News

Trump warns of secondary tariffs on Russian oil if ceasefire agreement fails

2025/03/31 17:00

U.S. President Donald Trump is ramping up his rhetoric on both Russia and Ukraine with regard to sealing a ceasefire deal. He's threatening heavier tariffs on Russian oil and vowing quote "big problems" for Kyiv if it backs away from its mineral deal with Washington. Park Hyo-been has more. Amid the stalled progress on the Ukraine-Russia ceasefire, U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed strong dissatisfaction with Russian President Vladimir Putin. In an NBC interview on Sunday, Trump revealed that he was "very angry" after Putin criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's credibility. Trump also said that if Russia is found responsible for prolonging the conflict, he would impose "secondary tariffs" on Russian oil, ranging from 25 to 50 percent. He warned that countries purchasing Russian crude oil could face tariffs, signaling economic pressure as potential leverage in the ongoing conflict. Trump also had a message for Zelenskyy. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday, Trump criticized the Ukrainian leader for trying to back out of a rare earth metals agreement. "And I think Zelenskyy, by the way, I see he's trying to back out of the rare earth deal, and if he does that, he's got some problems. Big, big problems. We made a deal on rare earth, and now he's saying, 'Well, you know, I want to renegotiate the deal'." With U.S.-Ukraine negotiations now stalling, Russia has begun rare metals talks with Washington. On Monday, Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev confirmed that discussions were underway, with several companies already expressing an interest. Last month, Putin underscored Russia's vast reserves, looking to position Moscow as a more stable supplier than Ukraine. As diplomatic efforts stall, the potential economic pressure from tariffs may become a crucial turning point in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Park Hyo-been, Arirang News.

S. Korea's foreign ministry to dispatch consul to quake-stricken Mandalay

2025/03/31 17:00

In related news. The Korean government has decided to dispatch a consul from its embassy in Yangon to Mandalay to aid Korean nationals affected by the earthquake. According to the Foreign Ministry there are some two thousand South Koreans residing in Myanmar most of them in Yangon and about 70 in Mandalay. No Korean casualties have been reported thus far. Authorities here are also offering some two million U.S. dollars worth of humanitarian assistance to Myanmar as part of relief support.

Court rumored to be wrapping up ruling on Pres. Yoon's impeachment

2025/03/31 17:00

On the political front. Will it or will it not announce its verdict on the president's impeachment this week? That is the question facing the Constitutional Court as the wait continues for its ruling. Our Oh Soo-young touches upon the prospects ahead. The Constitutional Court could issue a ruling in President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment trial this week, as deliberations are believed to have reached the final stage. According to legal experts familiar with the matter, the eight-member bench is now wrapping up its review of key grounds for Yoon's impeachment, after more than a month of almost-daily meetings the longest the Court has ever deliberated on a presidential case. Once each justice expresses their opinion, they're expected to draw up their collective decision, before announcing the ruling date two to three days in advance. While it could be as early as this Thursday, if the bench schedules a Friday ruling in line with past presidential impeachments, April 4th and 11th are key dates to watch. But given the record deliberation period, observers say the verdict could take longer to be issued, as the justices may be sharply split in their opinions on whether or not President Yoon's martial law declaration warrants an impeachment. The Court needs at least six votes to remove a President. If three or more justices are against impeachment Yoon would be restored to office. At this point, April 18th is broadly considered the deadline for the bench —the date Justices Moon Hyung-bae and Lee Mi-son retire. In 2017, the Court dismissed President Park Geun-hye on a Friday, before Acting Chief Justice Lee Jung-mi stepped down the next Monday. But this time around, the two vacancies would leave only six justices on the bench, below the seven-member threshold required to deliver a ruling. Meanwhile, political tensions are escalating, following the recent acquittal of opposition Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung in one of his five criminal trials. As Lee currently leads polls for presidential hopefuls, the ruling People Power Party fears an early election could benefit the opposition leader, and is pushing the Court to dismiss or reject Yoon's impeachment. On the other side, the DP is hardening its stance. Some lawmakers call for another motion to impeach Acting President Han Duck-soo, despite the Constitutional Court's dismissal of their previous attempt, along with Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok. Other DP members are demanding the urgent appointment of a left-leaning judge, Ma Eun-hyeok, to secure a six-vote majority to impeach the President. As for public opinion, support for the two major parties are split evenly at 36 percent, with moderates caught between both political extremes: Yoon's immediate return or the opposition party's continued offensives against the incumbent government. Oh Soo-young, Arirang News.

