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K-wave AI News

2025/01/20 14:00

Welcome to The Kulture Wave AI News. Here's our first story of the day. Culture Minister Yu In-chon attended the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2025 and the ASEAN+3 Tourism Ministers Meeting in Johor Bahru, Malaysia over the weekend. As co-chair of this year's ASEAN tourism gathering, Minister Yu led discussions on enhancing regional cooperation in the sector. During a series of bilateral meetings with his partners, he emphasized ways to expand Korea's role to strengthen the connectivity with the ASEAN bloc, also underscoring the Korean government's efforts to ensure a safe environment for international visitors. Korea signed a memorandum of understanding on tourism cooperation with Malaysia, commemorating the 65th anniversary of diplomatic ties this year. Marking the 80th anniversary of Korea's liberation from Japan, the Korea Heritage Service will issue commemorative stamps featuring four repatriated cultural artifacts. These artifacts symbolize Korea's resilient efforts to protect its sovereignty and highlight the value of independence. The stamps include depictions of documents related to the late Joseon-era militia and the imperial seal of Emperor Gojong. Over 540,000 stamps will be issued, which can be purchased at local post offices or via the Internet Post Office website. The Andong Amsan Ice Festival, the largest winter event in the Gyeongsang region, reopened last weekend after a two-year hiatus, drawing large crowds. The festival's highlights include traditional sledding and smelt fishing, along with various other activities such as ice skating, ice slides, and ice train rides. The event will run until this Sunday. That's all for now. Keep it tuned to The Kulture Wave.

[Short-form] ‘Daehan’: The Great Cold

2025/01/20 14:00

Find out what ‘Daehan’ means and what Koreans do for this solar term, a time when winter's end meets the hope of spring.

Movies to watch out for during Lunar New Year holidays

2025/01/20 14:00

In a week from now, the Lunar New Year holidays will begin, with January 27th having been designated as a temporary holiday a great opportunity to catch a movie. Today we will look into the latest hits and upcoming releases that are expected to draw visitors to the theaters during the holidays and beyond. We’ll do that with our movie expert Jae Soh , Professor and filmmaker at Seoul Institute of the Arts. Welcome Professor Soh! Q1. Let’s begin with the latest Korean movies that are doing great at the box office and your forecast for the movie sector during the lunar new year holiday season. Q2. There are a number of new domestic films currently being promoted in the run-up to their release. Please tell us about them. Q3. From occult to comedy to romance there seems to be a variety of genres to look out for. But is there a particular movie we should keep an eye on? Q4. How do you see the audience’s preferences and trends change and will the movies at the beginning of the year set the tone for the trends in the rest of the year? Q5. The Lunar New Year holiday as well as the Chuseok holiday here in Korea are also the best seasons to stay at home with the family and watch fun movies on TV. What’s lined up for next week’s holidays? Q6. Going back to the box office. There are voices of concern that the back-to-back releases of movies may have a negative impact in terms of competition? What’s your assessment? Q7. Finally, can we expect any positive long-term impacts of the lunar new year holiday season on the film industry?

[K-enter] Rosé's "APT" No. 2 on UK Singles Chart for 3rd Straight Week...Jimin's "Who" Hits 20-Week Milestone

