News

[On-point] What will be on agenda when leaders of S. Korea, Japan meet next week?

2025/08/14 11:37

As we just heard, President Lee is expected to sit down for talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba before heading to Washington to meet with Trump. For more on the bilateral relations between Seoul and Tokyo, we're joined by Professor Daniel Connolly, Associate Professor of International Relations at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies. Professor Connolly, thanks for joining us this morning. It's unusual for a South Korean president to meet the Japanese leader before meeting the U.S. president, right? How would this reflect the Lee administration's approach toward Japan? What issues do you expect to be on the agenda when Lee and Ishiba meet in Tokyo? Historical issues such as wartime forced labor and 'comfort women,' or wartime sexual slavery --remain as thorns in bilateral relations. President Lee previously said he would take a "two-track" policy, separating historical disputes from bilateral cooperation. What's your take on this? How does this approach differ from the previous administration's policy? Tomorrow marks the 80th anniversary of Korea's liberation from Japan's colonial rule. In your view, what's the key to improving relations between Seoul and Tokyo?

Policy blueprint unveiled for Lee Jae Myung administration

2025/08/14 11:35

On the local front a five-year policy road map has been unveiled for the new Lee Jae Myung administration. Focus is on forging an AI ecosystem to seek new growth engines as well as upgrading South Korea's defense system. Our top office correspondent Yoon Jung-min has this report. Exactly 70 days after the new administration set sail following the snap election, a comprehensive policy road map has been unveiled for the next five years. "I will make a country where the people are treated as owners, the real Republic of Korea, where everyone is happy, together. Beyond conflict and confrontation, I will open a path towards integration through politics that unite the people." In line with this goal, three principles were set: unity, fairness and pragmatism. President Lee Jae Myung was speaking at an event in Seoul on Wednesday where a set of blueprints was made public by the State Affairs Planning Committee, which now concludes its two-month-long job as a de facto transition team. Included were 123 tasks in five areas, including politics, the economy and foreign affairs. "The Republic of Korea is mired in low growth. We need a new framework in line with the changing environment." Focus is on creating an AI ecosystem, centered around AI chips, as a future growth engine. On top of that, the new government aims to usher in the "KOSPI 5,000 era" through forging an environment that is more investment-friendly. When it comes to foreign affairs and security "We will upgrade the three-axis defense system to secure deterrence of our own against North Korea's nuclear and missile threats." The "three-axis" system refers to a three-pronged system consisting of the Korea Massive Punishment and Retaliation, the Kill Chain preemptive strike platform, and the Korea Air and Missile Defense system. Seoul also plans to retake wartime operational control from Washington during Lee's term. On top of that, the defense system will be bolstered to match the changing security environment, while seeking to improve inter-Korean relations. Other goals include elevating South Korea as a global cultural powerhouse, with the aim of nurturing the K-culture market worth 300-trillion won, roughly 216-billion U.S. dollars. Also announced were Constitutional reform to "better embody the principle of people's sovereignty," as well as prosecutorial reform to reduce the power that's often been too heavy on prosecutors. To carry out those policy tasks, a total of 210-trillion won is needed along the way, according to the committee, which will be secured through taxes and belt-tightening. What was unveiled on Wednesday will be under review by the Cabinet before confirmed. Yoon Jung-min, Arirang News.

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

2025/08/14 11:34

Shifting gears. North Korea's Kim Yo-jong, the sister of the North's leader, has slammed Seoul's latest peace gestures. She denies claims that the North has removed its loudspeakers and she vows to keep a hard line against both South Korea and the United States. Byeon Ye-young has the details. 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. Kim also 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 Yo-jong 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.

