News

Zelenskyy calls for strengthened sanctions against Russia at G7

2025/06/18 20:00

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was also in Canada, but his trip ended up not being so fruitful, with no Trump meeting or a joint statement on the Ukraine war by the G7 members. Lee Seung-jae has more. During the G7 Summit in Canada, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday called on member nations to invest in Ukraine's defense technologies. The comments were made at the special G7 leaders' meeting for Ukraine, where Zelenskyy shared details of Russia's missile and drone strikes targeting civilians in his country. The Ukrainian leader said Russia's upgrading of Iranian drones and its cooperation with North Korea, is the reason Ukraine is actively working on the development of interceptor drones, and why the country requires additional funding for their production. Zelenskyy also called for tougher sanctions on Russia, stressing that the EU's 18th sanctions package must reinforce restrictions on Russia's banking and energy sectors. He also called on G7 leaders to impose a strict price cap on Russian oil. During a meeting between Zelenskyy and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on the same day, the Canadian leader announced that his country will provide Ukraine with a new military package worth more than 2 billion U.S. dollars. Carney says the new military aid will give Ukraine drones, helicopters and ammunition. Canada will also provide Ukraine with a two-point-three billion dollar loan to help it rebuild public infrastructure destroyed by years of Russian bombing. Meanwhile, the Kremlin on Tuesday said U.S. President Donald Trump was right to say that it was wrong to remove Russia from the Group of Eight in 2014. The comments come as Trump said at the G7 Summit on Monday that the G8 had been wrong to expel Russia after annexing Crimea from Ukraine. According to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, despite being expelled from the group,.. the G7 had "lost practical significance" for Russia and looked "rather useless" now. While the G7 Summit takes place in Canada, Chinese President Xi Jinping held a summit with the leaders of five Central Asian countries on Tuesday. During the summit in Astana,.. Xi criticized Trump's tariff policy, saying that there are no winners in a tariff war. Xi said China and the five Central Asian countries of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan will strengthen its cooperation, as Beijing looks to further deepen cooperation on trade, energy and infrastructure with the resource-rich region. Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.

Analysis with experts on Pres. Lee's first global diplomatic attendance at the G7 Summit

2025/06/18 20:00

Welcome to Within The Frame, where we bring the most pressing issues across the globe into focus. I'm Kim Mok-yeon. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has returned from his two-day visit to Canada, where he attended the G7 Summit as a guest — marking not only his first overseas trip since taking office but also his official debut on the global diplomatic stage. The visit, grounded in what Lee has called "national-interest-based pragmatic diplomacy," included back-to-back summits with leaders from nine countries and a brief meeting with the UN secretary-general. Most notably, Lee sat down with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba for the first Korea-Japan summit under his leadership — just in time for the 60th anniversary of the normalization of ties between the two countries. However, the much-anticipated summit with U.S. President Donald Trump was postponed due to Trump's emergency return to Washington. All eyes are now on what comes next for Korea's summit diplomacy. To delve deeper into this, we connect to Hannah Kim, associate professor at Sogang University GSIS. And also with Daniel Connolly, associate professor of international relations at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies. 1. (Kim) Let's start with President Lee Jae Myung's debut on the global stage. He's now returned from his first-ever appearance at the G7 Summit. The presidential office called it a restart of high-level diplomacy that had long been stalled. From a pragmatic diplomacy standpoint, how do you assess the significance of his presence at the summit? 2. (Connolly) One of the notable outcomes from the G7 was President Lee's meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. It was the first Korea-Japan summit under the Lee administration, and remarkably, one of the earliest such meetings by any incoming Korean president. How do you view the significance of this bilateral encounter? 3. (Kim) Adding to that, the presidential office emphasized that this meeting may help create a pathway for resolving historical disputes more smoothly. From here on forward, what kind of approach should the Lee administration take in steering Korea-Japan relations? 4. (Connolly) Switching focus to the U.S., a highly anticipated meeting with President Donald Trump didn't materialize. Some had hoped it could open the door to new trade talks. Realistically, when do you think we might see that first summit between President Lee and President Trump? 5. (Connolly) Though the delay in the Korea-U.S. summit is disappointing, some argue that President Trump's focus on broader global priorities might ultimately benefit Korea. What diplomatic impact do you see from the postponed summit? 6. (Kim) Turning to the broader strategic landscape — over the past few years, the G7 has taken a consistent stance on curbing China's influence. As President Lee continues to emphasize pragmatic diplomacy, how should Korea position itself between the competing interests of the U.S. and China? 7. (Connolly) Even though Korea is not a formal G7 member, President Lee attended this year's summit as an invited participant. He even proposed the idea of a potential "G7 Plus." Do you believe this visit effectively communicated Korea's readiness to engage and contribute to the G7's global agenda? 8. (Kim) President Lee spoke twice during the G7's expanded sessions — focusing first on energy security and critical mineral supply chains, then on the link between AI and energy demand. He outlined Korea's plans to lead in both areas, including through the Mineral Security Partnership and AI semiconductor development. Do you think these proposals will translate into real cooperation with other nations? 9. (Connolly) Meanwhile, the presidential office has said that such summit-level diplomacy could play a role in Korea's economic recovery. In your view, how impactful could the G7 Summit be in resolving trade challenges and supporting the broader economy? 10. (Kim) And looking ahead, attention is turning to The Hague, where the NATO Summit will be held on June 24th and 25th. President Lee is reportedly leaning toward attending. If he does, what should we be paying attention to from the standpoint of pragmatic diplomacy?

