News

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

2025/07/08 19:47

U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sat down for closed-door talks at the White House on Monday. Addressing members of the media White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt revealed that the ceasefire proposal supported by Israel had been delivered to Hamas and that the release of all hostages is Mr. Trump's top priority. Separately during dinner later in the day the Israeli leader gave his American counterpart a copy of a letter that he had sent to the Nobel Prize Committee nominating Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize. This marks Prime Minister Netanyahu's third visit to the U.S. during the second Trump administration.

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

2025/07/08 19:46

The World Heritage Committee has rejected a review into Japan's commitment to the disclosure of accurate historical records at its UNESCO-listed industrial sites where many Koreans were forced into wartime labor. Our foreign affairs correspondent Oh Soo-young reports. 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.

President Lee calls for new control tower for defense industry

2025/07/08 19:43

Marking the 1st K-Defense day, President Lee Jae Myung asked his Cabinet to review creating a control tower to nurture the nation's defense industry. This came... as Lee presided over a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday morning, where he also asked officials to review instituting a related strategy meeting as a regular event to boost arms exports,... noting the importance of the industry for the economy and national defense. He called for pan-governmental efforts to make Korea one of the world's top four powerhouses in the defense industry,... in areas of manpower, R&D, and overseas markets.

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

2025/07/08 19:36

In related news. The Presidential Office convened a meeting this afternoon to address the latest developments on the U.S. tariff front. For details I have our correspondent Song Yoo-jin standing by live. Yoo-jin welcome. So what has the top office said? Good afternoon, Sunny. As you know, trade negotiations with Washington have been one of President Lee Jae Myung's top priorities. Presidential Spokesperson Kang Yu-jung says the administration sees value in the fact that they have a bit more time before the tariffs actually take effect. Take a listen. "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 to President Trump's latest announcement, Presidential Chief of Policy, Kim Yong-beom, convened a meeting this afternoon with the ministries of Industry, Finance, and Foreign Affairs. Kim emphasized that although swift negotiations are important, safeguarding South Korea's national interests remains the highest priority and urged the ministries to approach talks with the U.S. with that in mind. Regarding the potential impact of the tariffs, Kim said market reactions have so far been relatively calm, but ordered close monitoring of exports and the broader economy. He also directed ministries to implement support measures for sectors likely to be affected, including autos and steel. Kim added that once National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac returns from Washington, they will hold a joint meeting to review the situation again and discuss the next steps. And speaking of the top presidential security adviser do tell us a bit about his agenda over in the U.S. Well Sunhee Wi met with his American counterpart, Marco Rubio, on Monday local time. According to the Presidential Office, 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 specifically, Washington expressed hopes of close coordination to reach a deal before the 25-percent duty kicks in. On the same day, South Korea's top trade negotiator, Yeo Han-koo, who is also in Washington, met with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. Yeo called for lowering tariffs on major Korean exports to the U.S., mainly automobiles and steel, which are currently subject to separate tariffs of 25-percent and 50-percent, respectively, under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962. 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, so we expect more details once he returns to Seoul. That's all I have for now. Back to you, Sunny. All right Yoo-jin thank you for that coverage. That was our Song Yoo-jin at the Presidential Office.

PRES. LEE SEEKS RISK REDUCTION ON PENINSULA

2025/07/08 18:34

Hello and welcome. You're watching Press Perspective for Tuesday July 8th here in Seoul. I'm Min Sunhee. South Korea wants to renew dialogue. North Korea appears disinterested. Pundits for their part believe such cross-border interaction looks unlikely for now. For more I have Cheon Soram a former RFA reporter. Soram welcome back. I also have Chloe Borgnon a correspondent for French daily France 24. Chloe it's good to have you here. Soram, President Lee Jae Myung's appointments for unification, foreign, and defense ministers are seen as strong indications of his intentions to engage North Korea in dialogue. First, do remind us about who they are, and do you agree with this assessment by analysts? Chloe, many scholars believe North Korea will rebuff efforts of engagement by South Korea. This being said, first do remind us about the factors that will keep Kim Jong-un away from the negotiating table, and then, what may be some ways of coaxing him back to dialogue? Soram, there is much debate about whether South Korea can deescalate North Korea without U.S. support. What have you been hearing? Chloe, beyond the U.S., who are the allies that South Korea can rely on to ease tensions here on the peninsula? Meanwhile, Soram, what's with regard to South Korea's plans to repatriate six North Korean fishermen? And for the sake of context, could you tell us a bit about this situation? Chloe, last week, a North Korean man crossed into the South Korean border. What do we know about this particular incident? And do such defections look to complicate South Korea's engagement efforts with North Korea? Soram, perhaps another challenge for the Lee Jae Myung administration is the balancing of its desire for dialogue with North Korea and the international community's concerns over the regime's rampant human rights abuses. That being said, I believe Reuters covered the latest UN concerns with regard to these violations. Do tell us more. Chloe, some scholars believe the Lee Jae Myung administration's approach to North Korea is more realistic. Do explain their stance for us, and do you share their thoughts? All right.

