News

Pres. Lee's liberation day message sets stage for S. Korea-Japan, S. Korea-U.S. diplomacy

2025/08/18 21:35

Welcome to Within The Frame, where we bring the most pressing issues across the globe into focus. I'm Kim Mok-yeon. South Korea marked its 80th Liberation Day with a pointed message from President Lee Jae-myung — acknowledging Japan's efforts on historical issues, but firmly shifting the focus toward future cooperation. Just days later, Japan's Prime Minister Ishiba referenced "regret" in a rare statement, though without offering a formal apology. Now, with summits scheduled first in Tokyo and then in Washington, President Lee's diplomatic itinerary is drawing attention. Meanwhile, issues like North Korea's nuclear threat, regional security alignments, and growing U.S. pressure on defense cost-sharing all come into play. With the stakes rising, the question now is: where is South Korea headed in this evolving geopolitical puzzle? For answers to this, we connect to Choi Hyun Jin, Professor of Political Science, Kyung Hee University. Welcome. Also joining us is Christophe Gaudin, Professor of Political Science at Kookmin University. Good to see you. 1. (Choi) Let's start with President Lee Jae-myung's Liberation Day address on August 15th. He acknowledged Japan's recent gestures on historical issues, while calling for future-oriented, mutual cooperation. What's the diplomatic strategy behind this message toward Japan? 2. (Gaudin) On the Japanese side, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba marked the anniversary of Japan's WWII defeat by mentioning "regret" — the first such reference by a Japanese leader in 13 years. Still, he offered no apology for colonial rule nor a statement marking the war's 80th anniversary. How should we interpret this approach? 3. (Choi) With both leaders sending signals of goodwill, attention now turns to the Korea-Japan summit scheduled for August 23rd. What stands out is that President Lee will visit Japan before heading to the U.S. — an unusual sequence. What strategic message is behind this itinerary? 4. (Gaudin) Then looking at the summit itself — what key issues should we expect to dominate the agenda? And do you see the potential for meaningful progress on matters like joint responses to North Korea or cooperation in a changing trade environment? 5. (Choi) Since the Korea-Japan summit comes just ahead of the Korea-U.S. summit, trilateral coordination appears critical. In particular, aligning with Tokyo may help reinforce the credibility of America's extended deterrence, including its nuclear umbrella. Why is prior coordination with Japan so crucial — and could it yield actual strategic benefits? 6. (Gaudin) That said, historical tensions remain unresolved. Issues like colonial history and the influence of Japan's far-right still pose obstacles. In your view, is there any chance the two leaders could make headway on these long-standing disputes during their talks? 7. (Choi) Next, looking to the S. Korea-U.S. summit, with defense cost-sharing and the strategic flexibility of U.S. forces on the table, alliance modernization is likely to be a central theme. How should South Korea navigate what many call Washington's "security invoice"? 8. (Gaudin) And regarding North Korea, denuclearization will no doubt be a key topic. With both Seoul and Washington maintaining firm resolve, is there a realistic path to more advanced agreements this time around? What's your outlook? 9. (Choi) In the midst of all this, President Lee is reportedly sending a special envoy to China during the summit period. As trilateral cooperation between Korea, the U.S., and Japan strengthens, what message does Seoul hope to send to Beijing and what's the broader diplomatic significance? 10. (Gaudin) Finally, as these back-to-back Korea-Japan and Korea-U.S. summits unfold, how might they shape the future of trilateral security cooperation? And what kind of long-term shifts could we see in the broader diplomatic landscape across Northeast Asia?

