News

Gaza ceasefire collapses as Israel resumes airstrikes

2025/03/19 20:00

Israel's renewed strikes on Gaza have killed more than 400 people, breaking the already fragile ceasefire. The international community raised their voices in condemnation. Choi Min-jung has the latest. The two-month-long ceasefire between Israel and Gaza has been shattered, after Israel resumed airstrikes in Gaza. Early Tuesday, Israeli forces launched strikes that, according to the Gazan Health Ministry, killed over 400 Palestinians, including women and children. This occurred as the first phase of the ceasefire that started in January ended, but with plans for talks on a second phase to end the war and the release of more hostages, beginning. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the airstrikes, asserting that ceasefire negotiations would continue "only under fire." "I want to assure Hamas this is only the beginning. We will continue to fight to achieve all the goals of this war—securing the release of all our hostages, eliminating Hamas, and ensuring that Gaza will no longer pose a threat to Israel." Both Israel and Hamas blamed each other for violating the truce, which had mostly remained in place since January. Netanyahu stated that the strikes were ordered because Hamas had rejected ceasefire extension proposals. While Hamas did not retaliate directly, it accused Israel of undermining efforts to secure a permanent ceasefire. Hamas still holds 59 of the approximately 250 hostages taken during the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. Hamas stated that it saw Israel's attack as Netanyahu's "decision to resume war," and a choice to abandon Israeli captives. The international community has also widely condemned the renewed violence, with the United Nations expressing deep concern over the escalating humanitarian crisis. "We are horrified by last night's Israeli airstrikes and shelling in Gaza, which killed hundreds according to the Ministry of Health in the Strip. This will add tragedy onto the tragedy." Several countries, including Egypt and France, have also called for an immediate halt to hostilities. Choi Min-jung, Arirang News.

Trump and Putin agree to 30-day Russia-Ukraine ceasefire on energy and infrastructure targets

2025/03/19 20:00

Russia has rejected a full 30-day truce with Ukraine, and instead accepted calls to cease assaults on energy and infrastructure. This latest development follows phone talks between the leaders of the Kremlin and the White House. Our Choi Soo-hyung has more. U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin have agreed on a limited ceasefire on energy and infrastructure targets in Russia and Ukraine. On Tuesday, local time, the White House announced that in a lengthy phone call between both parties, Russia agreed to halt attacks on energy and infrastructure facilities for 30 days. The Kremlin stated that Putin had immediately ordered a halt to attacks on these sites. During the three-year conflict between Russia and Ukraine, attacks on these sites caused immense damage. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also stated that he supports Trump's proposal. "We support all steps towards ending the war. We will give support but in order to support something we need to understand what specifically it is." He expressed his willingness to speak with Trump at any time to hear the details of the phone talks with Putin. He also stated that Ukraine cannot be excluded from future discussions on the details of the ceasefire. However, a full ceasefire still seems some way off. Recently, Putin rejected Trump's proposal for a 30-day full ceasefire, citing concerns such as Ukraine's potential rearmament. During the call, Putin also insisted that foreign military and intelligence assistance to Ukraine should be halted. Europe welcomed the agreement between Trump and Putin but stressed that Ukraine's position must be taken into account. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron stated in a press conference on Tuesday that Ukraine must be involved in the negotiations to achieve a just peace for Ukraine. Meanwhile, Moscow said that Russia and Ukraine are set to exchange 175 prisoners of war each on Wednesday. Choi Soo-hyung, Arirang News.

Acting President Choi pledges efforts to reduce trade risks

2025/03/19 20:00

Meanwhile, acting President Choi Sang-mok has reaffirmed government support for small-and-medium sized businesses amid the 25-percent U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminium imports into the American market. During a meeting on Wednesday, he spoke of trade insurance for the steel sector and consultations for smaller companies to address the financial burden of tougher U.S. tariffs. Choi also highlighted the importance of maintaining close and constructive communication with all parties involved to minimize the potential fallout from excessive trade barriers.

'Dirty 15' trading partners imposing substantial tariffs on U.S.: U.S. Treasury Dept.

