News

S. Korea celebrates 80th anniversary of liberation from colonial rule

2025/08/15 13:38

Today, August 15th, marks the 80th anniversary of Korea's liberation from Japanese colonial rule. A commemorative ceremony was held this morning in Seoul, where President Lee Jae Myung delivered his first Liberation Day address since taking office. For more, let's go live to our Presidential Office correspondent Song Yoo-jin. Yoo-jin, tell us more! Eun-ji, the ceremony wrapped up about half an hour ago at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, right next to where I'm at in Gwanghwamun Square. Some 2,500 people attended, including President Lee, first lady Kim Hea Kyung, and the families of independence activists. As this was President Lee's first Liberation Day in office, all eyes were on his speech. Like his predecessors, he used the occasion to honor independence fighters while also laying out messages for North Korea and Japan. On North Korea, President Lee reaffirmed his commitment to resuming peaceful dialogue. "To prevent accidental clashes and build military trust between the two Koreas, we will proactively and gradually restore the September 19th Military Agreement. On this 80th anniversary of Korea's liberation, I believe it is the right time to end an era of confrontation and hostility and open a new era of peaceful coexistence and shared growth on the Korean Peninsula." He also stressed that a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula must be achieved through both international cooperation and direct talks with Pyongyang, and also between North Korea and the United States. Turning to Japan, where a summit is set for next week, the President reiterated his "two-track" policy of separating historical disputes from cooperation. Take a listen. "I will pursue future-oriented cooperation with Japan through frequent summit-level talks and frank dialogue. I expect the Japanese government to face up to the painful history of the past and work to ensure that trust between our two countries is not undermined." The Liberation Day ceremony has ended, but President Lee's schedule isn't over yet, right? That's correct. The highlight of the day will come tonight at Gwanghwamun Square, where the government is holding what it calls a "people's appointment ceremony." You could think of it as his de facto inauguration, since he began his term in June without a formal ceremony after the snap election. Later this evening, he will receive symbolic letters of appointment from selected members of the public on a stage to be set up here, followed by a thank-you address. Before that, President Lee is set to host a dinner with foreign diplomats and representatives of international organizations at Cheong Wa Dae's Yeongbingwan reception hall. That's all I have for now. Back to you, Eun-ji. That was our Song Yoo-jin live from Gwanghwamun Square. Thank you.

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

2025/08/15 13:36

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

Japan's agriculture minister visits controversial Yasukuni Shrine

2025/08/15 13:35

Over in Japan,.. a senior official has visited a controversial war shrine in Tokyo on the anniversary of the end of World War Two. Japan's Kyodo News reported that the country's agriculture minister Shinjiro Koizumi on Friday visited the Yasukuni Shrine, a place often seen as a symbol of Japan's imperial military past. Koizumi a powerful figure seen as someone who could potentially be the country's next prime minister is the first Ishiba Cabinet official to visit the war shrine. The Yasukuni Shrine honors Japan's war dead, including 14 Class A war criminals,.. so visits there have irked Japan's neighbors, specifically Korea and China.

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

2025/08/15 13:35

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

AI brings Korea’s independence heroes back to life

2025/08/15 13:34

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

Trump's leadership could find breakthrough in long-stalled N. Korea nuclear talks: S. Korea's foreign minister

