News

[K-Correspondent] Inaugural "Korea Travel Expo" held in Taiwan

2025/05/28 14:00

Korea is one of Taiwanese tourists' favorite destinations, largely thanks to the Korean wave. To further promote tourism to the country, the "Korea Travel Expo", the first of its kind, just wrapped up this week in Taipei. We are now connected with our K-correspondent in Taipei, Oh Hyeyoung, Team Leader of the Korea Exhibition Industry Centre, who was part of the whole event, to tell us more. Hello! Q1. Could you please introduce yourself briefly, your role at the "Korea Travel Expo" and what's behind this inaugural event? Q2. Let's delve deeper into the expo. What kind of programs were involved, what was offered there? Q3. Taiwan is known as one of the world's largest consumers of Korean culture and K-tourism. How was the response by Taiwanese visitors to the expo? Q4. Was there any specific program or booth they showed a lot of interest in? Q5. Were there also any interesting reactions from the Taiwanese travel industry and media towards the expo? Q6. Do you feel this event has generated more interest in Korean tourism or maybe even other sectors? Q7. Will this be a regular event now? And do you have any other plans you want to share? Thank you Hyeyoung for connecting with us today, we hope the tourism industry thrives on the back of expos like these. Thank you Bella, we'll see you back tomorrow.

[Short-form] Korea’s dried seaweed products take the world by storm!

2025/05/28 14:00

Discover Korea’s nutrient-packed dried seaweed varieties that are winning hearts globally.

[Weather] Early summer weather this afternoon with noisy showers

2025/05/28 10:00

It certainly feels like summer is marching right towards us. We're expecting another taste of early summer weather this afternoon with some noisy showers, especially in the inland areas. Rainfall amounts could range from 5 millimeters to as much as 50 millimeters within the same area. Along with passing showers, the capital area is forecast to have bad ultrafine dust levels throughout the day. When it's not raining, skies will mostly be clear across the country. Seoul gets up to 26 degrees Celsius, Daejeon and Daegu hit 28 degrees. Gwangju will be under mostly sunny skies all day. The summer vibe will be getting stronger every day, but remember to keep those significant daily temperature swings in mind. AND, don't forget to grab your umbrella as you head out today!

Seoul ranks 15th in the Global City Index

2025/05/28 10:00

In an evaluation of one thousand cities around the world by a British economic analysis institute, Seoul ranked 15th overall, the second highest in Asia. According to Oxford Economics' Global Cities Index 2025, released on Wednesday, Seoul jumped 26 places from last year. Seoul ranked 5th overall in the Human Capital category, but was ranked lower in the environment category due to poor air quality. The report also cited a recent slowdown in economic growth and structural constraints due to the aging population, meant the ranking was not as high as it could have been. New York, London and Paris were ranked in the top three.

S. Korea's May CSSI posts largest increase in 55 months, signals growing optimism

2025/05/28 10:00

Consumer sentiment here in South Korea saw a sharp rise in May. A temporary pause in U.S. tariffs and expectations for the new South Korean administration helped pull up that consumer confidence. Park Jun-han reports. South Korea's consumer sentiment in May saw its largest increase in 4 years and 7 months. The Bank of Korea released on Tuesday the country's Composite Consumer Sentiment Index, which reflects consumers' views on the state of the economy. Rising by 8 points from April’s 93.8 (1) to 101.8 (2) in May, the index recorded its strongest one-month gain since October 2020. A CCSI above 100 indicates optimistic consumer sentiment compared to the average of the last twenty years. For the past five months, the index has remained below 100. However, as the index in May surpassed 100, it signaled a shift from pessimism to optimism. The index’s six elements, including current living standards and prospective household spending, all saw a rise in May, with prospective domestic economic conditions rising by 18 points () compared to last month. Among the various components, several indicators pointed to a rise in optimism. This shift is likely tied to the 90-day suspension of "reciprocal" U.S. tariffs that helped ease some concerns over global trade uncertainty. Also, expectations surrounding the new administration's economic policies after the upcoming election, along with anticipated progress in South Korea-U.S. tariff negotiations, contributed to the boost in consumer confidence. Meanwhile, prospective housing prices in May recorded 111, three points higher than last month. The outlook for housing prices has been rising for three straight months, as more people expect further increases due to continued apartment price hikes in the metropolitan area. Park Jun-han, Arirang News.