2025/03/19 20:00

Moving on. The Trump administration has highlighted the presence of "15 dirty" trade partners, as it reaffirms the implementation of reciprocal tariffs on April 2nd. South Korea is closely watching the move. Lee Soo-jin covers this latest development and more. Concerns over how U.S. President Donald Trump's reciprocal tariffs will impact South Korea are growing, especially with its potential inclusion in the so-called 'Dirty 15' group of trade partners. Speaking to Fox News on Tuesday, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that there were 15 nations, which he referred to as the 'Dirty 15', that are imposing substantial tariffs on the U.S. He did not clarify which nations would be included but with Trump previously highlighting South Korea as one of the countries that he claimed was unfairly benefiting from trade imbalances, there are growing concerns that Korea may be among the countries targeted. "And South Korea's average tariff is four times higher. Think of that four times higher. And we give so much help militarily and in so many other ways to South Korea." South Korea's trade surplus with the U.S. reached over 55 billion U.S. dollars last year, meaning that it could be a major target for the Trump administration. Bessent said that come April 2nd, each country will receive a specific reciprocal tariff number deemed fair by the U.S. and that 'Dirty 15' countries are likely to face higher tariffs due to perceived unfair trade practices. He added that the tariff calculation would be determined by the U.S. Trade Representative and the U.S. Commerce Department. The U.S. Treasury Secretary said that he has not seen any figures yet, as they are still being calculated. But Bessent expressed optimism that "some of the tariffs" may not go into effect if a deal is pre-negotiated or if countries look to negotiate after April 2nd. Emphasizing that the U.S. is only in pursuit of "fair and reciprocal" trade, Bessent said that countries that stop trade practices that the U.S. deems unfair could avoid reciprocal tariffs. Such practices include, non-tariff barriers, currency manipulation, unfair funding and labor suppression. While Bessent believes reciprocal tariffs could lead to a "win-win" situation for everyone,.. they continue to cause concerns here in South Korea, with trade officials keen to avoid new U.S. tariffs. Lee Soo-jin, Arirang News.

Tensions mount as President Yoon's court ruling date is expected in coming days

2025/03/19 20:00

With speculation that the date for the president's impeachment verdict could be given today, rallies continued in the capital and the mood was more tense than on any other day. Ahn Sung-jin has this report. Dozens have gathered, shouting and waving signs. The voices of the protesters echo on nearby streets. Speculation had arisen that South Korea's Constitutional Court would announce the date for its ruling on President Yoon's impeachment on Wednesday, so it comes as no surprise that the protesters had gathered. Starting from early morning, those who are against the impeachment have been waving the Korean and American flags while shouting that the impeachment should be voided. Their supporters included members of Save Korea, a religious advocacy group, as well as the Liberty Unification Party. A handful of them had camped out overnight, while some set up a one-person relay demonstration. "I'm against the impeachment. I get so frustrated at the main opposition party and the fact that Lee Jae-myung hasn't even been arrested. The media is also releasing biased news." Those in support of the impeachment clustered together in nearby streets, and close to Gwanghwamun Square. Bereaved families from the Itaewon tragedy performed the 159-bow ceremony in hopes of President Yoon's impeachment, while other groups including Pan-Youth Action also gathered for the protest. Those in favor of impeachment also held candlelit rallies. "I am a supporter of the impeachment, and I have not been able to sleep well because of all this stress. I don't know why they keep delaying the court ruling." As the sentencing date is expected in the coming days, protests from different groups are set to continue. "With tensions mounting on both sides, the police have been gearing up including setting up large barricades and vehicle blockades as well as deploying additional personnel." The police are to mobilize all available personnel to respond and maintain order at the competing rallies. Ahn Sung-jin, Arirang News.

