News

DMZ breach to global realignment: S. Korean peninsula in flux

2025/07/09 21:35

Welcome to Within The Frame where we bring the most pressing issues across the globe into focus, I'm Kim Mok-yeon. Tensions on the Korean Peninsula are back in focus this week. A North Korean soldier crossed the DMZ in the dark of night, prompting fresh scrutiny over the regime's intentions—and South Korea's border security. At sea, six North Koreans were quietly repatriated, raising the question of whether inter-Korean communication could restart through backdoor diplomacy. Meanwhile, global attention sharpens: the Quad, that's the U.S., India, Australia and Japan, has put North Korea back on its radar, and Pyongyang is lashing out. All this as the North's ties with Moscow grow even deeper—militarily, culturally, and possibly institutionally. To break all of this down, we're joined by Go Myong-hyun, Senior Research Fellow at Institute for National Security Strategy. Welcome. Evans Revere, Former U.S. Acting Assistant Secretary of State and Non-resident Senior Fellow in the Foreign Policy Program at Brookings. Good to see you. 1.(GO) On July 3rd, South Korean troops identified a North Korean individual who crossed the Military Demarcation Line overnight. The crossing took place along a section of the DMZ where border-cutting work hasn't yet been completed. Do you think this was a premeditated defection that took advantage of a security gap? 2. (REVERE) This marks the first known defection to the South under the Lee Jae-myung administration. So far, North Korea has remained silent on the matter. Why do you think they've chosen not to respond? 3. (GO) Shifting to a related issue—today, the government repatriated six North Koreans who had been rescued while drifting at sea. Although the North never formally acknowledged the repatriation plans, its personnel showed up at the designated handover point in advance. Could this become a turning point toward restoring inter-Korean communication channels? 4. (REVERE) Now turning to multilateral diplomacy—last week, foreign ministers from the U.S., Japan, India and Australia, known as the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, condemned North Korea's nuclear weapons program and reiterated the need for full denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. This marks a return to language about North Korea that had been dropped in the first Quad statement after the launch of the second Trump administration. What's behind this renewed emphasis? What significance does it carry? 5. (GO) In response, North Korea denounced the Quad's statement as a "grave political provocation." The North further labeled the condemnation as U.S. interference and warned of countermeasures. How do you interpret Pyongyang's reaction? What kind of actions might they be signaling? 6. (REVERE) Let's expand to the North Korea–Russia axis— News just in today says Russia's foreign minister will pay a visit to North Korea over this weekend. What do you expect during this trip? Are we looking at deeper military coordination, or could this mark the next phase of a formal alliance? 7. (REVERE) Meanwhile, a CNN report citing Ukrainian intelligence says North Korea is expected to send an additional 25,000 to 30,000 troops to Russia. Why do you think Pyongyang is continuing to dispatch forces despite the heavy toll it's facing? 8. (GO) Their partnership seems to extend beyond the battlefield. North Korean state TV has been increasing its programming on Russian culture. What's behind this media shift? Could it be an attempt to soften domestic dissent over troop deployments? 9. (REVERE) Now looking at alliance dynamics—President Trump has ramped up pressure on South Korea to significantly increase its contribution toward hosting U.S. forces. He's reiterated his campaign stance, stating that Seoul should pay 10 billion dollars each year. Ahead of the upcoming U.S.-ROK summit, is this a tactical move to bolster his negotiation leverage? 10. (GO) The Trump administration is reportedly preparing to unveil a new national defense strategy next month, raising speculation that a U.S. troop realignment in Korea could be on the table. If that scenario plays out, how should Seoul respond?

