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Live from Seoul Detention Center: CIO withdraws from forced questioning

2025/01/21 10:00

Meanwhile, investigators' efforts to question Yoon continue having so far failed due to Yoon's persistent refusal to cooperate. We connect live with our Moon Hye-ryeon standing by at the Seoul Detention Center where he's being detained. Hye-ryeon, last night, investigators returned to their office empty-handed after failing to bring Yoon in for questioning by force. Tell us more. Good morning, Dami – as you said, the CIO attempted to forcibly bring President Yoon in for questioning here at the Seoul Detention Center yesterday, but withdrew late last night after being met with resistance. In a statement to the press, the CIO announced that their investigators stopped their attempts at around 9 PM last night in accordance with human rights protection regulations as Yoon refused to cooperate. Yoon has refused all interrogation requests since he was arrested last Wednesday – ignoring summonses last Thursday and Friday and continuing to resist even after his formal detention on Sunday. The CIO notified him twice of scheduled interrogations – on Sunday and on Monday – but he did not comply. As Yoon's initial detention period is set to expire on January 28th, the CIO has deemed a face-to-face investigation urgent and therefore attempted forced questioning. They have said that they will continue criminal procedures, including additional attempts at forced interrogation – but it is not yet clear when or how this will happen. Citing legal precedents and Supreme Court rulings, the agency asserted that a suspect could be forcibly brought to the interrogation room, but President Yoon's legal team criticized the CIO's action saying that Yoon had been meeting with the attorneys when CIO officials attempted to "unlawfully" force an interrogation. And on that note of President Yoon's legal team – what's their reasoning for President Yoon's such defiant manner? Well, Dami, in addition to the CIO's attempt to forcibly bring Yoon in for questioning, Yoon's legal team has strongly criticized the CIO for prohibiting visits to the detained president for anyone other than his legal representatives. They argue that restricting family meetings unrelated to the charges of insurrection is a "vindictive" act rather than a legitimate investigative measure, and have demanded the immediate revocation of such a decision. The CIO has cited concerns over potential evidence tampering as a reason for imposing these restrictions, but Yoon's attorney said that these allegations are "baseless and unjust", while pointing to the impeachments of former Presidents Roh Moon-hyun and Park Geun-hye who were still allowed external communication and national briefings to ensure smooth governance. Yoon's attorneys argued that this set a precedent, and that Yoon must remain fully informed of the country's ongoing developments. And let's turn our attention to Yoon's supporters and the Sunday riots that led to some serious damage at the Seoul Western District Court building. How are investigations unfolding? That's right, so the police have arrested a total of 90 individuals in connection with the riots that happened early Sunday morning at the Seoul Western District Court. The detainees range in age from in their teens to their seventies, with over half in their twenties and thirties. Police have applied for arrest warrants for 66 individuals and are continuing to analyze mobile phone data, video evidence, and footage from YouTube channels collected during the arrest. Authorities expect the number of individuals formally charged to increase as the investigation unfolds. The police have also intensified their investigation into whether there was an organized effort behind the riot, deploying the Criminal Mobilization Unit to pursue the case further. Meanwhile, the Seoul Western District Court has issued arrest warrants for two of five individuals accused of assaulting police officers near the court on Saturday the day before the riot. That's all I have for now, but I'll be back in a later newscast with more updates. Back to you, Dami. That was our Moon Hye-ryeon reporting live from the Seoul Detention Center.

Trump returns to the White House, signaling a rapid shift in global order

2025/01/20 20:00

Welcome to Within The Frame, where we bring you today's most pressing issues from across the globe, I'm Kim Mok-yeon. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's second inauguration ceremony is just hours away. With forecasts predicting temperatures as low as -12°C, Trump decided to move the event indoors, for the first time in 40 years. The last time an inauguration was held indoors because of the weather was in 1985 for former Republican President Ronald Reagan. With world diplomats and citizens planning to attend, questions are emerging about the impact on attendance and the broader significance of this inauguration. Attention is also focused on Trump's inaugural address and the return of the farewell event for the outgoing President Joe Biden, which could signal key shifts in the transition of power and the tone of the new administration. For a closer look into the current situation ahead of the inauguration ceremony, we first connect to our Voice of America correspondent Jessica Stone in Washington D.C. Welcome, Jessica. 1. The weather forecast predicts extremely cold temperatures for President Trump's inauguration, and because of this, the ceremony is being held indoors. Jessica, could you give us some details on how the ceremony will proceed? What has Trump said? 2. How do you think this will affect the turnout and atmosphere? There had been news that many people including world diplomats were planning to visit. Will they be able to be accommodated? 3. The former president's farewell event, which was omitted four years ago, is now included in the ceremony's schedule. Biden says he's planning to attend showcasing a peaceful transfer of power. What could this signify for the tone of the inauguration? Could it lead to a smooth transition of government operations to the new administration? 4. What can we expect from Trump's second inaugural speech? How do you think it will differ from his first one, particularly in terms of messaging and priorities? 5. Trump spent the past two years on the campaign trail making more than a dozen promises about what he would enact on his first day in office. Could you remind us of some that are highly likely at this point? policies, especially in areas like economic growth, immigration, and national security. Thank you for bringing us the latest from Washington Jessica. And now to explore more on the implications of these changes, as well as the potential shifts in U.S. foreign policy under the Trump administration, we connect to Hannah Kim, Assistant Professor of International Studies at Sogang University GSIS. Thank you for coming on. 1. Now that the Trump 2.0 era has begun, what kind of big changes could we expect in the global landscape? 2. Fundraising efforts have led to a substantial amount of money being raised, with significant contributions from industries like tech, banking, and energy. How has the donor landscape changed since Trump's previous term, and what does this shift suggest about the relationship between business and politics in the U.S.? 3. Trump had invited Chinese President Xi Jinping to his inauguration, an unprecedented move, especially with his previous statements on dumping tariffs on China. China in response vowed to send its Vice President instead, the first time to send a high-ranking official to the inauguration. What could this mean when it comes to the future of Washington-Beijing relations? 4. Like China, Japan is also sending a high-ranking official, its foreign minister to Trump's inauguration. But as for South Korea, the South Korean Ambassador to the U.S. Cho Hyun-dong will attend. Though it's customary for the ambassador to attend, there are concerns that South Korea has missed an early diplomatic opportunity with the Trump administration, especially following the impeachment crisis. What are your thoughts and what could be done? 5. Earlier this week, Israel and Hamas agreed on a ceasefire deal following 15 months of fighting. Since Trump had been eager to end the war in Gaza and Ukraine, how much of an influence could Trump have on the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine?

