News

Defense minister nominee says he'll reconsider scrapped Sept. 19th military agreement

2025/06/27 22:38

Defense Minister nominee Ahn Gyu-back will consider restoring the suspended September 19th military agreement between the two Koreas. Addressing members of the media on Friday ahead of his confirmation hearing, Ahn said South Korea should first seek civil-level exchanges with North Korea and then advance to restoring the military accord to ensure peace on the peninsula. When asked about his potential approach to the Trump administration, Ahn spoke of adopting a proactive, positive posture based on national interests. Meanwhile, Vice Defense Minister Lee Doo-hee during his inauguration ceremony reaffirmed the importance of a practical approach. He said the military here must seek practical cooperation to boost deterrence based on the ROK-U.S. alliance and to defend national interests.

Ruling DP unilaterally fills four of five vacant standing committee leadership posts amid opposition PPP walkout

2025/06/27 22:37

The National Assembly filled vacant leadership posts of standing committees today, including the chairs of the budget and judiciary committees, both of which remain under the ruling Democratic Party's control. Our political correspondent Shin Ha-young reports. Amid a bipartisan deadlock over the redistribution of standing committee chairs, the ruling Democratic Party unilaterally filled four of five vacant posts in a plenary session on Friday. The chair positions at the Budget and Accounts; Legislation and Judiciary; House Steering; Culture, Sports and Tourism; and Strategy and Finance committees were vacant. Of these, four positions ---excluding the Strategy and Finance Committee ---were filled by DP lawmakers, maintaining the party's control over them from the past year. Three-term DP lawmaker Han Byung-do was appointed chair of the Special Committee on Budget and Account and will lead the review of the supplementary budget proposal. Four-term DP lawmaker Lee Choon-suak was named chair of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee. The main opposition People Power Party walked out of the session as it had been calling for a rebalancing of the committees' leadership, arguing that the shift in government following the recent snap presidential election justified the change. The PPP insisted it should hold the chairs of the judiciary and budget committees to provide checks and balances on the ruling party. "The supplementary budget is an important issue, so the PPP is willing to cooperate to quickly elect a new budget committee chair. For the other committee chairs, we believe more talks are needed to restore cooperation and bring back the National Assembly's tradition of checks and balances." The Democratic Party, however, has maintained that the current arrangement should remain, citing last year's agreement between the two parties on a two-year term for committee chairs. "The People Power Party is delaying the Prime Minister's confirmation and budget review over the Legislative and Judiciary Committee chair. Don't they see people are struggling with the sluggish economy? Shouldn't they help the new government get to work?" With the Budget and Accounts Special Committee chair now in place, the review of the supplementary budget proposal is expected to gain momentum. Shin Ha-young, Arirang News.

S. Korea returns as APEC host: Diplomacy, opportunity, and Gyeongju on the global stage

2025/06/27 22:34

Welcome to Within The Frame, where we bring the most pressing issues across the globe, I'm Kim Mok-yeon. For the first time in twenty years, Korea is preparing to host the APEC Summit—this October in the historic city of Gyeongju. The 32nd summit arrives at a moment of major geopolitical shifts: U.S.-China tensions are deepening, global trade remains volatile, and the Indo-Pacific is fast becoming the epicenter of strategic competition. With Korea stepping in as chair once again, attention is turning to the country's evolving diplomatic role, the economic gains at stake, and the symbolic power of choosing a smaller, heritage-rich city like Gyeongju as host. What does this mean for Korea's foreign policy? What new model of diplomacy might emerge—and how could it reshape Korea's regional and global standing? Joining us now for an exclusive conversation is Shin Bong-kil—former Korean Ambassador to India and the President of the Korean Council on Foreign Relations, who's also a Special Policy Advisor for APEC diplomacy in Gyeongsangbuk-do Province. A big welcome to you. To start things off, Korea will host the 32nd APEC Summit this October in Gyeongju, marking the first time in 20 years since the 2005 summit in Busan. What is the diplomatic significance of Korea hosting the event again? (Compared to 20 years ago, how has Korea's diplomatic capability and standing evolved?) Moving on to the selection of the host city, Gyeongju was ultimately chosen over competitors like Incheon and Jeju. As a mid-sized city, what do you think was the rationale behind Gyeongju's selection? Looking back at 2005, Busan highlighted its large-scale urban infrastructure and administrative capacity. How should Gyeongju, as this year's host, present a new model for international conferences? On the economic front, what economic benefits or industrial opportunities can Korea realistically expect to gain from hosting this APEC summit? Given today's global uncertainties, including the intensifying U.S.-China rivalry and trade tensions, what role should APEC play in addressing these challenges? And what key issues should this year's summit prioritize? Now turning to foreign policy, President Lee Jae-myung's administration emphasizes pragmatic diplomacy. How can the APEC summit become a pivotal platform to advance this agenda? (Especially considering possible visits from President Trump and President Xi—how might Korea leverage these to play a mediating role and improve bilateral ties with the U.S. and China?) Based on your experience as ambassador to India, what kind of strategic diplomatic approach should Korea pursue in the ASEAN and Indo-Pacific regions through the APEC platform? Given your extensive diplomatic background, we'd like to touch on broader foreign affairs. President Lee has signaled intentions to improve ties with China. Within the framework of the U.S.-Korea alliance, how can Korea strike a strategic balance in its relationship with China? Lastly, let's address inter-Korean relations. The Lee administration is showing a strong intent to restore dialogue with the North. In light of deepening North Korea–Russia ties, what direction should South Korea's North Korea policy take moving forward?

