News

U.S. Embassy in Israel closed from Tuesday due to ongoing Israel-Iran conflict

2025/06/17 20:00

We begin in the Middle East where Israel and Iran continue to test each other with waves of attacks. While the two sides appear to be far from meeting halfway, the U.S. is now closing down its embassy in Israel. Our Choi Soo-hyung starts us off. The U.S. Embassy in Israel shuttered its doors on Tuesday, local time. On Monday, the embassy announced on its website that it was closing its offices in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, due to the current security situation amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran. Consular services, including passport services, will be suspended. All employees and their family members have been ordered to shelter in place and nearby residences until further notice. Tensions continued to rise in the Middle East as the Israel-Iran conflict entered its fifth day. Some reports suggest that Israel may even attempt to assassinate Iran's supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, as part of a plan to overthrow Iran's religious government. "We're reshaping the Middle East, which could even lead to major changes in Iran itself." So far, in Israel at least 24 people have been killed and nearly 600 injured since the fighting started. In Iran, more than 224 people have been killed and around 14-hundred have been injured. On Monday evening, the Israeli military conducted airstrikes on Iran's capital, Tehran, including the state-run IRIB broadcaster and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps headquarters killing Ali Shadmani, who it identified as Iran's wartime chief of staff. The Israel Defense Forces also announced that they have disabled about 120 of Iran's missile launch sites. In response, Iran continues to launch missiles and drones nightly. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump, who was attending the G7 Summit in Canada, left the meeting early due to the escalating tensions. President Trump plans to call an emergency National Security Council meeting after returning to Washington. The New York Times reported he may discuss supplying Israel with bunker-busting bombs capable of striking Iran's underground nuclear sites. It said that approving the request could mean direct U.S. involvement in the conflict, despite Trump's stance against American involvement in other countries' wars. But he also remains firmly opposed to a nuclear-armed Iran. The sixth round of U.S.-Iran nuclear talks was canceled after the Israeli attacks began. Iran says it remains open to talks with the U.S., but has demanded that Israel stop its strikes first. Choi Soo-hyung, Arirang News.

Lee resumes summit diplomacy at G7 in Canada; meeting with Trump falls through

2025/06/17 17:00

Also in Canada. Upon arrival there on Monday President Lee Jae-myung sat down separately with his counterparts from South Africa and Australia ahead of the extended G7 session on Tuesday local time. Our top office correspondent Yoon Jung-min is part of the traveling press corps and files this report from Calgary. On his way to Canada to attend the G7 Summit, South Korea's new President Lee Jae Myung was asked about the timing of the G7 summit during a impromptu press conference on-board Korea's Air Force One. "It's true that it is not easy to attend an international meeting only a few days after taking office. There were opinions that we needed to show the international community that the Republic of Korea had quickly returned to normal." By that, he meant filling the leadership vacuum following the martial law incident. The President started off his resumption of summit diplomacy by holding bilateral meetings with invited non-G7 countries South Africa and Australia on his first day in Canada. President Lee met South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese separately, and in those meetings, he addressed cooperation on the economy and energy, building upon friendships dating back to the Korean War over seven decades ago. Also addressed was regional security surrounding the Korean peninsula. Lee also invited Albanese to the APEC summit in Korea, while Ramaphosa invited Lee to the G20 summit in South Africa later this year. In the evening, President Lee and First Lady Kim Hea Kyung were hosted by Canada for dinner. Also in the South Korean President's mind for this trip was trade with the U.S., but his expected meeting with President Trump fell through as the American leader cut short his trip to the G7, citing the crisis in the Middle East. "The U.S. side contacted us, asking for our understanding for what has happened." President Lee's summit with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is slated for Tuesday, local time. Earlier on-board the Air Force One, President Lee did note that he seeks to yield results that are "mutually beneficial" when it comes to trade talks with the U.S. The Trump administration's deadline for tariff negotiations is set for early July. Yoon Jung-min, Arirang News, Calgary.

