News

Pres. Lee skips NATO, eyes August summit with Trump; Can Seoul regain diplomatic traction?

2025/06/24 21:34

Welcome to Within The Frame, where we bring the most pressing issues across the globe into focus. I'm Kim Mok-yeon. President Lee Jae Myung has officially pulled out of the NATO summit set for this week in The Hague, citing domestic priorities and growing instability in the Middle East. But the fallout is immediate. Critics at home accuse the administration of missing a rare diplomatic window — a chance to meet President Trump and join key Indo-Pacific allies at the table. Now, with back-to-back summit opportunities lost — first at the G7, now NATO — attention shifts to whether an August Korea–U.S. summit can fill the gap. The stakes are high. Tariff deadlines are looming. Defense cost pressures are mounting. And allies are watching closely. At a time when strategic alignments are hardening, Seoul faces urgent choices. Is August too late to course-correct — or just in time to reset Korea's global footing? For answers to this, we are joined in the studio by Min Jeong-hun, Professor at the Korea National Diplomatic Academy. Welcome. Also joining us online is Christophe Gaudin, Professor of Political Science at Kookmin University. Good to see you. Let's begin with your broader assessment — Prof.Min, do you think President Lee's NATO absence reflect a shift toward pragmatic diplomacy, or is it being perceived as diplomatic backpedaling? Lee's camp cites Middle East instability and urgent domestic affairs — yet opposition leaders label it a foreign-policy blunder. How should the public weigh these competing narratives? Expanding to that, Prof.Min, politically speaking, is there a risk that Seoul's absence will embolden narratives of pro-Beijing or pro-Moscow leanings, especially with NATO signaling its Indo-Pacific tilt? So, with the G7 and NATO summits missed, the presidential office is now eyeing an August summit with President Trump. Prof. Gaudin, how feasible is this timeline — and can it realistically restore Korea's standing and momentum? But even with that plan in motion, some worry that repeated summit delays risk leaving Seoul out of key decisions. Do you think August might be too late to regain diplomatic traction? And as the alliance watches closely, given President Trump's emphasis on personal rapport and Korea's visible absence from recent summits, how can Seoul reaffirm its alliance commitment before a potential August meeting? Zooming in on hard policy pressures, Professor Gaudin, as Washington trade deadlines and security cost demands converge, how must the Lee administration balance national interests with alliance obligations in the months ahead? With economic pressure rising and time ticking on U.S. trade deadlines, what leverage — if any — does Seoul have left heading into possible August talks? And finally, stepping back to Korea's global posture, with global conflict zones escalating, how might Korea position itself as a relevant and proactive middle power — especially ahead of the UN General Assembly and APEC later this year?

Trump announces Israel-Iran ceasefire agreement; Will it hold?

2025/06/24 19:41

We start with a statement by U.S. President Donald Trump shared on his social media platform about a ceasefire between Israel and Iran to halt their military confrontation. Our Park Kun-woo has the latest. "The ceasefire is now in effect. Please do not violate it!" Donald Trump's remarks on Tuesday, once again reiterating that a ceasefire between Israel and Iran has been made. That comes after his initial announcement on Monday, stating that the ceasefire would begin after Israel and Iran wind down their final missions, bringing an end to the war. Trump said both sides would remain peaceful and respectful throughout the process, and congratulated them for having the "stamina, courage, and intelligence" to bring the conflict to a close. He also expressed hope that the ceasefire will be a lasting one. On Tuesday, Israeli news outlets also reported that the ceasefire had begun. That's the same with Iranian state media reporting the start of the ceasefire after Iran launched missiles on Israel that killed at least four people even after 4 AM local time, the deadline it had set to stop attacks. While these developments point to progress, the situation continues to raise questions about whether the ceasefire will hold. One expert says that although Trump's announcement may appear one-sided, it likely came after prior coordination with both sides. "Trump may appear to have unilaterally declared a ceasefire, but he likely urged both Iran and Israel to end the war swiftly. So far, the ceasefire seems to be holding, but whether it lasts depends on how well both countries observe it." The fate of the ceasefire and the conflict between Israel and Iran is now expected to depend on further official responses from the parties involved. Park Kun-woo, Arirang News.

