News

U.S. Senate defense policy bill calls for maintaining USFK troop level

2025/07/18 11:34

A U.S. Senate defense policy bill for the 2026 fiscal year, includes a ban on the use of funds to reduce the number of U.S. Forces Korea troops below the current level of 28-thousand-500. The bill comes amid concerns that U.S. President Donald Trump could seek to cut the number of troops stationed in South Korea. Lee Seung-jae has more. For the first time in five years, the National Defense Authorization Act for the 2026 fiscal year, includes a ban on using funds to reduce the number of U.S. Forces Korea troops below the current level of 28-thousand-500. The U.S. defense policy bill was posted on Congress's website on Thursday, where it affirmed the reinforcement of the ROK-U.S. alliance by maintaining the current USFK troop level. The bill reads "Amounts authorized to be appropriated by this Act may not be obligated or expended to reduce the total number of members of the Armed Forces permanently stationed in or deployed to the Republic of Korea below 28,500, or to complete the transition of wartime operational control of the United States-Republic of Korea Combined Forces Command from United States-led command to Republic of Korea-led command." However,.. the NDAA leaves open the possibility of using defense funds for a USFK reduction or OPCON transition if it is in the national security interest of the United States, adding that the action could only be undertaken after proper consultations with its allies,.. including South Korea, Japan and other countries that have sent military contributions to the UN Command. The ban was previously included in the NDAA from the 2019 to 2021 fiscal years, to prevent any potential unilateral reduction during the first Trump administration. However, it was removed from the bill during former President Joe Biden's term in office. It's the first time that the Senate added a ban on the use of funds for the completion of wartime OPCON transfer. The latest bill comes amid speculation that the Trump administration could reduce the number of USFK, and ask Seoul to increase spending for its own defense. Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.

STOCK&FX

2025/07/17 22:45

2025. 7. 17. KOREAN STOCK MARKET KOSPI : 3,192.29 ▲5.91 +0.19% KOSDAQ : 818.27 ▲6.04 +0.74% KOSPI200 : 431.64 ▲0.48 +0.11% ASIAN STOCK MARKET NIKKEI225 : 39,901.19 ▲237.79 +0.60% HANG SENG : 24,498.95 ▼18.81 -0.08% SHANGHAI : 3,516.83 ▲13.04 +0.37% WALL STREET (July 16) DOW JONES : 44,254.78 ▲231.49 (+0.53%) NASDAQ : 20,730.49 ▲52.69 (+0.25%) S&P500 : 6,263.70 ▲19.94 (+0.32%) EXCHANGE RATE USD : 1,392.60 (+6.90) JPY : 936.39 (+4.80) CNY : 193.81 (+0.86) EUR : 1,613.33 (+2.87)

Torrential rains in S. Korea triggers nationwide emergency

2025/07/17 22:44

We start with updates on the torrential downpours that are sweeping across the country. For more, we connect with our Moon Hye-ryeon live on the line. Hye-ryeon, give us the latest updates on the latest casualties and damage caused by the heavy rain. Relentless downpours are wreaking havoc across South Korea, leading to multiple fatalities, widespread evacuations, and growing concern in flood-prone regions. At least four people have died. In Osan , a wall collapsed onto a passing car, killing the driver, and in Seosan and Dangjin , three people died as roads and homes were flooded. A number of injuries, too, have been recorded as a result of landslides in Chungcheongnam-do Province. The Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters reported that over a thousand people have been evacuated from their homes in low-lying and landslide-prone areas as of this morning, but local governments in the central and southern regions of the country have been issuing evacuation advisories throughout the day. Overflowing rivers, for example, have led to residents in Gwangju evacuating their homes this evening. The rain has also led to major disruptions in travel, including train and flight services. Korea Railroad suspended all train operations between Gwangju Songjeong Station and Mokpo Station on the Honam Line this afternoon, as well as regular train services across other major lines throughout the day. Several flights have been cancelled at Jeju Airport, and several highways have been closed across the country. Authorities are urging drivers to use alternate routes and check traffic updates in advance. And what have been the responses from the government and the weather agency in light of this situation? As of 7:30 PM, the Korea Meteorological Administration issued heavy rain warnings to seven provinces and metropolitan cities, and advisories to 14. And this is why the CDSCH saw fit to issue a Level 3 emergency response earlier this evening for the first time in nearly two years. This is the highest level of disaster response in South Korea's national emergency system for heavy rain, and means that all available manpower and equipment are mobilized as a result. Interior Ministry officials have said the top priority is minimizing casualties, as up to 300 millimeters more could fall in the coming days. Local authorities have been advised to issue evacuation orders where needed, with the central government promising full support for resident protection and shelter costs. The Education Ministry has also activated its emergency task force in order to monitor the situation, with 667 schools nationwide choosing to close, shorten school hours, or transition to remote learning for the day. Right, you said that we could be looking at 300 millimeters of more rain — could you expand on that and give us the outlook for tonight and in the coming days? Heavy rainfall is expected tonight in the central and southern regions, with around 50 to 80 millimeters of rain expected to fall per hour. This includes regions such as the Chungcheong-do provinces, which were hit particularly hard last night, as well as the Jeolla-do and Gyeongsang-do provinces, which have been seeing heavy rain this evening. For context, 50 to 80 millimeters of rain per hour is considered extremely dangerous, especially if it lasts more than a short while — think of a torrential downpour that makes it nearly impossible to walk or drive through the streets. As of now, it looks as though these areas can expect downpours at varying intensities until Saturday. The capital region is also expected to see some heavy rain until tomorrow morning, before it eases up into something lighter starting tomorrow evening. That's all I have on the rain for now, back to you, Dami. Thank you for your report, Hye-ryeon. Stay safe.

