News

Researchers develop respiratory screening test to detect early-stage lung cancer

2025/03/20 17:00

On the medical front. Researchers here are working on a screening program that can detect early-stage lung cancer simply by analyzing a person's breath. Cha Yun-kyung explains. The Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute, or ETRI, has come up with an artificial intelligence deep learning system to detect early-stage lung cancer. When a potential patient exhales into a vinyl mesh that acts as an initiator system sensor, it can determine if cancer cells are prevalent in 20 minutes by running the exhaled air through 70 primary sensors that can detect volatile organic compounds. The system is cheaper and less time-consuming compared to X-rays, CT scans, or blood tests. "The system is noninvasive, which allows us to detect cancer in an easier way than radiation exposure or blood sampling." ETRI has undertaken cooperative research over the past 10 years with Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, confirming that the screening test is 95 percent accurate by analyzing data from 180 samples. "The meaning of this research is that it actively found biomarkers compared to other institutes. I believe that there should be more cooperative research with much more data." Researchers mentioned that they will undertake additional clinical trials of more than 1-thousand patients to collect more data. Also, they will secure reproducibility and reliability of the screening test through collaboration with national and international researchers. Researchers are also planning to apply the screening test system to other cancers, such as stomach and colorectal, through additional research. Cha Yun-kyung, Arirang News.

Korean Cultural Center Library in New York wins 2025 iF Design Award

2025/03/20 17:00

The Korean Cultural Center Library in New York has clinched one of the world's top three design awards. According to the Culture Ministry the library has won the "2025 iF Design Award" in the public interiors category for its unique structure inspired by Korea's traditional wooden architecture the hanok. The library's bookshelves feature dancheong, the colorful decorative patterns of hanok, highlighting the beauty of Korean heritage. The library, which opened last June, houses some 10,000 books about Korea.

Gov't vows to support successful hosting of APEC 2025 in Gyeongju, promote travel across Korea

2025/03/20 17:00

Acting President Choi Sang-mok was at the ancient Korean city of Gyeongju today as the city is poised to host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit this autumn. On the checklist were accommodation, transportation, and the city's framework for public safety. Choi also pledged full government support to ensure a successful APEC summit this year which is Korea's second hosting of the event following the first in the southern port city of Busan back in 2005. Meanwhile, at a meeting that followed, Choi also shared intentions to bolster tourism to different parts of the country among international visitors.

K-wave AI News

2025/03/20 14:00

Hello and welcome to your AI guide to the latest cultural updates from Korea. Here's our top story. Records documenting the Jeju April 3rd Incident of 1949 and South Korea's post-war forest restoration efforts are expected to be inscribed in the UNESCO Memory of the World Register. According to UNESCO on Wednesday, the recommendation for inscription was recently made by the International Advisory Committee for the Memory of the World Program, and the final decision will be made at the UNESCO Executive Board meeting in April. The Jeju April 3rd Incident Records chronicle a significant chapter in modern Korean history between March 1st of 1947, to September 21st of 1954, documenting the armed conflicts and government crackdowns that led to the deaths of numerous civilians on Jeju Island. The records collection will include government documents, court records, media reports and victim testimonies. And the Forest Restoration Records highlight South Korea's successful reforestation campaign following the devastation of the Korean War. The archive consists of over 9,600 documents, including government reports and photographs that show the efforts made by the government and the people to restore the nation's forests. The UNESCO Memory of the World Program was launched in 1997 to preserve and promote globally significant historical documents, manuscripts, and other archival records. If inscribed, South Korea will have a total of 20 Memory of the World listings. Korea's earliest cherry blossoms bloom on Jeju Island. The Jeonnong-ro King Cherry Blossom Festival, which features the Jeju-native large-petaled king blossoms, will kick off on March 28th with its opening ceremony at 7 PM. Over the following two days, the festival will host various events and activities, including local concerts, parades and flea markets. The Jeonnong-ro area will restrict vehicle access, allowing a safer walk for visitors admiring the cherry blossom scenery. The 2025 Cheongsando Slow Walking Festival will be held for one month, starting April 5th. During the festival, visitors can participate in various cultural events and exhibitions, as well as various themed walking trails as they enjoy the spring scenery of the bright canola blossoms. Visitors can also experience Cheongsando's community-led tourism initiatives, like "plogging," which is a combination of jogging and litter-picking. The picturesque island in Wando-gun, Jeollanam-do Province, was designated as the first "Slow City" in Asia in 2007, for its promotion of a slow-paced lifestyle, and was awarded the "Star of Korean Tourism" award in 2024 under the eco-friendly tourism category by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism and the Korea Tourism Organization. That's all from me. Keep it tuned to the Kulture Wave.