World News: EU and Canada deepen ties, announce new security and defense pact

2025/06/24 19:40

This is the World Now, bringing you the latest stories from around the globe. Canada and the European Union have signed a new security and defense pact, amid growing geopolitical threats and regional instability. On Monday, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and European Council President Antonio Costa formalized the EU-Canada Security and Defense Partnership. The agreement, which is the first of its kind for the EU with a country from the Americas, aims to deepen collaboration in areas such as crisis management, cybersecurity, arms control, and support for Ukraine. A key component of the pact is Canada's potential participation in the EU's 172-billion-U.S.-dollar joint procurement program, SAFE, facilitating joint defense acquisitions and industrial cooperation. The Canadian Prime Minister emphasized that the partnership would enable Canada to deliver on "new capabilities more rapidly and more effectively." This reflects a strategic shift to diversify defense partnerships beyond traditional reliance on the United States. The summit also led to negotiations for a digital agreement to align standards on issues, including consumer protection, to make online platforms safer and more inclusive. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer have announced a new defense co-production agreement aimed at bolstering Ukraine's military capabilities amid ongoing Russian aggression. Zelenskyy met with Starmer in London on Monday after he visited King Charles III at Windsor Castle, and unveiled a new industrial military co-production initiative, aimed at enhancing Ukraine's defense infrastructure. The UK Prime Minister emphasized the significance of the collaboration, which he said builds on their 100-year partnership and represents a substantial advancement in the UK's support for Ukraine. Zelenskyy said it was "a historic moment," highlighting that the partnership would strengthen both nations, and expressed gratitude for the UK's continued assistance. The announcement follows a recent escalation in hostilities, with Russia launching a massive aerial attack on Kyiv involving drones and missiles, and comes a day before a NATO summit in The Hague. Ahead of Amazon tycoon Jeff Bezos' wedding festivities in Venice, activists are protesting to highlight concerns over overtourism and wealth inequality. Activists from groups like "No Space for Bezos" and Greenpeace staged demonstrations across Venice on Monday, displaying banners with messages such as "No Space for Bezos" and "If you can rent Venice for your wedding, you can pay more tax." Concerns have been raised about the strain on Venice's infrastructure, and activists argue that the lavish event exacerbates issues of overtourism and neglects the needs of residents. Local civic groups have been staging protests against the wedding since last week. The Vera C. Rubin Observatory in Chile, the largest digital camera ever built, unveiled its first cosmic images on Monday. One of the images showcases detailed views of the lagoon nebulae, composed of gas and the stars within. In just over 10 hours, the observatory identified over 2,000 previously undiscovered asteroids, including seven near-Earth objects. Equipped with a 3,200-megapixel camera, it is set to conduct the Legacy Survey of Space and Time, capturing a high-resolution time-lapse of the night sky every three nights for the next ten years. The project aims to catalog approximately 20 billion galaxies, providing insights into mysteries of the cosmic world, such as dark matter. Choi Chi-hee, Arirang News.

Restoration underway for Korean War historical records designated as cultural heritage

2025/06/24 19:38

Five years ago the South Korean Army launched a project to restore and preserve tangible records of the Korean War. Well in recent days our defense correspondent Kim Bo-kyoung went to see the progress the project has been making. A paulownia wood box, known for its excellent preservation qualities, is taken out from a mobile rack. Inside is a heavily damaged operations log from ROK Army headquarters, written in February 1952. This, is just one of 81-thousand military pieces from the Korean War that were designated as National Registered Cultural Heritage in 2020. Marking the very first modern war records to be designated as national heritage, Army Archives Management Group has been restoring Korean War records, already having successfully restored about 40-thousand pieces since 2020. "I am currently in the military policy archives. This map records the changes in the location of the 6th Division's command post during the war. The green lines show advances, while the black lines indicate retreats." Aside from 1-point-6 meter long map of the Korean 6th Division's CP location routes, are records showing details such as information on the enemy, and operational plans from major battles of the Korean War. These important documents of the past, however, had to go through a long and painstaking restoration process. "After over 70 years, the records show severe discoloration, contamination, creases, damage, and acidification. We are working to eliminate such damage and repair the missing parts." Restoring is one thing, preserving is another. To make sure the records are safely preserved, the digitized records are put on microfilm, known for its outstanding longevity and durability. It is indeed a demanding process requiring a great deal of patience, but junior soldiers say this allows them to feel the patriotic spirit of those whose steps they are following in. "As a person in charge of the Korean War records restoration project and a junior soldier, I take great pride in honoring the sacrifices of senior comrades and continuing the legacy of their patriotic spirit." Through the restoration and preservation process, the 75-year history of the Korean War gets passed down to future generations. Kim Bo-kyoung, Arirang News, Gyeryong.

