News
S. Korea says inclusion on U.S. 'sensitive country' list is due to security issues, not foreign policy
2025/03/18 17:00
South Korea's designation as a sensitive country by the U.S. Energy Department reportedly comes in line with security concerns and not diplomacy. Our correspondent Bae Eun-ji starts us off. 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.
World News: EU and partners promise US$ 6.3 bil. in aid for Syria and its neighbors
2025/03/18 17:00
This is the World Now, bringing you the latest stories from around the globe. The European Union and its international partners have pledged substantial financial aid to support Syria and its neighboring countries during a critical transition period following the ousting of its former leader. At a conference held in Brussels on Monday, donors committed approximately 6.3 billion U.S. dollars in aid for Syria and its neighbors, with the EU pledging nearly 2.7 billion dollars. This year's total pledges are lower than the 8.2 billion dollars raised last year, partly due to reductions in the United States foreign aid budget. Meanwhile, Syria's interim government participated in the conference for the first time, with its foreign minister in attendance. Rwanda announced it officially cut diplomatic ties with Belgium on Monday, citing interference in regional matters. The Rwandan government announced that all Belgian diplomats must depart within 48 hours, raising concerns about escalating bilateral tensions. The decision follows accusations that Belgium has sided against Rwanda with regard to the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Rwanda insists that Belgium has taken sides in the regional conflict and continues to mobilize against Rwanda in various forums, employing what it describes as "lies and manipulation" to destabilize the region. Finally, in the United States, New York City celebrated its 264th annual St. Patrick's Day Parade on Monday local time, attracting approximately 2 million spectators and featuring 150,000 marchers. Participants included school bands, Irish pipe and drum ensembles, and uniformed personnel from the police and fire departments. Mayor Eric Adams and Governor Kathy Hochul were among the attendees, and also wore green for the occasion. Meanwhile, in Chicago, the annual tradition of dyeing the Chicago River green with an eco-friendly dye, a practice that began in 1962, was once again observed. Choi Chi-hee, Arirang News.
South Korea's Culture Ministry selects Andong as Culture City of East Asia 2026
2025/03/18 17:00
The Culture Ministry has selected Andong City as South Korea's city of culture for East Asian exchanges of 2026. Highlighting Andong's UNESCO-listed world heritage sites such as the Hahoe Folk Village the ministry has pledged to support various cultural interactions. Since 2014 South Korea China and Japan have selected four cities with rich history every year to promote cultural programs including performances and exhibitions under a trilateral initiative that aims to advance artistic collaboration.
Rwanda cuts diplomatic ties with Belgium citing interference
2025/03/18 10:00
Rwanda announced it officially cut diplomatic ties with Belgium on Monday, citing interference in regional matters. The Rwandan government announced that all Belgian diplomats must depart within 48 hours, raising concerns about escalating bilateral tensions. The decision follows accusations that Belgium has sided against Rwanda with regard to the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Rwanda insists that Belgium has taken sides in the regional conflict and continues to mobilize against Rwanda in various forums, employing what it describes as "lies and manipulation" to destabilize the region.
EU and partners promise U.S.$ 6.3 bil. in aid for Syria and its neighbors
2025/03/18 10:00
The European Union and its international partners have pledged substantial financial aid to support Syria and its neighboring countries during a critical transition period following the ousting of its former leader. At a conference held in Brussels on Monday, donors committed approximately 6.3 billion U.S. dollars in aid for Syria and its neighbors, with the EU pledging nearly 2.7 billion dollars. This year's total pledges are lower than the 8.2 billion dollars raised last year, partly due to reductions in the United States foreign aid budget. Meanwhile, Syria's interim government participated in the conference for the first time, with its foreign minister in attendance.
