News
Western allies slam Trump's plan to '"take over" Gaza
2025/02/06 17:00
On the international front. Washington's allies and adversaries alike have voiced their firm opposition to the idea of the U.S. taking over the Gaza Strip. Lee Seung-jae covers the condemnation. During a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday, U.S. President Donald Trump proposed that the U.S. "take over" the Gaza Strip and resettle the Palestinian population. His plans to turn the area into the "Riviera of the Middle East" were heavily criticized by Western allies on Wednesday. The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed its opposition to "any forced displacement" of Gazans, adding that Paris will continue to push for the implementation of a two-state solution. Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said while Italy will look into Trump's plans,.. it still remains in favor of a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. German President Walter Steinmeier slammed the plan, calling it unacceptable, adding that such actions will form a serious basis "for the upcoming talks between the regional actors and the U.S. administration." UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also criticized the proposal, calling the relocation of Gazans,.. a form of "ethnic cleansing." "In the search for solutions, we must not make the problem worse. It is vital to stay true to the bedrock of international law. It is essential to avoid any form of ethnic cleansing." The paramilitary Palestinian Islamic Jihad group, denounced what it called "racist comments" by the U.S. leader and vowed to fight his plans in Gaza. In a statement on Wednesday, the group said that Israel's attempt to force Palestinians to leave Gaza failed, and that Trump's proposal will also fail. Despite the international condemnation, President Trump said Wednesday at the White House, that "everybody loves" his proposal for a U.S. takeover of Gaza. Trump's officials were quick to clear up what they believe were misunderstandings, as U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio said that Trump's plan was a unique offer to step in and clear debris and destruction in Gaza. He added that the move to relocate the Gazans was not meant as a hostile move and that details still needed to be worked out. With Trump also considering U.S. troop deployment to the Gaza Strip, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said Trump is "willing to think outside the box, look for new and unique, dynamic ways to solve problems," adding that the Pentagon is prepared to look at all options. Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.
S. Korea, U.S. national security advisors agree to meet at earliest possible date in first phone talks
2025/02/06 17:00
Meanwhile Seoul and Washington's national security advisors have agreed to meet at an early date in the U.S. to address a host of regional and global concerns. Intentions to this end were shared during recent talks on the phone between Shin Won-sik and Michael Waltz. According to the top office here the two officials also touched upon the bilateral alliance as well as the trilateral partnership with Japan amid North Korea's nuclear weapons and missile threats. Shin also voiced his confidence in the future of South Korea's ties with the U.S. under the Trump administration while Waltz shared a similar expectation of greater cooperation across a range of fields.
What do Donald Trump's tariffs mean for S. Korea?
2025/02/06 17:00
The Trump administration's protectionist trade policy is taking shape with a fresh tariff on China and briefly postponed tariffs on Canada and Mexico amid renewed threats of blanket taxes on all imports to the U.S. So what does this mean for export-oriented countries like South Korea? Our Lee Soo-jin seeks to answer that question. South Korea faces both risks and opportunities as global trade dynamics shift amid rising tariff tensions. While U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday local time, decided to pause the implementation of the tariffs for Canada and Mexico, for at least 30 days, his 10-percent tariff on Chinese products took effect just after midnight Tuesday. But these tariffs could potentially benefit Korean exporters, who'd gain a competitive edge in supplying products that China previously dominated. According to one expert,.. U.S. companies may shift their supply chains to South Korean firms. "In markets like the semiconductor industry, companies like SK hynix already have a strong presence, and if tariffs are imposed on China, South Korean products could gain an even greater competitive advantage." As semiconductors are South Korea's top export item, this would boost the country's trade surplus. But risks remain, as the expected drop in exports of Chinese goods to the U.S. may reduce Chinese orders for South Korea's key intermediate goods. "Our country's export structure depends on selling intermediate goods to China, for them to be assembled into the final product for export to other countries. So, if demand for China's goods declines, demand for these intermediate goods will also decline." And with growing concerns of possible tariffs on the EU and South Korea as well, South Korea's government and its companies are being proactive. The South Korean government announced Wednesday that it will establish a "Strategic Advanced Industry Fund," worth over 34 trillion Korean won, or around 23 billion U.S. dollars, to boost industrial competitiveness. "Ongoing global trade uncertainties, including additional tariffs on China, require close attention. We will establish the "Strategic Advanced Industry Fund" at the Industrial Bank of Korea to support high-tech sectors like batteries and biotech." As for the private sector,.. SK Group chairman Chey Tae-won will lead a delegation to Washington, D.C. on the 19th to discuss response strategies, with a meeting with Trump reportedly under discussion. Lee Soo-jin, Arirang News.