Hamas agrees to ceasefire proposal from mediators Egypt, Qatar

2025/03/31 10:00

Moving over to the Middle East Hamas has accepted a new ceasefire proposal mediated by Egypt and Qatar. However, Israel has responded with a counteroffer. Hamas chief Khalil al-Hayya announced on Saturday that the Palestinian militant group has agreed to a ceasefire proposal from Egypt and Qatar, which includes the release of five hostages. In return, Israel would permit increased humanitarian aid into Gaza and a halt to hostilities. The deal also includes the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners by Israel. Israel has submitted a counter-proposal demanding the release of 11 living hostages and half of the deceased hostages in exchange for a 40-day ceasefire. Meanwhile, Israel is seeing large protests urging the government to prioritize negotiations for the hostages' release.

Greenland's new PM says U.S. will not get Greenland

2025/03/31 10:00

Good morning, I'm Choi Chi-hee, and this is The World Now. Greenland's new Prime Minister, sworn in on Friday, firmly rejected U.S. President Donald Trump's renewed interest in acquiring the Arctic territory, emphasizing Greenland's autonomy and self-determination. On Sunday local time, Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen responded to President Trump's push to acquire Greenland. In a social media post, Nielsen stated, "Let me be clear: The United States will not get it. We do not belong to anyone else. We decide our own future." President Trump on Friday once again expressed confidence in the U.S. acquiring Greenland, describing it as "100%" certain and citing national security interests. Meanwhile, U.S. Vice President JD Vance's recent visit to Greenland's U.S. military base further raised tensions as Vance criticized Denmark's administration of Greenland, implying that the U.S. could offer better security and governance.

Trump threatens tariffs on Russian oil over Ukraine

2025/03/31 10:00

U.S. President Donald Trump warned he will impose secondary tariffs on Russian oil, if Moscow does not agree to a ceasefire agreement with Ukraine. Speaking to NBC on Sunday, Trump warned that if Russia does not agree to the ceasefire, he will put secondary tariffs "on all oil coming out of Russia." He added that the 25 percent tariffs could happen at any moment. Trump also said that he plans to speak with Putin later this week. The U.S. president also told NBC News that he was very angry after Russian President Vladimir Putin questioned the credibility of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's leadership.

Court rumored to be wrapping up ruling on Pres. Yoon's impeachment

2025/03/31 10:00

President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment case has continued for more than three months, as justices take a record amount of time to deliberate on the embattled leader's fate. But pundits believe the Court is in the last phase of reviewing the case. Oh Soo-young reports. The Constitutional Court could issue a ruling in President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment trial this week, as deliberations are believed to have reached the final stage. According to legal experts familiar with the matter, the eight-member bench is now wrapping up its review of key grounds for Yoon's impeachment, after more than a month of almost-daily meetings the longest the Court has ever deliberated on a presidential case. Once each justice expresses their opinion, they're expected to draw up their collective decision, before announcing the ruling date two to three days in advance. While it could be as early as this Thursday, if the bench schedules a Friday ruling in line with past presidential impeachments, April 4th and 11th are key dates to watch. But given the record deliberation period, observers say the verdict could take longer to be issued, as the justices may be sharply split in their opinions on whether or not President Yoon's martial law declaration warrants an impeachment. The Court needs at least six votes to remove a President. If three or more justices are against impeachment Yoon would be restored to office. At this point, April 18th is broadly considered the deadline for the bench the date Justices Moon Hyung-bae and Lee Mi-son retire. In 2017, the Court dismissed President Park Geun-hye on a Friday, before Acting Chief Justice Lee Jung-mi stepped down the next Monday. But this time around, the two vacancies would leave only six justices on the bench, below the seven-member threshold required to deliver a ruling. Meanwhile, political tensions are escalating, following the recent acquittal of opposition Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung in one of his five criminal trials. As Lee currently leads polls for presidential hopefuls, the ruling People Power Party fears an early election could benefit the opposition leader, and is pushing the Court to dismiss or reject Yoon's impeachment. On the other side, the DP is hardening its stance. Some lawmakers call for another motion to impeach Acting President Han Duck-soo, despite the Constitutional Court's dismissal of their previous attempt, along with Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok. Other DP members are demanding the urgent appointment of a left-leaning judge, Ma Eun-hyeok, to secure a six-vote majority to impeach the President. As for public opinion, support for the two major parties are split evenly at 36 percent, with moderates caught between both political extremes: Yoon's immediate return or the opposition party's continued offensives against the incumbent government. Oh Soo-young, Arirang News.

