News
On-point: What kind of leader does S. Korea want & need?
2025/04/14 10:00
South Korea is officially on the hunt for a new president after the Constitutional Court's dismissal of now former President Yoon Suk Yeol. What kind of leader do the South Korean people want, and what kind of leadership does the country need? Let's turn to Professor Mason Richey. Good morning. 1. A new poll says the number one task for a new president, according to the South Korean people, is economic recovery and vitalization. Why the economy? 2. The number 2 job to work on is, according to the poll, national integration and conflict resolution. What kind of national integration and conflict resolution do the people want? Is this something that politicians should solve? 3. The president that the people want is a leader who can revitalize the economy What are the qualities, abilities, and virtues that the people and the Republic of Korea need in the next president? A person who does not lose the trust of the people? 4. We are now seeing some prominent figures jump into the election race. Starting with the Democratic Party of Korea. What are some of the tasks and challenges the DP must overcome in order to win the election? 5. How should the People Power Party recover from the impeachment ruling, and what position should it have in the presidential election? What could be a dilemma for the People Power Party candidates? Thanks so much for sharing your insight with us. We appreciate it.
Trump clarifies there's no full "tariff exception" on electronics from China
2025/04/14 10:00
U.S. President Donald Trump has settled the debate over tariffs on select electronics, saying exemption of tariffs on those items are temporary and that separate tariffs on goods including smartphones will be unveiled in the coming weeks. Lee Seung-jae starts us off. U.S. President Donald Trump and his key trade officials on Sunday made it clear that his administration's newly announced exemptions for reciprocal tariffs on electronic products would be partially or completely reversed in the coming weeks. After a technical guidance issued late Friday, Washington issued an exemption on select electronics, such as smartphones, laptops, personal computers, servers, and semiconductor equipment. Not only does this ease the burden on Samsung Electronics and Apple, it also means a possible exemption from some of the levies on Chinese imports. However,.. Trump took to his social media page on Sunday to clarify, saying tariffs would still be imposed on Chinese goods, specifically the existing 20 percent fentanyl tariffs. Trump also stressed that the U.S. administration is taking a look at semiconductors and the "WHOLE ELECTRONICS SUPPLY CHAIN" in upcoming National Security Tariff investigations. According to U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, while there may be some tariff exemptions on select electronics now, a separate tariff on semiconductors is coming. "So what he's doing is he's saying they're exempt from the reciprocal tariffs, but they're included in the semiconductor tariffs, which are coming in probably a month or two. So these are coming soon." Speaking to CNN on Sunday, White House National Economic Council director Kevin Hassett said that items subject to Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act have always been excluded from the reciprocal tariffs, and a separate investigation will be conducted to determine the necessary measures to protect the United States. He added that the tariff investigation into semiconductors has to do with broader concerns of U.S. dependence on Chinese-made imports. Hassett said that there is a "very uncomfortable amount of Chinese input" in U.S. weapons systems, stressing the importance of Section 232 of the Act. Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.
Iran and U.S. agree to more talks over Tehran’s nuclear program after 1st round talks in Oman
2025/04/14 10:00
The United States and Iran held indirect nuclear talks in Muscat, Oman, over the weekend, marking the highest-level meeting between the two nations since 2018. The discussions focused on Iran's nuclear program and the possibility of sanctions relief and were mediated by Oman. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described the atmosphere as "productive, calm, and positive," while U.S. officials echoed similar sentiments. Both sides agreed to reconvene for further discussions on April 19. At the last meeting 7 years ago, President Donald Trump pulled the U.S. out of a nuclear agreement between Iran and world powers, saying he would make a better deal.
Israeli strike hits hospital in Gaza City
2025/04/14 10:00
In the Middle East, an Israeli airstrike has damaged Al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza City, one of the last remaining fully operational medical facilities in Gaza. In the early hours of Sunday local time, Israeli missiles struck the Al-Ahli Arab Hospital, reportedly destroying the emergency room, outpatient clinic, and pharmacy. Surrounding buildings, including a nearby church, have also been damaged. The Israeli military said that the strike targeted a Hamas command center operating within the hospital. Before the strike, Israel issued an evacuation warning; however, a young girl suffering a head injury reportedly died during the rushed evacuation.
