News

Live from early voting polling station in Seoul

2025/05/29 10:00

Two days of early voting have begun in South Korea to elect the country's 21st president. Voters across the country are already making their way to polling stations 5 days earlier than the actual Election Day, and our Ahn Sung-jin is at one of them here in Seoul. Good morning, Sung-jin. 1. Sung-jin, which of the country's 3-thousand 5-hundred-69 polling stations are you at? Right, so Dami I'm currently in front of an early voting location in Yeoksam-dong, Gangnam-gu district, an area bustling with offices and business people. I've been out here since early this morning, and we saw an influx of voters coming in to vote before going to work, so many in fact that officials needed to control the line of people which extended well beyond the front of the polling station. "I'm 20 years old so this is my first time to vote. I hope someone who can bring national unity and enhance people's livelihoods becomes the next president." "I've been waiting to vote, and I wanted to do so as soon as I could. I came early before work because I couldn't wait out of frustration." So far there haven't been any notable issues with the voting process going smoothly. For this presidential election, there are more than 3-thousand-5-hundred polling stations nationwide with around 420 of them in Seoul. 2. Now, Sung-jin, tell us how early voting works. For this early presidential voting, the National Election Commission has made extra effort to realize a fair and transparent election, right? To first explain how early voting works, early voting takes place for two days, Thursday and Friday from 6 AM till 6 PM. Voters must be over 18 and bring government issued ID. Turnout in previous early voting in 2017 was 26.1% while in 2022 it was 36.9% a record-high figure. Although we did see an increase in turnout in 2022, with voting taking place on a weekday, unlike previously, we may see a lower number. The process of verifying vote-counting officials will be strengthened, after accusations in 2020 that Chinese voting officials during the general election may have rigged votes. The NEC emphasized that it will be hiring all 260-thousand voting and counting officials as Korean nationals to shut down any suspicions of election fraud. Ballot boxes will be monitored around the clock, and the NEC will also operate a "Fair Election Observation Team" for the first time to observe the entire election process from voting to counting. The NEC also announced that in this presidential election, the number of voters per hour will be disclosed by each polling station for the first time. 3. It's past 10 AM, which means four hours have passed since the early voting began. How many South Koreans have voted early so far? Right now as of 9AM, at the poll station I'm at 1,722 people have voted, and the total for Seoul is 293,852. Other major cities like Busan saw ______ people, Daegu _______ and Sejong _____. The Democratic Party spokesperson said that their party's candidate Lee Jae-myung will vote in Seoul this morning. The People Power's Party Kim Moon-soo is also believed to be voting early. That's all I have for now, and I will be back with updated figures for our later newscast. Alright Sung-jin, thanks for the coverage. That was our Ahn Sung-jin at one of the early voting polling stations here Seoul.

Early summer warmth continues with rain across Korea

2025/05/29 10:00

We're in for another day where we'll need to keep both sunglasses and an umbrella handy. The atmosphere remains a bit unstable for this afternoon, so some spots could see brief but heavy downpours. Most places can expect 5 to 20 millimeters of rain, with Gyeongsang-do regions seeing heavier showers. But until that rain fall, skies will be mostly sunny nationwide today, meaning the sunshine will be strong. The UV index will be higher in southern parts of Korea with high ozone concentrations. And this afternoon, Seoul will get up to 26 degrees, Daejeon and Daegu both will be hitting 27 degrees Celsius. Looking ahead, tomorrow brings a chance of showers to the southern coastal areas and early summer heat sets in and stays through the weekend. Meanwhile, the weather is looking promising for the presidential election next Tuesday!

Final Debate Showdown: Presidential candidates clash on security, diplomacy, and political Reform

