News
World News: EU leaders meet in Brussels for informal talks focused on defence
2025/02/04 17:00
This is The World Now, bringing you the latest stories from around the globe. On February 3, European Union leaders gathered in Brussels for informal discussions centered on defense and security. The meeting addressed concerns over potential U.S. tariffs on European goods, as indicated by President Donald Trump. While French President Emmanuel Macron stressed Europe's need to assert itself, if its commercial interests are threatened, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed a preference for cooperation. Other leaders, including Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, also highlighted the negative implications of a trade war and the importance of unity. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also joined the bloc's 27 leaders in the meeting. Starmer became the first UK prime minister to attend an EU leaders' meeting since the country left the bloc five years ago. In Greece, the tourist island of Santorini, is on alert after more than 200 undersea earthquakes were recorded between February 1 and 3. The most substantial quake, a magnitude 4.8, occurred on Monday local time, leading to landslides and rockslides on the island. In response, authorities have closed schools in related areas, advised residents and tourists to avoid abandoned buildings, and issued tsunami warnings. Emergency teams, including rescue units and medical personnel, have been deployed as a precaution. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, has urged residents to stay calm and adhere to protection guidelines. The frequency and intensity of the recent quakes have led to many residents to temporarily leave the island. In Russia, an explosion in the lobby of a luxury apartment complex in Moscow has killed pro-Russian paramilitary leader Armen Sarkisyan and his bodyguard. Three others were injured. Russian authorities labeled the bombing in the Scarlet Sails luxury apartment complex on Monday, local time a "carefully planned assassination," as the explosive device reportedly detonated remotely just as Sarkisyan entered the lobby. Sarkisyan was the founder of the Arbat battalion, a pro-Russian militia operating in eastern Ukraine. He had been accused by Ukraine's Security Service of participating in illegal armed groups and organizing pro-Russian military units. In the UK, London Zoo on Monday celebrated the successful breeding of 33 endangered Darwin's froglets, following a rescue mission from a forest in southern Chile. In October 2024, a team of conservationists collected 52 healthy Darwin's frogs and transported them to London in climate-controlled conditions. A devastating fungus had caused a 90% decline in the population of Darwin's frogs in Chile since 2023. The amphibians, named after naturalist Charles Darwin, are known for their unique behavior where males carry developing tadpoles in their vocal sacs for safety. Choi Chi-hee, Arirang News.
At least 20 killed in car bomb attack in northern Syria
2025/02/04 17:00
In Middle East. At least 20 people were killed in a car bomb attack in the northern Syria on Monday. According to authorities there a car filled with explosives blew up next to a truck carrying agricultural workers most of them female. The Syrian leadership has vowed to bring those responsible for the appalling assault to justice but no one has claimed responsibility for the attack as of yet.
Joint talks between acting president, Assembly speaker, rival party leaders set for next week
2025/02/04 17:00
Also today the government and rival political parties have agreed to meet for talks early next week. Acting President Choi Sang-mok National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik ruling People Power Party interim Chairman Kwon Young-se and main opposition Democratic Party Chairman Lee Jae-myung will partake in the upcoming meeting that will address matters related to supporting the economy. Now these include a special act in support of the semiconductor industry a supplementary budget and pension reform.
