News

Lee calls for expanded support to make Korea "global cultural powerhouse"

2025/07/01 11:34

President Lee Jae Myung has invited leading cultural figures to his office to hear their voices on ways to support them, and promote Korea as a "global cultural powerhouse." There, he called for the need to significantly expand support for artists. Our top office correspondent Yoon Jung-min reports. A power that is soft, but strong. The message was prominent as President Lee Jae Myung hosted leading figures in the cultural sector at the presidential office on Monday, given the impact of culture on the economy and beyond borders. "As I watched 'When Life Gives You Tangerines,' I thought if we raise this as an industry, it could be a crucial opportunity for the Republic of Korea to shine on the global stage. Korea can become a powerhouse if we promote it overseas and enhance our cultural power." For that, he urged the need to significantly increase investment and support for the culture industry. Along with first lady Kim Hea Kyung, among those invited were musical writer Park Chun-hue who wrote Tony award-winning "Maybe Happy Ending," renowned soprano Jo Sumi , and 16-year-old ballerino Park Youn-jae. Also present were Kim Won-suk, director of the Netflix hit drama "When Life Gives You Tangerines" and Heo Ga-young, who recently won first prize in the La Cinef section at the Cannes for her short film "First Summer." "As for the performance industry, we need more exchanges with local experts overseas. I ask for policies to help invite overseas experts here for cooperation, or artists here going abroad." The roundtable focused on hearing from artists themselves, as the president often emphasizes the need to listen to voices on the ground to devise tailored policies from their point of view, though he did pitch his suggestion based on his administrative experience as a governor. "We should see it as a kind of investment that enhances the level of our society as a whole, and need to introduce a sort of basic income for artists." This is in line with Lee's pledges in his inaugural speech, when he vowed to make Korea one of the top five cultural powerhouses in the world, as he quoted a famous phrase by independence activist Kim Gu, who wished for "the power of a high culture." The meeting took place amid growing recognition of Korean culture on the global stage. What lies ahead is how to materialize what's been discussed to actually support artists. Yoon Jung-min, Arirang News.

Seoul deems N. Korea's UNC contact 'meaningful'

2025/07/01 11:33

Seoul says North Korea's recent communication with the United Nations Command is a "meaningful sign," as it marks the first direct contact in eight months. According to the South Korean military, North Korea last week notified the UNC of its plans to resume construction work near the Demilitarized Zone, using the inter-Korean military hotline known as the "pink phone." Seoul's Joint Chiefs of Staff says over a thousand North Korean troops have been mobilized daily since late last week, while adding that it will respond firmly to any violations of the Military Demarcation Line. Although it's unclear what Pyongyang's intentions are,.. Seoul says the communication itself is significant as the North has previously rejected dialogue.

President Lee to hold first press conference on Thursday

2025/06/30 23:34

President Lee Jae Myung will hold his first press conference on Thursday to mark one month in office. According to Presidential Spokesperson Kang Yu-jung, the event will be held as a town hall meeting for closer communication with more reporters. The Q&A sessions will cover key issues, including the economy, politics, diplomacy, and culture. While former presidents typically held their first press conferences around the 1-hundred-day-mark, Kang said Thursday's event was scheduled earlier to explain the new administration's policy direction and priorities, as it began without a transition committee. It will start at 10 AM, though the venue has yet to be announced.

Lee calls for expanded support to make Korea "global cultural powerhouse"