2025/01/20 14:00

Time for the latest in the world of K-entertainment with Walter Lee. We have updates on two artists doing well in the UK charts. Another week has passed, and Rosé still remains at No. 2 on the UK Official Singles Chart Top 100 for a third consecutive week, continuing her outstanding run with her song "APT" feat. Bruno Mars. For anyone who may not be familiar with the UK Official Singles Chart Top 100, it is the equivalent to the U.S. Billboard Top 100, where Rosé is at no.5 at the moment. There was speculation that the single might actually reach No. 1 last week, but we might just have to wait until the next chart update to see if she can grab that top spot. Let's all hope she can top the charts this week! Standing in her way is Gracie Abrams' "That's So True." And who is our other artist? Staying with the UK charts, BTS Jimin’s song titled “Who” remains strong. It is in the UK Official Singles Chart for its 20th consecutive week, currently sitting at no.13. But this is a special moment for Jimin, as his song surpasses PSY's "Gentleman" to make it the second longest-charting K-pop solo song in UK chart history, second only to PSY's legendary 2012 hit "Gangnam Style." We are sticking to a K-pop theme today and we want to give a review of NCT 127's latest tour. Let's talk about NCT 127's fourth world tour, "Neo City: The Link – The Moment", which started with two sold-out shows at Seoul's Gocheok Sky Dome on Saturday and Sunday, drawing 37,000 fans. The concert showcased their explosive energy and iconic performances, featuring hits like "Gas," "2 Baddies," and "Sticker,". Despite performing as six members due to enlistments and departures, the group displayed unwavering unity, impressing fans with their sharp choreography and powerful live vocals across a 26-song setlist. The production was equally mesmerising, with massive LED screens, lasers, lifts forming pyramids, and cinematic VCRs that added to the show. After a successful Seoul run, NCT 127 will continue their tour across 14 cities worldwide, including Jakarta, Bangkok, Toronto, Osaka, LA and more. Ending off with some K-drama news. The trailer for the Netflix series "The Trauma Code: Heroes On Call", starring Ju Ji-hoon , has been released. The medical drama series follows the story of Baek Kang-hyuk , played by Ju, a brilliant surgeon who served in war zones and now takes on the task of reviving a struggling trauma team at an infamous hospital. The K-drama is based on a popular webtoon of the same name, which gained widespread love for its inventive storyline. The Netflix series The Trauma Code will premiere worldwide on Netflix on the 24th. That's going to be later this week. Alright, thank you for your K-enter updates Walter. Stick around. For other culture-related new, we now turn to our AI anchor Ari! Take it away!

Trump Inauguration D-Day: impacts of Trump's protectionist policies on S. Korean industries

2025/01/20 10:00

Trump's comeback also means the return of his feisty protectionist trade policies. For South Korea, experts say it'll be a time of both risks and opportunities. Our Moon Hye-ryeon explains. As U.S. President Donald Trump takes office for his second term, his aggressive trade policies, particularly targeting China, are raising concerns worldwide. Trump has signaled plans for sweeping tariffs, including additional levies on Chinese imports, as part of his broader protectionist strategy – aiming to shift global trade dynamics and strengthen U.S. leverage. However, such policies have raised alarm in countries like South Korea, heavily reliant on exports. For South Korea, Trump's trade war with China poses both risks and opportunities across a wide range of industries. Advanced technology sectors such as semiconductors could face increased barriers to trade as a result of the U.S.-China tensions. Trump's protectionist policies have also triggered concerns surrounding potential amendments to the Inflation Reduction Act, and whether Samsung Electronics and SK hynix as beneficiaries of the CHIPS and Science Act could be affected. Experts say that while anything that has already been signed into contract is safe, possible future subsidies could be at risk. But the U.S. also stands to be negatively impacted as a result. "If President Trump really wants to use tariffs to induce semiconductor investment in the United States, tariffs have to be higher than 20 percent. And if tariffs for semiconductors do go that high, then it probably will hurt the United States more than help it." The steel and automobile industries could also be affected as they have been historically important for the U.S. economy. "They have been really important in the U.S. economy – especially by taking important roles in creating jobs for a long time but have lost their competitiveness in the global market. So the Trump administration is expected to implement higher tariffs on goods that experience large trade deficits." On the upside, some sectors in South Korea could benefit from Trump's tariffs. For instance, industries like electric vehicles and batteries, where South Korea has a strong presence, may see increased demand as countries look to diversify their supply chains and reduce reliance on China. South Korea's plans to boost its eco-friendly vehicle sector and advance battery technology through significant investments as announced by Acting President and Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok earlier last week, may position it as a global leader in these fields. There is also growing anticipation that U.S. sanctions on China's shipbuilding sector will benefit South Korea's shipbuilding companies as they gain a competitive edge. As Trump's trade policies take shape, South Korea's industries and government will need to stay agile, balancing the potential risks and rewards in this evolving trade landscape. Moon Hye-ryeon, Arirang News.