[Short-form] Gyeongju, where tradition and modernity blend seamlessly

2025/03/20 14:00

Dive into the charms of Gyeongju, the ancient capital of the Silla Kingdom and the host city of the 2025 APEC Summit.

[Hallyu People] Promoting Seoul's charms through "Global Seoul Mates"

2025/03/20 14:00

Seoul is the most visited city by foreigners making trips to South Korea. Last year alone, 13.14 million international tourists visited South Korea’s capital. For today’s ‘Hallyu People’ segment, we are joined by two “Global Seoul Mates” who have experienced Seoul’s tourism infrastructure and resources firsthand and are promoting the city to the world through social media. They are Diana Durante and Noopur Baghel, joining me in the studio. Welcome! 1-1) (Diana) I introduced both of you as “Global Seoul Mates”, but let’s hear more from you one by one. First, Diana tell us a little bit about yourself please. 1-2) (Noopur) And Noopur, please introduce yourself to our viewers as well. 2) (Diana) Diana, you fell in love with Korea when you first came here to study? What was it that fascinated you? 3) (Noopur) Noopur, we heard your interest in Korea started with K-pop and K-dramas before you came to Korea. How well known and popular is the Korean wave in India? 4) (Diana) How much has the popularity of hallyu changed in Mexico compared to a decade ago when you were still living there? 5) (Noopur) Noopur, you are pursuing a PhD in architecture here in Korea. So, from the perspective of an architecture major, could you recommend some of the must-see locations or buildings in Korea? 6-1) (Diana) Both of you have been given the role of “Global Seoul Mate.” Diana, what is it that you want to share with the world by showing the attractive sides of Seoul? 6-2) (Noopur) Noopur, what about you? 7-1) (Noopur) And as “Global Seoul Mate” what place would you recommend to people who are planning a trip to Seoul? First Noopur please. 7-2) (Diana) Same question goes to you Diana! 8) I’ve heard that 8 out of 10 “Global Seoul Mates” are women and the average age is 30. So, generally, there is a high proportion of young females active in this role. Why do you think that is?