World leaders address energy security at G7; Pres. Lee shares Korea's contributions

2025/06/18 17:00

We start over in Canada where President Lee Jae-myung joined members of the Group of Seven and their partners for the extended summit session on a host of mutual concerns on Tuesday local time. Our top office correspondent Yoon Jung-min starts us off. It was all smiles with a warm welcome in Kananaskis, Canada, as the Group of Seven began its expanded session with an official welcome and a group photo, with the notable absence of U.S. President Donald Trump. Invited were several guest countries, including South Korea, Australia and India for some crucial discussions. "For common problems in energy security, common opportunities in new technologies from information technology, IT, AI, quantum computing. The need to have reliable supplies that this table can produce." The new South Korean leader Lee Jae Myung took the opportunity, on his debut on the global stage, for multilateral summit diplomacy. His focus was on Korea's vision for diversifying energy, aiming to expand renewable energy and upgrade the country's power supply system at a time when there's more power demand due to the use of AI. Also addressed were securing critical minerals within the international framework and forging a global AI ecosystem, stressing Korea's role and contribution along the way. "Amid a major shift in global economic security, we have made clear our vision and role by actively taking part in discussing pending global issues. We have consolidated the status of the Republic of Korea as a "G7 Plus" country." As Korea resumes its full-fledged diplomacy, the new president took the first step at the G7, having unveiled Korea's visions for energy and AI. Now, many are watching whether more summit diplomacy would follow at the upcoming NATO summit next week. Yoon Jung-min, Arirang News, Calgary.

