News

World News: Release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners is delayed until further notice

2025/02/24 17:00

This is The World Now, bringing you the latest stories from around the globe. In the Middle East Israel has postponed the release of over six hundred Palestinian prisoners, citing concerns, over the humiliating nature of recent hostage return ceremonies conducted by Hamas. On Sunday, local time, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the indefinite delay of the release of 620 Palestinian prisoners. This is in response to what Israel describes as "cynical" and demeaning ceremonies orchestrated by Hamas during the handover of Israeli hostages. During the recent release of six Israeli captives, Hamas paraded the individuals before crowds in highly publicized events, a move Israel claims breaches the terms of the ceasefire agreement. Netanyahu has demanded assurances from Hamas to cease such practices before any further prisoner releases occur. In response, Hamas has accused Israel of not fulfilling its obligations under the ceasefire deal. The postponement raises concerns about the fragility of the ceasefire agreement. In Rome, Pope Francis remains in critical condition at the Gemelli Hospital due to a severe respiratory infection and early signs of kidney failure, according to the Vatican. Despite his health challenges, the Pope, aged 88, remains alert and has expressed gratitude for the global prayers supporting him. Also, in a pre-recorded message, he marked the third anniversary of the Ukraine conflict, describing it as a "painful and shameful" milestone for humanity. Meanwhile, dozens of people gathered beneath Pope Francis' hospital window as well as at the Vatican, to pray for his recovery. Finally, in the United Kingdom, Peggy, a five-year-old pug and Chinese crested mix, has won the Best Canine Newcomer award at the Fidos Awards, an Academy Award for dogs, in London. Peggy had been crowned Britain's Ugliest Dog in 2023 for her unique appearance, characterized by her sparse white hair and 텅ue sticking out. Those looks caught the attention of filmmakers, leading her to the role of "Dogpool" in the blockbuster "Deadpool and Wolverine." On set, Peggy charmed co-stars Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman, mastering tricks like jumping into Reynolds' arms. Her journey from rescue dog to successful silver screen star has inspired many to consider adopting rescue dogs. Choi Chi-hee, Arirang News.

Surgical robots precisely assist interventional treatment for cardiovascular diseases

2025/02/24 17:00

Up next we share with you some promising advances in the use of surgical robots in interventional treatment of cardiovascular disease. Cha Yun-kyung explains. Researchers have been using a surgical robot, nicknamed a "catheter robot," to perform venous and arterial catheterization for the removal of blood clots. A guide wire is moved through blood vessels, controlled by the robot and overseen by a certified surgeon who can take control using a joystick, to locate and treat blockages in, for example, the carotid arteries. The success rate of treatment using the catheter robot has been 100-percent in clinical trials due to its precise control and accuracy, and it also reduces operation times by assisting the surgeon effectively. It also lowers a patient's exposure to radiation by cutting the time needed for real-time X-ray imaging. The robot is currently undergoing further clinical trials before commercialization, after acquiring the New Excellent Technology(NET) certification from the Ministry of Health and Welfare for the first time in Korea's surgical robot industry. "We will start using catheter robots in five designated hospitals from July this year. We can lower the operation time by controlling the robot precisely, 1 millimeter at a time." Surgical robots are being welcomed by patients as they raise the accuracy of surgery and lower the error range. Eyes are on whether catheter robots can be successfully commercialized. Cha Yun-kyung, Arirang News.

Son's two assists in win make him 11th EPL player to join 70 goals, 70 assists club

2025/02/24 17:00

Tottenham Hotspur Captain Son Heung-min has become the 11th English Premier League player with at least 70 goals and 70 assists. The Spurs played Ipswich Town away on Sunday and Son contributed with two assists in the 4-1 win. This latest performance gives him an EPL total of 126 goals and 71 assists just behind current Premier League stars Mohamed Salah and Kevin de Bruyne. It's also the fifth season that Son has scored and assisted at least ten goals.