Investigators arrive at Seoul Detention Center to forcefully escort Yoon for questioning

2025/01/20 20:00

Thank you for joining us. I'm Yoon Jung-min. We start our coverage at a local detention center where President Yoon Suk Yeol is being held after a court ordered his formal arrest in the early hours of Sunday. For more, let's turn to our correspondent Kim Do-yeon standing by live on site. Do-yeon, I hear the CIO is now trying to bring the president back for questioning by force? Good evening, Jung-min. Yes, as you said, I'm here at Seoul Detention Center where President Yoon has been under detention since last week and has been refusing to be taken to the CIO for questioning. As you'll be able to hear, there are some protesters still here showing support for President Yoon. However, the CIO has now started to take action. In the afternoon our team spotted what looked like the CIO's vans and cars heading inside and hours later it was confirmed that members of the CIO had indeed arrived. According to reports there are 6 members of the CIO currently here attempting to escort President Yoon but the option of just holding the questioning session has not been completely ruled out. President Yoon has only appeared at the CIO once the first day of his detention last Wednesday and has repeated that he's got nothing more to share and refused to be questioned by the investigators. Of course, Yoon has said that this arrest is not legal yet again and will likely continue to refuse to be questioned and even file for another legality review of this current arrest. Over the course of this past weekend, the president went from being a temporary detainee to becoming a criminal suspect over insurrection charges. It almost sounds like a cliche, now, but it is unprecedented. Jung-min, that's right over the weekend, the CIO was able to get a warrant to keep Yoon in custody until early February. This second warrant means he is now dressed in a detention center-issued uniform with an inmate number assigned to him. Considering his status he will have a separate cell, and guards will try to isolate him from other inmates. According to the Justice Ministry he's had a mug shot taken and a body search the same procedure as anyone else who has been arrested. The CIO is also using its legal options to pressure President Yoon except for Yoon's attorneys he'll not be allowed any visitors until a formal prosecution begins for this case. The CIO cited the risk of evidence being destroyed as the reason and remember that is the exact reason why the court issued the second "official" arrest warrant. Of course, Yoon has called this ban just a way to push him around saying if there is reasonable evidence obtained by the CIO how could he destroy any? And I believe the police tried to raid some locations related to the President again how'd that go? Jung-min that's right the search and seizure warrant from last month is still valid and the police attempted to raid the presidential safehouse and Yongsan Presidential Office The goal was to obtain CCTV footage to see who went in and out on the night of the martial law declaration. In addition, at Yongsan Presidential Office's Presidential Security Service office the servers for these CCTV recordings are there so the investigators could be looking into those. However, again the Presidential Security Service refused to comply with the search and the police had to turn back. That's all for now, back to you Jung-min. That was our Kim Do-yeon reporting live from the Seoul Detention Center.

3 Israeli hostages, 90 Palestinian prisoners released as part of Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal

2025/01/20 20:00

A truce has taken effect in Gaza between Israel and Hamas, as of Sunday, paving the path for phased exchanges of hostages for prisoners. Lee Eun-jin covers the first such exchange in months. Sunday was the first day of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire that has halted 15 months of war. On the same day, the first three Israeli hostages of the 33 that were agreed to be released under the terms of the ceasefire deal were freed by Hamas. The International Committee of the Red Cross facilitated the transfer, escorting the three women to an Israeli military checkpoint. Upon arrival, they were reunited with their families and transported to a medical center for examination, where the director said all three were in stable condition. Romi Gonen, Doron Steinbrecher, and Emily Damari were abducted on Oct. 7 near a kibbutz and music festival during the Hamas attack. In Tel Aviv, thousands of people erupted in applause as they gathered to watch the news on large screens. The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also released a video showing him receiving news about the return of three hostages. Just over seven hours later, the first of the Palestinian prisoners were released. Around 90 Palestinian prisoners and detainees were freed from Israeli jails into the occupied West Bank, arriving by bus to scenes of cheering and celebration. They had been detained for what Israel called offenses related to its security. This was the first of several hostage and detainee exchanges set to take place during the ceasefire over the next six weeks. The agreement reached in Qatar last week with the help of mediators calls for Hamas to release 33 hostages, including women, children, men over 50, and ill and wounded captives, while Israel is set to release more than 1,900 Palestinian prisoners. While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement that the government is committed to the return of all 98 hostages, major questions remain about whether fighting will resume after the six-week first phase of the ceasefire. Lee Eunjin, Arirang News.