S. Korea, China and Japan reaffirm trade cooperation ahead of U.S. reciprocal tariffs

2025/03/31 10:00

The Trump administration's reckless tariff policies have made the importance of regional economic cooperation more than ever. And ahead of Trump's looming April 2nd tariffs, trade ministers of Seoul, Tokyo, and Beijing met up in Seoul. Our Moon Hye-ryeon has the details. The trade ministers of South Korea, China, and Japan met in Seoul for the first time in nearly six years and underscored the need for stronger economic ties and pledged to expand trade partnerships amid growing global uncertainties. At the Trilateral Economic and Trade Ministers' Meeting on Sunday, South Korea's Trade Minister Ahn Duk-geun, China's Commerce Minister Wang Wentao, and Japan's Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Muto Yoji emphasized the importance of a stable global trade system and vowed to strengthen cooperation in key economic sectors. Their discussions came just days before the U.S. government's scheduled announcement of new reciprocal tariffs as the three nations navigate rising protectionist pressures. The meeting was seen as a strategic move to coordinate a response with all three nations facing similar concerns as major U.S. trade deficit partners and potential targets of tariffs. And, as a result, the ministers aligned on the broader goal of preserving a stable international trade system. During the talks, the ministers reaffirmed their commitment to multilateral trade frameworks, supporting reforms at the World Trade Organization and expanding the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership to include new members. They also pledged to accelerate negotiations for a high-level trilateral Free Trade Agreement. "It is necessary to strengthen the implementation of RCEP, in which all three countries have participated, and to create a framework for expanding trade cooperation among the three countries through Korea-China-Japan FTA negotiations." While South Korea and China currently have an FTA in place, discussions on a three-way agreement have stalled due to differing economic conditions and national priorities. Beyond trade agreements, the ministers addressed broader economic concerns, committing to stabilizing supply chains and expanding cooperation in green and digital industries. Moon Hye-ryeon, Arirang News.

Why DP leader's criminal court case matters as window for Constitutional Court verdict narrows

