News

Vehicle tariff rate will be around 25%: Trump

2025/02/19 20:00

We start over in the U.S. where President Trump has floated the idea of a 25-percent tariff, as expected, on cars and chips entering the American market. Lee Seung-jae has the latest. In his first month back in the Oval Office, U.S. President Donald Trump has been focused on taxing imports coming into the United States, citing unfair trade. During a press conference at Mar-a-Lago in Florida on Tuesday, he was asked about the specifics of automobile tariffs that he had hinted at earlier. “Yeah, I probably will tell you that on April 2nd. But it'll be in the neighborhood of 25%.” Trump also said that it's likely that he will announce a 25-percent tariff on chips and pharmaceuticals coming into the United States. However, with pharmaceuticals, he hinted that while it will be initially 25 percent or higher, it will go up significantly over the course of a year. Due to the massive tariffs that Trump plans on imposing, the U.S. leader said that major car and chip companies have already approached his administration, hinting that new plants are now likely to be built in the United States. “I do want to say, while I'm up here, I've been contacted by some of the biggest companies in the world. And because of what we're doing economically and through tariffs and taxes and incentives, they want to come back into the United States. And we'll be announcing various very large companies, the biggest, actually, and they'll be coming back, having to do with chips and having to do also with cars and lots of other things." Meanwhile, President Trump has commented on the North Korean troops who have fought alongside the Russian military in the Kursk region for the first time since taking office. According to Trump, many North Koreans have been killed fighting in the war. The comments also come as his administration is holding talks with Russian officials to discuss a plan to end the war in Ukraine. Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.

Does Korea want to impeach President Yoon?

2025/02/19 20:00

Tomorrow will be the final day of impeachment trial hearings at the Constitutional Court before the verdict on President Yoon Suk Yeol. Our political correspondent Kim Do-yeon is here in the studio on what the public thinks and what this could mean. Do-yeon, first, walk us through polling done on this issue. Jung-min, as you said the impeachment trial at the Constitutional Court is wrapping up soon, and the decision will be coming out within the next couple of weeks. Now, the Constitutional Court does not, by any means, have an obligation to listen to public opinion, but the public does have their own opinions. Let's look at the latest data. Gallup Korea's poll of 1-thousand-and-4 people from February 11th to 13th showed that while 57-percent of the respondents were in favor of Yoon's impeachment, 38 percent weren't. This is an increase, if you look at the numbers before this, although it is moving slowly. Meanwhile, the far right number shows the polls just a week after the declaration of martial law, when 75-percent wanted impeachment while 21 percent were against it. So, there has been an apparent rise in the number of those against Yoon's impeachment as the trial progressed. 2. Would you break down the numbers? What has changed since the declaration that people seem to have changed their minds? There could be a number of factors. But first and foremost, this is what we need to consider. The impeachment trial at the Constitutional Court is solely based on the Constitution and the legality of the declaration of martial law. However, that's not something the average citizen can make their own opinion about, and so other factors will influence their answer. In fact, looking at just the latest data, when those against impeachment were asked the reason for their response, the number one was because they didn't like what the opposition was doing. So when the polling was done on the 11th through the 13th Yoon had already made 6 appearances at the Constitutional Court possibly using this as a stage as a means to communicate with the public. And, of course, he made a series of accusations against the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea, stating it was making it hard for him and his government to function. This includes the series of impeachment motions passed by opposition parties' lawmakers in their attempts to put the brakes on the administration's governance. On the other hand, the number one reason for those in favor of impeachment was that the declaration of martial law was unacceptable. But all in all is 38 percent a significant number in this case? An expert says not really. "The more important thing is that still well over 50 percent agree on impeaching the president. To clarify, if there are nearly 60 percent of people in favor of impeachment, it's okay to certainly think the majority of the nation want the impeachment." 3. But does this mean anything to the judges at the Constitutional Court? To put it simply it shouldn't. The Constitutional Court justices will only look at what's written in the books. However, there is something to consider, if there are different opinions on a case the public will watch closely and there will be some who are not happy. As this will be the case, then the Constitutional Court will have the burden to be extremely thorough and fair so that when the decision comes out, the public accepts it. And right now, the nation has been ideologically split in half. For example, when former impeached President Park Geun-hye was being tried at the Constitutional Court back in 2017, the last poll before the ruling was made had only around 20 percent against impeachment. And the bench unilaterally approved it. Now, there could be a split decision at the court, and whatever the result is, either side's supporters could show discontent with the trial process. Especially for those in support of President Yoon, as the numbers slowly rise, the Court wants to be extra mindful. Take a listen to an expert on this. "They know that the public is keenly interested in this case, and they are watching every move of the Constitutional Court very closely. So I think that, as I said, they'll be bending over backward either in allowing more deliberations or selecting the witnesses even though they might not think it is necessary." All in all, while there are polarized political views it will be important for the nation to accept the decision of the Constitutional Court to avoid further chaos. Thank you, Do-yeon.