At least 34 people killed in Russian ballistic missile attack on Sumy
2025/04/14 10:00
Let's begin in Ukraine. A Russian attack has killed and injured dozens in the Sumy region. You have the updates. Yes. A Russian missile strike has hit the Ukrainian city of Sumy, resulting in at least 34 deaths and over 100 injuries. The attack occurred during Palm Sunday celebrations, marking one of the deadliest assaults on civilians in Ukraine this year. On Sunday at approximately 10:15 AM local time, two Russian ballistic missiles struck the city as residents gathered for Palm Sunday services. The missiles hit a trolleybus and the Sumy State University Congress Center, where a children's theater performance was underway. The attacks killed at least 34 people, including two children, and injured 117 others, among them 15 children. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the strike a deliberate act of terror and pushed for a stronger international response, including additional military support.
Former President Yoon Suk Yeol's first criminal trial takes place on Monday
2025/04/14 10:00
The first criminal trial for former President Yoon Suk yeol, who's facing insurrection charges just began at 10 AM, at the Seoul Central District Court. Yoon arrived at the court this morning, as he is required to be at the trial in person. Two key witnesses, including Cho Sung-hyun from the army's capital defense command are expected to testify at the hearing that will be held behind closed doors. Cho earlier testified at the Constitutional Court in February, that he was ordered to send troops to drag lawmakers out of parliament on the night of the martial law order. Monday's trial comes ten days after the 64-year-old former leader was removed from office. If convicted, he could face life imprisonment or even the death penalty.
Seoul says copper import restrictions will disrupt S. Korean investment in U.S.
2025/04/14 10:00
The South Korean government has called on Washington to ease measures against South Korean copper imports, stressing that restrictions could hinder South Korean investments in the U.S. The request comes as the U.S. Department of Commerce launched an investigation last month under Section 232 of the 1962 Trade Expansion Act to asses the national security implications of imports of copper and copper derivative products. Section 232 specifically allows the U.S. president to impose import restrictions if imported goods pose a threat to national security. South Korea's Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy stressed that South Korean copper products are not a threat but contribute positively to the U.S. economy and supply chain stability. It added that copper tariffs could harm U.S. security and economy by increasing prices, weakening the competitiveness of U.S. manufacturers, and cause supply chain disruption.
South Korea establishes diplomatic ties with Syria, longtime ally of North Korea
2025/04/11 20:00
Thank you for joining us. I'm Yoon Jung-min. Today, we begin with a notable change in diplomacy. South Korea has forged diplomatic ties with Syria, a staunch ally of North Korea. Seoul now has formal relations with all UN members, with the exception of Pyongyang. The country's foreign minister made a rare visit to Syria for this event. Our foreign affairs correspondent Bae Eun-ji reports. Syria has now become the 194th country in the world to form diplomatic relations with South Korea marking a milestone for the country, as it now has formal ties with all UN member states, except North Korea. Foreign minister Cho Tae-yul visited Syria's capital city Damascus this week,.. and signed a joint statement on Thursday local time, with his counterpart Assad al-Shaibani. "By establishing diplomatic relations with Syria -the last remaining country with which we had no diplomatic ties, South Korea has now reached a historic milestone of establishing diplomatic relations with all 191 UN member states." The two sides held a meeting, where Cho said South Korea is willing to contribute to reconstruction efforts in Syria, and discussed the possibility of Korean companies participating in rebuilding the country. He also promised Seoul will provide humanitarian assistance including medicine, medical equipment and rice. During his visit, Cho also met the country's interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa.. and said taking a firm stance against extremism and eliminating chemical weapons, will help create an environment conducive to the country's development. South Korea started to work on forging diplomatic ties with Syria, after more than 13 years of war recently put an end to the brutal Assad dictatorship which had maintained a close relationship with North Korea for decades. The Assad family regime, which ruled the country for more than 50 years, collapsed in December during a major offensive by opposition forces. Syria has had diplomatic ties with North Korea since 1966, but the fall of the dictatorship brought about a significant shift in its relations with Pyongyang. Now that South Korea has forged ties with nations that have been close allies of the North, including Cuba last year, this latest diplomatic development is expected to further isolate Pyongyang on the global stage. Bae Eun-ji, Arirang News.
Yoon leaves presidential residence 1 week after impeachment upheld
2025/04/11 20:00
Impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol today moved out of the presidential residence and into his private residence. Releasing a message through his legal representatives, Yoon said, he will return to being an ordinary citizen and seek new ways to help the nation and its people. The move comes precisely one week after the Constitutional Court ruled to uphold his impeachment. The ruling strips him of all presidential benefits with the exception of some 40 security officials. He also faces a criminal trial on charges of insurrection with a hearing set for Monday next week.