World News: Russia's deadliest attack on Kyiv for months kills at least 10

2025/06/18 17:00

This is the World Now, bringing you the latest stories from around the globe. At least 10 people were killed when a ballistic missile flattened a nine-story residential building in Kyiv on Tuesday as Russia carried out its deadliest attacks on the city in months. Kyiv was hit by a massive assault involving over 440 drones and 32 missiles, striking 27 locations across the capital in the early hours of Tuesday morning. Ukraine's southern port city of Odesa was also targeted in a separate strike. Among those killed in the apartment block bombing was a 62-year-old American citizen while more than 100 others were wounded. Kyiv's Mayor announced a day of mourning, while President Zelenskyy denounced the strike as "one of the most horrific" on the capital since the war began. At the same time, Russian forces launched an attack on Odesa, targeting civilian infrastructure, killing at least two people and injuring more than a dozen. In Argentina, former President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner has been placed under house arrest after a six-year corruption sentence was upheld. On Tuesday, local time, a federal court in Buenos Aires approved 72-year-old Kirchner's request to serve her sentence at home rather than in prison with judges taking her age and health into consideration. She is subject to an electronic ankle monitor and strict restrictions, including remaining at her residence except for approved outings and providing a list of authorized visitors within 48 hours. This follows the Supreme Court's decision to uphold her 2022 conviction for directing public works contracts to an ally and to enforce a lifetime ban from public office. Meanwhile, thousands of Kirchner's supporters took to the streets in Buenos Aires, fighting for her release. Despite her legal situation, Kirchner, who served two terms as president from 2007 to 2015, and is a former first lady, remains a powerful presence among working-class Peronists. The European Commission has put forward a legally binding plan to phase out Russian gas and LNG imports by the end of 2027, aiming to formally end the EU's energy dependence on Moscow. Under the proposal on Tuesday, no new gas or LNG contracts may be signed after January 1, 2026; short-term contracts concluded before June 17, 2025 must end by June 17 next year; and all existing long-term contracts will be terminated by January 1, 2028. LNG terminals will also stop servicing Russian clients on a similar timetable. The proposed ban is structured in accordance with EU trade and energy laws, allowing for its adoption with a qualified majority and bypassing vetoes from Hungary and Slovakia. Pope Leo XIV is set to spend half of July at his Castel Gandolfo summer residence, away from the sweltering Roman summer. The Vatican confirmed on Tuesday that the pontiff will stay in the traditional papal residence on the shores of Lake Albano from July 6 to 20, with an additional weekend break in mid-August over the Feast of the Assumption. The move revives a centuries-old practice discontinued under Pope Francis, who remained in the Vatican. While Rome's midday heat has soared past 35 degrees Celsius this month, Castel Gandolfo's estate is roughly 10 degrees cooler. The Pope's public and private audiences have all been suspended from July 2 through July 23, and Vatican activities will resume on July 30. Choi Chi-hee, Arirang News.

Korean Army holds joint burial ceremonies for remains of 11 Korean War veterans

2025/06/18 17:00

The Korean Army has been holding solemn burial ceremonies for soldiers who lost their lives during the Korean War but whose remains were recently recovered. The remains of eleven soldiers were laid to rest at the Yeongcheon National Cemetery the Daejeon National Cemetery and the Seoul National Cemetery from this past Monday to Wednesday. Their remains were recovered between the years 2000 and 2024 from regions where intense battles were fought during the Korean War. Their identities were confirmed through DNA analysis using genetic samples provided by surviving family members.

Gov't and ruling party agree to include cash handouts for all in extra budget plan

2025/06/18 17:00

A planned second supplementary budget will offer cash handouts to all citizens. This was announced following a meeting between government officials and ruling party members earlier on this Wednesday morning. The relief package also includes additional assistance to low-income and vulnerable groups. Accordingly the size of this extra budget plan is projected to hit over 20 trillion won or some 14-point-5 billion U.S. dollars which is higher than this year's FIRST supplementary budget that amounted to 13-point-8 trillion won.