South Korea–U.S. joint military exercise "Ulchi Freedom Shield" begins today

2025/08/18 19:43

We start here in South Korea where military officials from Seoul and Washington have begun their annual summertime training aimed at bolstering their defense posture against potential threats. Our Byeon Ye-young reports. The annual Ulchi Freedom Shield joint military exercise between South Korea and the United States began today. The combined drills, aimed at defending the Korean Peninsula in the event of a contingency, will run through the 28th. "This is a defensive exercise conducted annually, and this year's scenarios incorporate realistic threats, including those analyzed from recent wartime situations." The exercise has also been strengthened to prepare for new security challenges, such as drone, GPS, and cyber attacks, as well as advanced weapons powered by cutting-edge technology. Around 18,000 South Korean troops are taking part, about the same as last year, along with a similar number of U.S. troops. About half of the 40 planned field drills have been postponed to next month, with the ongoing heat waves cited as a reason for the adjustment. While Pyongyang dismissed the drills, concerns remain that it may use the UFS as a pretext for provocations. In a statement last Thursday, Kim Yo-jong, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, called the joint drills "worthless and futile." At a briefing on Monday, when asked about preemptive measures to help improve inter-Korean relations, South Korea's Ministry of National Defense said it had no specific updates for now. "I don't have anything specific to share at this point. What I can say is that the Ministry of National Defense will continue to support the government's efforts to establish peace on the Korean Peninsula, while maintaining military readiness and steadily pursuing effective measures to ease tensions." Meanwhile, a 20-minute nationwide civil defense drill will take place on Wednesday at 2 PM (KST). The drill will involve air raid evacuation training and exercises to clear the way for fire trucks, ambulances and other rescue vehicles. Byeon Ye-young, Arirang News.

World News: Huge protests in Israel calling for hostage deal and end to Gaza war

2025/08/18 19:41

This is the World Now, bringing you the latest stories from around the globe. In Israel, Tel Aviv's Hostage Square was filled with hundreds of thousands of people on Sunday demanding an end to the Gaza war and a deal to bring home the remaining hostages. On the same day, a nationwide strike swept the country, bringing much of Israel to a standstill. In one of the largest protests since the conflict began, approximately 500,000 people reportedly participated in the Tel Aviv demonstration alone, with other protests around Israel bringing the nationwide total to an estimated one million people. The protests were organized by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, and included a one-day national strike on Sunday morning. This strike involved blocking roads and halting work nationwide. Israeli police made dozens of arrests during the day. The protests coincided with the Israeli military's finalization of plans for a major ground operation aimed at capturing Gaza City. Despite the growing public pressure, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized the protests and defended the ongoing military offensive. In Pakistan's northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, flash floods and landslides have killed more than 300 people, with over 200 still missing. According to Pakistan's National Disaster Management Authority, by Sunday morning, the death toll had risen to at least 337 people, with most killed in flash floods. In Buner District, a three-and-a-half-hour drive from the capital Islamabad, 207 people died after the area saw more than 150 millimeters of rain in just one hour on Friday. Rescue efforts are underway, but heavy rainfall is forecast to continue until August 21. While the region typically experiences monsoon rains between June and September, scientists say that climate change is intensifying and increasing the frequency of flash floods and landslides. Air Canada cabin crew have defied a government-mandated return-to-work order and are continuing their strike. This comes despite a binding arbitration directive issued by the Canada Industrial Relations Board, which requires more than 10,000 flight attendants to resume their duties by 2 PM on Sunday. Now entering its third day, the strike has grounded 700 flights daily, affecting travel for up to 130,000 passengers each day. Leaders of the Canadian Union of Public Employees have condemned the order as "unconstitutional" and are demanding a fair contract that includes compensation for unpaid ground duties. British Actor Terence Stamp, who played the role of villain General Zod in the original Superman films, died on Sunday aged 87. Throughout his six-decade career, Stamp earned an Oscar nomination in 1963 for his first film, "Billy Budd", and delivered standout performances, including "The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert", in which he portrayed a transgender woman. Stamp's final screen appearance was in "Last Night in Soho" in 2021. His family stated, "He leaves behind an extraordinary body of work, both as an actor and as a writer, that will continue to touch and inspire people for years to come." Choi Chi-hee, Arirang News.