Poland reinstates border controls with Germany, Lithuania to stem illegal migration

2025/07/08 13:38

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.

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

2025/07/08 13:37

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.

S. Korea urges Japan to keep UNESCO promise to appropriately handle fmr. forced labor sites

2025/07/08 13:34

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 Island, known as "Battleship Island." In 2015, Japan pledged to acknowledge the use of Korean forced labor when registering its Meiji-era industrial sites as World Heritage. But Seoul says Tokyo has failed to honor that commitment. At the 47th UNESCO session in Paris, South Korea pushed for a formal agenda to assess Japan's follow-through. But Japan submitted a revised motion deleting the item --which passed, with 7 votes in favor and 3 against. Despite the vote, many countries reportedly sympathized with South Korea, which stressed that reviewing the implementation of the UNESCO Committee's decision is not only a legitimate right for member countries, but also a matter of principle. Seoul will continue pressing Tokyo to keep its UNESCO commitments and promises, while aiming to pursue future-oriented cooperation based on mutual trust.

Top security adviser suggests holding S. Korea-U.S. summit at early date

2025/07/08 13:33

Against this backdrop, National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac met his U.S. counterpart Marco Rubio in Washington. During the meeting on Monday, local time, South Korea's delegation, including Wi, stressed the need for consultations directed at strengthening the alliance with the U.S. based on the "alliance spirit" when it comes to pending bilateral issues. Discussions also included holding the South Korea-U.S. summit at the earliest appropriate date. The U.S. officials reportedly expressed hopes for close communication between now and August 1st, when the new tariffs are set to take effect. The two sides have agreed to continue close coordination, with possible cooperation in shipbuilding.

Tariff letters to go out to other countries from Monday afternoon: Trump

2025/07/07 22:41

Letters with new tariff rates that U.S. President Donald Trump has warned of will be going out in just a matter of hours from now. South Korea's trade and security officials are in the U.S. for a full-court press ahead of the Trump administration's tariff deadline. Our Moon Ji-young reports. U.S. President Donald Trump has announced via Truth Social that the U.S. will start delivering tariff letters to other countries starting 12 noon, Eastern Time, on Monday. Currently, it is unknown which nations will be receiving the letter or have made deals. "We be sending letters out on Monday having to do with the trade deals. Could be 12, maybe 15 .they'll be going out on Monday and some will go out on Tuesday and Wednesday. And it'll and we've, we've made deals also. So we're going to have a combination of letters and some deals have been made." Trump added that either a letter will be sent or a deal will be done by July 9th. Following Trump's comments, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick indicated a three-week reprieve. "The tariffs go into effect August 1st. But the president is setting the rates and the deals right now." This comes after Trump's announcement of the tariffs in April, which included a 10 percent base rate for most countries and additional rates, which in some cases went up to around 50 percent, although he later delayed the effective date for all but the 10 percent tariffs until July 9. Meanwhile, National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac is in Washington, D.C. for three days to discuss pending issues. On his way to the U.S. on Sunday, he told reporters that Seoul and Washington have been discussing issues related to trade and security. "As the current negotiation phase is becoming quite critical, I'm stepping up my involvement, which is why I'm visiting the United States." He is expected to meet with his U.S. counterpart Marco Rubio. When asked about defense cost-sharing, he indicated that a range of issues were open for discussion, implying that cost-sharing could be on the agenda. The agenda is also expected to include coordination for a summit between President Lee Jae Myung and U.S. President Donald Trump. Moon Ji-young, Arirang News.