Trump Inauguration D-Day: impacts of Trump's protectionist policies on S. Korean industries

2025/01/20 20:00

Trump has pledged to promote an America-first trade policy. Our business correspondent Moon Hye-ryeon takes a look at what that means for U.S.' trade partners like South Korea. As U.S. President Donald Trump takes office for his second term, his aggressive trade policies, particularly targeting China, are raising concerns worldwide. Trump has signaled plans for sweeping tariffs, including additional levies on Chinese imports, as part of his broader protectionist strategy – aiming to shift global trade dynamics and strengthen U.S. leverage. However, such policies have raised alarm in countries like South Korea, heavily reliant on exports. For South Korea, Trump's trade war with China poses both risks and opportunities across a wide range of industries. Advanced technology sectors such as semiconductors could face increased barriers to trade as a result of the U.S.-China tensions. Trump's protectionist policies have also triggered concerns surrounding potential amendments to the Inflation Reduction Act, and whether Samsung Electronics and SK hynix as beneficiaries of the CHIPS and Science Act could be affected. Experts say that while anything that has already been signed into contract is safe, possible future subsidies could be at risk. But the U.S. also stands to be negatively impacted as a result. "If President Trump really wants to use tariffs to induce semiconductor investment in the United States, tariffs have to be higher than 20 percent. And if tariffs for semiconductors do go that high, then it probably will hurt the United States more than help it." The steel and automobile industries could also be affected as they have been historically important for the U.S. economy. "They have been really important in the U.S. economy – especially by taking important roles in creating jobs for a long time but have lost their competitiveness in the global market. So the Trump administration is expected to implement higher tariffs on goods that experience large trade deficits." On the upside, some sectors in South Korea could benefit from Trump's tariffs. For instance, industries like electric vehicles and batteries, where South Korea has a strong presence, may see increased demand as countries look to diversify their supply chains and reduce reliance on China. South Korea's plans to boost its eco-friendly vehicle sector and advance battery technology through significant investments as announced by Acting President and Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok earlier last week, may position it as a global leader in these fields. There is also growing anticipation that U.S. sanctions on China's shipbuilding sector will benefit South Korea's shipbuilding companies as they gain a competitive edge. As Trump's trade policies take shape, South Korea's industries and government will need to stay agile, balancing the potential risks and rewards in this evolving trade landscape. Moon Hye-ryeon, Arirang News.

Trump 2.0: What the return of Trump means for Korean Peninsula

2025/01/20 20:00

On the security front. The incoming Trump administration is expected to call on South Korea to shoulder a greater burden of the cost of maintaining U.S. soldiers here in the country. Our foreign affairs correspondent Bae Eun-ji reports. Trump's approach to foreign policy is largely focused on the idea of putting "America First." To do this, he's appointed 'hardliners' to help him shape foreign policy in the new administration including Secretary of State nominee Marco Rubio, who's taken hard line positions against China and North Korea. At his Senate confirmation hearing last week, Rubio emphasized that placing the interest of America above all else has never been more necessary than it is now. "Placing our core national interest above all else is not isolationism. It is the common sense realization that our foreign that a foreign policy centered on our national interest is not some outdated relic." The "America First" policy has led to the biggest problem that South Korea is facing --that Trump could renegotiate the deal on sharing the costs needed for American troops in Korea. During his campaign, Trump said if he was at the White House, South Korea would be paying the United States 10 billion dollars a year, calling South Korea a "money machine." "So it is pretty clear that after he return to the White House, he will make a relationship based on the cost-benefit calculation especially for South Korea. Trump already mentioned several times that he is increasing the cost sharing for South Korea. So it's gonna be a rather daunting challenge for South Korean security and in terms of relationship between these two countries." With regard to relations with North Korea, there is a possibility that Trump might pursue nuclear talks with Kim Jong-un. During his first term, Trump held three summits with Kim, but the talks ended without any breakthroughs. Then on the campaign trail, Trump claimed that Kim "misses" him implying that the regime would not be acting up, once he returns to office. "Look, I had a very good relationship with President Xi. and a very good relationship with Putin and a very good relationship with Kim Jong-un, who has a nuclear force that you won't even believe." Trump recently named a close aide, Richard Grenell, as his presidential envoy for special missions and Alex Wong, who handled negotiations with North Korea during Trump's first term in office, as deputy national security adviser. South Korea's intelligence agency now believes that Trump's recent appointments of top aides on North Korean issues further indicate a willingness to explore diplomatic talks. It recently assessed that if the Trump administration comes to a conclusion that complete denuclearization of North Korea is impossible in the near future, it could seek to take actions in the form of a "small deal," such as nuclear disarmament or arms reduction. With less than a day left until Trump's inauguration, eyes are now on how his America First agenda will reshape international politics, as critics say his foreign policy could dismantle democratic norms and a decades-old international order. Bae Eun-ji, Arirang News.

