News

South Korea expresses concern over Chinese structures in West Sea

2025/04/24 20:00

The government has expressed "deep concern" over a Chinese structure built in a disputed area in waters off the west coast of the Korean Peninsula. This was conveyed during a maritime dialogue held in Seoul on Wednesday, between officials from the two countries, where China claimed the structure was built for fish-farming, and that it had nothing to do with territorial rights. South Korea's foreign ministry said both sides decided to continue communication, and agreed that the issue should not hinder bilateral relations. From 2018 until last year, China built three structures in the "Provisional Maritime Zone," where the two countries' exclusive economic zones overlap, raising alarm bells in South Korea over concerns that Beijing could possibly be seeking territorial rights in this area.

Trump to set China tariffs in two to three weeks

2025/04/24 20:00

Meantime, Trump hinted at a new tariff rate on China in the weeks ahead, seen as a de-escalation in the trade fight. The American leader is also set to exempt carmakers from some U.S. tariffs. Lee Seung-jae has the latest. Currently,.. U.S. President Donald Trump has set tariffs on Chinese imports at 145%. According to the U.S. leader, that number could come down significantly, but it'll be up to China. Trump also hinted that a new tariff rate on Chinese imports could be decided in two to three weeks. He also warned that if there is no deal between the two sides, Washington will unilaterally set the tariff rate. Trump added that if China is unwilling to do business with the U.S., the rate will remain at 145%. The comments come amid reports that the Trump administration is looking into lowering the tariff rate for China to the 50 to 65 percent range. Trump also hinted at de-escalating tensions with China by saying on Tuesday, that 145% is too high, and that it will come down substantially. Meanwhile, in another turnaround from the U.S. leader, he's now planning to exempt carmakers from some U.S. auto tariffs. According to the Financial Times on Thursday, the latest move would exempt car parts from the tariffs that Trump has imposed on Chinese imports over the country's fentanyl production. It also includes levies on steel and aluminum products. Washington has been collecting a 25% tax on every car not assembled in the U.S, and a 25% tax on some imported auto parts is set to go into effect early May. Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.

Trump to set China tariffs in two to three weeks

2025/04/24 17:00

As top South Korean finance and trade officials prepare to sit down with their U.S. counterparts for talks on tariffs U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated hopes for similar talks with China. Lee Seung-jae starts us off. Currently,.. U.S. President Donald Donald Trump has set tariffs on Chinese imports at 145%. According to the U.S. leader, that number could come down significantly, but it'll be up to China. Trump also hinted that a new tariff rate on Chinese imports could be decided in two to three weeks. He also warned that if there is no deal between the two sides, Washington will unilaterally set the tariff rate. Trump added that if China is unwilling to do business with the U.S., the rate will remain at 145%. The comments come amid reports that the Trump administration is looking into lowering the tariff rate for China to the 50 to 65 percent range. Trump also hinted at de-escalating tensions with China by saying on Tuesday, that 145% is too high, and that it will come down substantially. Meanwhile, in another turnaround from the U.S. leader, he's now planning to exempt carmakers from some U.S. auto tariffs. According to the Financial Times on Thursday, the latest move would exempt car parts from the tariffs that Trump has imposed on Chinese imports over the country's fentanyl production. It also includes levies on steel and aluminum products. Washington has been collecting a 25% tax on every car not assembled in the U.S, and a 25% tax on some imported auto parts is set to go into effect early May. Meanwhile, South Korea's industry minister Ahn Duk-geun said Wednesday that Seoul aims to remove the Trump administration's reciprocal tariffs. Ahn made the remarks upon arriving in the U.S., to hold talks with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer for "two-plus-two" consultations over tariff and other issues. The minister expressed optimism that the talks will allow reciprocal tariffs on Seoul to remain suspended. Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.