Navigating North Korea's nuclear defiance and humanitarian Crisis

2025/03/19 20:00

Welcome to Within The Frame, where we bring the most pressing issues across the globe into focus, I'm Kim Mok-yeon. North Korea has unequivocally rejected the G7's demand for denuclearization, vowing to further expand and enhance its nuclear arsenal. The regime's foreign ministry condemned the call as a "political provocation," asserting that its nuclear weapons were essential to safeguarding its sovereignty and security. With North Korea strengthening its ties with Russia and tightening internal controls, the international community is left grappling with the looming threat of further escalation. Pyongyang's actions not only raise urgent questions about its strategic intentions but also underscore the growing humanitarian crisis that remains largely unaddressed. Today, we weigh in on the broader implications for regional stability, U.S. policy, and the regime's domestic situation. For this, we have invited Go Myong-hyun, senior research fellow at the Institute for National Security Strategy. Welcome. Also joining us from New York is Mark Barry, associate editor emeritus at the International Journal on World Peace. Great to have you. (BARRY) 1. Let's start with Dr.Barry. So North Korea has flatly rejected the G7's recent denuclearization call, vowing to further strengthen its nuclear arsenal. Is this simply a rhetorical response, or should we expect tangible nuclear escalation? (GO) 2. Now to Dr.Go, Pyongyang's latest statements suggest it aims to solidify its status as a permanent nuclear power. How does this position North Korea in the global nuclear order, and what implications does it hold for regional security? (BARRY) 3. Now U.S. President Donald Trump has once again referred to North Korea as a "nuclear power." We know that this isn't his first time. Though his government says its stance towards denuclearization still stands, do you think there's a chance for a shift in U.S. policy toward de facto recognition of North Korea's nuclear status Dr. Barry? (GO) 4. Trump has also hinted at rekindling his diplomatic relationship with Kim Jong-un. Dr.Go, how might this impact existing U.S. alliances in the region, particularly with South Korea and Japan? (GO) 5. Meanwhile, The Korean Central News Agency reported on the 18th that a North Korean government economic delegation, departed from Pyongyang on the 17th to visit Russia. Though the purpose of their visit hasn't been revealed yet, what could be up for discussion? (BARRY) 6. So it seems like bilateral cooperation between the two sides is deepening, amid this, a recent report suggests that over 3,000 North Korean soldiers have been killed or injured while supporting Russia's war efforts. Dr. Barry, what internal problems could Pyongyang face due to the continuous deployment of troops to Russia? (GO) 7. Now taking closer look at the regime, the UN highlighted North Korea's worsening humanitarian crisis, attributing it to failing infrastructure, limited investment, and natural disasters. Dr.Go, How does the regime's prioritization of military and nuclear programs over economic development exacerbate these problems? (BARRY) 8. Recent UN reports highlight severe sanitation issues and food insecurity in North Korea, with nearly half the population suffering from malnutrition. Dr. Barry, what does this reveal about the regime's economic priorities? (GO) 9. The North Korean government has reinforced local control through its "People's Unit" meetings, seemingly as a response to growing internal discontent. Dr. Go, do you see this as a sign of regime insecurity or merely standard authoritarian control measures? (BARRY) 10. With international sanctions restricting external aid, what realistic steps can the global community take to address North Korea's food and health crisis without strengthening the regime?

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

2025/03/19 20:00

Thank you for joining us. I'm Yoon Jung-min. President Yoon Suk Yeol's political fate remains in limbo as the Constitutional Court remains silent on a date for its decision on his impeachment. Speculation grows over longer-than-expected deliberation. 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.

[Weather] Temperatures will rise from tomorrow with bad air quality

2025/03/19 20:00

As the cold air from the North Pole still remains, temperatures in Seoul were below zero degrees this morning. The temperature in Seoul will recover to 1 degree Celsius tomorrow morning and it will rise to 15 degrees during the day. However, as smog from overseas gradually flows in, air quality is expected to be dusty tomorrow. Seoul, Incheon, Chungcheongnam-do Province, and Jeollanam-do Province will see "bad" levels of ultra-fine dust. Tomorrow morning, Daejeon, Gwangju, and Daegu will start off at zero degrees Celsius and Chuncheon at minus 3 degrees. Daily highs will move up to 14 degrees in Chuncheon and Busan, 16 degrees in Daejeon and Gyeongju. Temperatures will rise significantly to around 20 degrees this weekend, and the weather will feel like late April to early May. That's all for Korea. Here are the weather conditions around the world.

