News

Zelenskyy, U.S. special envoy headed to Türkiye for talks

2025/05/14 20:00

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is headed to Türkiye for peace talks with Russia, insisting that the talks must involve his Russian counterpart Putin. Lee Seung-jae has more. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy left for Ankara on Tuesday, in the hopes of getting a ceasefire agreement with Moscow. However the Ukrainian president said that he would be going to Istanbul, where Thursday's talks will be held,.. if Russian President Vladimir Putin attends the talks himself,.. as he called on the Russian leader to come to the negotiation talks. "We will wait for the meeting with Putin in Türkiye, If Putin is ready to meet, not only for media purposes but in real life, then on the level of leaders, we will do everything to agree on a ceasefire because I must reach a deal about a ceasefire with him, because he is the only person to decide." Over on the U.S. side, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will be headed to Istanbul, along with the U.S. Special Envoys for the Middle East and Ukraine, Steve Witkoff and Keith Kellogg. The U.S. officials will look to broker a ceasefire deal, hoping Moscow will agree to a comprehensive 30-day ceasefire agreement. According to Washington, Kyiv has already agreed to such a deal. While Russian officials will be taking part in the negotiation talks in Istanbul, the Kremlin has remained silent on who's going to represent their side at the talks. According to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, Russia is continuing its preparations for the upcoming talks, but remained tight-lipped on whether its leader will be traveling to Türkiye, as well. The U.S., Russia and Ukraine will meet in Istanbul on Thursday to discuss a ceasefire for the over-three-year-long war. Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.

Trump lifts sanctions on Syria, warns Iran of nuclear weapons but signals openness to deals

2025/05/14 20:00

U.S. President Donald Trump chose the Middle East as the destination for his first major foreign trip since reentering the White House. There, he said sanctions on Syria will be lifted. Park Kun-woo has more. The more than a decade-long U.S. sanctions on Syria to pressure the country's former dictatorship are set to be lifted. That was announced by U.S. President Donald Trump in a speech made at an investment forum held in Riyadh during his four-day visit to the Gulf, Trump's first international trip since his return to the Oval Office. "I will be ordering the cessation of sanctions against Syria in order to give them a chance at greatness." Trump said he made the move at the request of Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, while saying U.S. measures against Syria had now fulfilled their purpose. Syria had been urging the U.S. to lift sanctions since last December, following the ousting of its former dictator. Syria's Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani called Trump's decision a "pivotal turning point" as Syria enters a phase of "reconstruction" after years of war. Trump is expected to meet with Syria's interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa on Wednesday, while U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will hold talks with Syria's Foreign Minister in Türkiye later this week. On Tuesday, Trump called Iran the "most destructive force" in the Middle East, vowing it would never be allowed to have nuclear weapons. Trump also said he remains open to diplomacy with Tehran, saying he is not just condemning Iran's previous choices. "I want to make a deal with Iran. But if Iran's leadership rejects this olive branch and continues to attack their neighbors, then we will have no choice but to inflict massive maximum pressure, drive Iranian oil exports to zero, like I did before." Also on Tuesday at the U.S.-Saudi investment forum, Saudi Arabia announced an investment of 600 billion U.S. dollars in the United States. The agreement includes an arms deal -worth nearly 142 billion dollars -which the White House called the "largest defense cooperation deal Washington has ever done" as well as other technology partnerships. Park Kun-woo, Arirang News.

2 men imprisoned after being found guilty of storming court, causing criminal damage

2025/05/14 20:00

Also on the local front. Two men, surnamed So and So, have been sentenced to a year and a year-and-a-half in prison, respectively, after attacking the Seoul Western District Court in January. They were also found guilty of throwing bricks and storming the court building. The offenses happened after the court issued an arrest warrant for former President Yoon Suk Yeol over insurrection charges. On Wednesday, judges said the crimes were committed because of their obsession with what they believed was a political plot behind the arrest warrant being issued by the judiciary. Out of around 90 people currently facing trial on similar charges, these two were the first to get prison sentences.