Policy blueprint unveiled for Lee Jae Myung administration

2025/08/13 22:43

Good evening, and thank you for joining us on this Wednesday evening. I'm Song Yoo-jin, filling in for Kim Dami. Our top story tonight begins at the Presidential Office. A five-year policy road map was unveiled today for the new Lee Jae Myung administration. Focus is on forging an AI ecosystem to seek new growth engines as well as upgrading South Korea's three-axis defense system. Yoon Jung-min starts us off. Exactly 70 days after the new administration set sail following the snap election, a comprehensive policy road map has been unveiled for the next five years. "I will make a country where the people are treated as owners, the real Republic of Korea, where everyone is happy, together. Beyond conflict and confrontation, I will open a path towards integration through politics that unite the people." In line with this goal, three principles were set: unity, fairness and pragmatism. President Lee Jae Myung was speaking at an event in Seoul on Wednesday where a set of blueprints was made public by the State Affairs Planning Committee, which now concludes its two-month-long job as a de facto transition team. Included were 123 tasks in five areas, including politics, the economy and foreign affairs. "The Republic of Korea is mired in low growth. We need a new framework in line with the changing environment." Focus is on creating an AI ecosystem, centered around AI chips, as a future growth engine. On top of that, the new government aims to usher in the "KOSPI 5,000 era" through forging an environment that is more investment-friendly. When it comes to foreign affairs and security "We will upgrade the three-axis defense system to secure deterrence of our own against North Korea's nuclear and missile threats." The "three-axis" system refers to a three-pronged system consisting of the Korea Massive Punishment and Retaliation, the Kill Chain preemptive strike platform, and the Korea Air and Missile Defense system. Seoul also plans to retake wartime operational control from Washington during Lee's term. On top of that, the defense system will be bolstered to match the changing security environment, while seeking to improve inter-Korean relations. Other goals include elevating South Korea as a global cultural powerhouse, with the aim of nurturing the K-culture market worth 300-trillion won, roughly 216-billion U.S. dollars. Also announced were Constitutional reform to "better embody the principle of people's sovereignty," as well as prosecutorial reform to reduce the power that's often been too heavy on prosecutors. To carry out those policy tasks, a total of 210-trillion won is needed along the way, according to the committee, which will be secured through taxes and belt-tightening. What was unveiled on Wednesday will be under review by the Cabinet before confirmed. Yoon Jung-min, Arirang News.

From final brushstrokes to burnt Taegeukgi: Illuminating Korea’s resistance heritage

2025/08/13 22:41

With two days until the 80th anniversary of Korea's liberation from Japanese colonial rule, tonight, we trace the country's journey of resistance through a special exhibition highlighting independence fighters and their belongings. Park Hyo-been gives us a look inside "The Radiant Heritage of Independence." Korea's darkest days , and the courage of those who refused to bow, now gathered in one place. To mark the 80th anniversary of Korea's Liberation from Japanese colonial rule, a special exhibition at Deoksugung Palace brings together over 110 artifacts from the late 19th century to the day the nation reclaimed its freedom. "For the first time, Korean independence hero Ahn Jung-geun's calligraphy is being showcased to the public. These two letters, meaning 'green bamboo,' show his strong opposition to Japanese rule." His final brushstrokes, made in a cold Lushun prison cell before his execution, capture not only defiance against Japan, but also a longing for peace in Asia and respect for human dignity. From here, the story turns to lesser-known independence fighters. Min Young-hwan took his own life in protest after Japan's illegal Eulsa Treaty stripped Korea of its sovereignty, writing, "If our freedom and independence are restored, I shall gladly smile even in the afterlife." Manifestos and letters from Korea's civilian militias, known as the righteous armies, also bear the weight of defiance, with some returning to Korea only last year after decades in Japan. The spirit of defiance is also preserved in the national flag , a Taegeukgi found at Jingwansa Temple, riddled with holes and burn marks. Believed to have been made during the March 1st Independence Movement in 1919, it bears the Korean flag's taegeuk symbol and trigrams painted in black ink over the Japanese flag, amplifying the message of resistance. "This Taegeukgi, national flag of Korea, found at Jingwansa Temple, is even more meaningful as it shows just how fiercely our independence fighters carried out their work in secrecy." Bringing these treasures together is what makes this exhibition truly historic. "While marking the 80th anniversary of Korea's liberation, this exhibition is most meaningful for bringing together authentic resistance heritage from both institutions and individuals in one place." Liberation was never given. It was earned, with blood, sweat, and hope. Eighty years on, their courage still lights the path toward the freedom they dreamed of. Park Hyo-been, Arirang News.