Six N. Koreans safely repatriated after being rescued in S. Korean waters

2025/07/09 19:37

Six North Korean fishermen who unintentionally drifted into South Korean waters earlier this year have been sent back home. Our Unification Ministry Correspondent Kim Jung-sil reports. These rare photos show six North Korean fishermen making their journey home. Despite their small size, these photos show the end of a months-long journey after the fishermen were rescued from South Korean waters. For their return, the group traveled together in a single wooden boat in the East Sea, and at 8:56 AM, they crossed the Northern Limit Line. By 9:24 AM, a North Korean vessel made contact with the boat, and both vessels began their journey back to the North. The six fishermen, in their 30s and 40s, were stranded in boats that drifted into the East and West Seas in March and May. Since direct communication between the two Koreas was severed in 2023, Seoul coordinated through the UNC to convey its message about the fishermen's return. While North Korea didn't confirm directly, its actions spoke louder. "At the handover, a North Korean patrol boat was stationed at the designated point, and the vessel returned under its own power, completing the repatriation smoothly and safely." The Ministry of Unification verified their voluntary wish to return, with consent confirmed. Experts say Wednesday's repatriation reflects North Korea's ongoing attention to South Korea. "North Korea's response shows they're watching South Korea's peace efforts, and if the new government remains sincere, a positive response from the North may not be far off." This isn't the first repatriation of its kind. Similar cases took place in 2017, when fishermen also expressed a strong desire to return to the North. Despite delays, officials emphasized that Wednesday's decision was driven by humanitarian concerns and respect for the individuals' wishes. A Ministry official expressed hope that better communication between the South and North could lead to smoother future repatriations. Kim Jung-sil, Arirang News.

Nat'l Assembly holds public hearing on prosecution reform bills pushed by DP

2025/07/09 19:36

A public hearing opened at the National Assembly today to gather expert opinions on prosecution reform bills championed by the ruling Democratic Party. The hearing centers on four proposals that aim to limit prosecutors' roles to indictments and trials and to establish new agencies to take over and coordinate investigations. The DP is also ramping up internal efforts with a task force spotlighting prosecutorial overreach and what it calls "politically motivated" indictments tied to key ruling party figures. It aims to complete the legislative process by the Chuseok holiday in early October.

President Lee stresses role of religion in bridging divides in society

2025/07/09 19:36

Also at the Yongsan Presidential Office on this Wednesday. President Lee Jae Myung hosted a luncheon with religious leaders from seven major faiths including Buddhism and Catholicism. Sharing concern over the public polarization in Korea the president called on religious communities to help build harmony adding that their role has become more important than ever given the shared values of love and respect. The chair of the Korean Council of Religious Leaders in response pledged to work with the President to create a more peaceful and stable country.

President Lee names vice ministers for the Office for Government Policy Coordination

2025/07/09 19:36

President Lee Jae Myung has named two vice ministers for the Office for Government Policy Coordination and both individuals are from WITHIN the agency. Kim Young-su currently heading the Planning and Coordination Office has been tapped as First Vice Minister. The top office says Kim has much expertise in policy planning coordination and evaluation. Meanwhile Kim Yong-soo who leads the Economic Policy Coordination Division has been appointed Second Vice Minister. He is expected to support the government's growth strategy by promoting regulatory reform and development in AI biotech and semiconductors. The Office for Government Policy Coordination serves as a control tower for policies that involve several ministries.

Trump pushes on defense cost-sharing with S. Korea

2025/07/09 19:34

One day after sending South Korea a letter unilaterally informing the country about a 25-percent tariff starting September U.S. President Donald Trump took issue with the cost of maintaining American troop presence here on the Korean peninsula. Ahn Sung-jin covers his latest remarks. U.S. President Donald Trump is pushing for a "one-stop shopping" deal with South Korea on defense and trade. At the White House on Tuesday, Trump stated that its Asian ally was underpaying for military protection. He reiterated his hardline stance that Seoul should increase its contributions to U.S. defense costs, referring back to negotiations during his first term where he claimed he demanded that Seoul should pay 10 billion U.S. dollars a year in defense cost-sharing, a figure far above current levels. "You know, we have 45,000 soldiers in South Korea. And, you know, that's a huge economic development for them. That's tremendous amount. That's like having a city. It's tremendous money for them and it's a tremendous loss for us." Unlike Trump's assertion, there are currently around 28-thousand U.S. military troops in Korea. And regarding Trump's remarks, the South Korean government said that it will comply with the existing defense cost-sharing agreement between the two countries. The Foreign Ministry on Wednesday stated that the existing 12th Special Measures Agreement contributes to a joint defense position and added that it is inappropriate to react to every single remark made by a foreign leader. As Trump's remarks continue to stir debate on the alliance between the two countries, an expert says Korea should show flexibility and try to negotiate with the people in charge from various stakeholder ministries. "It's not really clear to me that Donald Trump appreciates the American alliance network. He attacks U.S. allies on a fairly regular basis so I would encourage South Korea to go slow and see if they can move the bay from the executive level." South Korea's defense cost-sharing issue and the need to preserve its security alliance with the U.S. adds to the complexity of the high-stakes negotiations. Ahn Sung-jin, Arirang News.

