News

Swedish police arrest teenager after fatal triple shooting

2025/05/01 10:00

In Sweden, police have arrested a teenager following a shooting that killed three people in the city of Uppsala on Tuesday. The incident has raised concerns about escalating gang-related crimes in the nation. On Wednesday morning, local time, authorities apprehended a 16-year-old suspect, with the Swedish Prosecution Authority confirming that the teen is being held on suspicion for murder. On Tuesday, around 5 p.m., a shooting at a hair salon in Uppsala killed three men aged between 15 and 20. While the motive remains unclear, authorities are exploring potential gang-related connections, as one victim reportedly had ties to organized crime. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson called the shooting as "a terrible act," and lamented that "brutal and ruthless violence" is shaking the country. The nation has been seeing a rise in violent crime in recent years, with its worst mass shooting leading to 10 deaths occurring in February.

Wildfires rage near Jerusalem, roads and communities evacuated

2025/05/01 10:00

Starting in the Middle East, Israel is fighting one of the most severe wildfires in its recent history. Tell us more. Sure. Massive wildfires broke out near Jerusalem on Wednesday morning, leading to widespread evacuations and prompting the declaration of a national emergency. On April 30, wildfires erupted in the forest area between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, rapidly spreading due to high temperatures and strong winds. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned the blazes could reach Jerusalem itself. This has forced the evacuation of several communities and the closure of major roads. Memorial day ceremonies and Independence Day celebrations planned for Thursday have also been canceled. The Israel Fire and Rescue Services declared their highest alert level, mobilizing over 120 firefighting teams, including assistance from the Israel Defense Forces. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar has also sought additional firefighting aid from over a dozen countries. At least 16 people have reportedly been hospitalized for smoke inhalation, and no fatalities have been reported.

Seoul bus drivers end one-day protest for normal operation but seek further negotiations

2025/04/30 20:00

The Seoul Bus Labor Union says buses will operate as normal starting tomorrow, following Wednesday's one-day "work-to-rule" slowdown protest. The union limited the protest to one day to minimize public inconvenience, but is urging management to take part in further negotiations. If talks continue to stall, the union may decide on further action, possibly a full-scale strike, at next week's meeting. Last-minute talks broke down in the early hours of Wednesday, after nine hours of negotiations. The union is demanding an 8-point-2 percent increase in base pay and an extension of the retirement age from 63 to 65. Management is pushing to lower the standard wage through wage system reform.

S. Korea welcomes 1.6 mil. foreign tourists in March, surpassing pre-pandemic level

2025/04/30 20:00

South Korea's inbound tourism for March fully rebounded to pre-pandemic levels, surpassing the number recorded during the same month in 2019. According to the Korea Tourism Organization on Wednesday, around 1-point-6 million foreign tourists visited the country last month, marking an 8 percent increase year-on-year. The largest number of visitors came from China, followed by Japan, Taiwan and the United States. From January to March this year, Korea has welcomed around 3-point-8 million tourists, up nearly 14-percent compared to the same period last year.

[K-Correspondent] Encountering APEC host city Gyeongju at special exhibition in Bangkok

2025/04/30 14:00

Gyeongju, the capital of the ancient kingdom of Silla, "the museum without walls", with its deep history and culture, is known for UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto. The southeastern city is also the host of the (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) APEC summit in October. For today's 'K-Correspondent' we go over to not Gyeongju but Bangkok as the charm of the Korean city is being showcased at a special exhibition in the capital of Thailand. We now connect to Lee Sunju , Director of the Korean Cultural Center in Thailand to hear more about this event. Hello Director Lee! Q1. Please introduce yourself and the exhibition you are currently hosting in Bangkok. Q2. Gyeongju was the capital of the Silla Kingdom for nearly a thousand years and is a city known for numerous UNESCO world heritage sites. What is it about the city's charm that you want Thai visitors to learn about? Q3. Going a little bit more into detail, what's special about this exhibition and is there any particular part you'd like to recommend to visitors? Q4. Thai culture is deeply influenced by Buddhism. What do you think it means to Thais to see this exhibition showcasing Korea's Buddhist heritage? Q5. What has been the response by local visitors? What did they learn the most and find impressive about Gyeongju through the exhibition? Q6. For how long will the exhibition run and do you have any other programs or events coming up that you want to share? Thank you very much for connecting with us today Director Lee and for your efforts in showcasing the beautiful city of Gyeongju and Korea to the Thai people. Thank you Walter, we'll see you soon.