2025/03/29 12:00

This past week was a big one for politics in South Korea. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo made his return after the Constitutional Court rejected his impeachment following a motion made unilaterally by the main opposition three months ago. On top of that, the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea, leader Lee Jae-myung's appeals ruling came out. We have our political correspondent, Kim Do-yeon to tell us more. Hello, Do-yeon. 1. First, Lee Jae-myung was found not guilty by an appeals court, and this shook up the nation's political scene. What can you tell us about this? That's right Dami, let me begin with what happened in court. The main opposition Democratic Party of Korea leader Lee Jae-myung, was acquitted by an appeals court on election violation charges. The Seoul High Court on Wednesday overturned a ruling by a lower court, which had handed Lee a suspended prison term. Lee was indicted on charges of making false statements in December 2021 during a media interview where he denied knowing the late Kim Moon-ki, an executive involved in a development scandal in Seongnam City where Lee previously served as mayor. He is also accused of having made false claims that there was pressure from South Korea's land ministry to rezone a research institute site in the Baekhyeon-dong area. The appellate court ruled that neither of the statements made by Lee can be seen as spreading false information, overturning the Seoul Central District Court's ruling in November. Take a listen to Lee Jae-myung on what he described as a 'proper ruling.' "I appreciate the court for delivering a proper ruling based on truth and justice. But it's frustrating that so much effort and national resources were spent on something so obvious." 2. We do know he is a political heavyweight, 이재명 대표가 정치 거물이라는 것은 알고 있지만, 이번 판결의 시점도 중요합니다. Could you give us more context? That's right. This is important to note because Lee Jae-myung is the favored candidate to be the next president. And, as we all know, there could be an early presidential election that will kick off within a matter of weeks if the Constitutional Court upholds President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment. Take a look at this most recent survey. According to a Gallup survey on 1,000 adults aged over 18 from last Tuesday to Thursday, DP leader Lee Jae-myung was the most favored candidate for the next presidency at 34 percent, followed by Labor Minister Kim Moon-soo at 8 percent , and former PPP leader Han Dong-hoon at 5 percent. Remember this survey was taking place as the ruling came out.. So, maybe respondents on Thursday were able to answer this survey with that in mind. But next week, it'll be clearer whether voters who had doubts over Lee Jae-myung due to his ongoing legal battles will have changed their minds. 3. But he isn't completely off the hook from these accusations. What about the Supreme Court's decision? That's right, the case can be taken to the Supreme Court, which would be the final and definite ruling. Now, since prosecutors lost the case at the appeals court, they are the ones who will have to appeal the case. Lawmakers from the ruling People Power Party are already calling for prosecutors to do so. If there is an appeal and if the Supreme Court overturns the decision to acquit Lee Jae-myung, Lee will lose his legislative seat and be barred from running for public office for the next five years. Here's the thing the Supreme Court has three months to make a ruling if prosecutors do appeal. That means even if the Constitutional Court decides to uphold President Yoon's impeachment within the next couple weeks a presidential election would be just 60 days away. This means theoretically speaking, DP Chair Lee Jae-myung could be the president before the Supreme Court rules on his case anyway which would pause the legal process. Article 84 of South Korea’s Constitution states that the president shall not be charged with a criminal offense which basic during his tenure of office, barring insurrection or treason. And it's all up to the Supreme Court's decision. "Even if the prosecutors speed up the appeal process and Lee Jae-myung doesn't purposely delay the legal process, the final issue at hand would be the will of the Supreme Court" 4. So where does Lee Jae-myung's trial fit into the picture when it comes to President Yoon's impeachment? It's certainly unrelated, but surely there must be some effect. Dami, you're absolutely right this is a criminal trial and Yoon's impeachment is a Constitutional Court trial and we're looking at the two most influential politicians of the nation. Before the ruling, the ruling People Power Party had a bit of confidence in the trial of course because of the first result of Lee being guilty. Many of them had accused Lee of purposefully delaying the trial process so the final result comes out after the possible presidential election. Now, that message won't carry as much weight. But all in all, both parties are calling for the Constitutional Court to quickly announce the date of the verdict as the continued vacancy in the nation's presidency only prolongs uncertainties. 5. So when will there be the ruling, do we know? Dami, this is already the longest presidential impeachment trial in the nation's history. While many guessed that the decision was likely to come in March, that ship has sailed. Now, one thing to note is that two Constitutional Court justices will retire on April 18th leaving a bench with only 6 justices. Therefore, it's highly likely that the Court will rule before then. Now, if we consider the fact that all previous presidential impeachment decisions came on Fridays that means there's a chance of it happening on April 4th or 11th, but as we've seen anything is possible. That was our Kim Do-yeon. Thank you.

Yoon's prolonged impeachment verdict raises early election tension

2025/03/28 20:00

The Constitutional Court kept its silence on Friday, likely meaning the month of March will pass without the ruling on President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment case. Our correspondent Oh Soo-young explains what's at stake. Suspense remains over President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment case, as the Constitutional Court deliberates for more than a month. As of Friday, 31 days have passed since Yoon's final trial hearing was held marking a record in terms of time taken by the Court, compared to previous presidential impeachment cases, which took at most 14 days. As the judicial bench typically gives advance notice of at least two working days before a ruling, the Court is now expected to issue its decision in April before two justices retire mid-month. With ambiguity over the when and what the verdict will be, there's growing tension brewing in political circles, as Yoon's impeachment would spark an early Presidential Election within two months. The opposition party is pushing for Yoon's swift removal, as their party leader Lee Jae-myung, is currently the pollster's favorite among presidential hopefuls. On Wednesday, Lee was acquitted in one of his five criminal trials, overturning a ruling by a lower court last year that handed Lee a one-year sentence and a two-year suspension from office for violating the election law. This cleared a major hurdle to gaining his party's full endorsement for the race. The ruling People Power Party had been hoping for the opposite result, leading to cries of foul against the justice system. There's now even greater pressure directed at the Constitutional Court. The opposition is calling for Yoon's immediate impeachment while the ruling party is demanding his return to power as in the case of Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, whose impeachment case was dismissed on Monday. Public rallies also continue outside and around the Court. Recent polls indicate that 51 percent of voters want a change of government, while 37 percent wish to maintain the current administration. Those for and against impeachment also recorded around 58 percent and 37 percent, respectively. Underscoring how closely contested the political environment remains, the survey shows equal 36 percent support for the ruling and opposition parties, with the PPP gaining three percentage points compared to the previous week. As the Court's ruling stretches on, expectation for Yoon's impeachment was down by six percentage points from last week, while those expecting his return, hit 39 percent. Amid prolonged uncertainty, one thing remains clear: this is not merely a constitutional decision but a ruling that will inevitably carry significant political ramifications. Oh Soo-young, Arirang News.

