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World News: Russia says it struck oil refinery reports Ukrainian attack on drone factory

2025/06/16 17:00

This is the World Now, bringing you the latest stories from around the globe. Russia has confirmed a major strike in Ukraine, targeting a key oil refinery. At the same time, it says Ukrainian drones attacked its drone production facility. Russian Defence Ministry officials reported that a coordinated air-and-sea missile strike hit an oil refinery in Ukraine's Poltava region overnight on Sunday. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the strike as an assault on Ukraine's energy infrastructure and said it was conducted "after the Americans asked us not to strike at Russian energy facilities." In a separate incident on the same day, Moscow reported that Ukrainian drones struck a drone factory near Yelabuga in Tatarstan, causing a fire and killing at least one person. Russian air defenses said they intercepted six Ukrainian drones. The details of the strike on the drone factory were confirmed by Ukraine. With a massive manhunt underway in the U.S. state of Minnesota after the shootings of Democratic state lawmakers, authorities on Sunday found the car used by the suspect, who allegedly posed as a police officer, while committing the crime. Authorities say a 57-year-old suspect, identified as Vance Luther Boelter, disguised in a police-style uniform and latex mask, carried out coordinated shootings at two locations in the Minneapolis suburbs in the early hours of Saturday morning. State Senator John Hoffman and his wife in Champlin were shot and critically wounded first, before former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband were killed at their home in Brooklyn Park. Officers confronted the suspect at Hortman's residence, but Boelter escaped on foot. His car was recovered, along with a hit list which included the names of around 70 Democratic politicians. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz called the shooting a "politically motivated assassination," and the FBI issued a 50,000 U.S. dollar reward for information leading to the suspect's capture. In India, at least four people were killed, and more than thirty others injured on Sunday after a bridge collapsed at a popular tourist location. According to reports, at least 20 people fell into the water when the bridge over the Indrayani River in Kundamala, Pune, collapsed due to heavy monsoon rain. Search and rescue efforts are ongoing for those who remain unaccounted for. Despite being flagged as structurally unsound, enforcement lapses allowed visitors, as well as bicycles, to continue using the footbridge. Authorities warn the death toll could rise, as rescue operations continue. Bolivia's city of La Paz celebrated its annual Gran Poder, or the Great Power festival, over the weekend, blending traditional Catholic devotion with indigenous Andean culture. The streets were filled with vibrant dances, prayers, and music, dedicated to a 17th-century painting of Jesus Christ. While the day of the Great Power is typically exuberant, the event was more subdued this year, with a moment of silence for six people killed in clashes between protesters and police following the disqualification of a former President. Choi Chi-hee, Arirang News.

South Korea, Japan to mark 60 years of diplomatic normalization at reception event Monday

2025/06/16 17:00

Here in Capital Seoul on this Monday. The Japanese Embassy is hosting a reception today to celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations between South Korea and Japan. President Lee Jae-myung is not expected to attend the event as he is on his way to Canada today for the Group of Seven summit. Meanwhile over in Tokyo. The Korean Embassy there will host a similar reception on Thursday. Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is expected to partake in the event. During the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations back in 2015 President Park Geun-hye and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attended the receptions hosted by the respective embassies.

S. Korean gov't monitoring situation in Israel, Iran after raising traveling advisory level

2025/06/16 17:00

And in light of the military confrontation between Israel and Iran the government here is urging its people to cancel or postpone travel to the two places. In fact over the weekend Korean authorities raised their travel alert for both Israel and Iran to "Special Travel Advisory". Also this past Sunday the Foreign Ministry hosted a video conference to check on safety protocols for Koreans residing in the region. Director-General for Overseas Koreans Yoon Joo-seok called on Koreans in Iran to closely heed the guidance of the embassy there. There have been no reports of Korean casualties in the violence-affected areas thus far.