Kim Keon Hee arrested on corruption charges

2025/08/13 22:38

Now to the latest on the investigations involving former President Yoon Suk Yeol and former first lady Kim Keon Hee. Following her arrest on corruption charges, the special counsel leading the probe says Kim will appear for questioning tomorrow morning. This marks the first time in South Korea's history that a former presidential couple has been detained at the same time. Byeon Ye-young reports on the developments. Kim Keon Hee, the wife of impeached former President Yoon Suk Yeol, was arrested late on Tuesday on charges of stock manipulation, interference in party nominations, and political influence-peddling. A special counsel team set up to investigate Kim has summoned the former first lady to appear for questioning at 10 AM on Thursday. Meanwhile, the special counsel team has launched a raid on the People Power Party to investigate allegations that large numbers of Unification Church members joined the party. On Wednesday morning, investigators were dispatched to the PPP's central headquarters in Yeouido to secure electronic data needed for the probe. They presented a search and seizure warrant and received the necessary materials through voluntary submission. Kim is accused of taking part as a "funding source" in the Deutsche Motors stock-rigging scheme from 2009 to 2012, meddling in People Power Party candidate selections in recent elections, and accepting an illicit lobbying request from a "broker" from the Unification Church in 2022. The Seoul Central District Court cited "concerns over destruction of evidence" as the main reason for issuing the arrest warrant. Kim was moved to the Seoul Southern Detention Center, where she waited in a holding room for detainees before she was transferred to a housing unit. Her arrest means all privileges as a former first lady were revoked, and her security detail was fully withdrawn. However, like her husband, she will be assigned a dedicated correctional officer and kept separate from other inmates during exercise and bathing. Kim first appeared for questioning in front of the special counsel team last week, where she made a public apology. "I am truly sorry that a nobody like myself has caused concern for the people. I will faithfully undergo the questioning." Her husband, Yoon Suk Yeol, is behind bars on insurrection charges. While several other former South Korean presidents have previously served prison terms, this is the first time in the nation's history that both a former president and their spouse have been jailed at the same time. Byeon Ye-young, Arirang News.

Remains of six Korean independence activists return home

2025/08/13 22:35

Ahead of the 80th anniversary of Korea's liberation from Japanese colonial rule this Friday, the remains of six Korean independence activists were returned home today from the United States, Brazil, and Canada. A repatriation ceremony was held at the Seoul National Cemetery, where Prime Minister Kim Min-seok posthumously awarded each of them the Order of Merit for National Foundation. In his address, the Prime Minister said that bringing home the remains of independence fighters is a solemn duty, and vowed that the government will continue these efforts until the very last hero is laid to rest. The remains will be buried at the Daejeon National Cemetery.

Putin shares information on upcoming summit with U.S. to N. Korean leader Kim

2025/08/13 22:35

Before meeting President Lee Jae Myung at the White House later this month, U.S. President Donald Trump is set to hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin this week in Alaska. Ahead of that meeting, Putin spoke over the phone with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Kim Bo-kyoung reports on Kim's reaction, and what could be on the table when Putin and Trump meet. Russian President Vladimir Putin, during a phone call on Tuesday, briefed North Korean leader Kim Jong-un on the upcoming summit between himself and U.S. President Donald Trump. Putin is set to meet Trump in Alaska on Friday to discuss the Ukraine war, as U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff's visit to Russia on August 6th laid the foundations for the summit to take place. According to the Kremlin on Tuesday local time, Putin highly assessed Pyongyang's support for operations in the Kursk region, and the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further developing cooperative relations in all areas in line with the mutual defense treaty they signed in June last year. According to the Korean Central News Agency on Wednesday, Kim Jong-un expressed his full support. Meanwhile, the White House has reconfirmed that the Putin-Trump summit is going to be a bilateral one, not involving Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The White House press secretary added that the goal is to have a better understanding of how the war could end. "I think this is a listening exercise for the president. Look, only one party that's involved in this war is going to be present, and so this is for the president to go and to get, again, a more firm and better understanding of how we can hopefully bring this war to an end." When asked about whether the issue of dispatching North Korean troops to Russia would be discussed, Tammy Bruce, State Department Spokesperson, said the content of the dialogue can only be known by the two leaders. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy on Tuesday vowed not to give eastern Ukrainian land the Donbas region to Russia, adding that it would open a bridgehead for a Russian offensive. He said Moscow would have to agree to a ceasefire before territorial issues are discussed. Kim Bo-kyoung, Arirang News.

