News

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

2025/08/06 20:36

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.

Global investment banks upgrade S. Korea's 2025 growth outlook

2025/08/06 20:36

Meanwhile in a rather promising turn of events global investment banks have raised their growth projections for South Korea this year. Our correspondent Moon Ji-young has more. Major global investment banks are raising their forecasts for South Korea's real GDP growth this year. According to the Korea Center for International Finance, the average 2025 growth forecast for South Korea among eight major global investment banks stood at point-9 percent as of the end of July. Notably, JP Morgan, which had previously held the most pessimistic view on the Korean economy, has significantly upgraded its economic growth forecast by point-2 percentage points to point-7 percent in just two months. Following the Bank of Korea's second-quarter GDP announcement last month, JP Morgan assessed that Q2 GDP growth slightly exceeded market expectations, driven by strong exports and an increase in manufacturing. Goldman Sachs also raised its growth forecast by point-1 percentage point to 1-point-2 percent, reflecting the outcomes of Korea's tariff negotiations with the U.S. In its August 1 report, the bank noted that the deal with the U.S. reduces uncertainties regarding tariffs on specific items such as semiconductors, adding that Korea is not at a disadvantage compared to other countries. Regarding whether the Bank of Korea will also raise its forecast in its revised economic outlook this coming August, an expert noted that: "While the uncertainty from the tariff negotiations is easing, potentially improving our exports, it's still unlikely that these agreements will drastically raise the economic growth forecast. Nevertheless, it will probably be slightly better than the 0.8% we had expected." The Bank of Korea, in its May forecast, projected this year's annual growth rate at point-8 percent and anticipated that the supplementary budget would boost the rate by point-1 of a percentage point. Moon Ji-young. Arirang News.

Trump says S. Korea has opened its market, touting trade deal

2025/08/06 20:35

In other news. U.S. President Donald Trump says his trade deal with South Korea offers quote "tremendous business" especially for American carmakers. Lee Seung-jae has the latest. U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday touted the recent trade deal made between Washington and Seoul,.. saying that the agreement will significantly boost American automobile exports. In a CNBC interview,.. Trump said South Korea was a "closed country".. but the trade deal opened the market, referring to it as "tremendous business." The U.S. leader said the U.S. will be able to sell cars, trucks and SUVs to South Korea. While South Korea has long imported American cars, the U.S. has repeatedly criticized Korea's automobile safety and environmental regulations, viewing them as non-tariff barriers. Meanwhile, during the same interview, Trump also said that his administration will raise levies on imported pharmaceuticals to 150 percent in a year. He added that the tariffs will then be raised to 250 percent later, as he unveiled a plan to announce more sector-specific tariffs "within the next week or so." And Trump's push to reduce America's trade deficit through tariffs seems to be working according to latest data. According to the Commerce Department's Bureau of Economic Analysis, the U.S. trade deficit narrowed significantly in June, while the trade gap with China fell to its lowest level in over 21 years. The overall trade deficit fell by 16 percent in June to 60-point-2 billion U.S. dollars,.. while the goods trade deficit dropped 10-point-8 percent,.. reaching its lowest point since September 2023. However, beyond the trade figures, the U.S. economy is showing signs of strain, as a key measure of activity in the U.S. service sector stalled in July, with businesses citing rising costs and growing uncertainty due to the influx of new import taxes. Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.

Ruling DP to expel four-term lawmaker over allegations of stock trading using aide's name

2025/08/06 20:34

The ruling Democratic Party will expel four-term lawmaker Lee Choon-suak over allegations of illegal stock trading. Lee withdrew from the party earlier on Tuesday one day after he was caught on camera engaging in stock transactions on his mobile phone using an aide's account. His action drew strong condemnation amid the government's push for stock market transparency. The party for its part on this Wednesday pointed out that members who leave the party to avoid disciplinary action can still face expulsion. The DP also tapped six-term lawmaker and former Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae to lead the judiciary committee a post that Lee previously held. Also according to the top office the president has called for a swift and thorough investigation into the matter.

President Lee orders investigation into POSCO E&C industrial accidents

2025/08/06 20:33

President Lee Jae Myung has called for a thorough probe into POSCO E&C following a series of industrial accidents involving its workers. According to Presidential Spokesperson Kang Yu-jung on this Wednesday the president has ordered a detailed review into whether safety protocols were followed and whether the incidents were preventable. He also instructed officials to look into all possible legal actions including revoking the company's construction license and banning it from public tenders. Back on Monday a worker was seriously injured at a highway construction site overseen by POSCO E&C. There have been four losses of lives at the company's construction sites this year.