Trump promises 'big progress on Russia,' will meet with Zelenskyy

2025/08/18 19:37

In other news. U.S. President Donald Trump touts his recent talks with Russia's Vladimir Putin in Alaska as he prepares to sit down with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Washington, D.C. on this Monday. Lee Seung-jae has the latest. U.S. President Donald Trump, in a social media post on Sunday, promised "BIG PROGRESS ON RUSSIA." However, he did not provide any details on what progress has been made, since the no-deal after his summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin last Friday in Alaska. According to sources cited by Reuters, Washington and Moscow have floated proposals under which Russia would give up small pockets of occupied Ukrainian territory in exchange for Kyiv ceding fortified land in the east and freezing front lines elsewhere. But most importantly for Kyiv, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio says a security guarantee is something Washington will continue to push for, for Ukraine. "In the meantime, the one thing we do know that Ukraine has said repeatedly and publicly talked about is security guarantees. That's a very reasonable request. That's something we're working on and that's something the Russian side has to understand." Washington has also discussed the possibility of a defense pact, as Trump's envoy to Russia Steve Witkoff told Fox News on Sunday, that the U.S. and its European partners could offer Ukraine NATO-style security guarantees outside the alliance framework as part of a settlement. "It means that the United States is potentially prepared to be able to give Article 5 security guarantees, but not from NATO, directly from the United States and other European countries. That is big. I mean, really big." Meanwhile, European and NATO leaders announced they will stand with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Washington on Monday, presenting a united front as Trump pursues peace talks with Russia. Leaders from Britain, France, Germany, Italy and Finland are joining Zelenskyy after his exclusion from Trump's summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin last Friday. Their show of support comes after a tense Oval Office meeting in February, when Trump clashed with Zelenskyy in a heated exchange. Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.

Former first lady Kim and close associates questioned by special counsel team

2025/08/18 19:36

Former First Lady Kim Keon Hee faces a second session of intense interrogation by the special counsel on this Monday following her arrest last week on corruption charges. Our political correspondent Shin Ha-young has more. Former first lady Kim Keon Hee and close associates appeared at the special counsel's office on Monday. Kim's questioning, which began at 10 AM, comes as special counsel Min Joong-ki investigates corruption allegations against the former first lady, with Monday's session focusing on her alleged interference in candidate nominations during past elections and stock price manipulation. As in her previous questioning last Thursday, according to the team, Kim refused to answer most of the team's questions. It was Kim Keon Hee's second questioning since her arrest last week, after a court issued an arrest warrant with detention. Kim Ye-seong , who's often described as the "butler" of her family, also appeared at the office. It was his first session since being taken into custody on Friday on charges of embezzling 2-point-4 million U.S. dollars from IMS Mobility, a company in which he holds a stake. Prosecutors suspect he diverted part of the funds into another firm he effectively controlled. Investigators also examined whether the embezzled money or other profits were funneled to Kim Keon Hee's family. The same day, a shaman named Jeon Seong-bae was also questioned over allegations that he delivered requests for business favors, along with luxury gifts from the Unification Church, to the former first lady. Meanwhile, the Seoul Central District Court held a hearing on Monday on former President Yoon Suk Yeol's insurrection and abuse of power charges without him present, as he has refused to attend. Yoon has skipped all five hearings in the insurrection case since his rearrest, citing health problems. His representatives said he will attend "once his condition improves," but declined to provide details on his current health. Shin Ha-young, Arirang News.

President Lee urges to implement existing inter-Korean agreement in phases

2025/08/18 19:34

And President Lee Jae Myung has reaffirmed his administration's commitment to its people amid the start of defense drills this week also asserting that true security on the peninsula lies in promoting peace. Arirang's Yoon Jung-min reports from the Presidential Office. The state's top priority is to protect the lives and safety of the people. That's according to President Lee Jae Myung as he presided over a Cabinet meeting on the first day of the nationwide Ulchi exercise. "We need an integrated security capability against a complex crisis. Through the Ulchi exercise, I hope we closely examine our security posture and further develop our nation's overall crisis management capabilities." The four-day Ulchi civil defense drills, involving more than 580-thousand people at some 4-thousand public institutions, are designed to reinforce government readiness and run parallel to the South Korea-U.S. joint military exercises. This year's focus is on fending off new security threats, including drone and cyberattacks. At the same time, South Korea's Commander-in-Chief noted true security lies in safeguarding peace. "If small actions pile up like pebbles, mutual trust will be restored. This will broaden the path to peace and lay the foundation where the South and the North can grow together." For that, he instructed relevant ministries to prepare implementing existing inter-Korean agreements in phases, first starting with those possible to carry out. A reconciliatory message was evident in Lee's Liberation Day speech last Friday, where he vowed to gradually restore the 2018 military agreement. "The Ulchi exercise is designed to protect our people's lives and safety. It is defensive in nature and has no intention of attacking North Korea or raising tensions on the Korean Peninsula." On top of that, noting the popularity of the Netflix hit animation "KPop Demon Hunters," the President asked for comprehensive measures to support K-content going global, calling the power of culture a "new driving force" for national strength. Approved on Monday were more than a dozen bills, some of which were vetoed by Lee's predecessor, including the DP-led broadcasting bill revision aimed at changing the governance structures at public broadcasters and a grain bill that mandates government intervention on rice prices. Also on the discussion table was utilizing social media for government advertisements in the digital era, and the President mentioned the need to hold accountable any media that spreads disinformation. Yoon Jung-min, Arirang News.