Court wraps up PM Han Duck-soo's impeachment trial hearing in 90 mins

2025/02/19 20:00

The Constitutional Court will deliberate on Prime Minister Han Duck-soo's impeachment case, after deciding to conclude the trial in 90 minutes at the first hearing on Wednesday. The hearing was held 54 days after the opposition-led National Assembly voted to remove him from office, as Han, who was also Acting President at the time, held back on approving new Constitutional Court justices until a bipartisan agreement was reached. Addressing the 8-member bench, Han said the decision was consistent with the country's constitutional tradition, in which judicial nominations are always decided through bipartisan agreement. Han also denied allegations that he had enabled martial law, and said he vetoed contentious bills railroaded through by the opposition-led parliament as they included unconstitutional clauses. To this, the National Assembly's impeachment panel co-chair Jung Chung-rae insisted Han had disrupted the nation by not appointing three justices as the opposition wanted. Separately, the Court also held a hearing for a dispute case filed by the ruling People Power Party, as it clashed with the opposition over the required number of votes to impeach Han.

Divided opinions on supplementary budget at National Assembly

2025/02/19 20:00

Lawmakers across the aisle are poles apart over details of a supplementary budget ahead of a crucial meeting tomorrow. Our correspondent Lee Shi-hoo covers the contention. On Wednesday, the day before the much-anticipated first meeting of the joint consultative body between the government and bipartisan leaders at the National Assembly, the main opposition Democratic Party continued to urge prompt processing of the supplementary budget. Party Chairman Lee Jae-myung, who has insisted on a nationwide spending voucher for all citizens to revive the economy, even hinted that he was willing to forgo such an objective, if it leads to the approval of the budget. "If the 'consumption voucher' is absolutely impossible and they just really can't do it, why not spend money on job creation and support for business start-ups? I hope we can discuss this together at the joint talks on state affairs." The DP has proposed an additional budget of 35 trillion Korean won, or roughly 24.3 billion U.S. dollars. While the ruling People Power Party agrees with the need for additional financing to boost the economy, it argues the DP must first restore the money it cut in the first place. The PPP insists on what it calls a "tweezers" budget that would selectively support the most crucial areas in need. This way, the party says, they can assure fiscal soundness. "The PPP's rule for the supplementary budget is to "spend on the most urgent areas" somewhat like picking them out with a pair of tweezers. Our first priorities are measures for the self-employed and small business owners who are directly affected by the stagnant economy." Kweon said the ruling party is open to negotiations as long as the main opposition apologizes first on cutting "key budgets for the next generation." Meanwhile, the joint talks between the government and the Assembly, slated for Thursday, were originally scheduled for earlier this month but were postponed due to disagreements on the specifics of the agenda. At the upcoming meeting, Acting President Choi Sang-mok, National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik, 그리고 the leaders from the rival parties are expected to discuss not only the budget, but other key pending issues, such as measures to support the domestic semiconductor industry and improve the national pension system. Lee Shi-hoo, Arirang News.

S. Korea commits to welcoming N. Korean POWs from Ukraine

2025/02/19 20:00

South Korea is committed to providing the necessary protection and support for North Korean soldiers captured as prisoners of war in Ukraine who decide to come to this country. That's according to the foreign ministry on Wednesday, following a local media interview with a North Korean soldier captured in Ukraine who recently stated that he wished to go to South Korea instead of returning to the North. The ministry noted that North Korean military personnel are considered, quote, "our citizens" under the Constitution, and that no individual should be repatriated to a place where they may face persecution against their will. It said it has already conveyed such intention to Ukraine and will continue necessary consultations.