Closer North Korea-China-Russia ties; Pyongyang’s strategic moves amid rising tensions

2025/05/14 20:00

Welcome to Within The Frame, where we bring the most pressing issues across the globe into focus, I'm Kim Mok-yeon. As the world watches new fault lines emerge between global powers, the Korean Peninsula is no longer just reacting to regional tensions—it's actively reshaping them. From North Korea's open military support for Russia in Ukraine to the first diplomatic appearance of Kim Jong-un's daughter Ju-ae, Pyongyang is sending deliberate signals about its strategic intent and succession. At the same time, Russia and China are aligning more openly with North Korea—politically, militarily, and diplomatically—challenging Western pressure and sanctions. And all of this comes just weeks before South Korea decides on its next leadership, under the shadow of a rapidly shifting security order. For a closer look into the moving dynamics, we are joined in the studio by Go Myong-hyun, Senior Research Fellow at the Institute for National Security Strategy. Welcome Also joining us is Frank Jannuzi, President & CEO of The Maureen and Mike Mansfield Foundation. Great to see you. 1. (GO) Now Dr. Go, on Russia's Victory Day, Chairman Kim Jong-un paid a visit to the Russian Embassy in North Korea and declared that "if Ukraine is left unattended, Seoul's military might also grow recklessly brave." 2. (GO) Building on that justification, Kim Jong-un also underscored that their troop deployment fulfills obligations under the "Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership" with Russia, reinforcing the image of a formal alliance. Why do you think he chose to spotlight this treaty now? 3. (JANNUZI) Beyond strategic rhetoric, the optics of the visit also stood out—Kim was accompanied by his daughter, Ju-ae, marking her first appearance at an official diplomatic event. Mr.Jannuzi, does this signal a stronger establishment of her role as his successor? And again, why do you think Pyongyang chose this moment, in front of the Russian diplomatic corps, for her debut? 4. (GO) Meanwhile, Kim's recent flurry of on-site inspections—three visits in one week—to observe its super-large multiple rocket launchers has drawn attention, especially as these systems could resemble nuclear capability. Dr. Go, could these developments be aimed at Russia as part of arms cooperation? How far do you see North Korea–Russia military collaboration expanding? 5. (JANNUZI) That growing cooperation seems increasingly visible. After months of denial, Russia has now begun publicly showcasing footage of North Korean troops engaged in military operations. Mr. Jannuzi, what's driving this sudden openness and promotion of bilateral military ties? 6. (GO) On the heels of that publicity, new satellite analysis indicates major upgrades underway at North Korea's Chongjin Port. 7. (JANNUZI) This military assertiveness is also being backed diplomatically. On May 8th, Presidents Putin and Xi issued a joint statement urging an end to sanctions and pressure on North Korea. Considering China's previously more restrained stance, what explains this recent diplomatic alignment, Mr. Jannuzi? 8. (JANNUZI) Taken together, these coordinated moves—from military drills to diplomatic declarations—suggest a tightening triangle between North Korea, China, and Russia. What broader message do you think this united front sends to the U.S. and its allies? 9. (GO) Finally, Dr. Go, South Korea's presidential election is now less than three weeks away, and amid these shifting regional dynamics, what should the next administration prioritize first in shaping its foreign and security policy on the Korean Peninsula?

Washington's envisioned 2025 NDS may explore "greater flexibility" of USFK: Schriver

2025/05/14 17:00

A former senior Pentagon official believes the Trump administration's national defense strategy may seek greater quote "strategic flexibility" of U.S. Forces Korea to keep China in check. Randall Schriver former assistant secretary of defense for the Indo-Pacific region claimed the plan may explore a broader partnership between Seoul and Washington to address competition with Beijing rather than simply respond to provocations by Pyongyang. Remarks to this end were shared during a press session hosted by the Institute for Indo-Pacific Security in Washington on Tuesday.