President Lee invites war veterans to Cheong Wa Dae for lunch

2025/06/27 21:37

President Lee Jae Myung invited national merit recipients and their families to the former presidential office site to take the time to reiterate his words of gratitude to the country's patriots for their selfless service. Our Presidential Office Correspondent Song Yoo-jin has more. Two days after the 75th anniversary of the Korean War, President Lee Jae Myung hosted a lunch on Friday to mark National Patriots and Veterans Month. 1-hundred-60 guests, including recipients of national merit and their families, were invited to Cheong Wa Dae, the site of the former presidential office. "From the independence movement under Japanese colonial rule to the Korean War, the April 19 Revolution, the Gwangju Democratization Movement, and the defense of the West Sea, today's Republic of Korea exists because of all of you." President Lee introduced some of the honorees by name and asked for a round of applause in recognition of their sacrifices. At the heart of his speech was a pledge to better honor and repay their service, which he says has been far too neglected until now. "When it comes to those who gave so much for the survival of our nation and the safety and lives of our people, the entire country must show special care, respect, and appropriate compensation." This is something President Lee pledged during his candidacy, promising to review and improve compensation and medical care for those who have helped safeguard the nation, as well as their families. The menu included dishes prepared with abalone, crabs, and short ribs. The Presidential Office says Friday's event was to express gratitude and respect by providing the highest honors to those who gave everything to protect their country. Song Yoo-jin, Arirang News.

Tariff delay possibility explained --is White House under pressure?

2025/06/27 21:34

Then where is this tariff delay coming from? Is the White House under pressure? And will South Korea be better positioned under the possible postponement? Our correspondent Kim Do-yeon explains. The White House's comment on the tariff negotiation deadline comes after other recent signs that the possibility of a deadline delay was looming. White House Economic Adviser Stephen Miran had also said on Thursday, local time, that he thinks the tariff deadlines will likely be extended for countries that are making a genuine effort to negotiate trade deals with the U.S. He said that in such cases, he doesn't expect tariff rates to suddenly increase. Experts say this shows that things aren't going the way the U.S. expected when it comes to tariff negotiations. "Trump is in a tough spot. Things aren't going his way — especially on trade. Negotiations aren't producing the results he wanted with tax policy issues in his hands as well. In terms of trade, nothing is working as he thought." So far, the UK is the only country to have concluded its trade talks. South Korea, meanwhile, dispatched Trade Minister Yeo Han-goo to Washington this week for high-level discussions — but no breakthrough has been announced. Observers say the delays could actually work in favor of the negotiating countries. "As the U.S. midterm elections approach in November next year, Washington's leverage weakens. That makes it more desperate to produce a deal it can sell to voters as a win — meaning it's giving off signals that it needs the deal more than the others do." Analysts also argue that if the U.S. were confident about its position, it would've gone ahead with the reciprocal tariffs already announced earlier this year — rather than signaling a possible extension. "Trump has two options. Stick to the July 9 deadline and enforce reciprocal tariffs — or postpone them. But if the U.S. slaps on tariffs, prices on imported goods rise, and that could hurt American consumers. So instead, it's backing off." Still, the White House isn't ruling anything out. A spokesperson said President Trump could still opt for reciprocal tariffs if he believes they serve U.S. interests and benefit American workers. Kim Do-yeon, Arirang News.