Seoul bus drivers launch work-to-rule slowdown protest after wage talks broke down

2025/04/30 10:00

Commuters in Seoul face delays on Wednesday after unionized bus drivers launched a "work-to-rule" slowdown protest after last-minute wage talks broke down. This comes as the Seoul Bus Labor Union and representatives from management held last-minute negotiation talks on Tuesday, which fell apart in the early hours of Wednesday morning after nine hours of discussions. The union is demanding an 8-point-2 percent increase in base pay and an extension of the retirement age from 63 to 65. Management is pushing to lower the standard wage through wage system reform. Despite the protest, both sides are expected to continue negotiations. This latest action falls short of the full-scale strike last year when wage talks also failed.

[Kulture Issue] The world falls "pokssak" for Jeju culture

2025/04/29 14:00

Jeju Island is one of South Korea's most popular tourist destinations. Isolated from the mainland, Jeju has developed a unique dialect and its own distinctive local culture, including the haenyeo culture, important aspects of the island’s identity. Recently Jeju has been receiving growing interest from around the world, on the back of a successful K-drama. Today, we want to learn more about Jeju Island’s culture with David Tizzard, Professor of Korean Studies at Seoul Women’s University and Hanyang University who is now connected with us. Hello Professor Tizzard! 1) Professor Tizzard, Korea’s recent Netflix series “When Life Gives You Tangerines” or “Pokssak Sogatsuda” in Korean was a hit not only in Korea, but in many other countries. One of the reasons for its success has probably got to do with the setting, Jeju Island. First off, what comes to mind when you think of Jeju? 2) “Pokssak Sogatsuda” means something along the lines of “you’ve worked hard” in Jeju dialect. Ever since the hit drama, there has been a resurgence in the interest in the Jeju dialect, with the word “pokssak” appearing in advertisements, on news headlines and so on. What significance does the dialect have from a cultural perspective? 3) Earlier this month, records of the Jeju April 3rd uprising, a pivotal incident in Korea’s history, were officially added to UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register. What’s the significance of this inscription? 4) The Jeju April 3rd incident also is featured in Nobel Prize literature winner Han Kang’s book “We do not part”. How is Jeju Island portrayed in the novel? 5) In what other ways is Jeju an attractive place? 6) Are there any cultural aspects of Jeju Island that you would like to see more widely recognized?

Pope Francis' tomb opened to public; conclave to begin May 5-10

2025/04/28 20:00

Pope Francis' tomb was opened to the public on Sunday, and thousands of mourners lined up to pay their respects. The late pope was laid to rest at the Santa Maria Maggiore church in Rome, with a single white rose placed on the tomb engraved only with his Latin name, "Franciscus." Pope Francis passed away on April 21 at the age of 88. Following his funeral on Saturday, the Vatican will now prepare for the conclave --the process to elect a new pope, which is expected to begin between May 5 and May 10.

K-wave AI News

2025/04/28 14:00

Hello and welcome to your AI guide to the latest cultural updates from Korea. Here's our top story. A large-scale lotus lantern parade was held in downtown Seoul on Saturday ahead of Buddha's Birthday. About 50,000 participants marched through the streets of Jongno, carrying some 100,000 colorful lanterns. Celebratory performances, including traditional dances like 'Ganggangsullae,' were also staged as part of efforts to strengthen national unity. Organizers said the event aimed to promote harmony and peaceful coexistence amid rising social tensions and political uncertainty in Korea. The "2025 Seoul Shopping Festa," a large-scale shopping and tourism festival for domestic and international visitors, will be held throughout May. Nearly 4,000 stores from around 260 companies will participate across seven sectors, including retail, accommodation, and fashion. To improve accessibility for international consumers, this year's event features special promotions through e-commerce platforms. Now in its 17th year, the festival offers extensive discounts and diverse cultural experiences. More information is available on the official website, www.seoulshoppingfesta.com. A festival celebrating the "treasures of the mountains" will kick off in Hongcheon, Gangwon-do Province. The 'Gangwon Hongcheon Wild Edible Greens Festival' will run from May 3 to 5 at Hongcheon Sports Stadium, offering visitors a rare chance to sample a rich variety of fresh mountain vegetables grown in pristine nature where highlands rise above 600 meters. This year's event features hard-to-find delicacies such as traditional "gomchwi," a rare type of ragwort, and "bujigaengi," or Amur Wallflower. A special highlight is Hongcheon wild mountain garlic, officially recognized as Forest Product Geographical Indication Number 46. That's all from me. Keep it tuned to the Kulture Wave.