Ruling party, gov't support "over 52-hour workweek" for workers in semiconductor industry
2025/02/04 17:00
At the National Assembly. The ruling party has proposed permitting flexibility in work hours for those in the chip industry to allow for a strategic edge over the competition in the global AI race. Our correspondent Lee Shi-hoo reports. How can South Korea's semiconductor industry further boost its global competitiveness amid ongoing shifts in the global AI market? The ruling People Power Party has suggested an exception to the current labor law so that employees in the sector could work for more than 52 hours per week, the limit laid out under Korea's labor law. "The competitiveness of our semiconductor industry is weakening due to rigid operations based on a 52-hour workweek. The legal restriction is blocking R&D and production line operations despite the lack of time facing us." In a discussion with the ministers of trade and labor held at the National Assembly on Tuesday, lawmakers suggested the legislation of a special act that will allow for a labor law exemption that will enable research professionals to work for longer than 52 hours per week. The special act also aims to provide firms with additional government subsidies to support their growth. The ruling party urged the opposition parties to join them in the efforts so the special act can be approved this month with Acting President Choi Sang-mok, also showing his support on Tuesday, saying, "The National Assembly should conclude the special act and other key economy-related bills during its February session." The leader of the main opposition Democratic Party Lee Jae-myung, the day before, had spoken favorably of giving the semiconductor industry flexibility in its working conditions, but with restrictions. Lee said at a related debate on Monday that while he "hasn't come up with conclusions," he would consider allowing high-income research professionals to work longer in certain periods of the year if the workers themselves agree to it. Meanwhile, the ruling party and government officials also discussed measures to resolve unsold housing issues occurring in non-capital regions in the country, as well as further "livelihood" measures for those in need including grocery vouchers for the financially vulnerable, as well as support for small business owners, workers in jobs with weak stability, and for young people. Tuesday's discussions came following the release of DeepSeek's open-source AI Chatbot last month, which has impacted the global AI development environment, and the recent imposition of tariffs by the newly launched Trump administration that is posing increased risks to South Korean firms. Lee Shi-hoo, Arirang News.
S. Korea kicks off livelihood and economic response plan for Q1
2025/02/04 17:00
Starting this week the government will put into action its plan aimed at supporting public livelihood and the broader economy. Intentions to this end were shared at a Cabinet meeting on this Tuesday during which acting President Choi Sang-mok added close monitoring of economic trends on a weekly basis will be followed by at least one tangible response measure each week. Emphasis has been placed on the execution of effective measures to support the economy within the first quarter of this year. Such efforts include revising regulations or temporarily easing them to allow for better adaptation to emerging challenges as Korea too braces for U.S. tariffs.
Protestors gather at detention center ahead of Yoon's impeachment trial
2025/02/04 17:00
Meanwhile at the Seoul Detention Center EARLIER this afternoon people backing the president gathered outside the center braving the day's frigid conditions to share their moral support. Our Choi Min-jung was there. A freezing cold Tuesday. Despite the bitterly cold weather, dozens of President Yoon Suk Yeol's supporters gathered at the Seoul Detention Center, to cheer for Yoon with the president heading to the constitutional court for the fifth hearing of his impeachment trial. Supporters sang and chanted loudly, banging on drums. One supporter attempted to enter the detention center but was stopped by police. There was also a small number of people protesting in favor of Yoon's impeachment. "The police has deployed heavy security and buses on site to prevent any potential physical clashes between those for and against the impeachment." On Wednesday, officials from the National Assembly's special committee on the insurrection investigation,.. are scheduled to visit the detention center to question Yoon in person, as he has refused to attend previous committee hearings. But it remains to be seen whether Yoon will comply with the investigation. Choi Min-jung, Arirang News.
EU leaders meet in Brussels for informal talks focused on defense
2025/02/04 10:00
Beginning in Europe, on February 3, European Union leaders gathered in Brussels for informal discussions centered on defense and security. The meeting addressed concerns over potential U.S. tariffs on European goods, as indicated by President Donald Trump. While French President Emmanuel Macron stressed Europe's need to assert itself, if its commercial interests are threatened, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed a preference for cooperation. Other leaders, including Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, also highlighted the negative implications of a trade war and the importance of unity. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also joined the bloc's 27 leaders in the meeting. Starmer became the first UK prime minister to attend an EU leaders' meeting since the country left the bloc five years ago.
On-point: How has martial law order affected domestic demand?