President Lee calls for better compensation for war veterans

2025/06/24 19:37

Tomorrow June 25th we mark a solemn anniversary that is the start of the Korean War 75 years ago. Now in light of this occasion President Lee Jae-myung called for better compensation for the country's war veterans at a Cabinet meeting earlier today. Our top office correspondent Yoon Jung-min covers these remarks and more. "When we talk about security, it's so important and so routine that we often don't feel it. However, the security issue of protecting the values of our community cannot be overemphasized." This was how President Lee Jae Myung began the Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, a day before the nation remembers the 75th anniversary of the Korean War. Once again noting the importance of "peace without conflict," he called for efforts to better compensate those who made "extraordinary" sacrifices to defend the nation, adding that security is key to the economy. And the focus of the meeting was on the economy, trying to hammer out how to tamp down higher prices and help the lives of the people. "Right now, the world, including the Republic of Korea, is suffering greatly. I hope you take extra care for the vulnerable so that they do not suffer from greater pain." Among over two-dozen items approved was a revision to a related law to extend fuel tax cuts as well as individual consumption tax breaks, following the crisis in the Middle East. Lee also reportedly instructed the Oceans and Fisheries Ministry to review whether it's possible to relocate to Busan by the end of this year. What was also notable was President Lee revisiting the importance of the responsibility of public servants regardless of a political situation, saying how they handle their jobs makes a great difference. "I think that's what power is. What you do, every little signature, the small things that have your attention. All these just might seem barely meaningful to you, but the impact of those may mean a matter of life-or-death to someone else." The President has emphasized the importance of public servant responsibility during nearly every meeting. This might be no coincidence as the importance of "details" and "competency" has been often highlighted by the new government. Yoon Jung-min, Arirang News.

Plenary session for extra budget policy speech to come Thursday

2025/06/24 19:36

Also at the parliament. Come Thursday this week a plenary session will be held for a policy speech on the year's second supplementary budget. Democratic Party floor leader Kim Byung-kee and People Power Party floor leader Song Eon-seog met with National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik earlier on this Tuesday to address the plenary schedule and the redistribution of standing committee chairs. This meeting also served as an introductory session between the newly appointed floor leaders and Speaker Woo who urged both parties to submit their nominees for the Special Committee on Budget and Accounts also by Thursday to begin the budget review.

First-ever PM nominee hearing without single witness takes place on Tuesday

2025/06/24 19:36

A confirmation hearing took place earlier today for Prime Minister nominee Kim Min-seok and as expected rival lawmakers clashed over his credentials. Our political correspondent Shin Ha-young covers the hearing and the conflict. Democratic Party four-term lawmaker Kim Min-seok stood before the National Assembly on Tuesday, stating that if given the chance to serve as Prime Minister, he would do his best to fulfill his responsibilities by always listening and communicating. "I'll work to be a forward-looking and innovative prime minister practical and unbound by protocol, hands-on rather than desk-bound, and communicative instead of giving one-sided directives." Kim said that once in office, he would focus on quickly advancing policies over the next 100 days to address the previous government's shortcomings. He also vowed to make reviving the economy his top priority, starting with improving people's livelihoods affected by high prices. During the hearing, questions centered on Kim's previous conviction for illegal political funding, the sharp rise in his assets over the last five years, and concerns about his son's college admissions. "Apart from my official salary, my other income came from congratulatory and condolence money, two book launch events, and occasional help with living expenses from my wife's mother. These made up my total additional income." Tuesday's confirmation hearing began with arguments and harsh remarks. The ruling Democratic Party and the main opposition People Power Party clashed from the start over the failure to select any witnesses and Kim's failure to submit key documents, mainly about his wealth and family. With no agreement on witnesses between the parties, the hearing proceeded without any a first for a prime minister nominee. "For the first time, the confirmation hearing is being held without witnesses. It's a blind hearing due to the nominee's failure to submit requested data, having not given consent to share personal information." "There have been many unfair and unreasonable demands for documents. Is this really a proper confirmation hearing, or just an attempt to embarrass and criticize?" The prime minister is the only Cabinet post needing parliamentary consent. Confirmation needs majority approval, with a majority of lawmakers present. The two-day hearing continues through Wednesday. Shin Ha-young, Arirang News.