July deadline for reciprocal tariffs could be extended: White House

2025/06/27 21:34

The Trump administration's July deadline for country-specific tariffs may be extended but its auto-related tariffs are set to be expanded. Lee Seung-jae has the details. Washington could extend its pause on reciprocal tariffs, which is set to expire next month. According to White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt on Thursday, the pause could be extended, but added that it's a decision "for the president to make." The comments come as the temporary suspension of reciprocal tariffs, including 25 percent duties on South Korea, is set to expire on July 8th. In April, U.S. President Donald Trump announced the reciprocal tariffs to match those of other countries on U.S. goods. While the tariffs took effect on April 9th, Trump pressed the brakes on his plans for 90 days, to allow for negotiations. Earlier this month, the U.S. President expressed his openness to extending the pause, but said that an extension might not be necessary. Meanwhile, Washington has begun a process to include more auto parts imported into the U.S., on the list of those subject to 25 percent tariffs. The U.S. Commerce Department's International Trade Administration on Thursday released its outlined process, where U.S. domestic producers may request additional auto parts to be included in the new tariff scheme. To receive the requests from the domestic producers, the ITA is forming two-week submission windows, four times a year, with the first window opening on July 1st. Following the two-week window, a non-confidential version of each valid request will be published, with the ITA making the final decision within 60 days of receiving the request. The move is expected to affect South Korea's auto parts industry. Earlier this year, Trump invoked Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, which grants the president the power to adjust imports into the U.S. when determined they threaten to impair national security. Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.

Defense minister nominee says he'll reconsider scrapped Sept. 19th military agreement

2025/06/27 19:36

Defense Minister nominee Ahn Gyu-back will consider restoring the suspended September 19th military agreement between the two Koreas. Addressing members of the media earlier on this Friday ahead of his confirmation hearing Ahn said South Korea should first seek civil-level exchanges with North Korea and then advance to restoring the military accord to ensure peace on the peninsula. When asked about his potential approach to the Trump administration Ahn spoke of adopting a proactive.. positive posture based on national interests. Meanwhile Vice Defense Minister Lee Doo-hee during his inauguration ceremony also on this Friday reaffirmed the importance of a practical approach. He said the military here must seek practical cooperation to boost deterrence based on the ROK-U.S. alliance and to defend national interests.

S. Korea weighing response as U.S. moves to demand higher defense budget, extra costs towards alliance

2025/06/27 19:36

The recent consensus by members of NATO to raise their defense spending by five percent of their respective GDP over the next decade is looking to have tangible implications on U.S. allies here in this part of the world including South Korea. Our senior correspondent Oh Soo-young explains. U.S. President Donald Trump seems set to call on Asian allies to increase their defense budgets, after European countries bowed to his demand to hike their spending targets to five percent of Gross Domestic Product. In a briefing on Thursday, White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said if America's "European allies in NATO can do it, then "allies and friends in the Indo-Pacific region can do it too." Leavitt added that specific matters would be addressed by President Trump. The previous day, the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, during its annual summit in the Netherlands, adopted a joint statement with all 32 member countries, agreeing to raise their respective defense expenditures to a total of five percent of GDP by 2035. Representing South Korea, National Security Advisor Wi Sung-lac attended the summit, after which he told the Korean media that NATO's budget increase "reflects a broader trend," and that "similar demands are being made of Seoul." Wi said such demands are being discussed by working-level officials, but clarified that they haven't yet established how the agenda would proceed. South Korea will have to decide how to respond, he said. U.S. officials have recently been pushing for alliance modernisation, which entails its security partners spending more on their defense, paying for the deployment of U.S. strategic assets, and reassessing the role of American forces stationed abroad. U.S. Acting Ambassador to Seoul, Joseph Yun said on Wednesday that the two allies should address "new areas," concerning costs, that are not covered in their bilateral defense cost-sharing agreement reached last year. Seoul appears to be maintaining caution amid sensitive discussions. The Foreign Ministry on Thursday released an official statement saying it will continue working closely with Washington to develop the alliance into a "future-oriented, comprehensive strategic alliance" that can respond to a changing security dynamic. A senior official told reporters that the two governments are engaging frequently at various levels. However, when asked whether their talks include defense spending or the costs of deploying strategic assets, the official said it is "difficult to share," and declined to comment on what a "future-oriented alliance" entails. Oh Soo-young, Arirang News.