Preparations in full swing with one day to go until Trump's inauguration

2025/01/20 20:00

In less than a few hours, the U.S. ushers in a second Trump administration. Lee Seung-jae covers the upcoming inauguration ceremony slated for Monday local time. In less than a day, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump will be sworn into office, and return to the White House, four years after his election defeat to Joe Biden. Four days of inauguration-related events kicked off on Saturday with a reception and fireworks at his golf club in Virginia, with around 500 people in attendance. On Sunday, he visited Arlington National Cemetery, and laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. And due to the extreme winter conditions in the U.S. capital, the inauguration day ceremony will take place indoors at the U.S. Capitol rotunda. Monday is expected to be the coldest inauguration day in 40 years, with temperatures forecast to dip to minus 5 degrees Celsius, with winds blowing up to 48 kilometers per hour due to an arctic vortex in the region. After Trump is sworn into office, he will make his inauguration speech before events close on Tuesday with a prayer service at Washington National Cathedral. Despite the extreme winter conditions, supporters of Trump came to celebrate his return, with the "Make America Great Again Victory Rally" taking place on Sunday. "I got here at 5 in the morning. And tomorrow the same. I was going to go out there now because of the freezing cold. I don't do it. I've got to do it. I've got to, I can't wait to dance that YMCA dance. I'm practicing. I'm hoping Trump will wave back." The rally took place at the Capital One Arena in Washington, where Trump held his pre-inauguration address. There, Trump promised to usher in a new era of American prosperity, adding that on Monday, the country will "begin a brand new day of American strength, prosperity, dignity and pride." Meanwhile, video sharing platform TikTok said Sunday it was restoring its service. The move comes after Trump said he would reverse a ban on the app when he returns to the Oval Office. TikTok said in a message to users that the service would be restored "as a result of President Trump's effort." In an interview with NBC News' "Meet the Press" on Saturday, Trump said he would "most likely" give the platform a 90-day reprieve from a potential ban in the U.S. once he takes office. While a final decision hasn't been made, the soon-to-be U.S. leader is considering the extension for the China-based parent company to sell to a non-Chinese-buyer, or face a U.S. ban. TikTok stopped working in the U.S. on Saturday, before a law shutting it down on the grounds of national security took effect on Sunday. Washington had warned of Americans' data being misused by Chinese parent company ByteDance. Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.

PPP urges veto of special probe bill against Yoon; DP demands immediate approval

2025/01/20 20:00

The rival parties are pressuring Acting President Choi Sang-mok over an opposition-led bill to launch a special counsel investigation into President Yoon's short-lived imposition of martial law. The ruling PPP today urged Choi to veto the bill, criticizing it as overly broad and unnecessary, as most key figures, including Yoon, have already been arrested or indicted. The main opposition DP, on the other hand, claimed that it has incorporated the PPP's demands, and called for immediate approval. This follows the bill's passage at the National Assembly on Friday after failed negotiations between the parties. Meanwhile, the acting president is reportedly reviewing the bill, noting that it's difficult to say whether it passed with a bipartisan agreement.

Unprecedented court attack leads to chaotic aftermath following Yoon's arrest

2025/01/20 20:00

In the early hours of Sunday morning, violence broke out at the Seoul Western District Court as President Yoon's hard-line supporters stormed into the building after the court ordered the president's official detention. Our Ahn Sung-jin reports on the aftermath of the chaotic scenes. Glass shattered on the floor with windows now wide open, revealing the offices inside. The immediate aftermath of the Seoul Western District Court riots provides a glimpse into early Sunday's chaotic scenes. "Where I'm standing is right near the rear entrance to the Seoul Western District Court. There are still several police officers on guard for any further unexpected incidents. Most of the glass has now been cleaned up from the ground, but the building is still in disarray. Right behind me, the sign of the court still lies on the ground and if we take a look at the other side if the building, most of the glass has been shattered is still temporarily covered." President Yoon's supporters stormed into the court building during the early hours on Sunday, after the court's decision to issue an arrest warrant at around 3 AM. Enraged supporters broke through windows and doors while some sprayed fire extinguishers at lines of police guarding the front entrance. Some of these protesters swarmed into the building looking for Judge Cha Eun-kyung, who was responsible for the decision to issue the warrant, trashing and vandalizing everything in sight. Multiple individuals have been arrested and at least 40 were injured including riot police, some who were seen bleeding. According to the police, though the ages of those who've been arrested vary, what's notable is that more than half of them were seen to be men in their 20s and 30s. Some say that they have been influenced by what they've seen on YouTube or read in online communities. This chaos has resulted in social upheaval and discussions on whether the rule of law still exists. As concerns mount over extremist movements, both the ruling and opposition parties raised their concerns during Monday's National Assembly Interpellation on Pending Matters. However, the ruling People Power Party said that the police should have prepared thoroughly in advance while the main opposition Democratic Party suggested that the ruling party has incited such movements. The Seoul Western District Court said despite concerns regarding normal court proceedings, to reassure the public that the country's rule of law still exists, trials will proceed as normal. Ahn Sung-jin, Arirang News.