PONDERING OVER PRICE OF PEACE ON PENINSULA

2025/08/06 19:42

Welcome to Wednesday's edition of Press Perspective. It's August 6th here in Seoul. I'm Min Sunhee. The Lee Jae Myung administration is seeking a peaceful approach to stability on the Korean peninsula. That being said in our panel session today we address the prospects of this policy. I have Thomas Maresca with American news agency UPI. Thomas welcome back. I also have Cheon Soram a former reporter with Radio Free Asia. Soram it's good to have you here. Thomas, let's begin with South Korea's dismantling of loudspeakers directed toward North Korea. You covered this development for UPI. Do tell us about your coverage and your takeaways? Soram, this olive branch from South Korea to North Korea follows the National Intelligence Service's suspension of decades-long radio and television broadcasts aimed at North Korea. For the sake of our viewers who may not be aware, could you tell us a bit about the history of these broadcasts, their recent suspension and the response to it. Thomas, your news agency recently published a piece including pundits' take on what was called a "one-sided courtship of North Korea" by South Korea. Could you walk us through the concerns? Soram, North Korea, for its part, has been adamant about its animosity toward the alliance between South Korea and the U.S. Do remind us about the recent remarks shared by North Korea's Kim Yo-Jung, which some claim is a twin warning to Seoul and Washington, while others say she is playing nice with the U.S. and scorning South Korea. Thomas, staying with security. Amid speculation about the fate of American soldiers stationed on the Korean peninsula, UPI carried an opinion piece that highlighted the importance of maintaining the status quo. Do tell us more about the thoughts shared and your takeaways as a correspondent covering this region. Soram, in an interview with the Washington Post, Foreign Minister Cho Hyun brushed aside concerns about a potential reduction in U.S. troop presence on the peninsula. What exactly did he say, and what have you been hearing from pundits here? And Thomas, what are pundits saying about the price of peace on the Korean peninsula? I mean, how likely are we to witness North Korea engaging with the broader international community in the near future? Moving forward, Soram, do tell us a bit about the rampant infiltration of North Korean IT workers in the companies across the globe. All right.

Former first lady apologizes before special counsel questioning

2025/08/06 19:40

We start on the local front. Former First Lady Kim Kun-hee has been summoned by a special counsel over a series of allegations against her. Our political correspondent Shin Ha-young reports. Shortly after 10 AM on Wednesday, former first lady Kim Keon Hee arrived at the office of special counsel Min Joong-ki, in Jongno-gu District, for questioning over multiple allegations. This comes after Kim, the wife of former President Yoon Suk Yeol , was summoned two weeks ago to appear at the office. Before questioning, she bowed and apologized to the public for causing concern. "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. According to the special counsel team, Kim's questioning began at 10:23 AM, and she did not exercise her right to remain silent. The special counsel team focused on five of the 16 allegations made against Kim on Wednesday, 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. Ahead of the questioning, Kim's representatives said she would answer questions as fully as possible without refusing, but wants to avoid questioning after 9 PM due to her poor health. Earlier, they requested to separate the questioning by each allegation, or to finish before 6 PM, but the special counsel team refused, saying she would be treated like any other suspect. Shin Ha-young, Arirang News.

[Weather] Heavy rain in south overnight, heat returns tomorrow

2025/08/06 19:39

Rain has made a comeback and was coming down hard in the northern parts of Korea, dropping heavier rain in parts of Gyeonggi-do and Gangwon-do provinces. But from tonight, southern regions will be seeing heavier rainfall into tomorrow morning. But Jeju will see rain all day tomorrow. Jeolla-do provinces and Jeju-do Island could see downpours and most of 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 heatwave 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 expected, Jeju at 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.

World News: Official condemns hostage-taking, warns against IDF expansion in Gaza at UNSC on Tues.