S. Korean president, senior Japanese diplomats call for bilateral relations to move "hand-in-hand towards future"

2025/06/17 17:00

The Japanese Embassy here in Seoul hosted a reception Monday evening to celebrate six decades of diplomatic relations between South Korea and Japan this year. AND a similar event is scheduled to be hosted by the Korean Embassy in Tokyo on Thursday. Our foreign affairs correspondent Oh Soo-young reports. From historic highs and lows, South Korea and Japan are pledging to move forward "hand-in-hand towards a better future." That was the message from President Lee Jae-myung and senior diplomats as both nations marked 60 years since normalising bilateral relations. On Monday, the Japanese Embassy in Seoul hosted a reception to mark the milestone,.. reflecting on the 1965 Treaty on Basic Relations, signed twenty years after Korea's liberation from Japan's colonial rule at the end of World War Two. They also agreed on economic cooperation, and a claims settlement, under which Japan provided 300 million dollars in grants and 200 million in loans over 10 years. Over the past six decades annual trade between the two neighbours has surged from just 200 million U.S. dollars to around 70 billion dollars last year a 350-fold increase. And people traveling between the two countries, numbering around 10-thousand in 1965, has now surpassed 12 million a year. But history remains a sensitive fault line. Japan's wartime forced labour, its sexual enslavement of so-called "comfort women," and territorial disputes have long fuelled friction which spiraled in 2019, into a full-blown diplomatic and trade standoff. The Yoon Suk Yeol government moved to mend ties, restoring reciprocal visits between leaders, and strengthening trilateral cooperation with the United States. President Lee Jae-myung has signaled continued engagement., speaking via video due to his trip to Canada to attend the G7 Summit. Japan's Ambassador Mizushima Koichi said the two nations should now build new momentum for the decades ahead, and emphasised the importance of trilateral ties with the U.S. Japan's Special Advisor to the Prime Minister, Nagashima Akihisa who also heads the Japan-Korea Parliamentarians' Union called for broader cooperation. "Expanding bilateral communication and cooperation is no longer a choice, but a necessity. This applies across various sectors, including security, economy, energy, technology, and culture." The commemorations will continue on Thursday in Tokyo, where Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is set to attend a corresponding reception hosted by the Korean Embassy. But first, President Lee and Prime Minister Ishiba could well hold their first meeting on the sidelines of the G7 Summit. Oh Soo-young, Arirang News.

G7 leaders urge Middle East de-escalation from Iran, call for Trump to ease trade war

2025/06/17 17:00

In related news. The Group of Seven over in Canada is blaming Iran and its pursuit of nuclear weapons for latest military confrontation in the Middle East. Our Kim Bo-kyoung has more. The Group of Seven leaders have urged Iran for a de-escalation in the Middle East, showing unified support for Israel. Through the joint statement issued on Monday local time, and while saying that Israel has a right to defend itself, the leaders condemned Iran for being the "principal source of regional instability and terror, " and highlighted that Iran can never have nuclear weapons. De-escalation was not the only topic for the G7 leaders. Citing risk to global economic stability, the leaders pushed for U.S. President Donald Trump to ease off the trade war. As the U.S. plans to impose even steeper tariffs on countries across the world, they argue that such a dispute would only weaken G7 economies, and rather strengthen China. The countries did use the summit as a chance to reach a trade agreement with the U.S. Before his abrupt departure, U.S. President Donald Trump held talks with G7 leaders and the United Kingdom was able to sign a trade deal. The agreement sets the tax on British autos at ten-percent from the end of the month, down from the current 27-point-5-percent, up to a quota of 100-thousand vehicles a year and removes U.S. tariffs on UK aerospace products. "This now implements on car tariffs and aerospace, a really important agreement. And so this is a very good day for both of our countries, a real sign of strength." A final agreement to cut the tax on British steel to zero has not yet been reached. Meanwhile, other countries could not see breakthroughs. But following talks between Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Trump, the Canadian government indicated that there could be a trade agreement within 30 days. Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, reportedly discussed a solution that aligns with Japan's national interests during a 30-minute conversation with President Trump but said there still are existing differences that needed to be worked out. Kim Bo-kyoung, Arirang News.

