News

Pentagon policy chief calls S. Korea 'role model' for N. Korea deterrence, defense spending

2025/08/06 23:34

South Korea serves as a "role model" given its proactive stance in defense against North Korea and its increased military spending. This is according to U.S. Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby. In a recent post on his social media platform he also stressed the importance of modernizing the ROK-U.S. alliance in response to emerging regional security concerns.

S. Korea completes removing anti-N. Korea loudspeakers; no signs from the North yet

2025/08/06 23:33

South Korea has completed the dismantling of loudspeakers directed toward North Korea. Some twenty speakers along the front-line areas have been removed and will be stored at nearby military units. This latest move follows the suspension of loudspeaker broadcasts by the Lee Jae Myung administration as it entered office in June. North Korea has yet to acknowledge this latest extension of an olive branch.

President Lee designates 36 more rain-hit areas as special disaster zones

2025/08/06 23:33

President Lee Jae Myung has designated 36 more areas as "special disaster zones" heavily impacted by last month's heavy rainfall. According to a written briefing by Presidential Spokesperson Kang Yu-jung on Wednesday, there are 16 cities, districts, and counties, such as Asan City in Chungcheongnam-do Province and Buk-gu District in Gwangju City, along with 20 towns and villages. This comes two weeks after the President first declared six cities and counties as special disaster zones. Under that status, local governments can receive state funding for recovery efforts, while residents can qualify for tax deferrals and discounts on utility bills.

STOCK&FX

2025/08/06 22:49

2025. 8. 6. KOREAN STOCK MARKET KOSPI : 3,198.14 ▲0.14 +0.00% KOSDAQ : 803.49 ▲4.89 +0.61% KOSPI200 : 430.68 ▼0.57 -0.13% ASIAN STOCK MARKET NIKKEI225 : 40,794.86 ▲245.32 +0.60% HANG SENG : 24,910.63 ▲8.10 +0.03% SHANGHAI : 3,633.99 ▲16.39 +0.45% WALL STREET (AUG. 5) DOW JONES : 44,111.74 ▼61.90 -0.14% NASDAQ : 20,916.55 ▼137.03 -0.65% S&P500 : 6,299.19 ▼30.75 -0.49% EXCHANGE RATE USD : 1,389.50 (+1.20) JPY : 942.13 (-1.75) CNY : 193.18 (-0.05) EUR : 1,609.74 (+5.42)

Special counsel wraps up over seven hours of questioning former first lady

2025/08/06 22:49

Former first lady Kim Kun Hee has been summoned by a special counsel over a series of allegations made against her. Kim is now the first wife of a former president to face a public summons by prosecutors as a suspect. Our political correspondent Shin Ha-young reports. The special counsel's first questioning of former first lady Kim Keon Hee lasted over seven hours. The face-to-face session, held on Wednesday at the office of special counsel Min Joong-ki, in Jongno-gu District, ended at around 5:46 PM, about seven hours and 23 minutes after it began at 10:23 AM. Kim, the wife of former President Yoon Suk Yeol , then went through the written record of her questioning. The questioning comes after the special counsel mailed a summons to Kim's residence about two weeks ago to request her appearance as a suspect. Shortly after 10 AM on Wednesday, Kim arrived at the office, bowed and apologized to the public for causing concern, before being questioned. "I am truly sorry that a nobody like myself has caused concern for the people. I will faithfully undergo the questioning." However, she did not respond to questions from reporters about the allegations. This marks the first time in South Korea's constitutional history that a first lady has been publicly named as a suspect in an investigation. The special counsel team focused on five of the 16 allegations made against Kim, starting with her purported role in manipulating stock prices. Other allegations include interference in the candidate nomination process during past elections, and receiving luxury gifts from the Unification Church through a "broker." Since Kim did not agree to be video recorded, the face-to-face questioning took place without it. According to the special counsel team, Kim did not exercise her right to remain silent. Ahead of the questioning, Kim's representatives said she would answer questions as fully as possible without refusing, but wanted to avoid questioning after 9 PM due to her poor health. The special counsel is expected to summon Kim again for further questioning over other allegations. Shin Ha-young, Arirang News.