Trump lifts sanctions on Syria, warns Iran of nuclear weapons but signals openness to deals

2025/05/14 17:00

U.S. President Donald Trump says sanctions on Syria will be lifted adding that the removal comes at the request of Saudi Arabia. Park Kun-woo has details. The more than a decade-long U.S. sanctions on Syria to pressure the country's former dictatorship are set to be lifted. That was announced by U.S. President Donald Trump in a speech made at an investment forum held in Riyadh during his four-day visit to the Gulf, Trump's first international trip since his return to the Oval Office. "I will be ordering the cessation of sanctions against Syria in order to give them a chance at greatness." Trump said he made the move at the request of Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, while saying U.S. measures against Syria had now fulfilled their purpose. Syria had been urging the U.S. to lift sanctions since last December, following the ousting of its former dictator. Syria's Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani called Trump's decision a "pivotal turning point" as Syria enters a phase of "reconstruction" after years of war. Trump is expected to meet with Syria's interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa on Wednesday, while U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will hold talks with Syria's Foreign Minister in Türkiye later this week. On Tuesday, Trump called Iran the "most destructive force" in the Middle East, vowing it would never be allowed to have nuclear weapons. Trump also said he remains open to diplomacy with Tehran, saying he is not just condemning Iran's previous choices. "I want to make a deal with Iran. But if Iran's leadership rejects this olive branch and continues to attack their neighbors, then we will have no choice but to inflict massive maximum pressure, drive Iranian oil exports to zero, like I did before." Also on Tuesday at the U.S.-Saudi investment forum, Saudi Arabia announced an investment of 600 billion U.S. dollars in the United States. The agreement includes an arms deal -worth nearly 142 billion dollars -which the White House called the "largest defense cooperation deal Washington has ever done" as well as other technology partnerships. Park Kun-woo, Arirang News.

Reform Party candidate takes campaign trail to Busan, promising new airport, baseball stadium

2025/05/14 17:00

Staying on the campaign trail. Reform Party candidate Lee Jun-seok is in the southern port city of Busan today. There he pledged to push ahead with the construction of a new international airport on Gadeok-do Island as well as a new baseball stadium. He also made his way to Pusan National University for lunch continuing his campus cafeteria outreach to college students that began at Kyungpook National University in Daegu on Tuesday.

PPP's Kim pledges on R&D as he tours Gyeongsang-do region for 3rd straight day

2025/05/14 17:00

Up next we turn to the conservative camp whose contender remains in the southeastern part of the country as well. For more I have my colleague Kim Do-yeon joining me live. Do-yeon welcome. So Kim Moon-soo has spoken about support for science? That's right, Sun-hee, as you said Kim is currently in Gyeongsangnam-do Province meaning he's been in the southeast region for the third day in a row. The cities that he's visited all have their own specialized industries with a focus on science and technology. And one key message from him earlier today came when he was at Korea AeroSpace Administration in Sacheon saying that he will promote the position of the minister of science and technology to deputy prime minister. Take a listen. "Why do we need a deputy prime minister for science? It's because it shows the nation's will, which means budget and power, and this is the only way to yield results. Anything said other than this doesn't matter." During a visit to Doosan Enerbility, Kim praised the company's resilience through Korea's nuclear phase-out and pledged full support if elected president—especially in advancing SMR technology and leaving politics out of industries. Of course, Doosan is the company for the Czech Republic's Dukovany power plant project. Kim Moon-soo says without science and technology, there is no future—adding that while it may not bring in votes, any leader who cares about Korea's long-term growth must invest heavily in the field. He also revealed his pledge on science and research earlier today which included measures to support research and development in general but one aspect that stood out was his pledge to send a man to the moon in 2032 and have a Mars rover project by 2045. Right some ambitious pledges for the next frontier. Before you go Do-yeon do tell us a bit more about his campaign trail. Right, Sun-hee So take a look at this map Kim started off in Seoul as well then went southward, stopping by Daejeon and ending up in Daegu on the first day. He's gone farther south since then and as we spoke about, he hit small cities today the darker purple lines. Now, as we have been talking about these areas are typically known as a conservative stronghold. To give you a reference, throughout the Gyeongsang-do region, there are 65 congressional districts and during last year's general election, only six parliamentary seats were won by the liberal party. That said, a lot has happened since the general election, and Kim could be trying to solidify his supporter base first, then heading to other regions. All right Do-yeon thank you for that coverage from the conservative camp.