KARI develops 'solar sail' to power spacecraft using solar wind

2025/03/19 20:00

Solar sails are a method of propulsion for spacecraft using solar radiation and if they are well developed, experts believe they may serve as means of travel in space. Our Cha Yun-kyung covers Korea's related efforts. Korean researchers have developed an apparatus that can store solar sails and then deploy them once a spacecraft reaches space. The square-shaped solar sail with an area of 10 square meters obtains power by capturing photons emitted by the sun. "It seems like the wind pushing a sailboat but it's actually a photon engine that drives the craft. For this, when photons from the sun hit the sail, they move it forward. If the solar sail is attached to a spaceship, it can travel through space for extended times without using a conventional engine. The solar sail made by the Korean researchers is larger than the 'ACS3' unveiled by NASA in April last year, which is 9 square meters. Also, researchers explained that the solar sail is extremely light since it is an aluminum-metalized PET film. The solar sail can be folded down to 20 square centimeters, so that it can be easily stored in the opening apparatus. A direct current electric motor easily folds and deploys the sail in space. Eyes are on whether the sail made by the local researchers can be utilized in space, after its successful demonstration on land. Cha Yun-kyung, Arirang News.

Stray Kids, Jimin, other K-pop acts win 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards

2025/03/19 20:00

On the entertainment front. K-pop boy band Stray Kids and Jimin from BTS were among those celebrated at the annual iHeartRadio Music Awards 2025 in Los Angeles on Tuesday local time. Stray Kids won K-pop Album of the Year for the second year in a row with its album "ATE" released last July. Meanwhile ATEEZ was named K-pop Artist of the Year while BTS's Jimin won K-pop Song of the Year with his track "Who". Girl group ILLIT clinched Best New Artist for K-pop. The awards also introduced a new category this year Favorite K-pop Dance Challenge which went to Yeonjun from Tomorrow x Together.

S. Korean universities paving the way for unlimited career opportunities in esports

2025/03/19 20:00

South Korea is the global powerhouse of eSports and its universities are now hoping to a play a part in nurturing some of the country's future stars. Lee Eun-hee has details. At first glance, students playing esports games may seem like they're just having fun. But this is actually part of an university course. "Above all, understanding games is essential. This is a game practice room, something you don't typically find at regular universities. Many students have once dreamed of becoming professional esports players, but as they dive deeper into the world of gaming, they realize that success in esports comes in many forms." "I started playing the game League of Legends in high school, and I ranked 33rd in the country at the highest "challenger" level. I received pro offers and joined a training academy, but soon realized how competitive the scene was. So, I decided to pursue a related career and become a game analyst and tournament organizer." Many South Korean universities are turning gaming into an academic and professional field, opening doors to a variety of careers. As esports gains popularity, many players invest significant time and effort but never reach the pro level, however education in this field can open new opportunities for them. Most importantly, it can provide a fresh start for pro gamers, who are often known for having short career spans. Behind esports star players and tournaments, key roles include global event organizers, content marketers, team coaches and media professionals who share players' performances with the public. "Our curriculum trains students to become professionals in areas such as planning and organizing esports tournaments, as well as game programming for gaming companies." "I chose to pursue a degree in esports because I love it, and I feel it suits my strength. Also, I believe it's a growing industry." Dongyang University's campus, located just outside of Seoul, is home to the first four-year esports program in the metropolitan area, while many other universities are also embracing the growing esports industry by offering training for talented individuals. Lee Eun-hee, Arirang News.

Coupang ranked 2nd most innovative retail company globally

2025/03/19 20:00

Korean e-commerce giant Coupang has been recognized as one of the world's most innovative retail companies. The U.S.-based business media firm, Fast Company announced its "World's Most Innovative Companies 2025" on Tuesday, and Coupang ranked No. 2 in the retail category, following apparel seller J.Crew. Coupang secured the top spot as an e-commerce company, ranking higher than Amazon which placed 8th. Fast Company highlighted the firm's "one-stop" e-commerce platform that utilizes AI, robotics and automation to enhance service innovation.

If Court doesn't announce Pres. Yoon's verdict date by Wednesday, ruling unlikely to be made this week

2025/03/19 17:00

President Yoon Suk Yeol's political fate remains in limbo as the Constitutional Court remains silent on a date for its decision on his impeachment. Our correspondent Oh Soo-young reports. Three weeks and counting, the Constitutional Court has yet to announce when it will rule on President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment, meaning there may be no verdict this week. It took at most two weeks for former Presidents Park Geun-hye and Roh Moo-hyun, but there has been no word from the Court as of Wednesday 22 days since Yoon's final trial hearing was held. The chance that the verdict will be delivered this Friday is looking slimmer, given that the Court notified former leaders two to three days in advance of their respective ruling dates. The eight-member bench was reportedly convening even on Tuesday to deliberate on Yoon's impeachment, despite holding a trial hearing for Justice Minister Park Sung-jae. The longer-than-expected process has given rise to diverse speculations 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.