Israel strikes Iran's state broadcaster

2025/06/17 17:00

We begin with dramatic footage from the Iranian state-run broadcaster as its female anchor was forced to flee from set following an Israeli air assault during a live newscast. Lee Seung-jae reports. The Israeli military launched an airstrike against Iran's state-run broadcaster IRIB on Monday after it issued a warning for Tehran's District Three, where the broadcaster is located. "What you observed, what you heard, this dust in the air " Israel's Defense Minister, Israel Katz, confirmed the attack, saying that the "Iranian propaganda and incitement mouthpiece is on its way to disappear." Iran's foreign ministry quickly condemned the attack, calling it a "wicked act" that constitutes a war crime, as it targeted journalists. Meanwhile, in an ABC News interview aired on Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he believes killing Iran's Supreme Leader would "end the conflict" between Israel and Iran. Netanyahu said Ali Khamenei "tweeted almost every day, death to Israel." ABC Anchor Jonathan Karl quickly asked if Israel was going to "target the supreme leader," to which the Israeli leader said that they're doing what needs to be done, but did not go into details. Netanyahu added that such action would not escalate tensions, instead end them. In the meantime, the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier was rerouted from the South China Sea to the Middle East on Monday, meaning the U.S. will have two aircraft carriers in the region. Dozens of Air Force refueling aircraft also left U.S. bases over the weekend for Europe, a move seen as a preventative measure to support any operation in the Middle East. Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.

Israel strikes Iran's state broadcaster

2025/06/17 10:00

Israel launched an attack on an Iranian state broadcaster, marking another escalation in the conflict with Tehran. Meanwhile, the U.S. is building up its presence in the Middle East amid the conflict, sending the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier. Lee Seung-jae has more. The Israeli military launched an airstrike against Iran's state-run broadcaster IRIB on Monday after it issued a warning for Tehran's District Three, where the broadcaster is located. "What you observed, what you heard, this dust in the air " Israel's Defense Minister, Israel Katz, confirmed the attack, saying that the "Iranian propaganda and incitement mouthpiece is on its way to disappear." Iran's foreign ministry quickly condemned the attack, calling it a "wicked act" that constitutes a war crime, as it targeted journalists. Meanwhile, in an ABC News interview aired on Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he believes killing Iran's Supreme Leader would "end the conflict" between Israel and Iran. Netanyahu said Ali Khamenei "tweeted almost every day, death to Israel." ABC Anchor Jonathan Karl quickly asked if Israel was going to "target the supreme leader," to which the Israeli leader said that they're doing what needs to be done, but did not go into details. Netanyahu added that such action would not escalate tensions, instead end them. In the meantime, the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier was rerouted from the South China Sea to the Middle East on Monday, meaning the U.S. will have two aircraft carriers in the region. Dozens of Air Force refueling aircraft also left U.S. bases over the weekend for Europe, a move seen as a preventative measure to support any operation in the Middle East. Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.

U.S. president leaving G7 summit in Alberta early to attend to "important matters"

2025/06/17 10:00

The White House says U.S. President Donald Trump is leaving the G7 summit in Alberta early to return to Washington to attend to matters relating to the crisis in the Middle East. The decision comes as he warned people in Tehran to evacuate "immediately." Our Lee Eun-hee brings the latest. U.S. President Donald Trump is cutting his stay at the G7 summit short to return to Washington, D.C. on Monday night. According to the White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt, President Trump has to attend to "many important matters." This follows Trump's message on social media urging the immediate evacuation of Tehran, adding that "Iran can not have a nuclear weapon." While attending the G7 summit, Trump repeatedly commented about Iran, including how Iran is not winning this war and they should start talking now, before it's too late. He also told reporters that Iran should have made a deal with the U.S. on its nuclear program. "Israel is doing very well. As you probably noticed, and I gave Iran 60 days and they said no and the 61st, you saw what happened? I think a deal will be signed or something will happen. But a deal will be signed. And I think Iran is foolish not to sign one." Ahead of meetings the U.S. President also shared with reporters his dissatisfaction over Russia's exclusion from the G7. "The G7 used to be the G8. Barack Obama and a person named (Justin) Trudeau didn't want to have Russia in and I would say that that was a mistake because I think you wouldn't have a war right now if you had Russia in. And you wouldn't have a war right now if Trump were president four years ago." When asked whether China should join, Trump said that he wouldn't mind China joining the G7, saying it's "not a bad idea." Meanwhile, according to a White House official, Trump does not intend to sign the G7 statement on the Iran-Israel conflict, which is raising concerns, as the draft calls for de-escalation, monitoring Iran's actions, and urging both sides to protect civilians. Lee Eun-hee, Arirang News.