S. Korea, U.S. leaders likely to hold bilateral summit "in a short time": Top U.S. diplomat in Seoul

2025/06/24 19:35

In other news. South Korea and the U.S. may hold a summit in "a short time". This is according to Joseph Yun the U.S. Chargé d'Affaires here in Seoul on this Tuesday while addressing members of the local media. Yun claimed the American Embassy is seeking to schedule a summit between the two presidents and that he had "no doubt" it would take place soon. He also spoke of tariff talks with the new Korean administration being a priority for the Trump administration which would also seek to address the bilateral alliance amid regional concerns as well as defense cost sharing. On North Korea Yun added that prospects of direct engagement depend on North Korea. Meanwhile the top office here is said to be seeking to set up a summit between Presidents Lee and Trump before August.

Iran launches missile strike against U.S. bases in Qatar, Iraq

2025/06/24 19:34

Now just hours before Trump's touting of a truce being on track between Israel and Iran the latter targeted an American military base in Qatar in retaliation for the U.S. strike against three Iranian nuclear sites this past weekend. Lee Seung-jae reports. In response to the United States' recent bombing of Iranian nuclear sites, Iran fired over a dozen missiles towards a U.S. base in Qatar on Monday. The missile attacks on the Al Udeid Air Base were intercepted by the U.S., leading to no casualties. According to U.S. President Donald Trump, the U.S. was warned in advance by Iran, adding the attacks were expected and were "very effectively countered." He also said that 14 missiles were fired, with 13 being "knocked down" and 1 "set free" as it was headed in a "non-threatening direction." Trump had summoned his top officials, including Defense chief Pete Hegseth, Joint Chiefs Chair General Dan Caine to the White House's Situation Room, as the first reports of the Iranian strikes emerged. Taking to X on Monday, Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei said that Iran was not the aggressor, and will not accept aggression from anyone under any circumstances. Calling it the logic of the Iranian nation, he said that his country will not submit to anyone's harassment. Iran's foreign minister, Abbas Araqchi, also said that Tehran's attack on the U.S. base in Qatar came in response to the U.S.'s "aggression against Iran's territorial integrity and sovereignty." He warned Iran will be ready to respond again if the U.S. follows with further action. The foreign ministry also released a statement saying that Tehran only responded to the U.S. attacks, and does not want to escalate tensions in the region. Meanwhile, the Arab Parliament on Monday strongly condemned Iran's attack on the U.S. base in Qatar calling it a clear and unacceptable violation of Qatari sovereignty and international law. The Parliament also called for a de-escalation of the conflict in the region. Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.

TRUMP CLAIMS ISRAEL-IRAN CEASEFIRE

2025/06/24 18:34

Welcome to Press Perspective for this Tuesday June 24th here in Seoul. I'm Min Sunhee. So are tensions in the Middle East over Iran's nuclear weapons ambitions simmering down? Well to answer that question and more I have Celio Fioretti with French daily La Croix. Celio welcome back. I also have Ruy Valdes with Spanish news agency EFE Spain. Ruy it's good to have you here. Celio, first, walk us through the events that led to the Trump administration's attack against Iran. Celio, President Trump addressed the public after the attack. What did he say? Ruy, what was the response from Iran? Ruy, hours after the attack on the U.S. base in Qatar, President Trump touted a truce between Israel and Iran. Please do fill us in. And Celio, how has the international community including South Korea been reacting? Ruy, what possible reasons have been shared to explain Mr. Trump's sudden strike, and which explanation do you believe may be closer to the truth? Celio, this year's NATO summit is scheduled to begin later today in the Netherlands. I suppose it's only logical to believe this latest escalation in tensions in the Middle East will dominate discussions. Do you see NATO rallying behind the U.S.? Ruy, President Lee Jae-myung is not attending this year's NATO summit, but he is sending National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac. What are the broader implications of this decision, do you think? Celio, how does U.S. action against Iran look to affect its future engagement with North Korea and the regime's nuclear weapons pursuits? Ruy, the raging military confrontations in different parts of the world have some people fearing about the start of World War Three. What have you been hearing? All right.