Pres. Lee to visit Japan for summit from Aug. 23 in potential resumption of regular high-level meetings

2025/08/13 22:34

Our other major story tonight: President Lee Jae Myung's summit diplomacy. A day after setting the date for the South Korea-U.S. summit, the Presidential Office today announced that President Lee will first visit Japan next weekend for talks with Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. Our Park Kun-woo reports. A Korea-Japan summit will take place next week. The Presidential Office officially announced on Wednesday that President Lee plans to head to Japan for two days from August 23rd to meet his Japanese counterpart Prime Minister Ishiba. This means his visit will take place right ahead of Lee's scheduled meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump on August 25th. "We hope Lee's visit strengthens the personal relationship and trust between the two leaders. They are expected to explore ways for future-oriented cooperation between the two countries along with their trilateral cooperation with the U.S." The upcoming Lee-Ishiba summit comes after the two leaders agreed to immediately resume regular high-level meetings during the G7 summit held in Canada's Kananaskis in June. The Presidential Office added regional issues regarding peace and stability, along with other global issues may be discussed. While the exact agenda has yet to be decided on, the office added issues regarding import regulations for fisheries imports could be on the table, with the government raising potential health issues that could affect Koreans. With less than two weeks left until the meeting, eyes are on whether this signals a resumption of regular summits between the two countries. Park Kun-woo, Arirang News.

President Lee picks new education, gender minister candidates

2025/08/13 22:33

President Lee Jae Myung has named new nominees to head the Education and Gender Equality ministries. Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik announced on this Wednesday that Choi Kyo-jin, the current superintendent of Sejong Metropolitan City Office of Education, has been chosen to lead the Education Ministry, a post that also serves as Deputy Prime Minister. Kang described Choi as an "education expert" who has dedicated four decades to the field. Lawyer Won Min-kyong, who has served on the National Assembly's Gender Equality Advisory Committee, has been nominated as Minister of Gender Equality and Family. Both positions have remained vacant after the President's initial picks withdrew or resigned following allegations of plagiarism and workplace abuse.