World News: Hamas releases video of 48-year-old Israeli hostage

2025/04/24 17:00

This is the World Now, bringing you the latest stories from around the globe. In the Middle East, Hamas has released a new video showing an Israeli hostage in his forties, who had been abducted during the October 2023 attacks. The footage provides a hint into the conditions of hostages held in Gaza, as negotiations for their release continue. In the nearly three-minute video released on Wednesday, 48-year-old Omri Miran is seen walking through a tunnel in Gaza and lighting a candle to mark his birthday. He explains in front of the camera in Hebrew, his life after more than 18 months in captivity. According to the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, Miran's identity was verified by his family. Miran's family did not authorize the publication of the video, but they agreed to share a screenshot of it. Meanwhile, the president of the Palestinian Authority, Mahmoud Abbas, has called Hamas "sons of dogs" and demanded that the group release the hostages. Following the deadly attack by militants in Kashmir which claimed the lives of 26 tourists, India has announced it will take diplomatic and security measures against Pakistan. Those measures include the closure of a main border crossing, the downgrading of ties, and the suspension of a water treaty. On Tuesday, gunmen opened fire on tourists near Pahalgam, a popular tourist site in Kashmir, killing 26 and injuring dozens. In response, India has downgraded diplomatic relations with Pakistan and suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, a critical water-sharing agreement established in 1960. Additionally, India has closed its main border with Pakistan and expelled Pakistani military advisers from New Delhi. India's Defense Minister promised a "very loud response" to the perpetrators. Pakistan has denied involvement in the attack and expressed concern over the loss of life, calling for a National Security Council meeting to discuss the situation. In Türkiye, a 6.2-magnitude earthquake struck near Istanbul on Wednesday at 12:49 PM local time, injuring more than 200 people during a public holiday in the country. The quake's epicenter was located in the Sea of Marmara, approximately 40 kilometers southwest of Istanbul. The tremor lasted about 13 seconds and was followed by over 100 aftershocks, including one of 5.9 magnitude. Officials say at least 236 people are being treated in hospitals, primarily due to injuries suffered while jumping from buildings in panic. Authorities received over 300 reports of structural damage in buildings. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed relief that the situation was manageable and extended prayers for the nation's safety. Finally, in the United States, nominations for the 2025 American Music Awards were announced on Wednesday local time. Rapper Kendrick Lamar topped the nominations with 10 nods, including Artist of the Year and Song of the Year for his Grammy-winning diss track "Not Like Us." Post Malone followed closely with eight nominations, notably entering country categories for the first time. Taylor Swift garnered six nominations, aiming to extend her record of 40 AMA wins and seven Artist of the Year titles. Artists such as Benson Boone and Tyla were also first-time nominees this year. The event, hosted by Jennifer Lopez, will air live in Las Vegas on May 26. Choi Chi-hee, Arirang News.

DP's candidates push for votes in southwest while PPP's one-on-one debates start

2025/04/24 17:00

We turn now to the latest on partisan primaries amid prospects that the final two candidates for the presidential race may be named by next week. For more I have our political correspondent Kim Do-yeon live on the line. Do-yeon welcome back. So I hear contenders of the Democratic Party are currently in the southwestern part of the country? That's right, Sun-hee. The voting for DP members in what's known as the Honam region the traditional stronghold of the DP is going on at the moment. The Honam region consists of the Jeolla-do provinces and Gwangju City. Front-runner Lee Jae-myung visited Jeollabuk-do Province first where he shared his renewable energy plans and is set to visit Gwangju City located further south. There, he's set to visit the May 18 Pro-Democratization Movement sites also meet with the mother of the late Moon Jae-hak—the real-life inspiration for Nobel laureate Han Kang's award-winning book "Human Acts." The two trailing candidates Kim Kyung-soo and Kim Dong-yeon are also in the region today, visiting key local points to meet as many people as possible. The voting in this region closes on Saturday with the results coming out on that day as well. Meanwhile, the last set of regions for voting, the capital region, Gangwon-do Province, and Jeju, started on Thursday. This wraps up on Sunday when the final winner will be announced at the Party's convention. Meanwhile the much anticipated one-on-one debates among contenders of the People Power Party have begun? That's right, Sun-hee. At the moment, Kim Moon-soo and Han Dong-hoon are in the first of four one-on-one debates. With the PPP race having no clear front-runner, these second-round debates are expected to be crucial. The two started off with a heated debate on the rule of law, targeting DP's likely candidate Lee Jae-myung's allegations. In addition, as Kim is known to have been against Yoon's impeachment and Han was pro-impeachment, Kim questioned Han about his fallen relationship with former President Yoon. One thing to keep an eye for for the PPP race is this aspect as some PPP electors still support Yoon and for the second round, the votes will be 50-percent PPP electors and 50-percent an open survey giving more weight to individual PPP electors. Keep in mind, the one-on-one partners were picked by the four candidates and the current one is led by Kim Moon-soo as it's his slot. At five thirty the second one starts and Ahn picked Kim Moon-soo. Han Dong-hoon and Hong Joon-pyo picked each other for their slots on Friday, making their debate a three-hour-long one. Reporting live from the National Assembly, this is Kim Do-yeon.

