News

Trump and Xi talks delayed as tariff war looms

2025/02/05 17:00

U.S. President Donald Trump has adopted an air of nonchalance in response to China's counter tariffs against a number of American products set to go into effect next Monday. Our correspondent Moon Hye-ryeon has more. U.S. President Donald Trump says he's in no rush to speak with Chinese President Xi Jinping as tensions rise between the world's two largest economies. This comes as the U.S. imposed an additional ten percent tariff on all Chinese imports starting Tuesday – prompting a measured response from Beijing in the form of tariffs on American goods such as coal and liquefied natural gas, as well as possible sanctions on major U.S. companies. On the same day, China's State Administration for Market Regulation announced that it would be launching an antitrust probe into Google – and the Financial Times reported that Intel could also be subject to investigations. Chinese authorities launched a similar probe into Nvidia last year, and these investigations into American tech companies could lead to fines or loss of market access. When asked about the tit-for-tat levies, Trump remained unfazed and reportedly said, "That's fine." A White House official said that no call between the two leaders has been scheduled as of Tuesday. Beijing's tariffs are due to take effect starting next week, leaving room for negotiations. However, Trump has hinted that even higher tariffs could be on the table unless China addresses the supply of chemicals used to make the powerful opioid fentanyl to countries including Mexico, which is then smuggled into the U.S. Trump also suggested that the European Union could be next, prompting Brussels to keep a close watch on this latest round of trade measures. The head of the EU's executive European Commission spoke out and said it is prepared to protect its own interest if the U.S. shifts its attention to the EU. "We will be ready for tough negotiations where needed and to find solutions where possible, to work out any grievances and to set the foundations for a stronger partnership. We will be open and pragmatic in how to achieve that but we will make it equally clear that we will always protect our own interests however and whenever that is needed." Mexico was also part of Trump's lineup for steep tariffs, but a deal to send 10 thousand members of the country's National Guard to curb fentanyl trafficking at the border pushed back the levies for a month. On Tuesday, it was reported that Mexico began moving its troops to its northern border as part of its deal, with photos and videos circulating on social media showing reinforcements arriving in regions where some cities are frequently affected by drug cartel violence. The Mexican President said that the troops would also assist in maintaining overall security at the border. Moon Hye-ryeon, Arirang News.

S. Korea announces US$ 23 bil. fund to strengthen next-generation tech

2025/02/05 17:00

At least 34 trillion won has been earmarked to support critical industries as Korea seeks a strategic edge over rising global competition. Our Choi Min-jung covers this initiative. South Korea has unveiled an ambitious plan to bolster the country's industrial competitiveness, by establishing a "Strategic Advanced Industry Fund", worth over 34 trillion Korean won, or around 23 billion U.S. dollars. The initiative, announced during a high-level ministerial meeting on Wednesday, aims to support critical industries, including semiconductors, batteries, automobiles, shipbuilding, and steel. Acting President and Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok, emphasized industrial competitiveness as the backbone of South Korea's economy, urging swift action to maintain leadership in key sectors. "This fund will provide low-interest loans, equity investments, and other financial support to businesses." The fund will be more than twice the size of the current 17-trillion won semiconductor financing program. It will focus on next-generation technologies, including AI-driven automation, advanced materials, and sustainable energy solutions. Small and mid-sized companies in the materials and equipment industries will receive increased financial support. The announcement comes amid escalating global trade uncertainties, including U.S. tariff adjustments and China's rising dominance in AI and advanced manufacturing. "A Chinese company recently unveiled the AI model "DeepSeek R1," which delivers high performance at a low cost, coming as a fresh shock in the industry. The global AI race is evolving to a more complex competition." The government has pledged speedy implementation of the fund, with concrete plans to be finalized by March in coordination with the National Assembly. Choi Min-jung, Arirang News.

