News

Trump says possible pain from tariffs "worth the price"

2025/02/03 17:00

We start in the U.S where President Donald Trump has shared support for the adage "no pain no gain" as he brushes aside mounting concerns over domestic inflation amid rampant tariffs targeting America's major trade partners. Lee Seung-jae reports. U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday imposed a 25-percent tariff on goods from Canada and Mexico, while China was hit with an additional 10-percent tariff on the various existing duty rates. 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. However, Trump says while the Americans may feel the economic "pain" from his tariffs, it would be "worth the price" in order to secure U.S. interests. Taking to his social media platform Truth Social on Sunday, he said the tariffs will "Make America Great Again, and it will all be worth the price that must be paid." Meanwhile, in a separate post, the U.S. president reiterated his call for Canada to become a U.S. state. He claimed that the U.S. pays "hundreds of billions of dollars to SUBSIDIZE Canada," adding that Canada would "cease to exist as a viable Country" without the subsidy. With this, he called on Canada to become a "Cherished 51st State," promising that such a move would lead to lower taxes, better military protection and no tariffs. The cryptocurrency market responded negatively to the news of Trump's tariffs against Canada, Mexico and China over the weekend. According to U.S.-based exchange Coinbase as of 7 AM Korea Standard Time, the price of bitcoin stood at just over 97-thousand-200 U.S. dollars. The price of the largest cryptocurrency by market cap, hovered above 100 thousand U.S. dollars before the tariffs went into effect on Saturday. According to cryptocurrency media outlet CoinDesk, the renewed trade war could aggravate inflation in the U.S., and make it difficult for the U.S. Fed to cut interest rates. It added that the weakness in the bitcoin price reflects such concerns, sending a signal to the market to avoid risky assets. On the other hand, spot gold price surpassed 28 hundred U.S. dollars per ounce on Friday, with investors opting to buy safer assets. Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.

World News: Egyptian border at Rafah opens again after 9 months

2025/02/03 17:00

This is The World Now, bringing you the latest stories from around the globe. In the Middle East, the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt reopened on Saturday local time after being closed for nearly nine months. This reopening aims to facilitate the evacuation of Palestinians, including children who require urgent medical treatment. The development is part of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, aiming to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. It signals that negotiations on the possible extension of the current ceasefire are gaining traction. The World Health Organization estimated just before the current ceasefire that approximately 12,000 patients require medical evacuation, including those with war injuries and chronic conditions. A group of 50 sick and wounded Palestinian children were the first to be allowed through the crossing on Saturday. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Russia of bombing a boarding school in Sudzha, located in the area of Russia's Kursk region that has been under Kyiv's control for five months. Civilians were sheltering there and preparing for evacuation when the attack on Saturday occurred. Ukraine's Armed Forces reported that four people were killed, dozens were injured, and 84 people have been rescued or received medical treatment. However, the Russian Defense Ministry says the Ukrainian forces launched the deadly missile strike from Ukraine's Sumy region. These conflicting accounts have not yet been independently verified. Lima, the capital city of Peru, hosted the third annual Pamplonada Rimense, a bullfighting festival featuring Peruvian matadors. The event, on Sunday, local time gives participants a taste of the bullfighting of Spain's Pamplona and celebrates traditional bullfighting culture in Peru. It was held in Lima's historic Plaza de Toros de Acho. The venue has 259 years of history since it opened in 1766, and has hosted some of the greatest bullfighting figures of all time. Choi Chi-hee, Arirang News.

Israeli military forces continue assaults in West Bank after ceasefire in Gaza

2025/02/03 17:00

On the international front. Israeli defense forces have killed at least fifty Palestinian militants in the occupied West Bank over the past two weeks. Israel claims 23 buildings were destroyed earlier on Sunday in Jenin to thwart the building of quote "a terrorist infrastructure". Meanwhile a Palestinian news agency asserts Israel has been targeting a refugee camp in Jenin destroying multiple homes and leading to casualties. The latest assault comes just days after a ceasefire went into effect in Gaza.