Acting Pres. Han addresses Assembly urging swift passage of supplementary budget plan

2025/04/24 17:00

Acting President Han Duck-soo was at the parliament earlier on this Thursday morning to seek support for the government's supplementary budget plan. Our National Assembly correspondent Shin Ha-young covers his address to lawmakers. Acting President and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo urged the National Assembly to swiftly pass the supplementary 12-point-2 trillion Korean won, or about 8-point-5 billion U.S. dollars, budget proposal. In a speech to the Assembly on Thursday, Han said small business owners and vulnerable groups urgently needed support, as the global economy faces growing uncertainty due to U.S. tariff policies. "When responding to a crisis, timing is just as important as policy. The time for government financial support to reach those in urgent need is now." The government submitted its extra budget plan to the National Assembly on Tuesday. It includes 2-point-2 billion dollars to protect people's lives and property from large-scale natural disasters, such as the deadly wildfires that hit the southeastern regions last month. Another 3 billion dollars is set aside to ease trade risks and support high-tech industries, including AI. And an additional 2-point-9 billion dollars will go toward stabilizing people's livelihoods. Han's speech marks the first time since 1979 that an acting president has given a budget speech to the Assembly. Han's speech drew a mixed reaction from the rival parties. Before the speech, the Democratic Party criticized it as an attempt to raise Han's political profile, saying it shouldn't be used as a step toward a presidential run. Han has so far maintained an ambiguous stance on whether he will run for president. As he began speaking, DP lawmakers remained silent in protest, although there was some booing. Meanwhile, the People Power Party applauded Han after the speech and pledged to help quickly pass the budget. However, the rival parties clashed again when National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik openly criticized Han, bringing up his nominations for two Constitutional Court justices. "The acting president needs to handle his duties responsibly. I'm saying this as the speaker of the National Assembly, on behalf of the people." In response, PPP lawmakers strongly protested, while DP lawmakers applauded. Shin Ha-young, Arirang News.

Trump to set China tariffs in two to three weeks

2025/04/24 10:00

U.S. President Donald Trump says it's up to China, how soon the tariffs can come down. The comments come amid reports that Washington is looking to cut its tariffs on Chinese imports to ease tensions between the two largest economies. Trump is also set to exempt carmakers from some U.S. tariffs, in yet another sign of him easing his tariff policies. Lee Seung-jae has more. Currently,.. U.S. President Donald Trump has set tariffs on Chinese imports at 145%. According to the U.S. leader, that number could come down significantly, but it'll be up to China. Trump also hinted that a new tariff rate on Chinese imports could be decided in two to three weeks. He also warned that if there is no deal between the two sides, Washington will unilaterally set the tariff rate. Trump added that if China is unwilling to do business with the U.S., the rate will remain at 145%. The comments come amid reports that the Trump administration is looking into lowering the tariff rate for China to the 50 to 65 percent range. Trump also hinted at de-escalating tensions with China by saying on Tuesday, that 145% is too high, and that it will come down substantially. Meanwhile, in another turnaround from the U.S. leader, he's now planning to exempt carmakers from some U.S. auto tariffs. According to the Financial Times on Thursday, the latest move would exempt car parts from the tariffs that Trump has imposed on Chinese imports over the country's fentanyl production. It also includes levies on steel and aluminum products. Washington has been collecting a 25% tax on every car not assembled in the U.S, and a 25% tax on some imported auto parts is set to go into effect early May. Meanwhile, South Korea's industry minister Ahn Duk-geun said Wednesday that Seoul aims to remove the Trump administration's reciprocal tariffs. Ahn made the remarks upon arriving in the U.S., to hold talks with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer for "two-plus-two" consultations over tariff and other issues. The minister expressed optimism that the talks will allow reciprocal tariffs on Seoul to remain suspended. Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.