2025/06/30 23:34

President Lee Jae Myung invited leading cultural figures to his office today to hear their voices on ways to support them, and promote Korea as a "global cultural powerhouse." There, he called for the need to significantly expand support for artists. Our correspondent Yoon Jung-min reports. A power that is soft, but strong. The message was prominent as President Lee Jae Myung hosted leading figures in the cultural sector at the presidential office on Monday, given the impact of culture on the economy and beyond borders. "As I watched 'When Life Gives You Tangerines,' I thought if we raise this as an industry, it could be a crucial opportunity for the Republic of Korea to shine on the global stage. Korea can become a powerhouse if we promote it overseas and enhance our cultural power." For that, he urged the need to significantly increase investment and support for the culture industry. Along with first lady Kim Hea Kyung, among those invited were musical writer Park Chun-hue who wrote Tony award-winning "Maybe Happy Ending," renowned soprano Jo Sumi , and 16-year-old ballerino Park Youn-jae. Also present were Kim Won-suk, director of the Netflix hit drama "When Life Gives You Tangerines" and Heo Ga-young, who recently won first prize in the La Cinef section at the Cannes for her short film "First Summer." "As for the performance industry, we need more exchanges with local experts overseas. I ask for policies to help invite overseas experts here for cooperation, or artists here going abroad." The roundtable focused on hearing from artists themselves, as the president often emphasizes the need to listen to voices on the ground to devise tailored policies from their point of view, though he did pitch his suggestion based on his administrative experience as a governor. "We should see it as a kind of investment that enhances the level of our society as a whole, and the need to introduce a sort of basic income for artists." This is in line with Lee's pledges in his inaugural speech, when he vowed to make Korea one of the top five cultural powerhouses in the world, as he quoted a famous phrase by independence activist Kim Gu, who wished for "the power of a high culture." The meeting took place amid growing recognition of Korean culture on the global stage. What lies ahead is how to materialize what's been discussed to actually support artists. Yoon Jung-min, Arirang News.

Israel-Iran ceasefire holds as new diplomatic dynamics unfold

2025/06/30 22:43

Welcome to Within The Frame, where we bring the most pressing issues across the globe into focus. I'm Kim Mok-yeon. Nearly a week has passed since Israel and Iran shocked the world by agreeing to a ceasefire—bringing a sudden, if fragile, halt to months of escalating conflict. While the guns have quieted, questions remain: How durable is this truce, and what were the real outcomes of the U.S.-led airstrikes on Iran's nuclear infrastructure? With President Trump pushing for a new nuclear agreement and Tehran pivoting eastward—turning to China and suspending oversight by global watchdogs—the Middle East is entering uncharted diplomatic territory. Add to that Trump's vow to tackle North Korea next and talk of a Gaza ceasefire within days, and the global security picture grows even more complex. As power dynamics shift and regional players multiply, we ask: Is this the start of lasting peace—or just a pause before the next storm? For a deeper discussion on this, we connect to Ban Kil Joo, Assistant Professor at Korea National Diplomatic Academy. Welcome Also joining us from Utah is Austin J. Knuppe, Assistant Professor of Political Science at Utah State University. Great to see you. (Ban Kil Joo) Let's begin with the status of the ceasefire itself. It's been nearly a full week since Israel and Iran agreed to a truce on June 24th. At this point, would you say the ceasefire is holding steady? (Austin J. Knuppe) Now, shifting to the aftermath of the strikes Prof. Knuppe, there are still questions surrounding whether Iran's nuclear infrastructure was fully dismantled. While the Trump administration continues to tout the mission as a success, what do we actually know about the extent of the damage? (Ban Kil Joo) Moving on to Iran's internal response, Tehran's parliament recently passed a resolution to halt cooperation with the IAEA, a move that signals its intent to step outside international oversight. Could this mean Iran is trying to conceal and resume its nuclear development? — And is there any chance Iran could formally withdraw from the IAEA? (Austin J. Knuppe) Turning now to the diplomatic front. President Trump has announced plans to engage Iran in nuclear negotiations this week. He's reportedly preparing incentives to encourage Tehran to come to the table. Do you think we're on the verge of a new nuclear deal? (Ban Kil Joo) Following the ceasefire, Iran's defense minister made a rare trip to China, asking Beijing to help sustain peace with Israel. Prof. Ban, In your view, does this mark a broader push by China to deepen its influence in the Middle East? (Austin J. Knuppe) Let's take a broader look, so now we're seeing regional power dynamics move away from U.S. dominance, with players like China, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia asserting a bigger role. Prof. Knuppe, How might this new multipolar order affect both the durability of the truce and prospects for nuclear talks? — Could this mean more complexity and less U.S. leverage? (Ban Kil Joo) Meanwhile there are concerns that attention may soon shift to the Korean Peninsula. After recent gains in the Middle East, speculation is growing that President Trump may now focus on North Korea. Just this past Thursday, he said he has a "very good relationship" with Kim Jong-un and intends to resolve tensions. Prof Ban, Could we see renewed dialogue between Washington and Pyongyang—and what kind of reaction should we expect from the North? (Austin J. Knuppe) Staying in the region. Following the Israel-Iran truce, President Trump said a Gaza ceasefire might also be reached within the week. Al Jazeera has reported a spike in related diplomatic activity. Do you think a Gaza ceasefire is realistically within reach? (Ban Kil Joo) And finally, before we wrap, even if things look relatively stable for now, what key variables remain that could still threaten the sustainability of the Israel-Iran ceasefire?