Trump holds 80-minute NSC meeting to discuss U.S. involvement in Iran-Israel conflict

2025/06/18 17:00

MEANWHILE following an unexpected early departure from his diplomatic engagements in Canada U.S. President Donald Trump held a National Security Council meeting on Tuesday to address the escalating conflict in the Middle East. Moon Hye-ryeon reports. As the conflict between Israel and Iran continues to escalate, U.S. President Donald Trump convened a National Security Council meeting in Washington. Taking to social media on Tuesday ahead of the talks, Trump warned that the U.S. knows where Iran's supreme leader is hiding, and called for "UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER." He added that while the Iranian leader is an "easy target", they are not going to kill him – "at least for now." Following the 80-minute NSC meeting, CNN reported that Trump is "warming" to the idea of using U.S. military assets to strike Iran, and that he spoke by phone with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. American strategic bombers equipped with bunker-busting munitions are seen as a key component of any potential operation aimed at disabling Iran's Fordow nuclear facility. According to Reuters, fighter aircraft have been deployed to the Middle East already, although U.S. military officials have emphasized their defensive nature. So far, Washington's involvement in the conflict has remained defensive — supporting Israel by helping intercept Iranian missile attacks. The U.S. already has significant military presence in the region, including troops, warplanes and air defense systems equipped to neutralize aerial threats. While the White House has yet to issue an official statement regarding the outcome of the NSC talks, analysts suggest the administration may also be preparing a diplomatic proposal alongside its military options. "This would involve ending the Iranian nuclear program, Iran agreeing to not controlling any uranium enrichment capability, and then in return, the United States would lift economic sanctions." On Monday Israel issued evacuation orders affecting 300,000 people in central Tehran. President Trump took to his social media platform on the same day urging civilians to "immediately evacuate" the Iranian capital. The U.S. State Department has since launched a task force to assist American citizens and residents seeking to leave the region. As the situation unfolds, global attention is now on whether the United States will enter the Israel-Iran conflict with military support, or push for peaceful negotiations. Moon Hye-ryeon, Arirang News.

Pyongyang to send 6,000 personnel to Russia for reconstruction; Seoul condemns move

2025/06/18 17:00

North Korea is deploying its military builders and deminers to Russia's Kursk region to support the Kremlin's reconstruction efforts. Intentions to this end were shared by Russia's presidential security adviser following talks with Kim Jong-un in Pyongyang earlier on Tuesday. Our correspondent Kim Jung-sil has more. North Korea is sending thousands of military construction workers to Russia's Kursk region: including 5,000 construction workers to rebuild damaged infrastructure and 1,000 sappers to clear the area of landmines. The decision was announced by Russia's top security official, Sergei Shoigu after he met with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in Pyongyang on Tuesday afternoon , their second meeting in just two weeks. "It's a gesture of brotherly support from the North Korean people and their leader, Kim Jong-un." North Korea is believed to have already sent some 12,000 combat troops to Russia's Kursk region since October. South Korean intelligence says around 600 have been killed, with total casualties nearing 4,700. Analysts say Pyongyang's support isn't without strings , and it's likely expecting a payoff. "North Korea will likely get advanced systems like the Pantsir air defense weapon and reconnaissance satellite technology." Professor Kim added that Pyongyang will also likely receive oil and food supplies in return , crucial support as it struggles under sanctions and isolation. Other analysts say the visit also reflects shared concerns over Washington's recent signals regarding the situation in the Middle East. "With Trump doubling down on saying Iran must never get nuclear weapons, Russia may be reassuring North Korea , which has taken real risks for Moscow and still wants full recognition as a nuclear power." Pyongyang gave no details on the new deployment but said the two sides exchanged views on global and regional issues and reached full consensus. A South Korean presidential office official on Wednesday called the deployment "concerning" and said Seoul "does not support it". Earlier, the Foreign Ministry said the employment of North Korean workers abroad violates UN Security Council resolutions and called on Pyongyang and Moscow to halt their cooperation. Kim Jung-sil, Arirang News.