Newest Aegis Destroyer Jeongjo the Great's training unveiled for first time

2025/02/03 17:00

The South Korean Navy this past weekend showcased its newest destroyer in a training session for the first time and this show of might was covered by a group of journalists including our Kim Bo-kyoung . Do take a 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.

Yoon visited by top ruling PPP leaders, delivers message for party

2025/02/03 17:00

On the political front. President Yoon Suk Yeol now faces an impeachment trial and a criminal prosecution on charges of rebellion. For more I have our top office correspondent Kim Do-yeon standing by live. Do-yeon welcome. First then I hear top officials of the ruling People Power Party were there at the Seoul Detention Center to meet with the president? That's right Sun-hee the leadership of the ruling People Power Party specifically interim Chair Kwon Young-se, Floor Leader Kweon Seong-dong, and senior lawmaker Na Kyung-won visited here earlier in the day the first time the leadership has come to see President Yoon here at the Detention Center. The visit lasted about 30 minutes and lawmaker Na shared a message from Yoon to the party afterward. Take a listen. "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." Kim Do-yeon, Seoul Detention Center The visit was about 30 minutes and the lawmaker also shared that 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. Meanwhile what's on the schedule for the president's impeachment trial this week? Sun-hee, as you said earlier he's facing two trials now the impeachment motion at the Constitutional Court and the criminal case on charges of insurrection due to his declaration of martial law. As for President Yoon's schedule this week he's set to head to the Constitutional Court on Tuesday and Thursday for this trial. Key military personnel will take the witness stand who can testify 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. Now, this is not the only trial Yoon is facing. His criminal trial has also begun and this means he could be appearing at two different courts three times a week. And because of this Yoon's legal team requested the Constitutional Court to stop the review of his impeachment motion as there is a criminal case going on for the same reason his declaration of martial law. According to Article 51 of the Constitutional Court Act this is a possibility. Meanwhile, the legal team is also looking at requesting bail for President Yoon to have him released during the trials. Do-yeon I also understand there was another attempt to access the top office? Sun-hee, that's right. Yet again, the police are working with the PSS to get access inside the Yongsan Presidential Office where the PSS' main office is located. However as we've seen from multiple attempts the process seems to be in gridlock with the police being denied access. On the other hand, they did make progress with this round of raids. They actually raided the homes of two key PSS officials for alleged obstruction of official duties during the police and CIO's execution of the arrest warrant for President Yoon. From what we know the officials' homes were raided and their phones including personal and secured work phones were confiscated. That's all for now, back to you Sun-hee. All right Do-yeon thank you for the latest regarding the impeachment trial and criminal prosecution faced by the president.

Constitutional Court postpones ruling on Acting President's partial bench appointment

2025/02/03 17:00

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.

China, Canada, Mexico hit back against Trump tariffs

2025/02/03 17:00

Now 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. 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.