Seoul deems N. Korea's UNC contact 'meaningful'

2025/06/30 22:33

Seoul says North Korea's recent communication with the United Nations Command is a meaningful sign, marking the first direct contact in eight months. According to the South Korean military, North Korea last week notified the UNC of its plans to resume construction near the Demilitarized Zone, using the inter-Korean military hotline known as the "pink phone." The UNC plays a central role in maintaining security and stability around the inter-Korean border. Seoul's Joint Chiefs of Staff says over one-thousand North Korean troops have been mobilised daily since late last week, and South Korea is watching will respond firmly to any violations of the Military Demarcation Line. While it's unclear what Pyongyang's intentions are, Seoul says the communication itself is significant as the North has previously rejected dialogue and moved unilaterally. The UNC did not confirm the message's details but said prior notification helps reduce misjudgment and the risk of conflict.

PRES. LEE SEES 64% APPROVAL RATING ON STATE AFFAIRS

2025/06/30 19:41

Hope your workweek is off to a good start. You're watching Press Perspective for this Monday June 30th here in Seoul. I'm Min Sunhee. A new administration has entered the top office and a sense of relative stability appears to have taken shape here in the nation. For more I have Steven Borowiec with Japanese weekly news magazine Nikkei Asia. Steven welcome back. I also have Chloe Borgnon with French broadcaster France 24 with us. Chloe it's good to have you here. 1) Steven, as I mentioned earlier, 64% of the people here approve of President Lee Ja Myung's handling of state affairs. What factors do you believe are fueling this favorable finding? 2) Chloe, the Economist recently published an article about the prospects of the new Lee Jae Myung administration putting South Korea back on track. Do tell us a bit about this coverage, and what are your own observations here? 3) Steven, President Lee's Cabinet nominations have been making quite a bit of headlines. This being said, do tell us a bit about his Labor Minister nominee, and what are the broader implications of this nomination, do you think? 4) Chloe, the South Korean leader did not attend this year's NATO summit that took place in the Netherlands last week, and a number of foreign media outlets have been siding with his decision to sit out the summit. First, do explain their stance for us, and again, what are your thoughts? 5) Steven, at this annual security forum, NATO leaders agreed to raise their defense spending to 5% of their GDP over the next decade. And speaking of defense, the National Interest recently covered Poland's "love" for South Korea's advanced K2 tanks. Can you tell us more? Also, what makes this important for South Korea? 6) Chloe, beyond diplomacy and defense, K-entertainment has been making headlines as well. Squid Game Season Three hit the screens last week. I hear the response has been mixed? Have you seen it? 7) Steven, a U.S. animation titled K-POP Demon Hunters has also been receiving rave reviews. Do explain the hype behind this K-pop-inspired screen production. 8) Chloe, amid the global attention on this animation, some Chinese netizens have reportedly been claiming that K-POP Demon Hunters includes aspects of their culture. Do you believe raising global awareness about Korean culture and history will serve to address such fallacies? All right.