[Weather] Heavy rain warnings and advisories are strengthened

2025/07/17 22:43

It has been raining a lot mainly in the central parts of the country and the Jeolla-do provinces since yesterday. Heavy rain warnings are in place in the Chungcheong-do, Jeollanam-do and Gyeongsangnam-do provinces. Heavy rain advisories have been issued in most parts of the country. 150 millimeters or more of rain is expected in southern Gyeonggi-do Province, Chungcheongnam-do Province, Daejeon and Sejong, and western Jeollabuk-do Province, up to 120 or more in inland areas of Gangwon-do and Chungcheongbuk-do provinces, and 30 to 100 millimeters in the Seoul metropolitan area. Please be thoroughly prepared for torrential rain until Saturday. Tomorrow morning, Seoul will start off at 24 degrees Celsius, Chuncheon at 23 degrees. Daily highs will move up to 28 to 30 degrees across the country. This heavy rain is expected by the end of this week. That's all for Korea. Here are the weather conditions around the world.

[Econ & Biz] K-Beauty’s beautiful glow: Behind its recent record-breaking success

2025/07/17 22:42

South Korean cosmetics, widely known as K-Beauty products, have been topping the to-buy lists of foreign tourists visiting the country. And newly released figures underscore the growing global appeal of Korean beauty brands. For more, we turn to our correspondent Park Jun-han here in the studio. It's good to have you, Jun-han. Thanks for having me, Dami. 1. Jun-han, Korean beauty products have been popular for quite some time. But how popular are they really? That's right, Dami. Just yesterday, I went to Myeongdong, one of the most popular areas for foreign visitors. There, I could spot people from all over the world shopping for Korean beauty products. They told me that K-Beauty products are well-known in their countries, and they're happy to buy them at a lower price than they would at home. Let's take a listen to what tourists had to say about their K-Beauty shopping experience in Korea. "I heard about it through social media in France. We have a lot of channels in France that talk about it, so every French person wants to try it because it works — so yeah. It's my first time; I've never tried it, so I'll try and see." "We found out through TV. I think it's well known that Korean beauty products are very good. Also, friends and family asked us, 'Are you going to Korea? Can you bring me this or that?' because they know Korean products are very famous for that." 2. I see, Jun-han. Now we know that K-Beauty products are famous all over the world, what makes them stand out among many others around the world? What makes them so special? You actually made a great point there, Dami. When asked about what makes Korean cosmetics so special, one of the industry experts told me that they are technologically advanced for their price and are creative in product development. Let's take a listen. "Cosmetics companies in South Korea are so technologically advanced and cost-effective that last year we became the third-largest exporter in the world. They're incredibly creative and great at coming up with new products, which is why they're receiving this kind of attention around the world." Another claim made by the same industry expert is that cultural exposure and influence — such as through K-pop and K-Drama figures — are attracting potential consumers to buy K-Beauty products. "As K-Dramas and K-pop have become more popular, people around the world are seeing more of Korean people's skin. I think that has contributed to a perception that Koreans have great skin because they use Korean cosmetics. Most of the products are now vegan, and there are also many functional patents behind them." 3. No wonder that K-Beauty exports hit a new record in the first half of this year. Jun-han, can you walk us through the latest figures? Sure Dami. The growth of South Korea's beauty product exports is surging at a dramatic pace, backed by record figures. According to the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, South Korea exported cosmetics to 176 countries in the first half of 2025, reaching a total of 5.51 billion U.S. dollars — a 14.8 percent increase from the same period last year. By country, China, the United States and Japan were the top three importers, accounting for 48.1 percent of total exports. Although China saw an over 10 percent year-on-year decrease in export value, it still ranked as the number one importer. The United States and Japan, however, saw remarkable increases of over 17 percent and 15 percent, respectively. From 2012 to 2024, South Korea's cosmetics exports surged by over 850%, showing a strong annual year-on-year growth trend. And if the current pace continues, 2025 could mark yet another historic high, hopefully surpassing the 11 billion dollar mark. 4. K-Beauty is doing remarkably well, but I'm sure there's still room for improvement and even concerns within the industry about future challenges. Tell us. That's right, Dami. Although our cosmetics industry is performing very well, there are some concerns that remain, such as regulatory challenges and a possible increase in prices due to the 25% U.S. "reciprocal" tariffs. Now, let's take a listen to what a professor of the beauty industry had to say. "The government's R&D expenditure is too small compared to the increasing sales and exports of the cosmetics industry. All industries in Korea face difficulties without government support, and I think the industry can grow much more if it is supported. Also, another industry expert raised concerns about factors that might increase product prices. "Concerns over tariffs essentially come down to pricing. Since each individual ingredient must undergo safety testing, the overall cost naturally increases. As a result, cosmetic prices inevitably rise. Rather than simply easing regulations, I believe we need to explore ways to simplify the safety assessment process while still ensuring product safety." With rising demand from all over the world, K-Beauty is now not just a trend — it's a new culture. Alright, Jun-han, Thanks for sharing your thoughtful insights today. Thank you, Dami, I hope to see you again soon.