Germany's conservative CDU wins election, Merz set to become next chancellor

2025/02/24 17:00

In Germany. Friedrich Merz is poised to become the next chancellor as his center-right Christian Democratic Union Party wins the highest proportion of the ballots cast in Sunday's election. Lee Eun-hee has the latest. Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union is expected to win the federal election, positioning its leader Friedrich Merz to become the next chancellor of Europe's largest economy. "We must now quickly regain our ability to act so that we can do the right thing at home; so that we can be present in Europe again; so that the world realizes that Germany is being governed reliably again. That's what the conservatives stand for, that's what we stand for and that's what I personally stand for." On Sunday, initial exit polls showed that Merz's CDU and the allied Christian Social Union secured just under 30-percent of the votes, leaving the center-left Social Democratic Party of current Chancellor Olaf Scholz far behind with approximately 16-percent. In second place was the far-right Alternative for Germany, securing around 20-percent, roughly doubling its result from the 2021 election. The AfD's surge, fueled by growing public concerns over immigration and security, was accompanied by a vow from the party leader to claim first place in future elections. However, despite the party's strong showing, the AfD will not be part of the new government, as all other parties have committed to excluding them from power. With Merz's victory nearly certain, he now faces the task of forming a coalition government which he has vowed to complete by Easter, April 20th. To secure a majority in parliament, Merz will likely need to form alliances with one or more parties, potentially including the SPD, which experienced a dramatic drop from its 2021 result of over 25-percent, marking its worst performance. Despite the open support for the far-right Alternative for Germany party from figures like Elon Musk and U.S. Vice President JD Vance during the election, President Donald Trump welcomed Merz's victory, calling it a "Great day for both Germany and the U.S." Merz, who has never held a ministerial position, has promised to take a strong leadership role in Europe and increase support for Ukraine. In a roundtable TV discussion on Sunday night, Merz remarked that it had become clear in recent days that the Trump administration was "largely indifferent to the fate of Europe." He emphasized that his priority would be to "strengthen Europe as quickly as possible to achieve real independence from the U.S. step by step." Lee Eun-hee, Arirang News.

President Yoon to have one last chance to defend himself against impeachment on Tuesday

2025/02/24 17:00

Come tomorrow that is Tuesday the final hearing of the impeachment trial against President Yoon Suk Yeol takes place in the afternoon amid much anticipation in the details of the president's upcoming concluding remarks in defense of his short-lived martial law. Our correspondent Oh Soo-young has more. President Yoon Suk Yeol will have one last chance to make his case against impeachment this week, as the Constitutional Court wraps up trial hearings on Tuesday. The 11th and final session comes 73 days after the National Assembly passed a vote to remove him from power, after his December third martial law order. According to the Court, the justices will review the remaining evidence that hasn't been scrutinized yet, before giving both the National Assembly and President Yoon's legal teams two hours to present their closing arguments. Then the Assembly's impeachment panel chair Jung Chung-rae and President Yoon will deliver their final statements with no time restrictions. Chung is expected to wrap up the National Assembly's position that Yoon's declaration of martial law was illegal in both procedure and substance, and that his orders on December third violate Constitutional principles. Meanwhile, Yoon is expected to reiterate arguments previously presented by his legal team,. that martial law is an executive right of the President, and was issued as a "warning" against the dominant opposition party's tyranny in parliament that paralyzed government functions. Yoon has also raised concerns over national security and election fraud. As speculation grows over whether Yoon will present a political compromise or gesture, including a suggestion to revise the amendment to shorten his presidential term, his legal team said Sunday that it is not the President's style to offer conditional measures in order to avoid impeachment. The team said Yoon is currently preparing his final statement and is carefully considering various opinions. Once the hearings conclude, the deliberation period begins. Then, Presiding Justice Cheong Hyung-sik will present his review before all eight justices vote for or against impeachment. The ruling will be drafted based on the majority opinion. The Court will then decide the date to announce the verdict, which is expected within two weeks of the last hearing, likely in around mid-March. If six or more of the eight justices vote in favor of impeachment, President Yoon will be removed from office, triggering a snap presidential election within 60 days. However, if at least three justices oppose impeachment, the motion will be dismissed, and President Yoon will immediately resume his duties. Oh Soo-young, Arirang News.