Restoration underway for Korean War historical records designated as cultural heritage

2025/06/24 15:37

Tomorrow, June 25th marks the 75th anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War. Historical records can give us some of the greatest insights into the war, and so, the South Korean Army has been working on a restoration project since 2020. Our defense correspondent Kim Bo-kyoung had a peek at how the project is going. A paulownia wood box, known for its excellent preservation qualities, is taken out from a mobile rack. Inside is a heavily damaged operations log from ROK Army headquarters, written in February 1952. This, is just one of 81-thousand military pieces from the Korean War that were designated as National Registered Cultural Heritage in 2020. Marking the very first modern war records to be designated as national heritage, Army Archives Management Group has been restoring Korean War records, already having successfully restored about 40-thousand pieces since 2020. "I am currently in the military policy archives. This map records the changes in the location of the 6th Division's command post during the war. The green lines show advances, while the black lines indicate retreats." Aside from 1-point-6 meter long map of the Korean 6th Division's CP location routes, are records showing details such as information on the enemy, and operational plans from major battles of the Korean War. These important documents of the past, however, had to go through a long and painstaking restoration process. "After over 70 years, the records show severe discoloration, contamination, creases, damage, and acidification. We are working to eliminate such damage and repair the missing parts." Restoring is one thing, preserving is another. To make sure the records are safely preserved, the digitized records are put on microfilm, known for its outstanding longevity and durability. It is indeed a demanding process requiring a great deal of patience, but junior soldiers say this allows them to feel the patriotic spirit of those whose steps they are following in. "As a person in charge of the Korean War records restoration project and a junior soldier, I take great pride in honoring the sacrifices of senior comrades and continuing the legacy of their patriotic spirit." Through the restoration and preservation process, the 75-year history of the Korean War gets passed down to future generations. Kim Bo-kyoung, Arirang News, Gyeryong.

Hallyu People_Experiencing the "hwarang" spirit in Gyeongju, the host city of APEC 2025

2025/06/24 15:34

Gyeongju, the host city of APEC 2025, situated in the southeast of South Korea, is often dubbed a "museum without walls". Also, as the capital city of the Silla Dynasty 1,000 years ago, Gyeongju was a cosmopolitan city that had flourishing trade and cultural exchanges with other countries. Today, we invite a person who visits the historic city every year for a special occasion. To hear more, let me introduce Tony Robinson, Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Political Science at the University of Colorado Denver, who's joining us today in the studio. Hello Professor Robinson! 1) Professor Robinson, please share with us your recent trip to Gyeongju this month and your special experience there. (Please tell us about the Hwarang experience in detail.) 2) The students who participated in the trip are all your students? How did they like it? (Also, how do they take part, are they selected or do they apply for it?) 3) Korean calligraphy, tea ceremonies and archery are probably things that most of your students have never tried before. Are there any memorable episodes that you or your students like to talk about? 4) We've heard that you've been making these visits to Gyeongju every year for more than ten years. What draws you to the city? What are the charms of Gyeongju? 5) South Korea hosts APEC 2025 in November, in none other than the city of Gyeongju. From the perspective of an expert in political science, what do you say is the significance of this event taking place there? 6) Do you have any recommendations for people who visit Gyeongju during the APEC period on what they could do, experience, or eat? Thank you very much Professor Robinson for sharing your experiences and insights and for making it to our studio during your stay in Korea. Thank you Walter as always, we'll see you back soon.

44 S. Koreans evacuate from Israel to Egypt

2025/06/24 12:37

Forty-four South Korean nationals and one U.S. citizen of Korean descent have been safely evacuated from Israel to Egypt. On Monday local time, the group crossed into Egypt using buses provided by the South Korean government, in an operation coordinated by the Korean embassies and communities in Israel and Egypt. The Korean Association in Israel identified the evacuees, while embassy staff escorted them to the border, and assisted with exit procedures. Upon arrival in Egypt, the Korean Embassy in Cairo supported their entry and transportation to Cairo. The Korean community in Egypt has arranged homestays for the evacuees, while the embassy assists with booking flights to Seoul. The Foreign Ministry has again urged all remaining South Koreans in both Israel and Iran to leave promptly.