S. Korea's auto exports set June high despite U.S. shipments decline, tariffs

2025/07/17 22:39

Last month, South Korea's automobile exports marked a record high for any June, buoyed by regional gains and an EV rebound amid U.S. tariffs. Our Moon Ji-young has more. South Korea's auto exports rose from a year earlier in June as a surge in shipments to Europe and Asia more than offset a decline in shipments to the U.S. caused by U.S. tariffs. According to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy on Thursday, the country's auto exports came to 6-point-34 billion U.S. dollars in June, up more than 2 percent year-on-year. This performance marks a record high for any June. By region, exports to the U.S. dropped for the fourth consecutive month, falling 16 percent. Conversely, European Union shipments surged more than 32 percent, and Asia also saw growth of more than 35 percent. These strong gains partly offset the decline in exports to the U.S. Notable growth was seen particularly in Germany and the Netherlands, where exports nearly doubled. The Ministry attributed the growth to a base effect from sluggish exports in the same month last year, along with strong electric vehicle exports, among other factors. Outbound shipments of EVs saw their first growth in 16 months, rising more than 11 percent year-on-year. Exports of eco-friendly cars amounted to 2-point-2 billion dollars, up over 18 percent from a year earlier. Regarding the outlook for the auto industry in the second half of this year, a ministry official said. "Measuring the outlook for the second half presents numerous uncertainties. Among potential downsides, should phenomena like a demand pull-forward effect in the US occur, the latter half of the year could face a slight downturn. Conversely, factors that could lead to an improvement include the resolution of global uncertainties stemming from tariff negotiations, or a further expansion of electric vehicle exports to Europe. These could, in fact, serve as positive influences." Meanwhile, domestic production remained flat at over 353-thousand vehicles. More than 72-thousand eco-friendly cars were sold in South Korea in June, up 36 percent from a year earlier. Moon Ji-young, Arirang News.

Samsung Electronics Chairman free of all legal troubles; what next?

2025/07/17 22:38

An almost decade long court battle against the executive chairman of Samsung Electronics has come to an end today, with the Supreme Court freeing Lee Jae-yong of all legal troubles. Our business correspondent Kim Do-yeon reports. After nearly a decade of legal battles, Samsung Electronics Executive Chairman Lee Jae-yong is now officially free of all charges. On Thursday, South Korea's Supreme Court upheld a lower court ruling acquitting the Samsung Chairman of fraud and market manipulation. The case centered on a controversial 2015 merger between Samsung C&T and Cheil Industries — a deal that helped Lee cement control over Samsung Electronics, despite not owning direct shares. The merger came as Lee was in the midst of inheriting leadership from his now-late father, Lee Kun-hee. Prosecutors argued the merger unfairly favored Cheil, where Lee was the largest shareholder. But the top court ruled there was insufficient evidence that the deal or the related accounting practices violated the law. Lee's legal woes began in 2016 with a bribery case linked to former impeached President Park Geun-hye. He served a total of 18 months in prison over the course of four years until 2021 and was barred from holding an official role at Samsung for five years following his release from prison. That ban was lifted early after a presidential pardon in 2022 by then-President Yoon Suk Yeol, paving the way for his formal return to Samsung leadership. Despite rejoining the company, Lee remained entangled in the ongoing merger case, making frequent court appearances. His legal team celebrated an appeals court acquittal in February 2025 and famously left this comment. "I hope this decision leads to the defendant returning and concentrating on their work." Lee's freedom from legal issues comes as Samsung Electronics has recently faced mounting headwinds. Its operating profit for the second quarter was slashed in half year-on-year, dragged down by weakness in its key semiconductor business, which accounts for more than half of total profits. Pundits say the legal issues didn't help and kept the company as a whole from making risky and bold decisions. "But it's a little bit hard to get in the front line with the legal issues going on so I think that this gives a great signal both to the market and within Samsung that Samsung will excel their AI and, you know, semiconductor strategies." But now, at least, the man at the top is no longer looking over his shoulder — and that may mark a turning point for South Korea's biggest conglomerate. Kim Do-yeon, Arirang News.