[Weather] Downpours in south overnight, heat makes return tomorrow

2025/08/06 22:48

Rain was coming down hard in the northern parts of Korea, dropping heavier rain in parts of Gyeonggi-do and Gangwon-do provinces. But it was very muggy here in Seoul. And from tonight, southern regions will be seeing heavier rain into tomorrow morning. But Jeju-do Island will see rain all day tomorrow. Jeolla-do provinces and Jeju could see downpours and most of the southern provinces could see 30 to 70 millimeters an hour of rain lashing down overnight. With the rain moving in, a heat advisory was lifted in the central parts of Korea, but the heat returns, starting out the day at 27 degrees in Seoul, and Busan. Seoul, Daejeon and Gwangju will top out at 32 degrees with sunnier skies, Jeju see a high of 31 degrees with more rain into tomorrow. In fact, those on Jeju need to keep that umbrella close, rain is expected through early next week. That's Korea for you, here's a look at the international weather conditions.

'Dive into Gwangbok': Summer splash in the center of Seoul

2025/08/06 22:47

Downtown Seoul has been transformed into a summer playground to offer the public some fun relief from the blistering heat. Ahn Sung-jin has this report. One last splash before the summer ends. The sweltering days of summer will soon come to an end, but Seoul isn't ready to let go of the season just yet, especially here in Gwanghwamun Square. "In this scorching August heat, those that are trying to escape the heat are taking the chance to cool off in the water." From water slides to water buckets, the location has lots of attractions for visitors to enjoy. "I came here with my mom and two aunts. It was hot outside, but once we got into the water, it felt cool and so much fun." As August 15 is Gwangbokjeol, the 80th anniversary of Korean independence, special activities have also been planned around the theme "Let's dive into Gwangbok." Co-hosted with the Seoul Regional Office of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, the event also holds booths to raise awareness of the country's struggle for independence. "We got to swim and do some hands-on activities. I even wrote a message celebrating the 80th anniversary of Korean independence." By transforming the urban landscape into a summer playground, the 2025 Seoul Summer Beach offers some relief from the heat in downtown Seoul. "We organized this with the idea of creating a summer getaway right in the middle of the city. We started it to add some fun not only for visitors from around the world, but also for locals. We're glad that so many people came to enjoy it in the heart of Seoul." The event runs until this Friday, so before summer is gone, why not take a dip in Gwanghwamun Square. Ahn Sung-jin, Arirang News.

Overseas sales of translated Korean books surge following Han Kang's Nobel Prize win

2025/08/06 22:46

Sales of translated Korean books at stores overseas have surged following author Han Kang's winning of the Nobel Prize in Literature last year. According to the Literature Translation Institute of Korea sales of literary works that it supported via translation and publication soared some 1-hundred-30-percent on year in 2024 to amount to around 1-point-2 million books. International sales of Han Kang's 19 works rose five-fold to 1-hundred-50-thousand last year compared to 30-thousand in 2023.

Rosé lands eight nominations for 2025 MTV Video Music Awards

2025/08/06 22:36

BLACKPINK member Rosé has been honored with eight nominations at this year's MTV Video Music Awards. Now eight nominations is the highest number ever for a K-pop solo artist. Rosé has been nominated for "Video of the Year" and "Song of the Year" for her duet "APT." with pop star Bruno Mars among others.