EFFORTS TO PROMOTE PEACE AND STABILITY

2025/08/18 18:34

Hope your workweek is off to a good start. You're watching Press Perspective for this Monday August 18th here in Seoul. I'm Min Sunhee. President Lee Jae Myung has rejected unification on the Korean peninsula via absorption adding that South Korea respects North Korea's political system. We have more on his remarks BUT FIRST we touch upon the recent talks between U.S. President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in Alaska. For this I have Celio Fioretti with French daily La Croix here in the studio. Celio it's good to have you here. I also have Professor Ban Kil Joo at the Korea National Diplomatic Academy live on the line. Professor Ban welcome. Celio, let's begin with a recap of the press announcements given by Russia's Vladimir Putin and his U.S. counterpart Donald Trump in Alaska following their meeting in Alaska last Friday. Professor Ban, many pundits believe the summit was a diplomatic win for Putin and not so much so for Trump. What are your takeaways? Celio, what has been the response from Europe to the Alaska summit? Professor Ban, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is scheduled to sit down with Mr. Trump at the White House on this Monday. What might he be seeking to achieve and what might he be hoping to avoid? Celio, let's now turn our attention to an event that took place here in South Korea ALSO last Friday. President Lee Jae Myung was formally ushered into the top office on the same day that the country marked the 80th anniversary of liberation from Japanese colonial rule. First then, do walk us through the message shared by the president as Korea seeks a path forward from a painful chapter in its history. Professor Ban, President Lee Jae Myung is scheduled to make a summit visit to Japan this weekend AHEAD of a similar call to the U.S. Celio, with regard to North Korea, President Lee Jae Myung ruled out unification by absorption on the Korean peninsula. What exactly did he say, and what has been the broader response to his remarks? Professor Ban, again, do help us understand the broader implications of this stance by the Lee administration for peace and security on the Korean peninsula. All right.

[On-point] S. Korea, U.S. kick off joint military exercise --How will North Korea respond?

2025/08/18 13:35

As we just heard, the joint military exercise between South Korea and the U.S. has now kicked off. For more on this, we're joined by Professor Park Won-gon, Professor of North Korea studies at Ewha Womans University. Professor Park, thanks for joining us this morning. Half of the drills have been postponed to next month, but North Korea is continuing to take a hardline stance against Seoul and Washington. How might the North respond to the joint exercise, and what measures should South Korea take to improve inter-Korean relations? South Korea took down propaganda loudspeakers near the border, but the North rejected the conciliatory gesture. Do you think this move had any effect? In his Liberation Day address, President Lee said he hoped North Korea would return to the negotiating table. Will Lee's summit with Trump in Washington next week open the door for talks? Instead of showing signs of returning to talks, North Korea seems to be strengthening relations with Russia, right? Alright, Professor Park. Thank you so much for your insight today. We appreciate it.

Ex-first lady, associate to appear for special counsel questioning Monday

2025/08/18 13:35

Former first lady Kim Keon Hee and a close associate are scheduled to face questioning by a special counsel team today. The session, which began at 10 AM, comes as special counsel Min Joong-ki investigates corruption allegations surrounding the former first lady, including ties to Kim Ye-seong, who's often described as the "butler" of her family. It will be the former first lady's second interrogation since her arrest last Tuesday, and the first for Kim Ye-seong, who was taken into custody Friday on charges of embezzling two-point-four million U.S. dollars from IMS Mobility, a company in which he holds a stake. Prosecutors suspect he diverted part of the funds into another firm he effectively controlled. The inquiry is also examining whether the embezzled money or other profits were funneled to Kim Keon Hee's family. Both she and Kim Ye-seong have denied the allegations.