[Weather] Temperature will rise significantly from tomorrow, bad air quality instead

2025/03/19 17:00

All the snowstorm clouds that dropped unseasonably heavy snow have receded, and clear skies appeared across the country today. However, due to the influence of the remaining cold air, the cold snap will continue until today. From tomorrow afternoon, the temperature will rise significantly and it will become warm again. However, air quality is expected to be dusty as smog from overseas gradually flows in. Seoul, Incheon, Chungcheongnam-do Province, and Jeollanam-do Province will see "bad" levels of ultra-fine dust tomorrow. Tomorrow morning, Daejeon, Gwangju, and Daegu will start off at zero degrees Celsius and Busan at 3 degrees. Daily highs will move up to 16 degrees in Daejeon and Gyeongju, 17 degrees in Daegu. Temperatures will gradually rise, and the daytime temperature in Seoul will be very warm at around 20 degrees this weekend. That's all for Korea. Here are the weather conditions around the world.

World News: EU must rearm by 2030, EU's von der Leyen says

2025/03/19 17:00

This is the World Now, bringing you the latest stories from around the globe. The European Union has unveiled a plan to bolster its defense capabilities by 2030, aiming to enhance military autonomy and reduce reliance on external allies. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced on Tuesday in Copenhagen, the EU's initiative to rearm itself by 2030, targeting a significant enhancement of the bloc's defense infrastructure. The strategy aims to establish a credible deterrent in response to evolving geopolitical threats, notably the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and uncertainties regarding U.S. military support. The "Readiness 2030" strategy, which will be announced on Wednesday local time, comprises several key components, including fiscal flexibility, defense loans, and infrastructure development. The proposal also includes the creation of a European Military Sales Mechanism to streamline collective arms procurement across the EU and support arms manufacturers. In Germany, the parliament has approved a historic spending package aimed at revitalizing the economy and bolstering defense capabilities. The legislation, championed by incoming Chancellor Friedrich Merz, secured a two thirds majority in the parliament. Key components of the package include a 545 billion U.S. dollar fund allocated over 12 years for infrastructure modernization and provisions for unlimited defense spending, facilitated by constitutional amendments easing strict debt regulations. The bill now awaits approval from Germany's upper house to become law. The International Olympic Committee commenced its 144th session in ancient Olympia, Greece, on Tuesday local time. The session holds particular significance as it comes just before the election of a new IOC president, set to take place on March 20. Seven candidates are contending for the presidency, including prominent figures such as the current IOC vice-president and an Olympic swimming champion who is Zimbabwe's current sports minister. Outgoing President Thomas Bach, who has led the IOC since 2013, addressed the assembly at the Olympic Academy, emphasizing the session's role in honoring the organization's heritage and future. Choi Chi-hee, Arirang News.

KARI made 'solar sail' which can power spacecraft using solar wind

2025/03/19 17:00

Solar sails are a method of propulsion for spacecraft using solar radiation and if they are well developed experts believe they may serve as affordable means of travel in space. Having said that our Cha Yun-kyung covers Korea's related efforts. Korean researchers have developed an apparatus that can store solar sails and then deploy them once a spacecraft reaches space. The square-shaped solar sail with an area of 10 square meters obtains power by capturing photons emitted by the sun in the sail. "It seems like the wind pushing a sailboat but it's actually a photon engine that drives the craft. For this, when photons from the sun hit the sail, they move it forward. If the solar sail is attached to a spaceship, it can travel through space for extended times without using a conventional engine. The solar sail made by the Korean researchers is larger than the 'ACS3' unveiled by NASA in April last year, which is 9 square meters. Also, researchers explained that the solar sail is extremely light since it is an aluminum-metalized PET film. The solar sail can be folded down to 20 square centimeters, so that it can be easily stored in the opening apparatus. A direct current electric motor easily folds and deploys the sail in space. Eyes are on whether the sail made by the local researchers can be utilized in space, after its successful demonstration on land. Cha Yun-kyung, Arirang News.

