank you for the wrap-up, Eun-ji. We appreciate it.
U.S. label of South Korea being ‘sensitive country’ putting alliance to test
2025/03/18 20:00
Welcome to Within The Frame, where we bring the most pressing issues across the globe into focus, I'm Kim Mok-yeon. South Korea's sudden addition to the "Sensitive and Other Designated Countries List" by the U.S. Department of Energy has sent shockwaves through diplomatic and security circles. While Seoul insists the move is a technical security measure, critics argue it signals deeper concerns—potentially over nuclear technology proliferation, political instability, or shifting U.S. strategic priorities. The timing is also notable. This designation was quietly made in the final stretch of the Biden administration but was only uncovered months later—just as President Trump stepped back into office. Could the designation reshape U.S.-South Korea relations? To break down the key questions at hand, to my right we have Hans Schattle, Professor of Political Science at Yonsei University. Welcome, Prof. And to my left is Min Jeong-hun, Professor at Korea National Diplomatic Academy. Thank you for joining us, Prof. 1. (Schattle) Let's begin with Prof. Schattle, so we hear that the U.S. Department of Energy added South Korea to its Sensitive and Other Designated Countries List in early January. What exactly is this list, and what economic and security implications does the designation have? 2. (MIN) The South Korean government says the designation is due to security concerns "unrelated" to foreign policy. 3. (Schattle) Some argue that South Korea's unstable domestic political climate, including the December 3rd illegal martial law incident, may have also influenced the U.S. decision to designate the country as a sensitive nation. How do you view this perspective? 4.(Schattle) The timing of when South Korea was added to the sensitive countries list was SURPRISINGLY during President Biden's term. 5.(Min) The South Korean government wasn't aware of this designation for nearly two months and vowed to take appropriate action before the policy takes effect on April 15th. Amid criticism of diplomatic shortcomings and a leadership vacuum, what measures should South Korea take to address this issue? 6.(Min) Meanwhile, it remains uncertain whether the Trump administration will accept South Korea's request to revise its sensitive country designation. 7.(Schattle) Amid this, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth's planned visit to South Korea has been canceled. 8.(Min) During former Pres. Park Geun-hye administration's impeachment crisis, the U.S. Secretary of Defense, Secretary of State, and Vice President all visited South Korea in succession. Given this precedent, some now worry that Hegseth's canceled visit signals a resurgence of "Korea Passing"—the phenomenon of South Korea being sidelined in major diplomatic affairs. How do you interpret this situation? 9.(Schattle) Meanwhile, President Trump recently referred to North Korea as a "nuclear power" and a "nuclear-armed state." He also stated that his second administration would seek a relationship with North Korea similar to that of his first term. Could this signal a fundamental shift in U.S. policy toward North Korea?
S. Korea prepares to resume Panmunjom tour program suspended in 2023
2025/03/18 17:00
South Korea is preparing to resume its tour program to the border town of Panmunjom following a 16-month suspension. According to the Unification Ministry on this Tuesday related talks are underway.. with the UN Command to ensure safe tours starting next month. The resumption will begin with policy-related visitors before being expanded to the general public. The Panmunjom tour program was suspended in July 2023 after U.S. army private Travis King crossed into North Korea during his trip to the Joint Security Area. The program briefly resumed in November 2023 but was halted yet again a week later after the suspension of the September 19th inter-Korean military agreement.