S.Korea and Vietnam agree on expanded Trade, Defense, and Strategic Partnership

2025/08/13 21:35

Welcome to Within The Frame, where we bring the most pressing issues across the globe into focus. I'm Kim Mok-yeon. The Vietnamese head of state is in Korea this week on a visit carrying significant diplomatic and economic weight. Meeting with President Lee Jae Myung on August 11th, the two leaders agreed to deepen their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, expanding cooperation in defense, economy, science, culture, and infrastructure. Businesses from both countries also gathered in Seoul to explore new opportunities, as the two sides set a goal to nearly double trade volume to 150 billion U.S. dollars by 2030. With more than 10,000 Korean companies already active in Vietnam, the outcomes of this visit could shape the next phase of economic growth and regional strategy, with even more developments to watch for in the months ahead. For a deeper discussion on this, we connect to Joon Woo Lee, representative director at Yoon & Yang Law Vietnam LLC. Welcome. Also joining us is Lee Jae-hyon, senior fellow at Asan Institute for Policy Studies. Good to see you. 1. (Jae-hyon) Let's begin with Dr.Lee, on the 11th, Korea and Vietnam adopted a Joint Statement on deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, covering strengthened cooperation in defense, economy, science, and culture. How would you assess the overall outcome of this summit? 2. (Joon Woo) Now let's bring in Director Lee to the conversation, so you are currently based in Vietnam. What is the local sentiment regarding this summit? And how do people in Vietnam view the results achieved? 3. (Joon Woo) Looking specifically at trade, the two nations agreed to expand bilateral trade from the current level of about 86.7 billion U.S. dollars to 150 billion dollars by 2030. Director, How do you think the economic cooperation plans announced at the summit will translate into real opportunities for Korean companies? What benefits can be expected? 4. (Jae-hyon) Now to the bigger picture of global trade, amid the restructuring of trade systems, Dr.Lee what is the diplomatic significance and importance of the decision to roughly double Korea–Vietnam trade within the next five years? Could this be seen as part of a broader move to strengthen economic ties with ASEAN? 5. (Joon Woo) Turning to Korean companies already in Vietnam, more than 10,000 are currently operating there, and the two countries agreed to work closely to ensure their stable business activities. From a national policy perspective Director Lee, what measures do you think are necessary to guarantee these companies' operations? 6. (Jae-hyon) On the resources front, the summit also led to an agreement to expand supply chain cooperation on critical minerals such as rare earths. In an era where resource protectionism has weaponized rare earths, what diplomatic benefits could cooperation with Vietnam bring Dr.Lee? 7. (Jae-hyon) In terms of security and defense, another achievement of this summit is the expansion of the stage for Korean defense exports. The two nations agreed to restart the Korea–Vietnam Defense and Military Cooperation Committee, which had been suspended since 2008, and to strengthen defense cooperation. Dr.Lee, In the complex geopolitical environment of the South China Sea, what is the strategic significance of this move? 8. (Joon Woo) On infrastructure and development, Korea and Vietnam also agreed to cooperate in areas such as nuclear power, high-speed railways, and new city development, opening new opportunities for Korean companies in Vietnam. Director.Lee, What major localization challenges do Korean companies face when investing or entering the Vietnamese market? 9. (Jae-hyon) Finally, looking ahead, this summit is seen as a starting signal for expanding and deepening Korea's diplomacy in Southeast Asia. For the Lee Jae-myung administration's successful pragmatic diplomacy, how should Korea's Southeast Asia policy move forward Dr.Lee?

President Lee vows to overcome conflict as 5-year policy road map unveiled

2025/08/13 19:43

President Lee Jae Myung vowed to overcome social conflict through integration, with his five-year policy blueprint unveiled today. "I will make a country where the people are treated as owners, the real Republic of Korea where everyone is happy, together. Beyond conflict and confrontation, I will open a path towards integration through politics that unite the people." Lee was speaking at an event in Seoul on Wednesday where a road map was unveiled by the State Affairs Planning Committee, which concluded its two-months-long job as a de-facto transition team. Included were 123 tasks in five areas, including politics, the economy and foreign affairs.

From final brushstrokes to burnt Taegeukgi: Illuminating Korea’s resistance heritage

2025/08/13 19:41

Come Friday Korea commemorates its 80th anniversary of liberation from Japanese colonial rule and in light of this occasion a number of related exhibitions are underway here on the local front. Our Park Hyo-been takes us to one such event. Korea's darkest days, and the courage of those who refused to bow, now gathered in one place. To mark the 80th anniversary of Korea's Liberation from Japanese colonial rule, a special exhibition at Deoksugung Palace brings together over 110 artifacts from the late 19th century to the day the nation reclaimed its freedom. "For the first time, Korean independence hero Ahn Jung-geun's calligraphy is being showcased to the public. These two letters, meaning 'green bamboo', show his strong opposition to Japanese rule." His final brushstrokes, made in a cold Lushun prison cell before his execution, capture not only defiance against Japan, but also a longing for peace in Asia and respect for human dignity. From here, the story turns to lesser-known independence fighters. Min Young-hwan took his own life in protest after Japan's illegal Eulsa Treaty stripped Korea of its sovereignty, writing, "If our freedom and independence are restored, I shall gladly smile even in the afterlife." Manifestos and letters from Korea's civilian militias, known as the righteous armies, also bear the weight of defiance, with some returning to Korea only last year after decades in Japan. The spirit of defiance is also preserved in the national flag, a Taegeukgi found at Jingwansa Temple, riddled with holes and burn marks. Believed to have been made during the March 1st Independence Movement in 1919, it bears the Korean flag's taegeuk symbol and trigrams painted in black ink over the Japanese flag, amplifying the message of resistance. "This Taegeukgi, national flag of Korea, found at Jingwansa Temple, is even more meaningful as it shows just how fiercely our independence fighters carried out their work in secrecy." Bringing these treasures together is what makes this exhibition truly historic. "While marking the 80th anniversary of Korea's liberation, this exhibition is most meaningful for bringing together authentic resistance heritage from both institutions and individuals in one place." Liberation was never given. It was earned, with blood, sweat, and hope. Eighty years on, their courage still lights the path toward the freedom they dreamed of. Park Hyo-been, Arirang News.