CIO reviews forcefully bringing Yoon for questioning as Yoon continues to refuse

2025/01/20 17:00

We start with the latest at the Seoul Detention Center where President Yoon Suk Yeol is being held after a court ordered his formal arrest in the wee hours of this past Sunday. For more I have our top office correspondent Kim Do-yeon standing by live on site. Do-yeon welcome. I hear the president has continued to refrain from cooperating with the investigation led by anti-corruption officials? Good afternoon Sun-hee as you said, I'm here at Seoul Detention Center where President Yoon has been under detention since last week and has been refusing to be taken to the CIO for questioning. Just to allow you to get a sense of the scene here to my right are about a hundred or so people in support of President Yoon while to my left are a handful of people condemning Yoon and showing support for the CIO. Now as we were talking about Yoon was only at the CIO on his first day of detention last Wednesday for questioning and since then has refused additional questions saying there is nothing more to share. Therefore, the CIO is now looking at its options, primarily two. Because President Yoon is under detention the CIO can be more forceful when it comes to bringing Yoon in, but there needs to be a careful review of relevant laws before taking this route. On the other hand, the CIO investigators and prosecutors could themselves come here to the Detention Center. Of course, Yoon has said that this arrest is not legal yet again and will likely continue to refuse to be questioned and even file for another legality review of this current arrest. Do-yeon over the course of this past weekend the president went from being a temporary detainee to becoming a criminal suspect facing an indictment and trial on charges of instigating an insurrection. Do tell us more. Sun-hee, that's right over the weekend, the CIO was able to get a warrant to keep Yoon in custody until early February. And that means the CIO and the prosecutors will have him here at the Seoul Detention Center while they question him to investigate the case further. This means he is now dressed in a detention center-issued uniform with an inmate number assigned to him. Considering his status he will have a separate cell, and guards will try to isolate him from other inmates. According to the Justice Ministry he's had a mug shot taken and a body search the same procedure as anyone else who has been arrested. And while Yoon uses his legal rights to delay the investigation even under this new arrest warrant the CIO is also using its legal options to pressure President Yoon except for Yoon's attorneys he'll not be allowed any visitor until a formal prosecution begins for this case. The CIO cited the risk of evidence being destroyed as the reason and remember that is the exact reason why the court issued the second "official" arrest warrant. Of course, Yoon has called this ban just a way to push him around saying if there is reasonable evidence obtained by the CIO that he's now arrested how could he destroy any? And I believe a search warrant is in effect at the presidential office? Sun-hee, that's right the search and seizure warrant from last month is still valid and the police actually executed the warrant earlier today. They're trying to obtain CCTV footage to see who went in and out on the night of the martial law declaration. In addition, at Yongsan Presidential Office's Presidential Security Service office the servers for these CCTV recordings are there so the investigators could be looking into those. That's all for now, back to you Sun-hee. All right Do-yeon for you for the latest with regard to the president's arrest and investigation.

3 Israeli hostages, 90 Palestinian prisoners released as part of Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal

2025/01/20 17:00

And in the Middle East. A sixty-day truce has taken effect in Gaza between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas as of Sunday paving the path for phased exchanges of hostages for prisoners. Lee Eun-jin covers the first such exchange in months. Sunday was the first day of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire that has halted 15 months of war. On the same day, the first three Israeli hostages of the 33 that were agreed to be released under the terms of the ceasefire deal were freed by Hamas. The International Committee of the Red Cross facilitated the transfer, escorting the three women to an Israeli military checkpoint. Upon arrival, they were reunited with their families and transported to a medical center for examination, where the director said all three were in stable condition. Romi Gonen, Doron Steinbrecher, and Emily Damari were abducted on Oct. 7 near a kibbutz and music festival during the Hamas attack. In Tel Aviv, thousands of people erupted in applause as they gathered to watch the news on large screens. The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also released a video showing him receiving news about the return of three hostages. Just over seven hours later, the first of the Palestinian prisoners were released. Around 90 Palestinian prisoners and detainees were freed from Israeli jails into the occupied West Bank, arriving by bus to scenes of cheering and celebration. They had been detained for what Israel called offenses related to its security. This was the first of several hostage and detainee exchanges set to take place during the ceasefire over the next six weeks. The agreement reached in Qatar last week with the help of mediators calls for Hamas to release 33 hostages, including women, children, men over 50, and ill and wounded captives, while Israel is set to release more than 1,900 Palestinian prisoners. While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement that the government is committed to the return of all 98 hostages, major questions remain about whether fighting will resume after the six-week first phase of the ceasefire. Lee Eunjin, Arirang News.

Trump 2.0: Trump's promise to end wars in Ukraine and Gaza

2025/01/20 17:00

On the broader diplomatic front. Raging wars including that in Ukraine amid Russian invasion look to top the list of foreign policy initiatives for the incoming Trump administration. Our Choi Min-jung has more. The incoming U.S. President Donald Trump, was once confident that he could end the three-year-long war between Ukraine and Russia in just 24 hours. This ambitious claim raised concerns that he might pressure Ukraine to concede territory to achieve a swift resolution. This comes as Russia currently occupies around a fifth of Ukraine's territory, including Crimea and the areas of Donetsk and Luhansk that were taken before 2022. However, a subtle shift in Trump's stance has been observed since his election victory. Earlier this month, he adjusted his timeline, saying he hopes to achieve peace within six months. While he still emphasizes the need to end the war in Ukraine quickly, he also appears to be taking a cautious approach, stressing the importance of Ukraine's territorial integrity. However, an expert says negotiations will be difficult under Trump unless Ukraine gives up territory. "In my view, that's how it will ultimately turn out. Ukraine will have to make many concessions—not just territorial ones. It will likely have to give up territory, agree to neutrality, and abandon its NATO ambitions." Another war Trump pledged to end is the war in Gaza. Ahead of his inauguration, Trump warned of serious consequences if the hostages were not returned. "If those hostages aren't back, I don't want to hurt your negotiations, if they're not back by the time I get into office, all hell will break out in the Middle East and it will not be good for Hamas and it will not be good, frankly, for anyone. All hell will break out." Trump himself, and some experts believe that his pressure has clearly played out in a productive way, as Israel and Hamas agreed on a three-phase ceasefire and hostage-release deal last week. He told NBC News at the weekend that the deal "better hold." What experts are more worried about is the long-term sustainability of the deal. "It's a three-phased agreement that from 16 days into the first phase, which is going to last for six weeks, is going to already require negotiations to get to the second phase. A lot of the details of the second phase and the release of further hostages and Palestinian prisoners have not been agreed upon. The terms and conditions of Israel's withdrawal from Gaza also remain unclear." Another expert says that a mechanism is needed to ensure Israel observes and respects the terms of the deal. "These could include independent monitoring system clearly defined consequences for violations and sustained diplomatic engagement to address lingering issues such as settlement expansion or territorial disputes that could reignite the tension " With bold promises and high stakes, 2025 will be the ultimate test of whether Trump can turn his words into lasting peace in Ukraine and Gaza. Choi Min-jung, Arirang News.