2025/08/06 19:38

This is the World Now, bringing you the stories from around the globe. The UN Security Council assembled on Tuesday for a meeting called by Israel, to address the situation of hostages still held in Gaza, following Hamas' release of videos of emaciated Israeli hostages. At the meeting United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for Europe, Central Asia, and the Americas, Miroslav Jenča, condemned footage of the visibly malnourished hostages, Evyatar David and Rom Braslavsky who were taken hostage by Hamas on October 7, 2023. He also emphasized that hostage taking is a violation of international law and constitutes a war crime. Jenča addressed reports that Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is seeking to expand military operations in Gaza, calling the plan "deeply alarming" and a risk to the lives of remaining hostages. Ilay David, the brother of hostage Evyatar David, also spoke at the meeting via video link up and described the deteriorating condition of his sibling. A U.S. Coast Guard investigative board has found that the Titan submersible that imploded in 2023 had an "inadequate design." OceanGate's Titan submersible was on a tourist expedition to the wreckage of the Titanic when it imploded, killing the five people on board including OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush. According to a 300-page report released on Tuesday after a two-year investigation, the implosion was deemed preventable. The U.S. Coast Guard Marine Board of Investigation emphasised the need for stronger oversight and clearer regulatory pathways for operators pursuing innovative designs outside current standards. Wildfires swept through parts of Spain on Tuesday as the country endured its second heatwave of the summer, with temperatures soaring to 40 degrees Celsius in several regions. In Spain's Galicia region, firefighters battled a wildfire near residential areas in the town of Ponteceso, and the nearby village of Corme Aldea was evacuated. In southern Spain, a blaze in the town of Tarifa spread rapidly through nearby mountains, forcing the evacuation of hotels and campsites in the area. Efforts to contain both wildfires were hindered by strong winds. Heavy metal legend Ozzy Osbourne died of a heart attack, coronary artery disease and Parkinson's disease. That's according to the his death certificate which was obtained by The New York Times on Tuesday. The former Black Sabbath frontman died on July 22 at the age of 76 and was best known for his unique heavy metal voice, outrageous acts and his absurd MTV series "The Osbournes." Osbourne's funeral was held in the city of Birmingham, England on July 30. Walter Lee, Arirang News.

[K-Correspondent] Tastes of Jeolla, the culinary heartland of Korea, explored in Australia

2025/08/06 16:34

The Jeolla-do region is famous for its rich and diverse cuisine. Not only among locals, but the region is also gaining more and more attention from overseas, with the growing interest in the traditional Korean foods. Today, we go over to Sydney, Australia where a special event took place taking visitors on a culinary journey to Jeolla-do. For more, we now connect to today's K-Correspondent, Kellie Goggins, Marketing Manager of the Korea Tourism Organization Sydney Office. Hello Kellie/ Ms. Goggins! Q1. Kellie, let's start off with a brief introduction of yourself in connection with Korean food and tourism and which event are we talking about today? Q2. Let's go into the details of the event. What was offered there? Q3. Korea is home to many different regional cuisines. Was there a particular reason why you chose the flavors and culture of the Jeolla region as your theme? Q4. The Jeolla region is especially famous for its kimchi, jeotgal (salted/fermented seafood), gochujang (chili paste) and doenjang (soybean paste). How has the response by visitors been to such staple, yet unique Korean tastes? Q5. The Jeolla region, which is made up of Jeollanam-do Province and Jeollabuk-do Province, is not only famous for its cuisine, but also as a tourist destination. So, you also decided to introduce the region itself by combining the elements of food and travel? Q6. Let's now talk a bit about the Korean wave in Sydney. How has the popularity of hallyu taken shape there and which aspects of Korean culture are getting the most attention? Q7. Let's end with some final words on what you hope to achieve through the promotion of the values and charm of the Jeolla-do region. Thank you very much Kellie for taking us and of course the local visitors on this tasty trip to the culinary heartland of Korea. Thank you Bella, we'll have you right back here again tomorrow.

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

2025/08/06 15:36

Sung-jin, the past few weeks have been very hot, and for those looking for somewhere to cool down in the water there is one place in the heart of Seoul? As the temperature is still hovering well above 30 degree Celsius, there are people still looking for a getaway in the hot summer days. I was at a location in the city where you can have a quick dip. Have a look at it first. 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 sun and the heat took 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.