Israel and Iran continue to exchange intense strikes

2025/06/16 17:00

In the Middle East. Israel and Iran continue to trade fierce fire over Tehran's nuclear weapons ambitions that Israeli authorities assert threaten their security. Lee Eun-hee has the latest. Israel and Iran continue to exchange missile strikes as the conflict between the two countries enters its fourth day. Overnight Monday, Israel carried out renewed airstrikes targeting surface-to-surface missile sites in western and central Iran. Multiple large explosions, including at a foreign ministry building, rocked Tehran, with energy infrastructure also hit. Iran launched a new wave of missiles and drones at Israel late on Sunday. The operation involved hundreds of ballistic missiles aimed at homes and infrastructure, Iran's semi-state Mehr News reported. Iran's national news agency confirmed the death of the intelligence chief of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and two other generals in Israeli attacks on Sunday. Tehran's health ministry on the same day said the death toll in Iran has surpassed two hundred. It also said over a thousand people had been hospitalized. Authorities in Israel say at least 14 people have been killed since the strikes began. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Fox News on Sunday that the goal is to eliminate Iran's nuclear and missile threats. He also said that while not the main objective, the attacks could lead to regime change in Iran. "It could certainly be the result because the Iran regime is very weak. I think it is basically left with two things, its plan to have atomic bombs and ballistic missiles. That is basically what Iran has. They certainly don't have the people. Eighty percent of the people would throw these theological thugs out." During a cabinet meeting also on Sunday, Iran's President warned that his country's response would become more severe if Israeli attacks escalate. "We will give a powerful response to any aggression they may commit." U.S. President Donald Trump shared his feelings while speaking to reporters, saying, "it's time for deal and we'll see what happens, but sometimes they have to fight it out." Meanwhile, U.S. oil prices rose by around 3 percent on Sunday after Israeli strikes hit oil and gas facilities in Iran. Lee Eun-hee, Arirang News.

PPP selects new floor leader on Monday

2025/06/16 17:00

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" Meanwhile 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 17:00

In other news. The Unification Ministry is looking to discourage the floating of leaflets into North Korea in line with the safety concerns raised by the president. Our correspondent Kim Jung-sil explains. 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.

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

2025/06/16 17:00

A presidential advisory body has been set up to lay the groundwork for the new administration's broad agenda over its five-year term. Our political correspondent Moon Hye-ryeon has 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.

Russia says it struck oil refinery reports Ukrainian attack on drone factory

2025/06/16 10:00

Now, let's take a look at some stories from around the world with our Choi Chi Hee . Good morning, Chi Hee. Good morning, Eunji. Let's begin with the latest updates on the Russia-Ukraine conflict. A strike on a Ukrainian oil refinery has been confirmed. Fill us in on this. Russia confirmed a major strike in Ukraine, targeting a key oil refinery. At the same time, it says Ukrainian drones attacked its drone production facility. Russian Defence Ministry officials reported that a coordinated air-and-sea missile strike hit an oil refinery in Ukraine's Poltava region overnight on Sunday. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the strike as an assault on Ukraine's energy infrastructure and said it was conducted "after the Americans asked us not to strike at Russian energy facilities." In a separate incident on the same day, Moscow reported that Ukrainian drones struck a drone factory near Yelabuga in Tatarstan, causing a fire and killing at least one person. Russian air defenses said they intercepted six Ukrainian drones. The details of the strike on the drone factory were confirmed by Ukraine.

S. Korean gov't monitoring situation in Israel, Iran after raising traveling advisory level

2025/06/16 10:00

The South Korean government is urging citizens to cancel or postpone travel to Israel and Iran, after elevating travel advisories for both countries to 'Special Travel Advisory' over the weekend. The foreign ministry on Sunday held a video conference to assess safety measures for Korean nationals amid the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. Director-General for Overseas Koreans Yoon Joo-seok urged Koreans currently residing in Iran to remain in safe areas, closely following guidance from local embassies. So far, no Korean nationals have been reported as casualties in either Israel or Iran. The Foreign Ministry says it will continue to closely monitor developments in the Middle East and strive for constant communication with overseas missions to ensure real-time monitoring and swift responses.

Lee vows to quickly restore dialogue channel with N. Korea

2025/06/16 10:00

Meanwhile, on inter-Korea relations, President Lee Jae-myung vows to quickly restore suspended dialogue channels with North Korea to ease military tensions and foster a peaceful atmosphere. This message was delivered on his Facebook on Sunday, on the 25th anniversary of the June 15 Declaration, which outlined agreements for reconciliation, and was signed by former President Kim Dae-jung and late former North Korean leader Kim Jong-il in 2000. He went on to say that his government will end "hostile acts that are wasteful" and resume dialogue and cooperation. He expressed concerns over tensions in the border areas, saying that the peninsula has "retreated to the past cold era" in recent years and vowed to make efforts for peace, not just for security, but for the economy.