Trump 2.0: What the return of Trump means for Korean Peninsula

2025/01/20 17:00

Trump Inauguration D-Day: impacts of Trump's protectionist policies on S. Korean industries

2025/01/20 17:00

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to promote an America-first trade policy. So what does that mean for its trade partners like South Korea? Our business correspondent Moon Hye-ryeon takes a look. As U.S. President Donald Trump takes office for his second term, his aggressive trade policies, particularly targeting China, are raising concerns worldwide. Trump has signaled plans for sweeping tariffs, including additional levies on Chinese imports, as part of his broader protectionist strategy – aiming to shift global trade dynamics and strengthen U.S. leverage. However, such policies have raised alarm in countries like South Korea, heavily reliant on exports. For South Korea, Trump's trade war with China poses both risks and opportunities across a wide range of industries. Advanced technology sectors such as semiconductors could face increased barriers to trade as a result of the U.S.-China tensions. Trump's protectionist policies have also triggered concerns surrounding potential amendments to the Inflation Reduction Act, and whether Samsung Electronics and SK hynix as beneficiaries of the CHIPS and Science Act could be affected. Experts say that while anything that has already been signed into contract is safe, possible future subsidies could be at risk. But the U.S. also stands to be negatively impacted as a result. "If President Trump really wants to use tariffs to induce semiconductor investment in the United States, tariffs have to be higher than 20 percent. And if tariffs for semiconductors do go that high, then it probably will hurt the United States more than help it." The steel and automobile industries could also be affected as they have been historically important for the U.S. economy. "They have been really important in the U.S. economy – especially by taking important roles in creating jobs for a long time but have lost their competitiveness in the global market. So the Trump administration is expected to implement higher tariffs on goods that experience large trade deficits." On the upside, some sectors in South Korea could benefit from Trump's tariffs. For instance, industries like electric vehicles and batteries, where South Korea has a strong presence, may see increased demand as countries look to diversify their supply chains and reduce reliance on China. South Korea's plans to boost its eco-friendly vehicle sector and advance battery technology through significant investments as announced by Acting President and Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok earlier last week, may position it as a global leader in these fields. There is also growing anticipation that U.S. sanctions on China's shipbuilding sector will benefit South Korea's shipbuilding companies as they gain a competitive edge. As Trump's trade policies take shape, South Korea's industries and government will need to stay agile, balancing the potential risks and rewards in this evolving trade landscape. Moon Hye-ryeon, Arirang News.

Preparations in full swing with one day to go until Trump's inauguration

2025/01/20 17:00

In less than 24 hours the U.S. ushers in a second Trump administration. Lee Seung-jae covers the upcoming inauguration ceremony slated for Monday local time. In less than a day, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump will be sworn into office, and return to the White House, four years after his election defeat to Joe Biden. Four days of inauguration-related events kicked off on Saturday with a reception and fireworks at his golf club in Virginia, with around 500 people in attendance. On Sunday, he visited Arlington National Cemetery, and laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. And due to the extreme winter conditions in the U.S. capital, the inauguration day ceremony will take place indoors at the U.S. Capitol rotunda. Monday is expected to be the coldest inauguration day in 40 years, with temperatures forecast to dip to minus 5 degrees Celsius, with winds blowing up to 48 kilometers per hour due to an arctic vortex in the region. After Trump is sworn into office, he will make his inauguration speech before events close on Tuesday with a prayer service at Washington National Cathedral. Despite the extreme winter conditions, supporters of Trump came to celebrate his return, with the "Make America Great Again Victory Rally" taking place on Sunday. "I got here at 5 in the morning. And tomorrow the same. I was going to go out there now because of the freezing cold. I don't do it. I've got to do it. I've got to, I can't wait to dance that YMCA dance. I'm practicing. I'm hoping Trump will wave back." The rally took place at the Capital One Arena in Washington, where Trump held his pre-inauguration address. There, Trump promised to usher in a new era of American prosperity, adding that on Monday, the country will "begin a brand new day of American strength, prosperity, dignity and pride." Meanwhile, video sharing platform TikTok said Sunday it was restoring its service. The move comes after Trump said he would reverse a ban on the app when he returns to the Oval Office. TikTok said in a message to users that the service would be restored "as a result of President Trump's effort." In an interview with NBC News' "Meet the Press" on Saturday, Trump said he would "most likely" give the platform a 90-day reprieve from a potential ban in the U.S. once he takes office. While a final decision hasn't been made, the soon-to-be U.S. leader is considering the extension for the China-based parent company to sell to a non-Chinese-buyer, or face a U.S. ban. TikTok stopped working in the U.S. on Saturday, before a law shutting it down on the grounds of national security took effect on Sunday. Washington had warned of Americans' data being misused by Chinese parent company ByteDance. Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.