2025/08/14 22:44

U.S. President Donald Trump's leadership could help find a breakthrough in the long-stalled North Korea nuclear talks, South Korea's foreign minister says. But he also pointed out that North Korea as a nuclear-armed state won't be acceptable to Washington. Our Kim Bo-kyoung reports. The United States would not accept North Korea as a nuclear-armed state. This, is what South Korea's Foreign Minister Cho Hyun said on Thursday, while speaking to reporters. He shared his views on a variety of issues, including Pyongyang-Washington ties. According to Cho, during last month's visit to Washington, he conveyed his view to the U.S. that he hopes U.S. President Donald Trump's leadership could help find a new breakthrough in the long-stalled nuclear talks with the North. He also underlined that there could be a tug of war before any breakthrough. "North Korea would want to talk with the U.S. as a nuclear-armed state, but the U.S.' stance is that the North cannot have nuclear weapons. So it's going to take a lot of back-and-forth." Strategic flexibility and alliance modernization were among the hot topics reporters asked Cho. He declined to give details ahead of the summit, but did point out that the ROK-U.S. alliance needs an expansion in technology, as the world has changed a lot. "I think expanding and deepening the South Korea–U.S. alliance into a comprehensive future-oriented alliance that encompasses technologies like nuclear power, shipbuilding, AI, quantum, and biotechnology—as part of a broader tech alliance—is the right way to effectively utilize the alliance in response to the current challenging and changing international order." When it comes to President Lee Jae Myung visiting Japan before the U.S., he said this was possible, as the government underlines practicality. And for China,.. Cho did say there are fundamental differences between Seoul and Beijing, but emphasized the need to engage more to overcome such differences based on a pragmatic approach. Kim Bo-kyoung, Arirang News.

Former first lady declines to answer most special counsel questions

2025/08/14 22:40

Today, the special counsel questioned former first lady Kim Keon Hee, who has been arrested on corruption charges. However, Kim refused to answer most of the questions on the allegations made against her during the session. Our political correspondent Shin Ha-young reports. Former first lady Kim Keon Hee appeared at a special counsel's office on Thursday morning for questioning, her first session since being arrested earlier this week on corruption charges. The face-to-face session ended at around 2 PM, about four hours after it began at around 10 AM, during which the special counsel team focused on her alleged interference in candidate nomination processes in past elections. Unlike during her previous questioning held last Wednesday, according to the team, Kim refused to respond to most of the allegations. "The suspect exercised her right to remain silent on most of the allegations, and so the special counsel plans to summon and question her again on August 18." Although the team plans to hold another round of questioning on Monday, Kim's side has not yet confirmed whether she will appear. In a press release, the special counsel team said they were notified that Kim would inform them of her attendance on the day. Earlier this week, the wife of former President Yoon Suk Yeol was taken into custody at a detention center in southwestern Seoul on Wednesday after a court issued an arrest warrant with detention on charges including stock price manipulation, interference in party nominations, and political influence-peddling. This came after the special counsel requested the warrant a day after Kim's first questioning, citing the risk of evidence tampering. Shin Ha-young, Arirang News.

President Lee hosts luncheon for families of independence fighters

2025/08/14 22:39

President Lee Jae Myung has once again pledged stronger support for Korea's independence fighters. On Thursday, the President hosted a luncheon at Cheong Wa Dae's Yeongbingwan Reception Hall with the families of those who fought for liberation from Japanese colonial rule, a day before the 80th anniversary. "The saying that 'three generations suffer if one fights for independence' should never hold true again. Those who sacrificed for their nation must receive the highest honor and the strongest support. We will take special care so the surviving patriots spend the rest of their lives without discomfort." The President also vowed to expand programs honoring these heroes so that they are remembered by future generations.