2025/05/28 20:00

Welcome to Within The Frame, where we bring the most pressing issues across the globe into focus. I'm Kim Mok-yeon. In the final televised debate before the presidential election, four major candidates faced off on the most pressing issues in politics, diplomacy and national security. On May 27th, the stage was set for a revealing confrontation: the Democratic Party's Lee Jae-myung emphasized diplomacy and engagement, pledging to restore the 9/19 military agreement, while pursuing balanced ties with the U.S., China, and Russia. The People Power Party's Kim Moon-soo countered with a hardline agenda — calling for the deployment of tactical nuclear weapons, and a NATO-style nuclear-sharing deal. The Reform Party's Lee Jun-seok proposed a sweeping reorganization of government, merging the unification and foreign ministries under a new security deputy prime minister. The Democratic Labor Party's Kwon Young-guk pledged to abolish the military's counterintelligence command and restart peace talks. As candidates clashed over North Korea, alliance costs, and wartime control, the debate laid bare a stark divide — offering voters a critical lens into each party's vision for the Republic of Korea's security and sovereignty. To delve deeper into the candidates' policies on the Korean peninsula, we invited Go Myong-hyun, senior research fellow at the Institute for National Security Strategy, into the studio with us. Welcome. Also joining us online is Christophe Gaudin, professor of political science at Kookmin University. Good to see you. 1. (GO) To start with the big picture just yesterday, the final TV debate among the four presidential candidates was held, focusing on foreign and security policy. What stood out most to you in terms of how each candidate framed their priorities? 2. (GAUDIN) Let's start by unpacking how they framed their core priorities, especially with regard to national security and foreign policy So all presidential candidates have pledged to pursue pragmatic diplomacy centered on the ROK-U.S. alliance. However, critics argue that they failed to present specific blueprints. How would you assess the candidates' diplomatic and security pledges? 3. (GO) Diving deeper into inter-Korean policy The candidates showed differing views on North Korea's denuclearization and ways to restore inter-Korean relations. DP Candidate Lee Jae-myung emphasized reviving the September 19 Military Agreement as part of reinitiating the denuclearization process. What challenges must be overcome to make this happen in this situation? 4. (GAUDIN) Building on that PPP Candidate Kim Moon-soo stressed a principled North Korea policy based on preconditions for denuclearization. He even suggested reviewing the redeployment of tactical nuclear weapons or adopting a NATO-style "nuclear sharing" policy to strengthen nuclear deterrence. This became a major point of contention with the DP's Lee Jae-myung. What is your assessment of Kim's policy? Is it realistic? 5. (GAUDIN) Turning now to structural reform proposals RP Candidate Lee Jun-seok proposed merging the Ministry of Unification and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and appointing a "Deputy Prime Minister for Security" to oversee diplomacy, unification and defense. How would this merger affect the consistency and flexibility of domestic and foreign policy strategy? 6. (GO) On the topic of military oversight DLP Candidate Kwon Young-guk, who pledged to restart the Korean Peninsula peace process, proposed abolishing the Defense Counterintelligence Command (DCIC), citing its involvement in last year's martial law controversy. What is your opinion on the pledge to abolish the DCIC? 7. (GAUDIN) Zooming out to alliance management The candidates also expressed differing opinions on the issue of increasing South Korea's share of defense costs for U.S. Forces Korea. Notably, the PPP's Kim Moon-soo left room for a possible increase. How effective are the proposed solutions to this cost-sharing issue under the next administration? 8. (GO) Staying with alliance dynamics Among Lee Jae-myung's foreign and security pledges, the plan to reclaim wartime operational control (OPCON) stands out. If OPCON transfer occurs, what changes might it bring to the ROK-U.S. combined defense structure? 9. (GAUDIN) And finally, looking at the bigger diplomatic chessboard With the geopolitical landscape on the Korean Peninsula shifting — U.S.-China tensions, and strengthening North Korea-Russia ties — foreign and security policies have never been more crucial. With less than a week left until the election, what should voters prioritize when evaluating the candidates' foreign and security pledges?

Lee Jae-myung focuses campaign on eastern Seoul; DP urges early voting

2025/05/28 20:00

Thank you for joining us. I'm Yoon Jung-min. Ahead of early voting tomorrow, the DP's Lee Jae-myung toured the capital, seeking voter support. The party also focused on asking for strong voter participation. Our campaign correspondent Shin Ha-young reports. A day before early voting begins for the snap presidential election, Democratic Party candidate Lee Jae-myung visited eastern Seoul, which the party describes as a region that shows Seoul's past, present, and future. "Lee Jae-myung's campaign on Wednesday is focusing on attracting support from voters in the capital, by sharing his plan to make eastern Seoul not only a new hub for business, culture and transportation growth, but also – as a result a better place to live." Ahead of Wednesday's rally, Lee joined a live YouTube broadcast where he emphasized his commitment to push South Korea's benchmark index, the KOSPI, to 5-thousand points and outlined plans for stock market reform. "South Korea's conservative governments have not been typical conservative governments, which has made them irrational. The economy relies on rationality and predictability. With little economic policy and frequent corporate abuses, the market has stayed weak. Fixing these issues could boost the market by 200 to 300 points." Meanwhile, the DP focused on getting people out to the polls, urging the public to vote to end what the party described as an insurrection. "Let's bring peace, revive the economy, and unite the country by taking part in early voting this Thursday and Friday. Everyone, please make sure to vote your vote is more powerful than guns and swords." Floor leader and Acting Chairman Park Chan-dae, who also serves as a chair of the presidential campaign committee, also noted that overseas voter turnout had reached a record high, reflecting a strong desire among Koreans abroad for peace and change in the country. He stressed that it is now up to voters in South Korea to carry that momentum forward. Lee is expected to cast his vote in Seoul's Sinchon on the first day of early voting and encourage others to take part as well. Shin Ha-young, Arirang News.