Restoration underway for Korean War historical records designated as cultural heritage

2025/06/24 12:37

Tomorrow, June 25th marks the 75th anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War. Historical records can give us some of the greatest insights into the war, and so, the South Korean Army has been working on a restoration project since 2020. Our defense correspondent Kim Bo-kyoung had a peek at how the project is going. A paulownia wood box, known for its excellent preservation qualities, is taken out from a mobile rack. Inside is a heavily damaged operations log from ROK Army headquarters, written in February 1952. This, is just one of 81-thousand military pieces from the Korean War that were designated as National Registered Cultural Heritage in 2020. Marking the very first modern war records to be designated as national heritage, Army Archives Management Group has been restoring Korean War records, already having successfully restored about 40-thousand pieces since 2020. "I am currently in the military policy archives. This map records the changes in the location of the 6th Division's command post during the war. The green lines show advances, while the black lines indicate retreats." Aside from 1-point-6 meter long map of the Korean 6th Division's CP location routes, are records showing details such as information on the enemy, and operational plans from major battles of the Korean War. These important documents of the past, however, had to go through a long and painstaking restoration process. "After over 70 years, the records show severe discoloration, contamination, creases, damage, and acidification. We are working to eliminate such damage and repair the missing parts." Restoring is one thing, preserving is another. To make sure the records are safely preserved, the digitized records are put on microfilm, known for its outstanding longevity and durability. It is indeed a demanding process requiring a great deal of patience, but junior soldiers say this allows them to feel the patriotic spirit of those whose steps they are following in. "As a person in charge of the Korean War records restoration project and a junior soldier, I take great pride in honoring the sacrifices of senior comrades and continuing the legacy of their patriotic spirit." Through the restoration and preservation process, the 75-year history of the Korean War gets passed down to future generations. Kim Bo-kyoung, Arirang News, Gyeryong.

Trump extends national emergency regarding North Korea, citing "extraordinary threat"

2025/06/24 12:34

U.S. President Donald Trump has decided to extend the state of 'national emergency' posed by North Korea's nuclear program. A notice on the Federal Register website, shows the White House is seeking an extension of the national emergency first declared in 2008, under Executive Order 1-3-4-6-6,. which was due to expire this Thursday. The renewal will remain in effect for another year. The White House cited the continued existence of fissile material on the Korean Peninsula, and the risk of proliferation, along with North Korea's actions and policies, as "an unusual and extraordinary threat" to U.S. national security, foreign policy, and the economy. U.S. presidents can declare national emergencies to expand administrative powers during crises, with annual reviews required for any extensions.

Iran launches missile strike against U.S. bases in Qatar, Iraq

2025/06/24 12:34

Before U.S. President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, Iran fired over a dozen missiles at a U.S. military base in Qatar, in retaliation for the U.S. bombing of Iran's nuclear sites. Lee Seung-jae has more. In response to the United States' recent bombing of Iranian nuclear sites, Iran fired over a dozen missiles towards a U.S. base in Qatar on Monday. The missile attacks on the Al Udeid Air Base were intercepted by the U.S., leading to no casualties. According to U.S. President Donald Trump, the U.S. was warned in advance by Iran, adding the attacks were expected and were "very effectively countered." He also said that 14 missiles were fired, with 13 being "knocked down" and 1 "set free" as it was headed in a "non-threatening direction." Trump had summoned his top officials, including Defense chief Pete Hegseth, Joint Chiefs Chair General Dan Caine to the White House's Situation Room, as the first reports of the Iranian strikes emerged. Taking to X on Monday, Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei said that Iran was not the aggressor, and will not accept aggression from anyone under any circumstances. Calling it the logic of the Iranian nation, he said that his country will not submit to anyone's harassment. Iran's foreign minister, Abbas Araqchi, also said that Tehran's attack on the U.S. base in Qatar came in response to the U.S.'s "aggression against Iran's territorial integrity and sovereignty." He warned Iran will be ready to respond again if the U.S. follows with further action. The foreign ministry also released a statement saying that Tehran only responded to the U.S. attacks, and does not want to escalate tensions in the region. Meanwhile, the Arab Parliament on Monday strongly condemned Iran's attack on the U.S. base in Qatar calling it a clear and unacceptable violation of Qatari sovereignty and international law. The Parliament also called for a de-escalation of the conflict in the region. Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.