DP's Lee visits Busan on third day of campaign; pledges to move oceans ministry there

2025/05/14 17:00

We are now counting down twenty days to the June third snap election and the liberal party contender began a busy schedule in Busan today. For details I have our political correspondent Shin Ha-young standing by live. Ha-young, it's good to have you on. So Lee Jae-myung addressed voters in the southern port city of Busan? You're right Sunny. Democratic Party presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung began his Wednesday campaign in Busan. To boost Busan's local economy, Lee pledged to move the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and the country's largest shipping carrier to Busan. Take a listen. "I don't make impossible promises. I will move the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries to Busan. I'll also make sure HMM, the largest shipping company in Korea, moves here." Lee's visit to Busan follows his campaign through southern regions, which are traditionally seen as conservative strongholds. After Busan, he visited Changwon and is now holding a rally in Tongyeong. And Ha-young, what's on his agenda ahead? Sure, Sunny. After finishing his rally in Tongyeong, Lee will visit Geoje, a major hub of the shipbuilding industry. Ahead of the visit, Lee announced his shipbuilding policy, pledging to strengthen South Korea's position as a maritime powerhouse through what he called "K-Shipbuilding." In a social media post, Lee said he aims to make Korea lead the global market for smart and eco-friendly ships, while also developing special ships and ship maintenance as new growth engines. He pledged to support the development of eco-friendly fuel-powered ships and container vessels, and to digitize the entire shipbuilding process. He also promised support for developing green fuel-powered ships and digitalizing the entire shipbuilding process. Tomorrow, Lee will continue his campaign in Jeollanam-do Province, visiting Gwangyang, Yeosu and Suncheon. That's all for this hour, Sunny. All right Ha-young, thank you for that coverage from the liberal camp.

World News: China, Brazil agree to defend free trade as leaders meet in Beijing

2025/05/14 17:00

This is the World Now, bringing you the latest stories from around the globe. In Beijing Chinese President Xi Jinping met his Brazilian counterpart on Tuesday, pledging to defend free trade and multilateralism amid global trade tensions. During President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's four-day state visit to China, the two nations signed 20 bilateral agreements to enhance cooperation in agriculture, technology, finance and other sectors. President Xi emphasized the importance of opposing unilateralism and protectionism, stating that such actions, which he described as "acts of bullying," lead to isolation. President Lula highlighted the necessity of China-Brazil relations and said both countries are "determined to unite their voices against unilateralism and protectionism." Also on Tuesday, President Lula attended a three-yearly ministerial forum between China and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States where President Xi pledged to enhance China's trade and investment in the region. In India's Kashmir region, the Indian Army has eliminated three militants. The encounter comes a few days after the recent ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan on Saturday. On Tuesday, local time, Indian Army units launched "Operation Keller" in the Shopian district, as part of efforts to combat terrorism in the region. The operation targeted three Pakistani militants, whom the army called "hardcore terrorists." It follows the events of April 22 in Kashmir's Pahalgam, where 26 tourists, mostly Indian, were killed. That attack has been attributed to Pakistani militants. Meanwhile, in a move signaling a return to normal, schools and colleges in non-border districts of Kashmir reopened on Tuesday. Uruguay's former President Jose "Pepe" Mujica died on Tuesday aged 89, following a battle with cancer. Known globally for his humble lifestyle and progressive policies, Mujica served as Uruguay's president from 2010 to 2015. A former guerrilla with the Tupamaros movement, Mujica spent nearly 15 years in prison during Uruguay's military dictatorship in the 1970s and 80s. After release, when democracy was restored in the country, he returned to politics, eventually leading the country and implementing significant reforms such as the legalization of abortion, same-sex marriage, and the recreational use of marijuana. Finally, in London, the Court of Appeal nullified the 1987 murder conviction of Peter Sullivan on Tuesday. Sullivan, aged 68, spent 38 years in prison for a crime he did not commit. Sullivan was convicted for the rape and murder of a 21-year-old victim; however, recent DNA testing revealed that biological evidence from the crime scene did not match him. The Criminal Cases Review Commission, an institute investigating potential miscarriages of justice, reopened the case in 2021. After the court overturned the conviction, Sullivan wept but expressed no bitterness, saying, "The truth shall set you free." The case is considered the longest-known miscarriage of justice in British history. Choi Chi-hee, Arirang News.