S. Korea says worst-case tariffs averted, eyes talks with U.S.

2025/07/09 12:34

Following U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement regarding his new tariffs timeline, South Korea's Presidential Office convened a response meeting on Tuesday. Our top office correspondent Song Yoo-jin reports. Regarding U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to impose 25-percent tariffs on South Korean imports from August 1st, the Presidential Office says it sees value in having earned more time. "Given how little time there has been after the new administration was launched, we see it as having avoided the worst-case scenario of tariffs going up. We've now secured extra time for negotiations, and National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac is continuing high-level talks in the U.S." In response, Presidential Chief of Policy Kim Yong-beom convened a meeting on Tuesday with the ministries of Industry, Finance, and Foreign Affairs. Kim stressed that although swift negotiations are important, safeguarding South Korea's national interests remains the top priority and urged the ministries to approach tariff talks with that in mind. He noted that market reactions so far have been relatively calm, but called for close monitoring and support measures for sectors likely to be affected, including carmakers and steel producers. Kim added that once National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac returns from the U.S., they will hold a joint meeting to discuss the next steps. Wi, who is on a three-day visit to Washington, D.C., met with his American counterpart, Marco Rubio, on Monday local time. There, the South Korean delegation reiterated the need to arrange a summit between Presidents Lee and Trump as soon as possible to make progress on key issues, to which the U.S. side agreed. On tariffs, Washington expressed hopes for close coordination to reach a deal before they kick in. On the same day, Seoul's top trade negotiator, Yeo Han-koo, also in Washington, met with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. Yeo called for lowering tariffs on major Korean exports, mainly automobiles and steel, which are currently subject to separate 25-percent and 50-percent duties. He also emphasized Seoul's commitment to bilateral cooperation on manufacturing, describing it as a way to achieve more balanced trade. Yeo and Lutnick are scheduled to continue their talks on Wednesday. "Wi's visit to Washington is set to conclude on Tuesday. More details of his trip are expected once he returns to Seoul. Song Yoo-jin, Arirang News."

Trump pushes on defense cost-sharing and tariff issues with S. Korea

2025/07/09 11:39

Just a day after Trump threatened to impose tariffs on its trading partners including South Korea, he said Seoul should be paying more for the U.S. military presence on the Peninsula. As Trump looks to tie defense cost-sharing with broader tariff issues, Seoul now faces a challenging balancing act in negotiations. Our Ahn Sung-jin starts us off. U.S. President Donald Trump is pushing for a "one-stop shopping" deal with South Korea on defense and trade. He continues to signal a hardline stance as he demands that Seoul increases its contributions to U.S. defense costs. At the White House on Tuesday, Trump stated that its Asian ally was underpaying for military protection, referring back to negotiations during his first term where he claimed he demanded that Seoul should pay 10 billion U.S. dollars a year in defense cost-sharing, a figure far above current levels. "You know, we have 45,000 soldiers in South Korea. And, you know, that's a huge economic development for them. That's tremendous amount. That's like having a city. It's tremendous money for them and it's a tremendous loss for us." Unlike Trump's assertion, there are currently around 28-thousand U.S. military troops in Korea. Trump also stated he is imposing tariffs on specific sectors including semiconductors, one of Korea's critical exports which the country exported 10-point-7 billion of products to the U.S. in 2024. When the semiconductor tariff would take effect and the exact rate hasn't been specified. He also announced an incoming tariff on copper to boost U.S. production of a metal critical to electric vehicles and other consumer goods. "We did steel, as you know, they're 50%, we did aluminum 50%, lumber just came out. And we did cars and now today we're doing copper. I believe the tariff on copper, we're going to make it 50%." Pharmaceutical imports could also face up to a 200% tariff. These remarks come just one day after Trump notified South Korea and Japan of a 25 percent tariff set to take effect on August 1st. Trump posted on his social media Truth Social on Tuesday that the deadline is firm and though negotiations could still happen, "no extensions will be granted." As the August 1st tariff deadline looms closer, South Korea not only has to defend its key industries, but also preserve its security alliance with the U.S., adding to the complexity of the high-stake negotiations. Ahn Sung-jin, Arirang News.