Seoul Western District Court operating normally after protesters' attack on Sunday

2025/01/20 10:00

And it was a weekend full of violence and anger, with pro-Yoon protesters attacking a court that issued the formal arrest warrant against him. Our Kim Bo-kyoung tells us more. Seoul Western District Court, which was attacked by supporters of President Yoon on early Sunday morning, returns normal operations on Monday, though vehicle access is restricted, and identity verification is required to enter. The court faced an unprecedented attack after it issued President Yoon's formal arrest warrant at around 3AM on Sunday. Angry supporters stormed into the court, heading to the back entrance when blocked by police at the front gate. Some smashed windows using stones and fire extinguishers to enter the court. Inside, they sprayed fire extinguishers, vandalized televisions and ATMs along with other items, and even ransacked a judge's chambers on the 7th floor, looking for Judge Cha Eun-kyung, who was responsible for the decision to issue the warrant. The protesters were only dispersed three hours later at around 6 AM after a large police force was deployed. A total of 87 protesters were apprehended. On Sunday afternoon, Yoon's supporters focused their protests on the Constitutional Court, which is responsible for making a decision over Yoon's impeachment. They split into three groups in Jongno-gu District, and held unregistered rallies at locations nearby. Though the police notified protesters of possible punishment, they did not disband. There were no clashes between the police and the protesters, but three people were apprehended, one for climbing over the wall of the court for a suspected break-in, one for possessing a crowbar, and another for suspected obstruction of official duties. Responding to the attack on the Seoul Western District Court, police and the prosecution said they will deal "sternly" with all of the protesters who were involved in violent acts by investigating them under detention. Citing their attack as "grave crimes" that undermine the rule of law and judicial system, the prosecution on Sunday formed a nine-member team to investigate the protesters. The Supreme Court Chief Justice is to hold an emergency meeting of justices on Monday morning, to share how the situation unfolded and talk about the ways to restore the rule of law, including normalizing court functions and preventing a similar incident from occurring again. Kim Bo-kyoung, Arirang News.

Senior presidential secretaries pledge to back gov't efforts to 'stably manage' diplomacy, economy

2025/01/20 10:00

Following his detention, President Yoon's senior secretaries held a meeting on Sunday to discuss how to move forward as an administration. In a press statement, the top office pledged support for the government's efforts to effectively manage diplomatic and security affairs, given the evolving international landscape, such as leadership changes in allied nations. It will also work with the Cabinet to address high exchange and interest rates, and oil prices which affect people's livelihoods. Chief-of-Staff Chung Jin-suk called on all secretaries to "fulfill their respective roles as public officials to ensure stable governance."

Preparations in full swing with one day to go until Trump's inauguration

2025/01/20 10:00

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump officially moves back into the White House on Monday. And inauguration-related events are in full swing, with the inauguration itself set to take place indoors due to extreme winter conditions. Lee Seung-jae reports. In less than a day, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump will be sworn into office, and return to the White House, four years after his election defeat to Joe Biden. Four days of inauguration-related events kicked off on Saturday with a reception and fireworks at his golf club in Virginia, with around 500 people in attendance. On Sunday, he visited Arlington National Cemetery, and laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. And due to the extreme winter conditions in the U.S. capital, the inauguration day ceremony will take place indoors at the U.S. Capitol rotunda. Monday is expected to be the coldest inauguration day in 40 years, with temperatures forecast to dip to minus 5 degrees Celsius, with winds blowing up to 48 kilometers per hour due to an arctic vortex in the region. After Trump is sworn into office, he will make his inauguration speech before events close on Tuesday with a prayer service at Washington National Cathedral. Despite the extreme winter conditions, supporters of Trump came to celebrate his return, with the "Make America Great Again Victory Rally" taking place on Sunday. "I got here at 5 in the morning. And tomorrow the same. I was going to go out there now because of the freezing cold. I don't do it. I've got to do it. I've got to, I can't wait to dance that YMCA dance. I'm practicing. I'm hoping Trump will wave back." The rally took place at the Capital One Arena in Washington, where Trump held his pre-inauguration address. There, Trump promised to usher in a new era of American prosperity, adding that on Monday, the country will "begin a brand new day of American strength, prosperity, dignity and pride." Meanwhile, video sharing platform TikTok said Sunday it was restoring its service. The move comes after Trump said he would reverse a ban on the app when he returns to the Oval Office. TikTok said in a message to users that the service would be restored "as a result of President Trump's effort." In an interview with NBC News' "Meet the Press" on Saturday, Trump said he would "most likely" give the platform a 90-day reprieve from a potential ban in the U.S. once he takes office. While a final decision hasn't been made, the soon-to-be U.S. leader is considering the extension for the China-based parent company to sell to a non-Chinese-buyer, or face a U.S. ban. TikTok stopped working in the U.S. on Saturday, before a law shutting it down on the grounds of national security took effect on Sunday. Washington had warned of Americans' data being misused by Chinese parent company ByteDance. Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.