On-point: Expert's take on last TV presidential debate ahead of 21st election

2025/05/28 10:00

The people of South Korea will elect their new leader in 6 days, which made last night's TV debate even more critical for the main presidential runners. Will the course of the next 6 days be a game changer? Let's turn to Professor Mason Richey. Good morning. 1. I'd like to start with the third and final debate last night. Do you think any of the four runners excelled in trying to convince voters they're the most suitable leader? 2. Voting in South Korea's snap presidential election officially begins here in the country tomorrow, with two days of early voting. Can it be a barometer of the actual election day and election day voter turnout? How important is early voting? 3. The tentative overseas voter turnout marked a record high at 79.5%. What does this figure indicate? 4. One remaining variable in this election could be a possible conservative merger. Reform Party candidate Lee Jun-seok is committed more than ever to run and win the race, rejecting the People Power's push for a merger. Do you see any possibility left here? 5. We're now in a so-called poll blackout mode until the election, when we no longer know the support rate for any of the presidential runners. How crucial is this period? Will this period be a game changer? Or not? It was pleasure to have you with us, Professor Richey. Thanks for your time.

Int'l peace forum expected to draw thousands to Jeju Island

2025/05/28 10:00

An annual international peace forum kicked off on Wednesday on South Korea's southern island of Jeju. The 20th Jeju Forum is expected to draw four thousand people from 30 different nations. Throughout the three-day event, which will run until this Friday, discussions will be held on various geopolitical issues, including changes to the diplomatic landscape following U.S. President Donald Trump's re-election to a second term. Under this year's theme of 'harnessing innovation for peace and prosperity,' the forum will also address ways to maintain stability on the Korean Peninsula, as well as ways to enhance multilateral cooperation on maritime security.

U.S. pushing for mandatory review of social media pages of international students

2025/05/28 10:00

The Trump administration has ordered a pause on new student visa interviews and is weighing requiring social media screening for foreign students who wish to study in the U.S. in its latest in a series of restrictions on international students. Lee Seung-jae has more. The U.S. government is now looking into mandating social media screening for international students who wish to study in their country. In preparation for the new review system, the U.S. State Department has ordered all diplomatic missions around the world to temporarily suspend visa interviews for international students. In an announcement made by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday, "consular sections should not add any additional student or exchange visitor visa appointment capacity until further guidance is issued," in preparation for "an expansion of required social media screening and vetting." However, Rubio said that the government will proceed with interviews that have already been scheduled. Those looking to apply for the F, M, and J visas will see their interviews temporarily suspended. F visas are issued to students who wish to study at a U.S. university or review language training, while the M visa is for those who wish to receive job training. The J visa is for exchanges in the fields of education, arts, and science, particularly for exchange researchers and students. If the Trump administration does carry out the screening process,.. it could significantly slow down student visa processing, effectively hurting many U.S. schools that rely heavily on foreign students to boost their financial coffers. The government had earlier imposed a partial social media screening requirement, mostly targeting returning students who may have participated in pro-Palestinian protests. However, the latest order does not specifically say what the government would be screening for, but that it aims to keep out terrorists and battle anti-Semitism. Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.

Israel-Hamas war reaches 600th day amid continued conflict and lack of aid

2025/05/28 10:00

It's already been 600 days since the October 7 attack by Hamas, which triggered massive Israeli military offensives in Gaza. With no signs of a ceasefire, civilians in the devastated Gaza Strip are suffering from a lack of food and healthcare. Ahn sung-jin has the details. Thousands of people storm towards an aid distribution point, causing a stampede. Shots are fired into the air to disperse the crowd. On Tuesday, following almost three months of aid being blocked, the U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation distributed around 8-thousand food boxes or around 462-thousand meals in the southern city of Rafah. "We want to eat, we're hungry, we have been humiliated, with the communal kitchens and the (lack) of water and everything. Look what they've put for us." The Israel-Hamas war has reached the 600-day mark. Nearly two years into the conflict, more than 54-thousand people have been killed and over 123-thousand injured. Gazans suffer from severe food shortages and a lack of access to healthcare in the devastated enclave. Israel has faced widespread condemnation for the civilian suffering caused by the conflict. 600 days ago on October 7th, 2023, Hamas attacked Israel, killing more than 1,000 and kidnapping more than 200 people. That led to massive Israeli military offensives, air strikes and a ground invasion of Gaza. Though ceasefire negotiations continue with mediators including the U.S., Qatar and Egypt, a deal has yet to be reached. International organizations such as the World Health Organization urgently call for an immediate ceasefire and the release of all remaining hostages. Ahn Sung-jin, Arirang News.