PPP interim leader Kwon Young-se to focus on ruling party's reformation, change for time being
2025/02/06 17:00
The ruling People Power Party is poised to focus on party reform and change. Such intentions were shared by its interim chairman Kwon Young-se during a press conference earlier on this Thursday as he observed that quote "some stability and harmony" had been recovered. Acknowledging what he referred to as the recent "discord" between the ruling party and the government Kwon said the PPP will now seek to improve its image through its policies especially those regarding the economy. He pointed to easing restrictions on business operations of Korea's conglomerates to boost growth as one potential policy.
Acting Pres. Choi attends third parliamentary hearing on insurrection allegations
2025/02/06 17:00
Meanwhile at the National Assembly today. Acting president Choi Sang-mok attended a hearing led by lawmakers into charges of insurrection against the Yoon administration. Our political correspondent Shin Ha-young reports. During a third Assembly hearing on Thursday into allegations of insurrection by the president and some of his ministers, lawmakers directed their questions to Acting President Choi Sang-mok. The spotlight was on a controversial note Choi received on December 3rd, ordering the preparation of a budget for an emergency legislative body, presumably to replace the elected National Assembly. President Yoon previously said in his third impeachment hearing at the Constitutional Court that he learned about the note through media reports. Opposition party lawmakers on the special committee sought to determine whether President Yoon issued instructions to certain Cabinet members through written notes at the time. Choi reaffirmed that he received the note but did not review it immediately. "If the emergency legislative body, as mentioned in the note, forcibly dissolved the National Assembly and replaced it, wouldn't that be an unconstitutional body?" "I'm not aware of that matter." Meanwhile, ruling party lawmakers claimed that appointing Ma Eun-hyuk to the Constitutional Court would be unfair, due to the lack of a bipartisan consensus. "I believe there was no bipartisan agreement on nominee Ma Eun-hyuk. What do you think?" "I would say that there was no agreement between the parties at that time." Thursday's session was also attended by Prime Minister Han Duck-soo and other officials. Han expressed concern that if the Constitutional Court doesn't make a decision the public can accept, it could cause national division. Ahead of Thursday's hearing, the committee called 25 witnesses including President Yoon, Acting President Choi, and former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, to testify. However, nine of them, including Yoon and Kim, submitted excuses to not appear. At the beginning of the hearings, the opposition-led committee issued orders for Kim and three others involved in Yoon's martial law declaration to appear as witnesses. The committee's investigation is scheduled to end on February 13th, but the opposition is considering pushing for an extension, citing the absence of key witnesses at previous hearings. Shin Ha-young, Arirang News.
Western allies slam Trump's plan to '"take over" Gaza
2025/02/06 10:00
World leaders criticized U.S. President Donald Trump's plan to "take over" the Gaza Strip. But Trum insists "everybody loves" his proposal. Lee Seung-jae tells us more. During a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday, U.S. President Donald Trump proposed that the U.S. "take over" the Gaza Strip and resettle the Palestinian population. His plans to turn the area into the "Riviera of the Middle East" were heavily criticized by Western allies on Wednesday. The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed its opposition to "any forced displacement" of Gazans, adding that Paris will continue to push for the implementation of a two-state solution. Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said while Italy will look into Trump's plans,.. it still remains in favor of a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. German President Walter Steinmeier slammed the plan, calling it unacceptable, adding that such actions will form a serious basis "for the upcoming talks between the regional actors and the U.S. administration." UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also criticized the proposal, calling the relocation of Gazans,.. a form of "ethnic cleansing." "In the search for solutions, we must not make the problem worse. It is vital to stay true to the bedrock of international law. It is essential to avoid any form of ethnic cleansing." The paramilitary Palestinian Islamic Jihad group, denounced what it called "racist comments" by the U.S. leader and vowed to fight his plans in Gaza. In a statement on Wednesday, the group said that Israel's attempt to force Palestinians to leave Gaza failed, and that Trump's proposal will also fail. Despite the international condemnation, President Trump said Wednesday at the White House, that "everybody loves" his proposal for a U.S. takeover of Gaza. Trump's officials were quick to clear up what they believe were misunderstandings, as U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio said that Trump's plan was a unique offer to step in and clear debris and destruction in Gaza. He added that the move to relocate the Gazans was not meant as a hostile move and that details still needed to be worked out. With Trump also considering U.S. troop deployment to the Gaza Strip, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said Trump is "willing to think outside the box, look for new and unique, dynamic ways to solve problems," adding that the Pentagon is prepared to look at all options. Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.