PROSPECTS OF SUMMIT BETWEEN U.S. AND N. KOREA

2025/02/03 17:00

Hello and welcome to Press Perspective for this Monday February 3rd. For those of you celebrating the lunar new year hope your festivities last week were good. We start this workweek with a look at prospects of possible engagement between the U.S. and North Korea amid the return of the Trump administration to the White House. For more I have Cheon Soram with US government-funded broadcaster Radio Free Asia here in the studio. Soram welcome. I also have Celio Fioretti with French daily La Croix. Celio it's good to have you here. 1) Soram, North Korea's delegate to the UN office in Geneva has reaffirmed his regime's dedication to its nuclear weapons. Let's begin with his remarks and their relevance. 2) Celio, after the remarks by the North Korean delegate to the UN in Geneva, the regime tested a cruise missile system in late January. Do tell us more about this test and its implications. 3) Soram, the tough rhetoric and the cruise missile test was then followed by a visit to a nuclear facility by Kim Jong-un. What appears to be the purpose of these latest words and actions by North Korea? 4) Celio, during an interview with Fox News that aired on January 24th, U.S. President Donald Trump spoke of reaching out to North Korea's Kim Jong-un. Pundits believe talks will be harder this time. What do they mean? 5) Soram, last Friday, American magazine "The National Interest" shared the thoughts of two North Korean defectors about the possible demands that may be made by Trump and Kim in the event of another summit between them. Do tell us more about the potential demands and their prospects. 6) Celio, Mr. Trump has called North Korea a "nuclear power", triggering concerns about a potential shift in U.S. policy on North Korea. What are the prospects of North Korea being recognized as a nuclear weapons state? I mean, how would France, which is one of the five nations formally recognized as possessing nuclear weapons, respond? 7) Soram, beyond the Korean peninsula. There have been quite a number of media reports about the absence of North Korean soldiers from the front lines in the battle between Ukraine and Russia. What more can you tell us? 8) Celio, last Friday, Mr. Trump claimed he and Russian leader Vladimir Putin may soon take "significant" action to ending the violence in Ukraine. What precisely did he say, and what endgame do you envision? All right.

Egyptian border with Gaza at Rafah reopens after 9 months

2025/02/03 10:00

Starting in the Middle East, the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt reopened on Saturday local time after being closed for nearly nine months. This reopening aims to facilitate the evacuation of Palestinians, including children who require urgent medical treatment. The development is part of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, aiming to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. It signals that negotiations on the possible extension of the current ceasefire are gaining traction. The World Health Organization estimated just before the current ceasefire that approximately 12,000 patients require medical evacuation, including those with war injuries and chronic conditions. A group of 50 sick and wounded Palestinian children were the first to be allowed through the crossing on Saturday.

N. Korea denounces Rubio's "rogue state" remarks

2025/02/03 10:00

North Korea has openly denounced the Trump administration for the first time since Donald Trump returned to office. According to the Korean Central News Agency on Monday, North Korea's foreign ministry condemned new U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio for calling Pyongyang a "rogue state." It also called the remarks "slanderous" and reiterated the U.S.'s unchanged hostile policy toward Pyongyang stating that it is absurd for the world's most troublesome country to call others troublesome. The North appears to be commenting on remarks made by Rubio on a U.S. podcast on January 30th where he said the world is becoming multi-polar with "rogue states" including Iran and North Korea to deal with.

On-point: How will President Yoon brace for two trials simultaneously?

2025/02/03 10:00

Things are going to be even more hectic for President Yoon, now that he has to brace for two simultaneous trials. We discuss this more with legal expert Joung Hwang. Good morning. 1. Busy weeks ahead for President Yoon now that the holidays are over. What do you think about the prospect that the court will speed up the impeachment trial considering that it is the trial of a sitting president and that he is under detention? 2. Witnesses are scheduled to appear again this week. What aspects will the Constitutional Court focus on? 3. President Yoon is actively participating in his impeachment trial. Will he appear in person at the criminal trial? How actively do you think he'll participate? 4. President Yoon is set to receive visits including from his party leadership in the coming hour. There is a limit to the number of visits and visitors? Will he receive all of them? 5. That means his wife, first lady, Kim Kun-hee, can also visit him. How likely is it that she'll visit? What makes you think so? Thanks so much for joining us this morning. We appreciate it.

