News

[K-enter] Rosé & NewJeans win awards at the Music Awards Japan 2025

2025/05/22 14:00

So Bella, let's kick off on the K-pop front. K-pop artists made it big at an awards ceremony in Japan. Tell us more! Rosé and NewJeans received awards at Music Awards Japan 2025, held on Wednesday in Kyoto, Japan. Rosé and Bruno Mars’ “APT.” won ‘Song of the Year.’ And NewJeans earned the title of ‘Best K-Pop Song’ with their hit song “Ditto.” It’s notable to see that the popularity of NewJeans’ music is enduring as this song was released back in 2022. Music Awards Japan is an awards ceremony that determines its winners by compiling various objective indicators, such as Billboard Japan and Oricon, along with the votes of over 5-thousand music industry professionals. Great to see familiar names there. Now we will continue with NewJeans , but on a different note. There is an update on NewJeans in regards to their legal dispute with ADOR? Please fill us in. While the legal dispute between NewJeans and their agency ADOR continues, NewJeans have registered additional legal representatives before the upcoming second hearing. With this, the group now has a total of 13 lawyers from the law firm Sejong. On the other hand, ADOR also has over 10 lawyers from Kim & Chang. To briefly track you back, NewJeans began pursuing independent activities in February after accusing ADOR of violating the terms of their exclusive contract. However, in March, the court accepted the injunction sought by ADOR, to prevent the five members from independent activities. The second hearing for the validity of their exclusive contract is scheduled for June 5th. Please continue to keep us updated with this issue. Our next story is on an exciting announcement for Seventeen fans, CARATs. Seventeen will hold a solo performance at Jamsu Bridge in Seoul, becoming the first artist to do so. The group’s agency, Pledis Entertainment, announced that the event titled “B-DAY PARTY: BURST STAGE” is scheduled to be held on May 25th at 7:30 p.m. local time for one hour. And for global CARATs, no need to worry too much, the performance will be livestreamed online. What’s also notable is that this event comes just one day before Seventeen’s scheduled 10 year anniversary comeback with their 5th full-length album titled “HAPPY BURSTDAY.” Along with the performance on the 25th, there will also be a large scale pop-up store to celebrate the group’s 10 year anniversary from the 23rd to 25th. So if you’re a CARAT currently in Korea, make sure to visit Jamsu Bridge this weekend. Our last story for today is on a new film that casts an actress for whom this movie was her last one. The late actress Kim Sae-ron’s final film “Guitar Man” is coming out soon in theaters. On Wednesday, a press conference for the new film took place at Lotte Cinema World Tower in Seoul. “Guitar Man” tells the story of a genius guitarist’s loss, love, and journey as he seeks hope through music amid the harsh reality of life. It stars Lee Seon-jeong, who is also the director of the film, and Kim Sae-ron. Lee explained that he pushed forward with the decision to premiere the film to keep a promise he made to Kim. “Guitar Man” is set to premiere in theaters on May 30th. It must be a meaningful film for both the director and Kim Sae-ron, and of course the fans as well.

K-wave AI News

2025/05/22 14:00

Hello and welcome to your AI guide to the latest cultural updates from Korea. Here's our top story. Celebrated soprano Sumi Jo will be awarded the Commandeur of the Order of Arts and Letters, one of France's highest distinctions in the field of culture and the arts. According to the Korean Cultural Center in France, the award will be presented by Fleur Pellerin, the former French Culture Minister, who is of Korean descent, next Monday in Paris. Established in 1957, the Order of Arts and Letters recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the arts and literature or have helped elevate the international prestige of French culture. Since making her debut in 1986, Sumi Jo has received worldwide acclaim and is often praised as possessing "a voice gifted by the gods." Tottenham Hotspur and South Korea national team captain Son Heung-min has claimed the first trophy of his club career, having led his team to victory in the UEFA Europa League. Since joining Spurs a decade ago, Son has played in three major finals, finishing as runner-up on two occasions. The long-awaited triumph comes during a disappointing season in the Premier League. With the Europa League title, the club not only ends its trophy drought but also secures a coveted spot in next season's Champions League. Son described himself as the happiest person in the world, saying his dream had finally come true. The Busan International Performing Arts Festival kicks off tomorrow and runs through June 1, offering audiences a firsthand look at the latest trends in world theater. Under the theme "Regeneration & Balance," this year's festival will showcase 58 productions from 14 countries. The opening show, "The Song of Oedipus" by Sardegna Theatre, will make its Korean debut with a fresh take on the classic Greek tragedy. A wide range of programming will follow, including K-Stage, a competition for local theater groups; BIPAF Rookies, showcasing emerging artists; and invited performances from Korea and abroad. The festival closes with "The Vegetarian," adapted from the novel by Nobel laureate Han Kang and directed by Italy's Daria Deflorian. That's all from me. Stay tuned to the Kulture Wave.