Live: Yoon's impeachment trial resumes Constitutional Court undecided on extending trial dates
2025/02/06 10:00
President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment trial continues with the sixth hearing on Thursday. Starting today, hearings begin in the morning and run throughout the day with three testimonies. Our Oh Soo-young is at the Constitutional Court where the session has just kicked off. Q1. Sooyoung. The Court has seen some twists and turns in the testimonies by key witnesses so far, and today's line-up will also be interesting. That's right. The sixth hearing of President Yoon's impeachment trial began just moments ago at 10 AM, with key witnesses to testify today. On the National Assembly's side, former Army Special Warfare Command chief Kwak Jong-geun will soon begin his testimony. His claims are likely to clash with what has been stated by Yoon and former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun regarding the night of the martial law declaration. Ahead of the impeachment trial, Kwak refuted Yoon's claim that the military was ordered to pull out "agents" rather than "lawmakers" from the National Assembly, directly contradicting the president's defense. On Yoon's side, two witnesses will take the stand --Kim Hyun-tae, commander of the 707th Special Mission Battalion, and Senior Presidential Secretary for Economic Affairs Park Chun-seop. Yoon's legal team is expected to question Kim regarding allegations that the military was ordered to storm the National Assembly under martial law. The questions for Park are likely to focus on the opposition-led parliament slashing the government's budget, which Yoon claims led to a state of national emergency, justifying his martial law. From today, hearings begin at 10AM, not 2PM, as the judges aim to speed up proceedings. Q2. And there are two hearings left now. So the question is whether the trial is nearing an end or if it'll be extended. That's right, as of now, the last hearing is scheduled for next Thursday, and it's unclear whether the Court will stick to this schedule or choose to lengthen the trial. The Court's Press Officer Cheon Jaehyun said Wednesday regarding the possibility of scheduling additional hearings that it's "a matter for the court to decide," and there's no official position yet. But the press officer noted that trial dates can be postponed depending on the circumstances. President Yoon's legal team on Tuesday had requested that impeachment trial hearings be held only once a week, arguing that it is impractical to maintain the current twice-a-week schedule while also managing Yoon's upcoming criminal trial starting on February 20th. Justices dismissed most of Yoon's witness applications related to alleged election fraud, which Yoon says was a pretext for his martial law. It has approved only 15 witnesses from both Yoon's and the National Assembly's side, despite the President's lawyers having applied for over 30 witnesses. But notably, it rescheduled a testimony session for National Police Agency Commissioner General Cho Ji-ho, who failed to appear in a previous hearing due to health reasons. At the moment, it seems the court is focused on avoiding delays or calling up any witnesses it deems unnecessary so as to not prolong the trial. I see. Thank you and keep us updated.
Russia-Ukraine swap 150 prisoners of war
2025/02/06 10:00
Russia and Ukraine conducted a major exchange of prisoners of war on Wednesday, with each side releasing 150 soldiers. The swap took place in an undisclosed location, mediated by the United Arab Emirates. The released Russian soldiers were transported to Belarus, for medical examination and rehabilitation before returning to Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the return of Ukrainian personnel, including members of the navy, air force, and ground forces. The last exchange of prisoners took place in December of last year.
UK's foreign minister visits Kyiv, announces further financial support
2025/02/06 10:00
The UK has announced an additional financial aid package, to support Ukraine, during a visit by the British Foreign Secretary to Kyiv. Approximately 68.7 million U.S. dollars, in financial support was announced by British Foreign Secretary David Lammy on Wednesday. The new aid package aims to bolster Ukraine's resilience against Russian aggression, and is designed to cover energy initiatives, economic recovery, and social services. The announcement follows the recent signing of a 100-year partnership agreement between the UK and Ukraine in January, aimed at strengthening defense cooperation and economic collaboration. Since Russia's invasion, the UK has committed a total of 977 million pounds or approximately 1.22 billion U.S. dollars in support for Ukraine.