2025/02/04 10:00
It's been exactly two months since the martial law order was issued. Although it was a short-lived, botched one, the aftermath of the lingering political instability is now wobbling domestic demand and consumer sentiment here in the country. Let's turn to Professor Shin Se-don for more. Welcome back. 1. We're now seeing data that reflects the repercussions of the martial law order. South Korea's retail sales dropped by the most in 21 years last year due to poor domestic demand. How big of an influence did the December martial law order have on the latest figure? Is it something we should be worried about? 2. How much do political crises like a marital law declaration affect consumer spending? (based on the crises in the past} 3. What about the real estate? There were just over 3-thousand real estate transactions in December last year when the martial law order was issued. This is a notably low figure considering we saw over 9-thousand transactions last July alone. What's slowing people's decisions to buy and sell? 4. Does it mean we'll continue to see poor figures for January for domestic consumption and in the real estate sector? When might this political drama come to an end and what does "the end" mean? 5. The finance ministry plans to accelerate efforts to recover the local economy. That includes implementing an economic reinforcement package worth over 12 billion U.S. dollars. Will it be enough? What else should there be? Thanks so much for sharing your insight with us this morning. We appreciate it.
President Yoon's impeachment trial resumes with key martial law witnesses likely to testify against him
2025/02/04 10:00
The impeachment trial of President Yoon Suk-yeol, which was temporarily paused due to the Lunar New Year holiday, will resume today. The fifth hearing in Yoon’s case is expected to feature key witnesses who were involved in the martial law order. For more, we have our Oh Soo-young at the Constitutional Court. 1. Sooyoung, the fifth hearing on Tuesday afternoon will include key witnesses for the National Assembly side which is arguing for impeachment. Tell us more. Sure, Dami. The three witnesses testifying at the Court this afternoon were key military and intelligence officials involved in executing the December 3rd martial law decree. They'll each be questioned for ninety minutes from 2:30 PM today. Given what they have already told investigators, they're hugely unfavorable witnesses for the President. Lee Jin-woo, former commander of the Capital Defense Command, reportedly claimed he was ordered by Yoon himself to deploy martial law forces, storm the National Assembly by force, and drag out legislators to stop them from overturning martial law. Yeo In-hyung, former chief of the Defense Counterintelligence Command, is said to have been ordered by former Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun to arrest certain politicians. And Hong Jang-won, former first deputy director of the National Intelligence Service, has said he was informed of the arrests to be made, and was told to "seize them all this time" for a "total clean-up." President Yoon has denied the major allegations, including the order to blockade the National Assembly and the National Election Commission, the drafting of budget notes for an emergency legislative body, and the order to arrest politicians. So the hearing this afternoon could feature conflicting testimonies that the President himself would likely try to refute. z cvfsaze Q2. With President Yoon denying all charges, and defending himself, how long do you see this trial stretching on? Well, for now, there are three more hearings scheduled until next Thursday, but it's unclear whether the Constitutional Court will be able to wrap up the case by then, or choose to hear from more witnesses, which would inevitably prolong the trial. So far, the Court has been firm about sticking to the schedule and delivering a swift trial process. The case also seems less complex compared to former President Park Geun-hye's trial in 2017 which involved 16 hearings and over 30 witnesses, compared to Yoon's 8 hearings and dozen witnesses. So based on the Court's current schedule, a verdict could be out by the end of the month, or early March, given that it took 10 days to deliver a ruling on Park's trial, and 14 days in the case of former President Roh Moo-hyun. But the conflicting testimonies may require more witnesses for cross-checking and verification of whether Yoon directly issued martial law orders, whether the decrees were unconstitutional, and whether he had pre-planned the martial law. Yoon's team has applied for more than 24 witnesses, and the Court is still reviewing the candidates. Also, as Yoon's representatives continue to challenge the Court's proceedings, experts say the trial could also be lengthened. "Unlike in former President Park Geun-hye’s case, where her defense team did not engage much in legal debates, this time, President Yoon’s legal team is aggressively contesting legal arguments. Also, the speed of the proceedings is important, of course, but if the trial is rushed too much, leading to a lack of thorough evidence review, that would be a very dangerous outcome." Most experts believe the trial would be concluded before mid-April when two justices are set to retire, but Professor Chang says a longer timeline cannot be ruled out based on what we've seen so far over the past four hearings. I see. Keep us updated during the day, Sooyoung.