Nat'l Assembly unveils monument symbolizing its identity on 77th Constitution Day

2025/07/17 22:37

Today, July 17th, marks the 77th anniversary of Constitution Day here in South Korea. The National Assembly took the time to reflect of the true ideas of democracy and the power of Constitution. Our political correspondent Shin Ha-young tells us more. "The National Assembly of the Republic of Korea The Last Bastion of Democracy" are the words engraved on a monument unveiled on Thursday on the front lawn of the National Assembly, marking the 77th anniversary of the first proclamation of the Constitution. On the back, it commemorates the day the Assembly, with the people, blocked martial law troops, ending the decree's implementation, and reaffirming its commitment to protect the people and strengthen democracy. "Beneath the monument lies a 'National Assembly time capsule,' buried to mark the 77th Constitution Day. It contains items that reflect the spirit of the times and will be opened 100 years later, on July 17, 2125." The items include legislative and policy reports, notable bills, Dokdo-related publications, photos of the Assembly, a backup gavel, and messages from lawmakers and staff to future generations. South Korea's constitution was promulgated in 1948 based on open democracy. It was last revised in 1987 after decades of authoritarian rule. To celebrate the anniversary, the National Assembly held a special ceremony on Thursday, where Speaker Woo Won-shik highlighted the power of the Constitution. "This is the first Constitution Day since the December 3rd martial law declaration. In Korea, the people protect the Constitution, and the Constitution protects them. That's why the Constitution is powerful, and Korea is strong." Woo also called for constitutional reform, saying this was needed to meet today's needs and to build a stronger democracy and improve people's lives. He floated the idea of a constitutional referendum alongside the presidential election back in April in order to address calls for decentralization of power following the martial law declaration, but withdrew this after a backlash. "We need to act before it's too late. Rather than a full reform, we should begin with small, gradual amendments that the National Assembly, government and people can all agree on." Posting on Facebook, President Lee Jae Myung called for a discussion on constitutional reform and urged the National Assembly to lead the process, pledging to work alongside the legislature to reflect the will of the people. Meanwhile, following several recently proposed bills to reinstate Constitution Day as a public holiday, attention is on whether it will become a national holiday again for the first time since 2007. Shin Ha-young, Arirang News.

President Lee Jae Myung names special envoys to U.S.

2025/07/17 22:36

President Lee Jae Myung has appointed Park Yong-maan, former chairman of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, to lead his special envoys to the United States. Senior Secretary for Political Affairs Woo Sang-ho told reporters Thursday that the three-member delegation will be made up of Park, along with ruling Democratic Party lawmakers Han Jun-ho and Kim Woo-young. Woo noted that the envoys are not being sent to address a specific issue, but rather to explain the changes in South Korea since President Lee took office. Their departure date has not yet been decided. This week, the President dispatched envoys to the European Union headquarters in Brussels, France, the United Kingdom, and India.