On-point: How can S. Korea make sure it's not left out of Trump diplomacy?
2025/02/06 10:00
U.S. President Donald Trump continues to expand his presence by sitting down with world leaders. How can South Korea make sure that it doesn't get left out of Trump's diplomacy? We're joined by Professor Andrew Millard. Good morning. 1. After holding his first summit talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump is now set to meet the Japanese Prime Minister this week. Why do you think Trump picked Japan to hold his second summit with? What significance does their summit carry? 2. South Korea has been going through a rough time ever since the martial law order was issued last December, which means diplomacy is not at the forefront, especially with the country's leadership at risk. Should South Korea be worried that no Seoul-Washington summit is in sight? 3. The historic Camp David trilateral summit between South Korea, the U.S., and Japan took place back in summer 2023. Can something similar to this happen again during the Trump administration? Or is it pie in the sky? 4. How can we approach the Trump administration so that we're not left out of Trump diplomacy? And on the global diplomatic front? What should we do? 5. The formal appointment of Kim Dae-ki, the ambassador-designate to China and President Yoon's former chief of staff, has been delayed because of Yoon's impeachment trial. Isn't this a big concern that the post is vacant, especially when we see another trade war growing between the U.S. and China? Thanks so much for joining us this morning. We appreciate it.
S. Korea, U.S. national security advisors agree to meet at earliest possible date in first phone talks
2025/02/06 10:00
Seoul and Washington's national security advisors Shin Won-sik and Michael Waltz held their first phone call on Wednesday night, agreeing to meet at the earliest possible date in person in Washington. This follows Waltz's appointment as the first top security official of the second Trump Administration. According to Seoul's top office, the two exchanged views on bilateral relations, North Korea's nuclear and missile threats, and trilateral cooperation between South Korea, the U.S. and Japan. They also discussed cooperation on regional and global issues. Shin congratulated Waltz on his appointment and expressed confidence that the South Korea-U.S. alliance will continue to strengthen under the Trump administration. The U.S. official also said he expects the two countries would further expand their cooperation across a range of fields.
Third parliamentary hearing on insurrection allegations takes place after committee fails to question Yoon, Kim on-site
2025/02/06 10:00
The National Assembly's special committee investigating the Yoon administration over allegations of planning an insurrection is holding its third hearing on Thursday morning. The committee has called 25 witnesses including President Yoon Suk Yeol, Acting President Choi Sang-mok, and former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, to testify at today's hearing. However, nine of them, including Yoon and Kim, submitted notices of absence. This comes a day after a parliamentary attempt, led by the main opposition party, to question Yoon and Kim at their respective detention centers failed as both refused to participate. The ruling party also boycotted those questioning attempts. The committee's investigation is scheduled to end on February 13th, but the opposition is considering pushing for an extension, citing the absence of key witnesses in previous hearings.
Yoon, Kim refuse to answer lawmakers' questions at detention centers
2025/02/05 20:00
Thank you for joining us. I'm Yoon Jung-min. A parliamentary effort today led by the opposition to question President Yoon Suk Yeol and former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun at their respective detention centers failed to bear fruit. Kim Jung-sil leads us off. Both President Yoon and former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun refused to cooperate with the National Assembly's committee, which visited the detention centers holding them to conduct questioning. On Wednesday afternoon, lawmakers attempted to question Yoon at the Seoul Detention Center, where he is being held. However, the president refused to meet with them, following the same pattern of refusing to attend previous hearings by the same committee. Earlier in the day, the committee visited the Seoul Dongbu Detention Center in eastern Seoul to question former Defense Minister Kim. However, he also declined to participate, citing a "busy schedule" and a need to meet with his legal team. "We waited, but he didn't show up. They claim he's meeting with his legal team, but I believe it's just an excuse to avoid questioning." As a result, the committee has reported Kim for contempt of the National Assembly. Meanwhile, lawmakers from the ruling party boycotted the questioning, opposing the selection of President Yoon as a witness. In a separate development, the National Police Agency's Special Investigation Division announced Wednesday that Prime Minister Han Duck-soo was summoned the day before for questioning in connection with insurrection charges. This marks the second round of questioning for Han, with the first having taken place in December. The police are investigating his role in the decision to declare emergency martial law, specifically focusing on whether proper legal procedures were followed. The Prime Minister has consistently denied the allegations, maintaining that no constitutional violations occurred during the Cabinet meeting prior to the martial law declaration. Kim Jung-sil, Arirang News.