[Weather] Early summer weather this afternoon with noisy showers

2025/05/28 10:00

It certainly feels like summer is marching right towards us. We're expecting another taste of early summer weather this afternoon with some noisy showers, especially in the inland areas. Rainfall amounts could range from 5 millimeters to as much as 50 millimeters within the same area. Along with passing showers, the capital area is forecast to have bad ultrafine dust levels throughout the day. When it's not raining, skies will mostly be clear across the country. Seoul gets up to 26 degrees Celsius, Daejeon and Daegu hit 28 degrees. Gwangju will be under mostly sunny skies all day. The summer vibe will be getting stronger every day, but remember to keep those significant daily temperature swings in mind. AND, don't forget to grab your umbrella as you head out today!

From nuclear weapons to joint S. Korea-U.S. military logistics.. presidential candidates debate diplomacy, national security

2025/05/28 10:00

We start with the third and final TV debate between the four leading presidential candidates this time on politics and foreign policy. As ever, they locked horns in every respect, not only contrasting policies, but exchanging personal criticisms. Oh Soo-young reports. The final presidential TV debate on Tuesday took off with intense verbal exchanges as the four leading candidates clashed over their visions for foreign policy and domestic political reform. Democratic Party candidate Lee Jae-myung called the South Korea-U.S. alliance the foundation of Korea’s diplomacy, and even said trilateral cooperation with Japan is necessary. But he maintained his stance that Seoul shouldn't neglect ties with China and Russia. "We must manage our relations well. There is no need to antagonise them as we are doing now." People Power Party Kim Moon-soo raised concern over Lee's alleged involvement in an illegal remittance to North Korea, saying it was fattening the Kim Jong-un regime, and its missile and nuclear threat. "I will strengthen nuclear deterrence and enhance our defense capability to build a Republic of Korea that will not be shaken by any threat.” Responding to a question from Lee, Kim Moon-soo said nuclear weapons should be pursued if it is possible within the scope of the South Korea-U.S. alliance, and also suggested nuclear-sharing arrangements, similar to NATO’s or a Korean-style model. Lee criticized this stance, saying that denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula is already a given. Meanwhile, the Reform Party's Lee Jun-seok criticised both the DP and PPP for simply aligning with larger powers, and pledged practical ways to overcome Korea's security crises. "I will elevate South Korea from a nation that depends on alliances to one that designs and leads them." He said he'd coordinate policy on foreign affairs, unification, defense, and internal affairs, with a Deputy Prime Minister for Security, and by merging the foreign affairs and unification ministries. He also suggested establishing joint S. Korea-U.S. military logistics facilities to produce shells and fill the U.S. ammunition gap, and replacing increases in defense cost-sharing with the supply of Korean-made weapons. Lee also questioned the DP candidate over his past claims on America's deployment of the THAAD missile defence system to South Korea, saying that such claims align with the views of China and conspiracy theorists. Lee Jae-myung said it isn't appropriate to continue fueling controversy over the matter. He also said there was no evidence of his alleged remittance to North Korea. Meanwhile, Democratic Labor Party candidate Kwon Young-guk declared that he would appoint a civilian as defense minister and dismantle elite military factions. "I will create a scene where the U.S. and North Korea establish diplomatic ties. Based on active exchanges, I will realize peace on the Korean Peninsula." The two-hour debate was also intended to address domestic political reform, but was overridden by mudslinging, targeting Lee Jae-myung's ongoing criminal trials and his party's push for legal revision and judiciary reform an apparent attempt to exonerate him. Kim Moon-soo meanwhile was criticised for his association with impeached President Yoon as other candidates called to close the chapter on the dark legacy of martial law. Oh Soo-young, Arirang News.

At least five reported killed in large explosion at China chemical plant

2025/05/28 10:00

In China, at least five people were killed in a huge explosion at a chemical plant in eastern Shandong Province on Tuesday. The explosion occurred at around noon at the Gaomi Youdao Chemical facility in the industrial park of Weifang city. According to reports, 19 people were injured, while six individuals are missing. The blast created an enormous fireball and sent thick black and orange smoke hundreds of meters into the sky. The shockwave shattered windows nearby and was felt by residents as far as seven kilometers from the site. More than 200 emergency workers were dispatched to the scene.

Authorities discover 17 corpses inside a home in Central Mexico

2025/05/28 10:00

Over in Mexico, authorities have found more than a dozen bodies in an abandoned house in central Mexico, during a missing persons investigation, according to a statement released by the state prosecutor's office late Monday. Between May 23 and 24, investigators from the Guanajuato State Prosecutor's Office conducted a search of a deserted property using ground-penetrating radar and detection dogs. 17 bodies were located inside a grave in the abandoned home in Irapuato. Items such as knives and shovels were also discovered at the scene. Five victims have been identified as previously reported missing persons. Guanajuato, a thriving industrial hub, has emerged as Mexico's most violent state, recording over 3,000 homicides in the past year alone.