Protestors begin to gather at detention center ahead of impeachment trial
2025/02/04 10:00
With President Yoon's impeachment trial resuming today, we turn to the Seoul Detention Center, where he is scheduled to depart for the Constitutional Court this afternoon. And our Choi Min-jung is at the detention center. Min-jung, how are things looking this morning? Hi Dami, it's a freezing cold morning. And perhaps,.. due to the weather, we are not seeing a big crowd of protestors here at the moment. But those who are here, are hitting big drums and chanting loudly. Choi Min-jung, Seoul Detention Center But we are expecting to see more people gather, with Yoon, as you said, scheduled to go to the constitutional court for the impeachment trial later in the day. We are currently seeing heavy security with the police officers and buses on site. And Min-jung, along with the impeachment trial, President Yoon is also facing a criminal trial. We learned yesterday the criminal trial will begin later this month, right? That's right, Dami. Legal sources have said Yoon's criminal trial will begin on February 20th, starting with a pretrial hearing. He will not be required to be present at the pretrial hearing, as it is a step focused on reviewing key evidence and issues before the formal trial begins. Yoon has been under a criminal probe on charges related to insurrection. The president is accused of declaring an illegal state of emergency on December third last year, without war, armed conflict, or a major national crisis. He is also suspected of deploying military troops to the National Assembly, to prevent lawmakers from rejecting the martial law declaration. Additionally, he is accused of planning the arrest of key political figures. Yoon argues that declaring martial law was constitutional, and he lifted the order when it was voted down by the Assembly. That's all for now, back to you Dami. Thank you, Min-jung, for the report. That was our Choi Min-jung reporting live from Seoul Detention Center.
Trump pauses tariff imposition on Mexico and Canada
2025/02/04 10:00
U.S. President Donald Trump's proposed tariffs on Canada and Mexico have been put on hold. This comes after the two countries have agreed to put more troops on their borders with the U.S. Ahn Sung-jin starts us off. Less than a day ahead of Trump's imposition of 25-percent tariffs on Canada and Mexico, the tariffs have been postponed for at least a month. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Monday local time posted on X that he had "a good call with President Trump" signaling that a deal has been struck. The deal includes implementing a 1-point-3 billion U.S. dollar border plan which includes reinforcing the border with nearly 10-thousand front line personnel as well as strengthening resources to respond to fentanyl and money laundering. The agreement with Canada comes only hours after Trump announced a similar deal with Mexico. Just a day before U.S. tariffs were to take place, Mexico agreed to also place 10-thousand national guard troops along the U.S. border to prevent the flow of drugs. "I told him we wanted him to pause the tariffs, so we reached that agreement. I'm sure that during this month we'll be able to deliver good results for his people and the people of Mexico." Over the next month, the U.S. and Mexico will be negotiating on trade and security issues before a final decision on whether to implement full tariffs. Meanwhile, Trump stated that he will be talking with China in less than 24 hours on deals regarding stopping the flow of fentanyl and the Panama Canal. However, Beijing's ambassador to the United Nations, Fu Cong reaffirmed the country's position during a press conference at the UN headquarters stating that China will file a lawsuit with the World Trade Organization and implement countermeasures regarding Trump's tariffs. Concerns over a global tariff war sparked by Trump are still high as he also warned of tariffs to the European Union. "When targeted unfairly or arbitrarily, the European Union will respond firmly." Whether these trial periods for Canada and Mexico will lead to successful tariff deals is unclear negotiations could see the U.S. adding on trade issues and concrete results may not appear regarding drug trafficking or illegal immigration issues. Ahn Sung-jin, Arirang News.