Yoon facing two simultaneous trials as detention continues

2025/02/03 10:00

Now onto the latest on the martial law saga. Starting this week, President Yoon faces two trials: his impeachment trial and a criminal one. Let's head to Seoul Detention Center where he is currently being held. Do-yeon, what is the scene like there, and walk us through what President Yoon has in store this week. Good morning Dami, as you said I'm standing in front of Seoul Detention Center where President Yoon has been detained since mid-January and could be for another six months during his trials. At the moment, you only see a handful of protesters here right now with speaker equipment for protests being set up. But you can see that there is heavy security with the police officers and buses on site. As for President Yoon's schedule this week he's set to head to the Constitutional Court on Tuesday and Thursday for his trial. Some key witnesses are set to be at the Court with him then. To be exact, key military personnel will take the witness stand who can testify 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 the National Security Advisor Shin Won-shik have also been asked to appear as witnesses by Yoon's legal team. Now, this is not the only trial Yoon is facing. His criminal trial also has begun and this means he could be appearing at two different courts three times a week. And because of this Yoon's legal team requested the Constitutional Court to stop the review of his impeachment motion as there is a criminal case going on for the same reason his declaration of martial law. According to Article 51 of the Constitutional Court Act this is a possibility. Meanwhile, the legal team is also looking at requesting bail for President Yoon to have him released during the trials. Now, Do-yeon, while the legal team may try to get President Yoon out of detention, he is allowed to receive visitors. Who's making their way to the detention center? That's right Dami, in fact the leadership of the ruling People Power Party is set to visit here in less than an hour. Yesterday during a press conference, floor leader Kwon Seong-dong said he would be joined by the PPP's interim chair Kwon Young-se during his visit at 11 AM. This is the first time the two top leaders of the party have visited President Yoon. While they did receive criticism from both within and outside of the party Kwon made it clear that it is a personal visit. He said the point isn't to discuss the ongoing trial or the political scene but to show support for an old friend. That's all for now, back to you Dami.

Constitutional Court to rule on Acting President's partial bench appointment

2025/02/03 10:00

A day before President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment trial resumes after the Lunar New Year holiday, the Constitutional Court will rule on another major case regarding its own judicial vacancy. Oh Soo-young has the details. The Constitutional Court will decide 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 will deliver a verdict 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 the Assembly. 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 left-leaning 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, have called for the case to be scrapped, and say the Speaker's competence dispute bypassed a formal vote at the National Assembly. The Court's composition is a particularly sensitive issue, amid President Yoon's trial, which requires a two-thirds majority vote to uphold his impeachment. The ruling party, and Yoon's supporters have raised concerns about the political orientation of the bench,. with the President's legal team requesting the recusal of three Justices on Saturday, citing their connections to a left-leaning legal organisation, and their associations with key figures espousing Yoon's impeachment. 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. However, as the ruling is not 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.

China, Canada, Mexico hit back against Trump tariffs

2025/02/03 10:00

And these countries under the influence of Trump's steep tariff plans plan on taking swift countermeasures. China is looking to sue the U.S., and Canada and Mexico are issuing retaliatory tariffs. Ahn Sung-jin has more. 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.

Trump says possible pain from tariffs "worth the price"

2025/02/03 10:00

U.S. President Donald Trump said Sunday that America may feel economic pain due to his tariffs on key trading partners. However, he argued that it would be "worth the price" in order to secure U.S. interests. Lee Seung-jae reports. U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday imposed a 25-percent tariff on goods from Canada and Mexico, while China was hit with an additional 10-percent tariff on the various existing duty rates. 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. However, Trump says while the Americans may feel the economic "pain" from his tariffs, it would be "worth the price" in order to secure U.S. interests. Taking to his social media platform Truth Social on Sunday, he said the tariffs will "Make America Great Again, and it will all be worth the price that must be paid." Meanwhile, in a separate post, the U.S. president reiterated his call for Canada to become a U.S. state. He claimed that the U.S. pays "hundreds of billions of dollars to SUBSIDIZE Canada," adding that Canada would "cease to exist as a viable Country" without the subsidy. With this, he called on Canada to become a "Cherished 51st State," promising that such a move would lead to lower taxes, better military protection and no tariffs. The cryptocurrency market responded negatively to the news of Trump's tariffs against Canada, Mexico and China over the weekend. According to U.S.-based exchange Coinbase as of 7 AM Korea Standard Time, the price of bitcoin stood at just over 97-thousand-200 U.S. dollars. The price of the largest cryptocurrency by market cap, hovered above 100 thousand U.S. dollars before the tariffs went into effect on Saturday. According to cryptocurrency media outlet CoinDesk, the renewed trade war could aggravate inflation in the U.S., and make it difficult for the U.S. Fed to cut interest rates. It added that the weakness in the bitcoin price reflects such concerns, sending a signal to the market to avoid risky assets. On the other hand, spot gold price surpassed 28 hundred U.S. dollars per ounce on Friday, with investors opting to buy safer assets. Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.