"Nothing really happened": President Yoon denies major martial law allegations at impeachment trial

2025/02/05 17:00

Meanwhile President Yoon Suk Yeol was back in court on Tuesday for the fifth hearing into his impeachment trial that included a number of key witnesses. Oh Soo-young recaps the latest hearing. President Yoon Suk Yeol insists "nothing really happened" on the night of his Martial Law on December third, denying that he issued orders to drag out legislators from parliament and arrest political figures. This came on Tuesday at the President's fifth impeachment trial hearing at the Constitutional Court, where three witnesses testified regarding the execution of martial law on December 3rd last year. There were clear discrepancies over whether the President directly ordered the most controversial actions on that fateful night. Lee Jin-woo, former commander of the Capital Defense Command, reportedly told investigators he received three calls from the President to enter the National Assembly by force, opening fire if necessary, and drag out legislators to stop their vote to overturn martial law. But at the hearing, Lee refused to confirm or answer most questions about whether he had received calls or orders from the President. He denied he'd been ordered by Yoon himself to arrest lawmakers, and said former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun did not order troops to enter the Assembly building and prevent a vote to lift martial law. Former Defense Counterintelligence Command Chief Yeo In-hyung also testified while under arrest, but avoided answering key questions. He previously said he had received orders to arrest and detain political figures. Meanwhile, former First Deputy Director of the National Intelligence Service Hong Jang-won reiterated his previous statement, saying Yoon called for a "total clean up," which he believed meant the arrest of politicians. Hong claims he called Yeo In-hyung to clarify and received fourteen to sixteen names of figures to arrest, and was asked to track down their whereabouts. Yoon's side argued that the President meant for him to clear up spies, and their phone call had nothing to do with martial law. They added that since the NIS does not have investigative authority, Hong would not have been asked for location tracing, thus his claims do not make sense. As for the President, he sat through most of the trial with his eyes closed. The Court did not allow him to question witnesses himself, as he did in the previous hearing. But when given the chance to speak, Yoon showed cynicism over the questions, emphasising that "nothing had happened." He once again appeared to deny he'd ordered the physical removal of lawmakers from the National Assembly and the arrest of politicians. He argued he'd ordered troops to withdraw as the martial law had ended "early", and given the disorderly state of the National Assembly, there was no way for him to issue such instructions. But,.. he admitted he'd ordered troops to go the National Election Commission, once again, suggesting suspicions of election fraud, as a pretext for declaring martial law. "The President either didn't know the election commission is a constitutional institution that cannot be arbitrarily controlled even under martial law, or he knowingly ignored this fact. That alone is a serious constitutional violation." The National Assembly side said while some testimonies do not add up, the ongoing investigations speak for themselves. The Court has so far has approved 15 witnesses with eight from Yoon's team and seven from the National Assembly's side. The rest of the 30 plus witnesses requested by Yoon were rejected on Tuesday. "We will conduct a thorough review, reapply for witness approvals if necessary, and explore other possible legal strategies." "There are three more hearings scheduled until next Thursday, but it's unclear whether the Constitutional Court will be able to wrap up the case by then, or summon more witnesses for cross-checking and verification, due to the conflicting narratives. The next hearing will take place on Thursday, with four witnesses to testify. Oh Soo-young, Arirang News."

World News: Mass shooting in Sweden kills 10 people

2025/02/05 17:00

This is The World Now, bringing you the latest stories from around the globe. In central Sweden a mass shooting at an adult education center has reportedly left 10 people dead, including the suspected gunman. The shooting occurred around 12:30 P.M. Tuesday local time at Campus Risbergska on the outskirts of Orebro city, 200 kilometers west of Stockholm. The suspected shooter is a 35-year-old male, not previously known to police, and the motive behind the crime remains unclear as of now. At least five other people have been injured and police have warned that the number of casualties may rise. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson addressed the nation, calling it the worst mass shooting in Swedish history and expressing deep sorrow for the victims and their families. In the Middle East, a shooting at an Israeli checkpoint in the northern West Bank, killed 2 Israeli soldiers and left 8 wounded. The gunman was killed on site. The incident took place at around 6 A.M. Tuesday local time, when a suspected Palestinian militant armed with an M-16 automatic rifle charged an Israeli guard post. No further details on the gunman's identity have been released, but reports indicate he approached the checkpoint on foot overnight without being detected, delaying the soldiers' immediate response. The attack follows Israeli military operations in the West Bank, two days after Israel agreed to a ceasefire with Hamas in Gaza. In Ukraine, a Russian missile strike in the city center of Izium, northeastern Kharkiv region, on Tuesday killed five civilians and injured at least 55 people. The attack also destroyed a part of the city council building, which had been recently renovated. Among the dead was a pregnant teenager, while three children were injured in the attack. Ukrainian officials condemned the attack, labeling it a deliberate assault on civilian areas. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said it is "impossible to reconcile with this cruelty" and called on allies to pressure Russia to end the invasion that began nearly three years ago. Finally in Japan, the country's northern island of Hokkaido saw record-breaking snowfall on Tuesday. The city of Obihiro recorded some 120 centimeters of snow within a 12-hour period, setting a new national record for the most snowfall in that time. The Japan Meteorological Agency attributed the extreme weather to two powerful low-pressure systems channeling cold air into the region. Numerous flights have been canceled, while roads, train services, and 370 schools have been closed as a result. Residents and visitors have been advised to practice caution and carry shovels and warm clothing in their vehicles. Choi Chi-hee, Arirang News.