U.S., Russia agree to work toward ending Ukraine war, after holding first peace talks without Ukraine

2025/02/19 20:00

In Saudi Arabia back on Tuesday. Talks between the top diplomats of the U.S. and Russia yielded consensus for setting up a separate team to discuss ending the war in Ukraine. Our foreign affairs correspondent Bae Eun-ji reports. Top diplomats of the United States and Russia held talks in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, marking their first formal meeting aimed at ending the Ukraine war, since it began three years ago. Following the meeting that lasted around 4 and a half hours, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters that he's convinced Russia is willing to engage in a "serious process" of ending the conflict and said this was the first step of a long and difficult journey. "In order to bring an end to any conflict, there has to be concessions made by all sides." Rubio's Russian counterpart described the conversation as "useful," but said his country will not accept NATO troops in Ukraine as part of any peace deal. "We explained today that the presence of troops from NATO countries under a foreign flag, under the flag of the European Union, or under national flags, it does not change anything. This is, of course, unacceptable to us." The two countries said they agreed to hold more talks , and added they will appoint 'high-level teams' to begin working on a path to ending the war as soon as possible. Following the talks, Rubio held phone calls with his counterparts from the UK, France, Germany, and Italy in an apparent move to reassure the European countries over concerns that they may have no place in the peace negotiations. Meanwhile, as Ukraine was not invited to Tuesday's peace talks, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said negotiations to end the war in Ukraine should not take place "behind the backs of" the parties involved. "You can talk about anything, but no decision can be made without Ukraine on how to end the war in Ukraine. We were not invited to this meeting – the U.S.-Russia meeting in Saudi Arabia -it was a surprise for us, as well as for many." In response, U.S. President Donald Trump dismissed Kyiv's concern about being left out, and almost suggested that Ukraine was to blame for a war that began only after Russia's invasion. "But today I heard, well, 'we weren't invited.' Well, you've been there for three years. You should have ended it three years. You should have never started it. You could have made a deal." Trump also hinted that he may meet Russian President Vladimir Putin very soon. As he walked out of the press conference in Mar-a-Lago, he answered "probably," when asked if he's still expected to meet Putin before the end of this month. Bae Eun-ji, Arirang News.

S. Korea, U.S., Japan diplomats reaffirm goal of N. Korea denuclearization

2025/02/19 20:30

Welcome to Within The Frame, where we bring the most pressing issues across the globe into focus, I'm Kim Mok-yeon. The chief diplomats of South Korea, the U.S., and Japan reaffirmed their resolve to rid the Korean Peninsula of nuclear weapons, easing concerns over a potential shift in U.S. policy. The three countries also made it clear in a joint statement that they reaffirmed their commitment to the complete denuclearization of North Korea. This gave reassurance to Seoul, particularly after Trump's comments referring to the North as a "nuclear power" raised concerns in South Korea, as they led to speculation that Washington could be shifting away from its focus on denuclearizing North Korea. Despite this unity, challenges remain in aligning diplomatic strategies. With North Korea rejecting talks, expanding its military capabilities, and deepening ties with Russia, questions arise about the effectiveness of sanctions and the future of diplomatic engagement. For a deeper discussion on this, we're joined in the studio by Go Myong-hyun, Senior Research Fellow at the Institute for National Security Strategy. Welcome back. Dr. John Nilsson-Wright, Head of the Japan and Koreas Programme at the Centre for Geopolitics, the University of Cambridge (GO) 1. So at the trilateral meeting in Munich, diplomats from Seoul, Washington and Tokyo signed a trilateral statement emphasizing strong deterrence against North Korea's military activities. How do you assess the current state of extended deterrence provided by the U.S. to its allies, especially with the second Trump administration, and what additional measures might be necessary? (NILSSON-WRIGHT) 2. How about you Dr. John Nilsson-Wright? The Biden administration, and now the second Trump administration, have both maintained a strong stance on North Korea's denuclearization. Given the apparent lack of progress, do you see a need for a shift in diplomatic strategy, or is maintaining pressure the best course of action? (GO) 3. Despite keeping its official stance of the complete denuclearization of North Korea, the U.S. State Department separately emphasized its "openness to dialogue" with North Korea following the foreign ministers' meeting. Dr.Go, What does this discrepancy suggest about the alignment between Seoul and Washington on North Korea policy? (NILSSON-WRIGHT) 4. North Korea has flatly dismissed denuclearization as a "failed dream of the past" adding that it rejects Washington's action in the most resolute tone. But some experts are putting meaning to whom these words came from, which was the regime's foreign ministry and not Kim Jong-un himself, leaving room for negotiations. Dr. John Nilsson-Wright, how do you read into this? (NILSSON-WRIGHT) 5. So if Washington continues to do this, what are the chances of a direct Washington-Pyongyang summit soon? (GO) 6. North Korea reportedly deployed tactical surface-to-surface guided missiles to North Korea's long-range artillery positions and command facilities. How significant is this development and what is it capable of Dr.Go? (NILSSON-WRIGHT) 7. Meanwhile, Pyongyang's military cooperation with Moscow continues to deepen. Daily NK says North Korea has recently dispatched a defense technology delegation to Russia to upgrade the regime's missile and radar technologies. North Korea aims to establish a fully operational aircraft assembly line by the end of this year. It seems like the cooperation is further helping North Korea's weapons development, how much should we be concerned Dr. John Nilsson-Wright? (GO) 8. Alongside military cooperation, reports suggest North Korea is planning to export pharmaceuticals to Russia, which is against UN resolutions. What does this imply about the evolving economic ties between Pyongyang and Moscow? (NILSSON-WRIGHT) 9. The UN has strict sanctions on North Korea's trade, yet Pyongyang continues to find ways to circumvent them. Dr. John Nilsson-Wright, How effective are these sanctions in their current form, and should the international community consider alternative approaches? What options are available?