[Short-form] “Seowon,” Korean Neo-Confucian Academies

2025/05/22 14:00

Discover the true value of Korea’s Seowon, a timeless monument and living testament to enduring wisdom.

Humanitarian aid trucks still stuck near Gaza checkpoint

2025/05/22 10:00

Dozens of trucks of humanitarian aid for Gaza are still sitting at the border, waiting to be distributed to Palestinians in need while Israel ramps up its offensives, now claiming to have killed Hamas leader Mohammed Sinwar. Lee Seung-jae has more. Work is in full swing to transport relief supplies to Gaza, but aid has still not been distributed to those in need. Around 100 relief trucks have passed through to the Palestinian side of the Kerem Shalom checkpoint, with the first of the trucks to arrive there for a third day. The delay comes amid concerns of looting, as authorities look to secure a safe route for the trucks. "So far, and this is as of a few minutes ago, but the situation obviously is fluid -none of the supplies have been able to leave the Kerem Shalom loading area. This is because by yesterday evening, Israeli authorities had only allowed our teams to go through one area that was highly congested that we felt was insecure and where we felt looting was highly likely to take place given the prolonged deprivation in Gaza since the blockade by the Israeli authorities for over 11 weeks." UN officials are consulting with Israeli authorities to determine if another route can be used to deliver the aid. According to UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, humanitarian items include baby food, flour, medicine, and nutrition supplies. However,.. he said that Israel has not allowed hygiene products or fuel into Gaza. Meanwhile, the Israeli military has continued its ground operations in Gaza. According to Al Jazeera, around 80 people were killed in airstrikes in various locations in Gaza on Wednesday. In a press conference on the same day, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the Israeli military had "apparently" killed Hamas' leader Mohammed Sinwar. He is the younger brother of Hamas' former top leader Yahya Sinwar, who was killed in October last year. Netanyahu said that there are currently 20 Israeli hostages alive in Gaza, and promised to bring them all back. Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.

U.S. formally accepts US$ 400 mil. luxury jet from Qatar as Air Force One

2025/05/22 10:00

The Trump administration has formally accepted a jet from Qatar for use as Air Force One, a gift that the White House calls legitimate, while controversies over the gift are nowhere near being tamed. Shin Se-byuck has the details. The U.S. has accepted a luxury Boeing 747 jet gift from Qatar for use as Air Force One. President Donald Trump received the 400 million U.S. dollar luxury jet during a recent visit to Qatar, and announced plans to use it for future presidential travel. This, however, has sparked controversy in Washington, with critics raising concerns over potential impropriety and foreign influence. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said in a statement Wednesday that the plane was accepted in accordance with all federal rules and regulations. He added that the Defense Department is working to ensure the aircraft meets the necessary security standards and mission requirements for presidential transport. The U.S. Air Force is expected to begin modifications to the jet so it can be used as an official presidential aircraft. While there are questions surrounding the luxury jet and the ethics of accepting such an expensive gift from a foreign government, Trump has maintained there's nothing improper. "It's not a gift to me. It's a gift to the Department of Defense." Qatar has also downplayed the backlash, calling it a routine government-to-government transaction. "I see that this story is taking a different direction and is being more politicized, while it's a normal government-to-government deal." However, CNN reported earlier this week, citing an anonymous source, that it was the Trump administration, not Qatar, that first initiated the deal. Facing an urgent need for a new Air Force One, the administration reportedly approached Qatar to inquire about acquiring a Boeing 747, and Qatar agreed. During his first term, President Trump had placed an order for a new presidential jet from Boeing, but with the delivery still delayed, he has repeatedly voiced frustration over the wait. Meanwhile, the security upgrades are expected to cost over 1 billion U.S. dollars, with Boeing aiming to complete delivery of the newly configured presidential jet by 2027. Shin Se-byuck, Arirang News.