King says 'strong and free' Canada is a force for good in historic throne speech

2025/05/28 10:00

Good morning, I'm Choi Chi-hee, and this is the World Now. In a historic address to Canada's Parliament, King Charles III reaffirmed the nation's sovereignty and freedom, responding to U.S. President Donald Trump's recent suggestions of annexing Canada as the 51st state. This was the first time in nearly five decades that a reigning monarch has opened a session of the Canadian Parliament. "Today, Canada faces another critical moment. Democracy, pluralism, the rule of law, self-determination, and freedom are values which Canadians hold dear, and ones which the Government is determined to protect." "As the anthem reminds us: The True North is indeed strong and free!" King Charles delivered the speech from the throne in the Senate in Ottawa on Tuesday, emphasizing Canada's enduring strength and independence. Quoting the national anthem, he declared, "The true North is indeed strong and free," a statement interpreted as a rebuttal to President Trump's annexation suggestion. While the King did not directly mention President Trump, his remarks were seen as a clear affirmation of Canada's sovereignty in the face of external pressures. The speech, written by Prime Minister Mark Carney's government, outlined Canada's legislative agenda and underscored the government's commitment to democratic values and the nation's independence.

Seoul buses to run as normal despite failed wage negotiations

2025/05/28 10:00

Seoul's public buses are set to run as normal on Wednesday despite wage negotiations between workers and management falling through. Out of 63 personnel from Seoul's bus workers' union who took part in a vote on the same day, 49 decided to postpone a proposed general strike. Wage negotiations with management began on Tuesday at 3 PM, but with no consensus reached, the union representatives began breaking off at midnight. A union member said a strike would be "meaningless" as it would be unlikely to change the stance of management or Seoul City officials. Unionized bus workers in Seoul are demanding an 8-point-2 percent increase in their base pay.

[Weather] Early summer weather this afternoon with noisy showers

2025/05/28 10:30

It certainly feels like summer is marching right towards us. We're expecting another taste of early summer weather this afternoon with some noisy showers, especially in the inland areas. Rainfall amounts could range from 5 millimeters to as much as 50 millimeters within the same area. Along with passing showers, the capital area is forecast to have bad ultrafine dust levels throughout the day. When it's not raining, skies will mostly be clear across the country. Seoul gets up to 26 degrees Celsius, Daejeon and Daegu hit 28 degrees. Gwangju will be under mostly sunny skies all day. The summer vibe will be getting stronger every day, but remember to keep those significant daily temperature swings in mind. AND, don't forget to grab your umbrella as you head out today!

DP's Lee scales back campaign ahead of final debate; PPP's Kim meets with fmr. Pres. Lee

2025/05/27 19:00

Thank you for joining us. I'm Yoon Jung-min. We're coming to you live an hour earlier than usual, before the live presidential debate. Exactly seven days from now, voters in the country will be heading to polling stations to elect the next leader. With the big day coming up, the final debate is scheduled for this evening. Major candidates spent the day keeping a low profile ahead of the debate, though efforts did continue to muster support as much as they can. Our political correspondent Shin Ha-young reports. With one week to go until the election, presidential hopefuls scaled back their campaigns ahead of their final televised debate on Tuesday evening. Democratic Party candidate Lee Jae-myung did not hold any rallies on Tuesday, choosing instead to focus on preparing for the debate. Meanwhile, the DP encouraged people to participate in early voting, which begins on Thursday. Highlighting the record-high turnout in overseas voting, the party said this reflects public sentiment against what it calls insurrection forces. It added that it plans to maintain this momentum through early voting. The party also continued its criticism of People Power Party candidate Kim Moon-soo. "Every time he speaks, it's all false propaganda and misleading agitation. He's a dangerous person. To him, honesty is just a mask, and morality is nothing more than a prop." The PPP's Kim Moon-soo has been putting in efforts to rally as much support as possible from across the political spectrum, including undecided voters, ahead of early voting. Kim met with former President Lee Myung-bak over lunch on Tuesday, in what was seen as an effort to consolidate support among conservative voters. A PPP spokesperson told reporters that Lee encouraged Kim, and advised him to make a sincere effort to pursue a merger with the Reform Party's Lee Jun-seok. This comes a day after Kim met with former Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon. Following the meeting, Lee a former chief of the DP voiced his support for Kim on Tuesday, saying that he would join efforts to prevent what he called a "monster dictatorship" if Lee Jae-myung were to win the election. With two days to go until early voting, the PPP expressed confidence in a major comeback. "Kim Moon-soo's character and abilities stand in sharp contrast to Lee Jae-myung's, leaving a strong impression on voters. A major turnaround is coming." Meanwhile, Reform Party candidate Lee Jun-seok reaffirmed his determination to stay in the presidential race, rejecting a merger with the PPP. During a press conference on Tuesday, he said he would not join forces with those responsible for the declaration of martial law, and that he would fight to the end and win. The third debate between the candidates will take place from 8 PM this evening and last for two hours. They will discuss political polarization, political reform, and possible constitutional amendments. Other topics will include foreign affairs and national security. Shin Ha-young, Arirang News.