Yoon refuses to be questioned again while CIO bans personal visits for Yoon

2025/01/20 10:00

President Yoon Suk Yeol was formally arrested on Sunday, which means he stays put in the Seoul Detention Center but now with a prisoner number. We go straight to the site where he's being detained. Do-yeon, how are things looking there this morning, and what might we see today? Good morning Dami, as you said I'm standing in front of Seoul Detention Center where President Yoon has been detained since last week. At the moment there are only a handful of people here in support of President Yoon that I can see with barricades and officers at the scene to maintain order. Members of the media have been arriving here since early morning to see whether President Yoon will be leaving here for questioning by the CIO. However, according to his legal team, he has once again refused to make himself available for the questioning session. They have been saying that Yoon has already shared everything with the CIO so there is no need for additional questioning. They did this on Friday and yesterday as well after the new warrant was issued. Now as President Yoon is in custody the CIO could be looking at being more forceful with President Yoon, something the investigators will certainly have to be careful with. All in all President Yoon has only appeared at the CIO once. 2. Now, President Yoon is under a new and different kind of arrest warrant than what was issued last week. Some say he's "officially" arrested what does this mean? Dami, that's right over the weekend, the CIO was able to get a warrant to keep Yoon in custody until early February. And that means the CIO and the prosecutors will have him here at the Seoul Detention Center while they question him to investigate the case further. There are two types of arrest one that preliminarily allows investigators to detain suspects for 48 hours and within that 48 hours after questioning they can request another arrest warrant to extend the period of detention. Yoon is now being held under that second warrant as a local court early on Sunday morning granted the CIO's request despite efforts from Yoon's legal team to fight back. This means he is now dressed in a detention center-issued uniform with an inmate number assigned to him. Considering his status he will have a separate cell and guards will try to isolate him from other inmates. According to the Justice Ministry he's had a mug shot taken and a body search the same procedure as anyone else who has been arrested. It's because of all these details that some are calling Yoon's current situation an "official arrest." 3. Do-yeon, the CIO also has banned Yoon from personal visits citing possible obstruction of evidence. What does this mean? Right Dami, as Yoon uses his legal rights to refuse questioning sessions the CIO is also using its legal options to pressure President Yoon. As you said, except for Yoon's attorneys he's not going to be able to see anyone until formal prosecution begins for this case. The CIO cited obstruction of evidence as the reason and remember that is the exact reason why the court issued the second "official" arrest warrant. Now, Yoon's legal team could also be filing for a review of the legality of this current arrest as well and we'll have to see how that legal battle unfolds. That's all for now, back to you Dami.

[Weather] No major cold snap on Daehan, dusty nationwide

2025/01/20 10:00

It's Daehan today, the last winter seasonal term meaning great cold. But temperatures will be way warmer than usual. However, central parts of Korea could see a mix of light rain and snow through late this afternoon. Today's warmth will bring dusty air to the country. Right now the capital area and Jeju are choking on bad air but when the temperatures go up this afternoon, the air quality will worsen nationwide. The season's first preliminary fine dust reduction measures have been issued in Chungcheongnam-do Province. Afternoon highs will be 2 to 5 degrees Celsius higher than norms, Seoul gets up to 8 degrees Celsius, Daegu and Busan and Jeju make it to 11 degrees. It will be cloudier in the western regions. The East Coast remains under a dry weather advisory. It's going to feel more like early March this week but air quality will cause a headache. That's Korea for you, here's a look at the international weather conditions.

International Circus Festival of Monte Carlo underway in Monaco

2025/01/20 10:00

In Monaco, the 47th International Circus Festival of Monte-Carlo is underway. The event created by Prince Rainier III of Monaco in 1974, brings together top circus performers from around the globe, competing for the Golden Clown Award. It runs from January 17th to the 26th. Highlights of this year's festival include a record-breaking act featuring over 40 animals in the ring at once, a debut performance by China's renowned bicycle acrobats, and a daring quadruple somersault by Mexican trapeze artists. Young talents from the "New Generation" competition will also showcase their skills alongside seasoned artists.