Kim Keon Hee arrested on corruption charges

2025/08/13 19:38

Former First Lady Kim Keon Hee has been arrested. This unprecedented event also marks the first time that a former presidential couple is sitting behind bars simultaneously. Byeon Ye-young reports. Kim Keon Hee, the wife of impeached former President Yoon Suk Yeol, was arrested late on Tuesday on charges of stock manipulation, interference in party nominations, and political influence-peddling. A special counsel team set up to investigate Kim has summoned the former first lady to appear for questioning at 10 AM on Thursday. Meanwhile, the special counsel team has launched a raid on the People Power Party to investigate allegations that large numbers of Unification Church members joined the party. On Wednesday morning, investigators were dispatched to the PPP's central headquarters in Yeouido to secure electronic data needed for the probe. They presented a search and seizure warrant and received the necessary materials through voluntary submission. Kim is accused of taking part as a "funding source" in the Deutsche Motors stock-rigging scheme from 2009 to 2012, meddling in People Power Party candidate selections in recent elections, and accepting an illicit lobbying request from a "broker" from the Unification Church in 2022. The Seoul Central District Court cited "concerns over destruction of evidence" as the main reason for issuing the arrest warrant. Kim was moved to the Seoul Southern Detention Center, where she waited in a holding room for detainees before she was transferred to a housing unit. Her arrest means all privileges as a former first lady were revoked, and her security detail was fully withdrawn. However, like her husband, she will be assigned a dedicated correctional officer and kept separate from other inmates during exercise and bathing. Kim first appeared for questioning in front of the special counsel team last week, where she made a public apology. "I am truly sorry that a nobody like myself has caused concern for the people. I will faithfully undergo the questioning." Her husband, Yoon Suk Yeol, is behind bars on insurrection charges. While several other former South Korean presidents have previously served prison terms, this is the first time in the nation's history that both a former president and their spouse have been jailed at the same time. Byeon Ye-young, Arirang News.

Putin shares information on upcoming summit with U.S. to N. Korean leader Kim

2025/08/13 19:35

On the international front. Russia's Vladimir Putin and his North Korean counterpart Kim Jong-un appear to have reaffirmed their alignment ahead of the Russian leader's upcoming trip to Alaska to meet with his U.S. counterpart Donald Trump on Friday. Our defense correspondent Kim Bo-kyoung reports. Russian President Vladimir Putin, during a phone call on Tuesday, briefed North Korean leader Kim Jong-un on the upcoming summit between himself and U.S. President Donald Trump. Putin is set to meet Trump in Alaska on Friday to discuss the Ukraine war, as U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff's visit to Russia on August 6th laid the foundations for the summit to take place. According to the Kremlin on Tuesday local time, Putin highly assessed Pyongyang's support for operations in the Kursk region, and the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further developing cooperative relations in all areas in line with the mutual defense treaty they signed in June last year. According to the Korean Central News Agency on Wednesday, Kim Jong-un expressed his full support. Meanwhile, the White House has reconfirmed that the Putin-Trump summit is going to be a bilateral one, not involving Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The White House press secretary added that the goal is to have a better understanding of how the war could end. "I think this is a listening exercise for the president. Look, only one party that's involved in this war is going to be present, and so this is for the president to go and to get, again, a more firm and better understanding of how we can hopefully bring this war to an end." When asked about whether the issue of dispatching North Korean troops to Russia would be discussed, Tammy Bruce, State Department Spokesperson, said the content of the dialogue can only be known by the two leaders. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy on Tuesday vowed not to give eastern Ukrainian land the Donbas region to Russia, adding that it would open a bridgehead for a Russian offensive. He said Moscow would have to agree to a ceasefire before territorial issues are discussed. Kim Bo-kyoung, Arirang News.