PPP primary to have heart monitors during debate, MBTI self-introductions for younger voters
2025/04/11 20:00
The People Power Party is planning to make its partisan primary election more appealing to those in their 20s and 30s. The party's primaries will require contenders to put on heart monitors during debates, as well as partake in speed games, and to include in their introductions their personality type as evaluated via the MBTI test. As of today, nine party members have voiced their intentions to run in the presidential race including five-term lawmaker Na Kyung-won who declared her decision earlier this afternoon. Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon is scheduled to share his bid on the 13th while Hong Joon-pyo resigned from his Daegu mayor post today and is set to make his bid on the 14th.
Fmr. DP leader Lee Jae-myung outlines campaign vision in run for presidency
2025/04/11 20:00
On the local political front where the race for the top office is heating up. The former head of the Democratic Party shared his vision for South Korea as a potential global leader. Our correspondent Shin Ha-young reports. Former Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung, now a preliminary presidential candidate, has pledged to make South Korea a "first mover" on the global stage. Lee laid out his campaign vision for a new government at the National Assembly on Friday, elaborating on the "K-Initiative" he introduced during his candidacy announcement the day before. He explained that while South Korea grew by emulating the successes of other countries, there are no clear models or answers to follow. "I will take South Korea into a new era of global leadership. This is the vision of the 'K-Initiative.' To survive in today's fierce global battleground, I'm calling for a paradigm shift from copying to leading. A recent poll released on Friday shows that Lee remains the front-runner among presidential hopefuls. A survey conducted by Gallup from Tuesday to Thursday on 1-thousand-5 adults aged 18 and over shows that Lee is the most favored candidate to be the next president at 37 percent. However, the DP has yet to announce its primary election rules or plans. The party is reportedly debating methods to select its candidate. One possible option is based on the results of a party membership vote -for 50 percent and public opinion polls also for 50 percent. However, candidates outside Lee's faction are pushing for an open primary, where the outcome is determined entirely by a public vote. Former DP lawmaker Kim Du-kwan and Governor of Gyeonggi-do Province Kim Dong-yeon, who both announced their bids earlier this week, have raised concerns, saying candidates are not being included in the discussions. The party aims to select its presidential candidate by early May. Shin Ha-young, Arirang News.
Global trade war smolders as U.S. and China continue tit-for-tat levies
2025/04/11 20:00
Turning to the renewed trade tensions between the world's two largest economies. U.S. tariffs on China now jumped to 145-percent, with the pre-existing penalty added for fentanyl issues. Meantime, officials in Washington hinted at a possible dialogue with Beijing. Ahn Sung-jin has the details. The trade war between the United States and China has only intensified. The tit-for-tat levies continue as China announced that it will be raising its tariffs for U.S. imports from 84 percent to 125 percent starting from April 12th. The Chinese Customs Tariff Commission of the State Council noted on Friday that further on it will disregard any further tariff increases by the U.S. on Chinese goods. Beijing has continuously criticized Washington, calling out the tariffs as "self-interested actions," while also denouncing them for violating the rules of world trade. It had responded with various retaliatory measures, including non-tariff measures such as reducing the number of American movie imports and reducing travel and study abroad to the U.S. "We will not sit idly by and let the Chinese people be deprived of their legitimate rights and interests If the U.S. insists on fighting a tariff war or a trade war, China will fight to the end." This comes after the White House had hiked its tariffs on Chinese imports to 145 percent. Trump had raised the tariffs on all Chinese imports to 125 percent on Wednesday, and within 24 hours, after China imposed its previous 84 percent, the U.S. raised them to the current 145 percent. Since the Trump administration's second term began, tariffs on Chinese imports have jumped from 54 to 104, 125 and 145 percent over the course of a week. "We would love to be able to work a deal. They've really taken advantage of our country for a long period of time. They've ripped us off beyond anybody, nobody, how people stood for it, sitting in my position, is not even believable." However, White House officials hinted they were waiting for China to make the first move, as Trump said that "China wants to make a deal." As the two enter a prolonged trade war, pundits say that this may threaten the global economy. According to The New York Times, approximately 13 percent of U.S. imports were from China, suggesting that the cost of living for American consumers is likely to increase. Companies have also been pessimistic amid the uncertainty, with American factories canceling orders from China, and Chinese manufacturers reducing operations. Despite Trump pausing his "reciprocal tariffs" on other countries for 90 days, flames from the ongoing trade war with China continue to burn, raising concerns on a global scale. Ahn Sung-jin, Arirang News.