Ukraine’s intel chief disputes claim that North Korean troops have fled Russian frontlines
2025/02/05 20:00
Elsewhere. Ukrainian troops say about 8-thousand North Korean soldiers are still fighting on the frontlines in Kursk. This contradicts media reports saying they have not been seen in weeks. The head of Ukraine's Defense Intelligence Directorate Kyrylo Budanov has also said that North Korean troops are still battling against Ukraine but are doing so in a reduced capacity. He added Ukrainian officials are trying to determine what the change means. The New York Times last week reported that North Korean soldiers in Kursk have been pulled off the front lines after suffering heavy casualties.
Trump and Xi talks delayed as tariff war looms
2025/02/05 20:00
Amid a fresh tug-of-war between the U.S. and China over tariffs, their leaders' talks may not take place as soon as predicted, with President Trump saying he is in no rush. Moon Hye-ryeon has more. U.S. President Donald Trump says he's in no rush to speak with Chinese President Xi Jinping as tensions rise between the world's two largest economies. This comes as the U.S. imposed an additional ten percent tariff on all Chinese imports starting Tuesday – prompting a measured response from Beijing in the form of tariffs on American goods such as coal and liquefied natural gas, as well as possible sanctions on major U.S. companies. On the same day, China's State Administration for Market Regulation announced that it would be launching an antitrust probe into Google – and the Financial Times reported that Intel could also be subject to investigations. Chinese authorities launched a similar probe into Nvidia last year, and these investigations into American tech companies could lead to fines or loss of market access. When asked about the tit-for-tat levies, Trump remained unfazed and reportedly said, "That's fine." A White House official said that no call between the two leaders has been scheduled as of Tuesday. Beijing's tariffs are due to take effect starting next week, leaving room for negotiations. However, Trump has hinted that even higher tariffs could be on the table unless China addresses the supply of chemicals used to make the powerful opioid fentanyl to countries including Mexico, which is then smuggled into the U.S. Trump also suggested that the European Union could be next, prompting Brussels to keep a close watch on this latest round of trade measures. The head of the EU's executive European Commission spoke out and said it is prepared to protect its own interest if the U.S. shifts its attention to the EU. "We will be ready for tough negotiations where needed and to find solutions where possible, to work out any grievances and to set the foundations for a stronger partnership. We will be open and pragmatic in how to achieve that but we will make it equally clear that we will always protect our own interests however and whenever that is needed." Mexico was also part of Trump's lineup for steep tariffs, but a deal to send 10 thousand members of the country's National Guard to curb fentanyl trafficking at the border pushed back the levies for a month. On Tuesday, it was reported that Mexico began moving its troops to its northern border as part of its deal, with photos and videos circulating on social media showing reinforcements arriving in regions where some cities are frequently affected by drug cartel violence. The Mexican President said that the troops would also assist in maintaining overall security at the border. Moon Hye-ryeon, Arirang News.