Pres. Lee in Canada for G7 summit, resumes summit diplomacy

2025/06/17 10:00

President Lee Jae-myung is in Canada for his diplomatic debut at the G7 Summit. On day one, he held bilateral meetings with the leaders of South Africa and Australia addressing economy and energy cooperation. Our Correspondent Yoon Jung-min reports from Calgary. On his way to Canada to attend the G7 Summit, South Korea's new President Lee Jae-myung was asked about the timing of the G7 summit during a impromptu press conference on-board Korea's Air Force One. "It's true that it is not easy to attend an international meeting only a few days after taking office. There were opinions that we needed to show the international community that the Republic of Korea had quickly returned to normal." By that, he meant filling the leadership vacuum following the martial law incident. The President started off his resumption of summit diplomacy by holding bilateral meetings with invited non-G7 countries South Africa and Australia on his first day in Canada. President Lee met South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese separately, and in those meetings, he addressed cooperation on the economy and energy, building upon friendships dating back to the Korean War over seven decades ago. Lee also addressed regional security surrounding the Korean peninsula. Also in the president's mind for this trip is trade with the U.S. "At least we need to make sure that we will not be placed in a more disadvantageous position than other countries. We need to make efforts to yield mutually beneficial results for all." Having wrapped up some of his first bilateral meetings, more summit diplomacy awaits President Lee here in Canada, possibly with his U.S. counterpart Trump and Japanese counterpart Ishiba. Yoon Jung-min, Arirang News, Calgary.

The Paris Air Show opens, showcasing the latest in defense and commercial aviation, shuts down Israeli stands

2025/06/17 10:00

The 2025 Paris Air Show kicked off at the Le Bourget airport on Monday local time, displaying various civilian and military aerial vehicles. However, France has ordered the closure of four major Israeli defense companies' stands after exhibitors refused to stop displaying attack weapons, citing the escalation in the Gaza conflict. Israeli President Isaac Herzog condemned it as "outrageous and unprecedented," accusing Paris of politically motivated discrimination. He went on to compare the blacked-out booths to a "Jewish ghetto." The Paris Air Show will be open to the public until June 20.

Trump Organization unveils self-branded mobile network

2025/06/17 10:00

The Trump Organization, led by U.S. President Donald Trump's two sons, unveiled a new mobile network named "Trump Mobile" on Monday. The service launches on the 10th anniversary of Trump's presidential campaign announcement. It is priced at 47 U.S. dollars 45 cents per month, symbolically referencing Trump's positions as the 45th and 47th president. The offering includes the T1 Phone, a gold-hued Android smartphone priced at 499 dollars, made in the U.S., targeting conservative consumers seeking an American-made alternative. The phone is set for release in August or September.

S. Korea's competitiveness ranking drops to 27th after impeachment saga

2025/06/17 10:00

In this year's Global Competitiveness Ranking, South Korea fell to 27th place—down from 20th last year. The annual report, released on Tuesday by Switzerland's International Institute for Management Development, cited declines in South Korea's domestic economy, infrastructure, and social indicators—linked in part to recent political unrest. The presidential office responded by stressing that President Lee Jae-myung has consistently advocated for what he calls "genuine growth" to boost the nation's long-term potential. The administration says it will turn that vision into action—with a focus on restoring South Korea's global competitiveness.

[On-Point] S. Korea's Lee attends G7 summit in Canada; no meeting with Trump

2025/06/17 10:00

Leaders of G7 nations have gathered in Canada, and South Korea's President Lee Jae-myung is also there --making it his first overseas trip since taking office less than two weeks ago. For more on this, we have Professor Christophe Gaudin, Professor of Political Science at Kookmin University. Professor Gaudin, thanks for joining us this morning. 1. At the G7 summit, U.S. President Donald Trump said Russia should be readmitted to the group, and that the war in Ukraine would not have happened if Moscow had been kept in the club. What's your take on this? 2. The U.S. and the UK also signed a trade deal during the summit. As the Trump administration continues to sign deals with key trading partners, including the recent framework with China --do you think South Korea could move closer to reaching a trade agreement as well? 3. It appears that President Lee will not be able to hold a meeting with Trump, with the U.S. president leaving 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 affect South Korea? 4. This is President Lee's first diplomatic trip since taking office. Could you tell us more about the significance of this trip? 5. The Lee administration is also considering whether the president should attend the NATO Summit in the Netherlands. How do you think he should approach relations with European countries? Alright I'm afraid that's all the time we have for today. Thank you so much for your insight. We appreciate it.