Israeli military says it struck key Hamas figure in northern Lebanon

2025/07/09 11:36

Israel has carried out a targeted airstrike in northern Lebanon, reportedly killing a senior Hamas figure, one of the first hits in the region in months. The Israeli military announced on Tuesday that it had struck a "key" Hamas operative traveling in a car near Ay-rou-ni-eh, just south of Lebanon's second-largest city, Tripoli, marking the first targeted assassination in the region since November. Lebanese state media confirmed the strike hit a vehicle, killing at least three people and wounding 13 others. Al Araby TV quoted a Hamas source in Lebanon stating no senior official was killed, though Israel maintains its target was high-ranking. The recent strike came as U.S. envoy Thomas Barrack visited Lebanon amid efforts to disarm Hezbollah. However, Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem on Sunday ruled out giving up the group's weapons before Israel withdraws from all of southern Lebanon.

Prince and Princess of Wales welcome Macron as he begins UK state visit

2025/07/09 11:36

Good morning, I'm Choi Chi-hee, and this is the World Now. Beginning in Europe, French President Emmanuel Macron has made a state visit to the United Kingdom, receiving a ceremonial welcome from the British royal family and pledging renewed bilateral relations. SOUNDBITE: Reuters 8264 "The United Kingdom and France must once again show the world that our alliance can make all the difference. Clearly, we have to work together in order to defend an efficient multilateralism " On Tuesday, Macron and First Lady Brigitte began their three-day visit with a full royal welcome at Windsor Castle, greeted by King Charles III , Queen Camilla, Prince William, and Princess Catherine in a horse-drawn carriage procession and Guard of Honor inspection. Macron delivered a rare address to both Houses of Parliament, urging Britain and France to reduce "excessive dependencies" on the U.S. and China, and calling for joint action on defense, migration, climate, and AI. He also announced 1.5 billion U.S. dollars of EDF investment in a UK nuclear plant and a cultural loan deal to bring the Bayeux Tapestry to Britain for the first time in more than 900 years. This is the first state visit by a European leader since Brexit and the first for a French President since 2008.

[On-point] Trump threatens extra tariffs, more defense costs on S. Korea. What are the Lee administration's next steps?

2025/07/09 11:34

As we just heard, U.S. President Donald Trump continues to threaten South Korea, by calling on Seoul to pay for its own defense and vowing to impose extra tariffs. For more on this, we're joined by Professor Robert Kelly, Professor of International Relations at Pusan National University. Professor Kelly, thanks for joining us this morning. 1. How do you think the Korean government should handle the issue of sharing the cost of keeping American troops in South Korea? 2. Trump's comments come as South Korea's top security adviser is in Washington for talks on tariffs and a potential summit between the two countries. Could we expect to see President Lee Jae Myung and Trump meet in the near future? 3. Trump has extended the tariff deadline, allowing trade talks to continue for around three more weeks. How do you think the negotiations with South Korea will unfold? 4. What's on the table for trade talks between South Korea and the United States? What leverage does Seoul have? 5. Trump unveiled tariff letters sent to countries on his social media yesterday, and he posted those sent to South Korea and Japan first --before disclosing those sent to other trading partners. What might this suggest? Alright Professor Kelly. Thank you so much for your insight. We appreciate it.

U.S. sanctions N. Korean cyber scheme to generate revenue for Kim regime

2025/07/09 11:33

The United States sanctioned a North Korean individual, accused of running a cyber scheme to allow Pyongyang to use its overseas IT workers to generate revenue for the regime. The U.S. Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control said Tuesday that it had sanctioned Song Kum-hyok, describing him as a "malicious" actor associated with the North's hacking group Andariel. The department accused Song of helping North Korean nationals to be recruited by foreign companies with falsified identities and generating revenue for the North Korean regime. It also sanctioned one Russian national --two Russian entities, and two North Korean entities for allegedly being involved in an IT worker scheme.