Constitutional Court beefs up security protection for justices as President Yoon's impeachment trial continues

2025/01/20 17:00

Come tomorrow that is Tuesday the third hearing of the impeachment case against the president takes place. That being said efforts are underway to ensure protection for the justices at the Constitutional Court in light of the violent displays of discontent at the Seoul Western District Court in the early hours of Sunday morning. Oh Soo-young has the latest. The Constitutional Court will beef up security for justices, ahead of President Yoon Suk Yeol's third impeachment trial hearing on Tuesday, while the leader remains detained under extended custody. On Monday, Court Press Officer Cheon Jaehyun said due to violence over the weekend caused by protestors in support of the President outside the Seoul Western District Court, the Constitutional Court has devised enhanced security measures. Cheon said justices will be accompanied by police, and security screening at the courtroom entrance will be intensified. The Court has also added more security personnel and is operating an emergency standby system during and outside the working hours, along with additional police reinforcement. This marks the first time for a sitting South Korean leader to face impeachment under formal arrest, after the Seoul Western District Court approved Yoon's extended detention for further questioning by investigators. Yoon's lawyers have said the President was planning to attend the hearing at an appropriate time to defend himself. However, he skipped the first hearing on last Tuesday, citing the attempted execution of an arrest warrant. He also missed the second hearing on Thursday, as he was being detained for questioning at the time. Thus Yoon's lawyers are likely to argue for more time, saying that his prolonged arrest infringes his right to attend his ongoing trial. His team has previously filed two requests to delay the hearings, both of which the Court rejected. Press Officer Cheon said Monday that the Court cannot reveal "at this stage" whether the President will attend a hearing, but it has not yet received requests for security arrangements. She added the Court will determine the conditions under which Yoon may argue his case during the proceedings. Also, regarding the possible suspension of the impeachment case, as investigations into his alleged insurrection pick up pace with his arrest, Cheon said "it is difficult to confirm whether the justices have discussed the matter," adding that "no related documents have been submitted by President Yoon's team." Article 51 of the Constitutional Court Act allows for the suspension of an impeachment trial, when a criminal investigation based on the same grounds is ongoing. As President Yoon's impeachment trial unfolds under unprecedented circumstances, the Constitutional Court faces mounting challenges in ensuring fair trial procedures and security amid political and social unrest, as well as addressing potential delays caused by simultaneous legal proceedings. Oh Soo-young, Arirang News.

Justices and Acting President express concerns over court attack

2025/01/20 17:00

Meanwhile the country's Supreme Court earlier on this Monday condemned Sunday's acts of violence by the president's hard-line supporters at the Seoul Western District Court following its order for a formal arrest of President Yoon Suk Yeol . Our Kim Bo-kyoung has details. Justices expressed concerns over the attack on Seoul Western District Court by protesters on Sunday, saying no country would be able to survive if extreme actions disregarding the rule of law become normalized. This came during the emergency meeting presided by the Supreme Court Chief Justice on Monday morning. There, justices emphasized that any attempted acts of terrorism against individual judges or trials are not only a complete denial of the rule of law but could also be considered acts of defiance against all constitutional institutions. The Court Administration Office has announced that the specific damage to the court including exterior walls, windows, shutters and other items, is estimated to be approximately six-hundred to seven-hundred million Korean won which is a little less than five-hundred-thousand U.S. dollars. Choi Sang-mok, the Acting President too, voiced strong regret over the attack. "Democracy begins with abiding by the law. To persuade others, one must first follow the law themselves." The court faced an unprecedented attack on Sunday after it issued President Yoon's formal arrest warrant at around 3AM. Angry supporters stormed into the court, heading to the back entrance when blocked by police at the front gate. Some smashed windows using stones and fire extinguishers to enter the court. Inside, they sprayed fire extinguishers, vandalized televisions and ATMs along with other items, and even ransacked a judge's chambers, looking for Judge Cha Eun-kyung, who was responsible for the decision to issue the warrant. The protesters were only dispersed three hours later at around 6 AM after a large police force was deployed. Responding to the attack on the Seoul Western District Court, police and the prosecution said they will deal "sternly" with all of the protesters who were involved in violent acts citing their attack as "grave crimes" that undermine the rule of law and the judicial system. According to the police on Monday, a total of 90 individuals were apprehended in the act over the weekend for illegal activities at Seoul Western District Court and the Constitutional Court. Meanwhile, the Seoul Western District Court returned to normal operations on Monday. though vehicle access is restricted, and identity verification is required to enter. Kim Bo-kyoung, Arirang News.