Trump promises 'big progress on Russia,' will meet with Zelenskyy

2025/08/18 13:34

Over in Washington. U.S. President Donald Trump has promised "big progress on Russia," despite failing to achieve any peace deal in his recent meeting with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Trump is also set to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, with European and NATO leaders vowing to stand with the Ukrainian leader, in Washington on Monday. Lee Seung-jae has more. U.S. President Donald Trump, in a social media post on Sunday, promised "BIG PROGRESS ON RUSSIA." However, he did not provide any details on what progress has been made, since the no-deal after his summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin last Friday in Alaska. According to sources cited by Reuters, Washington and Moscow have floated proposals under which Russia would give up small pockets of occupied Ukrainian territory in exchange for Kyiv ceding fortified land in the east and freezing front lines elsewhere. But most importantly for Kyiv, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio says a security guarantee is something Washington will continue to push for, for Ukraine. "In the meantime, the one thing we do know that Ukraine has said repeatedly and publicly talked about is security guarantees. That's a very reasonable request. That's something we're working on and that's something the Russian side has to understand." Washington has also discussed the possibility of a defense pact, as Trump's envoy to Russia Steve Witkoff told Fox News on Sunday, that the U.S. and its European partners could offer Ukraine NATO-style security guarantees outside the alliance framework as part of a settlement. "It means that the United States is potentially prepared to be able to give Article 5 security guarantees, but not from NATO, directly from the United States and other European countries. That is big. I mean, really big." Meanwhile, European and NATO leaders announced they will stand with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Washington on Monday, presenting a united front as Trump pursues peace talks with Russia. Leaders from Britain, France, Germany, Italy and Finland are joining Zelenskyy after his exclusion from Trump's summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin last Friday. Their show of support comes after a tense Oval Office meeting in February, when Trump clashed with Zelenskyy in a heated exchange. Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.

South Korea–U.S. joint military exercise "Ulchi Freedom Shield" begins today

2025/08/18 12:36

South Korea and the United States launched their annual summertime military exercise the Ulchi Freedom Shield today, aimed at strengthening their defense against evolving security threats. While Pyongyang has denounced the drills, Seoul is also preparing for a nationwide civil defense drill later this week. Byeon Ye-young starts us off. The annual Ulchi Freedom Shield joint military exercise between South Korea and the United States begins today. The combined drills, aimed at defending the Korean Peninsula in the event of a contingency, will run through the 28th. "This is a defensive exercise conducted annually, and this year's scenarios incorporate realistic threats, including those analyzed from recent wartime situations." The exercise has also been strengthened to prepare for new security challenges, such as drone, GPS, and cyber attacks, as well as advanced weapons powered by cutting-edge technology. "The planning for Ulchi Freedom Shield, the virtual and live training, is done, in coordination agreements between the ROK and the U.S. What's important to remember is the quality of training that will occur " Around 18,000 South Korean troops are taking part, about the same as last year, along with a similar number of U.S. troops. About half of the 40 planned field training exercises have been postponed to next month, with the ongoing heat waves cited as a reason for the adjustment. While Pyongyang dismissed the drills, concerns remain that it may use the UFS as a pretext for provocations. In a statement last Thursday, Kim Yo-jong, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, called the joint drills "worthless and futile." Meanwhile, a 20-minute nationwide civil defense drill will take place on Wednesday at 2 PM (KST). The drill will involve air raid evacuation training and exercises to clear the way for fire trucks, ambulances and other rescue vehicles. Byeon Ye-young, Arirang News.

Huge protests in Israel calling for hostage deal and end to Gaza war

2025/08/18 12:33

Let's begin in the Middle East. Large crowds have gathered in Israel calling for an end to the Gaza war. Tell us more. That's right. Tel Aviv's Hostage Square was filled with hundreds of thousands of people on Sunday demanding an end to the Gaza war and a deal to bring home the remaining hostages. On the same day, a nationwide strike swept the country, bringing much of Israel to a standstill. In one of the largest protests since the conflict began, approximately 500,000 people reportedly participated in the Tel Aviv demonstration alone, with other protests around Israel bringing the nationwide total to an estimated one million people. The protests were organized by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, and included a one-day national strike on Sunday morning. This strike involved blocking roads and halting work nationwide. Israeli police made dozens of arrests during the day. The protests coincided with the Israeli military's finalization of plans for a major ground operation aimed at capturing Gaza City. Despite the growing public pressure, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized the protests and defended the ongoing military offensive.