S. Korean Navy holds naval gunfire exercises this week marking 10th West Sea Defense Day

2025/03/28 20:00

In light of the somber anniversary today, South Korea's Navy carried out a series of drills this week. Our defense correspondent Kim Bo-kyoung covers this year's West Sea Defense Day. Amidst a thin sea fog covering the West Sea, a simulated North Korean vessel crosses the Northern Limit Line on the West Sea moving southward, South Korean navy ships and personnel are ordered to deploy in combat formation for training. "Total personnel in combat formation, training, two, three!" Six naval ships lined up one after another. with the 3-thousand-600-ton frigate, the ROKS Chungnam at the front, fired guns targeting their simulated maritime target before maneuvering away in different directions. "This naval maneuver training in the West Sea is to mark the 10th West Sea Defense Day a day to remember those who lost their lives in a series of unprovoked attacks by the North near the Northern Limit Line." The day, falling on the fourth Friday of March every year, pays tribute to the 55 fallen sailors and marines from the Second Battle of Yeonpyeong in 2002, the sinking of ROKS Cheonan and the shelling of Yeonpyeong-do Island in 2010. In memorial of the fallen, the Navy conducted intensive maneuvering exercises for three days until Thursday, simultaneously on the East, West, and South Seas with some of the exercises open to the press. "The Navy will engrave the spirit of victory shown by the 55 warriors who defended the West Sea in our hearts, and if the enemy provokes again, we will strike back forcefully and firmly protect our seas." Since the military clashes with North Korea while defending the western maritime border, the South Korean Navy strengthened the combat power of its naval fleets, replacing outdated warships with new frigates equipped with advanced hybrid propulsion and sonar systems. "The ROKS Daejeon was built with our domestic defense technology, and it is especially a core frigate of the fleet with outstanding anti-submarine capabilities." With the patriotic spirit of the fallen in mind, the Navy vows to firmly safeguard the waters, even today. Kim Bo-kyoung, Arirang News.

Putin seeks to work with other countries, N. Korea to settle war in Ukraine

2025/03/28 20:00

Russia's Vladimir Putin has spoken of cooperating with North Korea to end its war in Ukraine. Bae Eun-ji covers this latest comment and more. As U.S. President Donald Trump seeks to broker an end to the three-year war in Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin has suggested that countries other than the United States could be involved in the peace process, specifically mentioning North Korea. Speaking about efforts to settle the war during his visit to Russia's northwestern port of Murmansk on Friday, some of the other countries he named were China, India, Brazil, South Africa, and the member states of BRICS. The Russian leader also proposed the idea of putting Ukraine under a form of "temporary administration" of the United Nations, as part of a peace deal, for new elections and the signing of key accords with the aim of reaching a settlement. "We could discuss under the auspices of the UN, with the U.S., with European countries, and of course with our partners and friends, the possibility of conducting temporary governance in Ukraine." Putin's comments come a day after a senior Russian diplomat reportedly said they're preparing for Kim Jong-un's visit to the country. According to Russia's Tass news agency, Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko said Thursday that this was discussed during his visit to Pyongyang two weeks ago without providing details on when the visit might take place. Just last week, Putin's top security adviser Sergei Shoigu met Kim in Pyongyang where the two sides reaffirmed their willingness to "unconditionally" uphold a major mutual defense treaty signed last year that pledges mutual assistance if either faces aggression. Eyes are now on whether the North Korean leader's visit to Russia will take place within this year, with some experts even saying that it could happen as early as May, on the 80th anniversary of Russia's "Victory Day," which marks the Soviet Union's triumph over Nazi Germany in World War Two. Bae Eun-ji, Arirang News.