Militia leader killed in blast in Moscow
2025/02/04 10:00
Moving to Russia, an explosion in the lobby of a luxury apartment complex in Moscow has killed pro-Russian paramilitary leader Armen Sarkisyan and his bodyguard. Three others were injured. Russian authorities labeled the bombing in the Scarlet Sails luxury apartment complex on Monday, local time a "carefully planned assassination," as the explosive device reportedly detonated remotely just as Sarkisyan entered the lobby. Sarkisyan was the founder of the Arbat battalion, a pro-Russian militia operating in eastern Ukraine. He had been accused by Ukraine's Security Service of participating in illegal armed groups and organizing pro-Russian military units.
Trump says EU tariffs will 'definitely happen' following tariffs on Canada, Mexico, China
2025/02/03 20:00
Thank you for joining us. I'm Yoon Jung-min. U.S. President Donald Trump has announced imposition of tariffs on key trading partners Canada, Mexico and China. Now, the EU will be on his next tariff target. Shin Ha-young reports on the looming trade war. After announcing tariffs on Mexico, Canada and China, U.S. President Donald Trump is now setting his sights on the European Union. "It will definitely happen with the European Union. I can tell you that because they've really taken advantage of us. And, you know, we have over a 300 billion dollars deficit." He criticized the EU as unfair, claiming that while the U.S. buys millions of European cars, Europe doesn't buy American cars and agricultural products. This comes after Trump on Saturday announced a 25-percent tariff on goods from Canada and Mexico, while China was hit with an additional 10-percent tariff on various existing duty rates. "If we have a U.S. bank, they don't allow them to go in. Canada's been very tough for oil on energy. They don't allow our farm products in, essentially. They don't allow a lot of things in." Trump said he will hold talks with leaders from Canada and Mexico on Monday, a day before the tariffs on the U.S.'s top two trading partners take effect. The tariffs are expected to be met with retaliatory measures from the affected countries, and are also expected to lead to higher inflation. Economists also predict that the ensuing trade war would likely slow U.S. growth. U.S. magazine Forbes forecasts that tariffs could increase the amount middle-class U.S. households pay for goods by 1-thousand-700 U.S. dollars, while the Wall Street Journal slammed Trump's tariff plans calling them "the dumbest trade war in history." However, Trump says while Americans may feel economic "pain" from his tariffs, it would be "worth the price" in order to secure U.S. interests. Shin Ha-young, Arirang News.
Newest Aegis Destroyer Jeongjo the Great's training unveiled for first time
2025/02/03 20:00
The South Korean Navy this past weekend showcased its newest destroyer in a training session for the first time. Our defense correspondent Kim Bo-kyoung takes a closer look. Sailing in the waters of the East Sea, the newest Aegis Destroyer, Jeongjo the Great, detects a simulated North Korean submarine, launching an SLBM from waters off Hamgyongbuk-do Province. "Anti-submarine, anti-aircraft yellow alert issued! All personnel, battle stations!" With a display in the Combat Command Center showing the missile's flight trajectory, the intercept missile was fired, hitting the SLBM in less than ten minutes from the point of detection. "Three, Two, one. Mark India (target hit)." This was part of the ballistic missile defense exercise that took place over the weekend, conducted aboard the 170-meter-long, 21-meter-wide destroyer. The warship is capable of not only detecting and tracking ballistic missiles but also intercepting them. as it is equipped with the ship-based surface-to-air missile system SM-6 and possibly SM-3 as well. "Showcasing Jeongjo the Great Aegis destroyer mobilized and in training for the first time is to mark the establishment of the newly-formed Task Fleet Command. This 82-hundred-ton advanced destroyer will be command's key asset." Newly launched on Saturday, the command will be based at the Jeju Naval Base, and will operate multiple destroyers under the Rear Admiral's command, including not just Jeongjo the Great destroyer but also 76-hundred ton Sejong the Great-class Aegis destroyers. And of course, Jeongjo the Great will be at the unit's core of the maritime three-axis system against North Korea's nuclear and missile threats. "Jeongjo the Great maintains the highest combat readiness through rigorous training to counter any possible maritime provocations. It is fully prepared to respond decisively and forcefully, regardless of when, where, and what circumstance." Kim Bo-kyoung, Arirang News.