[Weather] Early summer heat of around 30 degrees with strong UV rays

2025/05/28 20:00

Early summer heat with daytime temperatures approaching 30 degrees Celsius appeared today in many areas. It rose up to 26 degrees Celsius in Seoul, 28 degrees in Daejeon and 29 degrees in Gwangju and Gimcheon. As the heat gets stronger, the atmosphere will become unstable, leading to strong showers. Showers will continue in some areas tomorrow. We also need to be prepared for strong UV rays in these hot conditions. Ultraviolet rays will be very strong in most areas due to strong sunshine tomorrow. Please refrain from going outside between noon and 3 in the afternoon when the UV rays are at their peak. Tomorrow morning, Seoul and Busan will start off at 16 degrees, Gwangju at 15 degrees. Daytime temperatures will move up to 26 degrees in Seoul and Chuncheon, 23 degrees in Busan. Temperatures will continue to be nearly 30 degrees around the country throughout this week. That's all for Korea. Here are the weather conditions around the world.

MADEX 2025 exhibition offers peek at the latest maritime defense technologies

2025/05/28 20:00

A major event showcasing Korea's new maritime defense technologies has kicked off its four-day trade show in the city of Busan, where a rivalry between the country's leading shipbuilders caught the attention. Our defense correspondent Kim Bo-kyoung has the highlights. A place to have a peek at South Korea's latest maritime defense technologies. The 14th edition of the International Maritime Defense Industry Exhibition, dubbed "MADEX", kicked off Wednesday in the southeastern port city of Busan. Gathered were around two-hundred companies from 14 countries, as well as representatives from the naval forces of 29 nations. "I believe the innovative technologies showcased at this event will significantly enhance the combat capabilities of our Navy and greatly contribute to the expansion of K-Defense exports overseas." "One of the most interesting features of the four-day exhibition is the direct rivalry between South Korea's leading shipbuilders—HD Hyundai and Hanwha—whose booths are positioned directly across from each other." This, is a reminder of the fierce competition between two defense heavyweights, vying for Korea's next-generation destroyer, or KDDX, program. Aside from showcasing their own visions for the project to build six 6000-ton-class next-gen Aegis destroyers, the two giants offered more to enjoy. Hanwha's three defense affiliates established a joint booth together for the first time, presenting a way for the future when it comes to naval platforms, incorporating manned-unmanned integrated systems, and next-generation submarines targeting the global market. "In response to varying requirements from different countries—such as the exclusion of VLS or AIP systems—we are independently developing submarines equipped with lithium battery systems, enabling them to operate underwater for over seven days." HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, also premiered a high-performance 6,500-ton-class frigate, to secure competitiveness in the global market, especially to meet the needs of advanced navies that primarily conduct anti-ship operations. "The frigates we are currently delivering domestically are smaller at 3,600 tons. That is why we have independently researched and developed a new 6,500-ton class frigate capable of anti-ship operations." LIG Nex1 and Hanwha Systems, contenders for next year's naval combat USV development program, are also showcasing their own tech. The four-day event continues through Saturday, offering a glimpse into the future of maritime defense. Kim Bo-kyoung, Arirang News, Busan.

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

2025/05/28 20:00

The Trump administration has halted visa interviews for international students seeking to study in the U.S., as it prepares to vet their social media accounts. Lee Seung-jae has the details. 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 20:00

In the Middle East. Food aid started being distributed to people in Gaza afters weeks of blockade as the war drags on for 600 days now. Ahn sung-jin has the latest. 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.