World News: Leaders of India and Qatar hold talks to boost bilateral ties

2025/02/19 17:00

This is the World Now, bringing you the latest stories from around the globe. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Qatar's Emir have elevated bilateral relations to a strategic partnership. During Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani's two-day official visit to New Delhi, both leaders signed an agreement establishing the partnership, reflecting their commitment to deepening cooperation across various sectors. While the current trade volume between the two nations stands at approximately 14 billion U.S. dollars, the new partnership aims to increase the figure to 28 billion dollars by 2030. Discussions also included the potential signing of a free trade agreement, to facilitate more active economic exchanges. Also, both countries signed a revised Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement, aimed at fostering a more conducive environment for business and investment. Poland's President Andrzej Duda announced Tuesday that the United States had assured Poland that there would be no reduction in American troop presence in Eastern Europe. Duda said U.S. officials, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Ukraine envoy Keith Kellogg, confirmed the U.S. commitment to maintaining its current military presence in Eastern Europe. Currently, approximately 10,000 U.S. troops are stationed in Poland, which is an increase following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The U.S. established its first permanent military base in Poland in 2023. The assurance aligns with Poland's ongoing efforts to bolster its defense capabilities, and underscores the strategic partnership between the two countries. It comes against the backdrop of heightened security concerns in Eastern Europe, regarding potential threats from Russia. Chinese tech giant Huawei unveiled on Tuesday its tri-fold smartphone outside China. The Mate XT Ultimate Design is the first phone in the world to feature a dual-hinge system, where the flexible OLED display can expand from a compact 6.4 inches to a tablet-like 10.2 inches when fully unfolded. It operates on Huawei's proprietary software instead of Google services. The Mate XT's starting price point is approximately 3,660 U.S. dollars, and is currently listed for sale in several countries, including Malaysia and Malaysia and Saudi Arabia. Pre-orders have reportedly surpassed 6.5 million units. Choi Chi-hee, Arirang News.

S. Korean gov't to buy unsold apartments, start 4.3 tril. KRW underground railway project

2025/02/19 17:00

The government has announced a host of measures to bolster regional construction by expanding related development projects and raising the efficiency of land use. Accordingly at an economic policy meeting earlier today acting President Choi Sang-mok shared intentions of the state-owned Korea Land and Housing Corporation to buy some three thousand unsold regional apartments. He also announced a project worth 4-point-3 trillion Korean won to take underground railway tracks in Busan Daejeon and Ansan.

Divided opinions on supplementary budget at National Assembly

2025/02/19 17:00

And at the parliament today. Lawmakers across the aisle continue to stand poles apart over details of a supplementary budget ahead of a crucial meeting tomorrow. Our correspondent Lee Shi-hoo covers the contention. On Wednesday, the day before the much-anticipated first meeting of the joint consultative body between the government and bipartisan leaders at the National Assembly, the main opposition Democratic Party continued to urge prompt processing of the supplementary budget. Party Chairman Lee Jae-myung, who has insisted on a nationwide spending voucher for all citizens to revive the economy, even hinted that he was willing to forgo such an objective, if it leads to the approval of the budget. "If the 'consumption voucher' is absolutely impossible and they just really can't do it, why not spend money on job creation and support for business start-ups? I hope we can discuss this together at the joint talks on state affairs." The DP has proposed an additional budget of 35 trillion Korean won, or roughly 24.3 billion U.S. dollars. While the ruling People Power Party agrees with the need for additional financing to boost the economy, it argues the DP must first restore the money it cut in the first place. The PPP insists on what it calls a "tweezers" budget that would selectively support the most crucial areas in need. This way, the party says, they can assure fiscal soundness. "The PPP's rule for the supplementary budget is to "spend on the most urgent areas" somewhat like picking them out with a pair of tweezers. Our first priorities are measures for the self-employed and small business owners who are directly affected by the stagnant economy." Kweon said the ruling party is open to negotiations as long as the main opposition apologizes first on cutting "key budgets for the next generation." Meanwhile, the joint talks between the government and the Assembly, slated for Thursday, were originally scheduled for earlier this month but were postponed due to disagreements on the specifics of the agenda. At the upcoming meeting, Acting President Choi Sang-mok, National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik, 그리고 and the leaders from the rival parties are expected to discuss not only the budget, but other key pending issues, such as measures to support the domestic semiconductor industry and improve the national pension system. Lee Shi-hoo, Arirang News.