261 years later, Korea's peace mission docks in Osaka

2025/05/14 17:00

A Korean diplomatic mission has docked at a Japanese seaport for the first time in over 2-hundred-60 years. The re-enactment comes amid celebrations to mark 60 years of diplomatic relations this year. Our culture correspondent Song Yoo-jin files this report from the neighboring country. It's a landmark voyage brought back to life more than two centuries later. The reconstructed Joseon Tongsinsa ship, once used to carry Korean envoys to Japan from the 17th to 19th centuries, has now reached its final destination: Osaka. While the recreated vessel also sailed to Japan in recent years, this is the first time it has anchored in Osaka since the 11th Tongsinsa mission from 1763 to 64. This year's arrival is all the more symbolic, as it coincides with the 60th anniversary of normalized diplomatic ties between South Korea and Japan. "Korea and Japan can't move away from each other. We're very close geographically and historically. This ship isn't just a symbolic restoration. Just as it opened a sailing route, I hope it also opens a path for both nations to grow together in the future." "The Tongsinsa mission has been a symbol of mutual respect and cultural exchange beyond borders. Recreating that history today will play an important role in helping Korea and Japan learn from their friendly past and build a future-focused relationship." This journey wouldn't have been possible without this team, who designed, built, and sailed the vessel, modeled after the original Tongsinsa blueprints. "We began planning this reconstruction back in 2015, and now, nearly a decade later, we've reached Osaka. We're deeply grateful to everyone who helped make it happen. Our institute will continue restoring and sailing traditional Korean vessels to preserve this legacy on the water." But the celebration didn't end at the port. "As Tuesday, May 13th, marked Korea Day of Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai, the reenacted Joseon Tongsinsa prepared something special here." The envoy procession marched through the expo grounds, just as the original envoys did when they set foot in Japan. Drawing large crowds, the parade echoed across the venue, spotlighting the centuries-old message of peacebuilding and cultural diplomacy. As for the Tongsinsa ship, now docked in Osaka, it will offer an onboard exhibition on the goodwill mission, before its journey back home. Song Yoo-jin, Arirang News, Osaka.

Bessent says Seoul presented 'very good' proposals in trade talks before election

2025/05/14 10:00

Washington has reacted positively to proposals put forward by Seoul during bilateral trade talks before South Korea's presidential election. According to U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Tuesday during a Saudi-U.S. Investment Forum in Riyadh, Seoul came with "very good" proposals despite going into the process of a change of government. However, he did not elaborate what the proposals were. South Korean officials say the two sides discussed ideas for economic and industrial cooperation, especially in the shipbuilding industry.