[Weather] Rain across Korea, cooler highs but still warm in western parts

2025/05/22 10:00

Yesterday marked 'Soman,' the start of summer, and it certainly lived up to its name with sweltering heat all day. Seoul had the hottest May morning in over in decade! And of course, daytime temperatures soared past 30 degrees, making it the hottest day of the year so far. Today will be a bit cooler than yesterday, and it should be more comfortable tomorrow. We also have some rain in the forecast. The amounts won't be significant, just 5 to 10 millimeters, and most of it will clear out by tonight. Eastern areas will be a lot more comfortable today, including Daegu and Gyeongju, with highs going down 8 to 10 degrees lower than yesterday topping out at 22 and 21 degrees respectively. Gwangju and Daejeon will jump to 25 degrees. Looking ahead, tomorrow will bring back more typical May weather with big daily temperature swings of over 10 degrees!

Ukrainian ex-top official shot dead in Spain

2025/05/22 10:00

A former Ukrainian politician who had been a senior aide to a pro-Russian president was shot dead outside a school in Madrid, Spain. Andriy Portnov had been deputy head of the presidential administration under former president Viktor Yanukovych. On Wednesday, at approximately 9:15 AM local time, Portnov was ambushed by several attackers as he returned to his car after leaving his children at the American School of Madrid. Witnesses report he was shot multiple times, including at least once in the head. The attackers fled the scene, heading toward a nearby wooded area. Portnov had been sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury in 2021 for undermining judicial reforms. After fleeing Ukraine in 2014, he lived in Russia and Austria before settling in Spain. Investigations into his killing are ongoing, but no arrests have been reported yet.

Trump ambushes S. African leader with claim of Afrikaners being 'persecuted'

2025/05/22 10:00

In an Oval Office meeting on Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump confronted South African President Cyril Ramaphosa with allegations of a "white genocide" targeting white South African farmers. The encounter was initially intended to discuss trade and diplomatic relations, but escalated into heated exchanges as President Trump presented a video featuring clips of South African politicians inciting violence against white farmers. Trump argued that these clips were evidence that there was a systematic campaign against the white minority in South Africa. Ramaphosa stayed calm, but disputed Trump's allegations, saying that black people were more likely to be victims of violence in the country than white people. He also said that his government does not endorse any form of racial violence or related policies.

On-point: Is Trump giving up on Russia & Ukraine on peace talks?

2025/05/22 10:00

Russia-Ukraine peace talks are dragging on even with U.S. President Donald Trump's long desire to broker a deal between them. Is Trump giving up on them now that things are lagging? Let's turn to Professor Christophe Gaudin. Good morning. 1. Trump did have a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier this week, only to see little sign of a breakthrough on peace talks. What was it that Trump said or did that failed to convince Putin here? Do you think Trump's push for an unconditional ceasefire scared Putin away? 2. Is that why Trump is now threatening Russia with sanctions? Is it just a warning or a threat that can actually be realized? 3. Some analysts say they're sensing a possible shift in Trump's stance and that he was leaving the two countries to find a deal without the U.S. as a broker. What's your take on this analysis? 4. Would you then say Ukraine is the ultimate victim here? It signed a minerals deal with the U.S. and is still patiently waiting for Moscow to come to the negotiating table. 5. The Pope is now being mentioned as a possible new negotiating bridge. Will the Pope be more helpful than Trump? Could the Vatican host peace talks? Thanks so much for connecting with us this morning. We appreciate it.

Lee Jun-seok continues voter outreach in Seoul capital area, rejects PPP's merger proposal

2025/05/22 10:00

Reform Party candidate Lee Jun-seok will also stay in the capital area on Thursday as he continues to reach out to young voters and centrists. He is scheduled to hold a discussion with Choi Won-il, former captain of the Cheonan warship, which was torpedoed by North Korea in 2010. He will also continue meeting with students this time at Inha University. Yesterday, People Power Party lawmaker Ahn Cheol-soo met with Lee to persuade him to unify his candidacy with the PPP's Kim Moon-soo. Lee once again rejected the idea, saying he is focused on a winning strategy. His spokesperson said Wednesday that certain figures from the PPP proposed a merger in exchange for Lee Jun-seok's party leadership.