Trump claims that U.S. will take over the Gaza Strip
2025/02/05 20:00
In the U.S. President Donald Trump speaks of taking control over Gaza following talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House. He also suggested resettling displaced Palestinians outside the Strip. Ahn Sung-jin reports. Just two weeks back in the Oval Office, U.S. President Donald Trump has been making major assertions. "The U.S. will take over the Gaza Strip and we will do a job with it too." Trump hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House and during a press conference on Tuesday local time, Trump voiced that Gazans should leave the strip permanently to neighboring countries. He added that the U.S. would be responsible for getting rid of "dangerous unexploded bombs and other weapons" on-site and bringing economic development. Trump also referred to Gaza as the "Riviera of the Middle East" which he called something "that could be so magnificent." This places him closer to Israel's most conservative politicians whereas the Biden administration had tried to settle a peaceful existence of both Israel and Palestine. Netanyahu, who has been under increasing pressure at home, remained smiling as Trump spoke. "Everybody I have spoken to loves the idea of the United States owning that piece of land. I spoke to other leaders of countries in the Middle East and they love the idea." However, most of the neighboring countries are unwilling to accept new Palestinian refugees. Saudi Arabia, through a written statement from its Foreign Ministry, immediately voiced opposition, and other countries including Egypt, Jordan, and Qatar had already issued a joint statement to oppose resettlement. Meanwhile, one expert placed doubt on Trump's plans. "I think he's just trying to shake things up like he often does. Most certainly there is no plan behind this and if there is, it's not a plan that has any connection to reality." Trump also signed an executive order withdrawing the U.S. from the UN Human Rights Council and banning any future support to the UN Relief and Works Agency for the Near East. In addition to Trump's discussion of the prospects of Gaza, he also mentioned strategies to counter Iran such as maximizing pressure and hopes for an Israeli-Saudi normalization deal. Ahn Sung-jin, Arirang News.
Appeals hearing held for opposition leader Lee following his constitutional review request
2025/02/05 20:00
An appeals hearing was held Wednesday afternoon at the Seoul High Court on main opposition Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung over his violation of the Public Official Election Act. This comes a day after Lee filed a request with the appellate court for a constitutional review, seeking a ruling on the constitutionality of relevant legal provisions. If the court accepts the request, the appeals hearings will be suspended until the Constitutional Court issues a ruling. Lee was convicted of making false statements during the previous presidential campaign when he was a candidate. Lee denied knowing a man involved in a land development scandal in Seongnam during a media interview in 2021, and also reportedly made false claims during a related National Assembly audit. Following his trial, he was given a one-year prison sentence, suspended for two years. Should this ruling stand, Lee will lose his legislative seat and be barred from running in elections for five years.
Key witnesses to testify at sixth hearing of impeachment trial of President Yoon on Thursday
2025/02/05 20:00
Following the fifth hearing of the president's impeachment trial yesterday where there were some clashing statements, the sixth round is scheduled to take place tomorrow, with another key witness to take the stand. Bae Eun-ji explains. Another hearing of President Yoon's trial is set to begin at 10 AM on Thursday, and eyes are now on what the key witnesses will say. Of those to testify is former Army Special Warfare Commander Kwak Jong-keun, who during a recent parliamentary session, reaffirmed that he was ordered by the president to drag lawmakers out from the National Assembly, on the night of the martial law. His claim contradicts that of former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, a key figure behind the martial law, who insisted Yoon ordered "members of the military," not "members of the Assembly," to be taken out of the building. "I was ordered to break down the door of the National Assembly and quickly drag out the people inside. At the time, troop members weren't even at the building." Meanwhile, the Constitutional Court announced Wednesday that it will call in the former chief of Seoul Police Agency, Kim Bong-sik next Thursday. It also said they will resummon Police Commissioner General Cho Ji-ho for questioning on the same day after Cho did not appear for questioning on January 23rd, citing health reasons. "Questioning for Cho Ji-ho, who did not appear for previous witness questioning, will take place on February 13th." Both Kim and Cho are accused of mobilizing police officers to seal off parliament when martial law was briefly imposed on December 3rd. As for the impeachment trial of Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, the Constitutional Court said it will hold the first hearing on February 19th. Earlier in December, the opposition-controlled National Assembly approved an impeachment motion against Han, after he refused to appoint three new justices to the Constitutional Court, ahead of its review of President Yoon's impeachment. Bae Eun-ji, Arirang News.