ASEAN foreign ministers meeting begins in Malaysia

2025/01/20 10:00

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, convened its Foreign Ministers' Retreat on Sunday in Langkawi, Malaysia. The Retreat was the first major meeting under Malaysia's ASEAN chairmanship for 2025, and opened under the theme, "Inclusivity and Sustainability." Foreign ministers from the 10 ASEAN member states attended, with East Timor's foreign minister also participating as an observer. East Timor will soon become the association's 11th member. Key discussions focused on the ongoing crisis in Myanmar and territorial disputes in the South China Sea. Concerns about the impact of U.S.-China rivalry on ASEAN unity were also raised.

At least 86 killed in Niger State fuel truck explosion

2025/01/20 10:00

Over in Nigeria, at least 86 people died and 55 were injured on Saturday when a crashed fuel truck exploded near the Suleja area in Niger State. The massive blast happened as individuals tried to transfer fuel from an overturned tanker to another vehicle using a generator. Many victims were bystanders who had gathered at the scene, including those taking pictures and others trying to collect the spilled fuel. While the death toll could be higher according to officials, those injured are receiving treatment at local hospitals. Fatal truck accidents are prevalent in Nigeria, which is Africa's most populous country, largely due to the lack of an efficient railway system for transporting cargo. At least 48 people were killed in a similar incident in Niger State in September. In 2020 alone, over 1,500 accidents were reported, resulting in 535 fatalities, according to Nigeria's Federal Road Safety Corps.

First three hostages released by Hamas as part of ceasefire deal

2025/01/20 10:00

Starting with the Israel-Hamas conflict, on January 19, local time, the first three Israeli hostages, of 33 to be released according to the recent ceasefire agreement, were freed by Hamas. The International Committee of the Red Cross facilitated the transfer, escorting the three women to an Israeli military checkpoint. Upon arrival, they were reunited with their families and transported to a medical center for examination, where the director said all three were in stable condition. Romi Gonen, Doron Steinbrecher, and Emily Damari had been abducted on Oct. 7 near a kibbutz and music festival during the Hamas attack. On Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office released a video showing him receiving news about the return of three hostages. Global leaders, including Joe Biden and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, expressed relief at the hostages' release and emphasized ongoing efforts to secure freedom for those still in captivity.

Davos Forum to begin amid Trump inauguration events

2025/01/20 10:00

The World Economic Forum, where world leaders gather to discuss issues facing the world, will kick off on Monday, at the Swiss resort of Davos. The theme of the 55th Davos Forum is 'Collaboration for the Intelligent Age,' with the aim of creatively solving problems for humanity by utilizing technological advancements, while preventing the negative impacts caused by the widespread use of artificial intelligence. Around 25 hundred people, including 350 high-ranking government officials from around the world will attend. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump will give a speech virtually on Thursday, just three days after his inauguration.