S. Korea’s confirmation hearings: Key discussions on U.S. tariffs, economic challenges, and security

2025/07/17 22:35

Day four of confirmation hearings for the Lee Jae Myung administration's inaugural Cabinet picks took place today, where the nominees' visions and plans largely centered on security, diplomacy, and the economy. Our Kim Jung-sil has the latest. Foreign minister nominee Cho Hyun expressed confidence that an agreement on U.S. tariffs could be reached before the August 1st deadline set by President Donald Trump. When asked at Thursday's confirmation hearing whether the negotiations could conclude in such a short time, Cho said this: "It seems possible, though it's hard to predict. We are putting in our utmost efforts, and from the U.S. perspective, South Korea is not only a very important ally but also a key trading partner, so I believe they will prioritize negotiations with us." Cho also highlighted the potential for both countries to turn the crisis into a win-win opportunity by leveraging South Korea's strengths. If appointed, he pledged to visit the U.S. as early as next week to help finalize the crucial negotiations. Moving to security, Cho was asked whether North Korea remains South Korea's "primary enemy." "North Korea is an urgent and existential threat, but it is also a necessary partner in dialogue for peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula." Cho emphasized the importance of close cooperation with the U.S. to ease tensions with North Korea and create opportunities for dialogue. He also outlined plans to strengthen trilateral cooperation with the U.S. and Japan, while encouraging constructive roles from China and Russia. Meanwhile, confirmation hearings for key economic positions also took place. The finance minister nominee, Koo Yun-cheol, highlighted rising inflation, declining household incomes, and worsening external factors, stressing the decline in growth potential. He vowed to lead economic reforms to boost South Korea's future growth. Industry minister nominee, Kim Jung-kwan, outlined plans to boost exports and investments, emphasizing trade policies to strengthen the national interest, especially in response to U.S. tariffs, and expanding global trade networks through agreements and APEC Summits. As hearings continue, focus remains on how nominees' policies will shape South Korea's security and economy. Kim Jung-sil, Arirang News.

Tips during monsoon season: what to do when your car gets submerged in water?

2025/07/17 22:34

The recent heavy rainfall and rapid flooding pose a heightened risk of unexpected accidents. Here's our Kim Bo-kyoung with important safety guidelines. With the monsoon season back, there have already been a series of vehicle flooding accidents. When one is trapped inside a submerged car, what would be the best survival tips? Trying to open the door right away might be hard due to the pressure difference. In this case, wait for the water inside the car to rise to the same level as the outside, as once the pressure equalizes, the door gets much easier to open. If the situation is too urgent, break the window using either an emergency hammer or the headrest of the seat. It is important to strike the upper part and the edges of the window, so as not to get hurt by the broken glass. But what's best if water starts filling up inside? "The most important thing is to abandon the car and escape quickly if water starts rising inside the vehicle." Heavy rain is often accompanied by lightning strikes, which can lead to serious injuries or even death. If thunder is heard within 30 seconds of a lightning flash, one needs to seek shelter immediately, as it indicates the lightning struck nearby. Wait at least 30 minutes after the last sound of thunder before going back outside. One needs to avoid holding long, metal objects that can attract lightning, and should not stay under trees or outdoor pavilions as they cannot block lightning. It is safer to stay inside a building or a car. High humidity during rainy season can significantly increase the risk of electrical leakage accidents. Thus, the Korea Electrical Safety Corporation recommends testing home circuit breakers in advance to ensure they function properly. Press the test button next to the breaker, and if the electricity cuts off when the button is pressed, it means it is working well. Avoiding electrical facilities in flooded areas is a must, and appliances should only be reconnected when they are completely dry. Lastly, unplugging devices at home could also be a way to prevent electrical hazards. Kim Bo-kyoung, Arirang News.

President Lee orders all-out response to heavy rain

2025/07/17 22:33

President Lee Jae Myung has ordered an all-out response to the heavy rain. At a weekly meeting with his top aides on Thursday, the President called for safety inspections at high-risk areas, including underpasses, 지하도, underground parking lots, and retaining walls. "We're already receiving reports of flood damage and casualties. There must be zero tolerance for even the smallest mistakes when it comes to protecting lives." Stressing that the state's top duty is to protect its people, the President also urged swift investigations into recent workplace deaths, strict accountability for those responsible, and stronger support for those falling through the cracks of the welfare system. And marking Constitution Day, he proposed reinstating it as a public holiday, calling it a chance to reflect on the spirit of popular sovereignty.