N. Korea delivers first criticism of Trump's second administration
2025/02/05 20:00
Welcome to Within The Frame, where we bring the most pressing issues across the globe into focus, I'm Kim Mok-yeon. North Korea has issued its first direct criticism of the second Trump administration, blasting the remarks made by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio who labeled the regime a "rogue state." In a statement via its state media, North Korea condemned Rubio's comments as a "grave political provocation," reaffirming its rejection of U.S. hostility. The regime warned of "tough counteraction," citing its longstanding stance of resistance to U.S. provocations. While President Trump has continuously been expressing interest in reengaging with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, prospects of diplomatic talks seem uncertain, as North Korea has instead emphasized strengthening its "nuclear shield" in response to external threats. As tensions continue to rise, experts are analyzing what the latest development means for Washington-Pyongyang relations and the broader security landscape. For more on this, we invite into the studio Go Myong-hyun, Senior Research Fellow at the Institute for National Security Strategy. Welcome. Also joining us from Washington D.C. is Joseph DeTrani, Former Special Envoy of the U.S. for Six-Party Talks. Great to have you with us. (Go) 1. So let's start with Dr. Go, Considering all the remarks made by Trump on North Korea after his inauguration, what do you think prompted North Korea to issue its first direct criticism of the Trump administration? Do you think it was solely in response to the remarks made by Secretary of State Marco Rubio? (De Trani) 2. Now to ambassador DeTrani, How significant is this shift in North Korea's rhetoric towards the United States compared to previous instances of diplomatic exchanges? (De Trani) 3. North Korea has indicated it will answer "military threats" with military power—what could this mean? How does this stance affect international security concerns? (De Trani) 4. In the wake of these comments, what do you foresee for the future of U.S.-North Korea relations? Do you think there is any room for negotiation, or has the gap between their policies grown too wide? (Go) 5. As for North Korean soldier presence in the Russia-Ukraine war, South Korea's intel agency says there are signs that North Korean forces have ceased active combat in the region for several weeks. Dr. Go, Could this be a temporary strategy, or does this show deeper problems with the deployment? (Go) 6. In fact, The National Intelligence Service has estimated over 3,000 casualties among the North Korean forces in Russia. What impact could such a significant loss of life have on the regime? (De Trani) 7. Meanwhile, A joint motorway bridge project linking North Korea and Russia across the Tumen River is underway, with completion targeted by the end of 2026. Ambassador, How significant will this infrastructure be for enhancing trade and economic exchanges between North Korea and Russia? (Go) 8. Lately, we also hear that North Korea could be willing to accept Chinese tourists from February. The regime was only opened to tourists from Russia since the COVID-19 pandemic. How much do you think this would affect the domestic economy? Could you also tell us about the regime's economic situation thesedays? (De Trani) 9. All of this seems to be some good news for the North Korean economy, which is still under global sanctions. Ambassador, should we be worried about the regime's economy recovering and further developing its nuclear weapons? (Go) 10. How about you? Are you concerned about the effectiveness of economic sanctions imposed by the international community on North Korea?
FIFTH HEARING OF PRES. YOON'S IMPEACHMENT TRIAL
2025/02/05 17:00
Hello and welcome. It's Wednesday February 5th here in Seoul and you're watching Press Perspective. Today we talk about the latest developments regarding the impeachment trial of President Yoon Suk Yeol who attended the fifth hearing at the Constitutional Court that took place yesterday afternoon. For more I have Chloe Borgnon with France 24 here in the studio. Chloe it's good to have you here. I also have Kelly Kasulis Cho with The Washington Post with us. Kelly welcome back. 1) Chloe, let's start with details from the fifth hearing of the president's impeachment trial that took place on Tuesday. 2) Kelly, what were some of your takeaways from this particular hearing, which included a key lineup of military officials? 3) Chloe, simply speaking, what has been President Yoon Suk Yeol's argument against his impeachment at the Constitutional Court, and what has been the basis of the parliamentary panel's call for his removal from office? 4) Meanwhile, Kelly, President Yoon faces a separate criminal prosecution into charges of insurrection. What is the latest on that front? 5) Chloe, against this backdrop, supporters of the impeached president have been staging rallies, big and small, vowing to stand by his side. How do you explain this moral support? 6) Kelly, there has been strong belief among Yoon supporters that a vote of confidence from Trump would serve strongly in favor of the Korean leader. Hypothetically speaking, what may be the potential merits and setbacks of Trump's take on Yoon's fate? 7) Chloe, walk us through the events that will take place if the president's impeachment is upheld by the Constitutional Court, and also through the events that may take place if he is reinstated. 8) Kelly, broadly speaking, what are the diplomatic priorities for Korea, regardless of who takes charge, now that the Trump administration has returned to the White House? 9) Chloe, do you expect changes to the alliance between Seoul and Washington under Mr. Trump, and for that matter, what about the alliance between the U.S. and Europe? 10) And Kelly, what about the trilateral partnership among Seoul, Washington, and Tokyo? How does this partnership look to be affected under a second Trump administration?