Is the end near for President Yoon's impeachment trial? Court rejects Yoon's request to adjust 10th hearing

2025/02/19 17:00

President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment trial appears to be coming to a close with the 10th hearing set to take place tomorrow that is Thursday despite an earlier request for a rescheduling by the president's defense team. Our correspondent Oh Soo-young has a recap of Tuesday's session and more. The Constitutional Court rejected President Yoon Suk Yeol's request to rearrange one impeachment hearing, which coincides with the start of his criminal trial proceedings this week. On Tuesday, during the President's ninth trial hearing, Acting Chief Justice Moon Hyung-bae said the tenth session on Thursday will go ahead as planned, dismissing a request by Yoon's team to hold the session next week, as the Seoul Central District Court will begin the President's pretrial hearings for his criminal case on Thursday morning. "While there are concerns the overlapping schedule weakens Yoon's right to legal self-defense, the Constitutional Court has decided to push ahead with the impeachment hearing at 3 PM, an hour later than initially planned, stating that the criminal trial is at 10 AM." During Tuesday's hearing, legal representatives of the National Assembly and President Yoon further made their case for and against impeachment. The Assembly's panel called for Yoon's swift removal from office, saying declaration of martial law and related decrees were illegal as they did not go through Cabinet procedures, and accused him of dictatorial actions. "This is a direct attack on the principles of the rule of law and the separation of powers. From the perspective of constitutional protection, it is an absolutely unacceptable act." Yoon's side continued to argue that declaring martial law was a Constitutional right of the President and that the opposition party-led parliament had forced his hand. "The opposition paralyzed the judiciary, legislature, and administration with its countless impeachments, interference with the Constitutional Court's composition, reckless budget cuts, legislative maneuvers to shield its leader Lee Jae-myung, and obstruction of government policy bills. In a short amount of time, the President initiated a martial law that was Constitutional, legal and peaceful as a plea to the people." They further raised suspicions of false ballot papers and potential Chinese interference causing electoral irregularities as a pretext for declaring martial law. Yoon's lawyers say they will review on Wednesday whether there's further evidence and witnesses to present. The tenth hearing on Thursday will feature three witness examinations including with Prime Minister Han Duck-soo. Former intelligence official Hong Jang-won will return to the Court for further questioning this time by Yoon's legal team. National Police Agency chief Cho Ji-ho will be forced to attend, after two absences due to illness. Experts say the Court is likely to add one more hearing to hear the closing arguments and the President's final statement. Yoon on Tuesday decided to return to Seoul Detention Center and sit out the ninth hearing. If the trial concludes next week, a ruling will likely be made in the first half of March. In past Presidential impeachment trials, a verdict was reached within two weeks. Oh Soo-young, Arirang News.

U.S., Russia agree to work toward ending Ukraine war, after holding first peace talks without Ukraine

2025/02/19 17:00

In Saudi Arabia back on Tuesday. Talks between the top diplomats of the U.S. and Russia on ending the latter's invasion of Ukraine lasted well over four hours. Our foreign affairs correspondent Bae Eun-ji reports. Top diplomats of the United States and Russia held talks in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, marking their first formal meeting aimed at ending the Ukraine war, since it began three years ago. Following the meeting that lasted around 4 and a half hours, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters that he's convinced Russia is willing to engage in a "serious process" of ending the conflict and said this was the first step of a long and difficult journey. "In order to bring an end to any conflict, there has to be concessions made by all sides." Rubio's Russian counterpart described the conversation as "useful," but said his country will not accept NATO troops in Ukraine as part of any peace deal. "We explained today that the presence of troops from NATO countries under a foreign flag, under the flag of the European Union, or under national flags, it does not change anything. This is, of course, unacceptable to us." The two countries said they agreed to hold more talks , and added they will appoint 'high-level teams' to begin working on a path to ending the war as soon as possible. Following the talks, Rubio held phone calls with his counterparts from the UK, France, Germany, and Italy in an apparent move to reassure the European countries over concerns that they may have no place in the peace negotiations. Meanwhile, as Ukraine was not invited to Tuesday's peace talks, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said negotiations to end the war in Ukraine should not take place "behind the backs of" the parties involved. "You can talk about anything, but no decision can be made without Ukraine on how to end the war in Ukraine. We were not invited to this meeting – the U.S.-Russia meeting in Saudi Arabia -it was a surprise for us, as well as for many." In response, U.S. President Donald Trump dismissed Kyiv's concern about being left out, and almost suggested that Ukraine was to blame for a war that began only after Russia's invasion. "But today I heard, well, 'we weren't invited.' Well, you've been there for three years. You should have ended it three years. You should have never started it. You could have made a deal." Trump also hinted that he may meet Russian President Vladimir Putin very soon. As he walked out of the press conference in Mar-a-Lago, he answered "probably," when asked if he's still expected to meet Putin before the end of this month. Bae Eun-ji, Arirang News.