Wars without exits: Gaza, Ukraine, and the breakdown of mediation

2025/07/17 21:35

Welcome to Within The Frame, where we bring the most pressing issues across the globe into focus. I'm Kim Mok-yeon. The war in Ukraine has reached a dangerous plateau — stalled on the ground, but escalating in tone. A reported phone call between U.S. President Trump and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy raised the possibility of a potential strike on Moscow, shifting attention from diplomacy to deterrence. Over in Gaza, Israel's operations inside Rafah intensify, even as ceasefire talks in Doha remain deadlocked over troop withdrawals and humanitarian control. With negotiations stuck and civilian tolls mounting, international pressure is building — but without clear leverage. So tonight, we ask: are these wars nearing resolution, or are we watching the normalization of endless conflict? For answers to this, we connect to Lim Eun-jung, Professor of International Studies at Kongju National University. Welcome Also joining us is Christophe Gaudin, Professor of Political Science at Kookmin University. Good to see you. 1. (LIM) With the Ukraine war in military stalemate and diplomatic channels barely functioning, we're seeing more bold rhetoric and riskier signaling from all sides. As a starting point — how would you characterize the current phase of this war? 2. (GAUDIN) Let's turn to that July 4th phone call — Trump asked Zelenskyy whether Ukraine could strike Moscow if given U.S. long-range missiles, and Zelenskyy reportedly said yes. What did that exchange reveal about how each side is framing this war now — and how might Moscow received this? 3. (LIM) Following a meeting with NATO, Trump backed a model where European allies would arm Ukraine first, with the U.S. resupplying them later. Is this Trump re-legitimizing NATO, or a way of limiting direct U.S. exposure while retaining control? 4. (LIM) Moving past individual diplomacy—Putin has shown no sign of backing down despite military losses and mounting tariffs. How much leverage does the West really have left, and is Russia's war economy more resilient than expected? 5. (GAUDIN) Israel's military strategy in Gaza and southern Lebanon continues to intensify despite growing international pressure. Do you see this as a calculated defiance of global norms — or a sign of Netanyahu losing strategic control? 6. (LIM) Meanwhile, ceasefire talks in Doha are stuck on two fronts: troop withdrawal and aid distribution. Prof.Lim, what's preventing even basic humanitarian compromise, and does the impasse reflect deeper failures in international mediation? 7. (GAUDIN) Despite months of mediation, neither side appears ready to concede core demands — Israel refuses full withdrawal, while Hamas won't release hostages without guarantees. At this point, do you see a realistic pathway toward ending the Gaza war? 8. (GAUDIN) Israel's proposed "humanitarian city" in Rafah — meant to relocate over 2 million Palestinians into a controlled zone near the Egyptian border — has drawn backlash as a violation of international law, with some calling it a de facto internment camp. How does this affect Israel's legitimacy, and what kind of precedent does it set for wartime displacement policies? 9. (LIM) Stepping back from both conflicts — has U.S. credibility as a peace broker diminished, strengthened, or simply shifted under Trump's second term? 10. (GAUDIN) And finally—with both wars locked in military deadlock and diplomacy fading, what meaningful role can the international community still play? Is there any realistic path — legal, economic, or humanitarian — that could help shift the momentum toward peace?

Heavy rains lead to casulties, cause damage across South Korea

2025/07/17 19:43

We start on the national front with news of the torrential rain across the country. I have our Byeon Ye-young standing by live on the line with the latest. Now Ye-young, I hear there have been a number of fatalities? Yes, Sunny. The ongoing heavy rainfall has already turned deadly. This morning, a man in his 50s was found dead inside a submerged vehicle in Seosan City, Chungcheongnam-do Province. He was discovered in a state of cardiac arrest and was later pronounced dead at the hospital. Another man in his 80s was found dead from drowning nearby, and one person also died in Dangjin city. In Gyeonggi-do Province, a 40-year-old man was killed yesterday when a 10-meter retaining wall collapsed in Osan City due to the rain. In total, over 110 people have been temporarily evacuated, mostly in the Chungcheong-do provinces and southern parts of Gyeonggi-do Province, where the rainfall has been at its heaviest. According to the Ministry of Education, over 400 schools have suspended classes due to heavy rain, with most closures concentrated in cities of Seosan, Dangjin, Asan, and Yesan, as well as Hongseong-gun County in Chungcheongnam-do Province, where every school in every district has closed. Facility damage has been reported at 166 schools, including leaking, flooding, and structural damage, though thankfully, no injuries have been reported. Authorities are urging residents in low-lying areas and landslide-prone regions, especially across the Chungcheong-do and Jeolla-do provinces, to remain on high alert. And Ye-young, which areas are bearing the brunt of the downpour as we speak? That's right. The heaviest rainfall overnight was concentrated in Chungcheongnam-do Province, particularly Seosan City and Hongseong-gun County. In Seosan, over 110 millimeters of rain fell in just one hour, which is the highest on record there for July. By 5 AM, total rainfall in Seosan reached 339 millimeters, and that figure rose to over 420 when including yesterday's totals. In Gongju City, about 40 residents were urgently evacuated after parts of their village were submerged. Additionally, Gwangju City and surrounding parts of Jeollanam-do Province are also now under expanded heavy rain alerts, with a flood warning being issued for Yongsan Bridge in Gwangju. In Seoul, a flood advisory was issued for the Dorimcheon River near Shindaebang Station, and access to several streams is under control due to concerns of overflow. Traffic is also being controlled around low-lying areas, and authorities are monitoring major bridges and underpasses. Train services have been affected as well. Korea Railroad suspended general train operations on parts of several lines around 6 AM due to heavy rain. Do tell us a bit about the measures taken by the government in response to the rampant rain. The Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters held an emergency meeting earlier on Thursday and issued a Level 3 response, the most severe stage, later in the day. The flood and storm disaster alert had been raised to "Serious" level. Emergency personnel are on high alert, with disaster situation rooms in full operation. Fire departments are increasing their 119 call center capacities, and authorities are jointly managing real-time updates across agencies. A landslide warning has also been raised to the second-highest level in major southern cities, including Gwangju, Daegu, and Busan, with the risk now categorized as "serious" in parts of Daejeon, Sejong, and the Chungcheong-do provinces. Interior Ministry officials have said the top priority is minimizing casualties, as up to 300 millimeters more could fall in the coming days. That's all I have for now. Back to you, Sunny. All right Ye-young, thank you for that coverage. And do keep us posted.