K-wave AI News

2025/01/20 14:00

Welcome to The Kulture Wave AI News. Here's our first story of the day. Culture Minister Yu In-chon attended the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2025 and the ASEAN+3 Tourism Ministers Meeting in Johor Bahru, Malaysia over the weekend. As co-chair of this year's ASEAN tourism gathering, Minister Yu led discussions on enhancing regional cooperation in the sector. During a series of bilateral meetings with his partners, he emphasized ways to expand Korea's role to strengthen the connectivity with the ASEAN bloc, also underscoring the Korean government's efforts to ensure a safe environment for international visitors. Korea signed a memorandum of understanding on tourism cooperation with Malaysia, commemorating the 65th anniversary of diplomatic ties this year. Marking the 80th anniversary of Korea's liberation from Japan, the Korea Heritage Service will issue commemorative stamps featuring four repatriated cultural artifacts. These artifacts symbolize Korea's resilient efforts to protect its sovereignty and highlight the value of independence. The stamps include depictions of documents related to the late Joseon-era militia and the imperial seal of Emperor Gojong. Over 540,000 stamps will be issued, which can be purchased at local post offices or via the Internet Post Office website. The Andong Amsan Ice Festival, the largest winter event in the Gyeongsang region, reopened last weekend after a two-year hiatus, drawing large crowds. The festival's highlights include traditional sledding and smelt fishing, along with various other activities such as ice skating, ice slides, and ice train rides. The event will run until this Sunday. That's all for now. Keep it tuned to The Kulture Wave.

Trump Inauguration D-Day: impacts of Trump's protectionist policies on S. Korean industries

2025/01/20 10:00

Trump's comeback also means the return of his feisty protectionist trade policies. For South Korea, experts say it'll be a time of both risks and opportunities. Our Moon Hye-ryeon explains. As U.S. President Donald Trump takes office for his second term, his aggressive trade policies, particularly targeting China, are raising concerns worldwide. Trump has signaled plans for sweeping tariffs, including additional levies on Chinese imports, as part of his broader protectionist strategy – aiming to shift global trade dynamics and strengthen U.S. leverage. However, such policies have raised alarm in countries like South Korea, heavily reliant on exports. For South Korea, Trump's trade war with China poses both risks and opportunities across a wide range of industries. Advanced technology sectors such as semiconductors could face increased barriers to trade as a result of the U.S.-China tensions. Trump's protectionist policies have also triggered concerns surrounding potential amendments to the Inflation Reduction Act, and whether Samsung Electronics and SK hynix as beneficiaries of the CHIPS and Science Act could be affected. Experts say that while anything that has already been signed into contract is safe, possible future subsidies could be at risk. But the U.S. also stands to be negatively impacted as a result. "If President Trump really wants to use tariffs to induce semiconductor investment in the United States, tariffs have to be higher than 20 percent. And if tariffs for semiconductors do go that high, then it probably will hurt the United States more than help it." The steel and automobile industries could also be affected as they have been historically important for the U.S. economy. "They have been really important in the U.S. economy – especially by taking important roles in creating jobs for a long time but have lost their competitiveness in the global market. So the Trump administration is expected to implement higher tariffs on goods that experience large trade deficits." On the upside, some sectors in South Korea could benefit from Trump's tariffs. For instance, industries like electric vehicles and batteries, where South Korea has a strong presence, may see increased demand as countries look to diversify their supply chains and reduce reliance on China. South Korea's plans to boost its eco-friendly vehicle sector and advance battery technology through significant investments as announced by Acting President and Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok earlier last week, may position it as a global leader in these fields. There is also growing anticipation that U.S. sanctions on China's shipbuilding sector will benefit South Korea's shipbuilding companies as they gain a competitive edge. As Trump's trade policies take shape, South Korea's industries and government will need to stay agile, balancing the potential risks and rewards in this evolving trade landscape. Moon Hye-ryeon, Arirang News.

Seoul Western District Court operating normally after protesters' attack on Sunday

2025/01/20 10:00

And it was a weekend full of violence and anger, with pro-Yoon protesters attacking a court that issued the formal arrest warrant against him. Our Kim Bo-kyoung tells us more. Seoul Western District Court, which was attacked by supporters of President Yoon on early Sunday morning, returns normal operations on Monday, though vehicle access is restricted, and identity verification is required to enter. The court faced an unprecedented attack after it issued President Yoon's formal arrest warrant at around 3AM on Sunday. Angry supporters stormed into the court, heading to the back entrance when blocked by police at the front gate. Some smashed windows using stones and fire extinguishers to enter the court. Inside, they sprayed fire extinguishers, vandalized televisions and ATMs along with other items, and even ransacked a judge's chambers on the 7th floor, looking for Judge Cha Eun-kyung, who was responsible for the decision to issue the warrant. The protesters were only dispersed three hours later at around 6 AM after a large police force was deployed. A total of 87 protesters were apprehended. On Sunday afternoon, Yoon's supporters focused their protests on the Constitutional Court, which is responsible for making a decision over Yoon's impeachment. They split into three groups in Jongno-gu District, and held unregistered rallies at locations nearby. Though the police notified protesters of possible punishment, they did not disband. There were no clashes between the police and the protesters, but three people were apprehended, one for climbing over the wall of the court for a suspected break-in, one for possessing a crowbar, and another for suspected obstruction of official duties. Responding to the attack on the Seoul Western District Court, police and the prosecution said they will deal "sternly" with all of the protesters who were involved in violent acts by investigating them under detention. Citing their attack as "grave crimes" that undermine the rule of law and judicial system, the prosecution on Sunday formed a nine-member team to investigate the protesters. The Supreme Court Chief Justice is to hold an emergency meeting of justices on Monday morning, to share how the situation unfolded and talk about the ways to restore the rule of law, including normalizing court functions and preventing a similar incident from occurring again. Kim Bo-kyoung, Arirang News.

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