U.S. commanders warn pulling troops from S. Korea would embolden Kim, empower China
2025/04/11 20:00
As the Trump administration reconsiders its military footprint abroad, U.S. commanders are warning that cutting troops in South Korea could raise the risk of a North Korean invasion and expand China's influence. Our Kim Jung-sil reports. At a U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on Thursday, Admiral Samuel Paparo, head of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, warned that cutting American troops in South Korea would heighten the risk of a North Korean invasion. He explained that the absence of U.S. forces on the Korean Peninsula would raise the probability of Kim Jong-un taking military action. Paparo added that a reduction in troop numbers would inherently weaken America's ability to respond to conflict on the peninsula — and increase the risk of Chinese involvement. General Xavier Brunson, commander of U.S. Forces Korea, echoed those concerns — calling a reduction in troop presence "problematic." He stressed that American forces not only deter the North, but also play a vital role in checking Russian and Chinese influence in the region. Brunson also pointed to the historical weight of the mission, reminding lawmakers that U.S. troops have helped preserve peace and stability in the region for more than 75 years. While no formal policy shift has been announced, the Pentagon's top commanders made it clear that a troop withdrawal from the Korean Peninsula would carry serious consequences. Kim Jung-sil, Arirang News.
S. Korea prepares for snap election with less than two months to go
2025/04/11 20:00
Welcome to Within The Frame, where we bring the most pressing issues across the globe into focus, I'm Kim Mok-yeon. South Korea is entering a pivotal chapter in its democratic journey. Just months after a dramatic presidential impeachment and the declaration of martial law, the nation now faces an election that could redefine its political future. Both major parties are recalibrating under pressure. The Democratic Party is poised to nominate its former leader Lee Jae-myung, while the People Power Party is fielding a wider slate of candidates—Kim Mun-soo, Hong Jun-pyo, Oh Se-hoon, and more, each reflecting a different vision for conservatism in a post-Yoon era. With early voting just days before election day and an unusually compressed campaign timeline, the race is accelerating fast—and so are voter expectations. So what's shaping the race, and how are parties responding to a fractured public? For answers to these questions, we invite Hwang Kyung-moon, Korea Foundation Professor at Australian National University. Welcome. Also joining us is Choi Hyun-sun, a Professor at Myongji University's Department of Public Administration. Welcome to the program. 1.(HWANG) So, let's start with Prof. Hwang. As a historian, how would you assess the historical significance of the upcoming presidential election? 2.(HWANG) Given the division over the impeachment of former President Yoon—particularly among conservative voters and within the People Power Party—how should we understand these fractures from a historical perspective? What's your take, Prof. Hwang? 3.(CHOI) Professor Choi, with the candidate registration deadline set for May 11th and early voting just two weeks before election day, how does this condensed timeline stack up against past elections? And how must parties adapt to effectively reach voters? 4.(CHOI) Early voting is scheduled for May 29th to the 30th, just days before the main election. How pivotal could this be in shaping the final outcome, and what kind of strategies should candidates employ to drive early turnout, Professor Choi? 5.(HWANG) Following four months of unrest since the declaration of martial law, what key policies are political parties now prioritizing, Prof. Hwang? 6.(CHOI) The Democratic Party seems to be rallying around Lee Jae-myung, while the People Power Party has several high-profile contenders like Kim Mun-soo, Hong Jun-pyo, and Oh Se-hoon. How might these dynamics affect the nomination process and outcomes? What's your view on how this will play out, Professor Choi? 7.(HWANG) With this impeachment, it marks the second time a conservative president has been removed. What should the conservative camp offer to rally and unify its base? Especially in today's political climate, Prof. Hwang, how can they regain cohesion? 8.(HWANG) As for the liberal Democratic Party, what must the party present to broaden its appeal beyond its loyal base? In your view, Prof. Hwang, how can the party position itself amid ongoing national uncertainty? 9.(CHOI) Former President Yoon Suk Yeol moved back to his private residence in Seocho-dong today. How influential do you expect him to be in the upcoming presidential race, particularly within the conservative bloc? Could he shape the political narrative or throw his support behind a candidate, Professor Choi? 10.(CHOI) In the wake of the impeachment, what institutional or electoral reforms might be on the horizon? And how could they reshape future campaigns and governance? Where do you see the system heading from here, Professor Choi?