S. Korean gov't to provide wide ranging support for companies hit by tariff threats

2025/02/19 17:00

Meanwhile given the looming threat of TOUGHER Trump tariffs the government here has vowed a support framework to better assist Korean exporters. Our correspondent Lee Soo-jin has more. The South Korean government on Tuesday announced plans to offer a broad range of support services to companies affected by U.S. President Trump's recent tariff threats and is also working to diversify its export markets. This comes amid growing concerns about the potential impact of tariffs on exports, especially given their critical role in driving Korea's economic growth. "Last year, exports supported our struggling economy. They grew by 8-point-1 percent annually to a record high, leading Korea to become the world’s sixth-largest exporter. However, policy shifts from the new U.S. administration have made this year’s outlook more uncertain than ever." The remarks were made during an export strategy meeting, where the Acting President announced that the government would provide "export vouchers" for small and medium-sized enterprises. With these vouchers, companies can receive consultations in various fields, including legal, taxation, marketing, and certifications. And 90 percent of the 240 billion won, or around 166 million U.S. dollar budget for the vouchers will be allocated in the first half of the year. The government also announced that it will offer tax benefits to companies relocating to Korea due to shifts in the global trade environment, even before they have fully scaled down their overseas operations. As part of further efforts to provide financial relief,.. the government will provide short-term liquidity for companies hit by tariff threats, by supplying around 254 billion dollars in trade financing this year, a record-high amount. The country's export market is also expected to become more diversified in the future, as the government is aiming to expand into countries such as Mexico, Mexico, South Africa, Vietnam, and India by setting up five new export centers overseas. Lee Soo-jin, Arirang News.

TRUMP SUGGESTS 25% TARIFF ON CAR AND CHIP IMPORTS

2025/02/19 17:30

Welcome to yet another edition of Press Perspective. It's Wednesday February 19th here in Seoul. I'm Min Sunhee. Addressing members of the media in Florida on Tuesday U.S. President Donald Trump floated the idea of a 25-percent tariff on all foreign-made cars and chips entering the American market. For more on his remarks and their ripple effects I have Lee Ji-hoon with Reuters here in the studio. Ji-hoon welcome back. I also have Professor Lee Jaemin of International Trade LAW at Seoul National University live on the line. Professor Lee it's a pleasure. 1) Ji-hoon, let's delve into Trump's latest remarks on trade in chronological order. Now late last week, he put up on his social media platform a lengthy post in support of his reciprocal tariff proposal and in defiance of the so-called value-added taxes. Let's start with that. 2) And Professor Lee, before we dig deeper, what exactly are value-added taxes, and how do you respond to Trump's intentions to consider them tariffs? 3) Simply speaking, Ji-hoon, which countries look to be greatly affected by Trump's reciprocal tariffs? And do tell us a bit about import tariff gaps between U.S. and its Asian trading partners including South Korea. 4) Professor Lee, does South Korea's Free Trade Agreement with the U.S. shield it from Trump tariffs? 5) Ji-hoon, aside from the 25% tariff on steel and aluminium imports into the American market, Trump has pledged tariffs on cars and chips that are the main drivers of South Korea's exports. First then, with regard to cars, what impact does Trump tariffs look to have on South Korea's auto exports? 6) And Professor Lee, what fate does South Korea's semiconductor exports look to face in the wake of Trump tariffs? 7) Ji-hoon, following news of the Trump administration's reciprocal tariff plan, acting President Choi Sang-mok called for a review of non-tariff barriers. Now you covered this call. Do share your coverage with us including the relevance of this move by Choi. 8) Professor Lee, pundits believe one-on-one negotiations with the Trump administration will allow for some exemption from tariffs. Do you share this belief, and if so, how can Korea better navigate such talks? 9) Meanwhile Ji-hoon, based on your coverage of market analysts, what appears to be the overall outlook for the Korean economy this year?