Lee vows greater investment in defense industry to make S. Korea global powerhouse

2025/07/08 23:35

South Korea celebrated its first "K-Defense Day" today. Marking the event, President Lee Jae Myung vowed to make more investments in the defense industry to make the country one of the leading global powerhouses in the field. Presidential Office correspondent Yoon Jung-min reports. Celebrating the 1st "K-Defense Day," in the capital on Tuesday, the arms industry was put front and center not only as a key to national defense for the country, technically still at war, but also as the nation's future growth engine. "We plan to make greater efforts to invest in and support the defense industry, so that we can move forward as a global powerhouse in the defense industry." For that, President Lee Jae Myung laid out his vision to develop "competitive" weapons systems involving AI or unmanned robots to keep pace with the changing security dynamics, while calling for broader participation by defense firms regardless of their size, rather than by a small group of large conglomerates. The South Korean leader also vowed to make efforts for intergovernmental security cooperation. Along with government officials, present at the meeting were some 100 representatives of defense firms small and big alike including Hanwha Aerospace to pitch their ideas behind closed doors to help outline related policies. "Participants pointed out the difficulties of securing technology, building infrastructure, and accessing defense data, and urged the need to establish an integrated defense data system." It was no coincidence that the president also called for creating a new control tower to nurture the nation's defense industry earlier in the morning at a Cabinet meeting, also asking participants to review instituting a strategy meeting as a regular event to boost arms exports. Tuesday's discussion comes amid the growing recognition of arms exports with demand on the rise due to the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, often emerging as a centerpiece for diplomacy with the U.S. and the EU among others. Upgrading technology on the battlefield has also been a topic often revisited amid a dwindling population. Yoon Jung-min, Arirang News.

S. Korea says worst-case tariffs averted, eyes talks with U.S.

2025/07/08 22:53

Following U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement regarding his new tariffs timeline, South Korea's Presidential Office convened a response meeting this afternoon. Our correspondent Song Yoo-jin starts us off. Regarding U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to impose 25-percent tariffs on South Korean imports from August 1st, the Presidential Office says it sees value in having earned more time. "Given how little time there has been after the new administration was launched, we see it as having avoided the worst-case scenario of tariffs going up. We've now secured extra time for negotiations, and National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac is continuing high-level talks in the U.S." In response, Presidential Chief of Policy Kim Yong-beom convened a meeting on Tuesday with the ministries of Industry, Finance, and Foreign Affairs. Kim stressed that although swift negotiations are important, safeguarding South Korea's national interests remains the top priority and urged the ministries to approach tariff talks with that in mind. He noted that market reactions so far have been relatively calm, but called for close monitoring and support measures for sectors likely to be affected, including carmakers and steel producers. Kim added that once National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac returns from the U.S., they will hold a joint meeting to discuss the next steps. Wi, who is on a three-day visit to Washington, D.C., met with his American counterpart, Marco Rubio, on Monday local time. There, the South Korean delegation reiterated the need to arrange a summit between Presidents Lee and Trump as soon as possible to make progress on key issues, to which the U.S. side agreed. On tariffs, Washington expressed hopes for close coordination to reach a deal before they kick in. On the same day, Seoul's top trade negotiator, Yeo Han-koo, also in Washington, met with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. Yeo called for lowering tariffs on major Korean exports, mainly automobiles and steel, which are currently subject to separate 25-percent and 50-percent duties. He also emphasized Seoul's commitment to bilateral cooperation on manufacturing, describing it as a way to achieve more balanced trade. Yeo and Lutnick are scheduled to continue their talks on Wednesday. "Wi's visit to Washington is set to conclude on Tuesday. More details of his trip are expected once he returns to Seoul. Song Yoo-jin, Arirang News.

U.S. President Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu meet in Washington D.C.

2025/07/08 22:45

U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held closed-door discussions at the White House on Monday regarding the Middle East, where Trump expressed confidence that Hamas will accept the truce deal. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt noted that the ceasefire proposal supported by Israel has been delivered to Hamas and further added that the release of all hostages is President Trump's top priority. She also stated that Special Envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, will continue the remaining discussions. On the same day, Netanyahu also brought a letter nominating Trump for a Nobel Peace Prize, which he had sent to the Nobel Prize Committee. The Prime Minister praised Trump for his peace-making abilities by claiming that "he's forging peace," which Trump said was "meaningful." This marks Netanyahu's third visit to the U.S. during Trump's second administration.