India downgrades ties, closes main border with Pakistan after attack on tourists in Kashmir

2025/04/24 10:00

Following the deadly attack by militants in Kashmir which claimed the lives of 26 tourists, India has announced it would take diplomatic and security measures against Pakistan. Those measures include the closure of a main border crossing, the downgrading of ties, and suspension of a water treaty. On Tuesday, gunmen opened fire on tourists near Pahalgam, a popular tourist site in Kashmir, killing 26 and injuring dozens. In response, India has downgraded diplomatic relations with Pakistan and suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, a critical water-sharing agreement established in 1960. Additionally, India has closed its main border with Pakistan and expelled Pakistani military advisers from New Delhi. India's Defense Minister promised a "very loud response" to the perpetrators. Pakistan has denied involvement in the attack and expressed concern over the loss of life, calling for a National Security Council meeting to discuss the situation.

Hamas releases video of 48-year-old Israeli hostage

2025/04/24 10:00

Starting in the Middle East, Hamas has released a new video showing an Israeli hostage in his forties, who had been abducted during the October 2023 attacks. The footage provides a hint into the conditions of hostages held in Gaza, as negotiations for their release continue. In the nearly three-minute video released on Wednesday, 48-year-old Omri Miran is seen walking through a tunnel in Gaza and lighting a candle to mark his birthday. He explains in front of the camera in Hebrew, his life after more than 18 months in captivity. According to the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, Miran's identity was verified by his family. Miran's family did not authorize the publication of the video, but they agreed to share a screenshot of it. Meanwhile, the president of the Palestinian Authority, Mahmoud Abbas, has called Hamas "sons of dogs" and demanded that the group release the hostages.

President Trump says Zelenskyy will prolong war by rejecting Russian control of Crimea

2025/04/24 10:00

U.S. President Donald Trump slammed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Wednesday, accusing him of prolonging the war with Russia. Trump took to his Truth Social platform, after the Ukrainian leader rejected a proposal to accept Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea. Calling Zelenskyy's refusal "inflammatory," Trump said such remarks are harmful for peace talks with Russia, and will only "prolong" the "killing field." Trump also called on Zelenskyy to change his position, saying that they're close to reaching a deal.