[K-enter] Seventeen's concert film to premiere globally in April

2025/03/20 14:00

And we are going to kick off with K-enter news with you Bella. We recently introduced various concert films by Korean singers and groups. We have another one coming up soon? Seventeen’s concert film is set to premiere on April 2nd. The film titled “Seventeen (Right Here) World Tour In Cinemas” will showcase the group’s performances from their Goyang concerts in Korea, held last October. Seventeen kicked off their “Right Here” world tour in Korea last year and performed in 14 cities around Asia and North America, holding 30 concerts in total. “Seventeen (Right Here) World Tour In Cinemas” will feature the entire set list from the concert, which is a first for any concert film by a Korean artist. The film will be released exclusively at CGV and will be screened in a range of theater formats, including 4DX and ScreenX. Meanwhile, Seventeen will meet with the fans at their 9th fan meeting “SEVENTEEN in CARAT LAND” at Incheon Munhak Stadium on Thursday, which is actually today, and also on Friday. In April and May, they will also hold fan meetings in Japan. April 2nd-Seventeen fans should mark their calendars. Next, let's talk about a new drama coming up and I'll give a hint to what it's about. "What goes around comes around" We are going to talk about an upcoming Korean Netflix series “Karma.” It has unveiled its official trailer. Based on a webtoon, “Karma” is a crime thriller depicting the intertwined stories of six individuals trapped in a karma they cannot escape. The newly released teaser introduces the six individuals, each captured in a cycle of misfortune brought on by their own dark choices. Park Hae-soo will play a character who witnesses a mysterious accident and accepts a dangerous proposal to cover it up, while Shin Min-a will play a trauma surgeon, who faces an inner pain and a desire for revenge. The series will also star Lee Hee-joon, Kim Sung-kyun and Lee Kwang-soo. “Karma” is set to premiere on Netflix on April 4th. Will look out for that as well in April. Our last story is on another upcoming film that will catch people's eyes just by the title. Please give us the details. Another film coming up is “The Old Woman with the Knife.” It’s an action film that depicts an intense showdown between Hornclaw, a veteran killer in her 60s, and Bullfight, a promising young killer who wants to work by her side. Based on the bestselling novel of the same title by author Gu Byeong-mo, its original Korean title “Pagua” carries a dual meaning-“Even though its flawed, it becomes perfect as it ripens.” “The Old Woman with the Knife” stars Lee Hye-young, known for “Walk Up” and “A traveler’s needs” and Kim Sung-cheol, who starred in the second season of Netflix’s thriller series “Hellbound.” The film is directed by Min Kyu-dong, known for “On the Line” and “Herstory.” The film has already been recognized globally as it was invited to this year’s Berlin International Film Festival. “The Old Woman with the Knife” is set to hit theaters on May 1st. Lots to watch in April and May. Thank you Bella for today’s stories.

U.S. Fed keeps interest rate steady as Trump's policies incite uncertainty

2025/03/20 10:00

In line with widespread market expectations, the U.S. Federal Reserve has kept its lending rate steady while acknowledging uncertainties stemming from Trump's tariff policies. Our Lee Soo-jin reports. The U.S. Federal Reserve has decided to once again keep its benchmark interest rate unchanged, but signaled potential rate cuts in future meetings. In its second monetary policy meeting of the year on Wednesday, the central bank kept its key borrowing rate steady at its current range of 4-point-2-5 percent to 4-point-5 percent. The Federal Open Market Committee has put a pause in its rate cutting cycle since December last year, after carrying out three consecutive reductions. The decision comes as Federal Reserve officials lowered their outlook for economic growth for this year to 1-point-7 percent from 2-point-1 percent in their December projection. "uncertainty today is unusually elevated. As the economy evolves, we will adjust our policy stance in a manner that best promotes our maximum employment and price stability goals." The Fed's goals of maintaining maximum employment and low inflation are often referred to as its "dual mandate." Powell said that the uncertainty comes from the changes that policies, particularly trade,.. but also immigration, fiscal policy and regulation, will bring to the economy. The rate-setting committee, which releases a summary of economic projections after its March, June, September, and December meetings, projected slightly higher unemployment of 4-point-4 percent from 4-point-3 percent by the end of the year. Inflation was also forecast to rise, as personal consumption expenditure, a measure of consumer spending, and core inflation, which excludes energy and food prices, were both revised upward. Powell acknowledged that tariffs have already contributed to the rise in inflation. The Trump administration imposed 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports last Wednesday, triggering retaliatory tariffs from Canada and the EU, with reciprocal U.S. tariffs set for April 2nd. But with officials expecting the Fed to implement a total of half a percentage point in rate cuts in 2025, two reductions are likely this year as rate cuts are typically in quarter-point increments. This latest decision keeps the interest rate gap between South Korea and the U.S. at 1-point-75 percentage points, with the Bank of Korea slashing its key interest rate to 2-point-7-5 percent in its last meeting in February. All three major U.S. stock indexes, the Dow Jones, S&P 500, and the Nasdaq, showed an upward trajectory following the Fed's decision. Lee Soo-jin, Arirang News.