Trump says U.S. will hold Iran responsible for further Houthi attacks
2025/03/18 10:00
Good morning, I'm Choi Chi-hee, and this is The World Now. Following a series of U.S. airstrikes targeting Yemen's Houthi rebels over the weekend, President Donald Trump on Monday issued a warning to Iran regarding its support for the group. Trump emphasized that any future assaults by the Houthis will be regarded as direct actions by Iran, and promised severe repercussions. Taking to social media he said, "Every shot fired by the Houthis will be looked upon as being a shot fired from the weapons and leadership of IRAN, and IRAN will be held responsible and suffer the consequences, and those consequences will be dire." The White House reinforced the stance, indicating that Iran should take the United States' warnings seriously. Meanwhile, the Pentagon reported that over 30 Houthi sites have been targeted so far, and vowed to continue using "overwhelming lethal force" to protect international maritime commerce until the group ceases its attacks.
On-point: Will President Yoon's impeachment case ruling be announced on Friday?
2025/03/18 10:00
Many are expecting the Constitutional Court to rule on President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment case later this week. What's taking the justices so long? We turn to legal expert Joung Hwang. Good morning. 1. What do you think the eight justices are contemplating at this stage? Didn't the court stress a speedy ruling? 2. Some are betting that Thursday or Friday to be the day the ruling is announced, and some even expect it to happen as late as next week. Which day are you betting on? Why that day? 3. And I'm sure the justices will pour extra efforts into drawing up their final statements considering the gravity of the case, won't they? 4. Will President Yoon make a statement before the ruling day do you think? Yoon's legal team said no, but if yes, what kind of statement? 5. Will the ruling and opposition parties be able to draw out a joint message following the verdict? They did back in 2017 when former President Park Geun-hye was ousted. Thanks so much for sharing your insight with us this morning.
Trump's top economic aide warns of more uncertainty over tariffs
2025/03/18 10:00
U.S. President Donald Trump's top economic aide on Monday warned of more economic uncertainty stemming from Washington's evolving tariff policy. Speaking to CNBC's "Squawk Box" on Monday, U.S. National Economic Council Director Kevin 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 the 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.
Freedom Shield exercise conducted in accordance with int'l law: U.S. Maj. General
2025/03/18 10:00
A United States Army major general stationed in South Korea has said the recent U.S.-Korea joint military exercise was not a "nuclear war" exercise. Major General William Taylor, who is serving as the Operations Chief of the UN command and the combined U.S.-Korea forces., made the remark in an interview on Tuesday with Yonhap News Agency when asked about North Korea's criticism of the Freedom Shield exercises, a joint military training program that started on March 10th, which the North claims are rehearsals for invasion. He also emphasized that all the exercises are being conducted in accordance with international law. When asked about the possibility of the U.S. reducing or withdrawing U.S. troops from Korea, he said that the U.S. is focused on maintaining strong forces capable of ensuring regional security.
Trump plans to call Putin on Tuesday to discuss war in Ukraine
2025/03/18 10:00
U.S. President Donald Trump says he's going to call Russian President Vladimir Putin, to discuss a potential ceasefire agreement for the Ukraine war. Lee Seung-jae reports. 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 휴전 협정을 논의하기 위해 화요일에 러시아 대통령 블라디미르 푸틴과 전화 통화를 할 계획이라고 말했습니다.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.
S. Korea added to U.S. Sensitive List due to security issue, not policy: Gov't
2025/03/18 10:00
South Korea's addition to the U.S. Sensitive Countries List has been explained by the government, which stated it's due to security concerns at U.S. research facilities. Kim Jung-sil reports. Following communication with the U.S., Seoul's Foreign Ministry confirmed that South Korea's inclusion in the lowest tier of the U.S. Energy Department's 'Sensitive and Other Designated Countries List' is due to security-related issues, rather than foreign policy concerns. Seoul also clarified that U.S. officials said the designation will not significantly impact joint energy research or technology cooperation. The ministry further highlighted that South Korea has been on the list in the past and was removed through similar diplomatic efforts. It is said that the inclusion follows an incident where security regulations at Idaho National Laboratory, a research institution under the U.S. Energy Department, were breached. In its semiannual report to Congress for the period ending March last year, the Energy Department listed an instance where a contractor was "terminated after boarding a flight to South Korea with nuclear reactor design software." The investigation, involving the FBI and Homeland Security, revealed the employee's knowledge of export restrictions and communication with a foreign government. The U.S. is said to have explained this case as one of several security regulation breaches. South Korean Minister of Trade, Industry, and Energy Ahn Duk-geun is set to visit the U.S. this week to discuss the issue with his counterpart. Seoul is committed to engaging with Washington to resolve the issue before the designation takes effect on April 15th. Kim Jung-sil, Arirang News.