Fmr. DP leader Lee Jae-myung outlines campaign vision in run for presidency
2025/04/11 17:00
We start here on the local front where the former head of the Democratic Party shared his vision for South Korea as a potential global leader. Our correspondent Shin Ha-young reports. Former Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung, now a preliminary presidential candidate, has pledged to make South Korea a "first mover" on the global stage. Lee laid out his campaign vision for a new government at the National Assembly on Friday, elaborating on the "K-Initiative" he introduced during his candidacy announcement the day before. He explained that while South Korea grew by emulating the successes of other countries, there are no clear models or answers to follow. "I will take South Korea into a new era of global leadership. This is the vision of the 'K-Initiative.' To survive in today's fierce global battleground, I'm calling for a paradigm shift from copying to leading. A recent poll released on Friday shows that Lee remains the front-runner among presidential hopefuls. A survey conducted by Gallup from Tuesday to Thursday on 1-thousand-5 adults aged 18 and over shows that Lee is the most favored candidate to be the next president at 37 percent. However, the DP has yet to announce its primary election rules or plans. The party is reportedly debating methods to select its candidate. One possible option is based on the results of a party membership vote -for 50 percent and public opinion polls also for 50 percent. However, candidates outside Lee's faction are pushing for an open primary, where the outcome is determined entirely by a public vote. Former DP lawmaker Kim Du-kwan and Governor of Gyeonggi-do Province Kim Dong-yeon, who both announced their bids earlier this week, have raised concerns, saying candidates are not being included in the discussions. The party aims to select its presidential candidate by early May. Shin Ha-young, Arirang News.
Defence ministers of 'coalition of willing' meet in Brussels, discuss bolstering Ukraine forces
2025/04/11 17:00
This is The World Now, bringing you the latest stories from around the globe. In Europe, defense ministers of 31 nations convened in Brussels to discuss the formation of a multinational force aimed at supporting Ukraine. The so-called "coalition of the willing," led by the United Kingdom and France, aims to establish a framework for ensuring lasting peace in the region. On Thursday local time, at the NATO headquarters in Brussels, the defense ministers deliberated on creating a "reassurance force" for Ukraine, in the event of a future ceasefire with Russia. The proposed force is envisioned to comprise of between 10,000 and 30,000 troops, stationed away from active front lines. However, uncertainties remain over the role of the United States. While the U.S. did not participate in the Brussels meeting, European ministers underscored the importance of American Support. Meanwhile, in the United States, a helicopter carrying a family from Spain crashed in New York City's Hudson River, resulting in the deaths of all six individuals on board, including the pilot. On Thursday afternoon, local time, at 3:17 PM, a Bell 206 helicopter operated by New York Helicopters crashed into the Hudson River near Lower Manhattan. The aircraft carried a Spanish family of two adults and three children, along with the pilot. Eyewitnesses observed the helicopter breaking apart mid-air before crashing upside-down into the water. The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board have begun investigations into the cause of the crash. Mayor Eric Adams extended condolences to the victims' families, describing the incident as "heartbreaking and tragic." On Saturday night, April 12, a full Pink Moon that is smaller and fainter will be visible in the April spring night sky. The so-called "micromoon," the smallest and faintest in 2025, occurs when the Moon is at its farthest point from Earth, approximately 406-thousand-six kilometers away. According to NASA, the micromoon will be up to 14% smaller and around 30% dimmer than a supermoon. Despite its name, which originates from the seasonal bloom of pink wildflowers in early spring, the Pink Moon won't appear pink. Choi Chi-hee, Arirang News.