Israel, Hamas hold truce talks in Qatar, but ceasefire bid hits early snag

2025/07/07 22:38

The resumed ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas ended in deadlock, with the two sides failing to reach common ground. Meanwhile, violence on the ground continues to intensify despite the growing diplomatic push. Shin Se-byuck reports. The first round of ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas, which opened on Saturday in Doha, has ended without a breakthrough. According to reports from Reuters and AFP, the delegations from both sides engaged in indirect negotiations facilitated by mediators. A Palestinian official told AFP the talks focused on a ceasefire framework and a possible hostage-prisoner exchange. But no progress was made in the first meeting. Reuters also cited several Palestinian sources who said the initial round concluded early Sunday morning. They claimed the Israeli delegation lacked the authority to reach a deal. Meanwhile, ahead of his scheduled meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Monday, President Trump expressed optimism about a possible breakthrough between Israel and Hamas. "I think there's a good chance we have a deal with Hamas during the week, during the coming week." Netanyahu also voiced confidence that his talks with the U.S. leader would significantly contribute to progress in the negotiations. "I believe that the conversation with President Trump can definitely help advance this outcome." Ahead of the negotiations, Hamas had reportedly proposed a revised truce plan. It includes a 60-day ceasefire and the return of more than ten living Israeli hostages and the bodies of several others in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Hamas also demanded Israeli troops pull back to pre-March positions when earlier talks collapsed. Other conditions include restarting UN-led humanitarian operations in Gaza and reopening the Rafah border with Egypt for medical evacuations. However, Israel rejected the proposal, calling it unacceptable. Despite diplomatic efforts, violence continued on the ground on Sunday. An Israeli airstrike targeting a residential area in Northern Gaza before dawn killed ten people. In total, Gaza's Civil Defense said 26 Palestinians were killed in Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip on Sunday alone. Shin Se-byuck, Arirang News.

President Lee asks for Vatican's role for peace on Korean Peninsula

2025/07/07 22:36

President Lee Jae Myung today met with Cardinal Lazzaro You Heung-sik , the Vatican's minister of clergy, at his office in Yongsan, where they discussed cooperation between South Korea and the Vatican for peace on the Korean Peninsula. "The Catholic church is paying special attention to peace for the Republic of Korea and stability on the Korean Peninsula. I hope the Vatican makes a special contribution to and plays a role in improving inter-Korean relations." Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to visit Seoul in 2027 to attend World Youth Day. Lee added that he hoped the pope could stop by North Korea in time with his trip to Seoul and the cardinal responded he wished to see President Lee taking a photo with Chairman Kim Jong-un given that opportunity. Cardinal You also delivered the pope's invitation for the South Korean leader to visit Rome while President Lee thanked the church for its role in restoring South Korea's democracy. The cardinal is the first religious leader President Lee has met since his inauguration.

DP to push for more reforms as July extraordinary session kicks off

2025/07/07 22:35

Tensions are running high at the National Assembly as lawmakers reconvene for a new round of legislative activity — but also hinting at possible cooperation. Our Moon Hye-ryeon has the details. The July extraordinary session of the National Assembly kicked off on Monday, with the ruling and opposition parties entering the term sharply divided following last week's passage of the highly contentious extra budget bill. The ruling Democratic Party is pushing to pass a number of bills that were previously vetoed by the former administration — including broadcasting reform legislation and a revision to the Trade Union and Labor Relations Adjustment Act, known as the "yellow envelope bill." The broadcasting bills aim to reduce political influence over public broadcasters by limiting the number of board members appointed by political parties, while the "yellow envelope bill" seeks to broaden the definition of "employer" and restrict damage claims against labor unions. Efforts to reform the prosecution are also picking up pace. "We promise to swiftly implement the complete separation of investigation and indictment, ensure effective checks on prosecutorial power, and institutionalize political neutrality." Meanwhile, the opposition People Power Party is continuing its efforts to counter the DP's legislative dominance. PPP floor leader Song Eon-seog declared that the party would use upcoming confirmation hearings for ministerial nominees as an opportunity to push back against what the party sees as unilateral rule. "The People Power Party, together with the people, will examine the qualifications and moral integrity of ministerial nominees riddled with criminal suspicions on a microscopic level, in order to block the arrogant and one-sided governance of the Lee Jae Myung administration." Although ministerial nominees do not require a parliamentary vote for appointment, confirmation hearings serve as a key opportunity for the opposition party to vet and challenge the president's personnel decisions. Despite this heightened tension, both parties are making cautious moves toward cooperation. On the first day of the session, the policy chiefs of both parties formed a joint consultative body — aimed at fast-tracking livelihood-related bills and coordinating shared campaign pledges made during the recent presidential election. Both sides acknowledged their differences on key policy matters but agreed on the need for discussion, not confrontation. As the session continues, the coming weeks will test whether bipartisan dialogue can truly take root. Moon Hye-ryeon, Arirang News.