K-wave AI News

2025/02/05 14:00

Hello and welcome to your AI guide to the latest cultural updates from Korea. Here's our top story. The culture ministry will establish a "K-content fund' worth around 600 billion won, or roughly 413 million U.S. dollars this year to attract domestic and foreign investment in the content industry. This initiative includes a 345 million-dollar K-Content & Media Fund to drive large-scale domestic investment, and a 69 million-dollar "Global League Fund" to attract foreign capital. As part of efforts to further support K-content exports, the ministry will expand the number of overseas business centers from the current 25 to 30. Nearly 70% of the ministry's annual budget will be allocated in the first half of the year to ensure swift policy implementation. Korea's art auction market saw an overall downturn last year, with increased polarization. According to the Korea Art Authentication & Appraisal Research Center, total sales from nine major domestic auction houses reached roughly 113 billion won, or around 78 million U.S. dollars, a 25% drop from the previous year. High-value pieces accounted for about 22% of total sales. The center attributed the market slowdown to the global economic downturn and political uncertainties, highlighting a widening gap between high-end and mid-to-lower-priced artwork transactions. Chungju City in Chungcheongbuk-do Province is now inviting applications for an extended-stay tourism program, 'Only Stay Our Chungju.' The program will offer partial travel support for five selected teams, covering accommodation and activity costs for a seven-day trip in the city. Individuals can receive up to 370,000 won, or roughly 255 U.S. dollars, while groups of four can apply for up to one million won, or nearly 690 dollars. People living outside Chungju who are passionate about promoting Chungju's tourist attractions on social media are eligible to apply. Don't miss out—applications close next Monday! For more details, visit the city's website. That's all for now. Keep it tuned to the Kulture Wave.

How AI is impacting the film industry

2025/02/05 14:00

The impact of artificial intelligence is being felt across all kinds of industries, and the FILM sector is no exception. AI technology makes it possible for directors to create movies and TV series in just a few days and it’s also said to have the potential to change production methods and even content itself. To delve into this topic we are now connected to Jae Soh, Professor and filmmaker at Seoul Institute of the Arts. Hello Professor Soh! Q1. Professor Soh, very timely with our topic, just yesterday here in Korea, a partnership was clinched between Chat GPT developer OpenAI and Korea’s tech giant Kakao. OpenAI chief Sam Altman praised Korea’s AI adoption rate and expressed high expectations for the country’s AI market. We want to delve into this market within the MOVIE sector where it is already showing significant presence. At what stage is AI technology in terms of filmmaking? Q2. Please give us some examples of the different AI tools used in making films. Which are the most promising technologies and also what would be some limitations or even controversial tools? Q3. (Speaking as an educator yourself) I’m also curious about how AI is impacting how you teach filmmaking. Q4. The use of AI in the Korean film industry is still in its relatively early stages. Do you see the potential for AI movies to become mainstream in the domestic movie industry? Q5. How do you see AI impacting storytelling and creativity in movies? Recently, director Bong Joon-ho mentioned that there are areas in screenplay that cannot be written by AI. Do you agree with this statement? Q6. Let’s talk about how to deal with the legal and ethical issues of AI-generated creations. that are often linked to copyright issues. Are there related laws in place? (Either in Korea or abroad) Q7. {Our final question Professor Soh an issue that could be discussed for hours, but briefly) Given the existing limitations and challenges in AI technology, how can humans and AI coexist effectively in filmmaking?