S. Korean football star Son Heung-min moves to MLS team LAFC

2025/08/06 22:35

South Korean football star Son Heung-min is heading to Major League Soccer in the U.S., joining Los Angeles FC after spending 10 years with Tottenham Hotspur. His transfer will be made official at a press conference on Wednesday local time. Byeon Ye-young reports. According to AP News, Son Heung-min has officially agreed to a contract with Los Angeles FC, finalizing his move to Major League Soccer after a decade at Tottenham Hotspur. This comes after the 33-year-old forward announced his decision to leave Tottenham at a press conference held in Seoul on Saturday. Son was seen in attendance at LAFC's Leagues Cup match against Tigres on Tuesday night at BMO Stadium, where he was spotted in the VIP section alongside club officials. He appeared on the stadium's big screen late in the first half, waving to a roaring crowd of fans. LAFC will formally introduce Son at a press conference on Wednesday, local time, where he's expected to make his first public appearance in the club's black and gold jersey. The event is expected to serve as his official signing ceremony. According to ESPN, LAFC will pay a transfer fee of around 26 million dollars, setting a new MLS record and surpassing the previous record of 22 million set by Atlanta United's signing of Emmanuel Latte Lath. Son is also expected to earn more than Sergio Busquets of Inter Miami, who currently has the third-highest salary in MLS at around 8-point-5 million dollars. Son reportedly turned down a lucrative offer from Saudi club Al-Ittihad in 2023, but this summer, actively pushed for a move away from Tottenham. While Al-Ittihad made another bid, LAFC ultimately secured his signature, reportedly with strong encouragement from Son's father to go to the U.S. During his decade at Tottenham Hotspur, Son scored 127 league goals and tallied 101 assists across 454 appearances in all competitions. Now joining LAFC, Son is expected to settle in comfortably in Los Angeles, which is home to the largest Korean community in the U.S. Byeon Ye-young, Arirang News.

S. Korea to temporarily allow visa-free entry for Chinese group tours

2025/08/06 22:33

South Korea will temporarily allow visa-free entry for group tours from China starting September 29th just ahead of China's week-long National Day holiday through June next year. The decision was made on this Wednesday during a government task force meeting on boosting tourism chaired by Prime Minister Kim Min-seok. The exemption will apply to groups of three or more Chinese nationals traveling with tour agencies designated by South Korea's Culture Ministry. Since last November China has permitted South Korean nationals to enter without a visa for up to 30 days a policy that is set to end this December.

S.Korea-U.S. Summit Countdown: Can Seoul’s Pragmatic Diplomacy hold under Trump’s alliance pressure?

2025/08/06 21:35

Welcome to Within The Frame, where we bring the most pressing issues across the globe into focus. I'm Kim Mok-yeon. With the S. Korea-U.S. summit now expected in late August, President Lee Jae Myung is stepping into one of the most complex diplomatic moments of his term. Just weeks after sealing a trade deal that avoided major concessions on sensitive sectors, such as rice and beef, attention now turns to unfinished details and potential security demands from Washington. U.S. President Donald Trump, in his second term, is pushing allies to modernize their roles, not just their budgets. From joint military exercises to Seoul's stance in the Indo-Pacific, this upcoming summit will test how far South Korea can stretch its "pragmatic diplomacy" while preserving strategic autonomy. To break down the stakes and explore where the alliance may be headed, we're joined now by Dr. Kim Hyun-wook, president of the Sejong Institute and a leading expert on diplomacy and U.S. foreign policy — a big welcome. Let's begin with the trade agreement just signed. The Korea-U.S. trade deal has now been formally concluded avoiding further market openings on rice and beef sector. What's your assessment of the outcome? Still, several of provisions remain in flux. Although a broad agreement has been reached, several detailed provisions are still pending further talks with Washington. Which specific aspects should we monitor during these follow-up negotiations? With major events like Liberation Day, joint military drills, and a packed presidential schedule, August will be a busy month for Seoul. From your perspective, how might this timing shape the Lee administration's approach to summit strategy — and does it offer any advantages in framing South Korea's message to Washington? Looking ahead, a Korea-U.S. summit is now likely for late August. While tariffs led the last round of talks, this summit is expected to shift toward security and alliance issues. What do you see as the top items on the agenda? And from Seoul's standpoint, what specific objectives will the Lee administration likely pursue at this summit, especially with domestic and regional sensitivities in play? On that note, Trump's call for "alliance modernization" includes raising Seoul's defense burden and expanding its role in Indo-Pacific security. What boundaries should South Korea consider drawing in this new phase of alliance expectations? This leads to a deeper question: In this evolving environment, what does it now mean to be a U.S. ally? And how is that redefining the Korea-U.S. relationship in practical terms? Since you've been following the footsteps of bilateral diplomacy over the years, how would you characterize the overall state of the Korea-U.S. alliance right now — diplomatically, militarily, and economically? Widening the lens, with Trump, Xi, and Putin all asserting hardline postures, how much room does South Korea realistically have to maneuver diplomatically in this era of strongman politics? And finally, what single factor do you believe will most decisively shape the Korea-U.S. alliance in the year ahead?