[Short-form] April 28, a day to honor Admiral Yi Sun-sin

2025/04/28 14:00

Korea honors its greatest war hero, Admiral Yi Sun-sin, on his birthday. His legacy and indomitable spirit live on across the nation, inspiring generations to come.

Hundreds of people line up to visit Pope Francis' tomb in Rome

2025/04/28 10:00

Finally, in Rome, the Vatican opened Pope Francis' tomb to the public on Sunday. The late pontiff, who passed away on April 21 at the age of 88, was laid to rest at the Santa Maria Maggiore church, with a single white rose and a simple inscription of his name "Franciscus" on his stone tomb. The simplicity reflected his commitment to humility and simplicity. Thousands of mourners visited the site, lining up to pay their respects. Following the funeral on Saturday, which drew approximately 250,000 attendees, the College of Cardinals began preparations for the papal conclave, which is expected to begin between May 5 and May 10.

Vehicle plows into crowd in Vancouver festival

2025/04/28 10:00

In Vancouver, Canada, a vehicle drove into a crowd at a festival celebrating Filipino heritage, killing at least 11 people. On Saturday, at approximately 8:14 PM local time, a black SUV entered a pedestrian-only area, where the Lapu-Lapu Day Festival, an annual celebration of Filipino culture, was taking place. The vehicle accelerated into the crowd, killing at least 11 people and injuring more than twenty others. The victims' ages ranged from five to 65, according to police. The driver, a 30-year-old Vancouver resident known to have mental health issues, was taken into custody after being detained by bystanders at the scene. Police stated that the suspect acted alone and there was no evidence suggesting acts of terrorism.

Joseon Tongsinsa: Why this 400-year-old peace mission still matters today

2025/04/25 20:00

Centuries ago, Korea sent envoys to Japan to restore peace. That historic mission is brought back to life in full procession every year here in the country. And this year, it carries a message that feels more relevant than in the past, as it marks the 60th anniversary of normalized diplomatic ties between the two neighbors. Our culture correspondent Song Yoo-jin has the story. "Envoys bound for Japan, receive the royal command!" This is a recreation of the Joseon Tongsinsa, the diplomatic missions sent from Korea to Japan between the 17th and 19th centuries. The word Tongsinsa means "envoys of communication built on trust." Between 1607 and 1811, a total of 12 missions were dispatched at the request of Japan's Shogunate government. Their purpose was to restore diplomatic relations after Japan attacked Korea in the late 16th century. Each year, the Busan Cultural Foundation brings this historic journey back to life. This year's event carries more special meaning, marking the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic ties between South Korea and Japan. "Today's ceremony reenacts the moment the royal order is handed to the lead envoy, the jeongsa, before the mission sets off. This year, we're recreating the 1763 mission from during King Yeongjo's reign, an event being revived for the first time in 16 years." Every Tongsinsa mission begins with the appointment of the three key envoys: jeongsa, busa, and jongsagwan, the core of the 3-hundred to 5-hundred delegation. This year, the role of chief envoy, jeongsa, is being played by Shin Yoon-chan, the mother of the late Lee Soo-hyun, a Korean student who died in Tokyo in 2001 while trying to save a Japanese man who had fallen onto train tracks. "People call Japan a 'close but distant neighbor,' but reflecting on my experience, it's always been a close country, for example, through family and work. Even though there are political tensions, cultural exchanges like this show how we can move forward together." Following the appointment ceremony in Seoul, the procession travels south to Busan, where it will board a vessel modeled after the original Tongsinsa ships and set sail for Japan. Two weeks later, by mid-May, the vessel is set to arrive in Osaka. For those unable to follow the journey in person, the Seoul Museum of History is hosting a special exhibition introducing the goodwill mission. It features over one hundred artifacts, including diplomatic records inscribed on the UNESCO Memory of the World register. "These missions were reestablished after the devastation of war, at a time when Japan was still seen as a bitter enemy. And yet, Korea chose diplomacy. They reflect the desire to stabilize society and preserve peace, even with a former foe. That message of cultural dialogue is what we wanted to emphasize in this exhibition." Centuries ago, Korean envoys sailed not just across seas, but across political divides, guided by the pursuit of peace. And today, as Korea and Japan continue navigating a complex relationship, the spirit of the Tongsinsa reminds us that history, when honored, can still guide us toward a more thoughtful future. Song Yoo-jin, Arirang News.