Tariff war heats up with Canada vowing retaliation over Trump's car tariffs

2025/03/28 20:00

America's major trade partners Canada and Mexico have been among the first to respond to the Trump administration's new tariff plan on foreign-made cars and their reactions stood poles apart. Lee Seung-jae has more. Earlier this week, President Donald Trump signed off on 25-percent tariffs on all cars and auto parts imported into the United States. In response, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney called it a "direct attack" on his country, and vowed to respond to Trump's latest tariff policy. "President Trump announced 25% tariffs against our auto industry. And this is a direct attack, to be clear, a direct attack on the very workers that I stood in front of, UNIFOR workers We've announced, of course, retaliatory tariffs. We have other options for those retaliatory tariffs. I have asked for a meeting, I will convene rather, a meeting of the Canada U.S. cabinet tomorrow to discuss our trade options." Carney said that Canada's long-time bilateral relationship with the U.S., involving the economy, security, and military cooperation, "is over." Instead,.. he vowed Canada would respond with retaliatory tariffs that will have "maximum impact" on the U.S. On the other side of the U.S. border, Mexico is negotiating for an exemption for its critical auto industry. Speaking from Washington after holding talks with U.S. officials, Mexico's economy minister, Marcelo Ebrard, said negotiation talks are ongoing to ensure that Mexico gets preferential treatment. The minister said that with the recent tariff policies of the U.S. administration, Mexico must protect jobs and economic activity in the country. While Mexico is seeking a more peaceful approach to Trump's tariff policies, both Canada and the European Union have been looking to fight the U.S. president's tariffs. In response, Trump took to his social media platform Truth Social on Thursday and said that larger tariffs could be placed on the EU and Canada,, if they work jointly to "do economic harm to the USA." While the EU delayed its first set of retaliatory tariffs, including a 50-percent tariff on U.S. bourbon, Trump threatened to impose a 200-percent tariff on all wines and other alcoholic products from the EU if the bloc went ahead with tariffs. Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.

U.S. offers condolences for victims of S. Korea's wildfires, says USFK is ready to provide assistance

2025/03/28 20:00

In related news. The United States has vowed to provide full support, while sending condolences for the people who've lost their lives. The State Department released a statement on Thursday, local time, saying it offers sincere condolences to the Korean people,.. adding that it mourns the loss of the brave firefighters and many others who have died. It said the U.S. Forces Korea stands ready to provide assistance to help combat the fires and support the affected communities. It also added "America stands with its ally during this difficult time," noting that the country has not forgotten Korea's unwavering support during the wildfires in Los Angeles and Hawaii.

World News: Marco Rubio says U.S. revoked at least 300 students' visas for pro-Palestinian activities

2025/03/28 17:00

This is the World Now, bringing you the latest stories from around the globe. The U.S. government has intensified its crackdown on foreign students involved in anti-Israel pro-Palestinian activities leading to the revocation of visas and the detention of students. On Thursday local time, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the State Department has revoked the visas of over 300 foreign students. The action is part of the Trump administration's broader initiative to identify and expel individuals who are believed to be supportive of Hamas. Rubio told reporters on a visit to Guyana, "Every time I find one of these lunatics, I take away their visas." Among those affected is Rumeysa Ozturk, a 30-year-old Turkish national and Ph.D. student at Tufts University who was apprehended on Tuesday. The Department of Homeland Security alleges that Ozturk engaged in activities supporting Hamas, though specific evidence has not been disclosed. Russian President Vladimir Putin has said U.S. President Donald Trump's renewed interest in acquiring Greenland was "serious." At the International Arctic Forum in Murmansk on Thursday, Putin stated the U.S. had a longstanding interest in the mineral-rich territory. He said that while the Greenland issue does not directly involve Russia, the U.S. plans "have old historical origins" and aren't just "extravagant talks." Meanwhile, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has reiterated that Greenland is not for sale and reaffirmed Denmark's commitment to supporting Greenland's autonomy. Also, referring to U.S. Vice President JD Vance's planned visit to the U.S. military base in Greenland, she stated, "The visit is clearly not about what Greenland needs or wants." In Egypt, six Russian tourists died on Thursday when a sightseeing submarine sank off the coast of the city of Hurghada. Others have been successfully saved, with some sustaining injuries. The vessel, named Sindbad, was carrying 45 tourists from various countries, including India and Sweden, along with five Egyptian crew members. The incident occurred approximately 1,000 meters offshore during a routine underwater tour of the Red Sea's coral reefs, where the recreational submarine dived to depths of 20 to 25 meters to showcase the marine life. The cause of the sinking is still under investigation. Finally, Art Basel Hong Kong 2025 opened to the public on Friday, at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center, featuring 240 galleries from 42 countries. An off-site art installation has also been created at a high-end shopping center near the official show venue. The fair showcases a diverse range of artistic practices, including performance and digital art, with over half of the participating galleries originating from the Asia-Pacific region. Art Basel 2025, the largest and most prestigious event in the Asia Pacific region, will run from March 28 to 30. Choi Chi-hee, Arirang News.