Trump does not expect to extend tariffs deadline beyond July 9th

2025/06/30 19:39

U.S. President Donald Trump has ruled out prospects of an extension in country-specific tariffs beyond the current July deadline adding that American trade partners will soon receive letters informing them of their respective tariff rates which will range from 10 to 50 percent. Kim Bo-kyoung starts us off. With just over a week to go before the 90-day extension on tariffs ends, President Donald Trump said he does not expect a further extension. and said his administration will soon send notifications to countries. "But we're going to be sending letters out (to countries) starting pretty soon. Listen, what we're gonna do is we're going to send and we will say, congratulations, we're allowing you to shop in the United States of America. You're going pay a 25% tariff or a 35% or a 50% or 10%." The U.S. president was speaking in an interview with Fox News, which was taped Friday and broadcast Sunday. His words suggest that a reciprocal tariff of up to 50 percent could be unilaterally imposed, while certain countries will have a basic tariff of 10 percent imposed on them. He mentioned Japan as well, saying a letter could be sent to Tokyo. Trump emphasized that it is "unfair" that Japan does not import many U.S. cars while the U.S. imports millions of Japanese cars. When it was put to him that American car manufacturers do not want Japanese and Korean car companies to face lower tariffs than they do, he said that would not happen, adding that U.S. carmakers are too busy selling cars in America to even worry about it. Meanwhile, South Korea's top trade negotiator, Yeo Han-koo, who returned on Sunday from a week-long trip to Washington for the first trade talks under the new Lee administration, said a certain level of trust has been built to accelerate negotiations. According to Yeo, after he met U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Washington again showed interest in Korea's participation in the Alaska LNG project. "Under the new administration, a channel for conducting negotiations with the U.S. has now been established. As for the Alaska project, the U.S. has continued to show strong interest and hopes that Korea will participate." He added that Seoul will seek the most suitable approach for the country's national interest, while closely monitoring the political and economic developments in the U.S. Kim Bo-kyoung, Arirang News.

World News: Iran says 71 killed in Israeli strike on Evin Prison on June 23

2025/06/30 19:38

This is the World Now, bringing you the latest stories from around the globe. An official from Iran's judiciary said on Sunday that 71 people were killed in the Evin Prison strike on June 23, which included administrative staff, political detainees, and nearby residents. The strike targeted the prison's entrance and administrative areas, leaving visible damage to buildings and surrounding areas. Evin Prison is known for housing political prisoners, journalists, academics, and foreign nationals. Some detainees were relocated after the attack. France, whose citizens are also held there, said the strike endangered foreign nationals and demanded proof of their safety. The June 23 attack came a day before the ceasefire between Israel and Iran. Israel's defense ministry had said it was attacking "regime targets and government repression bodies in the heart of Tehran." Tensions in Serbia escalated over the weekend as anti-government protesters clashed violently with riot police in Belgrade, as they called for snap elections and an end to President Aleksandar Vucic's 12-year rule. Tens of thousands of people gathered after months of nationwide anti-corruption and student-led demonstrations, with protesters hurling flares and rocks at riot police stationed around government buildings and elsewhere. Police responded with pepper spray and forcefully broke up groups in multiple locations. Several dozen protesters were detained, while at least six officers sustained injuries during the confrontations. Opposition activists and students have intensified their campaign, demanding early parliamentary elections and accountability following the deadly Novi Sad railway station canopy collapse last November that killed 16 people. Protesters blame corruption for the disaster. Serbian President Vucic denounced the clashes, saying protesters were attempting to "topple Serbia" but "failed." Beijing showcased the world's first 3-on-3 soccer match on Saturday, played by four teams of fully autonomous humanoid robots, driven by AI. The robot players were equipped with optical cameras and sensors that detect the ball from up to 20 meters away with over 90 percent accuracy. The game was structured into two 10-minute halves, featuring a deep reinforcement-learning AI that made real-time decisions on passing, shooting, running, and strategy without any human control. Robots were able to recover from falls and displayed dynamic movement. Organizers said the event showcased a real-world test of robot endurance, agility, and AI-driven technology. Choi Chi-hee, Arirang News.