Funeral Mass for Pope Francis to be held at 10 AM on Saturday in St. Peter's Square

2025/04/25 20:00

The funeral of Pope Francis is set for tomorrow in the Vatican City. His journey to eternity will not only bring together world leaders, but migrant and refugees as well. Our Choi Soo-hyung has more. The Funeral Mass for Pope Francis, who passed away on Monday, will be held at 10 AM local time on Saturday, April 26th, at St. Peter's Square in the heart of the Vatican. His body was moved to St. Peter's Basilica for public mourning, and in just two days, more than 90-thousand people have paid their respects. On the first day, there were larger crowds than expected, with people waiting more than eight hours. The Vatican extended visiting hours on that day until 5:30 AM to welcome them. It is expected that more than 250,000 mourners will pay their respects before the final day of public visiting, and an even larger crowd is anticipated for the Funeral Mass. The Funeral Mass will be presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the leader of the College of Cardinals, with cardinals, bishops, and priests from around the world jointly officiating. In accordance with the Pope's wishes, the ceremony will be a simple and modest one, significantly simplified from traditional papal funerals. Instead of the ornate, triple-layered coffin used in the past, his body will be placed in a single, simple wooden coffin. A scroll documenting the achievements of his papacy, along with coins and medals, will be sealed inside. Many world leaders will also gather for Pope Francis's funeral. U.S. President Donald Trump and his wife Melania, Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Prince William of the United Kingdom, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will be present. South Korea is also sending a delegation, led by the country's Culture Minister Yu In-chon. Migrants and refugees, who were especially close to the Pope's heart during his lifetime, will also attend. After the Funeral Mass, the Pope will be laid to eternal rest at the Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica, a place he visited often and held dear. The funeral procession will slowly travel about six kilometers through central Rome, passing historic landmarks, including the Colosseum. Choi Soo-hyung, Arirang News.

Funeral Mass for Pope Francis to be held at 10 AM on Saturday in St. Peter's Square

2025/04/25 17:00

Dozens of world leaders will join tens of thousands of mourners at Saint Peter's Square in Vatican City tomorrow that is Saturday for the funeral of Pope Francis. Our Choi Soo-hyung has more. The Funeral Mass for Pope Francis, who passed away on Monday, will be held at 10 AM local time on Saturday, April 26th, at St. Peter's Square in the heart of the Vatican. His body was moved to St. Peter's Basilica for public mourning, and in just two days, more than 90-thousand people have paid their respects. On the first day, there were larger crowds than expected, with people waiting more than eight hours. The Vatican extended visiting hours on that day until 5:30 AM to welcome them. It is expected that more than 250,000 mourners will pay their respects before the final day of public visiting, and an even larger crowd is anticipated for the Funeral Mass. The Funeral Mass will be presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the leader of the College of Cardinals, with cardinals, bishops, and priests from around the world jointly officiating. In accordance with the Pope's wishes, the ceremony will be a simple and modest one, significantly simplified from traditional papal funerals. Instead of the ornate, triple-layered coffin used in the past, his body will be placed in a single, simple wooden coffin. A scroll documenting the achievements of his papacy, along with coins and medals, will be sealed inside. Many world leaders will also gather for Pope Francis's funeral. U.S. President Donald Trump and his wife Melania, Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Prince William of the United Kingdom, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will be present. South Korea is also sending a delegation, led by the country's Culture Minister Yu In-chon. Migrants and refugees, who were especially close to the Pope's heart during his lifetime, will also attend. After the Funeral Mass, the Pope will be laid to eternal rest at the Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica, a place he visited often and held dear. The funeral procession will slowly travel about six kilometers through central Rome, passing historic landmarks, including the Colosseum. Choi Soo-hyung, Arirang News.