March birth figures increase for first time in 10 years in S. Korea

2025/05/28 20:00

On the demographic front. More babies were born in March and more marriages were noted as well, contributing to a sharp increase in the latest quarterly number of births. Our Moon Ji-young covers the latest findings. The number of newborns in the first quarter of this year recorded its highest in three years, driven by increased marriages and improved perceptions of childbirth. Data from Statistics Korea on Wednesday shows that a total of 21-thousand-41 babies were born in March this year, marking a 6-point-8 percent year-on-year increase. This represents the ninth consecutive month of growth and marks the first time in 10 years that March birth figures have increased compared to the previous year. "Last year, people started having babies again, having delayed doing so during the pandemic, and now it seems this is continuing this year. Additionally, we're seeing births from couples who married two years ago and last year being added to this trend." The number of marriages also continued to climb, with 19-thousand-181 couples tying the knot in March , marking an 11-point-5 percent increase from the previous year. This marks the 12th consecutive month of growth—the longest upward streak since record-keeping began—and its highest level in six years. Some experts attribute this increase to changes in individual perceptions of marriage. "Even just five or ten years ago, there were many times when marriage was viewed as something not very 'cool.' There were also many extremely negative perspectives about it. But these days, it's true that those views have softened significantly." Meanwhile, the number of divorces dropped by 3-point-2 percent from a year earlier. The country's total fertility rate, the average number of children a woman is expected to have during her lifetime, also edged up. It came in at point-7-7, up point-0-4 from a year earlier, with gains seen across all age groups, from women aged 24 and under, to those in their 40s and beyond. Despite the rise in births and marriages, the country continues to face a natural population decline. With 31-thousand-141 deaths reported in March, a point-2 percent increase year-on-year, the population contracted by 10-thousand-100 individuals. Moon Ji-young, Arirang News.

South Korea's presidential security agents practice shooting, motorcade, attack scenarios ahead of Inauguration Day

2025/05/28 20:00

As Korea awaits a new leader, the Presidential Security Service revealed to media for the first time their agents in action, training for the upcoming inauguration, to ensure the event is held safely. Oh Soo-young takes us to the scene. A gunshot. An attempted assassination of the President. Instantly and instinctively, top security agents spring into action, using their bodies to shield an actor posing as South Korea's leader. Pistols drawn, they quickly hustle him towards the vehicle, securing all sides, before evacuating the President to safety. Ahead of the inauguration of South Korea's incoming leader next week, the Presidential Security Service for the first time in its 62-year history revealed its training to media outlets. The drills simulate the President's movements on the day of the inauguration, and potential crisis scenarios which include domestic and international terrorism. This includes a motorcade, stretching across a six-lane road. Over a dozen vehicles surround the presidential car, moving in close formation. Weaving around obstacles, agents create seamless mobility, and swiftly neutralise an attack suddenly coming their way. Shooting drills also sharpen their ability to hit small, specific target areas within a limited time and space with high accuracy. Practicing to perfection, the simulated exercises demonstrate collective readiness, and each agent's ultimate dedication to protecting the elected leader of South Korea's democracy. The PSS says it will allow no room for error to occur on Inauguration Day to enable a safe and dignified occasion for Korea on the world stage. It intends to execute protection that anticipates and prepares for every possible scenario, maintaining a thorough security posture that also puts public safety first. The Service will oversee the security of world leaders at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit in Korea this November. Oh Soo-young, Arirang News.

Two days of early voting begin Thursday for 21st presidential election

2025/05/28 20:00

Early voting for South Korea's 21st presidential election will begin on Thursday and run for two days at more than 35-hundred polling stations nationwide. Polling hours are from 6 AM to 6 PM, and ballots can be cast at any early voting station, regardless of the voter's registered address. A valid form of identification is required, such as a resident registration card, passport, or driver's license. Mobile ID, presented via an official app, is also accepted, but screenshots or image captures are not valid. Information on early voting locations is available on the National Election Commission's official website.

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

2025/05/28 20:00

Speaking of the debate. A discussion to share visions for the next five years too often changed course to wage attacks against each other. The final debate yesterday was no exception, with candidates exchanging personal criticisms as they shared their own views on foreign policy and politics. Lee Eun-hee has the highlights. 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. Lee Eun-hee, Arirang News.

Lee Jun-seok continues outreach to young voters in Seoul

2025/05/28 20:00

Reform Party candidate Lee Jun-seok also continued his campaign today while reiterating his resolve to remain in the race. He held a lunchtime rally at Yeouido Park with white-collar workers before heading to Gangnam Station and COEX in southern Seoul to touch base with young voters and startup company workers. Starting later this evening until the last day of the official campaign period, Lee plans to engage in overnight events to interact with voters one-on-one. Also earlier in the day, he apologized for his use of crude language during Tuesday's presidential debate while referencing alleged remarks by the son of Democratic Party candidate Lee Jae-myung.