N. Korean leader's sister denies loudspeaker removal, rejects Seoul's outreach

2025/08/14 22:34

North Korea has denied dismantling loudspeakers directed across the border toward South Korea as earlier reported by officials here. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Unification says it will come up with measures to stabilize inter-Korean relations. Cha Yun-kyung has more. Kim Yo-jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, has rejected Seoul's conciliatory measures and reaffirmed Pyongyang's intent to maintain its hostile stance. In a statement released through the North's state-run Korean Central News Agency on Thursday, Kim dismissed recent measures by the Lee Jae Myung administration, which took office in June pledging to mend strained ties with North Korea. Lee's government has halted anti-Pyongyang loudspeaker broadcasts, moved to ban leaflet balloon launches into the North, and repatriated North Koreans who had drifted south in wooden fishing boats. Responding to Lee's remarks on Tuesday that the North has also removed some loudspeakers, Kim called it "groundless speculation and a manipulation of public opinion," insisting North Korea has not dismantled the loudspeakers deployed along the border, and doesn't intend to do so. Also in her statement, Kim Yo-jong criticized adjustments to the upcoming Korean-U.S. Ulchi Freedom Shield joint military exercise starting on August 18th, dismissing them as "worthless and futile." Meanwhile, at a briefing on Thursday, South Korea's Ministry of National Defense said the military had explained the facts based on its observations of North Korea removing speakers. It urged caution against being swayed by the intent behind North Korea's announcements, adding it has often made unfounded claims. A military official said, "There is a possibility that Kim made such a statement because she did not want the regime to appear to be taking down the loudspeaker in response to the South's removal of its loudspeakers from border areas," adding that one loudspeaker had been removed from the border. Regarding Kim's hostile stance, the Ministry of Unification said it will come up with measures for the normalization and stabilization of inter-Korean relations. An official from the ministry stated the regime's statement was timed to coincide with President Lee Jae-myung's August 15th Liberation Day speech, the Korean-U.S. joint military exercise, and the South Korea-U.S. summit scheduled for August 25th. Cha Yun-kyung, Arirang News.

Ahead of Seoul-Washington Summit, CSIS Victor Cha warns of alliance stress points

2025/08/14 21:35

Welcome to Within The Frame, where we bring the most pressing issues across the globe into focus. I'm Kim Mok-yeon. As tensions across the Korean Peninsula evolve, the ROK-U.S. alliance is once again being tested, not just by North Korea's behavior, but by shifting expectations inside the alliance itself. With the next Seoul-Washington summit set for August 25th, and talks of a possible Trump–Kim meeting later this year, key decisions lie ahead on everything from defense cost-sharing to troop structure, human rights, and diplomatic strategy. And as Washington looks to re-engage Pyongyang, questions are also growing about how closely Seoul will be involved in shaping the process. To break down where things stand and where they may be headed, we're joined by Dr. Victor Cha, Korea Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. A big welcome. Let's begin with what many see as the core friction point in the alliance. In your recent CSIS brief from late July, you noted that defense cost-sharing has become Trump's primary pressure tool against Seoul. When or where exactly did he make that shift clear in your view, and what message does it send as OPCON and troop structure come back into focus? Staying with the topic, if the U.S. reduces ground forces while expanding air and naval presence, can deterrence still hold? Or does that shift invite miscalculation from adversaries like North Korea or China? Since OPCON always comes back during times of strategic recalibration, do you think it could become a political bargaining chip under Trump's "self-defense" framing? And how might that reshape the pace of U.S.–ROK military coordination? Now let's move on to the upcoming August 25 summit between Seoul and Washington. Though there are a wide range of topics for the two to discuss, what do you see as the real strategic objective for the Trump administration? And are there risks Seoul may be underestimating as the two leaders sit down? Now as for North Korea, you've previously mentioned possibilities for a Trump–Kim Jong-un meeting during APEC period. But just this morning, North Korean leader's sister Kim Yo-jong rejected such possibilities. How do you see the chances? and if the summit does happen, what would actually be on the table? is denuclearization even part of the equation anymore? And on that note, In the past months, Pyongyang has openly rejected denuclearization as a precondition. So at this point, do you think the U.S. should change how it defines success in negotiations? Would starting with a freeze or step-by-step deal be the only realistic option now? Broadening out to regional dynamics, You've warned that North Korea's growing military ties with Russia now intersect directly with U.S. priorities in Ukraine and beyond. Has Pyongyang moved from a regional threat to a global spoiler? Meanwhile, the inter-Korean channel remains frozen. If any meaningful progress towards a Washington-Pyongyang summit happens, How can South Korea push back against being sidelined again? and do you think Washington sees it as a concern if Seoul gets left out of the process? Now shifting to the human rights narrative, South Korea is considering suspending its annual North Korea human rights report, while the latest U.S. report significantly softened its tone. Do you see this as diplomatic restraint, or a deeper shift in priorities on both sides? And finally, looking ahead to the close of 2025, are we entering a window of cautious engagement, or another dangerous cycle of provocations and miscalculation?