[Weather] Lots of rain is expected across the country

2025/07/17 19:41

Heavy rain warnings are being expanded and strengthened as it has been raining all over the country. Heavy rain warnings are in effect in the Chungcheong-do, Jeollanam-do and Gyeongsangnam-do provinces. Heavy rain advisories have been issued in most parts of the country. The amount of rainfall expected today is 150 millimeters or more in southern Gyeonggi-do Province, Chungcheongnam-do Province, Daejeon and Sejong, and western Jeollabuk-do Province, up to 120 or more in inland areas of Gangwon-do and Chungcheongbuk-do provinces, and 30 to 100 millimeters in the Seoul metropolitan area. You need to be thoroughly prepared for torrential rain until Saturday. Tomorrow morning, Seoul will start off at 24 degrees Celsius, Jeju at 26 degrees. Daily highs will move up to 28 to 30 degrees all over the country. A lot of rain is expected by the end of the week. That's all for Korea. Here are the weather conditions around the world.

World News: Wall Street ends higher after brief slump on Powell firing claims

2025/07/17 19:41

This is the World Now, bringing you the latest stories from around the globe. Wall Street closed higher on Wednesday after an early drop triggered by reports that President Trump planned to dismiss Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, which Trump quickly called "highly unlikely." Markets tumbled mid-morning on Wednesday with the S&P and Nasdaq falling more than 1%, while the dollar plunged and Treasury yields spiked after Bloomberg cited an anonymous White House source suggesting Powell would lose his job. The confusion grew amid concerns about Trump's repeated criticism of Powell for not cutting interest rates faster. However, stocks recovered swiftly once Trump denied any plan to fire Powell. The Dow rose 0.53%, the S&P 500 gained 0.32%, and the Nasdaq Composite added 0.26%. Tech shares lifted the Nasdaq to another record close. In the Middle East, at least 20 people have been killed in a fatal crush at an aid distribution site in Khan Younis, southern Gaza. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a U.S.-and Israeli-endorsed NGO, reported on July 16 that the deaths occurred during food distribution in Khan Younis. GHF officials said that armed people believed to be linked to Hamas deliberately caused unrest by infiltrating the crowd to cause panic. The Hamas-run Gaza Government Media Office blamed the incident on the GHF, while witnesses said security personnel had used pepper spray on the crowd. Palestinian health authorities confirmed 21 deaths by suffocation, asserting many victims were crushed in an overcrowded enclosure. In Iceland, a volcano on the Reykjanes Peninsula, in the southwest of the country, erupted in the early hours of Wednesday. This marks the 12th eruption in the region since 2021. Lava fountains burst along a fissure up to a kilometer long, sending thick gray smoke and orange lava into the sky. Authorities evacuated the nearby town of Grindavik, home to approximately 4,000 people, and cleared the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa. Roads around the eruption zone have been closed, but flights have not been affected. While Reykjanes has been particularly active since 2021, the officials described the recent eruption as "relatively small." Researchers in the UK published a study in The New England Journal of Medicine on July 16, reporting that eight healthy babies have been born using mitochondrial replacement therapy, which involves the use of genes from three people, and achieved a 36% success rate. Developed by Newcastle University and the Newcastle Fertility Center, the procedure transfers the nucleus from a mother's fertilized egg into a donor egg containing healthy mitochondria. The babies now carry nuclear DNA from both parents and mitochondrial DNA from a third donor. All children, aged from a few weeks to over two years, are developing normally with no signs of the inherited mitochondrial disease that they were at risk for. Choi Chi-hee, Arirang News.