[K-enter] G-Dragon to release full album "Übermensch" on February 25th

2025/02/05 14:00

Time for our daily dose of K-entertainment news with Walter Lee. Starting off with a new K-pop album release. Yes, G-dragon is making his comeback with his third solo album, 11 years and 5 months since his previous solo album. On Tuesday, the Big Bang member announced the release of his third studio album, "Übermensch", by posting a teaser video on his official fan social media page. Soa, du sprichst Deutsch, you speak German. What does "Übermensch" mean exactly? Cool. As I mentioned it's been 11 years and 5 months since his last solo album, "COUP D’ETAT" , which was released in September 2013, and contained the very popular song "Crooked". Since his return to the music scene, G-Dragon has been dominating the charts with the release of his digital single "POWER" in October of last year. In November, he collaborated with fellow BIG BANG members Taeyang and Daesung on his other new song "HOME SWEET HOME", which continues to top the charts. The song actually secured the No.1 spot on Melon and Genie Music’s monthly charts for two consecutive months. For fans out there, "Übermensch" is set to be released on February 25. I can't wait to hear more on G-dragon's album, I am sure we will report more on it in future episodes. Moving away from K-pop and moving onto K-dramas. What do you have for us? The Netflix series "The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call", starring Joo Ji-hoon , has overtaken "Squid Game 2" to become the most-watched non-English TV program on the streaming platform. According to Netflix’s official Top 10 site on Wednesday, "The Trauma Code" recorded 11.9 million views, a total of 82.7 million watch hours, in the fifth week of January ranking first among non-English TV shows. Previously, Squid Game 2, which had maintained the top spot for five consecutive weeks since its release on December 26 last year, dropped to second place with 5.2 million views. It's actually been a great time for Korean productions on Netflix as among the top 10 non-English TV shows, four were Korean. Great to hear K-content going strong on Netflix .. and sticking with the subject of Netflix and dramas, the streaming platform seems to have a perfect series for Valentine's Day next week. Yes, with the most romantic day of the year just around the corner, what better way to spend it than watching a romantic drama with your love interest or partner. I am talking about "Melo Movie". A romance drama series that follows two ambitious young individuals striving for love and success as they cross paths, inspire each other, and overcome personal hardships. The series stars Choi Woo-shik , best known for his role in the film "Parasite", and Park Bo-young , who recently starred in the drama "Light Shop", "Melo Movie", is a 10-episode series and will be released in its entirety worldwide on Netflix on Valentine's Day, February 14. Thanks for that K-entertainment news Walter, now let's take a look at what our AI anchor Ari has for us.

[Features reporter] People make Korean rice cakes, develop new recipes amid global popularity