PPP's Kim talks up GTX success as PPP apologizes for fmr. first lady Kim Keon Hee

2025/05/22 10:00

The People Power Party candidate Kim Moon-soo continues stick around the metropolitan area to solidify his support in the capital region. His ambitions to merge with his fellow conservative rival, Reform Party's Lee Jun-seok, remain strong. Our Kim Do-yeon reports. Continuing his efforts to boost support in the capital region People Power Party candidate Kim Moon-soo on Wednesday chose northern Gyeonggi-do Province, appealing to locals that he's a two-term Gyeonggi-do Province Governor. As he's the one who started the GTX, an express railway system connecting the outskirts of Seoul to its center, he pledged there will be more of these for all. "I promise you I'll make sure anyone can travel anywhere within an hour. I'll deliver a transportation revolution." Kim started his rally from the northwest and moved clockwise to hit six cities in one day. Areas Kim rallied also border and near North Korea, and much of the land here remains undeveloped due to longstanding security and environmental restrictions. Kim says, if elected, he'll lift those limits to attract companies and institutions aiming to create jobs and opportunities in the region. Meanwhile, his efforts towards a merger with a fellow conservative rival, the Reform Party's Lee Jun-seok, continued as he called the move a game-changer in the current losing landscape. "As for a dramatic turnaround, there's candidate Lee Jun-seok, who once served as our party leader and is now running independently. I believe that, in the end, he and I will merge our campaigns and that he could play a key role in leading us to victory in this presidential race. I'm hopeful things will work out." But Lee Jun-seok is still publicly rejecting the idea. Still, the outreach continues PPP lawmaker Ahn Cheol-soo visited Lee on the campaign trail in an apparent attempt to open dialogue. Momentum is building, though. Former PPP chairman and the primary runner-up Han Dong-hoon began campaigning for Kim onTuesday though they haven't appeared together yet. Han had made clear that he wouldn't hit the trail unless the party distanced itself from impeached ex-president Yoon Suk Yeol. Now that Yoon has left the party, Han appears to be on board. And to add to the distancing PPP interim leader Kim Yong-tae publicly apologized for controversies surrounding former first lady Kim Keon Hee. After his debate proposal for first lady prospects was rejected, he urged the Democratic Party to suggest their own format saying vetting should still happen. Kim Do-yeon, Arirang News.

DP’s Lee holds rally in his Nat'l Assembly constituency; unveils pet-friendly pledges

2025/05/22 10:00

Democratic Party candidate Lee Jae-myung is now expanding his campaign trail down to the country's resort island of Jeju on Thursday after spending a solid day in Incheon City where his constituency is located. Our correspondent Shin Ha-young has more. Democratic Party presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung has continued his campaign in the greater Seoul metropolitan area for the third consecutive day, this time in the city of Incheon. "The sea takes in both murky and clean water isn't that the spirit of unity in Incheon? Winning in Incheon is what makes it a true victory. Will you help make that happen?" "Incheon holds special significance for Lee Jae-myung, as it was a stepping stone in his political comeback after narrowly losing to former President Yoon Suk Yeol in the 2022 presidential election." During his Wednesday rallies, Lee visited Gyeyang-gu District, the constituency he represents in the National Assembly. Following the previous presidential election, Lee won a by-election in Gyeyang-gu and was re-elected in last year's general election. Lee thanked the people of Gyeyang-gu for supporting his comeback. He aimed to win votes by sharing his economic vision for Incheon, a global gateway city with an airport and port, focusing on logistics and the bio-industry. Ahead of Wednesday's rally, Lee also laid out pet-friendly policy pledges. In a social media post, he promised to enact a so-called Basic Animal Welfare Act and work to create a government agency dedicated to promoting animal welfare. Lee also pledged to reduce pet care costs, especially for veterinary services, by setting standard fees and promoting the expansion of pet insurance. He also addressed the issue of stray cats. "Since more than 25 percent of people have pets, we need appropriate policies for them. On issues like stray cats, where opinions differ, we should find ways to coexist without causing problems for others." Additionally, Lee pledged to prevent animal abuse and abandonment by introducing a policy that bans offenders from owning animals for a set period. Shin Ha-young, Arirang News.