South Korea, Japan to mark 60 years of diplomatic normalization at reception event Monday

2025/06/16 10:00

Marking 60 years of normalizing diplomatic relations,.. the Japanese Embassy in Seoul will hold a reception to celebrate the milestone on Monday. As President Lee Jae-myung is scheduled to fly to Canada, his office is reportedly considering a video message to mark the occasion. The Korean Embassy in Tokyo will also host a reception on Thursday. Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is expected to attend personally. During the 50th anniversary of diplomatic normalization in 2015, President Park Geun-hye and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attended receptions hosted by each other's embassies. The 1965 Treaty on Basic Relations was signed some 20 years after South Korea was liberated from Japan's colonization, when the imperial power surrendered, ending World War Two.

'No Kings' nationwide protests see violence on U.S. Army anniversary parade day

2025/06/16 10:00

Over in the U.S. Millions of protesters took to the streets over the weekend to protest against President Donald Trump. Supporters of Trump and those opposing the president clashed, with one person shot and killed by a member of a peacekeeping team in Utah. Lee Seung-jae has this report. June 14th marked both the U.S. Army's 250th founding anniversary, and U.S. President Donald Trump's birthday. The first major military parade in the U.S. in 34 years, in Washington, D.C., on Saturday, was met with nationwide protests against the U.S. leader, in what are being called the 'No Kings' protests. While the majority of the protesters were said to be peaceful, riots were reported in some areas. Over in Salt Lake City, Utah, one protester was shot and killed when a member of a peacekeeping team at the protest opened fire. The shooter was aiming for another person who had apparently been seen aiming a rifle at protestors, but instead shot a bystander, who died later in the hospital. Over in Virginia, a man intentionally drove his SUV through a crowd of protesters, striking at least one person. The mostly peaceful protest in Los Angeles turned violent, after rocks, bricks and bottles were thrown at police. Hours before nationwide protests were taking place on Saturday,.. President Trump paid tribute to soldiers, to mark the 250th anniversary of the founding of the Army. "Our souls are filled with gratitude for every generation of warriors who have worn the uniform all the way back to the very beginning. So to every veteran across our land and right here in our nation's capital, including six recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor, we love you. We honor you, and we salute your noble service to our flag and to our country." Thousands attended the military parade in the U.S. capital, which was dampened by rain. Some 7-thousand soldiers, 150 military vehicles, and 50 aircraft took part in the parade. Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.

Israel and Iran continue to exchange intense strikes

2025/06/16 10:00

Tensions between Israel and Iran intensify as the conflict enters its fourth day, with Israel striking missile sites in Iran and Iran retaliating with hundreds of ballistic missiles. Over 200 people have been killed in Iran while at least 14 people have been killed in Israel. There are also rising fears of further escalation and disruption to regional energy supplies. Lee Eun-hee has the latest. Israel and Iran continue to exchange missile strikes as the conflict between the two countries enters its fourth day. Overnight Monday, Israel carried out renewed airstrikes targeting surface-to-surface missile sites in western and central Iran. Multiple large explosions, including at a foreign ministry building, rocked Tehran, with energy infrastructure also hit. Iran launched a new wave of missiles and drones at Israel late on Sunday. The operation involved hundreds of ballistic missiles aimed at homes and infrastructure, Iran's semi-state Mehr News reported. Iran's national news agency confirmed the death of the intelligence chief of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and two other generals in Israeli attacks on Sunday. Tehran's health ministry on the same day said the death toll in Iran has surpassed two hundred. It also said over a thousand people had been hospitalized. Authorities in Israel say at least 14 people have been killed since the strikes began. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Fox News on Sunday that the goal is to eliminate Iran's nuclear and missile threats. He also said that while not the main objective, the attacks could lead to regime change in Iran. "It could certainly be the result because the Iran regime is very weak. I think it is basically left with two things, its plan to have atomic bombs and ballistic missiles. That is basically what Iran has. They certainly don't have the people. Eighty percent of the people would throw these theological thugs out." During a cabinet meeting also on Sunday, Iran's President warned that his country's response would become more severe if Israeli attacks escalate. "We will give a powerful response to any aggression they may commit." U.S. President Donald Trump shared his feelings while speaking to reporters, saying, "it's time for deal and we'll see what happens, but sometimes they have to fight it out." Meanwhile, U.S. oil prices rose by around 3 percent on Sunday after Israeli strikes hit oil and gas facilities in Iran. Lee Eun-hee, Arirang News.