Panel discussion: Tracking North Korea’s military ambitions and diplomatic moves

2025/04/23 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 security dynamics on the Korean Peninsula rapidly evolve, South Korea has launched its fourth military reconnaissance satellite, taking a major step toward completing its independent space-based surveillance system. At the same time, North Korea's military alliance with Russia is deepening in unprecedented ways. A North Korean multiple rocket launcher—reportedly supplied to Russian forces—has now surfaced on the Ukrainian battlefield, sparking concern about Pyongyang's growing role in global conflicts. What's even more alarming is that North Korean troops may soon be deployed from Russia to mainland Ukraine. Meanwhile, as Russia gears up for its Victory Day celebrations, speculation is mounting over a possible visit by Kim Jong-un to Moscow—and the potential for a North Korea–China–Russia summit. So what could this mean for regional security, and how should the world respond to a shifting balance of power in Northeast Asia? For more on this, we are joined by Go Myong-hyun, Senior Research Fellow at the Institute for National Security Strategy. Welcome. Also joining us is Patrick Cronin, Asia-Pacific Security Chair at Hudson Institute. Great to have you. 1. (GO) Let's start with Dr.Go, so yesterday, the Seoul's defense ministry announced that the nation's 4th military reconnaissance satellite was successfully launched from the U.S. Space Force base at Cape Canaveral. Could you walk us through the main tasks and roles of this 4th reconnaissance satellite? 2. (CRONIN) Now to Dr.Cronin, The military plans to complete the launch of the 5th and final reconnaissance satellite within this year, wrapping up the "425 Project," which aims to secure and operationalize Seoul's independent reconnaissance satellite capabilities. What practical impact do you think this project will have on the security of the Korean Peninsula? 3. (GO) As for North Korea, its multiple launch rocket system, reportedly supplied to Russian forces, has been captured on video for the first time. It's said to surpass the performance of nearly all artillery systems possessed by Ukraine. Dr.Go, how powerful is this weapon? 4. (CRONIN) Beyond weapons supply, there are now claims that North Korean troops are preparing to enter mainland Ukraine. Until now, North Korean forces had only been deployed in Russia's Kursk region. Dr.Cronin, what is the likelihood that North Korean troops will be deployed to Ukrainian territory? What would such a move signify? 5. (GO) In addition to this, a passenger train line between Vladivostok in Russia's Primorsky Krai and Rason in North Korea is set to begin operations on May 8th, the day before Russia's Victory Day. Preparatory work for the construction of a bridge connecting the two countries is also accelerating. Dr.Go, could this be seen as part of Russia laying the groundwork for reciprocal benefits in exchange for North Korea's troop deployment? 6. (CRONIN) Amid this, both sides have yet to announce whether Chairman Kim Jong-un will visit Moscow for Russia's Victory Day celebration in May. One major variable is that North Korea's top leader has almost never participated in multilateral diplomatic settings. Dr.Cronin, why has North Korea traditionally avoided multilateral talks? 7. (GO) Chinese President Xi Jinping meanwhile has confirmed his attendance at this year's Victory Day celebrations. Dr.Go, do you think this could lead to a North Korea–China–Russia trilateral summit? What is the likelihood of Kim Jong-un visiting Russia? 8. (GO) If Chairman Kim does visit Russia, what do you think would be the most critical diplomatic benefit North Korea seeks to gain Dr.Go? 9. (CRONIN) If Kim Jong-un's visit leads to a three-way summit between the leaders of North Korea, Russia, and China, what message would that send to the West? What impact would it have on the security landscape of the Korean Peninsula and Northeast Asia?

Top security officials, experts call for continued U.S. commitment to nuclear deterrence, partnership with allies: Asan Plenum 2025

2025/04/23 20:00

The second Trump administration's first three months in office have been marked by tariffs and continued tensions with its partner countries. In Seoul, a forum gathering prominent diplomatic officials and experts raised the need for America to build confidence among its allies. Our Oh Soo-young reports. Nuclear deterrence and alliances should not be neglected but bolstered by the United States, as geopolitical tensions and global conflicts continue three months into the second Trump administration. That's according to officials and experts at the annual Asan Plenum in Seoul. As concerns grow over the lack of messaging on Washington's security commitment to its allies,.. Kurt Campbell, former U.S. Deputy Secretary of State, raised the need for confidence-building, noting North Korea's nuclear threat, Russia's potential use of nuclear weapons, and the largest nuclear build-up of modern times in China. "My own view is that over time we're going to need to do more and we're going to need to involve our key allies, Japan and the ROK, more in decision making around military nuclear use, much in the way we did in Europe and in parts of the Cold War." Campbell also called for Seoul to have greater representation, as an addition to the G7 or the Quad, saying its contributions to global governance are dearly valued. On trade concerns, as America rolls out reciprocal tariffs against its trading partners, the former diplomat expressed optimism towards the "ingenuity and the determination" by Seoul's trade officials, who have traveled to Washington, D.C for ministerial consultations this week. Former U.S. White House official Victor Cha said Trump has unlocked many new opportunities of cooperation that were previously unthinkable. "The most obvious area is shipbuilding where the U.S. needs help. Korea's very successful in that area. Strategic energy cooperation. Where South Korea doesn't need to rely on unreliable supplies from the Gulf but get energy supplies from the U.S." "The annual discussion comes amid the need for the Indo-Pacific security architecture to evolve to meet the challenges of a new era, especially at a time marked by competing visions of order and leadership in Northeast Asia." Highlighting 80 years since the end of World War Two that liberated South Korea from Japan's colonisation, Seoul's Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul warned against "naked self-interest" that led to war in the past. As two key democratic players in the Indo-Pacific, Cho highlighted Seoul and Tokyo's dramatic improvement of relations over the past three years, saying their partnership is not a choice but a necessity. The two nations commemorate 60 years of normalising bilateral ties this year. Amid the U.S.-China rivalry, Cho said South Korea and Japan can encourage China's constructive role and prevent escalations in the region. Tokyo's ambassador to Seoul also called for continued trilateral cooperation with the U.S. to strengthen deterrence and foster regional stability and prosperity. Oh Soo-young, Arirang News.