[Weather] Spring warmth returns on this Spring Equinox but air quality issues in most parts

2025/03/20 10:00

Today is the Spring Equinox, the day when daylight and nighttime hours are nearly equal. And just as the season suggests, the lingering chill is finally backing off this afternoon! Temperatures will jump quite a bit from yesterday. Now, as the cold eases, air quality is becoming an issue. Ultrafine dust levels will be bad across the capital area, Chungcheong-do, and Jeolla-do Provinces and Daegu. Meanwhile, eastern regions may see temporary spikes in pollution, especially in the morning and late at night. On the bright side, the sky will stay clear throughout the day nationwide but with strong winds. The east coast might see typhoon force gusts. Stay safe. The afternoon should feel much warmer going 4 to 9 degrees higher than Wednesday! Seoul will climb to 14 degrees Celsius, Gwangju and Busan getting up to 15 degrees. Looking ahead to the weekend, expect more sunshine and pleasant spring warmth. Just remember, the temperature swings will remain big, so dress accordingly!

AI-powered humanoid robots are the newest workers at Mercedes-Benz's factory in Berlin

2025/03/20 10:00

Meanwhile, German automaker Mercedes-Benz is integrating AI-powered humanoid robots into its manufacturing processes at the Digital Factory Campus in Berlin. According to reports on Tuesday, the automaker is testing the 175 centimeters Apollo robot, in collaboration with U.S.-based robotics firm Apptronik, to handle tasks such as transporting components and transporting components and conducting quality inspections. Unlike traditional factory robots, Apollo isn't fixed and can move around. The aim is to enhance efficiency by automating repetitive and physically demanding activities and allowing human workers to focus on more complex tasks.

German government backs additional $3.3 billion in military aid for Ukraine

2025/03/20 10:00

In Germany, the outgoing government has approved approximately 3.3 billion U.S. dollars in additional military aid for Ukraine. The decision, announced by the Finance Ministry on Wednesday local time, follows a recent fiscal policy overhaul that allows increased borrowing to support defense initiatives. The aid package includes 2.8 billion dollars allocated for immediate military assistance, supplemented by reimbursements from the European Peace Facility. Germany also plans to commit an additional 8.9 billion dollars between 2026 and 2029 to bolster Ukraine's defense capabilities.

Congolese and Rwandan presidents meet in Qatar to discuss east Congo conflict

2025/03/20 10:00

Over in Africa, the presidents of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda convened in Qatar to address the escalating conflict in eastern DRC, in their first in-person encounter since hostilities resurged in the region earlier this year. President Felix Tshisekedi of the DRC and President Paul Kagame of Rwanda met in Doha on Tuesday, facilitated by Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The leaders jointly called for an "immediate and unconditional ceasefire" in eastern DRC, to stop the ongoing violence that has resulted in thousands of deaths and the displacement of millions. The conflict intensified in January when the M23 rebel group, reportedly backed by Rwanda, captured key cities in the mineral-rich eastern region of the DRC. The DRC government accuses Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebels, while Rwanda denies the claim, asserting its forces act in self-defense.

Erdogan rival arrested days before becoming presidential candidate

2025/03/20 10:00

Starting in Turkiye, which is seeing widespread protests following the arrest of Istanbul Mayor and potential presidential candidate Ekrem Imamoglu. On Wednesday local time, Turkiye authorities detained Imamoglu on charges of corruption and alleged links to terrorist organizations. The arrest comes just days before the Republican People's Party primaries, where Imamoglu, a prominent opposition figure against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, was anticipated to be nominated as the presidential candidate for the 2028 elections. Imamoglu's party has denounced the detention as a "coup," arguing that it is politically motivated to undermine the opposition. In response to the arrest, thousands of citizens have taken to the streets in Istanbul and Ankara to protest what they see as a violation of democratic processes. The Turkiye government has refuted allegations linking Imamoglu's detention to President Erdogan.