Pres. Lee meets leading cultural figures

2025/06/30 19:35

President Lee Jae Myung met with leading figures in the cultural sector on Monday to discuss ways to promote Korea as a "global cultural powerhouse." Invited to the presidential office in Yongsan were five prominent artists,... including musical writer Park Chun-hue who wrote Tony award-winning "Maybe Happy Ending,"... soprano Jo Sumi,... and ballerino Park Youn-jae. The President listened to their voices... on ways to support artists and their activities... as well as ways to promote overseas "K-art."

Leaders of S. Korea, Singapore agree to establish strategic partnership

2025/06/30 19:34

On the diplomatic front. President Lee Jae Myung held his first phone call with Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on this Monday. According to the Presidential Office the two leaders agreed to upgrade their ties to a strategic partnership as they celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations this year. They also voiced commitment to cooperation on diverse fronts ranging from artificial intelligence to peace and stability here on the peninsula. President Lee also shared hopes to host his Singaporean counterpart during the APEC Summit here in Korea this autumn. Prime Minister Wong in response spoke of looking forward to the occasion and proposed their two countries continue senior-level exchanges.

President Lee announces second round of Cabinet picks

2025/06/30 19:34

President Lee Jae Myung 's Cabinet is taking visible shape with a new round of names shared this past Sunday. Our top office correspondent Song Yoo-jin walks us through the latest nominations. The second round of President Lee Jae Myung's Cabinet picks was based on, as the Presidential Office puts it, "expertise and innovation." On Sunday, veteran bureaucrat Koo Yun-cheol was named Finance Minister. He previously served as the ministry's 2nd Vice Minister, budget director, and head of the Office for Government Policy Coordination. "Koo is considered the right person to chart a path for Korea's growth, with deep expertise in public finances and overall policymaking." Ruling Democratic Party lawmaker Jung Sung-ho has been selected as Justice Minister, a position central to delivering on President Lee's campaign pledge to reform the Prosecutor's Office. Jung is known for his broad understanding of judicial reform, built over five terms in the National Assembly. Fellow DP lawmaker Yun Ho-jung, has been chosen to lead the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, another key post in the administration's efforts to reshape the prosecution system. The plan is to review the separation of the prosecution's investigative and indictment powers by creating a new agency within the ministry to oversee investigations. Other nominees include Lee Jin-sook, former president of Chungnam National University, as Education Minister; Kim Jung-kwan, president of Doosan Enerbility, as Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy; and Jeong Eun-kyeong, former commissioner of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, as Health Minister. This leaves only the Land and Culture Minister posts yet to be named. For the two vacant senior secretary posts at the top office, Jeon Seong-hwan will serve as Senior Secretary for Public Engagement and Social Cohesion. The position has been renamed from Senior Secretary for Civil and Social agenda to highlight the President's focus on building national unity. "Jeon has played many roles, from civic activism to serving as the head of public institutions and as a local government official, working to bring the quiet, often overlooked voices in our society into policymaking." Prosecutor-turned-lawyer Bong Wook has been appointed Senior Secretary for Civil Affairs, a role expected to serve as the control tower for the prosecution reform initiative. Lee's initial pick, Oh Kwang-soo, withdrew over allegations of receiving loans under other people's names. Also announced were several vice-ministerial appointments, including Lee Dong-soo and Kim Ho-hong as deputy directors of the National Intelligence Service, as well as Lee Jin-soo as Vice Justice Minister. "Among Sunday's announcements, minister nominees must undergo confirmation hearings at the National Assembly, though their appointments will be decided by the president. Song Yoo-jin, Arirang News."

Nat'l Assembly committee begins review of 2025 supplementary budget

2025/06/30 19:33

A National Assembly committee earlier on this Monday began its review of the government's extra budget proposal. The Special Committee on Budget and Accounts held a Q&A session with government officials on their planned additional spending which stands at 30-point-5 trillion Korean won or some 22 billion U.S. dollars. Rival political parties have agreed to extend the question and answer session to two days instead of one. The ruling Democratic Party is hoping to pass the proposal by July fourth claiming that this is the "golden time" to revive the sluggish economy.