S. Korea strongly protests Japan's repeated false territorial claims over Dokdo

2025/02/24 17:00

In other news. This past weekend Japan ruffled diplomatic feathers by laying claim to South Korea's Dokdo Island yet again. Our foreign affairs correspondent Bae Eun-ji has details. For 20 years, the local government in Japan's Shimane prefecture has been holding annual events, to claim that Dokdo is Japanese territory. A senior Japanese official in charge of territorial issues, Eriko Imai attended this year's ceremony on Saturday. The Japanese government has been sending vice-ministerial-level officials to the annual event, since 2013 when Shinzo Abe served as the country's prime minister. Dokdo, located off South Korea's east coast has long been at the center of diplomatic tension between the two neighboring countries. Japan has claimed sovereignty for decades in its policy papers, public statements, and school textbooks. In response, Seoul's foreign ministry called in Taisuke Mibae, the deputy chief of mission at the Japanese Embassy in Seoul, on Saturday to protest. It also urged the Japanese government to immediately abolish the event, stressing that Dokdo is South Korean territory historically, geographically, and under international law. Experts say that it's important for Japan to act responsibly, to forge a better bilateral relationship. "If Japan truly desires to achieve a meaningful relationship with South Korea, I believe the first step is to get rid of this absurd event. I would also like to say it's time for the Japanese government and local authorities to face up to its history and act in a way that will not be shameful to future generations." This year marks the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Seoul and Tokyo, but territorial claims over Dokdo continue to remain a major obstacle to improving bilateral ties. Bae Eun-ji, Arirang News.

U.S. commerce secretary encourages investments of at least US$ 1 bil. from Korean companies

2025/02/24 17:00

The Trump administration has called for an investment of at least one billion U.S. dollars from Korean companies in return for business support. Our correspondent Lee Soo-jin reports. Newly appointed commerce secretary U.S. Howard Lutnick has told South Korea's business leaders that they should invest at least one billion dollars in exchange for incentives from the U.S. government. The remark was made during a meeting with a South Korean business delegation led by SK Group chairman Chey Tae-won in Washington D.C. on Friday local time. When a member of the delegation presented a multimillion-dollar investment plan, Lutnick said the U.S. seeks at least one billion dollars in investment, an amount that would qualify for various forms of support from the U.S. government. This comment aligns with the "America First Investment Policy" memorandum that President Donald Trump signed after Lutnick's swearing-in ceremony. That memo states that foreign investments of at least one billion dollars may qualify for expedited "fast-track" regulatory approvals, making it easier for investors from allied nations to complete deals quickly. Lutnick also stressed during the meeting that investments must deliver visible results within Trump's term, such as breaking ground on projects within a year of committing funds, hinting that mere investment pledges without timely action would be unacceptable. Chey, who met with reporters at the two-day Trans-Pacific Dialogue that began on Friday, said that while the U.S. wants more production facilities to be built in the U.S., incentives must also be provided to Korean companies. He also added that the delegation achieved what it set out to do and that the U.S. was interested in the six sectors that were discussed, which include shipbuilding, shipbuilding, energy, nuclear power, AI and semiconductors, and mobility, and materials, parts, and equipment. A White House official who was also present at the meeting echoed this sentiment, saying that while the U.S. has held with over 20 economic delegations, the meeting with the South Korean delegation was the most productive. Lee Soo-jin, Arirang News.

Int'l financial body blacklists N. Korea for 15th year over money laundering, financing terrorism

2025/02/24 17:00

North Korea for the 15th year in a row remains on the blacklist of an intergovernmental body founded in 1989 to fight money laundering and terrorist financing. In its latest report last Friday the Financial Action Task Force also raised concerns over North Korea's role in the funding of nuclear weapons proliferation. Accordingly the Task Force is calling for increased vigilance and stronger measures to protect the global financial system. Also included on the blacklist are Iran and Myanmar.