Thousands of people queue in St. Peter's Square to say last goodbye to Pope Francis

2025/04/24 20:00

Thousands of mourners are lining up in the Vatican to bid farewell to Pope Francis whose body lies in state at St Peter's Basilica for public viewing. Choi Soo-hyung tells us more. Thousands of people queue in St. Peter's Square to say a last farewell to Pope Francis. After his body was brought to St. Peter's Basilica, tens of thousands are offering their final goodbye over the three days of public mourning. "Yeah, it was very, very moving experience to see him so vulnerable after so long being so unwell. A real pleasure and privilege to be there. The queueing was difficult, but it kind of worth it in the end, so a pleasure to, to be there." "We knew there were many people, so we approached this with calmness. It's an opportunity to be able to pray for our Pope " Pope Francis' body, dressed in red vestments and a white miter, was displayed lying at an angle on a simple wooden coffin. Unlike in the past, his coffin was placed lower, closer to the ground, reflecting his humility and his love for the poor and vulnerable. Italian media outlets reported that more than 100,000 people were waiting to enter, with lines so long that people had to wait at least four hours to pay their respects inside the basilica. The Vatican initially planned to accept mourners until midnight on the first day. On the second day, public mourning will be allowed from 7 AM to midnight local time, and on the final day from 7 AM to 7 PM. It also stated that the hours could be extended depending on the crowd size. Pope Francis's funeral mass will be held on April 26th at 10 AM local time, in St. Peter's Square. The conclave the secret meeting of cardinals is expected to take place between May 5th and 10th. According to the Associated Press, Cardinal Lazzaro Yoo Heung-sik, the only Korean to attend this conclave, predicted that the meeting would end earlier than expected. Cardinal Yoo added, "Let us watch and see the will of the Lord." When asked if the next pope could come from Asia, he answered, "The Lord does not distinguish between East and West." He is currently serving as the Vatican Prefect of the Dicastery for the Clergy and was recently listed among the 12 leading candidates for the next pope by Italy's largest daily newspaper, 'Corriere della Sera.' Choi Soo-hyung, Arirang News.

S.Korea's Climate Change Week: Tackling local and global Challenges in fight against Climate Change

