News

[Weather] Heat slows down with rain falling everywhere

2025/07/15 20:15

The rain will stop for a while tonight, and then it will make a return all over the country again tomorrow morning. In particular, tomorrow's rain will be strong mainly in the western regions. There will be as much as 200 millimeters of heavy rain in southern Gyeonggi-do Province and the west coast of Chungcheongnam-do Province, and 150 millimeters of heavy rain in inland areas of Gangwon-do, Chungcheongbuk-do, and northwestern parts of Jeollabuk-do Provinces. With rain falling, the heat slowed down today. The daytime temperature stayed at 28 degrees Celsius in Seoul and it will stay at below 30 degrees in most areas for a while. Tomorrow morning will start at under 25 degrees all over the country. Highs will move up to 28 degrees in Seoul, Gwangju, Daegu and Busan, 31 degrees in Gyeongju and Jeju. Summer heat will stay cooler with rain on and off until Saturday. That's all for Korea. Here are the weather conditions around the world.

World News: Dozens killed in sectarian clashes in Syria

2025/07/15 20:09

This is the World Now, bringing you the latest stories from around the globe. Sectarian clashes in southern Syria's Sweida region between fighters from Syria's Druze community and Sunni Bedouin tribes have left more than 80 dead and dozens more injured on Monday. The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that at least 89 people were killed and dozens injured after armed confrontations broke out late Friday following a series of targeted kidnappings. The clashes were reportedly triggered by the abduction of a Druze merchant on Friday along the Damascus-Sweida highway. Druze fighters responded by attacking Bedouin tribal groups accused of involvement. The SOHR said the people killed included Druze fighters, Bedouin fighters, civilians, and security personnel. The country's interior ministry said National security forces have been deployed to the region to restore order; however, fighting continued in western parts of the province. This marks the latest outbreak of deadly sectarian violence in the country since Islamist-led rebel forces overthrew President Bashar al-Assad in December. In the United States, a fire at an assisted-living facility in Fall River, Massachusetts, has killed at least nine residents and injured dozens. Late Sunday night, local time, a fire broke out at the Gabriel House Assisted Living Facility, where 70 residents were living. Many of them had mobility issues and used wheelchairs and oxygen tanks. The nine residents who died were in their 60s to 80s, and were likely unable to evacuate without help. At least 30 others, including firefighters, were hospitalized. Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey described the scene as "unimaginable," and credited first responders with preventing an even greater loss of life. The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday sided with President Trump's administration, lifting a lower-court injunction to clear the way to implement sweeping workforce reductions at the Department of Education. The injunction had required the reinstatement of nearly 1,400 employees dismissed in March as part of plans to dismantle the department. The court's unsigned order enables the Education Department to dismiss almost 40 percent of its staff, as originally planned under an executive order aimed at returning key duties to other federal agencies like Health and Human Services. Further legal challenges are continuing in lower courts. Finally, the first image from HBO's Harry Potter TV adaptation was unveiled on Monday, marking the start of production at Warner Bros Studios Leavesden in the United Kingdom. The photo shows actor Dominic McLaughlin, playing the iconic role of 11-year-old Harry Potter, characterized by the round glasses, forehead scar and the Hogwarts uniform. Crews have already constructed a replica of Privet Drive, where the story begins, to faithfully accommodate the setting of the book for the seven-season saga. The actors who will play Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley have also been confirmed. The new TV series is expected to take 10 years to complete. Choi Chi-hee, Arirang News.

Seoul starts '9988 project', providing jobs and care services for elders

2025/07/15 20:05

15 years from now one out of three residents here in Seoul will be 65 or older. That being said city officials have set aside a substantial amount of money to better prepare for its super-aged society. Cha Yun-kyung has more. Students are attending a lecture about the dangers of accidental falls and ways to prevent them. The class is a training course for "Safety Instructors," part of a senior job project run by Seoul City. The Seoul Metropolitan Government supports training expenses, so that the students can work in the private or public sector after completing the course. "I had taught for 35 years. After retirement, I was wondering if I could still teach something, and I found this course." In preparation for 2040, when one out of every three citizens becomes 65 or older, the SMG has announced its so-called 9988 Seoul Project. It provides job opportunities, care services, and residences for elderly people by investing 3-point-4 trillion Korean won, for five years starting from 2026. Seoul will increase job opportunities for senior citizens, a vocational education program and job search support. By 2040, 2-hundred-25 more elderly and daycare centers will also be created. "We will make sure that building nursing facilities including daycare is a duty when a new apartment complex with more than 2,000 residents is built." The city is planning to build more residences and leisure facilities for senior citizens, such as cultural complexes and golf courses. Cha Yun-kyung, Arirang News.