Ukraine accuses Russia of missile strike on Kursk school

2025/02/03 10:00

Moving to the Ukraine-Russia war Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Russia of bombing a boarding school in Sudzha, located in the area of Russia's Kursk region that has been under Kyiv's control for five months. Civilians were sheltering there and preparing for evacuation when the attack on Saturday occurred. Ukraine's Armed Forces reported that four people were killed, dozens were injured, and 84 people have been rescued or received medical treatment. However, the Russian Defense Ministry says the Ukrainian forces launched the deadly missile strike from Ukraine's Sumy region. These conflicting accounts have not yet been independently verified.

Will President Yoon's impeachment trial end quickly or drag on?

2025/01/31 20:00

President Yoon's impeachment trial is now halfway into the proceedings but it could stretch on for longer than scheduled. It resumes on Tuesday next week, with more key witnesses to speak on the president's martial law decree. Our Oh Soo-young reports. The Constitutional Court will resume President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment trial, after the Lunar New Year holiday, with more witnesses to testify. On Tuesday at 2 PM, the Court will hold the trial's fifth hearing, with a focus on questioning key witnesses requested by the National Assembly, which is arguing for Yoon's impeachment. Beginning at 2:30 PM, three witnesses will each undergo 90 minutes of questioning. Lee Jin-woo, former Commander of the Capital Defense Command, and Yeo In-hyung, former chief of Military Counterintelligence Command, have both been arrested as key figures implicated in the execution of martial law. Lee reportedly received calls from President Yoon to drag out legislators from parliament to stop them from voting to lift martial law, while Yeo was in charge of searching and seizing the National Election Commission. Former intelligence official Hong Jang-won will also testify. Hong has already said he received orders including from the President to "totally round up and clean up" political opponents. During the previous hearing, Yoon denied he gave such orders. Also, former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun testified that the President meant for military members to be pulled out of the Assembly, not the members of parliament. As justices cross-examine the witnesses and their conflicting testimonies, the panel can ask their own questions. Yoon is likely to attend every trial hearing, and also question witnesses himself as he did in the previous hearing. "For now, with four hearings left until February 13th, when a verdict will be reached remains unclear. Observers say by the end of February at the earliest, but there's a fair chance of delays due to legal and political factors at play." Press officer Cheon Jaehyun said Friday that the Court has selected additional witnesses which include interior minister Lee Sang-min, and National Election Commission Secretary General Kim Yong-bin requested by the National Assembly's side. On Yoon's side, the Court approved National Security Advisor Shin Won-shik, security expert Baek Jong-wook who was involved in the electoral operations, and Director of the National Intelligence Service Cho Tae-yong. The selection of witnesses indicates the Court will consider Yoon's argument that suspected election fraud in the General Election last year served as a pretext for declaring martial law. The Court is still considering further witness requests by the President's team. If it approves more, the trial could be extended. Justices could also postpone the hearings considering the pace of Yoon's criminal trial. Still, the judicial panel has been clear that it's focused on holding speedy trial proceedings. Meanwhile, another highly anticipated ruling will be delivered on Monday on the eve of Yoon's fifth trial hearing. The Court will rule on whether Acting President Choi Sang-mok violated the Constitution by appointing only two out of three justices recommended by the National Assembly. Choi had left out left-leaning candidate Ma Eun-hyuk, raising the need for bipartisan consensus to move forward. If the court finds the omission unconstitutional, Choi would be under significant pressure to appoint him. This would mean the Court will operate as a full panel of nine justices also increasing the chance of a two-thirds majority vote required to impeach the President. Oh Soo-young, Arirang News.