Rosé lands eight nominations for 2025 MTV Video Music Awards

2025/08/06 20:40

BLACKPINK member Rosé has been honored with eight nominations at this year's MTV Video Music Awards. Now eight nominations is the highest number ever for a K-pop solo artist. Rosé has been nominated for "Video of the Year" and "Song of the Year" for her duet "APT." with pop star Bruno Mars among others.

'Read, Walk, Write': students growing up through books

2025/08/06 20:40

Beyond the surge in book sales author Han Kang's Nobel Prize acknowledgement has reignited interest in the art of reading especially within the academic arena. Cha Yun-kyung explains. Students in a school class offer reviews on the works of novelist Han Kang, winner of last year's Nobel Prize in Literature. Some students make videos, while some make props that appear in Han Kang's work, reminding themselves of its meaning. "I could feel the pain of our country as novelist Han Kang shared the heartbreaking story of grief. I began to think deeply about creating positive change in our world." The "Read, Walk, Write" program run by the Incheon Metropolitan City Office of Education is an integrated educational approach incorporating reading and writing to engage closely with real-life issues. Students get to read the work in English afterward to improve their foreign language skills as well as their understanding of general culture. "My biggest concern at school is always to make students read more. I can feel that reading has become one of the cultural movements among teenagers through the 'Read, Walk, Write' program." Teachers who implemented the program gathered together and shared their achievements of the program. The education office is planning to transform Incheon into a city of learning by fostering the growth of students and society through the program. Cha Yun-kyung, Arirang News.

Overseas sales of translated Korean books surge following Han Kang's Nobel Prize win

2025/08/06 20:40

Sales of translated Korean books at stores overseas have surged following author Han Kang's winning of the Nobel Prize in Literature last year. According to the Literature Translation Institute of Korea sales of literary works that it supported via translation and publication soared some 1-hundred-30-percent on year in 2024 to amount to around 1-point-2 million books. What's more international sales of Han Kang's 19 works rose five-fold to 1-hundred-50-thousand last year compared to 30-thousand in 2023.

'Dive into Gwangbok': Summer splash in the center of Seoul

2025/08/06 20:39

Downtown Seoul has been transformed into a summer playground to offer the public some fun relief from the blistering heat. Now this is according to my colleague Ahn Sung-jin. Do take a look. One last splash before the summer ends. The sweltering days of summer will soon come to an end, but Seoul isn't ready to let go of the season just yet, especially here in Gwanghwamun Square. "In this scorching August heat, those that are trying to escape the heat are taking the chance to cool off in the water." From water slides to water buckets, the location has lots of attractions for visitors to enjoy. "I came here with my mom and two aunts. It was hot outside, but once we got into the water, it felt cool and so much fun." As August 15 is Gwangbokjeol, the 80th anniversary of Korean independence, special activities have also been planned around the theme "Let's dive into Gwangbok." Co-hosted with the Seoul Regional Office of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, the event also holds booths to raise awareness of the country's struggle for independence. "We got to swim and do some hands-on activities. I even wrote a message celebrating the 80th anniversary of Korean independence." By transforming the urban landscape into a summer playground, the 2025 Seoul Summer Beach offers some relief from the heat in downtown Seoul. "We organized this with the idea of creating a summer getaway right in the middle of the city. We started it to add some fun not only for visitors from around the world, but also for locals. We're glad that so many people came to enjoy it in the heart of Seoul." The event runs until this Friday, so before summer is gone, why not take a dip in Gwanghwamun Square. Ahn Sung-jin, Arirang News.