S. Korea "strongly regrets" UNESCO's failure to review Japan's fmr. slave labor World Heritage sites

2025/07/08 22:43

South Korea says it will continue to urge Japan to keep its promise to disclose its wartime use of forced labor at its World Heritage industrial sites. This comes after UNESCO's committee dropped Seoul's motion to review Tokyo's commitments to the international community. Oh Soo-young has more. South Korea has voiced "strong regret" after a UNESCO committee rejected its proposal to review Japan's handling of wartime forced labor sites, including Hashima Coal Mine near Nagasaki. On Monday's annual session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Paris, South Korea proposed a formal agenda to assess whether Japan had fulfilled its 2015 promise to acknowledge the use of Korean forced labor at its Meiji-era industrial sites. But Japan submitted a counterproposal to delete the item, which was passed with 7 votes in favor, 3 opposing and 8 abstentions. The 21-member committee allows motions to pass with just six votes in favor. In 2015, Japan pledged to take steps to present the full historical context of 23 industrial sites, including forced labor under its colonial rule, as a condition for having them listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites. However, Tokyo has failed to follow through on this pledge. Japan placed the "Industrial Heritage Information Center" in Tokyo not Nagasaki and failed to mention forced mobilization or discrimination against Korean laborers. This year, Nagasaki produced a virtual reality video to mark the 10th anniversary of the sites' listing but again omitted the history of forced labor, prompting further criticism. Some 57-thousand-900 Koreans were forced into work at seven of Japan's registered sites during its colonial rule of Korea in the early 20th century. In 2021, UNESCO adopted a decision expressing "strong regret" over Japan's inadequate follow-up,.. and urging it to uphold its commitment. Two years later, the committee called on Japan to consult with concerned countries, and produce new and enhanced measures on historical interpretation, for review by December 2024. However, Tokyo decided to file an "update" instead of a proper report, which is subject to a committee review. The World Heritage Committee has reviewed Japan's industrial sites every two to three years, through progress reports. Thus, South Korea has stressed UNESCO has a duty to monitor implementation of its decisions. All member states under the World Heritage Convention have the right to raise concerns and request formal reviews. Japan pays the third largest amount of contributions to the UNESCO's annual budget. Observers say this boosts its influence within the organisation. South Korea says it will keep urging Tokyo to fulfill its international commitments, while working to build forward-looking cooperation based on mutual trust. Oh Soo-young, Arirang News.

Abductee family group officially announces halt to N. Korea leaflet campaigns

2025/07/08 22:37

A South Korean civic group representing families of abductees held in North Korea has said it would halt sending anti-Pyongyang leaflets across the border. In a joint press conference on Tuesday, the head of the group said he was swayed after receiving calls from the Unification Minister nominee and the Vice Minister. While adding that he has asked other groups involved in leaflet campaigns to suspend their plans, he hopes that separated families are able to unite with their loved ones in Kaesong. The Unification Ministry welcomed the group's response to the government's efforts to create a peaceful atmosphere on the Korean Peninsula.

‘Unprecedented solidarity’: UN Command marks 75 years since Korean War

2025/07/08 22:36

The United Nations Command marked its 75th anniversary with a ceremony at Camp Humphreys, honoring the multinational force that defended South Korea during the Korean War. In a message, General Xavier Brunson called it the "unprecedented global solidarity" of 22 nations, saying their sacrifice helped secure freedom for millions and supported South Korea's transformation. Canadian Lieutenant-General Derek Macaulay led the event, with a march-by of flags and a gun salute. Though wartime command now lies with the Combined Forces Command, the UNC still upholds the armistice, a lasting symbol of global commitment to peace on the Korean Peninsula.