Acting President turns down special probe for Yoon's martial law as opposition warns of retaliation

2025/01/31 20:00

Acting President Choi Sang-mok today vetoed a second version of a bill, recently passed by the opposition, that would start a special investigation behind the declaration of martial law by President Yoon Suk Yeol. He cited the fact that the president and some of the key figures have already been arrested and indicted. Our Kim Do-yeon explains. For the second time Acting President and Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok vetoed a bill that would start a special probe into President Yoon Suk Yeol's declaration of martial law and the charges of insurrection from it. This came on Friday afternoon at a Cabinet meeting as Choi said it was "inevitable." "As the Acting President, I see vetoing this bill as inevitable, considering the constitutional order, protection of national interests, and urgency of responding to the crises, as well as the wishes of the public." As for the specifics he started off with the fact that there already is a criminal trial going on. He said the state prosecutors have already indicted the President and some of the case's key figures while having them under arrest. He says kicking off a new special probe is only necessary when it needs to complement an investigation that's finished. Therefore, the result of the ongoing trial must come first. As for the unconstitutional aspect he vetoed the first version saying that the bill could breach the three branches of government rule. For this one he says some aspects were resolved from the first version but some issues remain. In addition, the wide scope of the investigation laid out on the bill could compromise some of the nation's confidential information as well. Meanwhile, this new version cut down the allegations from 11 to 6 with the Supreme Court Chief Justice coming up with two options for the chief prosecutor for the Acting President to appoint from. These revisions were made to address the issues Choi brought up when vetoing the first version of the bill. As expected, the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea responded to the veto by saying it would hold Choi responsible possibly referring to another impeachment. The party's floor spokesperson released a written statement saying that it was not unilaterally passed as the ruling People Power Party refused to negotiate the details of the bill. In addition, while the investigation and trial are going on others who worked with President Yoon for this declaration not yet questioned need to be vetted as well. The ruling People Power Party had already suggested the Acting President veto the bill with the same reasoning as the acting president, but the PPP went further saying that the special probe bill was a political act by the opposition. Kim Do-yeon, Arirang News.

Trump era 2.0 : Key challenges and the future of the U.S.-S. Korea alliance

2025/01/31 20:00

1. As the second term of President Donald Trump begins, the global landscape is bracing for significant shifts in U.S. foreign policy, especially with respect to the Korea-US alliance and the evolving dynamics in Northeast Asia. 2. To discuss these critical developments, we are joined by experts to examine how the Trump administration's "America First" approach may impact key issues such as North Korea, China, and South Korea's role in maintaining a balanced foreign policy. 3. We will also explore the growing influence of Korean-American lawmakers in Congress and their potential to shape U.S.-Korea relations in the coming years. 4. Stay tuned as we delve into these pressing topics with insights from key leaders and analysts. 5. For more on this, we invite Min Jeong-hun, Professor at Korea National Diplomatic Academy in the studio with us. Welcome. 6. Also joining us is Robert Kelly, Professor of International Relations at Pusan National University. Thank you for your participation. 7. (Min) So Professor Min, as President Trump started his second term, he declared the era of "America First 2.0," signaling significant changes in the global security order. How do you expect foreign policy in the second Trump administration to differ from that of the first? 8. (Kelly) Within the framework of "America First," how will the Trump administration's stance and response toward the Korea-US alliance differ most significantly from the Biden administration? 9. (Min) Meanwhile, concerns are growing about a crisis in Seoul-Washington ties due to the political turmoil following Korea's December 3rd martial law declaration. Since the Korea-US alliance is based on values such as democracy and the rule of law, how do you think the domestic political situation will affect the alliance? 10. (Kelly) Meanwhile, President Trump has refrained from making any official comments on Korea's state of emergency. Professor Kelly, What do you think is the reason for this? 11. (Min) South Korea will need to engage in intense negotiations with the Trump administration. What is the most urgent issue at hand? (Perhaps the renegotiation of defense cost-sharing?) 12. (Kelly) President Trump had been preferring a "top-down" approach when it comes to diplomacy. In the context of leadership gaps caused by political turmoil, what kind of foreign policy should South Korea pursue? 13. (Min) Amidst this, on the 23rd, Seoul's Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul and newly appointed U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio had their first call after Trump's inauguration, agreeing to continue strengthening the strong alliance. It's been said that Secretary Rubio has invited Minister Cho over to Washington. What further efforts are needed to strengthen high-level communication? 14. (Kelly) On his first day in office, President Trump acknowledged North Korea's nuclear capabilities and expressed his intention to resume talks with the North. How will the second Trump administration's approach to the Pyongyang nuclear issue differ from previous administrations? Additionally, is there a possibility of Trump bypassing South Korea and negotiating directly with North Korea? 15. (Kelly) If talks between North Korea and the U.S. take place, there are discussions of a "small deal" progressing toward nuclear disarmament or freezing. However, a "small deal" directly contradicts South Korea's policy of denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. In this case, how should South Korea respond? 16. (Min) Contrary to expectations after his inauguration, President Trump showed some willingness to negotiate with China. How do you foresee the future of U.S.-China relations? Additionally, how should South Korea balance its diplomacy between the U.S. and China?