PM Han Duck-soo attends 1st impeachment trial hearing, defends actions as 'constitutional'

2025/02/19 20:00

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo attended the first hearing of his impeachment trial today. The hearing comes nearly two months after the opposition-led parliament voted to impeach him from his post as acting president following his reluctance to approve new Constitutional Court justices. Han for his part has claimed his decision is consistent with the country's constitutional tradition that calls for bipartisan accord on judicial nominations. Han has also rejected allegations of having played a part in President Yoon Suk Yeol's brief imposition of martial law. Meanwhile the parliament's impeachment panel co-chair Jung Chung-rae insists Han disrupted the nation by failing to approve the National Assembly's judicial nominations.

Vehicle tariff rate will be around 25%: Trump

2025/02/19 17:00

Addressing members of the media in Florida on Tuesday U.S. President Donald Trump floated the idea of a 25-percent tariff on all foreign-made cars and chips entering the American market. Lee Seung-jae has the latest. In his first month back in the Oval Office, U.S. President Donald 트럼프 has been focused on taxing imports coming into the United States, citing unfair trade. During a press conference at Mar-a-Lago in Florida on Tuesday, he was asked about the specifics of automobile tariffs that he had hinted at earlier. "Yeah, I probably will tell you that on April 2nd. But it'll be in the neighborhood of 25%." Trump also said that it's likely that he will announce a 25-percent tariff on chips and pharmaceuticals coming into the United States. However, with pharmaceuticals, he hinted that while it will be initially 25 percent or higher, it will go up significantly over the course of a year. Due to the massive tariffs that Trump plans on imposing, the U.S. leader said that major car and chip companies have already approached his administration, hinting that new plants are now likely to be built in the United States. "I do want to say, while I'm up here, I've been contacted by some of the biggest companies in the world. And because of what we're doing economically and through tariffs and taxes and incentives, they want to come back into the United States. And we'll be announcing various very large companies, the biggest, actually, and they'll be coming back, having to do with chips and having to do also with cars and lots of other things." Meanwhile, President Trump has commented on the North Korean troops who have fought alongside the Russian military in the Kursk region for the first time since taking office. According to Trump, many North Koreans have been killed fighting in the war. The comments also come as his administration is holding talks with Russian officials to discuss a plan to end the war in Ukraine. Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.

On-point: How can S. Korea survive Trump's tariff salvo this time?

2025/02/19 10:00

Steel and aluminum tariffs on all countries by March 12th, no exception. And now at least 25% automobile tariff starting in April. How can South Korea survive through Trump's tariff salvo this time? Let's turn to professor Shim Myung-kyu. Good morning. 1. At least a 25% tariff rate for automobiles Isn't this another big concern as the U.S. is a big automobile export market to South Korea? 2. Seoul's Deputy Minister for Trade Park Jong-won is in Washington to sort things out with U.S. trade officials. Is it too late to try to make deals with the U.S. on tariffs and trade-related matters? Better late than never? 3. According to Park, he'll be aiming to engage in what he calls "mutually beneficial" discussions with U.S. trade officials. What kind of strategies do you think Park has ready to use? And what is it that Seoul needs to work on the most, and right now? 4. A business delegation is also heading to the U.S. with investment cooperation plans, including increasing imports of American energy and collaboration in the shipbuilding sector. Offering the U.S. what we have and hope for the best Isn't this a lesson we learned from the first Trump administration? 5. Are you saying we need a plan that increases imports from the U.S. while reducing actual damage? What could that plan be? Importing more American cars? What else? Thanks so much for sharing your insight with us this morning. We appreciate it.

U.S., Russia agree to work toward ending Ukraine war, after holding first peace talks without Ukraine