[Weekly Focus] Remembering Korea’s courage and sacrifice on the 80th Liberation Day

2025/08/16 12:36

This Friday, August 15th, marked the 80th anniversary of Korea's liberation from Japanese colonial rule. On this historic occasion, we look at how the nation honors and remembers those who gave their lives for independence. Joining us in the studio with more is our reporter, Park Hyo-been. Welcome, Hyo-been. Thanks for having me today. Q1. So Hyo-been, I think this year's August 15th is especially meaningful as it marks the 80th year of liberation. Can you briefly explain Korea's Liberation Day and what significance does it hold? Korea's National Liberation Day, or also known as Gwangbokjeol in Korean, is celebrated to mark Korea's independence from Japanese colonial rule in 1945, after 35 years of occupation. The name Gwangbokjeol combines Gwangbok, meaning "restoration of light" with jeol, meaning "festival day." It is a time to honor all those who made sacrifices for the nation's freedom , with commemorative events held nationwide. Each year, many museums and palaces host special exhibitions around the anniversary to remember their legacy and share the history with the public. Q2. Right, in line with that, I heard that you visited a special exhibition that showcases Korea's resistance. Could you tell us more about the exhibition? To mark the 80th anniversary of Korea's Liberation, a special exhibition at Deoksugung Palace brings together over 110 artifacts from the late 19th century to the day the nation reclaimed its freedom. For the first time, Korean independence hero Ahn Jung-geun's calligraphy is being showcased to the public. The two letters, meaning 'green bamboo' , show his strong opposition to Japanese rule. His final brushstrokes, made in a cold Lushun prison cell before his execution, capture not only defiance against Japan, but also a longing for peace in Asia and respect for human dignity. The exhibition also highlights lesser-known independence fighters. Min Young-hwan took his own life in protest after the Eulsa Treaty stripped Korea of its sovereignty, writing, "If our freedom and independence are restored, I shall gladly smile even in the afterlife." The spirit of defiance is also preserved in the national flag , a Taegeukgi found at Jingwansa Temple, riddled with holes and burn marks. Believed to have been made during the March 1st Independence Movement in 1919, it bears the Korean flag's taegeuk symbol and trigrams painted in black ink over the Japanese flag, showing the message of resistance. "This Taegeukgi, national flag of Korea, found at Jingwansa Temple, is even more meaningful as it shows just how fiercely our independence fighters carried out their work in secrecy." It's actually quite rare for the Jingwansa Taegeukgi to be on display for the public. You can also see that the Jingwansa Taegeukgi and the Taegeukgi we see today are a little bit different. The taegeuk symbol is drawn differently, and the positions of the four trigrams in the corners aren't quite the same as today. That's because when the Taegeukgi was adopted as the official national flag in 1883, the law at the time only specified the use of the taegeuk and trigrams, without defining the exact design. The exhibition runs until October 12th, so, for anyone who wants to commemorate Gwangbokjeol , or experience the strength and courage of Korean independence heroes, I highly recommend visiting the exhibition. Q3. Are there any other exhibitions available for visitors to explore more about Korean history? Yes, the National Museum of Korea has restored the faces of five iconic figures, using cutting-edge AI technology. Ahn Jung-geun, who assassinated Japanese governor Ito Hirobumi, now waves with a bright smile. Yu Gwan-sun, who died in prison at 17, appears as a shy girl with a gentle smile. Lee Bong-chang and Yun Bong-gil, who threw bombs at Japanese leaders, come alive with warm expressions. And Ahn Chang-ho, an educator and activist, greets with a friendly wave. "It was amazing to see what I had only imagined from textbooks. Since it's the 80th anniversary, it really feels like a meaningful exhibition." "Through AI recreation, I could almost feel their spirit and character." Behind that smile lies a darker history , one the museum is determined to show. For the first time ever, Japan's surveillance cards of independence heroes are on display. In particular, the five surveillance cards of Ahn Chang-ho show how his face became noticeably gaunt through repeated imprisonments. "These cards were made to systematically manage imprisoned independence activists. They're about palm-sized, but filled with detailed information, including names and photos." Liberation Day in Korea is more than a historical anniversary. It is a moment to reflect on the cost of freedom, and to honor those who paid that price. And now, with AI, the voices and faces of Korea's fight for independence can finally be seen and heard. Alright, Hyo-been, thank you for sharing those powerful stories with us. We appreciate it. Thank you Eun-ji, it was my pleasure.