Gov’t eases electricity billing tiers to reduce public's burden amid heatwave

2025/07/15 20:03

The government is set to raise the threshold of energy rate tiers for the months of July and August. According to the ruling Democratic Party this move follows its talks with relevant officials earlier on this Tuesday over ways to help households cope with the heavy cost of air conditioning this scorching summer season. Essentially households can use more electricity before having to pay a higher rate. The threshold for the lowest tier has been raised from 200 kilowatt hours to 300 kilowatt hours and other thresholds have also been increased. Earlier this month the government also increased discounts.. to underprivileged households and started providing them with energy vouchers worth up to 700-thousand won.

Trump calls tariff letters "the deals" but remains open to tariff talks

2025/07/15 19:59

And the U.S. says the tariff letters it recently sent to its trade partners are in effect the "deals" that it has been seeking but added it remains open to related talks. Shin Ha-young reports. U.S. President Donald Trump left the door open to further trade talks, even as he maintained that the letters he sent regarding tariff rates are "the deals" with U.S. trading partners. Speaking at the White House on Monday during a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Trump told reporters, "The deals are already made." "The letters are the deals. The deals are made. There are no deals to make. They would like to do a different kind of a deal and we're always open to talk. We are open to talk, including to Europe." This comes after Trump sent letters to 25 countries, notifying them of their blanket tariff rates --starting with South Korea and Japan on July 7 with a 25 percent rate, followed by the EU and Mexico with a 30 percent rate. The letters also noted the extension of the effective date for reciprocal tariffs to August 1, pushing back the previous July 9 deadline. Meanwhile, Trump said the U.S. has been taken advantage of in trade and military matters. He posted on his social media Truth Social, on Monday, saying that for decades the country has been "ripped off on trade and military," adding, "it has come at a cost of trillions of dollars." However, he did not name any specific country in the post. With less than three weeks to go before sweeping U.S. tariffs take effect, South Korea's Trade Minister Yeo Han-gu says negotiations with Washington have entered what he calls "game time." Speaking to reporters Monday at the Sejong Government Complex, Yeo stressed, "With under 20 days left, it's now a time for choices and decisions." He added that Seoul is ramping up give-and-take talks to find a "landing zone," aiming to secure a broad package deal. And amid U.S. demands to lower trade barriers, Yeo also touched on a sensitive topic for the country. The agricultural industry. The trade minister said free trade talks, not just with the U.S. but with any other partners, are always "painful." Yeo, however, underscored the need for strategic judgment as despite the pain for the agro-sector, Korean industry as a whole has taken steps forward from trade deals made in the past. Shin Ha-young, Arirang News.

Trump gives Putin '50-day deadline' to end war

2025/07/15 19:55

Meanwhile in a tangible shift in stance. U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened tariffs targeting Russia in the absence of an agreement to end its aggression against Ukraine in 50 days. Lee Seung-jae covers this ultimatum and more. U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Russian President Vladimir Putin to finally put an end to the war in Ukraine. During a meeting with reporters alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in the Oval Office on Monday, Trump said Washington will impose "very severe tariffs" on Moscow in 50 days, if there is no deal made to end the war. "It's a horrible war and so if it's not done, if we don't have an agreement in 50 days, that's what we're doing. Secondary tariffs and they're biting. And I hope we don't get to the point where we do." This would mean 100 percent tariffs on Russian goods and secondary sanctions on purchasers of Russian oil. The move would also target Russia's trading partners in order to further isolate Moscow from the global economy. President Trump also announced a deal which will allow NATO member countries to purchase American-made weapons, which would be allowed to be given to Ukraine. "This is billions of dollars worth of military equipment. It's going to be purchased from the United States, going to NATO, etc., and that's going to be quickly distributed to the battlefield." The NATO chief said large numbers of weapons would be sent, including missiles, as part of its first wave of equipment to Ukraine. Meanwhile, with the news of military aid to Ukraine, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to President Trump for his readiness to protect Ukrainian lives. "I am grateful to President Trump for his readiness to support the protection of our people's lives." The latest deadline issued by Trump, along with a deal to provide Ukraine with American weapons, comes as the U.S. leader has been frustrated with the lack of progress Putin has made in committing to a ceasefire deal. Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.