[Weekly Focus] Trump 2.0: Here's what to expect on North Korea policy

2025/01/18 12:00

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's return to the White House is expected to greatly influence world affairs.. including relations with Seoul and Pyongyang. For this week's Weekly Focus, we take a closer look at the incoming Trump administration's approach toward North Korea, with our foreign affairs correspondent Bae Eun-ji. Welcome. Thanks for having me. 1. Before we go into details, let's go over comments made by Trump's picks to lead foreign policy and national security issues on North Korea this week. The Trump administration's defense chief nominee, Pete Hegseth recently called the North a "nuclear power." Right.. his remarks sparked quite a lot of concerns here in South Korea. In a written response to advanced policy questions submitted to a Senate panel ahead of his confirmation hearing, Hegseth said North Korea's status as a "nuclear power" poses threats to the Korean Peninsula and other parts of the world. This has led to some watchers expressing concern that Hegseth's comments hint that the United States could recognize North Korea as a "nuclear weapon state." His use of "nuclear power" differs from the term "nuclear weapon state" under international law, as it includes countries with nuclear weapons, that are not officially recognized as such. "Nuclear weapon state" is a status that's officially granted to only five countries in the world, under an international treaty barring nuclear weapons development: that includes the United States, Russia, the United Kingdom, France, and China. South Korea and other countries that comply with the deal, known as the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty --receive international support to pursue peaceful uses of nuclear technology. But North Korea pulled out of the pact in 2003, to continue to advance nuclear weapons. Seoul's foreign ministry immediately responded to Hegseth's comments saying that North Korea can "never be recognized as a nuclear weapon state," under the Non-Proliferation Treaty. 2. We also heard Secretary of State nominee Marco Rubio say that the United States needs to take a broader approach to North Korean issues. That's right. Let's take a listen to what Rubio had to say during his Senate confirmation hearing this week,.. where he called the North Korean leader a "dictator." "In Moscow and Tehran and Pyongyang, dictators, rogue states now sow chaos and instability and aligned with and they fund radical terror groups and then they hide behind their veto power at the United Nations Security Council or the threats of nuclear war." When asked about how he will re-shape America's 'broken' North Korea policy, which has only led to Pyongyang doubling down on its nuclear and missile programs rather than slowing them down, he said there has to be an appetite for a serious look at broader North Korean policies. He called for efforts to prevent a war between North Korea and allies such as South Korea and Japan, and said they're seeking ways to prevent a crisis without encouraging other nation-states to pursue their own nuclear weapons programs leading to speculation that this could mean Washington is now shifting away from its focus on "denuclearizing" North Korea and rather, focus on more realistic options to manage risks. At the hearing, Rubio also backed Trump's efforts to actively engage with the regime. He admitted he was initially skeptical about engagement with the North and acknowledged that Trump's meeting with Kim did not produce any lasting agreement, but said it calmed the situation "quite a bit." 3. South Korea's intelligence agency suggested earlier this week.. that Trump might pursue dialogue with Kim Jong-un. Will we be able to see Trump and Kim meet again? Well, we can't be too sure about that for now but it does seem likely. Trump named a close aide, Richard Grenell, as his presidential envoy for special missions and Alex Wong, who handled negotiations with North Korea during Trump's first term in office, as deputy national security adviser. As you just mentioned, the NIS said Trump's recent appointments of top aides on North Korea issues further indicate a willingness to explore diplomatic talks, possibly "smaller-scale agreements" such as a nuclear freeze or an arms reduction. This assessment was shared during the agency's briefing to the National Assembly Intelligence Committee on Monday. Take a listen. "If the Trump administration comes to a conclusion that complete denuclearization of North Korea is impossible in the near future, it could seek to take actions in the form of a 'small deal' such as nuclear disarmament or arms reduction." During Trump's first term, he held three summits with Kim Jong-un, but failed to persuade Kim to give up his nuclear weapons. They first met in Singapore, then in Hanoi and finally in the demilitarized zone between the two Koreas but the talks ended without any breakthroughs. 4. But there are concerns that the United States might bypass South Korea when trying to engage in dialogue with the North. How should the South Korean government work to prevent that from happening? South Korea's foreign ministry says it is closely cooperating with the United States and plans to communicate with the incoming U.S. administration to work on denuclearizing North Korea. An expert that I've spoken to said that it's important for the South Korean government to focus on having some kind of network with key officials in the new administration that will be responsible for North Korea relations --such as Alex Wong and Richard Grenell. "The most serious thing from the South Korean perspective is North Korea's nuclear threats. And Trump had mentioned several times he will you know possibly resume some kind of a summit that we have experienced back in 2018 and 19 so in those processes, South Korea should get into it and then deliver our own message and our opinion and our own policy." Alright Eun-ji. We'll have to keep a close eye on how Trump's team decides to handle issues on the Korean Peninsula. Thank you for the wrap-up. We appreciate it. Thank you.

CIO sends detention warrant application for President Yoon to Seoul Western District Court