Korean SMEs showcase defense innovations at LIMA 2025

2025/05/22 10:00

At LIMA 2025 in Malaysia, not just major defense firms but also SMEs are presenting their innovative solutions from digital aircraft twins to anti-drone systems, aiming to expand their footprint in the global defense market. Our Kim Bo-kyoung tells us more. A Boeing 737's 3-dimensional landing gear appears, just by wearing a mixed reality headset. This, is one of many innovative products Korea's small and medium-sized companies have brought to the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition, Southeast Asia's largest exhibition of this type. Situated within the booth of the integrated "Korean Pavilion" Augmented Knowledge offers a digital twin of aircraft by integrating AI-based paper manuals with 3D models. Currently being used by several institutions, the cloud service is already helping students learn aircraft maintenance more efficiently. With the innovation that makes paper manuals a legacy of the past, the company aims to open up new opportunities at LIMA 2025. "Malaysia offers relatively low labor costs and has a well-developed MRO industry. We're in contact with both companies like GE Aerospace and local schools, aiming to establish a foothold in Southeast Asia." Optical communications company FOSTEC, which is showcasing expanded beam connectors that are reliable for field use, is already producing cables used for Korean missile defense systems like "Cheongung." It now aims to explore more chances in the global market. "Our products are about 1/5 the cost compared to Amphenol and Glenair, with delivery times reduced by about half, while maintaining equal or superior quality standards." Also eyeing the Southeast Asian market is an anti-drone manufacturer, producing a system that integrates multiple functions into one. It can detect, operate jamming methods, disrupt the signals and spoofing, and send false GPS signals to mislead the drone to move to a different direction. "I've heard that many key officials from important agencies such as the Malaysian Air Force and police will be attending, so we hope there will be an opportunity to participate in bids with the Malaysian government." With strong government support behind them, Korean defense SMEs are taking a big leap into the global market. Kim Bo-kyoung, Arirang News, Langkawi.

Second round of S. Korea-U.S. technical tariff discussions kick off in Washington

2025/05/21 20:00

Trade officials from South Korea and their U.S. counterparts opened a fresh round of tariff talks in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday, local time. On the agenda are six key matters including trade balance, non-tariff measures, and economic security. This is the second round of technical talks and likely the last ahead of the political transition here in Korea as a new government takes office on June 4th. South Korea is seeking lower tariffs while the U.S. is expected to seek more imports and regulatory changes.

Trump unveils plans for 'Golden Dome' missile defense system

2025/05/21 20:00

U.S. President Donald Trump has shared an ambitious plan to protect America from missile assaults, dubbed 'Golden Dome', that will come with a hefty price tag. Lee Seung-jae has more. U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday his plan for a missile defense program dubbed 'Golden Dome.' The multi-layered system would allow for U.S. weapons to be put into space for the first time. "Thank you very much, and thank you for being here in the Oval Office, one of the great places of the world, as we make a historic announcement about the Golden Dome Missile Defense Shield. That's something we want, and Ronald Reagan wanted it many years ago, but they didn't have the technology. But it's something that we're going to have." The 'Golden Dome' will include ground and space-based capabilities that can detect and destroy missiles at all major stages of a potential attack. Trump said that he had promised the American people that he would build a "cutting-edge missile defense shield" to protect the U.S. from the threat of foreign missile attacks. However, the ambitious plan also comes with a massive price tag. "I'm also pleased to report that the one big, beautiful bill will include $25 billion for the Golden Dome to help construction get underway. That's the initial sort of down posit. And we have probably you're talking about, General, we're talking about $175 billion total cost of this when it's completed." However, earlier this month, the Congressional Budget Office estimated that deploying and operating just the space-based interceptors of the defense system could cost up to 542 billion dollars over the next 20 years. Still, citing the increasingly sophisticated threats from North Korea, Russia, and China, Trump said the system could be operational within three years, as he named General Michael Guetlein, vice chief of operations for the U.S. Space Force, to oversee the 'Golden Dome' project. Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.