U.S. launches airstrikes against Houthis to secure maritime navigation in Red Sea
2025/03/17 20:00
In the Middle East. U.S. fighter jets targeted several Houthi drones launched from Yemen this past Sunday amid attacks on American Navy ships following U.S. bombings of Houthi militant sites in Yemen. Our Choi Soo-hyung has the latest. Powerful explosions occurred across many regions of Yemen, including its capital, Sanaa, over the weekend. U.S. forces carried out more than 170 airstrikes against Iran-backed Houthi rebels in the Middle Eastern country. The U.S. targeted military bases, specifically their missile and drone capabilities in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen. The operation was aimed at deterring attacks on international shipping routes in the Red Sea and to secure maritime navigation there. President Trump said the U.S. responded to Houthi attacks on American ships and aircraft in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Trump's national security adviser, Michael Waltz, told ABC News on Sunday that Iran should be held responsible for supporting the rebel group. "This was an overwhelming response that actually targeted multiple Houthi leaders and took them out. And the difference here is, one, going after the Houthi leadership, and two, holding Iran responsible. It is Iran that has repeatedly funded, resourced, trained, and helped the Houthis " The Houthi-run Health Ministry reported that the strikes resulted in at least 53 deaths and injured over 100 people. In retaliation to the airstrikes, the self-styled Yemeni Armed Forces stated that they would target all American warships in the Red and Arabian Seas. "The Yemeni Armed Forces will not hesitate to target all American warships in the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea in retaliation to the aggression against our country." These forces carried out a military operation on Sunday, local time, with multiple ballistic missiles and drones, launched at the American aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman and its battle-group. However, the U.S. stated that 11 drones were shot down by U.S. aircraft, while the missiles malfunctioned and fell into the sea. The United Nations expressed concern over the U.S. and Houthi clashes and urged for a halt to all military activities. Choi Soo-hyung, Arirang News.
Trump to speak with Putin over concessions needed for ceasefire in Ukraine
2025/03/17 20:00
US President Donald Trump is expected to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin tomorrow to discuss ending the war in Ukraine and potential concessions to be considered. Cha Yun-kyung has more. US President Donald Trump told reporters on Sunday during a late flight back to Washington from Florida that he will speak to Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday after talks between U.S. and Russian officials in Moscow last week. Trump said he is trying to win Putin's support for a 30-day ceasefire proposal that Ukraine accepted last week, as Ukraine and Russia continued trading heavy aerial strikes over the weekend. Trump projected a positive outcome on the ceasefire deal. " Maybe we can, maybe we can't. But I think we have a very good chance." For concessions that are being considered in ceasefire negotiations, Trump mentioned about possibly dividing up land and power plants which have been already discussed by the both Ukraine and Russia. " We'll be talking about land. It's a lot of land. It's a lot different than it was before the war We'll be talking about power plants I think we have a lot of it already discussed very much by both sides, Ukraine and Russia. We're already talking about that -dividing up certain assets." The U.S. has been pushing for a ceasefire in Ukraine, but Russia has not given a firm position, instead insisting on various conditions by outlining numerous details that need to be negotiated before any deal can be completed. Cha Yun-kyung, Arirang News.