Tariff war heats up with Canada vowing retaliation over Trump's car tariffs

2025/03/28 17:00

America's biggest trade partners Canada and Mexico have been among the first to respond to the Trump administration's latest tariff plan of a 25-percent import duty on foreign-made cars AND their reactions stand poles apart. Lee Seung-jae reports. Earlier this week, President Donald Trump signed off on 25-percent tariffs on all cars and auto parts imported into the United States. In response, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney called it a "direct attack" on his country, and vowed to respond to Trump's latest tariff policy. "President Trump announced 25% tariffs against our auto industry. And this is a direct attack, to be clear, a direct attack on the very workers that I stood in front of, UNIFOR workers We've announced, of course, retaliatory tariffs. We have other options for those retaliatory tariffs. I have asked for a meeting, I will convene rather, a meeting of the Canada U.S. cabinet tomorrow to discuss our trade options." Carney said that Canada's long-time bilateral relationship with the U.S., involving the economy, security, and military cooperation, "is over." Instead,.. he vowed Canada would respond with retaliatory tariffs that will have "maximum impact" on the U.S. On the other side of the U.S. border, Mexico is negotiating for an exemption for its critical auto industry. Speaking from Washington after holding talks with U.S. officials, Mexico's economy minister, Marcelo Ebrard, said negotiation talks are ongoing to ensure that Mexico gets preferential treatment. The minister said that with the recent tariff policies of the U.S. administration, Mexico must protect jobs and economic activity in the country. While Mexico is seeking a more peaceful approach to Trump's tariff policies, both Canada and the European Union have been looking to fight the U.S. president's tariffs. In response, Trump took to his social media platform Truth Social on Thursday and said that larger tariffs could be placed on the EU and Canada,, if they work jointly to "do economic harm to the USA." While the EU delayed its first set of retaliatory tariffs, including a 50-percent tariff on U.S. bourbon, Trump threatened to impose a 200-percent tariff on all wines and other alcoholic products from the EU if the bloc went ahead with tariffs. Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.

Newly declassified documents reveal N. Korean embassies dismissed Kim Il-sung’s death as “fabrication"

2025/03/28 17:00

Recently declassified documents from 1994 share the disbelief of North Korean embassies worldwide following the death of then-North Korean leader Kim Il-sung . Several North Korean diplomatic missions were either unaware of or chose to dismiss as "fabrication" news of his passing. North Korean staff members at embassies in Germany Senegal Vietnam and Indonesia initially voiced confusion while some denied the news until Pyongyang's official announcement.

Acting Pres. Han vows immediate, overwhelming response to any N. Korean provocations

2025/03/28 17:00

Acting President Han Duck-soo has pledged an immediate and overwhelming response to any North Korean provocation. The pledge came at today's official ceremony to mark the 10th West Sea Defense Day. Referring to North Korea as "the most regressive regime in the world" Han asserted that Pyongyang continues to threaten peace on the peninsula and beyond. He also vowed unwavering support for South Korea's fallen heroes injured service members and bereaved family members.