President Lee invites war veterans to Cheong Wa Dae for lunch

2025/06/27 19:34

President Lee Jae Myung reiterated his words of gratitude to the country's patriots for their selfless service during a luncheon on this Friday at Cheong Wa Dae. Our Presidential Office Correspondent Song Yoo-jin covers this occasion. Two days after the 75th anniversary of the Korean War, President Lee Jae Myung hosted a lunch on Friday to mark National Patriots and Veterans Month. 1-hundred-60 guests, including recipients of national merit and their families, were invited to Cheong Wa Dae, the site of the former presidential office. "From the independence movement under Japanese colonial rule to the Korean War, the April 19 Revolution, the Gwangju Democratization Movement, and the defense of the West Sea, today's Republic of Korea exists because of all of you." President Lee introduced some of the honorees by name and asked for a round of applause in recognition of their sacrifices. At the heart of his speech was a pledge to better honor and repay their service, which he says has been far too neglected until now. "When it comes to those who gave so much for the survival of our nation and the safety and lives of our people, the entire country must show special care, respect, and appropriate compensation." This is something President Lee pledged during his candidacy, promising to review and improve compensation and medical care for those who have helped safeguard the nation, as well as their families. The menu included dishes prepared with abalone, crabs, and short ribs. The Presidential Office says Friday's event was to express gratitude and respect by providing the highest honors to those who gave everything to protect their country. Song Yoo-jin, Arirang News.

July deadline for reciprocal tariffs could be extended: White House

2025/06/27 18:38

The Trump administration's July deadline for country-specific tariffs may be extended but its auto-related tariffs are set to be expanded. Lee Seung-jae has our top story. Washington could extend its pause on reciprocal tariffs, which is set to expire next month. According to White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt on Thursday, the pause could be extended, but added that it's a decision "for the president to make." The comments come as the temporary suspension of reciprocal tariffs, including 25 percent duties on South Korea, is set to expire on July 8th. In April, U.S. President Donald Trump announced the reciprocal tariffs to match those of other countries on U.S. goods. While the tariffs took effect on April 9th, Trump pressed the brakes on his plans for 90 days, to allow for negotiations. Earlier this month, the U.S. President expressed his openness to extending the pause, but said that an extension might not be necessary. Meanwhile, Washington has begun a process to include more auto parts imported into the U.S., on the list of those subject to 25 percent tariffs. The U.S. Commerce Department's International Trade Administration on Thursday released its outlined process, where U.S. domestic producers may request additional auto parts to be included in the new tariff scheme. To receive the requests from the domestic producers, the ITA is forming two-week submission windows, four times a year, with the first window opening on July 1st. Following the two-week window, a non-confidential version of each valid request will be published, with the ITA making the final decision within 60 days of receiving the request. The move is expected to affect South Korea's auto parts industry. Earlier this year, Trump invoked Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, which grants the president the power to adjust imports into the U.S. when determined they threaten to impair national security. Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.