2025/01/17 20:00

Thank you for joining us. I'm Yoon Jung-min. We start with the latest on the investigation by the anti-corruption officials, who have applied for an official detention warrant against President Yoon Suk Yeol. For more, Arirang's Kim Bo-kyoung joins us live from the Gwacheon Government Complex where the anti-graft agency is located. Bo-kyoung , so the CIO has now applied for that detention warrant. It's another unprecedented event for a sitting president. Hello, Jung-min. Yes, the CIO requested the detention warrant against President Yoon just before 6 PM, around three hours before the deadline. filing the request with the Seoul Western District Court. This marks the first instance in South Korea's history where a sitting president faces formal arrest. If the detention warrant is issued, Yoon can be held for a total of 20 days, including the initial 48-hour detention period. The CIO will likely hold and question Yoon for eight more days, before transferring the case to the prosecution, which has the authority to indict a suspect. Both parties have already agreed to spend ten days each questioning Yoon. With the detention warrant requested, the court is going to conduct a review tomorrow at 2 PM. Eyes are now on whether President Yoon will attend the review. and if he does so, it will be his first appearance outside after being detained. Meanwhile, Yoon shared a message from the detention center via his lawyer around half an hour after the CIO requested the warrant, saying he is doing well although it's quite uncomfortable, and that he has been looking back on state affairs through speeches he made. He expressed gratitude for those who have been out on the streets supporting him. And this filing for a detention warrant comes after President Yoon again refused to appear for questioning today. That's right, Jung-min. He was supposed to be here at 10 AM for questioning, but again refused to appear. His refusal comes after failing to appear the previous day, too citing health issues. One CIO official said that there has been no notification from Yoon's side over his non-attendance this time around. The CIO did not re-summon Yoon as the 48-hour deadline to detain him was approaching, which is at around 9 PM Friday. Yoon not appearing is not a surprise as his legal team had already expressed regret over the Seoul Central District Court's decision on Thursday to dismiss the request to challenge his detention. Yoon had filed a petition to the Seoul Central District Court seeking a review of the legality of his detention arguing the detention warrant against him issued by the Seoul Western District Court was invalid, and that the CIO lacked jurisdiction over insurrection. This, however, was only to be rejected and Yoon's lawyers have said it is unfortunate how illegal and unlawful actions are tolerated, and that they will not comply with the CIO's investigations. Meanwhile Bo-kyoung I hear public rallies remain intense at a number of different locations. That's right. Behind me were around three hundred Yoon supporters protesting against the CIO. Around a thousand supporters have also been rallying in front of Seoul Detention Center where Yoon is currently, chanting things like "Release the President." Just 10 meters away from the pro-Yoon protests were also those in favor of Yoon's impeachment, having a banner criticizing the declaration of martial law. Pro-Yoon protests are taking place in front of the Seoul Western District Court as well, where the detention warrant was requested. That is all I have for now. Back to you, Jung-min. That was our Kim Bo-kyoung reporting live from the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials.

[Weather] Milder conditions under clear skies this weekend

2025/01/17 20:00

The air was freezing this morning again across the country. However, the temperatures rose up to 5 degrees Celsius during the daytime in Seoul which is the typical winter level. With only clouds passing in the skies this weekend, milder weather than usual will continue. Meanwhile, the east coast has been under a dry weather advisory for weeks. As well as the dry conditions, strong wind is also blowing. It is important to be extra cautious due to the increased risk of wildfires. Tomorrow morning, Seoul will start off at minus 4 degrees, Gwangju at minus 3 degrees. Daily highs will move up to around 10 degrees in most areas with Daegu, Busan, and Jeju at 10 degrees. There won't be much cold next week but snow is forecast in the central parts of the country on Monday. That's all for Korea. Here are the weather conditions around the world.

[Arts & Culture] [80 years of Korean Liberation] 'The pen is mightier than the sword'