UN highlights N. Korea's ongoing human rights crisis; defectors testify

2025/05/21 20:00

At the United Nations, two North Korean defectors detailed troubling tales of human rights abuses in North Korea during a meeting convened for the first time at a high level to address the problem. Our North Korean affairs correspondent Kim Jung-sil covers their testimonies and more. The first session of its kind at the General Assembly featured live testimonies from North Korean defectors. Kim Eun-joo shared her story of escape and the trauma she faced. "On our first night in China, my 14-year-old sister was kidnapped, kidnapped, sexually abused, and left on the roadside. Later, my mother, sister, and I were sold for only 2,000 CNY, less than US$ 300. This tragedy is not only my family's story; many others face the same brutal reality under the North Korean regime." Kang Gyu-ri, a relatively recent defector, spoke about many still in the North. "There are still millions of North Koreans who have no access to any information about the outside world, who believe that they have no choice but to live under the three generations of the Kim dynasty's personality cult." This point was also highlighted by UN official Ilze Brands Kehris. "The laws carry severe punishments, including the death penalty in some cases. The internet is not available. Similarly, freedom of movement is extremely restricted." Also discussed were the global security implications of North Korea's human rights violations. "The DPRK is exporting instability and violence to the Middle East and to Europe, and the root cause of this is the human rights violations that the DPRK perpetrates." Elizabeth Salmón, UN Special Rapporteur on North Korean human rights, tied militarization to more exploitation, citing troops sent to Russia. "As the DPRK expands its extreme militarization policies, it exacerbates the extensive reliance on forced labor and quota systems." North Korea's Permanent Representative to the UN, Kim Song, rejected the claims, accusing Western nations of politicizing the issue. "It is shocking that such a meeting is convened, going against the universal will of the international community." Despite Pyongyang's rejection of the claims, Tuesday's session has once again brought North Korea's human rights situation to the global forefront. Kim Jung-sil, Arirang News.

Overseas voting underway across U.S., Europe, Africa, Asia for S. Korea's 21st Presidential Election

2025/05/21 20:00

Overseas voting is well underway across the globe to elect Korea's next leader, as more voters are heading to polling stations for their hopes and wishes. Our Lee Eun-hee brings the story. Sung Jin-ok, a Korean national living in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, drove four hours to a polling station in Virginia. Arriving at daybreak to cast her vote, she said that she'd never felt such an urgent need to vote in all her 16 years of living overseas. "There was something deeply moving about stamping my vote. I used to think my vote was too small to matter, so I often didn't bother. But this time, I hope it becomes a vote for real change." With overseas voting for South Korea's presidential election now underway, Korean nationals across the United States are heading to polling stations in what they describe as a hopeful, even emotional, act of civic duty. For many, this election feels more personal than ever. "I hope this election brings us closer together — a society united through democracy." Meanwhile, others cast their ballot thinking of future generations. "I want our children to grow up in a society where responsible leaders step up." The overseas voting period began Tuesday and runs to Sunday, taking place across 118 countries, according to the National Election Commission. A total of 258 thousand overseas voters registered for this year's election, which is roughly a 14-percent increase compared to the previous election. Overseas voters in Asia account for the largest bloc at around 129 thousand registered voters, followed by the United States and Europe. "Perhaps this election was one that didn't need to happen, which makes it even more crucial to choose the right leader." In Japan, out of around 4-hundred-thousand eligible voters, around 9-point-4-percent have indicated their intention to vote. The future of Korea-Japan relations under the next president is one of their top concern. "There are many complex historical issues, but I hope the two countries can at least build a cooperative relationship on current matters." In an effort to improve accessibility for Korean citizens living abroad, the NEC has installed new polling stations, such as those in Lithuania, Lithuania, and Luxembourg. As the overseas voting window continues ahead of the domestic election period, many voters say they're not just casting a ballot but expressing their hopes for a better, more unified country. Lee Eun-hee, Arirang News.

Reform Party candidate Lee Jun-seok again rejects merger idea, reaches out to centrist voters

2025/05/21 20:00

Also on the campaign trail. Reform Party candidate Lee Jun-seok has rejected yet again calls for a coalition by PPP contender Kim Moon-soo , as we just heard. Speaking here in Seoul earlier today, Lee brushed aside attempts by the main conservative camp to seek a merger. Lee currently ranks third in public polls and has shared hopes to see his standing rise after the remaining two live TV debates. Later in the day, he headed to Seongnam where he sat down with students at Gachon University and toured Seongnam Medical Center.