Pres. Lee departs for Canada to attend G7 summit

2025/06/16 20:00

Good evening. President Lee Jae-myung has departed for Canada this afternoon to take part in the G7 summit as a guest and also to sit down with the leaders of major economies. Our top office correspondent Song Yoo-jin has our top story. South Korea's new leader, President Lee Jae-myung, is making his diplomatic debut on the global stage. President Lee began his three-day trip to Canada on Monday to attend the Group of Seven summit, less than two weeks after taking office. First Lady Kim Hye-kyung is accompanying him and will participate in official programs arranged by the host nation. "President Lee will build rapport with world leaders and lay the groundwork for tangible progress on key issues, including trade. In particular, by highlighting the strength of Koreans who overcame martial law and insurrection, and the resilience of our democracy, we expect this summit to elevate South Korea's standing on the global stage." The President's first stop is Calgary, where he is expected to hold bilateral talks with leaders of non-G7 countries, who were invited to the summit along with South Korea. Those invited countries include Australia, Brazil, India, Mexico, South Africa and Ukraine. The following day, on Tuesday local time, he will participate in the G7 expanded session in Kananaskis, where the focus will be on energy security. Lee is expected to speak twice, laying out Korea's vision for diversifying global energy supply chains and promoting AI-integrated energy innovation. Bilateral meetings are also being arranged with G7 members. Attention is on whether Lee will hold talks with U.S. President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, at a time when the July deadline for the Trump administration's reciprocal tariffs is approaching, while Seoul and Tokyo mark 60 years of normalized diplomatic ties this Sunday. "Through bilateral talks, we will have an opportunity to strengthen friendly cooperation with major countries in terms of our national interest and pragmatic diplomacy. We will also make progress in discussing pending issues, such as trade." This year's G7 summit, marking its 50th anniversary, will take place on Monday and Tuesday in Canada. President Lee is expected to conclude his schedule and return to South Korea late on Wednesday. Song Yoo-jin, Arirang News.

Israel-Iran fighting continues, no sign of peace talks yet

2025/06/16 20:00

The exchange of fire between Israel and Iran continued with Iran's attacks overnight on Monday local time, causing significant civilian casualties. The damage continues to mount, but no talks between the two sides seem to be on the way. Our Kim Do-yeon reports. Casualties continue to mount as the conflict between Israel and Iran entered its fourth day with escalated exchanges involving missiles. Iranian missiles struck Israel's Tel Aviv and the port city of Haifa before dawn on Monday, killing at least eight people and destroying homes. More than a 100 people were wounded from this most recent barrage of missiles. The latest fatalities in Israel, reported by the country's national emergency services, raised its death toll to 24 since Friday. Israeli attacks in Iran have killed at least 224 people since Friday according to Iran's health ministry. Iran says it's not looking to negotiate for peace until its retaliation for Israel's attacks is complete. An anonymous official spoke to Reuters on Monday and was quoted "The Iranians informed Qatari and Omani mediators that they will only pursue serious negotiations once Iran has completed its response to the Israeli pre-emptive strikes." Meanwhile the Iranian parliament is preparing a bill to leave the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), but said it remains opposed to developing of weapons of mass destruction. "We will still refrain from pursuing a nuclear bomb. Of course, we don't know what will happen in the future, but we still uphold the fatwa of the Supreme Leader and move forward accordingly." Israel as it also launched series of missiles and operations against Iran overnight, said it knew there would be a price to its strikes on Iran, but that they had to be done. But, a military official said that Iran will also pay a price for its attacks on Israelis. "People of Israel, I promise you-anyone who harms you will pay and is paying a heavy price, anywhere and in every front." Meanwhile, the roads out of Tehran are clogged with vehicles as civilians try to leave the city ahead of any additional attacks by Israel. Kim Do-yeon, Arirang News.

PPP selects new floor leader on Monday

2025/06/16 20:00

The People Power Party elected third-term lawmaker Song Eon-seok as its new floor leader today. Song's priority as floor leader is to address calls for party reform and to resolve internal conflict amid the impeachment of former president Yoon Suk Yeol. Song announced "change and renewal are necessary" and a return to the past is "fundamentally wrong". Also on Monday, acting leader and floor leader of the Democratic Party Kim Byung-kee was at the Seoul National Cemetery to pay his respects before presiding over his first Supreme Council meeting. Kim then sat down with National Assembly Speaker Woo Won‑shik.