S. Korea's first big defense export under new gov't — momentum for top 4 defense power?

2025/07/08 21:35

Welcome to Within The Frame, where we bring the most pressing issues across the globe into focus. I'm Kim Mok-yeon. On the eve of the very first "K-Defense Day," Korea has signed its largest-ever individual defense export contract under the new administration — finalizing a deal to supply 180 K2 tanks to Poland, estimated at over $6.5 billion U.S. dollars. This marks the second stage of a broader strategic agreement that has already seen Korean arms becoming a mainstay in Europe's shifting security landscape. At the same time, Michael Vaccaro, the U.S. deputy assistant secretary of state for Defense Trade Controls, is in Seoul. He delivered a keynote speech outlining the Trump administration's new defense export policy, just as he is set to begin closed-door meetings with Korea's top defense contractors. With eyes on Eastern Europe, Washington, and beyond, is Korea's ambition to become a global top-four defense power finally within reach? For more on this, we're joined in the studio by Mason Richey, professor of International Politics at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies. Welcome Also joining us online is Kim Yong-Jin, professor of Sogang Business School. 1. (KIM) Let's start with the headline itself — Hyundai Rotem has now officially finalized the second supply contract for K2 tanks to Poland. From a business perspective, how significant is this deal for Korea's defense industry and its global competitiveness? 2. (KIM) Building on that — this contract includes not just the standard K2GF tanks, but also the K2PL model tailored to Polish requirements. Why are localized variants like these such a competitive edge? And how valuable are the long-term MRO services tied to them? 3. (RICHEY) Now on the political side — this deal was stalled for nearly three years and even saw a change of government in Poland. How much did geopolitical factors — especially the war in Ukraine — drive this agreement over the line? 4. (RICHEY) Looking at comparative advantages — one of Korea's strongest selling points is timely delivery. Prof. Richey, how critical is delivery speed in today's defense diplomacy, especially when rival models like Germany's Leopard and the U.S. Abrams face bottlenecks? 5. (KIM) Looking ahead — many say this deal opens the door to more countries. What other markets are showing interest in K-Defense exports right now, and what specific strategies should Korean firms pursue to break into those regions? 6. (RICHEY) Let's zoom out to the broader structure — Korea's "One Team" model, with unified coordination between government agencies and private firms, is gaining attention. How does this compare with how traditional defense exporters operate? 7. (RICHEY) Turning to the U.S. — Vaccaro's keynote speech emphasized that cooperation with allies was central to U.S. security and cited Trump's recent executive orders on arms sales, and the maritime industry. What do these shifts signal about Washington's defense exports strategy, and how should Korea position itself in response? 8. (KIM) And more practically — Vaccaro is holding one-on-one meetings with Korean firms this week. What kinds of barriers or policy concerns are companies like Hanwha and Korea Aerospace Industries likely to raise in those talks? 9. (RICHEY & KIM) As we close out — both of you have touched on Korea's industrial and geopolitical momentum. With the U.S. Defense Innovation Unit now stepping in and the line between civilian and military tech growing thinner, what do you each see as Korea's biggest opportunity — and biggest challenge — as it tries to position itself as a tech-driven defense powerhouse?

World News: Former Russian minister found dead hours after being fired, investigators suspect suicide

2025/07/08 19:54

This is the World Now, bringing you the latest stories from around the globe. Former Russian transport minister, Roman Starovoit, was found dead near Moscow on Monday, following his dismissal earlier the same day. 53-year-old Starovoit was discovered with a gunshot wound in his car, just hours after President Putin fired him in a presidential decree, with suicide believed to be the cause of death. No explanations were given regarding the reasons behind the dismissal. Starovoit's removal came amid a corruption probe linked to allegations of embezzling approximately 246 million U.S. dollars that were allocated for border fortifications, as well as criticism following disruptive drone attacks that grounded flights. Investigators are conducting a criminal probe to determine the exact cause of his death. Poland has temporarily reinstated border controls with Germany and Lithuania as of Monday, aiming to stop a reported surge in undocumented migration, particularly after violent incidents involving foreign nationals. However, the border controls have led to concerns of traffic jams at border crossings. 800 police officers, 200 border officials, and 500 soldiers have been deployed across 52 checkpoints on the German border and 13 checkpoints on the Lithuanian border. The move follows Germany's own strengthened border checks since 2023. Poland's Prime Minister says the controls are necessary to prevent Germany from returning migrants to Polish territory without oversight. Finally, Paris reopened three designated swimming sites along the Seine River for the first time in over a century on Saturday following a major cleanup tied to the 2024 Olympics. The three locations are near the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and the National Library. Officials confirmed that the water is being tested daily to make sure it is safe. The river had been closed off since 1923, as it was too polluted to swim in safely. However, Paris invested 1.5 billion U.S. dollars into cleaning up the river to ensure it was Olympic-ready in 2024. 1,000 visitors will be allowed in each swimming site each day until the end of August. Choi Chi-hee, Arirang News.