Russia announces direct passenger flights between Moscow and Pyongyang starting on 27th

2025/07/15 19:45

Direct passenger flights between Pyongyang and Moscow will be available starting July 27th. According to the Kremlin's Transport Ministry Russia's Nordwind Airlines is scheduled to offer flights to and from the North Korean and Russian capital cities twice a week. Currently the only flights between Russia and North Korea are between Vladivostok and Pyongyang. The Moscow-Pyongyang flight will take about eight hours.

South Korea rebukes Japan's territorial claim over Dokdo islets

2025/07/15 19:35

Seoul has condemned Tokyo's latest claim over South Korea's Dokdo islets. Our foreign affairs correspondent Oh Soo Young has details. Seoul has called on Japan to immediately retract the territorial claim in Tokyo's latest Defense White Paper over South Korea's easternmost islets of Dokdo. On Tuesday, South Korea's foreign ministry released a statement, voicing strong objections to Tokyo's repeated territorial claim issued in its annual report. "We once again make it clear that any claim by the Japanese government over Dokdo, an integral part of South Korean territory, has no impact whatsoever on our sovereignty. We will respond firmly to any provocation by Japan regarding Dokdo." Published on Monday, the first defense white paper issued under Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba outlines Tokyo's view of the regional security environment. And once again, it refers to Dokdo as Takeshima, claiming sovereignty over the Korean territory, and marking the waters surrounding Dokdo with blue lines on several maps. Japanese media also revealed on Tuesday that Tokyo's Ministry of Defense for the first time distributed its white paper adapted for children to elementary schools. The booklet labels Dokdo as "Takeshima" and the East Sea as the "Sea of Japan." "Seoul's foreign ministry on Tuesday summoned the Japanese Embassy's minister for political affairs to formally lodge its complaint against Tokyo's latest move." South Korea rejects Japan's ungrounded claims, citing historical records dating back to the 6th century. While Korea was subjugated to Japan's imperial rule before and during World War Two, following Korea's liberation from Japan in 1945, Dokdo has been under Seoul's effective control with the South Korean Coast Guard playing a key role in its defence and management meeting the legal basis for its sovereignty under international law. As mentioned in Japan's latest document, the bilateral dispute remains unresolved. At the same time, amid rising geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Indo-Pacific, Japan for the second year in a row, named South Korea as "an important neighboring country and partner" in addressing shared global challenges. The white paper also states that close coordination between South Korea, Japan, and the United States is essential in addressing regional security concerns. It lists North Korea's advancing missile capabilities, China's regional pressure, and growing Russia–North Korea cooperation as key threats. While Seoul-Tokyo ties spiraled in 2019 due to disputes over historical issues related to Japan's wartime colonisation of Korea, the two governments resumed top-level diplomacy, trade and security cooperation in 2023. Leaders on both sides have committed to pursuing cooperation that looks to the future while separately addressing bilateral sticking points. Oh Soo-young, Arirang News.

President Lee officially invites 20 APEC member states to summit in Gyeongju

2025/07/15 19:34

President Lee Jae Myung has formally requested the presence of all leaders of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation at this year's summit in the South Korean city of Gyeongju . According to Presidential Spokesperson Kang Yu-jung official invitation letters were delivered to each country's diplomatic mission this past Monday. She also pointed out a final list of participants will be shared once the replies to the invitations are received. This year's APEC summit will take place from October 31st to November 1st under the theme of "Building a Sustainable Tomorrow."