Pres. Lee Jae-myung appoints deputy nat'l security advisors

2025/06/16 10:00

President Lee Jae-myung has completed key appointments to the Office of National Security. Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik said Sunday that retired three-star general Kim Hyun-jong has been named first deputy national security advisor. Kim, who formerly served as Chief of Staff at the Ground Operations Command, will oversee national defense and security policy. Lim Woong-soon, South Korea's current ambassador to Canada, was appointed second deputy advisor and will be in charge of foreign affairs. Oh Hyun-joo, the country's first female envoy to the Holy See, will serve as the third deputy advisor, focusing on economic security. Also on the same day, Ha Jung-woo, head of the Future AI Center at South Korean tech giant NAVER, was tapped as the inaugural senior secretary for AI and future strategy.

[On-Point] What to expect from S. Korean President Lee's diplomatic debut at G7 summit

2025/06/16 10:00

As we just heard, President Lee Jae-myung's trip to Canada is set to mark his debut on the global diplomatic stage. For more on what to expect, we're joined by Professor Andrew Millard, an assistant professor of international relations at Changwon National University. Professor Millard, thanks for joining us this morning. 1. With so much happening around the world, what will be at the top of the agenda for the leaders at the G7 Summit? 2. President Lee's trip to Canada for the summit marks his first overseas trip since taking office, and he said he plans to focus on 'pragmatic diplomacy.' Do you think we'll see that approach in action during this trip? 3. If Lee holds a separate meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, what key issues do you expect them to discuss? 4. There has been growing discussion in recent years about the possibility of South Korea joining the G7. What's your take on this? 5. The Lee administration is also considering whether the president should attend the NATO Summit later this month. What are your thoughts on this? Do you believe participating in the summit would be beneficial for South Korea? Alright Professor Millard, I'm afraid that's all the time we have for today. Thank you so much for your insight. We appreciate it.

Police hunt for gunman who shot Minnesota lawmakers while posing as officer

2025/06/16 10:00

With a massive manhunt underway in the U.S. state of Minnesota after the shootings of Democratic state lawmakers, authorities on Sunday found the car used by the suspect, who allegedly posed as a police officer, while committing the crime. Authorities say a 57-year-old suspect, identified as Vance Luther Boelter, disguised in a police-style uniform and latex mask, carried out coordinated shootings at two locations in the Minneapolis suburbs in the early hours of Saturday morning. State Senator John Hoffman and his wife in Champlin were shot and critically wounded first, before former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband were killed at their home in Brooklyn Park. Officers confronted the suspect at Hortman's residence, but Boelter escaped on foot. His car was recovered, along with a hit list which included the names of around 70 Democratic politicians. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz called the shooting a "politically motivated assassination," and the FBI issued a 50,000 U.S. dollar reward for information leading to the suspect's capture.

Israel strikes Iran’s capital targeting military and nuclear sites

2025/06/13 20:00

Good evening. We begin in the Middle East, where Israel conducted pre-emptive strikes on Iran. Iran hit back almost immediately with drone attacks. Our Byeon Ye-young leads us tonight. In the early hours of Friday, Israel launched strikes on Iran's capital, Tehran, targeting nuclear and military facilities. "Moments ago, Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, a targeted military operation to roll back the Iranian threat to Israel's very survival. This operation will continue for as many days as it takes to remove this threat." State media confirmed the deaths of several top military officials and scientists, including Mohammed Bagheri, Chief of Staff of Iran's military. General Hossein Salami, commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, and ranking commander Gen. Gholamali Rashid were also reported killed. People in Tehran heard another round of explosions a few hours after the initial attack, with more being heard in other Iranian cities as well. The strikes come just days before scheduled U.S.-Iran nuclear talks in Oman. According to a statement released by the state-run news agency, Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, warned of "severe punishment" for Israel. Brigadier General Effie Deffrin, chief spokesperson for the Israeli army, said Iran had launched over 100 drones toward Israel in recent hours, and that defense systems were working to intercept the threats. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described Israel's actions as "unilateral" and stated that Israel had informed the U.S. it viewed the attacks as essential for its self-defense. Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the military escalation and called on both sides to exercise maximum restraint, warning that the Middle East cannot afford a wider conflict. Byeon Ye-young, Arirang News.