President Lee calls on new PM to focus on public safety, order, livelihoods

2025/07/07 22:34

President Lee Jae Myung and newly appointed Prime Minister Kim Min-seok held their first lunch meeting on Monday. According to Senior Presidential Secretary for Political Affairs Woo Sang-ho, they discussed the Prime Minister's main responsibilities, including following up on the administration's policy agenda, identifying new and long-term policy issues, and resolving social conflicts, all with a focus on public safety, order, and livelihoods. On pending issues, Prime Minister Kim said he plans to meet with medical students and trainee doctors about a return to work. President Lee asked him to take an active role in resolving the matter. The President and Prime Minister will hold this closed-door meeting every Monday.

Key diplomatic events this week: S. Korea-u.s. summit talks, Trump's global strategy, and Xi's absence from BRICS

2025/07/07 21:34

Welcome to Within The Frame, where we bring the most pressing issues across the globe into focus. I'm Kim Mok-yeon. Major diplomatic developments are shaping this week's international landscape. Korea's National Security Advisor Wi Sung-lac and Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo are meeting in Washington, preparing the crucial groundwork for the anticipated Korea-U.S. summit amid delicate tariff discussions. President Lee Jae Myung is set to dispatch envoys to an unprecedented number of countries, including the U.S., China, Japan, Australia, and India, signaling an expanded diplomatic strategy. Globally, President Trump continues navigating the Ukraine conflict, offering Patriot missile support to Zelenskyy while warning Putin of new sanctions. Trump's broader Middle East initiative also progresses, marked by his historic lifting of sanctions on Syria and ongoing ceasefire negotiations in Gaza. Meanwhile, China's Xi Jinping is absent from the BRICS summit in Brazil, fueling speculation about internal instability and his health. Today, we unpack these crucial diplomatic shifts and explore their wider implications for global stability. For more on this, we are joined by Min Jeong-hun, a Professor at the Korea National Diplomatic Academy. Welcome. Also joining us online is Daniel Connolly, Associate Professor of International Relations at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies. Good to see you. (Min Jeong-hun) With the Trump administration's tariff waiver nearing expiration, National Security Advisor Wi Sung-lac has arrived in Washington for high-level talks. Wi stressed the need for senior engagement and is expected to meet top officials there. Since it's the first minister-level visit under the Lee Jae Myung administration, do you expect some progress in tariff talks or summit coordination? (Daniel Connolly) Speaking of the Korea-U.S. summit, there are two views: hold the summit as soon as possible, or wait until sensitive issues are resolved. Prof. Connolly, which approach would be more advantageous for Korea? (Min Jeong-hun) President Lee Jae Myung is reportedly preparing to send special envoys to more countries than any previous administration—including the U.S., China, Japan, Australia, and India. How does this approach compare with past governments, and what's the main goal behind this wide-reaching diplomatic push? (Daniel Connolly) Now, turning to global affairs. President Trump continues navigating the Ukraine conflict, offering Patriot missile support to Zelenskyy while warning Putin of new sanctions. After Trump's recent call with Putin yielded no progress, Russia launched a major summer offensive. Prof. Connolly What's Putin's current strategy in Ukraine? (Min Jeong-hun) While President Trump hinted at additional sanctions against Russia, he also suggested resuming support for Patriot missile systems during a conversation with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy. Could this lead to any significant changes in U.S.-Russia relations or the war in Ukraine? (Daniel Connolly) Trump's broader Middle East initiative also progresses, marked by his historic lifting of sanctions on Syria and ongoing ceasefire negotiations in Gaza. There's speculation about a possible meeting between Trump and Netanyahu today. Given the ongoing Gaza ceasefire talks, could today's discussions lead to meaningful progress Prof. Connolly? (Min Jeong-hun) Late last month, President Trump officially lifted sanctions on Syria for the first time in 21 years. What does Trump's recent lifting of sanctions on Syria suggest about his vision for a new Middle East order? (Daniel Connolly) Meanwhile, The BRICS Summit, led by China and Russia, took place in Brazil from July 6th to 7th, but both Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin were notably absent. Given their absence, can the anti-Western alliance remain effective Prof. Connolly? (Min Jeong-hun) Xi Jinping's absence has sparked health and political instability rumors. Why does such speculation around Chinese leadership continue to surface?