S. Korea clinches EAFF E-1 Women's Football Championship for first time in 20 years

2025/07/17 19:39

The South Korean women's football team has won the East Asian Football Federation Women's E-1 Championship for the first time in 20 years. Led by head coach Shin Sang-woo the team defeated Taiwan two-nil in the final match held at Suwon World Cup Stadium on Wednesday. Ji So-yun handed Korea the lead with a second-half penalty before Jang Sel-gi place Team Korea's victory beyond doubt.

Israel strikes on Syrian capital hit defense ministry and military headquarters

2025/07/17 19:39

In the Middle East. Israel has launched strikes against Syria and the U.S. is scrambling to resolve this latest outbreak of violence in the region. Lee Seung-jae has more. The Israel Defense Forces announced Wednesday that it had conducted airstrikes on Syria's military headquarters in Damascus. The strikes damaged both the entrance of the defense ministry building, as well as a military headquarters located near the presidential palace. The moment of the attack was captured during a live news broadcast on local network Syria TV, as the anchor reported on Israel's threats to continue attacks. According to Syria's Ministry of Health, at least one person was killed and 18 others injured in the airstrikes. Wednesday's attacks come as Israel vowed to destroy Syrian government forces attacking Druze communities in southern Syria, demanding that they withdraw. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Wednesday that while the situation in Syria is "complicated," it's a "misunderstanding" and efforts towards de-escalation will be made soon. "So we've been engaged with them all morning long and all night long with both sides, and we think we're on our way towards a real de-escalation " The UN Security Council is set to hold an emergency session on Thursday following the Israeli airstrikes. The meeting was requested by the permanent mission of Syria at the UN, and was endorsed by Algeria. Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.

K-Beauty’s glow: Another year, another record-breaking milestone

2025/07/17 19:39

Beauty products are among the latest popular export items for South Korea and their overseas shipments during the first six months of this year hit a new high. Our correspondent Park Jun-han files this report. Once considered cost-efficient cosmetics for locals, K-Beauty products have now gone global and become one of the must-buy items when traveling to Korea. "Here in the heart of Myeongdong — one of the most popular areas for foreign visitors — you can spot people from all over the world shopping for Korean beauty products. What started as a domestic trend has now become a key export driver." "I heard about it through social media in France. We have a lot of channels in France that talk about it, so every French person wants to try it because it works — so yeah. It's my first time; I've never tried it, so I'll try and see." "We found out through TV. I think it's well known that Korean beauty products are very good. Also, friends and family asked us, 'Are you going to Korea? Can you bring me this or that?' because they know Korean products are very famous for that." The growth of South Korea's beauty product exports is surging at a dramatic pace, backed by record figures. According to the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, South Korea exported cosmetics to 176 countries in the first half of 2025, reaching a total of 5.51 billion U.S. dollars — a 14.8 percent increase from the same period last year. By country, China, the United States and Japan were the top three importers, accounting for 48.1 percent of total exports. Although China saw an over 10 percent year-on-year decrease in export value, it still ranked as the number one importer. The United States and Japan, however, saw remarkable increases of over 17 percent and 15 percent, respectively. A beauty industry expert says that Korean cosmetics are technologically advanced for their price and are creative in product development. "Cosmetics companies in South Korea are so technologically advanced and cost-effective that last year we became the third-largest exporter in the world. They're incredibly creative and great at coming up with new products, which is why they're receiving this kind of attention around the world." Another claim made by the same industry expert is that cultural exposure and influence — such as through K-pop and K-Drama figures — are attracting potential consumers to buy K-Beauty products. "As K-Dramas and K-Pop have become more popular, people around the world are seeing more of Korean people's skin. I think that has contributed to a perception that Koreans have great skin because they use Korean cosmetics. Most of the products are now vegan, and there are also many functional patents behind them." With rising demand from all over the world, K-Beauty is now not just a trend — it's a new culture. And if the current pace continues, 2025 could mark yet another historic high, hopefully surpassing the 11 billion dollar mark. Park Jun-han, Arirang News.

S. Korea's auto exports rise 2.3% in June despite U.S. tariffs

2025/07/17 19:37

South Korea's automobile exports posted a record high for the month of June last month driven by regional shipments and EV rebounds despite U.S. tariffs. According to the Trade Ministry on this Thursday auto exports totaled 6-point-3 billion U.S. dollars in June up more than 2 percent on year. By region shipments to the EU surged over 32 percent and those to Asia jumped over 35 percent. In sharp contrast auto exports to the U.S. plunged 16 percent dropping for the fourth month in a row. The ministry also pointed out EV exports marked their first growth in over a year soaring more than 11 percent in June on year.