2025/02/05 14:00

It's just a little past lunchtime here in Korea and the perfect time for an afternoon snack maybe something traditional. And Kun-woo, I heard you have something related to share with us today? Today, I brought a topic related to Korean food. Even though we just had lunch, it's always fun to talk about the world of food. Now let me ask you both -are you big fans of rice cakes? Well, it's not just us who love rice cakes so much; many people all over the world are enjoying them. But before I dive deeper, let's take a look at how rice cakes are being embraced globally. Chewy, bouncy Korean rice cakes are gaining global popularity. And it's not just on their own, but also in dishes made with them, including "tteokbokki" or spicy stir-fried rice cakes, along with a growing presence of Korean content. Tteokbokki was even added to the Oxford English Dictionary last year. As interest in rice cake grows, foreigners are finding ways to make their own. One way for visitors to Korea is by taking one-day cooking classes. "I've seen many "tteok" related videos with always these kind of platforms, TikTok, Instagram and I always wanted to try them. They're becoming a boom right now because everybody wants to know more." These classes are getting even more popular than before, to the point where they fill up within a day of opening. "Foreign visitors (they) are really huge fan of Korean staple food of rice cake. So we decided to hold this class regularly. Korean food has always been like a big trend and I think also in the rice cake they added more of the global potentials." Back at their homes, people are getting more creative, inventing their own recipes instead of just following the originals. One example is the viral "kkultteok" cereal that even made its way back to Korea. “So this is the popular “kkultteok” cereal that started going viral on social media outside Korea. All you need to do is pour milk on the rice cakes. Now, I’m going to try it myself to see why this has gained such popularity.” Along with this trend, rice cake exports have grown rapidly. According to South Korea's Food Ministry, exports exceeded 91 million U.S. dollars in 2024, around triple the figure from five years ago. An expert expects continued growth, citing specific factors. "Rice cakes tailored to local tastes, easy preparation, and a shelf life of over a year have boosted exports. The global market will continue to trend toward convenience and health-conscious foods as they are now." He also said establishing local distribution networks globally will be key to maintaining the momentum. Park Kun-woo, Arirang News. Now, I'm wondering how kkultteok cereal actually tastes. Me too. How was it Kun-woo? Personally, I've been a huge fan of kkultteok, honey-filled rice cakes, ever since I was a kid. So, eating it like a cereal was also really good, as you saw from all my facial expressions and everything during the report. But at the same time, I also thought it might not be the best idea to eat too much at once, as it could spike your blood sugar levels. And we shouldn't underestimate the calories. That's why tteok even is the main ingredient in some main dishes, like tteokguk (rice cake soup) for instance. Kunwoo, I've heard that the invention of recipes like the kkultteok cereal is part of a growing trend in the food industry these days. Can you tell us some more about it? Of course. So, the phenomenon behind these cases is based on what's called a "modisumer," a blend of "modify" and "consumer," meaning that today's consumers are consuming products in their own unique ways. In the case of the kkultteok cereal, that's not traditionally how Koreans would eat those honey-filled rice cakes. But what's even cooler is that as the recipe went viral on social media abroad, Korean snack companies started creating rice cakes specifically for cereals, with plans to export them later this year. Another case of the "modisumer" trend is something that might be very familiar to you all -jjapaguri or ramdon -from the global hit movie "Parasite." Now before we let you go, any last rice cake recommendations you can give to our viewers? Any "modisumer" recipes of your own? I have plenty. Just to give you some ideas today, I want to share how I enjoy "garaetteok," white, round, stick shaped rice cake that are also used to make tteokbokki. They're great on their own. But what I would recommend is to grill them in a frying pan, rolling them until they get brown and crispy. Then dip them in honey -Game set! Another great way to enjoy them is by wrapping them in "gim," dried seaweed which gives it an extra "kick." Also, adding sliced garaetteok to Korean soups is another way I enjoy them. Try adding them to your ramyeon! I bet you'll love it. Alright Kun-woo, thanks for all of that. We'll see you next time. Thank you Kun-woo. Of course, see you.

"Nothing really happened": President Yoon denies major martial law allegations at impeachment trial