[K-enter] Lee Byung-hun to receive Tribute Award at Toronto Int'l Film Festival

2025/08/06 15:35

Time for some K-entertainment news with Bella Kim. Bella, let's start off with an exciting story on Korean actor Lee Byung-hun. Lee Byung-hun is set to receive a Tribute Award at the 50th Toronto International Film Festival (also known as TIFF). The Toronto Film Festival announced on its website the four honourees of the 'TIFF Tribute Awards.' Lee Byung-hun was named alongside Mexican director Guillermo del Toro, Japanese filmmaker HIKARI, and American actress Jodie Foster. Lee was praised as a "global star who has achieved significant success in both Korean and Hollywood films and series." Along with Lee's award, his latest film, "NO OTHER CHOICE," directed by Park Chan-wook, has also been invited to the festival. This year's TIFF will run from September 4th to 14th in Toronto, Canada. Congratulations to Lee Byung-hun! We will now talk about two K-pop groups doing amazing on Billboard charts? First off, TOMORROW X TOGETHER have swept the U.S. Billboard charts with their latest release. According to the latest Billboard charts, the group's fourth full-length album, "The Star Chapter: TOGETHER," has topped three charts -the 'Top Album Sales,' 'Top Current Album Sales,' and 'World Albums' charts. The album also made an impressive debut at No. 3 on the 'Billboard 200.' Meanwhile, TOMORROW X TOGETHER will kick off their fourth world tour "TOMORROW X TOGETHER WORLD TOUR" on August 22nd and 23rd at the Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul. The other group is a girl group doing great on Billboard, with a great "strategy", right? TWICE's "Strategy" has climbed to a new peak of No.74 on the Billboard 'Hot 100.' The song, originally released back in December 2024, debuted at No.92 on the chart last week after being included on the "KPop Demon Hunters" soundtrack. Notably, this achievement broke their own best record on the Billboard 'Hot 100.' Additionally, "Takedown," an original "KPop Demon Hunters" soundtrack, sung by Jeongyeon, Jihyo, and Chaeyoung also rose to No.67 on the 'Hot 100.' Finally, a K-pop artist who's been on Billboard for months, Rosé. BUT today's news is something else? Rosé has secured eight nominations at this year's MTV Video Music Awards (also known as VMAs). According to the list of nominees announced by MTV VMAs on its website, Rosé is up for 'Video of the Year,' 'Song of the Year,' 'Best Collaboration,' 'Best Pop,' 'Best Direction,' 'Best Art Direction' and 'Best Visual Effects' with her hit song "APT." featuring Bruno Mars. She also received a nomination for the 'Best K-pop' category with her solo track "Toxic Till the End." Rosé posted on Instagram saying that she is "beyond shocked" and "absolutely speechless." EIGHT nominations! Please keep us updated with the result as well. Thank you Bella for today's stories. Let's now go over to our AI anchor Ari, for more on the culture front. Ari!

K-wave AI News

2025/08/06 15:34

Hello and welcome to your AI guide to the latest cultural updates from Korea. Here's our top story. Daejeon's iconic summer event, the Daejeon Zero O'Clock Festival kicks off this Friday. This year's event features a time-travel theme linking the city's past, present, and future, with each zone offering programs tailored to its unique character. More than 5,900 artists from across the country are set to perform, with grand parades and mass sing-alongs in store for visitors. To ensure public safety, the city plans to deploy an average of 250 security personnel per day and implement traffic control measures around the venue. A section of the Geomunoreum lava flow path will be temporarily opened for guided tours this month. The Geomunoreum Lava Tube System is a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site formed from eruptions that occurred some 300,000 years ago. From August 14 to 18, visitors will be able to walk a 3.5-hour course tracing the historic lava route. Meanwhile, access to the summit section of the Gwaneumsa Trail on Jeju's Hallasan Mountain will be restricted from September 15 to October 31 due to maintenance work. Three of Korea's leading low-voiced opera singers, bass Youn Kwang-chul, bass-baritone Samuel Youn, and baritone Kim Ki-hoon, will join forces for a special concert titled "Sing Low and Soft." The performances will take place at the Seoul Arts Center on August 23 and the Cheongju Arts Center the following day. At a press conference, the singers expressed hope that their collaboration would encourage more bold and creative ventures in Korea's classical music scene, saying their project could serve as a "model case" for the industry. The program will feature iconic arias from classic operas, including Mozart's "The Marriage of Figaro," and Verdi's Don Carlos. That's all from me. Stay tuned to the Kulture Wave.