NASA astronauts finally return to Earth after 9 months in space

2025/03/19 17:00

Two NASA astronauts have safely returned to Earth after an extended stay at the International Space Station. Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams made a safe splashdown off the coast of Florida on Tuesday local time. The pair was chosen for the first crewed test flight of Boeing's Starliner. But upon arrival at the ISS in June last year engineers detected a number of technical issues with the spacecraft which led to its return to Earth in September without Wilmore and Williams on board. As a result their eight-day mission become an almost three hundred day stay in space.

S. Korean universities paving the way for unlimited career opportunities in esports

2025/03/19 17:00

South Korea is the global powerhouse of eSports and its universities are now hoping to a play a part in nurturing some of the country's future stars. Lee Eun-hee has details. At first glance, students playing esports games may seem like they're just having fun. But this is actually part of an university course. "Above all, understanding games is essential. This is a game practice room, something you don't typically find at regular universities. Many students have once dreamed of becoming professional esports players, but as they dive deeper into the world of gaming, they realize that success in esports comes in many forms." "I started playing the game League of Legends in high school, and I ranked 33rd in the country at the highest "challenger" level. I received pro offers and joined a training academy, but soon realized how competitive the scene was. So, I decided to pursue a related career and become a game analyst and tournament organizer." Many South Korean universities are turning gaming into an academic and professional field, opening doors to a variety of careers. As esports gains popularity, many players invest significant time and effort but never reach the pro level, however education in this field can open new opportunities for them. Most importantly, it can provide a fresh start for pro gamers, who are often known for having short career spans. Behind esports star players and tournaments, key roles include global event organizers, content marketers, team coaches and media professionals who share players' performances with the public. "Our curriculum trains students to become professionals in areas such as planning and organizing esports tournaments, as well as game programming for gaming companies." "I chose to pursue a degree in esports because I love it, and I feel it suits my strength. Also, I believe it's a growing industry." Dongyang University's campus, located just outside of Seoul, is home to the first four-year esports program in the metropolitan area, while many other universities are also embracing the growing esports industry by offering training for talented individuals. Lee Eun-hee, Arirang News.

Stray Kids, Jimin, other K-pop acts win 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards

2025/03/19 17:00

On the entertainment front. K-pop boy band Stray Kids and Jimin from BTS were among those celebrated at the annual iHeartRadio Music Awards 2025 in Los Angeles on Tuesday local time. Stray Kids won K-pop Album of the Year for the second year in a row with its album "ATE" released last July. Meanwhile ATEEZ was named K-pop Artist of the Year while BTS's Jimin won K-pop Song of the Year with his track "Who". Girl group ILLIT clinched Best New Artist for K-pop. The awards also introduced a new category this year, Favorite K-pop Dance Challenge, which went to Yeonjun from Tomorrow x Together.

Trump and Putin agree to 30-day Russia-Ukraine ceasefire on energy and infrastructure targets

2025/03/19 17:00

Russia has rejected a thirty-day truce with Ukraine and instead accepted calls to cease assaults on energy facilities. This latest development follows phone talks between the leaders of the Kremlin and the White House on Tuesday U.S. time. Our Choi Soo-hyung has more. U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin have agreed on a limited ceasefire on energy and infrastructure targets in Russia and Ukraine. On Tuesday, local time, the White House announced that in a lengthy phone call between both parties, Russia agreed to halt attacks on energy and infrastructure facilities for 30 days. The Kremlin stated that Putin had immediately ordered a halt to attacks on these sites. During the three-year conflict between Russia and Ukraine, attacks on these sites caused immense damage. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also stated that he supports Trump's proposal. "We support all steps towards ending the war. We will give support but in order to support something we need to understand what specifically it is." He expressed his willingness to speak with Trump at any time to hear the details of the phone talks with Putin. He also stated that Ukraine cannot be excluded from future discussions on the details of the ceasefire. However, a full ceasefire still seems some way off. Recently, Putin rejected Trump's proposal for a 30-day full ceasefire, citing concerns such as Ukraine's potential rearmament. During the call, Putin also insisted that foreign military and intelligence assistance to Ukraine should be halted. Europe welcomed the agreement between Trump and Putin but stressed that Ukraine's position must be taken into account. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron stated in a press conference on Tuesday that Ukraine must be involved in the negotiations to achieve a just peace for Ukraine. Meanwhile, Moscow said that Russia and Ukraine are set to exchange 175 prisoners of war each on Wednesday. Choi Soo-hyung, Arirang News.