Yoon's prolonged impeachment verdict raises early election tension

2025/03/28 17:00

On the political front. While President Yoon Suk-yeol's fate hovers in limbo AS the Constitutional Court has yet to share its verdict on his impeachment opposition leader Lee Jae-myung 's chances of mounting a campaign IF an early election takes place have been bolstered. Our senior correspondent Oh Soo-young explains. Suspense remains over President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment case, as the Constitutional Court deliberates for more than a month. As of Friday, 31 days have passed since Yoon's final trial hearing was held marking a record in terms of time taken by the Court, compared to previous presidential impeachment cases, which took at most 14 days. As the judicial bench typically gives advance notice of at least two working days before a ruling, the Court is now expected to issue its decision in April before two justices retire mid-month. With ambiguity over the when and what the verdict will be, there's growing tension brewing in political circles, as Yoon's impeachment would spark an early Presidential Election within two months. The opposition party is pushing for Yoon's swift removal, as their party leader Lee Jae-myung, is currently the pollster's favorite among presidential hopefuls. On Wednesday, Lee was acquitted in one of his five criminal trials, overturning a ruling by a lower court last year that handed Lee a one-year sentence and a two-year suspension from office for violating the election law. This cleared a major hurdle to gaining his party's full endorsement for the race. The ruling People Power Party had been hoping for the opposite result, leading to cries of foul against the justice system. There's now even greater pressure directed at the Constitutional Court. The opposition is calling for Yoon's immediate impeachment while the ruling party is demanding his return to power as in the case of Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, whose impeachment case was dismissed on Monday. Public rallies also continue outside and around the Court. Recent polls indicate that 51 percent of voters want a change of government, while 37 percent wish to maintain the current administration. Those for and against impeachment also recorded around 58 percent and 37 percent, respectively. Underscoring how closely contested the political environment remains, the survey shows equal 36 percent support for the ruling and opposition parties, with the PPP gaining three percentage points compared to the previous week. As the Court's ruling stretches on, expectation for Yoon's impeachment was down by six percentage points from last week, while those expecting his return, hit 39 percent. Amid prolonged uncertainty, one thing remains clear: this is not merely a constitutional decision but a ruling that will inevitably carry significant political ramifications. Oh Soo-young, Arirang News.

S. Korean Navy holds naval gunfire exercises this week marking 10th West Sea Defense Day

2025/03/28 17:00

South Korea's Navy carried out a series of drills this week in light of a somber anniversary today. Our correspondent Kim Bo-kyoung covers this year's West Sea Defense Day that honors the sacrifice of South Korean soldiers in face of North Korean aggression in recent years. Amidst a thin sea fog covering the West Sea, a simulated North Korean vessel crosses the Northern Limit Line on the West Sea moving southward, South Korean navy ships and personnel are ordered to deploy in combat formation for training. "Total personnel in combat formation, training, two, three!" Six naval ships lined up one after another. with the 3-thousand-600-ton frigate, the ROKS Chungnam at the front, fired guns targeting their simulated maritime target before maneuvering away in different directions. "This naval maneuver training in the West Sea is to mark the 10th West Sea Defense Day a day to remember those who lost their lives in a series of unprovoked attacks by the North near the Northern Limit Line." The day, falling on the fourth Friday of March every year, pays tribute to the 55 fallen sailors and marines from the Second Battle of Yeonpyeong in 2002, the sinking of ROKS Cheonan and the shelling of Yeonpyeong-do Island in 2010. In memorial of the fallen, the Navy conducted intensive maneuvering exercises for three days until Thursday, simultaneously on the East, West, and South Seas with some of the exercises open to the press. "The Navy will engrave the spirit of victory shown by the 55 warriors who defended the West Sea in our hearts, and if the enemy provokes again, we will strike back forcefully and firmly protect our seas." Since the military clashes with North Korea while defending the western maritime border, the South Korean Navy strengthened the combat power of its naval fleets, replacing outdated warships with new frigates equipped with advanced hybrid propulsion and sonar systems. "The ROKS Daejeon was built with our domestic defense technology, and it is especially a core frigate of the fleet with outstanding anti-submarine capabilities." With the patriotic spirit of the fallen in mind, the Navy vows to firmly safeguard the waters, even today. Kim Bo-kyoung, Arirang News.