PPP's Kim talks up GTX success as PPP apologizes for fmr. first lady Kim Keon Hee

2025/05/21 20:00

The People Power Party candidate Kim Moon-soo also chose to stay in the capital region, in Gyeonggi-do Province, near the border with North Korea. Meanwhile, some in the conservative bloc seek to distance themselves from the impeached president ahead of the election. Our correspondent Kim Do-yeon has more. Continuing his efforts to boost support in the capital region People Power Party candidate Kim Moon-soo on Wednesday chose northern Gyeonggi-do Province, appealing to locals that he's a two-term Gyeonggi-do Province Governor. As he's the one who started the GTX, an express railway system connecting the outskirts of Seoul to its center, he pledged there will be more of these for all. "I promise you — I'll make sure anyone can travel anywhere within an hour. I'll deliver a transportation revolution." Kim started his rally from the northwest and moved clockwise to hit six cities in one day. Areas Kim rallied also border and near North Korea, and much of the land here remains undeveloped due to longstanding security and environmental restrictions. Kim says, if elected, he'll lift those limits to attract companies and institutions aiming to create jobs and opportunities in the region. Meanwhile, his efforts towards a merger with a fellow conservative rival, the Reform Party's Lee Jun-seok, continued as he called the move a game-changer in the current losing landscape. "As for a dramatic turnaround, there's candidate Lee Jun-seok, who once served as our party leader and is now running independently. I believe that, in the end, he and I will merge our campaigns — and that he could play a key role in leading us to victory in this presidential race. I'm hopeful things will work out." But Lee Jun-seok is still publicly rejecting the idea. Still, the outreach continues — PPP lawmaker Ahn Cheol-soo visited Lee on the campaign trail in an apparent attempt to open dialogue. Momentum is building, though. Former PPP chairman and the primary runner-up Han Dong-hoon began campaigning for Kim onTuesday— though they haven't appeared together yet. Han had made clear that he wouldn't hit the trail unless the party distanced itself from impeached ex-president Yoon Suk Yeol. Now that Yoon has left the party, Han appears to be on board. And to add to the distancing PPP interim leader Kim Yong-tae publicly apologized for controversies surrounding former first lady Kim Keon Hee. After his debate proposal for first lady prospects was rejected, he urged the Democratic Party to suggest their own format — saying vetting should still happen. Kim Do-yeon, Arirang News.

DP’s Lee holds rally in his Nat'l Assembly constituency; unveils pet-friendly pledges

2025/05/21 20:00

Thank you for joining us. I'm Yoon Jung-min. With the presidential election less than two weeks to go, the Democratic Party candidate Lee Jae-myung sought voters' support in the city of Incheon, the home of his National Assembly constituency, which is significant for him in more than one way. Our correspondent Shin Ha-young explains. Democratic Party presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung has continued his campaign in the greater Seoul metropolitan area for the third consecutive day, this time in the city of Incheon. "The sea takes in both murky and clean water isn't that the spirit of unity in Incheon? Winning in Incheon is what makes it a true victory. Will you help make that happen?" "Incheon holds special significance for Lee Jae-myung, as it was a stepping stone in his political comeback after narrowly losing to former President Yoon Suk Yeol in the 2022 presidential election." During his Wednesday rallies, Lee visited Gyeyang-gu District, the constituency he represents in the National Assembly. Following the previous presidential election, Lee won a by-election in Gyeyang-gu and was re-elected in last year's general election. Lee thanked the people of Gyeyang-gu for supporting his comeback. He aimed to win votes by sharing his economic vision for Incheon, a global gateway city with an airport and port, focusing on logistics and the bio-industry. Ahead of Wednesday's rally, Lee also laid out pet-friendly policy pledges. In a social media post, he promised to enact a so-called Basic Animal Welfare Act and work to create a government agency dedicated to promoting animal welfare. Lee also pledged to reduce pet care costs, especially for veterinary services, by setting standard fees and promoting the expansion of pet insurance. He also addressed the issue of stray cats. "Since more than 25 percent of people have pets, we need appropriate policies for them. On issues like stray cats, where opinions differ, we should find ways to coexist without causing problems for others." Additionally, Lee pledged to prevent animal abuse and abandonment by introducing a policy that bans offenders from owning animals for a set period. Shin Ha-young, Arirang News.