S. Korea to temporarily allow visa-free entry for Chinese group tours

2025/08/06 20:38

South Korea will temporarily allow visa-free entry for group tours from China starting September 29th just ahead of China's week-long National Day holiday through June next year. The decision was made on this Wednesday during a government task force meeting on boosting tourism chaired by Prime Minister Kim Min-seok. The exemption will apply to groups of three or more Chinese nationals traveling with tour agencies designated by South Korea's Culture Ministry. Since last November China has permitted South Korean nationals to enter without a visa for up to 30 days a policy that is set to end this December.

Study shows Gen Z would pay more for ESG-friendly brands

2025/08/06 20:38

Close to 7 out of 10 young Korean consumers are reportedly willing to pay more to purchase products made by socially responsible businesses. Our correspondent Kim Do-yeon has details. As ESG practices become more widespread in Korea's economy and society, so-called "value-based consumption"—making purchasing decisions based on personal beliefs and values—is emerging as a key consumer trend among Gen Z. According to a survey released on Wednesday by the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which polled 350 people aged 17 to 28 nationwide on perceptions of ESG management and consumption trends, 66-point-9 percent of respondents said they would "choose products from companies practicing ESG, even if they are slightly more expensive." This suggests ESG efforts are having a direct impact on brand preference and purchase decisions. But, experts say it's always important to continue monitoring companies. "Some companies do a good job with ESG management and even obtain certification for their efforts. However, there are also cases where companies receive such certification but still engage in problematic practices. That's why it's important for consumers to look closely and make informed judgments about the companies they support." The survey also reflected this. It found that Gen Z is quick to boycott companies involved in social controversies or ethical misconduct. More than six in 10 respondents said they had "stopped purchasing from a company due to unethical behavior or negative ESG-related issues." Young people are also highly sensitive to the authenticity of corporate ESG efforts. In particular, 65-point-4 percent of respondents expressed concern over the issue of "greenwashing." This highlights the risk companies face of being shunned by young consumers if their ESG activities are perceived as mere marketing tactics lacking genuine commitment. Kim Do-yeon, Arirang News.

S. Korean football icon departs for Los Angeles on Tuesday ahead of expected move to LAFC

2025/08/06 20:37

Football star Son Heung-min departed South Korea late Tuesday for the U.S. amid news that he is poised to set a fresh record for Major League Soccer transfer fee. Our Kim Bo-kyoung reports. After bidding farewell to Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur at the weekend, South Korean football icon Son Heung-min departed for Los Angeles on Tuesday evening. He signed autographs for hundreds of fans who had gathered to get a glimpse of him at Incheon International Airport, before boarding an LA-bound flight. Several reports, have said that Son is expected to join Major League Soccer team Los Angeles FC, with only the final details of the transfer, completing paperwork and doing a medical check, remaining. Son could officially announce his contract with LAFC as early as Wednesday local time. When it comes to his transfer fee, Both BBC and ESPN said Son was moving for a fee of around 26 million U.S. dollars, which is around 36 billion Korean won. If the number is correct, the figure would break the MLS record 22 million U.S. dollars Atlanta United spent to have Emmanuel Latte Lath from Middlesbrough. This would make his move to LAFC the highest transfer fee in MLS history. Son's new chapter in the U.S. comes after he ended a decade-long journey with Tottenham with a farewell game: Tottenham's preseason match against Newcastle United at Seoul World Cup Stadium on Sunday. "One of the toughest decisions of my football career." This is how he described his feelings, as he announced that he is no longer going to be a Premier League player. Since joining the Tottenham in 2015, Son is fifth on the all-time scoring list for the team with 173 goals in all competitions. He won the Premier League Golden Boot as the league's joint top scorer in the 2021-2022 season, and captained the team to the UEFA Europa League title in May, which was the club's first major trophy in 17 years. Kim Bo-kyoung, Arirang News.

S. Korea completes removing anti-N. Korea loudspeakers; no signs from the North yet

2025/08/06 20:36

South Korea says it has completed the dismantling of loudspeakers directed toward North Korea. Some twenty speakers along the front-line areas have been removed and will be stored at nearby military units. This latest move follows the suspension of loudspeaker broadcasts by the Lee Jae Myung administration as it entered office in June. North Korea has yet to acknowledge this latest extension of an olive branch.