[NEWs GEN] Gyeongju, Korea’s Historic City: Inside the history and charm of APEC 2025's host city

2025/06/24 12:33

NEWs GEN] Gyeongju, Korea’s Historic City: Inside the history and charm of APEC 2025's host city [뉴젠] MZ 사로잡은 APEC 개최도시 경주의 매력은?

[On--point] S. Korea's President Lee decides to skip NATO summit --What happens now?

2025/06/24 11:34

As we just heard,.. Trump announced a ceasefire between Israel and Iran. For more on this and the Lee administration's foreign policy, we're joined by Professor Choi Hyun-jin, Associate Professor at the Department of Political Science at Kyunghee University. Professor Choi, thanks for joining us this morning. 1. The South Korean government recently worked to minimize the impact caused by the conflict between Israel and Iran. But President Trump just a few hours ago said Israel and Iran agreed to a ceasefire. What's your take on this? Does this mean there won't be any more economic or security threats for South Korea? 2. Regarding North Korea, what lessons might the regime have drawn from the current situation in the Middle East? Should it be concerned about its own nuclear ambitions? 3. Now that President Lee Jae Myung has decided not to attend this week's NATO summit, it appears that Lee will not be able to meet Trump any time soon. How might this decision affect South Korea's relations with the U.S. and European countries? 4. President Lee faces several challenges in relations with the U.S. --including tariffs and the cost-sharing agreement for U.S. troops stationed in Korea. How do you think he should navigate these issues? 5. President Lee said he plans to focus on "pragmatic diplomacy." How should his administration balance the intense rivalry between the U.S. and China during his term? Alright thank you so much for your insight today. We appreciate it.

Israel-Iran ceasefire agreed: Trump

2025/06/24 11:26

U.S. President Donald Trump says Israel and Iran have agreed to a ceasefire, to officially end the conflict between the two countries. For more on this, we have our Park Kun-woo on the line. Kun-woo, do fill us in. Eun-ji, U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Monday that a "total and complete" ceasefire between the two countries has been agreed, and is set to take effect at Tuesday midnight Eastern Standard Time. The announcement was posted on Donald Trump's social media, stating that the ceasefire will begin after Israel and Iran wind down final missions, bringing an end to what Trump referred to as the "12-day war." Trump said both sides will remain peaceful and respectful throughout the process, and congratulated them for having the "stamina, courage, and intelligence" to bring the conflict to a close. He also expressed his hope that the ceasefire will be a lasting one. According to Reuters, Trump and U.S. Vice President JD Vance have been discussing the ceasefire deal with Qatar's Emir. And Qatar's Prime Minister also said there was an agreement from Iran in favor of a ceasefire. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during a phone call with Trump, reportedly said that Israel would agree to a ceasefire only if Iran halts its attacks. Still, questions remain about whether the ceasefire will actually hold. One expert says Trump's announcement may seem one-sided, but it likely came after prior coordination with both sides. "President Trump may appear to have unilaterally declared a ceasefire, but he likely urged both Iran and Israel to end the war swiftly. So far, the ceasefire seems to be holding, but whether it lasts depends on how well both countries observe it over the next 24 hours. Some may see Trump's sudden post as a calculated move to pressure the two into a ceasefire during a difficult moment in negotiations. It's possible, but more likely that some level of agreement was already in place." The expert, while reiterating that despite Trump's sudden announcement on social media appearing to be somewhat of a political strategy, the two sides were likely already in agreement behind the scenes. So for now, we'll have to wait and see what further responses are announced by the countries involved. That's all I have for you now. Back to you, Eunji. Alright thank you Kun-woo for the updates. Do keep us posted.

Starmer and Zelenskyy meet in London, agree military production project

2025/06/24 11:24

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer have announced a new defense co-production agreement aimed at bolstering Ukraine's military capabilities amid ongoing Russian aggression. Zelenskyy met with Starmer in London on Monday after he visited King Charles III at Windsor Castle, and unveiled a new industrial military co-production initiative, aimed at enhancing Ukraine's defense infrastructure. The UK Prime Minister emphasized the significance of the collaboration, which he said builds on their 100-year partnership and represents a substantial advancement in the UK's support for Ukraine. Zelenskyy said it was "a historic moment," highlighting that the partnership would strengthen both nations, and expressed gratitude for the UK's continued assistance. The announcement follows a recent escalation in hostilities, with Russia launching a massive aerial attack on Kyiv involving drones and missiles, and comes a day before a NATO summit in The Hague.