[NEWs GEN] Lifelike Baby Dolls: Why reborn dolls have sparked viral craze

2025/08/06 13:33

[NEWs GEN] Lifelike Baby Dolls: Why reborn dolls have sparked viral craze

Trump says S. Korea has opened its market, touting trade deal

2025/08/06 11:40

U.S. President Donald Trump touted Washington's recent trade deal with Seoul, saying that the deal would open South Korea's market. Trump also announced that the United States will raise pharmaceutical tariffs significantly. Lee Seung-jae starts us off. U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday touted the recent trade deal made between Washington and Seoul, saying that the agreement will significantly boost American automobile exports. In a CNBC interview,.. Trump said South Korea was a "closed country" but the trade deal opened the market, referring to it as "tremendous business." The U.S. leader said the U.S. will be able to sell cars, trucks and SUVs to South Korea. While South Korea has long imported American cars, the U.S. has repeatedly criticized Korea's automobile safety and environmental regulations, viewing them as non-tariff barriers. Meanwhile, during the same interview, Trump also said that his administration will raise levies on imported pharmaceuticals to 150 percent in a year. He added that the tariffs will then be raised to 250 percent later, as he unveiled a plan to announce more sector-specific tariffs "within the next week or so." And Trump's push to reduce America's trade deficit through tariffs seems to be working according to latest data. According to the Commerce Department's Bureau of Economic Analysis, the U.S. trade deficit narrowed significantly in June, while the trade gap with China fell to its lowest level in over 21 years. The overall trade deficit fell by 16 percent in June to 60-point-2 billion U.S. dollars, while the goods trade deficit dropped 10-point-8 percent, reaching its lowest point since September 2023. However, beyond the trade figures, the U.S. economy is showing signs of strain, as a key measure of activity in the U.S. service sector stalled in July, with businesses citing rising costs and growing uncertainty due to the influx of new import taxes. Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.

Rain brings heat relief, heavy rain in central regions

2025/08/06 11:39

We're forecasting more significant rain across the country. Until tomorrow, parts of capital area and Gangwon-do could see over 150 millimeters of rain, with Jeolla-do provinces getting 120 millimeters. The capital area could also see 30 to 100 millimeters of rain during the day. A heavy rain advisory has been issued in parts of Gyeonggi-do and Gangwon-do provinces and could spread to more central regions. Meanwhile, rain will give us a break from the intense heat, with heat alerts being lifted in the central parts of Korea. Morning temperatures and highs will be similar in the capital area topping out at 28 degrees in Seoul, Daejeon at 30 degrees, but Daegu will reach 33 degrees as the rain arrives in the mid-afternoon. After the rain passes, the heat will return. But mornings and evenings could get a bit more bearable with Thursday marking Ipchu the the start of autumn. However, Jeju is forecast to see rain from Friday into next Monday.

Ozzy Osbourne died of heart attack, death certificate reveals

2025/08/06 11:39

Heavy metal legend Ozzy Osbourne died of a heart attack, coronary artery disease and Parkinson's disease. That's according to the his death certificate which was obtained by The New York Times on Tuesday. The former Black Sabbath frontman died on July 22 at the age of 76 and was best known for his unique heavy metal voice, outrageous acts and his absurd MTV series "The Osbournes." Osbourne's funeral was held in the city of Birmingham, England on July 30.

Wildfires sweep Spain amid intense heatwave

2025/08/06 11:38

Wildfires swept through parts of Spain on Tuesday as the country endured its second heatwave of the summer, with temperatures soaring to 40 degrees Celsius in several regions. In Spain's Galicia region, firefighters battled a wildfire near residential areas in the town of Ponteceso, and the nearby village of Corme Aldea was evacuated. In southern Spain, a blaze in the town of Tarifa spread rapidly through nearby mountains, forcing the evacuation of hotels and campsites in the area. Efforts to contain both wildfires were hindered by strong winds.

U.S. Coast Guard blames Titan sub's design for deadly implosion

2025/08/06 11:38

A U.S. Coast Guard investigative board has found that the Titan submersible that imploded in 2023 had an "inadequate design." OceanGate's Titan submersible was on a tourist expedition to the wreckage of the Titanic when it imploded, killing the five people on board including OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush. According to a 300-page report released on Tuesday after a two-year investigation, the implosion was deemed preventable. The U.S. Coast Guard Marine Board of Investigation emphasised the need for stronger oversight and clearer regulatory pathways for operators pursuing innovative designs outside current standards.

Official condemns hostage-taking, warns against IDF expansion in Gaza at UNSC on Tues.

2025/08/06 11:38

Good morning, I'm Walter Lee filling in for Choi Chi-hee, and this is the World Now. The UN Security Council assembled on Tuesday for a meeting called by Israel, to address the situation of hostages still held in Gaza, following Hamas' release of videos of emaciated Israeli hostages. At the meeting United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for Europe, Central Asia, and the Americas, Miroslav Jenča , condemned footage of the visibly malnourished hostages, Evyatar David and Rom Braslavsky who were taken hostage by Hamas on October 7, 2023. He also emphasized that hostage taking is a violation of international law and constitutes a war crime. Jenča addressed reports that Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is seeking to expand military operations in Gaza, calling the plan "deeply alarming" and a risk to the lives of remaining hostages. Ilay David, the brother of hostage Evyatar David, also spoke at the meeting via video link up and described the deteriorating condition of his sibling.