Stock

2025/05/27 19:00

2025. 5. 27. KOREAN STOCK MARKET KOSPI : 2,637.22 ▼7.18 -0.27% KOSDAQ : 727.11 ▲1.84 +0.25% KOSPI200 : 351.28 ▼0.83 -0.24% ASIAN STOCK MARKET NIKKEI225 : 37,724.11 ▲192.58 +0.51% HANG SENG : 23,381.99 ▲99.66 +0.43% SHANGHAI : 3,340.69 ▼6.15 -0.18% WALL STREET (May 26) DOW JONES : CLOSED NASDAQ : CLOSED S&P500 : CLOSED EXCHANGE RATE USD : 1,369.50 (+5.10) JPY : 956.66 (+1.00) CNY : 190.65 (+0.31) EUR : 1,559.45 (+2.19)

Israeli strikes kill 52 in Gaza, including 36 in school-turned shelter

2025/05/27 19:00

Turning to a major war happening elsewhere. Israel continues pounding Gaza, killing dozens of people at a school used as a shelter. Meantime, aid is trickling into the enclave after a months-long blockade. Choi Chi-hee has the latest. On Monday, a school-turned-shelter in Gaza City's Daraj neighborhood was one of the two targets hit by an Israeli airstrike. Hundreds of people, mostly women and children, were sheltering there at the time. "This isn't normal. What kind of missiles are they dropping? What are they doing? I don't understand. All of them were children -the three children were burned, along with their mother." According to Gaza's Civil Defense, the attack, which reportedly occurred while occupants were sleeping, killed at least 36 individuals and injured dozens of others. The Israel Defense Forces said the strikes targeted a Hamas and Islamic Jihad command and control center, believed to be operating within the school premises. They asserted that the facility was being used for planning attacks against Israeli civilians and troops. However, local witnesses and Palestinian officials have denied the presence of militants at the site. "There is no military in it, there is not even a piece of a weapon in it." In a separate strike, 16 people were killed when the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza was hit. The attacks have drawn international condemnation, including from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who cautioned against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu taking excessive military actions. Merz said he no longer "understands what Israel is trying to achieve." Ireland's deputy prime minister said legislation for a potential ban on imports from Israeli settlements would be unveiled on Tuesday. Also on Monday, a new aid system in Gaza, backed by the U.S., opened its first distribution hubs following months of being blockaded by Israel. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation has taken over the handling of aid, and truckloads of food delivered to its hubs have begun to be distributed to Palestinians on the same day. Choi Chi-hee, Arirang News.

S. Korea's May CSSI posts largest increase in 55 months, signals growing optimism

2025/05/27 19:00

Findings for the month of May show Korea's consumer confidence significantly regaining strength, due in part to a pause in new U.S. tariffs and expectations for the next administration in Korea. Park Jun-han has the latest figures. South Korea's consumer sentiment in May saw its largest increase in 4 years and 7 months. The Bank of Korea released on Tuesday the country's Composite Consumer Sentiment Index, which reflects consumers' views on the state of the economy. Rising by 8 points from April's 93.8 to 101.8 in May, the index recorded its strongest one-month gain since October 2020. A CCSI above 100 indicates optimistic consumer sentiment compared to the average of the last twenty years. For the past five months, the index has remained below 100. However, as the index in May surpassed 100, it signaled a shift from pessimism to optimism. The index's six elements, including current living standards and prospective household spending, all saw a rise in May, with prospective domestic economic conditions rising by 18 points compared to last month. Among the various components, several indicators pointed to a rise in optimism. This shift is likely tied to the 90-day suspension of "reciprocal" U.S. tariffs that helped ease some concerns over global trade uncertainty. Also, expectations surrounding the new administration's economic policies after the upcoming election, along with anticipated progress in South Korea-U.S. tariff negotiations, contributed to the boost in consumer confidence. Meanwhile, prospective housing prices in May recorded 111, three points higher than last month. The outlook for housing prices has been rising for three straight months, as more people expect further increases due to continued apartment price hikes in the metropolitan area. Park Jun-han, Arirang News.