Assembly Speaker urges rival parties to agree on supplementary budget during February extraordinary session
2025/02/03 20:00
Over at the National Assembly, an extraordinary session began today. During an opening ceremony, Speaker Woo Won-shik urged the rival parties to agree on a supplementary budget during the February session. He also urged speeding up legislation on people's livelihoods and called for the quick completion of talks on bills supporting future industries, including semiconductors and energy. The floor leaders of the rival parties will give speeches to the Assembly next week. Starting next Wednesday, the Assembly will question government ministries for three days.
Yoon visited by top ruling PPP leaders, delivers message for party
2025/02/03 20:00
Against this backdrop, the president had visitors at Seoul Detention Center earlier today, the leadership of the ruling People Power Party, during which he sent some message. Our political correspondent Kim Do-yeon has more. For the first time the leadership of the ruling People Power Party visited President Yoon Suk Yeol at Seoul Detention Center. On Monday as announced a day earlier interim Chair Kwon Young-se, floor leader Kweon Seong-dong, and senior lawmaker Na Kyung-won spent 30 minutes with President Yoon. "He urged our party to unite and play a role in giving hope to the people, including the younger generation in their 20s and 30s. He also expressed concerns about the current international situation and the global economy, particularly regarding South Korea's future." Also according to Na Yoon repeated the reasons behind his declaration of martial law that the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea had put the government in paralysis using its supermajority. The meeting comes after the floor leader announced yesterday that this was a personal visit to show support for an old friend and not a political move. This comes as President Yoon heads into a busy week. Two appearances at the Constitutional Court on Tuesday and Thursday and with the criminal trial also underway now there could be extra court appearances. For the impeachment motion trial at the Constitutional Court key military personnel will take the witness stand to testify as to Yoon's orders during the declaration and the brief execution of martial law. They include Yeo In-hyeong, former chief of the Defense Counterintelligence Command and others. NIS Chief Cho Tae-yong and National Security Advisor Shin Won-shik have also been asked to appear as witnesses by Yoon's legal team. And with the criminal trial putting more burden on Yoon Yoon's legal team requested the Constitutional Court to stop the review of his impeachment motion because of the criminal case that was ongoing for the same reason his declaration of martial law. According to Article 51 of the Constitutional Court Act this is a possibility. Yoon's legal team is also set to request bail for the President. Kim Do-yeon, Arirang News.
Constitutional Court postpones ruling on Acting President's partial bench appointment
2025/02/03 20:00
In other news. Will the Constitutional Court's final ruling with regard to President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment trial include eight or nine justices? Now that is the question, as the court next week shares its verdict on a related matter. Our correspondent Oh Soo-young explains. The Constitutional Court has postponed its verdict on whether Acting President Choi Sang-mok should have appointed a third judge to fill the court bench's remaining seat a crucial ruling as the bench deliberates on President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment trial. On Monday, the 8-member bench was set to convene at 2 PM to issue a ruling on a competence dispute filed by National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik against the Acting President's decision to appoint only two out of the three candidates recommended by the Assembly. Lawyer Kim Jung-hwan also filed a complaint, arguing that Choi's appointment was unconstitutional. However, the Court announced it would hold a hearing on the competence dispute one week later on February 10th, while indefinitely postponing a ruling on Kim's petition. Under pressure from both ends of the political spectrum, Choi in late December chose to instate two candidates one recommended by the ruling party and one by the opposition party. But he omitted left-leaning judge Ma Eun-hyuk, saying there should be bipartisan agreement on the third candidate. The Assembly's resolution to appoint the judges was forced through by the majority-holding opposition party, which recommended two progressive candidates. The Speaker, who comes from the opposition party, claims Choi has disregarded the parliament's decision, by only partially enacting the resolution. The ruling People Power Party, however, has called for the case to be scrapped and says the Speaker's