Trump warns Iran of "dire" consequences if Houthi attacks continue
2025/03/18 17:00
Meanwhile in a dramatic escalation of animosity U.S. President Donald Trump has declared that any strike against the U.S. by Yemen's Houthi rebels will be considered a strike by Iran and that Iran would face "dire consequences". Park Kun-woo covers his remarks and more. U.S. President Donald Trump has warned Iran that it will be held responsible for any further attacks or retaliation by Yemen's Houthi rebels long backed by Tehran. Calling the Houthis "sinister mobsters and thugs," Trump posted on social media Monday that "every shot" fired by the rebels will be seen as being fired from the "weapons and leadership" of Iran and that there will be "dire" consequences. The White House even reinforced Trump's stance, urging that Iran take the warnings seriously. Such threats came after the U.S. launched a new series of airstrikes over the weekend, which according to the Houthi-run health ministry, targeted more than 30 Yemeni group sites and killed at least 53 people. The U.S. continued its attacks on Monday, targeting the Red Sea port city of Hodeidah and Al Jawf governorate, north of the Yemeni capital Sanaa. While the Pentagon said strikes will continue in the coming days, it added that will persist until the Houthis cease their attacks. "The Houthis could stop this tomorrow if they said, 'We're going to stop shooting at your people,' but they've clearly chosen not to do that." Amid these warnings from the U.S., Iran's United Nations envoy through a letter on Monday told the UN Security Council that Trump and other U.S. officials had made "reckless and provocative statements" that leveled "baseless accusations" against Tehran. He also said that the U.S. had threatened the use of force against them, adding that Washington is seeking to "unlawfully justify" its acts of "aggression and war crimes" against Yemen. Park Kun-woo, Arirang News.
Trump plans to call Putin on Tuesday to discuss war in Ukraine
2025/03/18 17:00
The leaders of the U.S. and Russia are poised to speak on the phone on Tuesday U.S. time amid hopes for a 30-day truce between Kyiv and the Kremlin to pause three years of Russian aggression against Ukraine. Lee Seung-jae has the latest. U.S. President Donald Trump said Monday that he plans to have a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday, to discuss putting an end to the Ukraine war. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump announced the date of the planned phone call, adding that a lot of work has been done over the past weekend to bring ceasefire discussion into fruition. When asked if he thought Russia would agree to a 30-day ceasefire, Trump voiced optimism. Ahead of the planned phone call, the White House said Monday that a deal to finally put an end to more than three years of war is closer than it has ever been. Speaking to reporters, White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said that they're "on the 10th yard line of peace," adding that they've "never been closer to a peace deal" than this moment. She stressed that Trump is determined to get the deal done. Meanwhile, the European Union warned Trump not to trust Russia ahead of his phone call with Putin. EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas said at a press conference following the EU foreign ministers' meeting in Brussels on Monday, that the consensus among the member countries is that Russia cannot be fully trusted. Kallas pointed out that Russia did not immediately accept the 30-day ceasefire deal agreed upon by the U.S. and Ukraine, adding that Russia will use the opportunity to make demands. EU foreign ministers at the meeting also discussed providing Ukraine with a new military aid package worth over 43 billion U.S. dollars. The EU believes that additional military aid is urgent for Ukraine's security as Washington is pushing for a quick end-of-war agreement. Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.
Acting President Choi vetoes KCC bill; only two president-appointed members active
2025/03/18 17:00
Acting President Choi Sang-mok has vetoed an opposition-led bill that would make it mandatory for the Korea Communications Commission to have at least three commission members appointed in order to operate. The veto took place earlier on this Tuesday and marks Choi's 9th veto since taking on the role of acting president in late December. Currently only two President Yoon Suk Yeol-appointed members are active at the Commission while the remaining three appointments to be made by the parliament are vacant amid the political standoff. This parliamentary bill was also previously turned down by President Yoon Suk Yeol.
Court holds first trial hearing for Justice Minister Park Sung-jae on alleged martial law participation
2025/03/18 17:00
On the local political front. The Constitutional Court held its first hearing on the impeachment of Justice Minister Park Sung-jae earlier on this Tuesday. Park was impeached by the parliament last December with opposition lawmakers accusing him of partaking in Korea's short-lived martial law by seeking to secure detention venues for key political figures. Park's defense team has dismissed the accusations as groundless. After a two-hour session the bench decided it would begin deliberating on his case without a second hearing. Separately the Constitutional Court has yet to disclose a date for its verdict to determine the fate of President Yoon Suk Yeol whose impeachment trial ended in late February.