Ukraine spy chief says North Korea is supplying 50% of Russia's ammunition

2025/02/24 17:00

North Korea is supplying half of Russia's ammunition on the front lines of the latter's military campaign against Ukraine. Now this is according to the head of military intelligence in Ukraine's Defense Ministry as reported by Reuters. Lieutenant General Kyrylo Budanov says North Korea is supplying self-propelled howitzers and multiple rocket launch systems to Russia. Such remarks were shared during a press conference on the eve of the third year of Russian invasion of Ukraine. North Korea in addition to providing weapons to Russia deployed thousands of troops last year to support Russian forces.

What's the ground situation like in Ukraine, and what are the variables in peace talks?

2025/02/24 17:00

And against that backdrop Ukraine today that is February 24th marks a grim milestone of unprovoked Russian assault that has lasted for three years and the latest efforts to restore security and stability are doing little to offer a peace of mind. Our Kim Bo-kyoung files this report. 11-percent of its land has been lost, and the population has decreased by nearly ten million in Ukraine, since Russia began its full-scale invasion in February 2022. Russia has captured most of the four southeastern regions, Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson. Considering land already lost to Russia Crimea and Russian-backed separatists since the conflict began in 2014, the total land Ukraine has lost is about 18-percent. Ukraine launched a surprise offensive last August, capturing Russia's Kursk region, only for it to be recaptured by Russian forces. Now with Donald Trump back in the Oval Office, the war has entered a new phase, with the U.S. and Russia beginning the first step of a series of engagements to bring the war to an end. Excluded from the talks, Europe and Ukraine are scrambling for security measures to deter Russia. One expert says having Europe's own security force will be a must, though it might take some time. "Europe will have to have peacekeeping troops or some type of security forces, however they call it, but it will likely be difficult to form a large number of troops in a very short period of time." Ukraine itself is working to have a U.S. presence in the territory, with Kyiv to, reportedly, soon sign a mineral agreement. The expert says the focal point would be what security measures the U.S. has promised Ukraine in return. "If Ukraine has made such significant concessions, accepting the mineral deal, it is likely that the U.S. made proposals of taking on a role in providing further security guarantees." Even if the U.S. allows Ukraine to be a NATO member in exchange for mineral development rights for rare earth elements whether Russia would tolerate this remains a question. though its original purpose was to just gain Ukraine's territory. Kim Bo-kyoung, Arirang News.

K-wave AI News

2025/02/24 14:00

Hello and welcome to your AI guide to the latest cultural updates from Korea. Here's our top story. Poems by Korea's revered resistance poet Yun Dong-ju echoed through the chapel of Rikkyo University in Tokyo on Sunday, commemorating the 80th anniversary of his passing. Rikkyo University, the first institution Yun attended in Japan, hosted the event. Hideki Nakagawa, a chaplain at the university, highlighted Yun's legacy, noting that he penned numerous iconic poems amid Japanese colonial rule and remains an irreplaceable figure for the Korean people. Rikkyo University plans to erect a monument dedicated to Yun this year. Yun was arrested by Japanese authorities for his involvement in a student group discussing Korea's independence and died in prison in 1945, just six months before Korea's liberation from Japan. Miryang City in Gyeongsangnam-do Province has been named the "2024 Cultural City of the Year." The culture ministry recognized Miryang for presenting a model for sustainable cultural city development, placing the city on top among Korea's 24 designated cultural cities. Miryang initiated various cultural projects last year that generated an estimated 9.7 billion won, or around 6.8 million U.S. dollars in economic benefits. It has transformed old spaces into cultural hubs and significantly expanded support for local artists and young creators, laying the foundation for a sustainable cultural city. This year, Miryang plans to further strengthen its cultural city governance and focus on boosting the local economy through cultural initiatives. Injeongjeon Hall, the historic structure of the UNESCO World Heritage site, Changdeokgung Palace, will open its doors next month. The Korea Heritage Service will host a special tour program throughout March allowing visitors to explore the interior of Injeongjeon every Wednesday through Sunday. Designated as a National Treasure in 1985, Injeongjeon is the central building of Changdeokgung. Its name, meaning "Hall of Benevolent Rule," reflects its historical role as the site for significant state ceremonies, including royal coronations, weddings, and receptions for foreign envoys. That's all from me. Keep it tuned to the Kulture Wave.