Former Uruguayan president and guerrilla leader Jose Mujica dies at 89 years old

2025/05/14 10:00

Uruguay's former President Jose "Pepe" Mujica died on Tuesday aged 89, following a battle with cancer. Known globally for his humble lifestyle and progressive policies, Mujica served as Uruguay's president from 2010 to 2015. A former guerrilla with the Tupamaros movement, Mujica spent nearly 15 years in prison during Uruguay's military dictatorship in the 1970s and 80s. After release, when democracy was restored in the country, he returned to politics, eventually leading the country and implementing significant reforms such as the legalization of abortion, same-sex marriage, and the recreational use of marijuana.

Three militants killed in gun battle in Indian Kashmir, meanwhile schools reopen in Pakistani Kashmir after ceasefire with India

2025/05/14 10:00

In India's Kashmir region, the Indian Army has eliminated three militants. The encounter comes a few days after the recent ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan on Saturday. On Tuesday, local time, Indian Army units launched "Operation Keller" in the Shopian district, as part of efforts to combat terrorism in the region. The operation targeted three Pakistani militants, whom the army called "hardcore terrorists." It follows the events of April 22 in Kashmir's Pahalgam, where 26 tourists, mostly Indian, were killed. That attack has been attributed to Pakistani militants. Meanwhile, in a move signaling a return to normal, schools and colleges in non-border districts of Kashmir reopened on Tuesday.

China, Brazil agree to defend free trade as leaders meet in Beijing

2025/05/14 10:00

Starting in Beijing where Chinese President Xi Jinping met his Brazilian counterpart on Tuesday, pledging to defend free trade and multilateralism amid global trade tensions. During President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's four-day state visit to China, the two nations signed 20 bilateral agreements to enhance cooperation in agriculture, technology, finance and other sectors. President Xi emphasized the importance of opposing unilateralism and protectionism, stating that such actions, which he described as "acts of bullying," lead to isolation. President Lula highlighted the necessity of China-Brazil relations and said both countries are "determined to unite their voices against unilateralism and protectionism." Also on Tuesday, President Lula attended a three-yearly ministerial forum between China and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States where President Xi pledged to enhance China's trade and investment in the region.

U.S. envoys to resume Gaza ceasefire talks in Doha

2025/05/14 10:00

U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and U.S. envoy for hostage affairs Adam Boehler traveled to Doha on Tuesday to resume negotiations for ceasefire in Gaza. Before departing, the two officials met with families of Israeli hostages in Tel Aviv, stressing their commitment to securing the release of all remaining hostages in Gaza. Witkoff said there is a "genuine chance" of making progress in the talks. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the same day that Israel will not stop the war even if hostages are returned.

On-point: Trump's first diplomatic trip of 2nd term to largely focus on economic diplomacy

2025/05/14 10:00

So Trump is Middle East-bound for the first major diplomatic trip of his second term. Why the Middle East, and what is he looking to come back home with? Let's turn to professor Kim Dong-soo. Good morning. 1. Let's start with why the Middle East? 2. Then why Saudi Arabia as the first stop? 3. Some analysts say that Trump's Middle East trip will focus more on economic diplomacy rather than security. 4. Israel is not one of the destinations for Trump's Middle East trip. 5. What is the likelihood of Trump actually going Türkiye to join ceasefire talks between the leaders of Russia and Ukraine? Thanks so much for your time and your insight.

Reform Party candidate declares himself 'future of Daegu City,' appealing to conservative voters

2025/05/14 10:00

And the Reform Party candidate Lee Jun-seok also made sure to cement his presence in the conservative stronghold of Daegu City. Starting with a rally in the city's commercial center, Lee then sat down for lunch with students at a university cafeteria before heading for talks with medical professionals. The 40-year-old candidate declared himself the future of Daegu, emphasizing his youth and intentions to interact directly with all those involved. He also found fault with the conservative party presidential hopeful for failing to oust the impeached former president from the party. Similarly, he accused the liberal party candidate of abusing legislative power to attack the former administration while inciting political division.