Pres. Lee to meet leading cultural figures

2025/06/30 13:33

President Lee Jae Myung will meet with leading figures in the cultural sector on Monday to discuss ways to promote Korea as a "global cultural powerhouse." Invited to the presidential office in Yongsan are five prominent artists, including musical writer Park Chun-hue who wrote Tony award-winning "Maybe Happy Ending," soprano Jo Sumi , and ballerino Park Youn-jae. The top office says the President will be listening to their voices on ways to support artists and their activities as well as ways to promote overseas "K-art."

Anti-government protesters clash with riot police in Serbia

2025/06/30 11:37

Tensions in Serbia escalated over the weekend as anti-government protesters clashed violently with riot police in Belgrade, as they called for snap elections and an end to President Aleksandar Vucic's 12-year rule. Tens of thousands of people gathered after months of nationwide anti-corruption and student-led demonstrations, with protesters hurling flares and rocks at riot police stationed around government buildings and elsewhere. Police responded with pepper spray and forcefully broke up groups in multiple locations. Several dozen protesters were detained, while at least six officers sustained injuries during the confrontations. Opposition activists and students have intensified their campaign, demanding early parliamentary elections and accountability following the deadly Novi Sad railway station canopy collapse last November that killed 16 people. Protesters blame corruption for the disaster. Serbian President Vucic denounced the clashes, saying protesters were attempting to "topple Serbia" but "failed."

Iran says 71 killed in Israeli strike on Evin Prison on June 23

2025/06/30 11:37

Now, let's take a look at some stories from around the world with our Choi Chi Hee. Good morning, Chi Hee. Good morning, Eunji. Let's begin with the aftermath of the recent fighting between Israel and Iran. Fill us in on this. Iran's judiciary says Israel's airstrike on Iran's Evin Prison last week had killed dozens. An official from Iran's judiciary said on Sunday that 71 people were killed in the Evin Prison strike on June 23, which included administrative staff, political detainees, and nearby residents. The strike targeted the prison's entrance and administrative areas, leaving visible damage to buildings and surrounding areas. Evin Prison is known for housing political prisoners, journalists, academics, and foreign nationals. Some detainees were relocated after the attack. France, whose citizens are also held there, said the strike endangered foreign nationals and demanded proof of their safety. The June 23 attack came a day before the ceasefire between Israel and Iran. Israel's defense ministry had said it was attacking "regime targets and government repression bodies in the heart of Tehran."

[On-point] Will ceasefire between Israel, Iran continue to hold?

2025/06/30 11:35

As we just heard, the IAEA chief says it is clear that the U.S. attack on Iran's nuclear sites caused severe, but not total damage. For more on this and the situation in the Middle East, we're joined by Professor Moamen Gouda, Professor of Middle Eastern Studies at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies. So there seem to be different assessments regarding the impact of the U.S. attack on Iran's nuclear sites. What are your thoughts on this? Will the ceasefire continue to hold? Is the war between Israel and Iran really over? Israel, Iran, and the U.S. all claim to have won the war. But who really gained what from this conflict? Trump said American and Iranian officials will talk soon, but Iran's foreign minister says there are no such plans. Why are their statements at odds? Will Iran return to nuclear talks with the U.S.? How will the Israel-Iran conflict affect the broader Middle East, including the war in Gaza? Alright. Thank you so much for your insight. We appreciate it.