[Short-form] Workcations in Korea

2025/02/24 14:00

What do workcations look like in Korea? Discover the blissful spots where productivity meets paradise.

What's behind the popularity of "Cheongchun romance" remakes?

2025/02/24 14:00

“Cheongchun“ is a Korean word meaning “youth“. “Cheongchun romance“ films or dramas are love stories revolving around young people like high school students or those in their twenties. These youth melo-dramas are back on the screen, especially with remakes of Taiwanese works from the 2000s. that have been transformed into Korean-styled “cheongchun“ romance movies. Let’s talk more about this trend with culture critic Professor Chie Hye-won at Kyung Hee University’s Arts and Cultural Management Program. Welcome Professor Chie! Q1. We’ve got a number of “cheongchun romance“ remakes that hit the screens lately. Which ones are they? Q1-1. What do you think is behind these numerous remakes of Taiwanese movies? Q2. When comparing with the original work, which Korean remakes have been successful and which not so much? Q3. I think the biggest difference in remakes is not only the language or setting, but especially the actors. In the latest remakes, was there any actor that stood out or was perfect in their role? Q4. What are the characteristics of this “cheongchun romance“ genre that appeal to the Korean audience? Q5. Let’s also mention Korean “cheongchun romance“ movies that were remade in OTHER countries. Q6. Remakes are usually made when the original movie was successful, (or are there other cases?) meaning some amount of pressure probably always exists. Yet, they are continuously being released, due to which strengths would you say? Q7. On the other hand, are there concerns regarding the lack of new original romance movies in the Korean film industry? Q8. What kind of new original “cheongchun romance“ movie would capture audiences' hearts today? What kind of new attempts would you recommend?

[K-enter] Bong Joon-ho's filmmaking showcase exhibition to open in LA

2025/02/24 14:00

It's now time for our K-enter news with Walter Lee. And we start with some exciting news for filmmakers out there. That's right, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is opening an exhibition in Los Angeles next month that showcases director Bong Joon-ho’s creative filmmaking process. The special exhibition which opens on March 23rd is part of the "Director's Inspiration series," which provides an in-depth exploration of the chosen director's cinematic world. It will showcase more than 100 original items, including previously unseen archive materials, personal collections, storyboards, research documents, film posters, concept illustrations, models, props, and behind-the-scenes photographs from Bong’s filmmaking process. While the Academy Museum has previously held retrospectives featuring the works of Korean actors such as Song Kang-ho and Youn Yuh-jung, this marks the first long-term exhibition dedicated to a Korean director’s body of work. The exhibition runs until January 2027. That sounds like an exciting showcase. Anyone over in LA or anyone who plans a trip before Jan. 2027, it might be something for you. Okay, from talking about Korean movie directors to talking about Korean movies. The main trailer for the Netflix series "When Life Gives You Tangerines", starring IU and Park Bo-gum, has been released. The Netflix series tells the adventurous lives of Ae-soon and Gwan-sik, childhood friends born and raised on Jeju Island. It follows their family stories and friendship as the years pass until they become young adults. When Life Gives You Tangerines is set to premiere on Netflix on March 7. Any TV series with IU is worth waiting for. Lastly let us turn to K-pop. What do you have for us? Boy group ASTRO released the song "Twilight" on Sunday to celebrate their 9th debut anniversary and express their heartfelt gratitude to fans. "Twilight" is a track personally produced by leader JinJin, symbolising the group’s journey through difficult and dark times, now the feeling like a rising sun. If we sadly cast our minds back to 2023 former member Moonbin passed away. Since then, each ASTRO member has been actively pursuing individual projects. MJ showcased his talent in the musical Zorro: Actor-Musician last year. JinJin successfully held his first solo concert on February 16. Cha Eun-woo is currently filming for the new Netflix series "The WONDERfools" and Yoon San-ha is set to hold a small-theater concert on March 21.