DP candidates debate on 'ending insurrection attempt' while PPP's 2nd round debate scheduled

2025/04/23 20:00

Turning to the presidential primaries. The Democratic Party hosted its second debate today while the People Power Party is gearing up for the next phase of the race. Our National Assembly correspondent Kim Do-yeon has the latest. The Democratic Party of Korea's three presidential primary contestants held a second debate on Wednesday. Three topics were posed to the three candidates: their thoughts on the ongoing insurrection allegations, the livelihood economy, and inter-Korean relations. Regarding ending what the contestants called an "ongoing insurrection attempt" referring to the martial law declaration the front-runner Lee Jae-myung emphasized "investigating the truth and punish those responsible," while candidates Kim Kyung-soo and Kim Dong-yeon argued that was insufficient, suggesting "comprehensive social reform" and "constitutional amendment," respectively, as specific methods. This comes as the second half of voting started for the primary on Wednesday with Lee Jae-myung in the lead with 90-percent of the votes so far. However, what's known as the "Honam region," consisting of the Jeolla-do Provinces and Gwangju City as well as ones that open on Thursday the capital region, Gangwon-do Province, and Jeju Island, consist of around 80 percent of the total votes room to turn things around. Meanwhile, the People Power Party started its second round as well. Kim Moon-soo, Ahn Cheol-soo, Han Dong-hoon, and Hong Joon-pyo, a couple of hours ago, came together for a media day to kick off the series of debates for this round. There will be one-on-one debates two on Thursday and two on Friday, and each contestant picked a debate partner. Kim Moon-soo picked Han Dong-hoon for the first debate on Thursday. Ahn picked Kim Moon-soo for the second debate on Thursday. Han Dong-hoon and Hong Joon-pyo picked each other, making their debate a three-hour-long one on Friday. On Saturday, there will be a four-way debate as well. The match-up brings together a pro-impeachment contestant and an against-impeachment contestant with Ahn and Han being pro-impeachment and Kim and Hong being against. This round cut-off, for which the result comes on April 29th, will be decided with 50 percent of eligible PPP voters and 50 percent an open survey. If a candidate gets more than 50-percent of the total, there won't be a run-off. Kim Do-yeon, Arirang News.

Top security officials, experts call for continued U.S. commitment to nuclear deterrence, partnership with allies: Asan Plenum 2025