2025/02/05 10:00

The Constitutional Court has held its fifth hearing of President Yoon's impeachment trial, with three key witnesses in attendance. Eyebrows were raised on some of the clashing statements. Our Oh Soo-young has the details. President Yoon Suk Yeol insists "nothing really happened" on the night of his Martial Law on December third, denying that he issued orders to drag out legislators from parliament and arrest political figures. This came on Tuesday at the President's fifth impeachment trial hearing at the Constitutional Court, where three witnesses testified regarding the execution of martial law on December 3rd last year. There were clear discrepancies over whether the President directly ordered the most controversial actions on that fateful night. Lee Jin-woo, former commander of the Capital Defense Command, reportedly told investigators he received three calls from the President to enter the National Assembly by force, opening fire if necessary, and drag out legislators to stop their vote to overturn martial law. But at the hearing, Lee refused to confirm or answer most questions about whether he had received calls or orders from the President. He denied he'd been ordered by Yoon himself to arrest lawmakers, and said former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun did not order troops to enter the Assembly building and prevent a vote to lift martial law. Former Defense Counterintelligence Command Chief Yeo In-hyung also testified while under arrest, but avoided answering key questions. He previously said he had received orders to arrest and detain political figures. Meanwhile, former First Deputy Director of the National Intelligence Service Hong Jang-won reiterated his previous statement, saying Yoon called for a "total clean up," which he believed meant the arrest of politicians. Hong claims he called Yeo In-hyung to clarify and received fourteen to sixteen names of figures to arrest, and was asked to track down their whereabouts. Yoon's side argued that the President meant for him to clear up spies, and their phone call had nothing to do with martial law. They added that since the NIS does not have investigative authority, Hong would not have been asked for location tracing, thus his claims do not make sense. As for the President, he sat through most of the trial with his eyes closed. The Court did not allow him to question witnesses himself, as he did in the previous hearing. But when given the chance to speak, Yoon showed cynicism over the questions, emphasising that "nothing had happened." He once again appeared to deny he'd ordered the physical removal of lawmakers from the National Assembly and the arrest of politicians. He argued he'd ordered troops to withdraw as the martial law had ended "early", and given the disorderly state of the National Assembly, there was no way for him to issue such instructions. But,.. he admitted he'd ordered troops to go the National Election Commission, once again, suggesting suspicions of election fraud, as a pretext for declaring martial law. "The President either didn't know the election commission is a constitutional institution that cannot be arbitrarily controlled even under martial law, or he knowingly ignored this fact. That alone is a serious constitutional violation." The National Assembly side said while some testimonies do not add up, the ongoing investigations speak for themselves. The Court has so far has approved 15 witnesses with eight from Yoon's team and seven from the National Assembly’s side. The rest of the 30 plus witnesses requested by Yoon were rejected on Tuesday. "We will conduct a thorough review, reapply for witness approvals if necessary, and explore other possible legal strategies." "There are three more hearings scheduled until next Thursday, but it's unclear whether the Constitutional Court will be able to wrap up the case by then, or summon more witnesses for cross-checking and verification, due to the conflicting narratives. The next hearing will take place on Thursday, with four witnesses to testify. Oh Soo-young, Arirang News."

[Weather] Dangerously cold day with snow in Jeolla-do

2025/02/05 10:00

After the long Seollal holiday last week, Korea is in the grip of a deep freeze, making a rougher week for many of us in Korea. Dangerously cold temperatures continue nationwide. Factor in the wind, and it feels even colder. Blustery winds and heavy snowfall are also making for hazardous travel conditions, especially along the west coast and Jeju Island. Some areas are getting a significant amount of snow accumulation. Jeolla-do Province and surrounding areas could see up to 15 centimeters of snowfall through tomorrow morning. Heavy snow alerts remain in place for those regions and Jeju, so if you're traveling to these areas, be prepared for delays. Seoul stays under sunny skies with a high of minus 5 degrees, and Busan at 3 degrees. The east coast is under a strong and dry weather advisory, so fire precaution is a must. This cold snap isn't going anywhere. The big freeze will stick around through the weekend. Until then, bundle up, and limit time outdoors. Stay warm and safe!

Record snowfall in northern Japan

2025/02/05 10:00

Finally, to Japan where the country's northern island of Hokkaido saw record-breaking snowfall on Tuesday. The city of Obihiro recorded some 120 centimeters of snow within a 12-hour period, setting a new national record for the most snowfall in that time. The Japan Meteorological Agency attributed the extreme weather to two powerful low-pressure systems channeling cold air into the region. Numerous flights have been canceled, while roads, train services, and 370 schools have been closed as a result. Residents and visitors have been advised to practice caution and carry shovels and warm clothing in their vehicles.

Russian missile strike on Ukrainian town center kills five

2025/02/05 10:00

Now to Ukraine, where a Russian missile strike in the city center of Izium, northeastern Kharkiv region, on Tuesday killed five civilians and injured at least 55 people. The attack also destroyed a part of the city council building, which had been recently renovated. Among the dead was a pregnant teenager, while three children were injured in the attack. Ukrainian officials condemned the attack, labeling it a deliberate assault on civilian areas. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said it is "impossible to reconcile with this cruelty" and called on allies to pressure Russia to end the invasion that began nearly three years ago.

Shooting in West Bank kills Israeli soldiers

2025/02/05 10:00

Moving over to the Middle East, a shooting at an Israeli checkpoint in the northern West Bank, killed 2 Israeli soldiers and left 8 wounded. The gunman was killed on site. The incident took place at around 6 A.M. Tuesday local time, when a suspected Palestinian militant armed with an M-16 automatic rifle charged an Israeli guard post. No further details on the gunman's identity have been released, but reports indicate he approached the checkpoint on foot overnight without being detected, delaying the soldiers' immediate response. The attack follows Israeli military operations in the West Bank, two days after Israel agreed to a ceasefire with Hamas in Gaza.