France to ban smoking at beaches, parks and outside schools

2025/06/27 18:37

This is the World Now, bringing you the latest stories from around the globe. The White House has announced that there is no evidence showing enriched uranium was moved from the sites it targeted in Iran. On Thursday, local time, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that U.S. intelligence had monitored the sites in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan before Saturday's strikes, and found "no indication" that any enriched uranium had been moved before the attacks. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth echoed those assurances at a Pentagon briefing, saying he was "not aware of any intelligence" to suggest nuclear material was relocated. President Trump also took to Truth Social on Thursday morning, reaffirming that "Nothing was taken out of the facility." This stance confronts claims from satellite imagery and some experts suggesting heavy truck activity near the Fordow entrance, possibly indicating a removal of uranium ahead of the attacks. A senior Iranian official told Reuters that a significant portion of Iran's 60 percent enriched uranium may have been relocated to undisclosed sites in advance. Speaking before the General Assembly during a ceremony marking the 80th anniversary of the signing of the organization's Charter, Guterres said global actors are selectively observing the document's rules "when it suits, and ignoring them when it does not." He described this as a danger to the foundations of international relations, stating the Charter "is not an a la carte menu" and its violation must not be "normalized." The Secretary General urged member states to recommit to core principles, including sovereignty, non-aggression, protection of civilians, and the rule of international law. U.S. diplomat McCoy Pitt acknowledged the UN's successes over eight decades but underscored its failure to contain current wars and urged a renewed dedication to the Charter as a "continuing call to action." Shubhanshu Shukla, a 39-year-old group captain in the Indian Air Force, boarded the International Space Station on Thursday, becoming the first Indian to do so and becoming only the second Indian in space since Rakesh Sharma in 1984. He traveled to the ISS as part of the Axiom-4 Mission, operated privately by SpaceX, which lifted off on Wednesday. The mission places Shukla on a two-week science run, working alongside U.S. astronaut Commander Peggy Whitson and astronauts from Poland and Hungary. Shukla called the view from space beyond expectations. France is introducing a ban on outdoor smoking, effective July 1, which prohibits nicotine use in public spaces frequented by children, including beaches, parks, and school entrances. The move aims to protect youths from secondhand smoke, with violators facing fines of up to 153 U.S. dollars. The French Health Minister stated, "Where there are children, tobacco must disappear," underscoring the government's commitment to creating a smoke-free generation. The legislation builds on the 2008 indoor smoking ban and follows pilot bans already adopted by over 1,500 municipalities and numerous beaches. Choi Chi-hee, Arirang News.

Ruling DP unilaterally fills four of five vacant standing committee leadership posts amid opposition PPP walkout

2025/06/27 18:34

At the parliament on this Friday. A plenary session took place to fill the leadership posts of standing committees including those of the budget and judiciary both of which remain under the DP. Our political correspondent Shin Ha-young reports. Amid a bipartisan deadlock over the redistribution of standing committee chairs, the ruling Democratic Party unilaterally filled four of five vacant posts in a plenary session on Friday. The chair positions at the Budget and Accounts; Legislation and Judiciary; House Steering; Culture, Sports and Tourism; and Strategy and Finance committees were vacant. Of these, four positions ---excluding the Strategy and Finance Committee ---were filled by DP lawmakers, maintaining the party's control over them from the past year. Three-term DP lawmaker Han Byung-do was appointed chair of the Special Committee on Budget and Account and will lead the review of the supplementary budget proposal. Four-term DP lawmaker Lee Choon-suak was named chair of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee. The main opposition People Power Party walked out of the session as it had been calling for a rebalancing of the committees' leadership, arguing that the shift in government following the recent snap presidential election justified the change. The PPP insisted it should hold the chairs of the judiciary and budget committees to provide checks and balances on the ruling party. "The supplementary budget is an important issue, so the PPP is willing to cooperate to quickly elect a new budget committee chair. For the other committee chairs, we believe more talks are needed to restore cooperation and bring back the National Assembly's tradition of checks and balances." The Democratic Party, however, has maintained that the current arrangement should remain, citing last year's agreement between the two parties on a two-year term for committee chairs. "The People Power Party is delaying the Prime Minister's confirmation and budget review over the Legislative and Judiciary Committee chair. Don't they see people are struggling with the sluggish economy? Shouldn't they help the new government get to work?" With the Budget and Accounts Special Committee chair now in place, the review of the supplementary budget proposal is expected to gain momentum. Shin Ha-young, Arirang News.

Seoul urges Pyongyang to give prior notice before releasing dam water

2025/06/27 18:33

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.

China accepts thousands of N. Korean workers this year: Yomiuri Shimbun

2025/06/27 18:33

China has reportedly accepted thousands of North Korean workers this year. This is according to a report by Japan's Yomiuri Shimbun on this Friday. The report claims about three-thousand workers arrived in Jilin by the end of March and five hundred more in Liaoning by May. Most are said to be young women working in clothing and seafood factories. The Japanese report links this latest development to China's search for affordable labor amid its economic challenges and its efforts to boost ties with North Korea. Meanwhile the UN's 2017 sanctions ban North Korean labor in member states to thwart funding for the regime's nuclear and missile programs.