[NEWS SPECIAL] PEOPLE'S INAUGURATION CEREMONY ON LIBERATION DAY

2025/08/16 01:34

PEOPLE'S INAUGURATION CEREMONY ON LIBERATION DAY “광복 80년, 국민주권으로 미래를 세우다” 수중계

President Lee's de facto inauguration ceremony to take place on Nat'l Liberation Day

2025/08/15 19:38

Today, August 15th, marks the 80th anniversary of Korea's liberation from Japanese colonial rule. A major celebration is set to take place tonight in downtown Seoul, and President Lee Jae Myung will be participating. For more, let's go live to our Presidential Office correspondent Song Yoo-jin. Yoo-jin! Eun-ji, I'm at Gwanghwamun Square, where the festival titled "80 Years of Liberation: Future Established by People's Sovereignty" will begin in less than two hours. The staff here are busy with final preparations, as tonight's two-hour event is more than just celebrating National Liberation Day. It will also feature what the government calls "The People's Mandate Ceremony." You could think of it as President Lee Jae Myung's de facto inauguration, since he began his term in June without a formal ceremony after the snap election. "The People's Mandate Ceremony is meant to celebrate the birth of the new administration, which was born from the people's sovereignty, and overcame illegal martial law and insurrection." During the event, President Lee will receive symbolic letters of appointment from selected members of the public, followed by a thank-you address. Meanwhile, as we speak, the president is hosting a dinner with foreign diplomats and representatives of international organizations at Cheong Wa Dae's Yeongbingwan reception hall. A very busy day for the president. He also delivered his first Liberation Day address since taking office at the Liberation Day commemorative ceremony. What were the key takeaways? Like his predecessors, he used the occasion to honor independence fighters while also laying out messages for North Korea and Japan. On North Korea, President Lee reaffirmed his commitment to resuming dialogue, stressing that Seoul respects the North's system and will never pursue unification by absorption. "To prevent accidental clashes and build military trust between the two Koreas, we will proactively and gradually restore the September 19th Military Agreement. I believe it is the right time to end an era of confrontation and hostility and open a new era of peaceful coexistence and shared growth on the Korean Peninsula." He also stressed that a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula must be achieved through both international cooperation and direct talks with Pyongyang, and between North Korea and the United States. Turning to Japan, where a summit is set for next week, the president reiterated his "two-track" policy of separating historical disputes from cooperation. "I will pursue future-oriented cooperation with Japan through frequent summit-level talks and frank dialogue. I expect the Japanese government to face up to the painful history of the past and work to ensure that trust between our two countries is not undermined." That's all I have for now, but I'll be back once our special coverage of "The People's Mandate Ceremony" begins. Eun-ji. Thank you, Yoo-jin.

A day ahead of Alaska summit, Trump and Putin prioritize Ukraine resolution amidst contrasting agendas

2025/08/15 19:37

In other news. A day ahead of Friday's summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, both leaders have contrasting priorities regarding the prolonged conflict in Ukraine. Our Moon Ji-young explains more. The summit between President Trump and President Putin in Alaska comes as the international community watches closely for any potential breakthrough in the war in Ukraine. While President Putin has consistently affirmed Russia's objective is to secure Ukrainian territory, President Trump has made his aspirations clear: to emerge as a global peacemaker. "We have a meeting with President Putin tomorrow. I think it's going to be a good meeting. But the more important meeting will be the second meeting that we're having.and maybe we'll bring some of the European leaders along.I would say that tomorrow all I want to do is set the table for the next meeting, which should happen shortly." The Kremlin announced on Thursday that the main topic of the summit would be resolving the war in Ukraine. President Putin commented on President Trump's efforts to end the Ukraine conflict, noting they were "quite energetic and sincere," during a meeting with senior Russian officials. This remark has been interpreted by some, including Bloomberg, as part of a "flattery strategy" that has previously proven effective with Trump. Putin also expressed Russia's willingness to engage in discussions for a new arms control treaty with the U.S. This signals a shift from Moscow's prior hard-line stance, which saw Russia declare its non-participation in extending the New START treaty, set to expire in February next year, and withdrawing its ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty. Adding to Russia's ongoing diplomatic outreach, the chief of its parliamentary lower house met with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in Pyongyang on Thursday, conveying greetings from President Putin, according to TASS. Moon Ji-young. Arirang News.