U.S. hints at new trade deals as reciprocal tariffs set to impact S. Korea
2025/03/17 20:00
Trump's reciprocal tariffs on all American trade partners, including South Korea, will go into effect in April as scheduled, as his administration aims to sit down for new bilateral trade talks. Lee Soo-jin has the details. The United States is considering forging new trade agreements, which could also impact Free Trade Agreement partners like South Korea. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in a CBS interview on Sunday local time, said that the U.S. could potentially engage in bilateral agreements with countries after resetting a "new baseline of fairness and reciprocity." He emphasized that bilateral negotiations would not begin until reciprocal tariffs were fully implemented on countries like Canada, Mexico, and most of the EU, suggesting the tariffs could serve as a bargaining tool. He also stated that the reciprocal tariffs are not targeted towards specific nations, but apply to all countries. South Korea's trade minister Cheong In-gyo, who visited Washington to request an exemption from the tariffs, said on his return that the reciprocal tariffs on South Korea, are likely to take effect on April 2nd as President Donald Trump previously announced. "The goal of reducing the trade deficit through reciprocal tariffs has not changed. Since President Trump directly oversees these tariffs, it's highly likely that his policies will be carried out as planned." While there were no discussions on specific items like automobiles or beef, he said that the U.S. highlighted how South Korea's sanitary policies and technical regulations have made it difficult for the U.S. to access the Korean market. Cheong's trip to the U.S. to meet with his counterpart follows Trump's accusation earlier this month that South Korea imposes tariffs four times higher than those of the U.S., a claim that Korea disputed. South Korea's effective tariff rate on U.S. imports stands at 0-percent-79 percent as of 2024, in line with the two countries' FTA, a sharp drop from the 2-point-48 percent in 2015. While it is unclear whether South Korea's FTA with the United States will be revised or replaced by a completely new deal, given that it was already revised during Trump's first term, it is highly likely that further adjustments will be considered in response to the changing trade dynamics. Lee Soo-jin, Arirang News.
S. Korea added to U.S. Sensitive Countries List, raising cooperation concerns
2025/03/17 20:00
Thank you for joining us. I'm Yoon Jung-min. The country is hoping to better understand the U.S.' decision to designate South Korea as a "sensitive" country shortly before the Biden administration left office in January. The focus is on what this could mean for the allies' cooperation in technology. Kim Jung-sil has our top story. South Korea, a key U.S. ally, has been added to the U.S. Energy Department's Sensitive and Other Designated Countries List, expanding it to 26, alongside North Korea, China, Russia and Iran. The designation allows the U.S. to impose restrictions on science and technology cooperation. While South Korea is in the lowest tier as "Other Designated Countries," it remains the only U.S. ally with a formal defense treaty. Although current cooperation is assured, future research and technology sharing will face heightened scrutiny. The U.S. decision, made in January, follows South Korean President Yoon's controversial martial law declaration in December, which experts suggest may have influenced the move. "Due to South Korea's serious domestic political turmoil at the time, the U.S. placed it in the lowest category, 'Other Designated Countries,' on the SCL." The U.S. list cites concerns over national security, nuclear nonproliferation, and terrorism, leading some experts in Seoul to believe that growing discussions on South Korea's nuclear self-reliance may have also influenced the designation. "I think one of the main reasons is, you know, political upheaval that has been going on in South Korea, but more importantly (discussions around) acquiring our own nuclear weapons capability." The government was caught off guard, with no prior notification. Acting President Choi Sang-mok led an emergency meeting on Monday, stressing the need for active communication with Washington to avoid disrupting cooperation. The minister of trade, industry and energy has been instructed to engage with his U.S. counterpart this week. Experts suggest that once South Korea resolves its domestic political turmoil, it could be removed from the list. "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." Seoul is actively engaging with Washington to resolve the issue before the designation takes effect on April 15th. Kim Jung-sil, Arirang News.
Trials begin for military, police officials taking part in alleged "insurrection"
2025/03/17 20:00
And today the Seoul Central District Court began the trials of several military and police authorities on charges of insurrection amid the short-lived martial law declared by President Yoon Suk Yeol on December 3rd. Former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun was at court earlier this afternoon amid allegations that he sought to keep lawmakers from entering the parliament to vote against the martial law. Former head of the Korea Defense Intelligence Command Noh Sang-won was also at the court here in Seoul and later this week suspended commissioner of the National Police Agency Cho Ji-ho is scheduled to appear at court.