White House believes no enriched uranium was removed prior to U.S. attacks on Iran

2025/06/27 13:35

Starting with updates on Iran, the United States says there is no evidence showing enriched uranium was moved from the sites it targeted. Tell us more. Sure. The White House has announced that it hasn't seen any indication that nuclear material was removed. On Thursday, local time, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that U.S. intelligence had monitored the sites in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan before Saturday's strikes, and found "no indication" that any enriched uranium had been moved before the attacks. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth echoed those assurances at a Pentagon briefing, saying he was "not aware of any intelligence" to suggest nuclear material was relocated. President Trump also took to Truth Social on Thursday morning, reaffirming that "Nothing was taken out of the facility." This stance confronts claims from satellite imagery and some experts suggesting heavy truck activity near the Fordow entrance, possibly indicating a removal of uranium ahead of the attacks. A senior Iranian official told Reuters that a significant portion of Iran's 60 percent enriched uranium may have been relocated to undisclosed sites in advance.

Lee makes nominations for Constitutional Court, and appoints four vice ministers

2025/06/27 13:35

President Lee Jae Myung has made another round of nominations, including a new chief of the Constitutional Court,.. and four vice ministers. Our Kim Bo-kyoung tells us more. President Lee Jae Myung made his latest nominations on Thursday. As the new chief of the Constitutional Court, former Supreme Court justice Kim Sang-hwan was nominated. The Presidential Office said Kim, also a former constitutional rapporteur judge, . was widely known for his deep expertise in constitutional and legal theory. For the remaining presidential judicial appointment to the Constitutional Court, the Presidential Office tapped Oh Young-joon, a presiding judge at the Seoul High Court. "This appointment marks the new government's first step toward restoring the Constitutional Court. It aims to put an end to the severe attempts to undermine the Court and to strengthen public trust in constitutional adjudication as well as the court's independence." A lawmaker from the ruling Democratic Party, Lim Kwang-hyun was nominated as commissioner of the National Tax Service. Selected last year to a proportional representation seat slot, he would be the first sitting lawmaker to lead the National Tax Service if appointed. All three nominees are subject to National Assembly confirmation hearings before a formal appointment by the president, but they do not need its approval to take their posts. The latest round of personnel appointments also included vice ministers of defense, health, the environment, and labor. Lee Doo-hee, the former commander of the Army Strategic Missile Command, has been appointed vice defense minister. "He's seen as the right person to respond to evolving battlefields, boost all-around deterrence under the ROK-U.S. alliance. He is also highly regarded for his potential to lead defense innovation through AI and advanced technology." Lee Seu-ran , director-general for social welfare policy at the health ministry, was promoted to first vice minister, while Kum Han-seung , president of the National Institute of Environmental Research, was named vice environment minister. And for the vice labor minister, Kwon Chang-jun , director-general for planning and coordination at the Ministry of Employment and Labor, was promoted. Kim Bo-kyoung, Arirang News.

S. Korea weighing response as U.S. moves to demand higher defense budget, extra costs towards alliance

2025/06/27 13:34

After NATO members agreed to boost their defense expenditures, South Korea seems to be gearing up for similar discussions with the United States, which in recent weeks has been pushing allies to spend more on their own defense. Our correspondent Oh Soo-young reports. U.S. President Donald Trump seems set to call on Asian allies to increase their defense budgets, after European countries bowed to his demand to hike their spending targets to five percent of Gross Domestic Product. In a briefing on Thursday, White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said if America's "European allies in NATO can do it, then "allies and friends in the Indo-Pacific region can do it too." Leavitt added that specific matters would be addressed by President Trump. The previous day, the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, during its annual summit in the Netherlands, adopted a joint statement with all 32 member countries, agreeing to raise their respective defense expenditures to a total of five percent of GDP by 2035. Representing South Korea, National Security Advisor Wi Sung-lac attended the summit, after which he told the Korean media that NATO's budget increase "reflects a broader trend," and that "similar demands are being made of Seoul." Wi said such demands are being discussed by working-level officials, but clarified that they haven't yet established how the agenda would proceed. South Korea will have to decide how to respond, he said. U.S. officials have recently been pushing for alliance modernisation, which entails its security partners spending more on their defense, paying for the deployment of U.S. strategic assets, and reassessing the role of American forces stationed abroad. U.S. Acting Ambassador to Seoul, Joseph Yun said on Wednesday that the two allies should address "new areas," concerning costs, that are not covered in their bilateral defense cost-sharing agreement reached last year. Seoul appears to be maintaining caution amid sensitive discussions. The Foreign Ministry on Thursday released an official statement saying it will continue working closely with Washington to develop the alliance into a "future-oriented, comprehensive strategic alliance" that can respond to a changing security dynamic. A senior official told reporters that the two governments are engaging frequently at various levels. However, when asked whether their talks include defense spending or the costs of deploying strategic assets, the official said it is "difficult to share," and declined to comment on what a "future-oriented alliance" entails. Oh Soo-young, Arirang News.