2025/04/23 17:00

A forum here in Seoul has brought together dozens of diplomatic and defense experts including former U.S. government officials to discuss regional security and stability under a second Trump administration. Our correspondent Oh Soo-young covers this event. Nuclear deterrence and alliances should not be neglected but bolstered by the United States, as geopolitical tensions and global conflicts continue three months into the second Trump administration. That's according to officials and experts at the annual Asan Plenum in Seoul. As concerns grow over the lack of messaging on Washington's security commitment to its allies,.. Kurt Campbell, former U.S. Deputy Secretary of State, raised the need for confidence-building, noting North Korea's nuclear threat, Russia's potential use of nuclear weapons, and the largest nuclear build-up of modern times in China. "My own view is that over time we're going to need to do more and we're going to need to involve our key allies, Japan and the ROK, more in decision making around military nuclear use, much in the way we did in Europe and in parts of the Cold War." Campbell also called for Seoul to have greater representation, as an addition to the G7 or the Quad, saying its contributions to global governance are dearly valued. On trade concerns, as America rolls out reciprocal tariffs against its trading partners, the former diplomat expressed optimism towards the "ingenuity and the determination" by Seoul's trade officials, who have traveled to Washington, D.C for ministerial consultations this week. "Lots of discussions about enhanced technology and other investments in the U.S. That's very welcome from the Trump administration more defense engagement but also work in areas that the U.S. clearly needs help One of the areas of deepest concern is our challenges in shipbuilding, both civilian and military. It is the ROK that can help us that can work with us and very productive partnerships. "The annual discussion comes amid the need for the Indo-Pacific security architecture to evolve to meet the challenges of a new era, especially at a time marked by competing visions of order and leadership in Northeast Asia." Highlighting 80 years since the end of World War Two that liberated South Korea from Japan's colonisation, Seoul's Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul warned against "naked self-interest" that led to war in the past. As two key democratic players in the Indo-Pacific, Cho highlighted Seoul and Tokyo's dramatic improvement of relations over the past three years, saying their partnership is not a choice but a necessity. The two nations commemorate 60 years of normalising bilateral ties this year. Amid the U.S.-China rivalry, Cho said South Korea and Japan can encourage China's constructive role and prevent escalations in the region. Tokyo's ambassador to Seoul also called for continued trilateral cooperation with the U.S. to strengthen deterrence and foster regional stability and prosperity. Oh Soo-young, Arirang News.

Acting President Han visits CFC, reaffirms commitment to boost ROK-U.S. alliance

2025/04/23 17:00

Acting President Han Duck-soo reaffirmed commitment to advancing the ROK-U.S. alliance during his visit to the Combined Forces Command at Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek earlier on this Wednesday. Han sat down with Commander Xavier Brunson of U.S. Forces Korea and stressed the importance of maintaining a strong readiness posture. He also thanked troops deployed to fight the recent wildfires in the southeastern part of the country.

U.S. envoy visits Russia for more peace talks with Putin

2025/04/23 17:00

U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff is visiting Russia this week for talks with President Vladimir Putin about ending Russian aggression against Ukraine. The upcoming meeting will mark the fourth between the two in recent times aimed at advancing a peace deal between Moscow and Kyiv. Separately officials from the U.S. U.K. France Germany and Ukraine are set to sit down in London on Wednesday for similar talks. As part of efforts to halt the hostilities some sources say the U.S. may suggest formal recognition of Russia's annexation of Crimea a suggestion that Ukraine has already rejected. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday emphasized that he was willing to talk with Russia but would reject recognition of Russia's occupation of Crimea.

Pope Francis lies in St. Peter's Basilica ahead of funeral on April 26

2025/04/23 17:00

At the Vatican. The funeral of Pope Francis will take place on Saturday morning local time and starting Wednesday his body lies in state at Saint Peter's Basilica. Ahn Sung-jin has more. Pope Francis lies in a wooden coffin, wearing a red robe with the papal mitre on his head and a rosary held in his hands. Unlike his predecessors, who were placed in a triple coffin, the Pope remains in a wooden coffin, which reflects the humble life he led. On Wednesday morning local time, the procession left the chapel of Santa Marta, the Pope's residence in the Vatican, to St. Peter's Basilica. It passed through Santa Marta Square and the Square of the Roman Protomartyrs. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, was in charge of the rite of translation -the process of translating liturgical texts. Large crowds gathered to mourn the Pope's death, carrying flowers and crosses while some prayed. The late Pope's body will be taken into the Basilica of St. Mary Major for entombment, but until then, will remain in an open coffin until Friday at St. Peter's Basilica for mourners who wish to pay their respects before the funeral mass. The Vatican has confirmed that the Pope's funeral will take place on Saturday in St. Peter's Square. Royals and world leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, have confirmed their attendance. Once the mourning period is over, conclave, the process of electing the new pope, will begin. Corriere della Sera, one of Italy's oldest and most-read newspapers, placed South Korea's first Prefect of the Vatican's Diacastery for the Clergy, Cardinal Lazarus You Heung-sik , as a potential successor. The newspaper described You as "A member of the Focolare Movement who sought reconciliation between the two Koreas." Pope Francis appointed 80 percent of the cardinals who will pick the next pope. Though several contenders have been brought up, it is more likely to be narrowed down in the coming days. Ahn Sung-jin, Arirang News.