Seoul reviews legal options to curb anti-North Korea leaflet campaigns

2025/06/16 20:00

And the South Korean government is stepping up its efforts to discourage some activist groups from launching leaflets into North Korea, citing ongoing safety concerns near the border. Our correspondent Kim Jung-sil reports. Seoul's Ministry of Unification says it is now coordinating with other government agencies to curb cross-border leaflet launches. The move follows President Lee Jae-myung's directive over the weekend to prepare a coordinated response, citing safety concerns for residents near the border. At today's meeting we plan to discuss a comprehensive government response to the leaflet launches including both preventative measures and post incident penalties as directed by the President." Since South Korea's Constitutional Court struck down the leaflet ban in 2023, citing freedom of speech, leaflet launches have continued in a legal gray zone. Launches have come from a number of activist groups, including defector-led organizations and, more recently, families of South Korean abductees. The government, seeking to curb the launches, says existing aviation and safety laws can already be used to regulate the activity and that new enforcement guidelines may follow. Asked if that would violate the 2023 court ruling, the Unification Ministry said it would not. "We believe that requesting a stop to the leaflet campaigns, considering the situation on the Korean Peninsula and the safety of the public, does not violate the Constitutional Court's decision." The announcement came the same day families of abductees made a renewed public plea. "We're not asking for their return. We just want to know if they're alive. If the President would meet with and offer comfort to the two mothers featured on these leaflets, I will stop sending them." The Unification Ministry says abductee issues were previously raised with the North during more than ten rounds of Red Cross talks. With inter-Korean dialogue stalled, the Ministry says it's keeping close contact with families and remains committed to listening. Kim Jung-sil, Arirang News.

South Korea, Japan mark 60 years of diplomatic ties at reception on Monday

2025/06/16 20:00

President Lee Jae-myung called for a continued partnership between South Korea and Japan, as the two countries marked 60 years since the normalizing of diplomatic relations. On Monday, the Japanese Embassy in Seoul held a reception to celebrate the milestone, with a video message from the South Korean leader, who could not attend in person due to his trip to Canada for the G7 Summit. He emphasised the "remarkable progress" made by Korea and Japan over the past 60 years in various fields such as economics, culture, and people-to-people exchanges. Lee said the two nations were important partners that must jointly address the rapidly changing international environment, calling on both to move "hand in hand toward a better future" --the official slogan for the 60th anniversary. The Korean Embassy in Tokyo will also host a reception on Thursday, which Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is expected to attend personally. The two countries signed the 1965 Treaty on Basic Relations twenty years after South Korea was liberated from Japan's colonial rule, when the imperial power surrendered, ending World War Two.

State Affairs Planning Committee launches on Monday to chart policy direction for new administration

2025/06/16 20:00

A presidential advisory body has been set up to set out the groundwork for the new administration's broad agenda over its five-year term. Our political correspondent Moon Hye-ryeon has the details. A new presidential committee has been launched to chart the policy direction and initiatives of the Lee Jae-myung administration over its five-year term. Dubbed the "State Affairs Planning Committee", the 55-member body held its first session on Monday where its chairperson, Lee Han-joo, spoke of the committee's goals. "We will need to recalculate the financial plans for our pledges, determine their priorities, organize the necessary legislative measures, and draft a five-year roadmap for their implementation." Aside from setting policy priorities, a key mission for this committee within its 60-day mandate is to propose a plan for government restructuring making it more efficient and responsive. The chairperson stressed the need for decentralization of authority, administrative efficiency to support South Korea in becoming a global leader in artificial intelligence, and institutional reform to better address the climate crisis. He also called for comprehensive reforms in areas such as long-term tax and fiscal policy. While short-term priorities will be implemented swiftly, he added, long-term goals like climate action will be pursued through detailed annual plans. The committee, effectively serving as a transitional body, was formed as President Lee assumed office without a formal transition process. Special task forces will address balanced regional development, government restructuring, and tax reform, while seven subcommittees will oversee policy planning in areas such as the economy, social affairs, governance, and foreign affairs. In the coming days, the committee will receive policy briefings from each ministry as the first step in assessing the current situation. A final report summarizing the committee's work is to be published within 30 days of the end of its mandate. The committee also plans to establish additional channels for public engagement, aiming to incorporate citizen input and broaden participation in shaping national policy. Moon Hye-ryeon, Arirang News.