Japan's PM mentions wartime ‘regret’ for first time in 13 years

2025/08/15 19:36

Japanese Prime Minister used the term "regret" in a memorial speech for the war dead for the first time in 13 years. Addressing the 80th anniversary of Japan's World War two defeat on Friday, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba emphasized that Japan "must engrave in its hearts the regrets and lessons of that war." The practice of mentioning neighboring countries' suffering and expressing remorse on War Memorial Day had largely ceased following former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's return to power in 2012. However, Ishiba did not directly name neighboring countries that were subjected to colonial rule as a result of Japan's aggression in the war.

N. Korean leader hails 'infinite might' of ties with Russia on Liberation Day

2025/08/15 19:36

Meanwhile, in North Korea. The regime's leader Kim Jong-un has hailed the country's solidarity with Russia as "infinite might." North Korea's state news agency, the KCNA reported on Friday that Kim delivered the remarks marking the 80th anniversary of the Korean Peninsula's liberation from Japan's colonial rule, with Russian officials in attendance. This marks the first time he has given a public speech on the August 15th anniversary. Kim highlighted the infinite might of North Korea-Russia solidarity, which he stated was "forged with sublime ideas and genuine friendship." However, Kim made no mention of relations with either South Korea or the U.S.

AI brings Korea’s independence heroes back to life

2025/08/15 19:35

As South Korea marks its liberation from Japanese colonial rule,.. the faces and voices of independence heroes are being brought back to life at a special exhibition in Seoul,.. with the help of artificial intelligence. Our Park Hyo-been was there. Five Korean independence heroes stand before the national flag of Korea, raising their hands in triumph. To mark the 80th Liberation Day of Korea's liberation from Japanese colonial rule, the National Museum of Korea has restored the faces of five iconic figures, using cutting-edge AI technology. "Right behind me are five Korean independence heroes, brought back to life using AI. They never lived to see Korea's independence. But today, they're smiling at us, as if they're seeing the free Korea they once dreamed of." Ahn Jung-geun, who assassinated Japanese governor Ito Hirobumi, now waves with a bright smile. Yu Gwan-sun, who died in prison at 17, appears as a shy girl with a gentle smile. Lee Bong-chang and Yun Bong-gil, who threw bombs at Japanese leaders, come alive with warm expressions. And Ahn Chang-ho, an educator and activist, greets with a friendly wave. "It was amazing to see what I had only imagined from textbooks. Since it's the 80th anniversary, it really feels like a meaningful exhibition." "Through AI recreation, I could almost feel their spirit and character." It's not just their faces that have returned. A separate video project by the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs and a local company used AI to recreate the sound of cheers from 1945, the very moment Korea regained its freedom. "Long live Korean independence!" Behind that joy lies a darker history, one the museum is also determined to show. For the first time ever, Japan's surveillance cards of independence heroes are on display. In particular, the five surveillance cards of Ahn Chang-ho show how his face grew noticeably gaunt through repeated imprisonments. "These cards were made to systematically manage imprisoned independence activists. They're about palm-sized, but filled with detailed information, including names and photos." Liberation Day in Korea is more than a historical anniversary. It is a moment to reflect on the cost of freedom, and to honor those who paid that price. And now, with AI, the voices and faces of Korea's fight for independence can finally be seen and heard. Park Hyo-been, Arirang News.

[NEWS SPECIAL] 80TH ANNIVERSARY OF KOREA'S LIBERATION

2025/08/15 14:33

80TH ANNIVERSARY OF KOREA'S LIBERATION 광복절 경축식 수중계<div></div>