S. KOREA'S ROAD MAP UNDER LEE ADMINISTRATION

2025/08/14 19:45

Welcome to Press Perspective for this Thursday August 14th here in Seoul. I'm Min Sunhee. The presidential policy planning team has shared the administration's five-year agenda for national governance and broader diplomacy WHILE preparations are underway for tomorrow's appointment ceremony to formally mark President Lee Jae Myung's term in office. For more I have Thomas Maresca with American news agency UPI. Thomas welcome back. I also have Ruy Valdes with Spanish news agency EFE Spain. Ruy it's good to have you here. Thomas, the presidential policy planning committee back on Wednesday disclosed the Lee Jae Myung administration's agenda over the next five years. Do walk us through the main tasks and your takeaways. Ruy, during that event, President Lee Jae Myung also spoke of promoting integration through politics that unite the public. What efforts do you envision? Meanwhile, Thomas, tomorrow, that is Friday evening, a very significant public event is scheduled to take place at Gwanghwamun Square: an appointment ceremony to formally usher in President Lee Jae Myung into the top office. Do tell us more. And Ruy, in light of this occasion, what would you choose to highlight as some of the achievements on the national front that the president has managed to secure within his first 10 weeks in office ? Thomas, what about on the diplomatic front? I know it's still very early, but what have been some of the advancements with regard to foreign policy? Ruy, tomorrow, that is August 15th, also marks the 80th anniversary of Korea's liberation from Japanese colonial rule, and accordingly the presidential inauguration event will be a dual ceremony in commemoration of this particular chapter in history as well. What message might the president share with regard to neighboring Japan? And Thomas, what message might be directed toward North Korea? Ruy, speaking of North Korea, the regime is also slated to celebrate Liberation Day tomorrow. What can you tell us about the planned event across the border? Thomas, North Korea is widely expected to be on the agenda of the summit between South Korea and the U.S. scheduled for August 25th at the White House as the two leaders address, among other issues, "alliance modernization". Based on what has been shared about this term by relevant officials, what are your prospects with regard to the ROK-U.S. alliance? Ruy, the next multinational meeting among global leaders is the APEC forum here in South Korea this autumn. Some believe a U.S.-North Korea as well as a U.S.-China summit may be possible on the margins of this annual economic meeting. What are your thoughts? All right.

N. Korean leader's sister denies loudspeaker removal, rejects Seoul's outreach

2025/08/14 19:43

North Korea has denied dismantling its loudspeakers directed toward South Korea as earlier reported by officials here in the country. Byeon Ye-young has our top story. Kim Yo-jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, has rejected Seoul's conciliatory measures and reaffirmed Pyongyang's intent to maintain its hostile stance. In a statement released through the North's state-run Korean Central News Agency on Thursday, Kim dismissed recent measures by the Lee Jae Myung administration, which took office in June pledging to mend strained ties with North Korea. Lee's government has halted anti-Pyongyang loudspeaker broadcasts, moved to ban leaflet balloon launches, and repatriated North Koreans who had drifted south in wooden boats. Responding to Lee's remarks on Tuesday that the North has also removed some loudspeakers, Kim called it "groundless speculation and a manipulation of public opinion," insisting North Korea has not dismantled the loudspeakers deployed along the border, and doesn't intend to dismantle them. At a briefing on Thursday, South Korea's Ministry of National Defense said the military had explained the facts based on its observations of North Korea removing speakers. It urged caution against being swayed by the intent behind North Korea's announcements, adding it has often made unfounded claims. Also in her statement, Kim Yo-jong criticized adjustments to the upcoming U.S.-Korean Ulchi Freedom Shield joint military drills starting on August 18th, dismissing them as "worthless and futile." She added that Pyongyang has "no intention of improving relations with a loyal servant and faithful ally of the United States". She also accused Seoul of trying to score political points by reversing measures from the previous Yoon Suk Yeol government, calling such efforts an empty dream that would not draw Pyongyang's attention. Kim further brushed off speculation that the summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, scheduled for Friday, could revive U.S.-North Korea dialogue, saying there was no reason for North Korea to sit down with the U.S. She warned that if Washington clings to what she called "outdated" thinking, any meeting would remain merely a U.S. hope and that North Korea had no interest in talks that dwell on an irreversible past. Byeon Ye-young, Arirang News.