2025/04/24 20:00

Welcome to Within The Frame, where we bring the most pressing issues across the globe into focus. I'm Kim Mok-yeon. This week, South Korea is celebrating Climate Change Week, dedicated to raising awareness about the impacts of climate change and promoting actions towards carbon neutrality and climate adaptation. As the nation grapples with more unpredictable weather patterns — such as unseasonal snowfalls in April and heavy rainfall — the urgency for climate action has never been more apparent. With a focus on both immediate and long-term solutions, South Korea has rolled out initiatives like the "Carbon-Neutral Points System" and "Climate Insurance" to protect vulnerable groups from the growing effects of climate-related disasters. But these are just the beginning. To discuss the broader picture today, joining us are two distinguished experts. We are joined by Chung Suh-yong, Professor of International Studies at Korea University. Welcome. We also connect to Aiguo Dai, Distinguished Professor of Atmospheric & Environmental Sciences at the University of Albany, SUNY. Great to have you. (CHUNG) 1. This week marks South Korea's Climate Change Week, a pivotal moment to highlight the country's commitment to carbon neutrality. Given the recent unusual weather patterns — such as snowfall in April and intense rainfall across the nation — could you elaborate on the critical need for heightened climate awareness in South Korea? (DAI) 2. Professor Dai, as a global expert on atmospheric and environmental patterns, you've observed devastating floods in Bolivia and early heatwaves in India and Pakistan. Given these events, how do you foresee the frequency of such extreme weather phenomena increasing, and what are the key global drivers behind these shifts? (DAI) 3. Agriculture, as we know, is one of the most vulnerable sectors to the impacts of climate change, with unpredictable weather significantly affecting crop yields. Could you share some of the innovative global solutions that are being implemented to help farmers adapt, and what lessons could be applied to other regions facing similar challenges? (CHUNG) 4. In response to growing climate risks, the Korean government has introduced the "Climate Insurance" system to support vulnerable communities impacted by extreme weather events. What is your assessment of this approach, and how effective do you think it could be in mitigating the damage from frequent climate-related disasters in South Korea? (CHUNG) 5. Alongside this, South Korea has rolled out initiatives like the "Carbon-Neutral Points System" to encourage public participation in climate action. How would you evaluate the effectiveness of these programs in fostering widespread engagement, and what further measures could be taken to increase public participation in the country's climate efforts? (DAI) 6. Many countries, including South Korea, are striving to achieve carbon neutrality. From your perspective, what role does international cooperation play in achieving these ambitious global climate targets, and how can nations collaborate more effectively to share knowledge and resources in managing climate-related risks? (CHUNG) 7. As one of the world's leading industrial nations, South Korea faces the challenge of balancing its rapid industrial growth with the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions. In your view, which sectors should South Korea prioritize in this transition, and what are the key strategies for balancing economic growth with environmental responsibility? (DAI) 8. Looking at international climate agreements such as the Paris Agreement, how would you evaluate the current progress in their implementation, particularly in light of the increasing frequency and severity of climate disasters worldwide? What more needs to be done on a global scale to ensure these commitments translate into meaningful action? (DAI) 9. From a global standpoint, what do you believe are the most effective strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change? Are there specific actions that developing nations should focus on to reduce their vulnerability to climate-related risks, while still promoting sustainable development? (CHUNG) 10. Finally, Professor Chung, in what areas do you believe South Korea can lead the global fight against climate change? And as individuals, what steps can we take to contribute meaningfully to addressing the climate crisis? Thank you for the tips, these small contributions combined would definitely be of great help. As we move forward into the future of climate action, it's clear that both local and global efforts are crucial in addressing the challenges posed by climate change. South Korea's climate week is a reminder that each small action counts, but also that the need for international cooperation is stronger than ever.

Thousands of people queue in St. Peter's Square to say last goodbye to Pope Francis

2025/04/24 17:00

At the Vatican. Tens of thousands of mourners are lining up to bid farewell to Pope Francis whose body now lies in state at St Peter's Basilica. Our Choi Soo-hyung has the latest. Thousands of people queue in St. Peter's Square to say a last farewell to Pope Francis. After his body was brought to St. Peter's Basilica, tens of thousands are offering their final goodbye over the three days of public mourning. "Yeah, it was very, very moving experience to see him so vulnerable after so long being so unwell. A real pleasure and privilege to be there. The queueing was difficult, but it kind of worth it in the end, so a pleasure to, to be there." "We knew there were many people, so we approached this with calmness. It's an opportunity to be able to pray for our Pope " Pope Francis' body, dressed in red vestments and a white miter, was displayed lying at an angle on a simple wooden coffin. Unlike in the past, his coffin was placed lower, closer to the ground, reflecting his humility and his love for the poor and vulnerable. Italian media outlets reported that more than 100,000 people were waiting to enter, with lines so long that people had to wait at least four hours to pay their respects inside the basilica. The Vatican initially planned to accept mourners until midnight on the first day. On the second day, public mourning will be allowed from 7 AM to midnight local time, and on the final day from 7 AM to 7 PM. It also stated that the hours could be extended depending on the crowd size. Pope Francis's funeral mass will be held on April 26th at 10 AM local time, in St. Peter's Square. The conclave the secret meeting of cardinals is expected to take place between May 5th and 10th. According to the Associated Press, Cardinal Lazzaro Yoo Heung-sik, the only Korean to attend this conclave, predicted that the meeting would end earlier than expected. Cardinal Yoo added, "Let us watch and see the will of the Lord." When asked if the next pope could come from Asia, he answered, "The Lord does not distinguish between East and West." He is currently serving as the Vatican Prefect of the Dicastery for the Clergy and was recently listed among the 12 leading candidates for the next pope by Italy's largest daily newspaper, 'Corriere della Sera.' Choi Soo-hyung, Arirang News.