Zelenskyy calls for strengthened sanctions against Russia at G7

2025/06/18 17:00

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also made a brief visit to Canada to call on the Group of Seven for heightened pressure on Russia amid its alarming assaults against civilians in Ukraine in recent times. Lee Seung-jae has the latest. During the G7 Summit in Canada, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday called on member nations to invest in Ukraine's defense technologies. The comments were made at the special G7 leaders' meeting for Ukraine, where Zelenskyy shared details of Russia's missile and drone strikes targeting civilians in his country. The Ukrainian leader said Russia's upgrading of Iranian drones and its cooperation with North Korea, is the reason Ukraine is actively working on the development of interceptor drones, and why the country requires additional funding for their production. Zelenskyy also called for tougher sanctions on Russia, stressing that the EU's 18th sanctions package must reinforce restrictions on Russia's banking and energy sectors. He also called on G7 leaders to impose a strict price cap on Russian oil. During a meeting between Zelenskyy and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on the same day, the Canadian leader announced that his country will provide Ukraine with a new military package worth more than 2 billion U.S. dollars. Carney says the new military aid will give Ukraine drones, helicopters and ammunition. Canada will also provide Ukraine with a two-point-three billion dollar loan to help it rebuild public infrastructure destroyed by years of Russian bombing. Meanwhile, the Kremlin on Tuesday said U.S. President Donald Trump was right to say that it was wrong to remove Russia from the Group of Eight in 2014. The comments come as Trump said at the G7 Summit on Monday that the G8 had been wrong to expel Russia after annexing Crimea from Ukraine. According to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, despite being expelled from the group,.. the G7 had "lost practical significance" for Russia and looked "rather useless" now. While the G7 Summit takes place in Canada, Chinese President Xi Jinping held a summit with the leaders of five Central Asian countries on Tuesday. During the summit in Astana,.. Xi criticized Trump's tariff policy, saying that there are no winners in a tariff war. Xi said China and the five Central Asian countries of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan will strengthen its cooperation, as Beijing looks to further deepen cooperation on trade, energy and infrastructure with the resource-rich region. Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.

First Lady Kim Hea Kyung makes first solo appearance in Canada

2025/06/18 17:00

First Lady Kim Hea Kyung on Tuesday met with members of the Korean community at the Calgary Korean Association. According to the Presidential Office Kim shared her gratitude for the association's efforts to keep active connection with South Korea and promised greater support for overseas Koreans. Later in the day the first lady made her way to the National Access Arts Centre an institution in support of artists with disabilities led by a Korean director. Here Kim voiced interest in Canada's disability support programs and emphasized the importance of expanding exchanges between South Korea and Canada in the field of disability arts.

President Lee holds first summit with Japanese PM Ishiba on sidelines of G7

2025/06/18 17:00

Also in Canada. President Lee Jae-myung sat down with his Japanese counterpart Shigeru Ishiba on the sidelines on the G7 summit. Our correspondent Song Yoo-jin covers these talks and the president's other bilateral engagements. It was a packed day of diplomacy for South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on his final day at the G7 Summit in Canada. There, President Lee held his first summit with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. "I truly hope that, marking the 60th anniversary of normalized diplomatic ties, exchanges will grow not just between our two governments and businesses, but also between our people. I look forward to Korea and Japan working together in a way that contributes more to the region and to the world." During the 30-minute meeting, the leaders reaffirmed their commitment to regular summit-level meetings while agreeing to strengthen trilateral coordination with the United States, particularly in responding to regional geopolitical challenges, including North Korea. President Lee also held bilateral talks with other G7 members, the United Kingdom, and Canada. "The leaders of South Korea and the UK agreed to move forward on updating their post-Brexit FTA. They also discussed working together on Korean Peninsula peace and security." In his summit with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Lee emphasized defense cooperation, mentioning the participation of Korean companies in Canada's submarine acquisition program, with contracts expected to be finalized by 2028. Economic cooperation was high on the agenda in talks with the leaders of Brazil, Mexico, India, and the European Union. "The Lee Jae Myung administration will continue to pursue pragmatic diplomacy based on active international cooperation, with national interest as the top priority." However, the most anticipated meeting, between President Lee and U.S. President Donald Trump, was canceled after Trump cut his trip short due to the escalating crisis in the Middle East. The two sides have key issues still unresolved, including the Trump administration's looming July deadline on reciprocal tariffs and defense cost-sharing. Song Yoo-jin, Arirang News.