Mass shooting in Sweden kills 10 people

2025/02/05 10:00

Starting in Sweden, the country saw the worst mass shooting in its history. Yes, Dami. A mass shooting at an adult education center in central Sweden has reportedly left 10 people dead, including the suspected gunman. The shooting occurred around 12:30 P.M. Tuesday local time at Campus Risbergska on the outskirts of Orebro city, 200 kilometers west of Stockholm. The suspected shooter is a 35-year-old male, not previously known to police, and the motive behind the crime remains unclear as of now. At least five other people have been injured and police have warned that the number of casualties may rise. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson addressed the nation, calling it the worst mass shooting in Swedish history and expressing deep sorrow for the victims and their families.

Thousands leave Santorini amid earthquakes

2025/02/05 10:00

Thousands of people are fleeing the Greek island of Santorini, a world-famous tourist destination, as a result of an unprecedented series of earthquakes. The mass exodus has left the island nearly empty. Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News. The picturesque Greek island of Santorini is a world-famous tourist destination. It also has some 20-thousand residents. Now, thousands are fleeing the island, as it has experienced hundreds of earthquakes in just a few days. Around 550 earthquakes of magnitude 3 or above have been recorded since Sunday, with experts saying the tremors could continue for weeks. As February is the off-peak season for tourists on the Greek island, most of the people evacuating Santorini are residents. "Our Santorini is shaking every 10 minutes on average. A lot of earthquakes, there is concern." Authorities have closed schools until Friday, and have also warned against any large indoor gatherings on the island. Some have opted to sleep inside their cars, over fears that a bigger earthquake would destroy their homes. Local residents say all shops have been closed, and the island is virtually empty, leaving them with no choice but to leave the island. On Sunday a magnitude 4-point-8 earthquake struck 18 kilometers southwest of Amorgos Island. Less than an hour later, a magnitude 4-point-7 earthquake shook Amorgos and nearby islands, including Santorini. In 1956, a magnitude 7-point-5 earthquake struck near Santorini, killing 53 people and injuring more than 100. Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.

Gold price continues to rise amid trade war

2025/02/05 10:00

The price of gold reached a new all-time high on Tuesday, as demand for safe assets surged after the Trump administration imposed an additional 10 percent tariff on China. The spot gold price rose as high as two-thousand-845 dollars and 14 cents per ounce during Tuesday's intraday trading, hitting an all-time high. The closing price of gold futures for April on the New York Mercantile Exchange stood at two-thousand-875 dollars and 80 cents per ounce,.. up zero-point-seven percent from the previous day. The continued increase in the price of gold comes amid growing concerns of an escalation in the trade war between the U.S. and China.

On-point: Is there any room for tariff negotiations between Trump and Xi Jinping?

2025/02/05 10:00

And this tit-for-tat tariff cycle between the U.S. and China feels like déjà vu considering what we witnessed 6, 7 years ago. Is there any room for negotiations so that the trade war doesn't become a repeat of the past? For more, we turn to Professor Yang Hee-dong. Welcome back. 1. Agricultural machinery, pick-up trucks, also some large cars Why is China targeting and hitting back with these select items? 2. China's tariffs on the U.S. are due to begin next Monday, the 10th. Why wait until the 10th? Is this some sort of a strategic move? To make negotiations for the next 5-6 days? 3. Then what kind of deals do you think Trump and Xi will try to make if they talk on the phone? What kind of deals will satisfy both of them? 4. How long would you say it'll take to see if the tariffs take a toll on South Korea and its economy? Why that long? Or that soon? 5. Then during this time, what is there for us to do? Is this where large conglomerates step in and make deals with the U.S.? Or what should and can the South Korean government do during this time? Thanks so much for your insight and your time this morning. We appreciate it.

S. Korea's consumer prices up 2.2% y/y in Jan., marking three months of rising inflation

2025/02/05 10:00

Inflation in South Korea rose back into the two percent range for the first time in five months, spurred by rising oil prices. Data from Statistics Korea on Wednesday showed that the country's consumer price index rose two-point-two percent in January compared to the same month the year before. January marks the third month in which consumer prices have seen a year-on-year rise after inflation dropped to one-point-three percent last October. Notably, prices of petroleum products jumped by more than seven percent – marking the highest rise since July last year.