Remains of six Korean independence activists return home

2025/08/13 19:34

The remains of six Korean independence activists arrived home on Wednesday from the U.S. Canada and Brazil ahead of Friday's 80th anniversary of Korea's liberation from Japanese colonial rule. A repatriation ceremony was held at the Seoul National Cemetery where Prime Minister Kim Min-seok posthumously awarded each of them the Order of Merit for National Foundation. He also reaffirmed commitment to ensure that the repatriation campaign continues until the very last hero is laid to rest here at home. The remains of the six activists will be buried at the Daejeon National Cemetery.

President Lee picks new education, gender minister candidates

2025/08/13 19:33

President Lee Jae Myung has named new nominees to head the Education and Gender Equality ministries. Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik announced on this Wednesday that Choi Kyo-jin the current superintendent of Sejong Metropolitan City Office of Education has been tapped as the new Education Minister a post that also serves as Deputy Prime Minister. Kang described Choi as an "education expert" who has dedicated four decades to the academic arena. Lawyer Won Min-kyong who has served on the National Assembly's Gender Equality Advisory Committee has been picked as Minister of Gender Equality and Family. Both positions have remained vacant after the president's initial picks withdrew and resigned respectively following allegations of plagiarism and workplace abuse.

Pres. Lee to visit Japan for summit from Aug. 23-24

2025/08/13 19:33

President Lee Jae Myung will travel to neighboring Japan for talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba next weekend that is August 23rd until the 24th. According to the Presidential Office on this Wednesday this bilateral summit will take place prior to the summit with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on August 25th. On the agenda of talks between the South Korean and Japanese leaders are ways to promote a future-oriented partnership and to bolster the trilateral security framework with the U.S.

LEE ADMINISTRATION UNVEILS POLICY BLUEPRINT

2025/08/13 16:40

LEE ADMINISTRATION UNVEILS POLICY BLUEPRINT

[Features reporter] From final brushstrokes to burnt Taegeukgi: Illuminating Korea’s resistance heritage

2025/08/13 16:40

Just two days from now marks the 80th anniversary of Korea's liberation from Japanese rule. Hyobeen, I heard you went somewhere that takes us right back to that time in history? That's right, Soa. Ahead of Liberation Day this Friday, I visited a special exhibition that sheds light on stories of resistance , and some of the artifacts are being shown to the public for the first time. Let's take a look. Korea's darkest days , and the courage of those who refused to bow, now gathered in one place. To mark the 80th anniversary of Korea's Liberation from Japanese colonial rule, a special exhibition at Deoksugung Palace brings together over 110 artifacts from the late 19th century to the day the nation reclaimed its freedom. "For the first time, Korean independence hero Ahn Jung-geun's calligraphy is being showcased to the public. These two letters, meaning 'green bamboo', show his strong opposition to Japanese rule." His final brushstrokes, made in a cold Lushun prison cell before his execution, capture not only defiance against Japan, but also a longing for peace in Asia and respect for human dignity. From here, the story turns to lesser-known independence fighters. Min Young-hwan took his own life in protest after Japan's illegal Eulsa Treaty stripped Korea of its sovereignty, writing, "If our freedom and independence are restored, I shall gladly smile even in the afterlife." Manifestos and letters from Korea's civilian militias, known as the righteous armies, also bear the weight of defiance, with some returning to Korea only last year after decades in Japan. The spirit of defiance is also preserved in the national flag , a Taegeukgi found at Jingwansa Temple, riddled with holes and burn marks. Believed to have been made during the March 1st Independence Movement in 1919, it bears the Korean flag's taegeuk symbol and trigrams painted in black ink over the Japanese flag, amplifying the message of resistance. "This Taegeukgi, national flag of Korea, found at Jingwansa Temple, is even more meaningful as it shows just how fiercely our independence fighters carried out their work in secrecy." Bringing these treasures together is what makes this exhibition truly historic. "While marking the 80th anniversary of Korea's liberation, this exhibition is most meaningful for bringing together authentic resistance heritage from both institutions and individuals in one place." Liberation was never given. It was earned, with blood, sweat, and hope. Eighty years on, their courage still lights the path toward the freedom they dreamed of.