TASKS UNDERTAKEN OVER THIRTY DAYS

2025/07/07 19:42

Hello and welcome to Press Perspective for this Monday July 7th here in Seoul. I'm Min Sunhee. President Lee Jae Myung has ushered in his second month at the top office and in our panel session today we touch upon the tasks that have been undertaken and those that remain to be tackled. For this I have Steven Borowiec with Japanese weekly news magazine Nikkei Asia. Steven hope you had a good weekend. I also have Fabian Kretschmer with German news agency dpa. Fabian it's good to have you here. Steven, President Lee Jae Myung recently held a press conference to mark his first full month at the top office. What are some of the early actions taken by the president after his inauguration that caught your attention? And Fabian, what are some of your takeaways from the Lee Jae Myung administration's first thirty days at the top office? Steven, the first supplementary budget of the Lee Jae Myung administration passed the parliament last week. Do tell us about this extra budget and its intentions. Fabian, this extra budget also boosts investment for artificial intelligence here in Korea. What has been shared about the Lee Jae Myung administration's policy on AI? Moving forward, Steven, you covered the president's acknowledgement about a tariff deal with the U.S. by this week's deadline being difficult. Now his top trade negotiator is the U.S. for related talks. What's the latest on that front? Also, Fabian, talking about tariffs, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has called for a quick deal between the EU and the U.S. Do share with us his comments and concerns. And Steven, what can you briefly tell us about Japan's tariff negotiation with the U.S.? Fabian, back here in Korea, President Lee Jae Myung has also been actively seeking to engage directly with the public here. Following his first town hall meeting in Gwangju late June, he held a second one in Daejeon last week. What are your thoughts with regard to these efforts of engagement? All right.

Tariff letters to go out to other countries from Monday afternoon: Trump

2025/07/07 19:41

The Trump administration is poised to dispatch letters to U.S. trade partners starting Monday unilaterally informing them of their respective tariffs if related negotiations have failed to bear fruit. Our Moon Ji-young starts us off. U.S. President Donald Trump has announced via Truth Social that the U.S. will start delivering tariff letters to other countries starting 12 noon, Eastern Time, on Monday. Currently, it is unknown which nations will be receiving the letter or have made deals. Earlier that day, Trump told reporters: "We be sending letters out on Monday having to do with the trade deals. Could be 12, maybe 15 .they'll be going out on Monday and some will go out on Tuesday and Wednesday. And it'll and we've, we've made deals also. So we're going to have a combination of letters and some deals have been made." Trump added that either a letter will be sent or a deal will be done by July 9th. Following Trump's comments, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick indicated a three-week reprieve. "The tariffs go into effect August 1st. But the president is setting the rates and the deals right now." This comes after Trump's announcement of the tariffs in April, which included a 10 percent base rate for most countries and additional rates, which in some cases went up to around 50 percent, although he later delayed the effective date for all but the 10 percent tariffs until July 9. Meanwhile, National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac is in Washington, D.C. for three days to discuss pending issues. On his way to the U.S. on Sunday, he told reporters that Seoul and Washington have been discussing issues related to trade and security. "As the current negotiation phase is becoming quite critical, I'm stepping up my involvement, which is why I'm visiting the United States." He is expected to meet with his U.S. counterpart Marco Rubio. When asked about defense cost-sharing, he indicated that a range of issues were open for discussion, implying that cost-sharing could be on the agenda. The agenda is also expected to include coordination for a summit between President Lee Jae Myung and U.S. President Donald Trump. Moon Ji-young, Arirang News.