UN report says nearly half of N. Koreans are undernourished

2025/03/20 10:00

Nearly half of North Korea's population is estimated to be undernourished, says a recent UN report. The report submitted to the UN Human Rights Council by Elizabeth Salmón, the UN Special Rapporteur on North Korean Human Rights, estimated that about 12 million people, --roughly 46% of the population, have been undernourished in recent years. Despite efforts to boost domestic food production, chronic food insecurity remains a major issue in the North. The report pointed to aging infrastructure, outdated technology and frequent natural disasters as key factors that are worsening the crisis.

Total national debt of S. Korea surpasses 6,200 trillion won

2025/03/20 10:00

South Korea's total national debt has surpassed 6-thousand-2-hundred trillion won, approximately 4-point-7-6 trillion U.S. dollars. On Thursday, the Bank for International Settlements reported that, in Korean won terms, the country's total debt at the end of the third quarter of 2024 had increased by over 4 percent compared to the same period the previous year. Corporate debt is the largest type of debt, followed by household debt and then government debt. Although government debt is the smallest, it saw the highest growth rate, surging by approximately 11 percent. South Korea's total debt surpassed 6-thousand trillion won for the first time at the end of the fourth quarter of 2023.

On-point: President Yoon's impeachment ruling date up in the air; when will it be?

2025/03/20 10:00

The justices are really taking their time before they rule to reinstate or remove President Yoon over his martial law order. Let's turn to legal expert Kim Ji-su for more. Thanks for joining us. 1. No announcement yet is it safe to say the ruling will come next week? 2. Speculations abound over why the court's decision is being delayed. 3. Speaking of the timing of the ruling 4. Do you think the ruling will be aired live? Or recorded considering what we went through including all the violence at the Seoul Western District Court? 5. Some say the ruling for Prime Minister Han Duck-soo's impeachment trial will come after Yoon's. Thanks so much for connecting with us, Jisu.

Pres. Yoon's impeachment verdict date highly unlikely to be announced this week

2025/03/20 10:00

It's been three weeks since hearings for President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment trial wrapped up, and a ruling date is still up in the air, which further solidifies speculation that the ruling will happen next week. Our correspondent Oh Soo-young reports. Three weeks and counting, the Constitutional Court is yet to announce when it will rule on President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment, meaning there will be no verdict this week. As of Wednesday 22 days since Yoon's final trial hearing was held, the Court has not revealed the date it would make the fateful ruling. Given that the Court notified former Presidents Park Geun-hye and Roh Moo-hyun two to three days in advance of their respective ruling dates, Yoon's verdict is now expected to take place next week at the earliest. The eight-member bench is reportedly continuing to deliberate on Yoon's impeachment The longer-than-expected process has given rise to diverse speculation over what's holding up the justices. Some experts believe they have already decided unanimously to impeach President Yoon, and are fine-tuning their positions to deliver an indisputable judgment amid fears the result may trigger extreme reactions from the public. The Seoul Western District Court's approval to extend a warrant to detain Yoon,.. prompted violence from his supporters. Some believe the bench may be divided ideologically, and are struggling to align their views, given how an earlier impeachment case of Korea Communications Commission chair Lee Jin-sook was dismissed as the justices' opinions were split evenly in line with their political orientations. In any case, the justices are facing growing calls to make a swift decision as Yoon's prolonged suspension from office, hinders effective governance of the nation. The bench is also under significant political pressure. Those supporting Yoon's impeachment wish to quickly trigger a snap presidential election, which polls show would largely favor opposition Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung. Meanwhile, conservatives including Yoon's supporters are calling for the case to be dismissed, or for the Court to deliver a ruling after Lee Jae-myung's own verdict, on one of his five criminal cases next Tuesday. If at least six justices agree to uphold the presidential impeachment, Yoon will be removed from office immediately, triggering an early election that must be held within 60 days. If at least three are against impeachment, the President will resume his duties. Oh Soo-young, Arirang News.