Pres. Lee Jae Myung holds flurry of bilateral talks at G7

2025/06/18 10:00

On the sidelines of the G7 summit's expanded session, President Lee Jae Myung has been busily engaging in a series of bilateral meetings with fellow world leaders. For the latest, we go live to our Presidential Office correspondent, Song Yoo-jin. Yoo-jin, what's the latest? Eun-ji, it's been a full day for President Lee Jae Myung, who took part in the G7 Summit's expanded session while holding a number of bilateral meetings in Kananaskis. I want to begin with President Lee's one-on-one with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. Even before departing for Canada, the focus was on whether Lee would meet with his U.S. and Japanese counterparts. While President Donald Trump left early due to the situation in the Middle East, Lee's very first face-to-face with Ishiba did take place on Tuesday afternoon, nine days after their phone call. During the 30-minute meeting, the two leaders agreed to build a stronger and more mature South Korea-Japan relationship based on mutual respect and trust, as this year marks the 60th anniversary of normalized diplomatic ties. They also reaffirmed their commitment to regular high-level meetings and continuing to advance discussions through official channels. Strengthening trilateral coordination with the United States, particularly in responding to regional geopolitical challenges, including North Korea, was discussed as well. Aside from the meeting with the Japanese Prime Minister, which other leaders has President Lee met with so far? President Lee also held meetings with the leaders of Brazil, the United Nations, Mexico, India, the United Kingdom, the European Union, and Canada. For some key takeaways, in talks with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the two discussed upgrading their post-Brexit Free Trade Agreement, with the latest round of negotiations held in London in March. UN Secretary-General António Guterres proposed that President Lee speak at the UN General Assembly in September on the resilience of South Korea's democracy following last December's martial law declaration. Lee's final bilateral was with this year's G7 host, Canada, where he and Prime Minister Mark Carney agreed to deepen cooperation on security and defense. President Lee specifically mentioned Korean companies' participation in Canada's submarine acquisition program, with Canada aiming to finalize contracts by 2028. Both sides also shared serious concern over the worsening situation in the Middle East and called for a swift de-escalation. Meanwhile, economic cooperation was a key theme in Lee's talks with the leaders of Brazil, the European Union, Mexico, and India. That's all I have for now. Back to you, Eun-ji. Thank you, Yoo-jin.

Pope Leo to escape Rome's summer heat with July stay at Castel Gandolfo

2025/06/18 10:00

Pope Leo XIV is set to spend half of July at his Castel Gandolfo summer residence, away from the sweltering Roman summer. The Vatican confirmed on Tuesday that the pontiff will stay in the traditional papal residence on the shores of Lake Albano from July 6 to 20, with an additional weekend break in mid-August over the Feast of the Assumption. The move revives a centuries-old practice discontinued under Pope Francis, who remained in the Vatican. While Rome's midday heat has soared past 35 degrees Celsius this month, Castel Gandolfo's estate is roughly 10 degrees cooler. The Pope's public and private audiences have all been suspended from July 2 through July 23, and Vatican activities will resume on July 30.

EU proposes ban on Russian gas imports by end of 2027

2025/06/18 10:00

The European Commission has put forward a legally binding plan to phase out Russian gas and LNG imports by the end of 2027, aiming to formally end the EU's energy dependence on Moscow. Under the proposal on Tuesday, no new gas or LNG contracts may be signed after January 1, 2026; short-term contracts concluded before June 17, 2025 must end by June 17 next year; and all existing long-term contracts will be terminated by January 1, 2028. LNG terminals will also stop servicing Russian clients on a similar timetable. The proposed ban is structured in accordance with EU trade and energy laws, allowing for its adoption with a qualified majority and bypassing vetoes from Hungary and Slovakia.