World News: BRICS summit opens in Brazil overshadowed by Trump’s tariff policies and Middle East tensions

2025/07/07 19:40

This is the World Now, bringing you the latest stories from around the globe. Leaders of the ten-member BRICS group gathered in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday for the bloc's 17th summit under the slogan "Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance." Leaders from Brazil, India, China, South Africa, and newer members such as Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, UAE, and Ethiopia gathered for the two-day summit. Despite the absence of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, who attended virtually, BRICS leaders achieved a rare consensus, approving a 31-page declaration. Key points included criticizing "indiscriminate" U.S. tariff hikes and condemning increased NATO defense spending. Host President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva urged the bloc to act as defenders of multilateralism. BRICS nations represent more than half the world's population and 40% of its economic output. The gathering comes amid growing calls for a united front to counterbalance the U.S.-led G7. Tesla and SpaceX founder Elon Musk has announced the formation of the "America Party" marking a further break from former ally U.S. President Donald Trump. Musk made the announcement on social media on Saturday, after posting a poll that showed two-to-one support from 1.2 million respondents. He pledged to oppose Trump-supported legislation and shake up U.S. politics ahead of 2026. Musk branded the current political system a "one-party" structure and not a democracy, and vowed to give people back their freedom, as well as showing his outrage over what Trump called his "Big Beautiful Bill" that Musk said would "bankrupt the country." Trump on Sunday called Musk's plans "ridiculous" but said that Musk "can have fun with it." Musk was once a major Trump campaign financier and head of the "Department of Government Efficiency." Pope Leo XIV arrived at his summer residence in Castel Gandolfo on Sunday, the first time in 12 years that a pope has used the summer retreat. The pope will spend two weeks from July 6 to 20 at the Villa Barberini on the edge of Lake Albano. Before leaving the Vatican, the pontiff said during his Sunday prayer "I hope everyone can have some vacation time to restore the body and spirit." The stay at Castel Gandolfo is a change from the late Pope Francis, who stayed in the Vatican during the summer. Legendary artist and Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne delivered his final live performance on Saturday in Birmingham, England, under the title, "Back To The Beginning." Seated on a symbolic bat-themed throne due to his Parkinson's and spinal issues, the 76-year-old singer launched into his solo hits, before being joined by Black Sabbath's original lineup. The 11-hour event also included performances from other rock legends such as Metallica and Guns N' Roses. The massive event drew 40,000 fans to the concert at Villa Park and over 5.8 million viewers via global livestream. Three charities are set to receive proceeds from the event, including Cure Parkinson's. Choi Chi-hee, Arirang News.

S. Korea to repatriate 6 N. Korean fishermen as early as this week

2025/07/07 19:37

South Korea will repatriate six North Korean fishermen who were rescued after drifting across the maritime border earlier this year. In fact their journey back home may take place as early as this week. According to Unification Ministry Spokesperson Koo Byung-sam on this Monday all six individuals have expressed a strong desire to return home but their return was delayed as North Korea failed to respond to multiple related notifications sent by South Korea via a military hotline. And now authorities here have decided to proceed with their repatriation regardless of Pyongyang's silence. The fishermen were rescued in March and May in the West and East Seas respectively.

President Lee asks for Vatican's role for peace on Korean Peninsula

2025/07/07 19:37

President Lee Jae Myung today met with Cardinal Lazzaro You Heung-sik, the Vatican’s minister of clergy,... at his office in Yongsan,... where they discussed cooperation between South Korea and the Vatican for peace on the Korean Peninsula. "The Catholic church is paying special attention to peace for the Republic of Korea and stability on the Korean Peninsula. I hope the Vatican makes a special contribution to and plays a role in improving inter-Korean relations." Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to visit Seoul in 2027 to attend World Youth Day. Lee added that he hoped the pope could stop by North Korea in time with his trip to Seoul... and the cardinal responded he wished to see President Lee taking a photo with Chairman Kim Jong-un given that opportunity. Cardinal You also delivered the pope's invitation for the South Korean leader to visit Rome... while President Lee thanked the church for its role in restoring South Korea's democracy. The cardinal is the first religious leader President Lee has met since his inauguration.