World News: Trump holds call with Zelenskyy and EU leaders ahead of Putin summit

2025/08/14 19:42

This is the World Now, bringing you the latest stories from around the globe. U.S. President Donald Trump held an online summit with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and key European leaders, ahead of his upcoming face-to-face meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. Hosted from Berlin on Wednesday, the online meeting brought together President Zelenskyy, European leaders, including German Chancellor Merz, French President Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and NATO's Secretary-General Mark Rutte, alongside President Trump and Vice President JD Vance. The attendees shared thoughts that any peace must include Ukraine's voice, reject territorial concessions, and proceed with firm security guarantees. Zelenskyy warned that Putin's pledge to pause aggression was a bluff, aimed at stronger leverage on the battlefield. President Trump later described the call as a "very good conversation" and warned that Russia would face "very severe consequences" if Putin didn't agree to end the war after their summit on Friday. Israel is reportedly discussing the resettlement of Palestinians and is making diplomatic progress with Indonesia. According to Israel's N12 television, citing sources on Wednesday, Israel has approached Indonesia, Somaliland, Uganda, South Sudan, and Libya to gauge willingness to accept displaced Palestinians from Gaza under plans described by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as "voluntary migration." Though no firm agreements have been signed, some progress has reportedly been made with Indonesia and Somaliland. Indonesia previously made a humanitarian offer, including treating up to 2,000 wounded Palestinians earlier this month and temporarily accepting around 1,000 war refugees in April. South Sudan, however, has denied involvement. Its Foreign Ministry labeled earlier reports of resettlement talks with Israel as "baseless" and "not reflective of its official policy." In the U.S. state of Alaska, an outburst of water from a glacial lake led to urgent evacuations on Wednesday. Authorities have warned residents in the state capital, Juneau, that water from a basin has burst through and flooded the Mendenhall River to record levels, peaking at over 5 meters, exceeding last year's high-water mark. The National Weather Service has issued a flood warning and urged residents in the high-risk inundation zone to evacuate immediately. Glacial lake outbursts occur when a lake formed by the melting of snow, ice, and rain drains rapidly, much like pulling a plug from a full bathtub. Flooding has been a recurring concern in the area since 2011, and in just one year last year, hundreds of homes were damaged. American singer and actress Beyoncé Knowles-Carter has won her first Emmy Award. Beyoncé won the award for Outstanding Costumes for Variety, Nonfiction, or Reality Programming for her Netflix special "Beyoncé Bowl," a Christmas Day NFL halftime show featuring songs from her Cowboy Carter album. She shared the honor with five collaborators, including lead designer Shiona Turini. Beyoncé had previously received 10 Emmy nominations without a win. Choi Chi-hee, Arirang News.

South Korea to export K-9 howitzers to Vietnam

2025/08/14 19:38

South Korea is slated to ship its K-9 self-propelled howitzers to Vietnam. According to defense industry sources on this Thursday a government-to-government contract was inked late last month to export twenty of these artillery weapons produced by Hanwha Aerospace to Vietnam for 2-hundred-50 million U.S. dollars. This marks the first time for South Korean-made howitzers to enter the Southeast Asian market. The deal with Vietnam also marks the first time South Korea has sold its weapons to a communist country.

Former first lady declines to answer most special counsel questions

2025/08/14 19:38

Former First Lady Kim Keon Hee appeared at the special counsel's office earlier this morning for her first questioning session since being arrested earlier this week on corruption charges. The session lasted some four hours with the special counsel team focused on her alleged interference in the candidate nomination process in past elections. According to the team Kim refused to respond to most of the allegations. The team plans to hold another round of questioning next Monday.