2025/01/17 20:00

Time now for our Weekly Arts and Culture segment. We have our culture correspondent Song Yoo-jin in the studio. Welcome, Yoo-jin! Happy Friday! What do you have for us today? As you'll already know, I'm sure, this year marks the 80th anniversary of Korea's liberation from Japan's colonial rule. To honor this historic milestone, a variety of stage and screen productions are bringing the story of Korea's independence movement to audiences. For this week, here are two productions that introduce Korean freedom fighters on stage and on screen. "Higher than the sky." "We refuse to accept this statement!" Four young men and women sing with passion, even with guns pressed into their backs. Their mission: to protect the Korean language from being erased during Japan's colonial rule. This homegrown musical, "Yesterday's Poem, Tomorrow's Song," brings to life the struggles of young Korean independence fighters to defend their language and culture through poetry, when forced to adopt Japanese. This is the first musical to use the poetry of Kim So-wol as its lyrics. Kim, one of Korea's most beloved poets, lived during the Japanese colonial period from 1910 to 1945. "Korea's independence movement was also about the power of words, poetry, and speech. We wanted to highlight not only the lyrical beauty of Kim So-wol's poetry but also the deep emotions tied to our history and identity." "There are countless films, dramas, and performances about the independence movement. But our musical focuses on cultural efforts, young people who believed in fighting through creativity and expression." Alongside the musical, other creative projects are honoring the sacrifices and resilience of independence activists, as this year marks the 80th anniversary of Korea's liberation from Japan. The film "Baeksan-From Uiryeong to Balhae" is another example. The documentary tells the story of independence activist Ahn Hee-je, who ran a trading company that served as the financial backbone of the Korean Provisional Government in Shanghai. "Ahn believed in nurturing people and fostering education to build a better future. He understood that independence required not just weapons but also resources, networks, and platforms to sustain the movement. His trading company, similar to today's largest conglomerates, also helped train independence fighters." Using advanced AI technology, Director Chin vividly brought Ahn's story to life on screen. Drone footage of Balhae Farm, a rice farm Ahn founded to support displaced Korean farmers and fund the independence movement, shows his vision: a haven where independence grew through empowerment. "While armed resistance played a significant role in the independence movement, we must also recognize there were many figures like Ahn, who worked behind the scenes to provide the critical resources that made such efforts possible." These stories remind us that freedom was won through countless acts of courage in many forms. These two productions really prove that the pen can be as mighty, or sometimes even mightier, than the sword. Yoo-jin, you mentioned earlier that there are several productions here in Korea focusing on the independence movement. Could you tell us about some other notable works? Sure. There's the film "Harbin," starring actor Hyun Bin. Since its release on Christmas Eve, Harbin has dominated the domestic box office, holding the top spot for 24 consecutive days. So far, it has sold over four million tickets. The film is a historical drama that tells the story of independence activist Ahn Jung-geun, played by Hyun Bin. It focuses on his mission to assassinate Ito Hirobumi, Japan's first prime minister and resident-general of Korea, at Harbin Station in China. And there's good news for our international viewers. "Harbin" is already being screened in theaters across the U.S., Indonesia, and Malaysia, and it's set to premiere in Australia, New Zealand, and Taiwan later this month. And Yoo-jin, what events can we look forward to this year celebrating the 80th anniversary of Korea's liberation from Japan? Since it's still early in the year, not all plans have been announced yet. However, according to the Culture Ministry, museums under its wing will host exhibitions to mark the occasion. This year also marks 60 years of normalization of diplomatic ties between South Korea and Japan, so it'll be interesting to see what kind of events are held as the year unfolds. Hope you keep us updated throughout the year, Yoo-jin. Thank you for your report today. My pleasure.

Israeli airstrikes in Gaza kill more than 80 despite announcement of ceasefire

2025/01/17 20:00

In the Middle East. Despite the sealing of a ceasefire deal, that was supposed to start on Sunday local time, Israeli assaults against Hamas in Gaza continue to raise the Palestinian death toll. Ahn Sung-jin has more. Many rejoiced at the news of a six-week ceasefire deal agreed between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas. But just days before the deal is implemented on Sunday, Israel conducted more airstrikes in Gaza, killing at least three more Gazans, and raising the death toll to 86 since the news of the ceasefire agreement. According to Gaza's Civil Defense Service, the death toll includes 23 children and 27 women. During the same period, more than 250 Palestinians have been injured in the airstrikes. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened a Security Cabinet meeting on Friday to discuss and ratify the ceasefire, which was successfully agreed on. According to local media, in a statement from Netanyahu's office, the prime minister has been informed of the release of hostages and has signed the deal. This comes after the vote was initially postponed with Netanyahu blaming a last-minute disagreement with Hamas for the delay. A full Cabinet meeting to give final approval to the ceasefire deal is expected to take place on Saturday, and considering the legal procedures, the first hostages could be released as early as the 20th. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the deal will start on time despite what he called a last-minute "loose end." "On the ceasefire, yes, I am confident, and I fully expect that implementation would begin, as we said, on Sunday. Look, it's not exactly surprising that in a process, in a negotiation, that has been this challenging and this fraught, you may get a loose end. We are tying up that loose end as we speak." Following the ceasefire agreement, the European Union on Thursday pledged 120 million euros, or over 123 million U.S. dollars in aid for Palestine. According to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in a post on X, the "ceasefire and hostage release agreement offers hope the region desperately needed," but added that Gaza's "humanitarian situation remains grim." The aid will provide assistance to address acute food insecurity and malnutrition, healthcare assistance, water, sanitation, and hygiene support, shelter and protection assistance. The latest humanitarian assistance to Gaza from the bloc brings the total value to over 460 million US dollars since 2023. Ahn Sung-jin, Arirang News.