Argentine ex-President Kirchner handed house arrest in graft case

2025/06/18 10:00

Over in Argentina, former President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner has been placed under house arrest after a six-year corruption sentence was upheld. On Tuesday, local time, a federal court in Buenos Aires approved 72-year-old Kirchner's request to serve her sentence at home rather than in prison with judges taking her age and health into consideration. She is subject to an electronic ankle monitor and strict restrictions, including remaining at her residence except for approved outings and providing a list of authorized visitors within 48 hours. This follows the Supreme Court's decision to uphold her 2022 conviction for directing public works contracts to an ally and to enforce a lifetime ban from public office. Meanwhile, thousands of Kirchner's supporters took to the streets in Buenos Aires, fighting for her release. Despite her legal situation, Kirchner, who served two terms as president from 2007 to 2015, and is a former first lady, remains a powerful presence among working-class Peronists.

Russia's deadliest attack on Kyiv for months kills at least 10

2025/06/18 10:00

Good morning, I'm Choi Chi-hee, and this is the World Now. At least 10 people were killed when a ballistic missile flattened a nine-story residential building in Kyiv on Tuesday as Russia carried out its deadliest attacks on the city in months. Kyiv was hit by a massive assault involving over 440 drones and 32 missiles, striking 27 locations across the capital in the early hours of Tuesday morning. Ukraine's southern port city of Odesa was also targeted in a separate strike. Among those killed in the apartment block bombing was a 62-year-old American citizen while more than 100 others were wounded. Kyiv's Mayor announced a day of mourning, while President Zelenskyy denounced the strike as "one of the most horrific" on the capital since the war began. At the same time, Russian forces launched an attack on Odesa, targeting civilian infrastructure, killing at least two people and injuring more than a dozen.

First Lady Kim Hea Kyung makes first solo appearance in Canada

2025/06/18 10:00

Also in Canada, South Korea's new First Lady, Kim Hea Kyung, made her first solo appearance on Tuesday, meeting with members of the local Korean community at the Calgary Korean Association. According to the Presidential Office, Kim expressed heartfelt appreciation for their continued connection to Korea and promised better support for overseas Koreans. In the afternoon, the First Lady visited the National Access Arts Centre, an arts institution in Calgary led by a Korean director, where she met artists with disabilities. She expressed interest in Canada's disability support policies and emphasized the importance of expanding cultural exchanges between South Korea and Canada in the field of disability arts.

[On-point] S. Korea's Lee attends G7 summit, his first diplomatic trip since taking office

2025/06/18 10:00

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung is on his first diplomatic trip since taking office and has engaged with leaders from countries including Australia and Japan. For more on the G7 summit and Lee's visit to Canada, we're joined by Professor Mason Richey,.. Professor of International Politics at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies. Professor Richey, thanks for joining us this morning. 1. President Lee held a bilateral meeting with the Japanese Prime Minister. What's your overall assessment of today's meeting, and how do you think President Lee should navigate relations with Japan throughout his term? 2. At the G7 summit, U.S. President Donald Trump said that kicking Russia out of the group was a "mistake" and even suggested that adding China is not a bad idea. Is Trump interested in turning the G7 back into the G8, or even expanding it to a G9 with China? 3. President Lee was not able to hold a meeting with Trump, as the U.S. leader left the G7 early because of the conflict between Israel and Iran. How do you think the situation in the Middle East will unfold? And how could this possibly affect South Korea? 4. The U.S. and the UK signed a trade deal in Canada, while Japan did not. What's your take on this? Do you think South Korea will be able to reach a trade agreement with the Trump administration before the July deadline? 5. President Lee said he'll focus on "pragmatic diplomacy," as he faces the challenge of balancing between Korea's biggest security ally, the U.S. and biggest trading partner, China. How do you think he should navigate this? Alright. I'm afraid that's all the time we have for today. Thank you for your insight. We appreciate it.