PPP’s Kim courts loyal base after impeachment fallout and presidential nomination turmoil

2025/05/14 10:00

The conservative party candidate Kim Moon-soo was also in the southeast, courting the party's loyal base after the impeachment fallout and the recent presidential nomination turmoil. Our correspondent Kim Do-yeon files this report from Busan. People Power Party candidate Kim Moon-soo spent a second straight day campaigning in the Gyeongsang-do region Tuesday — pledging to revive an area that's seen a clear population decline. He wrapped up the day's events at a local market in Busan — the nation's second-largest city — promising more jobs and better infrastructure. "If I become the president, I will build an express train system here and make the surrounding cities all within 30 minutes of each other. Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongsangnam-do Province will become one giant -and the best -global city that can be on par with the capital." "While cities like Busan here are traditionally viewed as a conservative stronghold, Kim enters the race at a disadvantage an impeachment of its former president, and the turmoil between Kim and the leadership over his candidacy. That's likely why he started his first extended stay in this region, to solidify the supporter base." Before Busan he was also in the neighboring city of Ulsan, a major industrial city as well. For this city, he pledged a multi-cultural complex. "The city has requested a large-scale cultural complex, estimated to cost around 500 billion won. If I'm elected president, I'll make sure it doesn't take long. I'll allocate a special budget of that amount to Ulsan as soon as I take office." But Kim's visit to the southeast doesn't end there. On Wednesday, he's expected to campaign in smaller cities like Jinju and Sacheon, continuing efforts to shore up support. At the same time, how to deal with issues regarding former president Yoon Suk Yeol and his martial law declaration continues to cast a shadow over the campaign. In a televised interview Monday, Kim offered his first public apology for the incident and its aftermath to the nation. The apology also gave attention to calls from some to expel Yoon from the party. Kim responded to this on Tuesday morning, saying whether the president leaves the party or not is up to him. It's not right for the party to decide that for him. With some party loyalists still backing Yoon, Kim must walk a fine line — keeping the base intact while reaching out to undecided voters, many of whom remain critical of the martial law attempt. Kim Do-yeon, Arirang News, Busan.

DP’s Lee Jae-myung visits southeast, focuses on national unity and balanced regional growth

2025/05/14 10:00

We're exactly 20 days away from the snap presidential election. Candidates are traveling across the country to woo voters, and the three main runners all made it down to the southeastern part of the country on Tuesday. Let's start with Democratic Party candidate Lee Jae-myung. Our Shin Ha-young followed the trail. National unity was a key topic that Democratic Party presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung shared during his second day of campaigning for the presidency. Lee kicked off Tuesday in Gumi, the birthplace of former conservative President Park Chung-hee known both for his autocratic rule and having led the country's rapid economic development. Lee's visit to Gumi was part of his campaign through regions known as traditional conservative strongholds, including Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, 경상북도, Daegu and Ulsan. The DP said Lee's visit to this key industrial area shows how strong his intention is to bring the country together and promote balanced regional growth. Lee laid out his vision to make Gumi a key engine driving South Korea's economy. He also acknowledged Park's contributions to the country's industrialization and promised to be a capable leader. Lee said the country's future matters more than political sides or ideology. "What matters most is people's everyday lives not left or right, red or blue, or where you're from. It doesn't matter if a policy came from Park Chung-hee or Kim Dae-jung. If it works, we use it. If not, we don't. Ideology isn't as important as the lives of our people and the future of this country." In the afternoon, Lee visited Pohang, the nation's traditional powerhouse for steel, seeking voter's support. "During his speech, Lee Jae-myung urged people to come together to overcome the hardships that followed the declaration of martial law. He also emphasized national unity regardless of political affiliation." Lee wrapped up his Tuesday campaign in Ulsan, where he focused on strategies for industrial growth and supply chain restructuring. Shin Ha-young, Arirang News, Pohang.