Pres. Lee Jae-myung’s G7 debut: Pragmatic diplomacy faces global test

2025/06/16 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 is making his international debut this week at the G7 Summit in Canada. Though Korea isn't a member of the G7, President Lee is attending as an invited guest—just twelve days into office. He's expected to meet with leaders from the U.S., Japan, and other major economies to discuss tariffs, global trade, and energy security. He'll also deliver a key presentation on AI-linked energy strategies. The trip is about more than just diplomacy—it's the first appearance on the global stage since last December's martial law crisis, which shook Korea's democracy. According to the presidential office, it's a chance to show the world that "Democratic Korea is back." And with high-level meetings still being arranged, the president is using this G7 moment to reintroduce South Korea as a key player—committed to what he calls "pragmatic diplomacy" in a fast-changing global order. For a deeper discussion on this, we are joined by Gi-Wook Shin, Director of the Walter H. Shorenstein Asia-Pacific Research Center here in the studio with us. 1. Let's start with President Lee Jae-myung's attendance at the G7. Though President Lee is just less than two weeks into his post, what do you think is the reason behind his decision to attend this summit? 2.With that in mind — President Lee is pushing a pragmatic foreign policy. On his first appearance on the multilateral stage, what should he focus on most? 3.Now, turning to the U.S. — One key moment will be Lee's first encounter with President Trump. Whether it's a formal summit or an informal chat, how should Lee prepare? 4.Speaking of that relationship — Trade is front and center. With the U.S. and China finalizing their second deal, how should Korea approach its own July package talks with Washington? 5.Beyond tariffs — Issues like defense costs and U.S. troop presence are also in play. You've mentioned "buying time" could be a strategy — why is that? 6.On China — Lee signaled interest in mending ties even before the election. But with U.S. pressure and trilateral cooperation with Japan in motion, how can he keep the balance? 7.Looking ahead — There's growing speculation that Lee might attend the NATO Summit later this month. From a pragmatic diplomacy lens, what's the smart approach? 8.Come November — South Korea will host the APEC Summit in Gyeongju. How can the Lee government use that as a launchpad for its diplomatic agenda? 9.And finally, on North Korea — Washington is reopening the door to "letter diplomacy." You've said the U.S. likely won't bypass Seoul — why not? And how should Korea position itself now?

Pres. Lee to make diplomatic debut at G7 summit in Canada

2025/06/16 17:00

We start here on the local front as President Lee Jae-myung is headed to Canada to take part in this year's Group of Seven summit. Our top office correspondent Song Yoo-jin covers the president's agenda. South Korea's new leader, President Lee Jae-myung, is making his diplomatic debut on the global stage. President Lee begins his three-day trip to Canada on Monday to attend the Group of Seven summit, less than two weeks after taking office. First Lady Kim Hye-kyung is accompanying him and will participate in official programs arranged by the host nation. "President Lee will build rapport with world leaders and lay the groundwork for tangible progress on key issues, including trade. In particular, by highlighting the strength of Koreans who overcame martial law and insurrection, and the resilience of our democracy, we expect this summit to elevate South Korea's standing on the global stage." The President's first stop is Calgary, where he is expected to hold bilateral talks with leaders of non-G7 countries, who were invited to the summit along with South Korea. Those invited countries include Australia, Brazil, India, Mexico, South Africa and Ukraine. The following day, on Tuesday local time, he will participate in the G7 expanded session in Kananaskis, where the focus will be on energy security. Lee is expected to speak twice, laying out Korea's vision for diversifying global energy supply chains and promoting AI-integrated energy innovation. Bilateral meetings are also being arranged with G7 members. Attention is on whether Lee will hold talks with U.S. President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, at a time when the July deadline for the Trump administration's reciprocal tariffs is approaching, while Seoul and Tokyo mark 60 years of normalized diplomatic ties this Sunday. "Through bilateral talks, we will have an opportunity to strengthen friendly cooperation with major countries in terms of our national interest and pragmatic diplomacy. We will also make progress in discussing pending issues, such as trade." This year's G7 summit, marking its 50th anniversary, will take place on Monday and Tuesday in Canada. President Lee is expected to conclude his schedule and return to South Korea late on Wednesday. Song Yoo-jin, Arirang News.