July deadline for reciprocal tariffs could be extended: White House

2025/06/27 12:37

The White House says the Trump administration may extend its July deadline for reciprocal tariffs. However, the U.S. Commerce Department has established a process to add more imported auto parts to the list of those subject to 25 percent tariffs, a move that could affect South Korea's automobile parts industry. Lee Seung-jae starts us off. Washington could extend its pause on reciprocal tariffs, which is set to expire next month. According to White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt on Thursday, the pause could be extended, but added that it's a decision "for the president to make." The comments come as the temporary suspension of reciprocal tariffs, including 25 percent duties on South Korea, is set to expire on July 8th. In April, U.S. President Donald Trump announced the reciprocal tariffs to match those of other countries on U.S. goods. While the tariffs took effect on April 9th, Trump pressed the brakes on his plans for 90 days, to allow for negotiations. Earlier this month, the U.S. President expressed his openness to extending the pause, but said that an extension might not be necessary. Meanwhile, Washington has begun a process to include more auto parts imported into the U.S., on the list of those subject to 25 percent tariffs. The U.S. Commerce Department's International Trade Administration on Thursday released its outlined process, where U.S. domestic producers may request additional auto parts to be included in the new tariff scheme. To receive the requests from the domestic producers, the ITA is forming two-week submission windows, four times a year, with the first window opening on July 1st. Following the two-week window, a non-confidential version of each valid request will be published, with the ITA making the final decision within 60 days of receiving the request. The move is expected to affect South Korea's auto parts industry. Earlier this year, Trump invoked Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, which grants the president the power to adjust imports into the U.S. when determined they threaten to impair national security. Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.

UN chief warns 80-year-old founding charter 'not an a la carte menu'

2025/06/27 12:35

The UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, on Thursday warned that the UN's founding document is under unprecedented assault and its principles are "not optional." Speaking before the General Assembly during a ceremony marking the 80th anniversary of the signing of the organization's Charter, Guterres said global actors are selectively observing the document's rules "when it suits, and ignoring them when it does not." He described this as a danger to the foundations of international relations, stating the Charter "is not an a la carte menu" and its violation must not be "normalized." The Secretary General urged member states to recommit to core principles, including sovereignty, non-aggression, protection of civilians, and the rule of international law. U.S. diplomat McCoy Pitt acknowledged the UN's successes over eight decades but underscored its failure to contain current wars and urged a renewed dedication to the Charter as a "continuing call to action."

[On-point] S. Korea's Lee unveils picks for key Cabinet posts --How will this shape his policy?

2025/06/27 12:34

President Lee Jae Myung this week unveiled his picks for key Cabinet posts. For more on how this will determine the country's policies, we're joined by Professor Song Se-ryun, Professor of Law at Kyung Hee University. Thanks for joining us this morning. 1. President Lee has now nominated Cabinet ministers, including foreign and defense ministers. What's notable was that he named the first civilian defense minister in decades how are these appointments expected to shape the country's policy? 2. We saw President Lee appoint the Constitutional Court chief and the commissioner of the National Tax Service yesterday. But we are still waiting for the president to appoint several key posts including the justice minister, the finance minister, and the education minister. Why is this taking so long, and when can we expect them to be named? 3. The final confirmation hearing for Prime Minister nominee Kim Min-seok ended Wednesday without resuming following clashes between rival parties. And the public also appears to be sharply divided over his nomination. What's your take on this? 4. Also unexpected was the appointment of former executives from the country's tech giants with the former Naver CEO tapped as the Minister of SMEs and Startups, and an AI strategist for the LG Group as the science minister. What are your thoughts on this? 5. As for the special probe into former President Yoon Suk Yeol, will we be able to see him appear in court tomorrow? Is the investigation picking up speed? Alright, Professor Song, thank you so much for your insight today. We appreciate it.