2025/02/19 10:00

Both U.S. and Russian officials walked out of their first peace talks on Ukraine with confidence and satisfaction on Tuesday. U.S. President Donald Trump even hinted that he'd meet Russian President Vladimir Putin before the end of February. Bae Eun-ji has more. Top diplomats of the United States and Russia held talks in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, marking their first formal meeting aimed at ending the Ukraine war, since it began three years ago. Following the meeting that lasted around 4 and a half hours, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters that he's convinced Russia is willing to engage in a "serious process" of ending the conflict and said this was the first step of a long and difficult journey. "In order to bring an end to any conflict, there has to be concessions made by all sides." Rubio's Russian counterpart described the conversation as "useful," but said his country will not accept NATO troops in Ukraine as part of any peace deal. "We explained today that the presence of troops from NATO countries under a foreign flag, under the flag of the European Union, or under national flags, it does not change anything. This is, of course, unacceptable to us." The two countries decided to hold more talks on ending the war and also agreed to work towards improving ties. Following the talks, Rubio held phone calls with his counterparts from the UK, France, Germany, and Italy in an apparent move to reassure the European countries over concerns that they may have no place in the peace negotiations. Meanwhile, as Ukraine was not invited to Tuesday's peace talks, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said negotiations to end the war in Ukraine should not take place "behind the backs of" the parties involved. "You can talk about anything, but no decision can be made without Ukraine on how to end the war in Ukraine. We were not invited to this meeting – the U.S.-Russia meeting in Saudi Arabia -it was a surprise for us, as well as for many." In response, U.S. President Donald Trump dismissed Kyiv's concern about being left out, and almost suggested that Ukraine was to blame for a war that began only after Russia's invasion. "But today I heard, well, 'we weren't invited.' Well, you've been there for three years. You should have ended it three years. You should have never started it. You could have made a deal." Trump also hinted that he may meet Russian President Vladimir Putin this month. As he walked out of the press conference in Mar-a-Lago, he answered "probably," when asked if he's still expected to meet Putin before the end of this month. Bae Eun-ji, Arirang News.

Is the end near for President Yoon's impeachment trial? Court rejects Yoon's request to adjust 10th hearing

2025/02/19 10:00

At the Constitutional Court, the ninth hearing of President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment trial took place Tuesday, with justices dismissing Yoon's request to adjust his tenth hearing date, as his criminal trial proceedings begin the same day. Oh Soo-young has more. The Constitutional Court rejected President Yoon Suk Yeol's request to rearrange one impeachment hearing, which coincides with the start of his criminal trial proceedings this week. On Tuesday, during the President's ninth trial hearing, Acting Chief Justice Moon Hyung-bae said the tenth session on Thursday will go ahead as planned, dismissing a request by Yoon's team to hold the session next week, as the Seoul Central District Court will begin the President's pretrial hearings for his criminal case on Thursday morning. "While there are concerns the overlapping schedule weakens Yoon's right to legal self-defense, the Constitutional Court has decided to push ahead with the impeachment hearing at 3 PM, an hour later than initially planned, stating that the criminal trial is at 10 AM." During Tuesday's hearing, legal representatives of the National Assembly and President Yoon further made their case for and against impeachment. The Assembly's panel called for Yoon's swift removal from office, saying declaration of martial law and related decrees were illegal as they did not go through Cabinet procedures, and accused him of dictatorial actions. "This is a direct attack on the principles of the rule of law and the separation of powers. From the perspective of constitutional protection, it is an absolutely unacceptable act." Yoon's side continued to argue that declaring martial law was a Constitutional right of the President and that the opposition party-led parliament had forced his hand. "The opposition paralyzed the judiciary, legislature, and administration with its countless impeachments, interference with the Constitutional Court's composition, reckless budget cuts, legislative maneuvers to shield its leader Lee Jae-myung, and obstruction of government policy bills. In a short amount of time, the President initiated a martial law that was Constitutional, legal and peaceful as a plea to the people." They further raised suspicions of false ballot papers and potential Chinese interference causing electoral irregularities as a pretext for declaring martial law. Yoon's lawyers say they will review on Wednesday whether there's further evidence and witnesses to present. The tenth hearing on Thursday will feature three witness examinations including with Prime Minister Han Duck-soo. Former intelligence official Hong Jang-won will return to the Court for further questioning this time by Yoon's legal team. National Police Agency chief Cho Ji-ho will be forced to attend, after two absences due to illness. Experts say the Court is likely to add one more hearing to hear the closing arguments and the President's final statement. Yoon on Tuesday decided to return to Seoul Detention Center and sit out the ninth hearing. If the trial concludes next week, a ruling will likely be made in the first half of March. In past Presidential impeachment trials, a verdict was reached within two weeks. Oh Soo-young, Arirang News.

Impeachment trial on PM, Acting President Han Duck-soo to begin Wednesday

2025/02/19 10:00

The Constitutional Court will hold the first impeachment trial hearing for Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, and a separate hearing on the dispute over whether voting standards to impeach him were valid. The opposition-led parliament voted to remove him from office in December, after Han, as Acting President, refused to approve Constitutional Court justices until a bipartisan agreement was reached on the candidates. Han has also shown resistance to various opposition-led bills railroaded through parliament. The dispute case was filed by the ruling People Power Party, as it clashed with the opposition over the required number of votes to impeach Han Duck-soo. The opposition argues that the standard for impeaching a cabinet minister should apply, requiring a simple majority. The ruling party says as Han was Acting President, the same threshold as a presidential impeachment should have applied, which requires a two-thirds majority. The first trial hearing will begin at 2 PM. The authority dispute hearing is at 4 PM.