competence dispute bypassed a formal vote at the National Assembly. "The Court's composition is a particularly sensitive issue, as it comes amid President Yoon's trial, which requires a two-thirds majority vote or six justices to uphold his impeachment." The ruling party and Yoon's supporters have raised concerns about the political orientation of the bench, which is already deemed to have four left-leaning judges. Experts say the Court has likely postponed the decision as Ma's appointment would mean the bench's verdict on Yoon's impeachment could look politically driven, giving rise to further controversy. "In the impeachment trial of former President Park Geun-hye, the ruling was unanimous eight-to-zero, including even conservative justices. This led the public to accept the decision as a legal judgment rather than a political one. However, if President Yoon's impeachment results in a split decision -such as a five-to-four -it could be seen as purely political. If the justices' votes align perfectly along political lines, the public may lose trust in the Court's impartiality." At the same time, if the Court finds Choi Sang-mok's partial appointment unconstitutional, there would be significant pressure on the Acting President to appoint Ma Eun-hyuk as the ninth justice to the bench. Press Officer Cheon Jaehyeon said Monday that while the Court's verdict would not be mandatory, ignoring it would amount to a violation of the Constitution and the law. As the decision is not legally binding,.. observers say it is likely Choi would sustain the eight-member bench until a compromise is reached between the ruling and opposition parties. Oh Soo-young, Arirang News.
Acting President Choi Sang-mok vows to mobilize all possible means against Trump's tariffs
2025/02/03 20:00
Acting President Choi Sang-mok pledged to mobilize all possible means to minimize any negative impacts from Trump's tariffs. During a meeting with local companies on Monday, Choi said the government will not only maintain communication with the U.S. but also engage with the Mexican and Canadian governments as well as Korean businesses in those regions. The authorities also plan to allocate 2-point-9 trillion won, or nearly 2-billion dollars, to support export initiatives. This comes as the benchmark KOSPI surrendered 2-point-5 percent on Monday to close at 2-thousand-4-hundred-53. The Korean won also weakened against the U.S. dollar, with the exchange rate ending at 1-thousand-4-hundred-67 won against the greenback.
China, Canada, Mexico hit back against Trump tariffs
2025/02/03 20:00
As expected, the three countries Canada, Mexico, and China that are facing the first set of Trump tariffs have vowed to retaliate. Ahn Sung-jin covers their response in detail. Following the imposition of tariffs by the U.S., China stated that it would challenge Trump's move. "The unilateral imposition of tariffs by the U.S. seriously violates World Trade Organization rules, which is not conducive to solving its own problems, but disrupts normal China-U.S. economic and trade cooperation." In a written statement from the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, China expressed strong discontent and added that not only will it file a lawsuit with the World Trade Organization, but it will take other countermeasures to safeguard its rights and interests. Though nothing has been specifically stated, some of its retaliation measures may be hardening export controls on rare earth metals or targeting U.S. companies with interests in China. There's also speculation that China may impose a 10 percent tariff on U.S. imports after Tuesday, when Trump's new sanctions will be put in place. Mexico and Canada have also vowed immediate retaliatory measures against the U.S. for tariffs imposed on both countries. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on Saturday posted on X that she has informed her economy minister to implement what she called "plan B" which includes tariff and non-tariff measures in defense of Mexico's interests. "This measure, of 25% tariffs, has effects for both countries but it has very serious effects for the economy of the United States as it is going to greatly increase the costs of all products that are exported from Mexico to the United States." Canada responded with a 25 percent tariff on American goods, including beer and wine starting Tuesday, while Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also urged Canadians to restrict travel to the U.S. and to boycott U.S. products, adding that Americans will feel pain from Trump's tariffs. "This is a choice that yes, will harm Canadians but beyond that, it will have real consequences for you, the American people." A spokesman for the European Commission said the EU regrets U.S. tariffs against neighboring countries and China and vowed to respond strongly to unfair levies levelled against the bloc. Ahn Sung-jin, Arirang News.