[Features reporter] The sweet story of Korean strawberries

2025/02/24 14:00

What do you have for us today? Here in Korea, it's not the cherry on top. It's the strawberry. This time of year, they're everywhere, piling up in markets, topping off desserts, and filling bakery shelves. But Korean strawberries aren't just a seasonal favorite anymore. They're making their way beyond our tables and into markets around the world. For this week, I looked into the story behind Korean strawberry's success. From cakes and tarts to canapes and salads and even sandwiches, strawberries dominate bakeries and restaurants across Korea this time of year. But their appeal isn't just local. While Southeast Asia has long been a key market, Korean strawberries are now expanding into new regions. Compared to 2021, exports to the Middle East jumped 40 times last year, while U.S. exports increased threefold. "Until the early 2000s, Japanese strawberries dominated exports to Hong Kong and Southeast Asia. But in 2002, Korea developed the Maehyang variety, which has firmer flesh, a longer shelf life, and a sweeter taste, ideal for export. That was the turning point." It all started here. "The Strawberry Research Institute in Nonsan City, Chungcheongnam-do Province, about a two-hour drive from Seoul is where Korea's signature strawberry varieties are developed. So far, researchers here have cultivated over a dozen unique varieties." This institute introduced the internationally popular Maehyang and then Seolhyang in 2005, which holds an 80-percent share of the domestic market. It's also home to trending varieties like King's Berry, as large as a fist, and Vita Berry, known for its high vitamin content. Developing new strains is a rigorous process, typically taking five to seven years. "We do it through selective breeding, with a focus on taste and yield. The flavor must stand out to attract consumers, and a high-yield variety ensures stable supply." This commitment has shaped the iconic flavor of Korean strawberries. "Korean strawberries offer a unique sweet-tart balance, which is different to many tropical fruits, for example. They also have a juicy texture and softer bite, which makes them especially popular among international consumers." But the journey doesn't stop here, with researchers working to develop the breakthrough variety. "We're developing new varieties with improved durability for the sake of distribution. At the same time, as climate conditions change, we're also focusing on breeding disease-resistant strawberries." It's a success story that's getting sweeter, and it looks like the best is yet to come. Yoo-jin, while strawberries are in peak season here in Korea, they're typically known as a summer fruit in many other parts of the world. What makes Korea different? That's right. Strawberries used to peak in early summer here as well, around May. But thanks to advancements in farming technology, such as greenhouse cultivation with precise temperature control, farmers can now harvest strawberries even in the cold winter months. What's interesting is that winter strawberries take a little over two months from flowering to harvest, compared to just one to one-and-a-half months for summer varieties. This slower growth at lower temperatures allows the fruit to develop a denser, firmer texture and accumulate more nutrients, resulting in a sweeter, more flavorful berry. And there's also a strategic shift in marketing. With fewer fruit options available in winter, producers began focusing on the colder months to meet consumer demand. That's fascinating. And for our viewers who might want to try some, do you have any recommendations from the many K-strawberry varieties out there? Absolutely. According to the Strawberry Research Institute, Korea has developed around 60 to 70 varieties, though only about 10 are available in the market. For those looking for a classic favorite, researcher Yang, who appeared in my report, recommends Seolhyang, loved for their soft texture and sweetness. A newer variety to look out for is Joy Berry, which was introduced in 2023 They're firmer and even sweeter than Seolhyang. And for something unique, there's Doorihyang, known for its distinctive fragrance. They actually went viral after BTS member Jin posted about them on social media. So many varieties to explore. Thank you Yoo-jin for your report today. My pleasure.