Ruling DP launches special committee on media reform, plans punitive damages for fake news

2025/08/14 19:38

The ruling Democratic Party has launched a special committee for media reform. The committee will address follow-up measures after the passage of bills that change among other aspects how the heads of public broadcasters are appointed. On the agenda of the media reform committee is the restructuring of the Korea Communications Commission and the Korea Communications Standards Commission as well as the introduction of punitive damages for fake news. At the committee's first meeting earlier today DP leader Jung Chung-rae said the reform will serve to better protect public rights.

Key economic cooperation agenda set for discussion at ROK-U.S. summit

2025/08/14 19:35

In less than a fortnight President Lee Jae Myung and his U.S. counterpart Donald Trump will sit down at the White House to address the finer details of the trade framework hammered out by their trade ministers and pundits believe there are a few points of contention that need to be ironed out. Our correspondent Moon Ji-young explains. As the August 25th Korea-U.S. summit approaches, unresolved trade issues are taking center stage. A primary point of contention is the finalization of Korea's pledged 3-hundred-50 billion U.S. dollar investment. The two countries notably hold differing views. While the U.S. asserts the investment plan falls under its president's direction, Korea clarifies that the U.S. dictating all investment destinations is merely "political expression." Observers point to what to anticipate regarding the summit's outcome. "President Trump will probably push very hard for Korea to accept his interpretation rather than the Korean or Japanese interpretation. And it will be a very tough pressure because Trump will be negotiating not just for the Korean deal, but he's probably going to use the results from the Korean deal and reinterpretation as a model for Japan, European Union and other countries as well." Another critical issue is the U.S.'s proposed 100 percent tariffs on foreign-made semiconductors. The key uncertainty for Korea lies in whether the Most Favored Nation treatment promised by the U.S. will be applied. In fact, these chip tariffs have a significant impact not only on exporters to the U.S. but also on the American economy. "In terms of like this meaning of the tariffs, obviously on our daily lives are completely depending on the electronics, such as smartphones, TVs, and internet-based machines. So, in that case, semiconductors are going to be extremely important. Therefore, the prices of consumers and also producers actually will eventually go up, so the most important effect is going to come through the inflation." Agricultural market access also remains a contentious issue. While the U.S. calls for "historical market access" for its agricultural products like rice and beef, Korea has firmly rejected any further opening, emphasizing that "there will be no additional market access." Beyond these points, further non-tariff barriers like Google's high-precision map data export will be crucial issues to monitor at the upcoming summit. Moon Ji-young. Arirang News.

President Lee hosts luncheon for families of independence fighters

2025/08/14 19:33

President Lee Jae Myung has highlighted the importance of respecting and remembering the selfless sacrifices of Korea's independence activists. Earlier on this Thursday one day ahead of Friday's Liberation Day he hosted a luncheon at Cheong Wa Dae's Yeongbingwan Reception Hall for the families of those who fought for freedom from Japanese colonial rule. "The saying that 'three generations suffer if one fights for independence' should never hold true again. Those who sacrificed for their nation must receive the highest honor and the strongest support. We will take special care so the surviving patriots spend the rest of their lives without discomfort." The President also pledged to expand programs honoring the heroes to ensure their legacy lives on.

U.S. says it looks forward to working with S. Korea to advance 'ironclad' alliance

2025/08/14 19:33

Meanwhile speaking of Washington its top diplomat has reaffirmed U.S. commitment to advance the quote "ironclad" alliance with South Korea. In a statement on Wednesday local time U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also congratulated South Korea on the 80th anniversary of its liberation from Japanese colonial rule that will be celebrated tomorrow that is Friday August 15th. Calling South Korea an "indispensable ally" Rubio said Washington will continue to confront the most pressing global security challenges by working together with the government here.

[Short-form] Honoring Korea’s Women Independence Fighters

2025/08/14 15:34

As Korea marks August 15, Liberation Day, we remember the courageous women independence fighters whose names and stories are still unfamiliar to many.