Thousands of people queue in St. Peter's Square to say last goodbye to Pope Francis

2025/04/24 10:00

After Pope Francis' death, his body was moved to St. Peter's Basilica for the public to pay their respects. Hundreds of thousands of people gathered to say a final goodbye to the Pope. Our Choi Soo-hyung reports. Thousands of people queue in St. Peter's Square to say a last farewell to Pope Francis. After his body was brought to St. Peter's Basilica, tens of thousands are offering their final goodbye over the three days of public mourning. “Yeah, it was very, very moving experience to see him so vulnerable after so long being so unwell. A real pleasure and privilege to be there. The queueing was difficult, but it kind of worth it in the end, so a pleasure to, to be there." "We knew there were many people, so we approached this with calmness. It's an opportunity to be able to pray for our Pope " Pope Francis’ body, dressed in red vestments and a white miter, was displayed lying at an angle on a simple wooden coffin. Unlike in the past, his coffin was placed lower, closer to the ground, reflecting his humility and his love for the poor and vulnerable. Italian media outlets reported that more than 100,000 people were waiting to enter, with lines so long that people had to wait at least four hours to pay their respects inside the basilica. The Vatican initially planned to accept mourners until midnight on the first day. On the second day, public mourning will be allowed from 7 AM to midnight local time, and on the final day from 7 AM to 7 PM. It also stated that the hours could be extended depending on the crowd size. Pope Francis's funeral mass will be held on April 26th at 10 AM local time, in St. Peter's Square. The conclave the secret meeting of cardinals is expected to take place between May 5th and 10th. According to the Associated Press, Cardinal Lazzaro Yoo Heung-sik, the only Korean to attend this conclave, predicted that the meeting would end earlier than expected. Cardinal Yoo added, "Let us watch and see the will of the Lord." When asked if the next pope could come from Asia, he answered, "The Lord does not distinguish between East and West." He is currently serving as the Vatican Prefect of the Dicastery for the Clergy and was recently listed among the 12 leading candidates for the next pope by Italy's largest daily newspaper, 'Corriere della Sera.' Choi Soo-hyung, Arirang News.

Births rise for 8th month, marriages see double-digit growth in Feb.

2025/04/23 20:00

In other news. More babies were born in Korea in February, maintaining a promising upward trend for the eighth month in a row. Shin Se-byuck covers the latest findings. South Korea reported a rise in the number of newborns for the eighth consecutive month in February. According to Statistics Korea's data on Wednesday, a total of 20-thousand-35 babies were born in February 2025, a 3-point-2 percent increase from the same month last year. This marks the first time in 11 years that the number of births in February has gone up compared to the previous year. But the pace of growth slowed from January, when the country recorded its highest childbirth growth in recent years at 11-point-6 percent. The country's total fertility rate, the average number of children a woman is expected to have during her lifetime, also saw a slight on-year increase. It came in at point-8-2, up point-0-5 from a year earlier, with gains seen across all age groups, from women aged 24 and under, to those in their 40s and beyond. The number of marriages also continued to climb, with 19-thousand-370 couples tying the knot in February, marking a 14-point-3 percent on-year increase and the 11th straight month of growth the longest upward streak since records began. Meanwhile, the number of divorces dipped slightly, down point-1 percent from a year earlier. Despite the positive signs in the number of newborns and marriages, one expert cautioned that the recent uptick may be a short-term trend, driven more by demographic timing than a fundamental shift. "We're seeing postponed births from the pandemic now taking place, and a large cohort of people currently in their prime age for marriage and childbirth. But that doesn't mean today's young generation is more inclined to get married or have children. So it's too soon to say this is a true upward trend." He added that fundamental issues like soaring housing costs, job insecurity, and the high cost of private education must be tackled to see lasting change. Meanwhile, despite the rise in births and marriages, the country still recorded a natural population decline. With 30-thousand-283 deaths reported in February, a 1-point-3 percent increase on-year, the population shrank by 10-thousand-248. Shin Se-byuck, Arirang News.