U.S., Ukraine near deal for Ukrainian critical minerals rights

2025/02/24 10:00

The U.S. and Ukraine are nearing a deal that would allow Kyiv to provide Washington with rare earth minerals rights as compensation for billions of dollars in military aid Ukraine has received. Lee Seung-jae reports. Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, U.S. Congress has approved some 183 billion U.S. dollars worth of assistance for Ukraine. U.S. President Donald Trump has sought a deal that would not only have Ukraine repay the U.S. for its financial support for the years, but more on top. The deal calls for the U.S. to take 50 percent of Ukraine's mineral and natural resources revenues worth 500 billion dollars. But the deal would include not only revenue from rare earth, but uranium, lithium, oil, gas, and even some port revenues. The deal also specifies that U.S. companies must hold 50 percent ownership of Ukraine's rare earth elements deposits. This would allow the U.S. to receive more than three times what was given to Kyiv for its military and humanitarian support in the past three years. While Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy initially rejected the deal calling for security guarantees, reports indicate that a deal may be near. Speaking to CNN on Sunday, U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff said the agreement is expected to be signed sometime this week. Meanwhile, President Zelenskyy has offered to resign from office, in exchange for a peace guarantee and Ukraine's membership in NATO. "If it's about peace in Ukraine and you really want me to leave my position, I am ready to do that. Secondly, I can exchange it for NATO membership if there is such an opportunity. I'll do it immediately without a long conversation about it." However, earlier this month U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said Kyiv joining NATO was unrealistic, shooting down any prospects of Ukraine's membership. Washington and Moscow will hold talks on improving bilateral relations in the coming days. The Kremlin said that the meeting will involve the Russian Foreign Ministry and the U.S. State Department. It's been reported that the two sides have already begun talks to schedule a summit meeting with Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News. Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News

[Weather] Freezing start turns mild, dry weather warning in east

2025/02/24 10:00

We had another freezing start to the last work week of the month. Feels like temperatures were nearly 4 degrees lower than what readings say. However, the cold snap we've been experiencing should finally ease up this afternoon, and we can expect temperatures to rise above seasonal norms over the week. Meanwhile, eastern parts of Korea are dealing with extremely dry air levels. A dry weather warning has been expanded to more regions with strong winds. Be extra careful with fires, please. Afternoon highs will be 1 to 5 degrees higher than yesterday, topping out at 5 degrees Celsius in the capital, 7 degrees in Daegu and Gyeongju under mostly sunny skies with good air quality. However, Ulleungdo and Dokdo will stay snowy through this morning. By the end of the week, temperatures in the capital could reach double digits, which is a welcome change! Skies will remain partly to mostly sunny in most parts of Korea throughout the week. Enjoy the sunshine!

'Ugliest dog' Deadpool star wins top prize at canine Oscars

2025/02/24 10:00

Finally, in the United Kingdom, Peggy, a five-year-old pug and Chinese crested mix, has won the Best Canine Newcomer award at the Fidos Awards, an Academy Award for dogs, in London. Peggy had been crowned Britain's Ugliest Dog in 2023 for her unique appearance, characterized by her sparse white hair and tongue sticking out. Those looks caught the attention of filmmakers, leading her to the role of "Dogpool" in the blockbuster "Deadpool and Wolverine." On set, Peggy charmed co-stars Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman, mastering tricks like jumping into Reynolds' arms. Her journey from rescue dog to successful silver screen star has inspired many to consider adopting rescue dogs.

Pope Francis in critical condition with early kidney failure but remains alert

2025/02/24 10:00

Over in Rome, Pope Francis remains in critical condition at the Gemelli Hospital due to a severe respiratory infection and early signs of kidney failure, according to the Vatican. Despite his health challenges, the Pope, aged 88, remains alert and has expressed gratitude for the global prayers supporting him. Also, in a pre-recorded message, he marked the third anniversary of the Ukraine conflict, describing it as a "painful and shameful" milestone for humanity. Meanwhile, dozens of people gathered beneath Pope Francis' hospital window as well as at the Vatican, to pray for his recovery.

Release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners is delayed until further notice

2025/02/24 10:00

Moving over to the Middle East Israel has postponed the release of over six hundred Palestinian prisoners, citing concerns, over the humiliating nature of recent hostage return ceremonies conducted by Hamas. On Sunday, local time, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the indefinite delay of the release of 620 Palestinian prisoners. This is in response to what Israel describes as "cynical" and demeaning ceremonies orchestrated by Hamas during the handover of Israeli hostages. During the recent release of six Israeli captives, Hamas paraded the individuals before crowds in highly publicized events, a move Israel claims breaches the terms of the ceasefire agreement. Netanyahu has demanded assurances from Hamas to cease such practices before any further prisoner releases occur. In response, Hamas has accused Israel of not fulfilling its obligations under the ceasefire deal. The postponement raises concerns about the fragility of the ceasefire agreement.