Political leaders "will accept" Court's verdict on Pres. Yoon's impeachment, as tens of thousands rally over weekend
2025/03/17 20:00
With President Yoon's impeachment case stretching beyond three months longer than the cases for previous leaders public and political tension is growing by the day. Our Oh Soo-young has more. The mood is restless as the nation awaits the Constitutional Court's ruling on President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment, following his December 3rd Martial Law last year. With no indication of when the eight-member bench will issue its verdict, which was widely expected last Friday, the Court's deliberation period has stretched beyond two weeks longer than it took for the impeachment trials of former presidents Park Geun-hye and 박근혜, 노무현 전 대통령 탄핵 심판보다 2주 이상 길어졌습니다. Roh Moo-hyun. As the Court typically announces the ruling schedule at least two days in advance, the earliest date would be later this week, mostly likely on Friday. In any case, it's highly probably the bench will deliver the ruling before April 18th when two justices retire. With judgment day draws closer, police estimate 44-thousand protesters gathered in Gwanghwamun Square over the weekend, calling for Yoon's impeachment, while some 60-thousand rallied against it, as public opinion remains deeply divided. To minimize the turmoil expected after the ruling, political leaders are being urged to send a clear message that they will accept the Court's verdict no matter what. The ruling People Power Party leadership said Sunday they have already expressed their commitment to accepting the Court's ruling multiple times and emphasized this remains the party's official stance. "Whether it is a joint press conference between ruling and opposition party leaders or a joint statement, we will issue a message of acceptance in some form." Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung has also expressed his willingness to accept the ruling during a YouTube broadcast, while floor leader Park Chan-dae said respecting the Court's decision is a given. Still both sides of the political spectrum are stepping up pressure on the judicial bench. Over the weekend, some ruling party lawmakers continued to protest against impeachment, holding marathon demonstrations outside the Constitutional Court for the sixth straight day. Meanwhile opposition lawmakers staged an 8-point-7 mile march from the National Assembly to Gwanghwamun Square, urging Yoon's removal. As for the President, Yoon has remained silent and has not issued public messages while the Court deliberates on his fate. His lawyer has previously said the President would accept the Court's decision. A presidential official told local media the leader remains at his residence, and is calmly waiting for the verdict. Oh Soo-young, Arirang News.
Political leaders "will accept" Court's verdict on Pres. Yoon's impeachment, as tens of thousands rally over weekend
2025/03/17 17:00
To uphold or NOT to uphold the president's impeachment. Now that is the question the Constitutional Court has yet to answer but one that members of the public have already answered and are sharing on the streets. That being said rival political parties have voiced their intentions to abide by the court's verdict regardless of their respective stances. Our Oh Soo-young has the latest. The mood is restless as the nation awaits the Constitutional Court's ruling on President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment, following his December 3rd Martial Law last year. With no indication of when the eight-member bench will issue its verdict, which was widely expected last Friday, the Court's deliberation period has stretched beyond two weeks longer than it took for the impeachment trials of former presidents Park Geun-hye and Roh Moo-hyun. As the Court typically announces the ruling schedule at least two days in advance, the earliest date would be later this week, mostly likely on Friday. In any case, it's highly probably the bench will deliver the ruling before April 18th when two justices retire. With judgment day draws closer, police estimate 44-thousand protesters gathered in Gwanghwamun Square over the weekend, calling for Yoon's impeachment, while some 60-thousand rallied against it, as public opinion remains deeply divided. To minimize the turmoil expected after the ruling, political leaders are being urged to send a clear message that they will accept the Court's verdict no matter what. The ruling People Power Party leadership said Sunday they have already expressed their commitment to accepting the Court's ruling multiple times and emphasized this remains the party's official stance. "Whether it is a joint press conference between ruling and opposition party leaders or a joint statement, we will issue a message of acceptance in some form." Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung has also expressed his willingness to accept the ruling during a YouTube broadcast, while floor leader Park Chan-dae said respecting the Court's decision is a given. Still both sides of the political spectrum are stepping up pressure on the judicial bench. Over the weekend, some ruling party lawmakers continued to protest against impeachment, holding marathon demonstrations outside the Constitutional Court for the sixth straight day. Meanwhile opposition lawmakers staged an 8-point-7 mile march from the National Assembly to Gwanghwamun Square, urging Yoon's removal. As for the President, Yoon has remained silent and has not issued public messages while the Court deliberates on his fate. His lawyer has previously said the President would accept the Court's decision. A presidential official told local media the leader remains at his residence, and is calmly waiting for the verdict. Oh Soo-young, Arirang News.