Trump and Xi talks delayed as tariff war looms

2025/02/05 10:00

As Washington moves forward with sweeping duties on Chinese imports, Beijing is responding with targeted measures of its own, though possible talks between the leaders of the two sides have not been completely ruled out. Our Moon Hye-ryeon reports. U.S. President Donald Trump says he's in no rush to speak with Chinese President Xi Jinping as tensions rise between the world's two largest economies. This comes as the U.S. imposed an additional ten percent tariff on all Chinese imports starting Tuesday – prompting a measured response from Beijing in the form of tariffs on American goods such as coal and liquefied natural gas, as well as possible sanctions on major U.S. companies. When asked about the tit-for-tat levies, Trump remained unfazed and reportedly said, "That's fine." A White House official said that no call between the two leaders has been scheduled as of Tuesday. Beijing's tariffs are due to take effect starting next week, leaving room for negotiations. However, Trump has hinted that even higher tariffs could be on the table unless China addresses the supply of chemicals used to make the powerful opioid fentanyl to countries including Mexico, which is then smuggled into the U.S. Trump also suggested that the European Union could be next, prompting Brussels to keep a close watch on this latest round of trade measures. The head of the EU's executive European Commission spoke out and said it is prepared to protect its own interest if the U.S. shifts its attention to the EU. "We will be ready for tough negotiations where needed and to find solutions where possible, to work out any grievances and to set the foundations for a stronger partnership. We will be open and pragmatic in how to achieve that but we will make it equally clear that we will always protect our own interests however and whenever that is needed." She said it is simply "smart business" for the U.S. and the EU to strike the right balance between safeguarding security and working on where their mutual interests converge in trade and investment. Mexico was also part of Trump's lineup for steep tariffs, but a deal to send 10 thousand members of the country's National Guard to curb fentanyl trafficking at the border pushed back the levies for a month. On Tuesday, it was reported that Mexico began moving its troops to its northern border as part of its deal, with photos and videos circulating on social media showing reinforcements arriving in regions where some cities are frequently affected by drug cartel violence. The Mexican President said that the troops would also assist in maintaining overall security at the border. Moon Hye-ryeon, Arirang News.

Lawmakers plan prison hearings for Yoon and Kim, though both are likely to be absent

2025/02/05 10:00

Today, the National Assembly's special committee investigating the insurrection allegations against President Yoon will attempt to hold prison hearings. However, it seems that both the President and former Defense Minister are likely to skip these sessions. For more, we have our Kim Jung-sil on the line. Good morning Jungsil, fill us in here. Certainly, Dami. The special committee, composed of lawmakers from both the ruling and opposition parties, is currently conducting a field investigation at the Seoul Dongbu Detention Center to question former Minister Kim Yong-hyun. We are receiving live footage, and it appears the ruling party seats are empty, as they had indicated a likely boycott over the selection of President Yoon as a witness. As a result, the field investigation is proceeding with only opposition lawmakers. Later today, at 2 PM, the committee is scheduled to move to Seoul Detention Center to question President Yoon. However, with both Yoon and Kim having already expressed their intention to skip the questioning, it remains uncertain whether any substantial testimonies will be gathered today. I see, now what about President Yoon's recent request to cancel his detention? What are his reasonings behind this move and what's expected next? Yes, that's correct. President Yoon's legal team has filed a request with the court for the cancellation of his detention, arguing that the legal grounds for his arrest have either expired or no longer apply. They claim that the detention period, based on the arrest warrant, expired at midnight on January 25th, making the detention on January 26th unlawful. However, according to reports, the prosecution considers the detention period to expire on the 27th. The court is expected to decide on the request by the end of this week, specifically by February 7th. President Yoon's defense team also contends that the charges, particularly regarding the declaration of martial law, should not be classified as insurrection. Under South Korean criminal procedure law, the court must cancel the detention if the grounds for the arrest no longer exist or have expired. Critics, particularly from the opposition party, say the defense's actions seem to be yet another attempt to exploit legal loopholes. That's all from me this morning, back to you Dami. Thank you Jung-sil, for that report.