DP's second debate held while schedule set for PPP's second round debate

2025/04/23 17:00

On the political front. The Democratic Party is hosting its second debate on this Wednesday while the race at the People Power Party has been reduced to four contenders. I have our correspondent Kim Do-yeon live on the line with the latest. Do-yeon let's start with the events taking place at the DP. Sun-hee the Democratic Party of Korea's three presidential primary contestants are currently in a second debate discussing a wide variety of topics. Three topics were posed to the three candidates: their thoughts on the ongoing insurrection allegations, the livelihood economy, and inter-Korean relations. At the moment, each candidate is picking their own topic to discuss with others. This comes as the second half of voting started for the primary today as well and while the front-runner Lee Jae-myung has 90-percent of the votes so far Kim Dong-yeon and Kim Kyung-soo are looking to turn things around. In fact, what's known as the "Honam region," consisting of the Jeolla-do Provinces and Gwangju City started voting while the voting also opens for the capital region, Gangwon-do Province, and Jeju Island. These regions are where around 80 percent of electors are from so despite its front-runner Lee Jae-myung racking up 90 percent of votes so far, there are votes to turn things around. Candidates, one by one, with voting in these regions coming up, have shared their pledges for how they'd develop these regions. I see. And what's the latest at the primary election of the People Power Party? Well, Sun-hee, the People Power Party started its second round as well. Kim Moon-soo, Ahn Cheol-soo, Han Dong-hoon, and Hong Joon-pyo, a couple of hours ago, came together for a media day to kick off the series of debates for this round. There will be one-on-one debates two on Thursday and two on Friday, and each contestant picked a debate partner. Kim Moon-soo picked Han Dong-hoon for the first debate on Thursday. Ahn picked Kim Moon-soo for the second debate on Thursday. Han Dong-hoon and Hong Joon-pyo picked each other, making their debate a three-hour-long one on Friday. On Saturday there will be a four-way debate as well. The match-up brings together a pro-impeachment contestant and an against-impeachment contestant with Ahn and Han being pro-impeachment and Kim and Hong being against. Do keep in mind that this round cut-off, for which the result comes on April 29th, will be decided with 50 percent of eligible PPP voters and 50 percent an open survey. If a candidate gets more than 50-percent of the total, there won't be a run-off. Good to know. All right Do-yeon thank you for the latest on the partisan primaries ahead of Korea's presidential election.

Putin meets Sultan of Oman in Moscow

2025/04/23 10:00

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said on Tuesday at the Kremlin to discuss the ongoing U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations. Oman has been mediating indirect talks between Tehran and Washington, aiming to revive a nuclear agreement that limits Iran's nuclear activities. Kremlin's foreign policy aide said Russia maintains close contact with Iranian officials and offers assistance where possible. Meanwhile, Iran announced that expert-level talks between Iran and the United States, originally scheduled for Wednesday, have been postponed to Saturday.

Russia says Ukraine must remove legal hurdles for talks on halting strikes on civilian facilities

2025/04/23 10:00

Russia has indicated a willingness to engage in direct negotiations with Ukraine but says certain legal hurdles must be addressed before formal talks can begin. On Tuesday, local time, Russia's spokesperson Dmitry Peskov announced that President Vladimir Putin is open to discussing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's proposal to halt attacks on civilian infrastructure. However, he said Kyiv must take steps to clear the way for talks. Peskov mentioned a 2022 decree by Zelenskyy that prohibits negotiations with Putin, saying that this was a significant legal impediment. No specific plans for direct talks have been put forward amid mounting international pressure for renewed negotiations to resolve the conflict, including threats from U.S. President Donald Trump to withdraw from mediation efforts unless progress is made.