Live from Seoul Central District Court, where Pres. Yoon's criminal trial will take place

2025/01/31 17:00

With President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment trial ongoing, he is also facing criminal charges for insurrection. His legal team is currently making preparations to defend the president in court. For more we have our Park Kun-woo standing by live. Kun-woo, what's the latest? Good evening, Min-jung. I'm outside Seoul Central District Court where Yoon's criminal trial on charges of insurrection, following his indictment by the prosecution, is set to take place, possibly in March. We just learned that the panel of judges for the case was decided less than an hour ago. Yoon has been assigned to Criminal Division 25, the same panel handling the insurrection conspiracy allegations that are being faced by military and police leadership, including former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun and current Head of National Police Agency Cho Ji-ho. Then, after pretrial preparations in February, the trial will begin possibly in March. Usually, such preparations for a criminal trial take two to three months, but given that this is an unprecedented trial of a sitting president, there are expectations that it will proceed faster than usual. Accordingly, Yoon's defense is facing two different trials -the Constitutional Court's impeachment trial and the criminal trial. This could result in the president undergoing at least three hearings a week, as those for the impeachment will resume their twice-weekly schedule from next week. 2. Now, how has Yoon been preparing for these trials? President Yoon continued meeting with his defense team even during the Lunar New Year holiday, to discuss trial preparations, though details remain undisclosed. That came after over a hundred pieces of evidence were submitted to the Constitutional Court on January 26th, which some pundits believe may be a strategy to delay the impeachment trial. One possible scenario for Yoon and his defense team is to request bail to participate in the trials without detention. The court could deny the bail request due to concerns about evidence tampering, but could also accept the request with certain conditions such as prohibiting contact with related parties. Another possibility is requesting the suspension of the impeachment trial. That's based on a Constitutional Court Act that allows the suspension of such a trial when a criminal trial is also ongoing over the same matter. 3. And I hear that Yoon's senior advisors met the President after regular visits to the Detention Center have been allowed today. Yes, with visits to the Seoul Detention Center now allowed as of today, five high-ranking officials from the Presidential Office, including the Chief of Staff Chung Jin-suk and Director of National Security Shin Won-sik, visited Yoon this morning. Yoon reportedly said he is doing well in the detention center, noting that it's still a place "where people live." And he urged the officials not to be discouraged and to do their best in their respective roles. He also asked them whether the medical system had been functioning properly during the holidays. As these visits can take place once a day with only a few people allowed, members of the People Power Party are expected to visit Yoon later on. First lady Kim Keon Hee is reportedly not planning to visit at the moment. That's all I have for you now. Back to you, Min-jung. All right Kun-woo, thank you. That was our Park Kun-woo reporting live, from the Seoul Central District Court.