President Lee announces second round of Cabinet picks

2025/06/30 11:34

The Lee Jae Myung administration is further taking shape, with the Presidential Office unveiling nominations for six Cabinet ministers on Sunday. The picks will round out President Lee's teams on the economic and judicial frontlines. Our Presidential Office correspondent Song Yoo-jin reports. The second round of President Lee Jae Myung's Cabinet picks was based on, as the Presidential Office puts it, "expertise and innovation." On Sunday, veteran bureaucrat Koo Yun-cheol was named Finance Minister. He previously served as the ministry's 2nd Vice Minister, budget director, and head of the Office for Government Policy Coordination. "Koo is considered the right person to chart a path for Korea's growth, with deep expertise in public finances and overall policymaking." Ruling Democratic Party lawmaker Jung Sung-ho has been selected as Justice Minister, a position central to delivering on President Lee's campaign pledge to reform the Prosecutor's Office. Jung is known for his broad understanding of judicial reform, built over five terms in the National Assembly. Fellow DP lawmaker Yun Ho-jung, has been chosen to lead the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, another key post in the administration's efforts to reshape the prosecution system. The plan is to review the separation of the prosecution's investigative and indictment powers by creating a new agency within the ministry to oversee investigations. Other nominees include Lee Jin-sook, former president of Chungnam National University, as Education Minister; Kim Jung-kwan, president of Doosan Enerbility, as Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy; and Jeong Eun-kyeong, former commissioner of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, as Health Minister. This leaves only the Land and Culture Minister posts yet to be named. For the two vacant senior secretary posts at the top office, Jeon Seong-hwan will serve as Senior Secretary for Public Engagement and Social Cohesion. The position has been renamed from Senior Secretary for Civil and Social agenda to highlight the President's focus on building national unity. "Jeon has played many roles, from civic activism to serving as the head of public institutions and as a local government official, working to bring the quiet, often overlooked voices in our society into policymaking." Prosecutor-turned-lawyer Bong Wook has been appointed Senior Secretary for Civil Affairs, a role expected to serve as the control tower for the prosecution reform initiative. Lee's initial pick, Oh Kwang-soo, withdrew over allegations of receiving loans under other people's names. Also announced were several vice-ministerial appointments, including Lee Dong-soo and Kim Ho-hong as deputy directors of the National Intelligence Service, as well as Lee Jin-soo as Vice Justice Minister. "Among Sunday's announcements, minister nominees must undergo confirmation hearings at the National Assembly, though their appointments will be decided by the president. Song Yoo-jin, Arirang News."

IAEA says Iran could be enriching uranium within months

2025/06/30 11:33

The head of the United Nation's nuclear watchdog says, Iran could be enriching uranium again "in a matter of months." The comments contradict U.S. President Donald Trump's remarks that Iran's nuclear ambitions had been set back decades after the U.S. attacks. Lee Seung-jae has more. Iran could begin uranium enrichment again soon, despite the recent U.S. bombardment of its nuclear facilities. That's according to Rafael Grossi, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, in a CBS News interview on Saturday. Grossi said that Iran has retained the capacity to resume parts of its nuclear program sooner than many expected, saying that the country could be enriching uranium "in a matter of months." That contradicts U.S. President Donald Trump's repeated claims that Iran's nuclear ambitions had been set back decades following a U.S. bombing mission on June 22nd. Trump said that the attack, dubbed "Operation Midnight Hammer," obliterated Iran's underground enrichment facilities. However, Grossi believes some are still standing. He also raised concerns over the location of an estimated 408-point-6 kilograms of uranium, enriched to 60 percent purity. Grossi says, while some may have been destroyed by the U.S. attacks, some of the uranium could have been moved. Meanwhile, in a Fox News interview aired on Sunday, Trump said he may lift sanctions on Iran, if they demonstrate peaceful behavior and cooperate with Washington. The U.S. president said if Iran is "not going to do any more harm," he would "take the sanctions off." He stressed that adding sanctions relief "would make a big difference" for Tehran. Trump also rejected claims that Iran moved the enriched uranium before the U.S. strikes, citing the material's weight and logistical challenges. Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.

Seoul urges Pyongyang to give prior notice before releasing dam water

2025/06/27 22:38

The Unification Ministry here has urged Pyongyang to inform Seoul in advance of any intention to discharge water from a dam across the border. Making note of past agreements between the two Koreas to fight flash flooding during the monsoon season, the ministry emphasized that early notification would serve to prevent accidents arising from sudden surges in water levels of the Imjingang River that flows from the north to the south. Back in 2009, an unannounced release of water from North Korea's Hwanggang Dam near the border resulted in the loss of six South Korean lives.