U.S. Court to decide next week whether Trump's military intervention can continue

2025/06/13 20:00

A federal judge granted a temporary injunction against U.S. President Donald Trump's deployment of the California National Guard, which plaintiffs had argued violated the U.S. Constitution, giving the administration until next week to file an appeal. According to AP on Thursday, Judge Charles Breyer stated that Trump's military intervention in federalizing the Guard was illegal and "he must therefore return control" of the unit to the governor of California. However, a few hours after, an appeals court put the order on hold until a hearing takes place next Tuesday, where the court will determine whether Trump followed congressional-mandated procedure. This comes after California Governor Gavin Newsom filed a case with the court on Monday, calling President Trump's military intervention against protests over federal immigration policy in LA an assault on democracy.

Three special investigations to launch after President Lee appoints independent counsels

2025/06/13 20:00

The so-called "three special probes" are now ready to begin with President Lee's appointments having been completed on Friday. After up to 20 days of preparation, investigations will officially start, focusing on allegations against former President Yoon, his wife, and the death of a Marine. Our political correspondent Shin Ha-young reports. Three special counsels have been appointed and are gearing up to launch investigations into allegations made against former President Yoon Suk Yeol and his wife, and the supposed cover-up of the death of a Marine. President Lee Jae-myung on Thursday night appointed former acting chief of the Board of Audit and Inspection Cho Eun-suk to investigate Yoon's declaration of martial law last December and related insurrection charges. Cho on Friday pledged to ensure that the work done by the police, the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials, and the prosecution would not be wasted. Min Joong-ki , former chief judge of the Seoul Central District Court, will look into allegations against former first lady Kim Keon Hee, including stock manipulation and election fraud. "I'm aware that the case has raised a lot of questions from the public. Since this is a very controversial case, I believe it's important to remain objective." Lee Myeong-hyeon , who previously served as a senior official at the defense ministry's prosecutors' office, has been tasked with investigating the death of a Marine during flood rescue operations in 2023. "I see it as my duty to uncover the truth behind this unjust death, and I'll do my best to get to the bottom of it." The ruling Democratic Party and the Rebuilding Korea Party on Thursday each recommended three candidates one for each special counsel position. Among those recommended, two candidates from the ruling party and one from the other party were appointed. The DP welcomed the swift appointments, expressing hope that they will meet public expectations and uncover the truth. "All three special counsels are seen as having strong investigative skills and standing firm against outside pressure. We hope they will stay focused on the people and work to uncover the full truth." On the other hand, the opposition People Power Party strongly criticized the appointments, saying the government has shifted its focus away from people's livelihoods and is now heading toward political retaliation. They also pointed out that all three special counsels were recommended by the DP and the RKP, claiming political interests were put ahead of fair investigations. "The choice of special counsels clearly shows the political bias of the Lee Jae-myung administration. It suggests the real goal is to target the opposition and take political revenge." Each special counsel will start with a 20-day preparation period. The full-scale investigations are expected to begin as early as the end of this month or, at the latest, in early July. Shin Ha-young, Arirang News.

1st official U.S. trip to Seoul since Lee Jae-myung took office

2025/06/13 20:00

A senior U.S. diplomat has reaffirmed the strength of the Seoul-Washington alliance, as he marked the first visit of a high-level official to South Korea since its new leader was elected. The State Department's Senior Bureau Official for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Sean O'Neill held meetings at Seoul's Foreign Ministry on Friday. He met with counterparts in charge of intelligence, and North Korea affairs, as well as economic issues. This comes ahead of President Lee Jae-myung's attendance at the G7 Summit next week, where he's likely to hold his first bilateral summit with President Donald Trump on the sidelines. O'Neill told reporters he's in Seoul to talk about security interests, including North Korea, and the prosperity of both nations.