China says door for dialogue with the U.S. is open
2025/04/11 17:00
Now AS HEARD in that report despite its imposition of hefty tariffs on China the Trump administration has also shared hopes for trade talks with Beijing. And Beijing for its part claims its door for dialogue has always been open. Lee Seung-jae has more. The United States and China have been facing off with tariffs imposed left and right. China responded to U.S. President Donald Trump's 104 percent tariffs by imposing an 84 percent tariff on American goods. Trump quickly countered with additional tariffs against China, with levies now at up to 145 percent. On Thursday, Beijing expressed its willingness to hold talks with the U.S. in the hope of putting an end to the tariff war. "China's position is clear and consistent. If the United States wants to talk, our door is open. However, dialogue must be conducted on an equal footing and on the basis of mutual respect." The spokesperson also warned that if the U.S insists on pursuing a tariff war, China will respond and "fight till the end." She added that pressure, threats, or blackmail are not the right way to deal with China. The European Union is also open for negotiations with the U.S., as it announced it would put its trade retaliation measures on hold for 90 days. According to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Thursday, the bloc "took note of the announcement by President Trump," adding that the EU wants to give negotiations a chance. The European Commission spokesperson also announced the 27-member bloc's willingness to hold talks with Washington. "We believe we can reach all sorts of beneficial outcomes from both sides that would avoid the types of tariffs that we believe are harmful and counterproductive. So we're continuing all our preparations, and we will continue to talk to our member states, talk to our industry, and we remain ready to engage in a meaningful way with the U.S." Despite the tariff-for-tariff war between major economies, there are now hopes that the parties involved will sit down for talks, in a bid to ease the global trade tensions. Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.
U.S. clarifies 145% tariffs on China, keeps door open for talks
2025/04/11 17:00
The U.S. tariff on Chinese imports into the American market stands at 1-hundred-45 percent. The clarification was made by the White House on Thursday. Park Kun-woo reports. The White House said Thursday that imports from China now face a retaliatory 145 percent tariff. According to officials, an existing 20 percent levy will be added to the 125 percent tariff, announced the day before. That tariff was imposed by Donald Trump in February in response to China's role in supplying fentanyl and its precursors to the U.S. However, Trump also said he remains open to talks with Beijing. "I have great respect for President Xi. He's been, in a true sense, he's been a friend of mine for a long period of time and I think that we'll end up working out something that's very good for both countries." On Wednesday, Trump announced a 90-day pause on additional tariffs, keeping a 10 percent baseline tariff in place for trading countries except China. The following day, he said what happens after that would depend on the situation at that time, but stressed that tariffs would return if no negotiations took place during the pause. Also on Thursday, White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett said 15 countries had made "explicit offers" to lower tariffs, with some being considered and other deals close to being agreed. "We're setting up a very orderly process to prioritize countries and make sure that the countries that are most important for getting this to the finish line are the countries that we bring in first." He added that he expects a lot of movement on trade deals within the next three to four weeks. Park Kun-woo, Arirang News.
South Korea establishes diplomatic ties with Syria, longtime ally of North Korea
2025/04/11 17:00
South Korea has forged diplomatic ties with Syria. This means Seoul now has formal relations with ALL UN members states with the exception of North Korea. Our foreign affairs correspondent Bae Eun-ji has details. Syria has now become the 194th country in the world to form diplomatic relations with South Korea marking a milestone for the country, as it now has formal ties with all UN member states, except North Korea. Foreign minister Cho Tae-yul visited Syria's capital city Damascus this week,.. and signed a joint statement on Thursday local time, with his counterpart Assad al-Shaibani. "By establishing diplomatic relations with Syria -the last remaining country with which we had no diplomatic ties, South Korea has now reached a historic milestone of establishing diplomatic relations with all 191 UN member states." The two sides held a meeting, where Cho said South Korea is willing to contribute to reconstruction efforts in Syria, and discussed the possibility of Korean companies participating in rebuilding the country. He also promised Seoul will provide humanitarian assistance including medicine, medical equipment and rice. During his visit, Cho also met the country's interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa.. and said taking a firm stance against extremism and eliminating chemical weapons, will help create an environment conducive to the country's development. South Korea started to work on forging diplomatic ties with Syria, after more than 13 years of war recently put an end to the brutal Assad dictatorship which had maintained a close relationship with North Korea for decades. The Assad family regime, which ruled the country for more than 50 years, collapsed in December during a major offensive by opposition forces. Syria has had diplomatic ties with North Korea since 1966, but the fall of the dictatorship brought about a significant shift in its relations with Pyongyang. Now that South Korea has forged ties with nations that have been close allies of the North, including Cuba last year, this latest diplomatic development is expected to further isolate Pyongyang on the global stage. Bae Eun-ji, Arirang News.
Yoon expected to leave presidential residence 1 week after impeachment upheld
2025/04/11 17:00
Impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol is moving out of the presidential residence and into his private residence today. The move comes precisely one week after the Constitutional Court ruled to uphold his impeachment. The ruling strips him of all presidential benefits with the exception of some 40 security officials. Yoon also faces a criminal trial on charges of insurrection with a hearing set for next Monday. Should he be found guilty he may face life in prison or the death penalty.