EU to reduce steel imports by up to 15% starting next month

2025/03/20 10:00

The EU is responding to high U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum products, by announcing a reduction in steel and aluminum imports. According to European Commission Vice-President Stéphane Séjourné on Wednesday, the EU will reduce steel and aluminum imports by up to 15 percent starting April 1st. This comes amid concerns that the Trump administration's 25 percent steel tariff will lead to steel exporters flooding the European market. The move is expected to impact South Korean steel exporters, as the fourth-largest economy in Asia ranks third among all EU imports.

Israel resumes ground operations in Gaza

2025/03/20 10:00

Over in Gaza. Israeli forces have resumed ground operations in Gaza, taking control of a key land corridor on Wednesday. Lee Seung-jae reports. Airstrikes in Gaza on Tuesday killed at least 400 Palestinians, ending the two months of relative calm in the enclave. On Wednesday, Israel resumed ground offensives following the end of the first phase of the ceasefire agreement earlier this month, and killed dozens more. Israeli forces say it regained control of the Netzarim Corridor,.. in order to expand a "security zone and create a partial buffer" between the northern and southern regions of the Gaza Strip. The Israeli military had withdrawn from the corridor last month, allowing civilians in central and southern Gaza to return to what little remained of their homes in the north. The resumption of Israeli attacks comes as the two sides have failed to come to an agreement on the second phase of the ceasefire deal, that would have released more Israeli hostages. Meanwhile,.. with the resumption of Israeli strikes, the United Nations says one of its workers was killed, and others injured after a compound in Gaza was damaged on Wednesday. The Palestinian health ministry blamed an Israeli strike, while Israel's military denied striking the UN compound in Deir al-Balah. The UN Office for Project Services said that an "explosive ordinance was dropped or fired" at the compound. However, it added that there was no confirmation on the nature of the incident or the type of artillery used. The UNOPS stressed that the incident was "not an accident," while UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres condemned the attack and called for a full investigation. More than 300 humanitarian workers have been killed in Gaza since October 7, 2023, with most being staff members of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East. Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.

Trump-Zelenskyy call: Trump proposes running Ukrainian nuclear power plants

2025/03/20 10:00

The leaders of the U.S. and Ukraine held phone talks about moving towards a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, with Trump suggesting that Washington could control Ukraine's power plants for security purposes. Our Choi Soo-hyung reports. U.S. President Trump and Ukraine's President Zelenskyy have had a direct phone call to talk about a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. On Wednesday local time, Trump posted on his social media platform, Truth Social, that the call "to align both Russia and Ukraine in terms of their requests and needs" lasted about an hour and went smoothly. Trump said Zelenskyy also agreed on a partial ceasefire for energy and infrastructure facilities. During the call, Trump suggested that the U.S. could help with nuclear power plant operations using its expertise in the energy sector. "He said that the United States could be very helpful in running those plants with its electricity and utility expertise. American ownership of those plants would be the best protection for that infrastructure and support for Ukrainian energy infrastructure." The White House added that the U.S. will continue to provide intelligence resources to Ukraine to end the war. This means that Trump rejected Putin's demand to stop military support and intelligence sharing with Ukraine. "They reviewed the situation in Kursk and agreed to share information closely between their defense staffs as the battlefield situation evolved." President Zelenskyy also reportedly requested additional air defense systems, including the Patriot missile system and Trump said he would work to find available systems in Europe to support Ukraine. Trump also promised to help ensure that children who were kidnapped or went missing during the war could return to Ukraine. Regarding the partial deal on Tuesday, after the call with Putin, the White House stated that the U.S. position supports a ceasefire for "energy and infrastructure," not just energy infrastructure, as Russia claims. The U.S. will continue negotiations with Russia for a wider ceasefire deal in meetings in Saudi Arabia in the end of this week. Choi Soo-hyung, Arirang News.