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

2025/05/28 17:00

AND that final presidential election debate that was aired live Tuesday night saw its fair amount of ad hominem attacks as the candidates sought to share their defense and diplomatic policies. Our correspondent Oh Soo-young has the highlights. 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.

[Weather] Early summer heat with strong showers everywhere

2025/05/28 17:00

Early summer-like daytime heat continued today across the country. Today's highs rose up to 26 degrees Celsius in Seoul, 28 degrees in Daejeon and 29 degrees in Gwangju and Gimcheon. As the heat gets stronger, the atmosphere will become unstable, leading to strong showers. Just like today, there will be showers in some areas tomorrow. In addition, we need to be prepared for strong UV rays. Tomorrow afternoon, ultraviolet rays will be 매우 strong in most areas due to strong sunshine. Please refrain from doing outdoor activities between noon and 3 in the afternoon when the UV rays are at their peak. Tomorrow morning, Seoul and Busan will start off at 16 degrees, Gyeongju at 13 degrees. Daytime temperatures will move up to 26 degrees in Seoul and Chuncheon, 27 degrees in Daegu. Temperatures will rise up to nearly 30 degrees all over the country throughout the week. That's all for Korea. Here are the weather conditions around the world.

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

2025/05/28 17:00

An annual international peace forum is currently underway on the southern island of Jeju. Organizers say some four thousand participants from 30 nations are attending the 20th Jeju Forum which began earlier on this Wednesday. On the agenda of the three-day forum are talks on geopolitics in the face of the Trump administration's America First Policy and stability on the Korean peninsula as well as regional maritime security.

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

2025/05/28 17:00

In its latest border control INITIATIVE the Trump administration has halted visa interviews for international students seeking to study in the U.S. as it prepares to vet their social media accounts. Lee Seung-jae has details. 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 17:00

In the Middle East. Ordinary Palestinians continue to bear the brutal brunt of Israel's counteroffensive against the militant group Hamas as both sides mark a tragic milestone today. Ahn Sung-jin reports. 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.

Seoul ranks 15th in the Global City Index

2025/05/28 17:00

Seoul ranks 15th among one thousand cities across the globe this year according to a British economic advisory firm. Oxford Economics says its 2025 Global Cities Index shows Seoul soaring past 26 spots from last year to rank 15th worldwide and 2nd in Asia just after Tokyo. The evaluation covers five categories including economy human capital quality of life environment and governance. While Seoul ranked 5th worldwide in human capital it lost much ground in environment owing to the seasonal yellow dust affecting air quality. Meanwhile New York London and Paris in that order were ranked the top three.

March birth figures increase for first time in 10 years in S. Korea

2025/05/28 17:00

Meanwhile on the demographic front. More babies were born in March and more marriages were noted as well. Our Moon Ji-young covers the latest findings. The number of newborns in the first quarter of this year recorded its highest in three years, driven by increased marriages and improved perceptions of childbirth. Data from Statistics Korea on Wednesday shows that a total of 21-thousand-41 babies were born in March this year, marking a 6-point-8 percent year-on-year increase. This represents the ninth consecutive month of growth and marks the first time in 10 years that March birth figures have increased compared to the previous year. "Last year, people started having babies again, having delayed doing so during the pandemic, and now it seems this is continuing this year. Additionally, we're seeing births from couples who married two years ago and last year being added to this trend." The number of marriages also continued to climb, with 19-thousand-181 couples tying the knot in March , marking an 11-point-5 percent increase from the previous year. This marks the 12th consecutive month of growth—the longest upward streak since record-keeping began—and its highest level in six years. Some experts attribute this increase to changes in individual perceptions of marriage. "Even just five or ten years ago, there were many times when marriage was viewed as something not very 'cool.' There were also many extremely negative perspectives about it. But these days, it's true that those views have softened significantly." Meanwhile, the number of divorces dropped by 3-point-2 percent from a year earlier. The country's total fertility rate, the average number of children a woman is expected to have during her lifetime, also edged up. It came in at point-7-7, up point-0-4 from a year earlier, with gains seen across all age groups, from women aged 24 and under, to those in their 40s and beyond. Despite the rise in births and marriages, the country continues to face a natural population decline. With 31-thousand-141 deaths reported in March, a point-2 percent increase year-on-year, the population contracted by 10-thousand-100 individuals. Moon Ji-young, Arirang News.