Pres. Yoon becomes first S. Korean president to be indicted under detention, what's next?
2025/02/03 20:00
Welcome to Within The Frame, where we bring you today's most pressing issues from across the globe, I'm Kim Mok-yeon. It's been a week since President Yoon Suk Yeol was indicted under detention on charges of being the mastermind behind the December third martial law imposition, which has plunged the country into a political crisis. The indictment, announced Sunday, makes Yoon the first sitting president in the country's history to face such charges while in office. This comes as Yoon also faces an impeachment trial, with the Constitutional Court set to decide his fate within 180 days. The Seoul Central District Court has scheduled the first preparatory hearing for Yoon for February 20th. Meanwhile, the Constitutional Court has postponed its ruling on the constitutionality of acting President Choi Sang-mok's decision to withhold the appointment of a ninth justice, which could sway the outcome of Yoon's impeachment as six justices' consent is required to uphold his impeachment. For a deeper analysis of this developing situation, we invite attorney Kim Jisu into the studio with us. Welcome. Also joining us online is Song Se-ryun, a Professor of Law at Kyung Hee University. Great to have you with us, Professor. 1. (Song) Let's start with the criminal trial of President Yoon Suk Yeol, who has been indicted and detained. So Professor Song, could you explain for us the background behind the prosecution's decision to indict President Yoon, making him the first sitting president in South Korean history to face such a legal action? 2. (Kim) Now to Ms. Kim, President Yoon's insurrection case has been formally assigned to the 25th Criminal Division. But since the cases of former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun and others, are also assigned to the same division, there are concerns about whether a single division will be able to properly handle all these cases. What is your opinion on this? 3. (Kim) So with this, President Yoon is set to undergo his first trial while being held in custody for up to six months. His criminal trial is set to begin with the first pre-trial hearing on the 20th. What are the key issues in this criminal trial? 4. (Song) Meanwhile, as President Yoon's visitation rights at the Seoul Detention Center have been restored, he met with members of the ruling People Power Party and called for them to unite together to "bring hope" for the youth and the people. Professor Song, Could these types of messages coming from Yoon influence public opinion or even the court's judgment? 5. (Song) Yoon's impeachment trial, which was paused during the Lunar New Year holiday, will resume. In the fifth hearing scheduled for Tuesday this week, witnesses with conflicting testimonies from President Yoon's side, including former Counterintelligence command Chief Yeo In-hyung, are expected to appear. Professor, What points do you think the Constitutional Court will focus on? 6. (Kim) Ahead of the fifth hearing, President Yoon's legal team has submitted a motion to the Constitutional Court, requesting the recusal of three justices on the grounds of political bias. Ms.Kim, Under what circumstances do justices recuse themselves, and what decision do you expect the Constitutional Court to make? 7. (Song) Today, the Constitutional Court postponed deciding on the unconstitutionality of the failure to appoint Ma Eun-hyeok as the acting chief of the Constitutional Court, as proposed by Acting President Choi Sang-mok. Professor Song, How would you read into this, and how will the Constitutional Court's restoration of a full panel of nine justices influence the impeachment ruling? 8. (Kim) The Constitutional Court has effectively set the 8th hearing on February 13th as the final session. Is there a possibility of additional hearings? Also, if the current situation continues, when do you expect the impeachment judgment to be issued? 9. (Song) President Yoon might apply for bail, citing the need to ensure his right to defense. If President Yoon's legal team applies for bail, what is the likelihood that it will be granted Professor Song? 10. (Kim) As the criminal trial progresses, there is speculation that President Yoon's legal team might request a suspension of the impeachment trial at the Constitutional Court. What is the legal basis for such a request, and how do you foresee this situation developing?