U.S. hints at new trade deals as reciprocal tariffs set to impact S. Korea
2025/03/17 17:00
Trump's reciprocal tariffs on all American trade partners including South Korea will go into effect in early April as scheduled regardless of the presence of free trade agreements before his administration sits down for respective bilateral trade talks. Our correspondent Lee Soo-jin has details. The United States is considering forging new trade agreements, which could also impact Free Trade Agreement partners like South Korea. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in a CBS interview on Sunday local time, said that the U.S. could potentially engage in bilateral agreements with countries after resetting a "new baseline of fairness and reciprocity." He emphasized that bilateral negotiations would not begin until reciprocal tariffs were fully implemented on countries like Canada, Mexico, and most of the EU, suggesting the tariffs could serve as a bargaining tool. He also stated that the reciprocal tariffs are not targeted towards specific nations, but apply to all countries. South Korea's trade minister Cheong In-gyo, who visited Washington to request an exemption from the tariffs, said on his return that the reciprocal tariffs on South Korea, are likely to take effect on April 2nd as President Donald Trump previously announced. "The goal of reducing the trade deficit through reciprocal tariffs has not changed. Since President Trump directly oversees these tariffs, it's highly likely that his policies will be carried out as planned." While there were no discussions on specific items like automobiles or beef, he said that the U.S. highlighted how South Korea's sanitary policies and technical regulations have made it difficult for the U.S. to access the Korean market. Cheong's trip to the U.S. to meet with his counterpart follows Trump's accusation earlier this month that South Korea imposes tariffs four times higher than those of the U.S., a claim that Korea disputed. South Korea's effective tariff rate on U.S. imports stands at 0-percent-79 percent as of 2024, in line with the two countries' FTA, a sharp drop from the 2-point-48 percent in 2015. While it is unclear whether South Korea's FTA with the United States will be revised or replaced by a completely new deal, given that it was already revised during Trump's first term, it is highly likely that further adjustments will be considered in response to the changing trade dynamics. Lee Soo-jin, Arirang News.
S. Korea added to U.S. Sensitive Countries List, raising cooperation concerns
2025/03/17 17:00
The government here is hoping to better understand the U.S. Energy Department's decision to designate South Korea as a "sensitive" country shortly before the Biden administration left office in January. Kim Jung-sil has our top story. South Korea, a key U.S. ally, has been added to the U.S. Energy Department's Sensitive and Other Designated Countries List, expanding it to 26, alongside North Korea, China, Russia and Iran. The designation allows the U.S. to impose restrictions on science and technology cooperation. While South Korea is in the lowest tier as "Other Designated Countries," it remains the only U.S. ally with a formal defense treaty. Although current cooperation is assured, future research and technology sharing will face heightened scrutiny. The U.S. decision, made in January, follows South Korean President Yoon's controversial martial law declaration in December, which experts suggest may have influenced the move. "Due to South Korea's serious domestic political turmoil at the time, the U.S. placed it in the lowest category, 'Other Designated Countries,' on the SCL." The U.S. list cites concerns over national security, nuclear nonproliferation, and terrorism, leading some experts in Seoul to believe that growing discussions on South Korea's nuclear self-reliance may have also influenced the designation. "I think one of the main reasons is, you know, political upheaval that has been going on in South Korea, but more importantly (discussions around) acquiring our own nuclear weapons capability." The government was caught off guard, with no prior notification. Acting President Choi Sang-mok led an emergency meeting on Monday, stressing the need for active communication with Washington to avoid disrupting cooperation. The minister of trade, industry and energy has been instructed to engage with his U.S. counterpart this week. Experts suggest that once South Korea resolves its domestic political turmoil, it could be removed from the list. "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." Seoul is actively engaging with Washington to resolve the issue before the designation takes effect on April 15th. Kim Jung-sil, Arirang News.