Pyongyang to send 6,000 personnel for reconstruction of war damage in Russia

2025/06/18 10:00

North Korea is sending thousands of military personnel to help rebuild a Russian city damaged by its war with Ukraine. The deployment marks a new phase in Pyongyang's deepening partnership with Moscow , one that now extends beyond the battlefield. Our North Korean affairs correspondent Kim Jung-sil has the story. North Korea is sending thousands of military construction workers to Russia's Kursk region: including 5,000 construction workers to rebuild damaged infrastructure and 1,000 sappers to clear the area of landmines. The decision was announced by Russia's top security official, Sergei Shoigu after he met with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in Pyongyang on Tuesday afternoon , their second meeting in just two weeks. "It's a gesture of brotherly support from the North Korean people and their leader, Kim Jong-un." North Korea is believed to have already sent some 12,000 combat troops to Russia's Kursk region since October. South Korean intelligence says around 600 have been killed, with total casualties nearing 4,700. Analysts say Pyongyang's support isn't without strings , and it's likely expecting a payoff. "North Korea will likely get advanced systems like the Pantsir air defense weapon and reconnaissance satellite technology." Professor Kim added that Pyongyang will also likely receive oil and food supplies in return , crucial support as it struggles under sanctions and isolation. Other analysts say the visit also reflects shared concerns over Washington's recent signals regarding the situation in the Middle East. "With Trump doubling down on saying Iran must never get nuclear weapons, Russia may be reassuring North Korea , which has taken real risks for Moscow and still wants full recognition as a nuclear power." Pyongyang gave no details on the new deployment but said the two sides exchanged views on global and regional issues and reached full consensus. Meanwhile, South Korea criticized the move, saying employing North Korean workers abroad violates UN Security Council resolutions , and called on Pyongyang and Moscow to immediately stop their cooperation. Kim Jung-sil, Arirang News.

Trump holds 80-minute NSC meeting to discuss U.S. involvement in Iran-Israel conflict

2025/06/18 10:00

Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, U.S. President Donald Trump, cut short his participation in the G7 summit for urgent consultations at home. He's now warning that the U.S. knows where the Iranian leader is hiding, calling him an "easy target." Our Moon Hye-ryeon has more. As the conflict between Israel and Iran continues to escalate, U.S. President Donald Trump convened a National Security Council meeting in Washington. Taking to social media on Tuesday ahead of the talks, Trump warned that the U.S. knows where Iran's supreme leader is hiding, and called for "UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER." He added that while the Iranian leader is an "easy target", they are not going to kill him – "at least for now." Following the 80-minute NSC meeting, CNN reported that Trump is "warming" to the idea of using U.S. military assets to strike Iran, and that he spoke by phone with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. American strategic bombers equipped with bunker-busting munitions are seen as a key component of any potential operation aimed at disabling Iran's Fordow nuclear facility. According to Reuters, fighter aircraft have been deployed to the Middle East already, although U.S. military officials have emphasized their defensive nature. So far, Washington's involvement in the conflict has remained defensive — supporting Israel by helping intercept Iranian missile attacks. The U.S. already has significant military presence in the region, including troops, warplanes and air defense systems equipped to neutralize aerial threats. While the White House has yet to issue an official statement regarding the outcome of the NSC talks, analysts suggest the administration may also be preparing a diplomatic proposal alongside its military options. "This would involve ending the Iranian nuclear program, Iran agreeing to not controlling any uranium enrichment capability, and then in return, the United States would lift economic sanctions." On Monday Israel issued evacuation orders affecting 300,000 people in central Tehran. President Trump took to his social media platform on the same day urging civilians to "immediately evacuate" the Iranian capital. The U.S. State Department has since launched a task force to assist American citizens and residents seeking to leave the region. As the situation unfolds, global attention is now on whether the United States will enter the Israel-Iran conflict with military support, or push for peaceful negotiations. Moon Hye-ryeon, Arirang News.