TRUMP'S TARIFFS ON AMERICA'S ALLIES

2025/07/15 18:35

Hello and welcome to yet another edition of Press Perspective. It's Tuesday July 15th here in Seoul. I'm Min Sunhee. When the Trump administration initially postponed the imposition of country-specific tariffs to July 9th back in April it predicted 90 deals in 90 days. The U.S. has sealed two deals thus far one with the U.K. and the other with Vietnam. What's more just days AHEAD of the July deadline U.S. allies including South Korea and neighboring Japan were slapped with letters simply informing them of their respective tariff rates. For more I have Shin Hieun with Agence France Presse. Hieun it's been a long time. Welcome back. I also have Peter Lee a research fellow at the Asan Institute for Policy Studies. Peter it's a pleasure to have you with us. Hieun, a week ago, Mr. Trump sent letters to 14 foreign governments including 10 here in Asia, unilaterally informing them of their respective tariffs starting August 1st. Politico covered the response from America's allies here in Asia. Do tell us a bit about this coverage and what have been your own observations on the ground? Peter, there is a stark difference in response to this latest U.S. threat regarding tariffs between South Korea and Japan. South Korea sees it as a three-week extension while Japan appears vexed. How do you explain this discrepancy in response from the two American allies? Hieun, do tell us a bit about the package deal that South Korea has proposed to the U.S. amid the fresh threat over tariffs. Peter, MSNBC says the latest tariff threat has reinforced the belief that "Trump cannot be trusted." What are your thoughts, and what contingency plan do you propose for South Korea as it seeks to work with an America under the Trump administration? Hieun, the new government here has been seeking a summit between President Lee Jae Myung and his American counterpart Donald Trump. What is the latest on that front? Peter, the Lee administration has highlighted the importance of a pragmatic approach to trade and diplomacy. Is this a possible strategy keeping in mind the Trump administration's pressure on its partners to contain China? Hieun, for the sake of comparison, do share with us the tariff rates set by Mr. Trump on America's biggest trade partners Canada and Mexico as well as the EU and their respective responses. Peter, some regional scholars believe the confusion caused by Mr. Trump over global trade may be a "great gift" to China. Do you share this sentiment? Can China replace the U.S. in terms of regional trade? All right.

[K-Enter] BLACKPINK, first K-pop group to top global Spotify chart for third time

2025/07/15 17:38

So, let's kick off with K-Enter! First off, we have more BLACKPINK news carried over from yesterday! Yesterday, we talked about BLACKPINK's global success on the global iTunes chart with their new single "JUMP." Today, Tuesday, "JUMP" has soared to No. 1 on Spotify's Daily Top Songs Global chart. What makes this special? This marks the group's third time topping the chart, following "Pink Venom" and "Shut Down" in 2022. That's the most chart-toppers for any K-pop group. BLACKPINK recently sold out the North American shows of their world tour "DEADLINE," kicking off over the weekend at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, the girls are the first girl group ever to sell out two nights at SoFi Stadium, drawing a record-breaking crowd of 100,000 over the two days according to YG Entertainment. I heard Bruno Mars even made an appearance on Sunday to sing with Rosé on their song "APT." it must have been quite the show. Next up, let's talk about time travel. with NCT DREAM. NCT DREAM are back with their fifth studio album "Go Back To The Future", centered around a time-travel theme. They held a press conference for the album on Monday in Seoul. "Go Back To The Future" follows the members as they travel through time and space in search of their most radiant selves. Drawing inspiration from the film "Back to the Future", the concept features a hoverboard time machine that lets them explore the past, present, and future. Haechan shared, "2016, the year we debuted, represents the past, while 2025 is set as the present. The future is imagined as a surreal world where a quirky version of NCT DREAM exists, complete with superpowers and everyday interactions with AI companions." The album features nine tracks, including dual title tracks: "BTTF (Back To The Future)" and "CHILLER." Walter, we haven't been doing the show for even a year but have you noticed the increase in the number of virtual idols we have been reporting on? To me it's fascinating, I have to say I thought it would never catch on. The virtual idol group PLAVE have a concert coming soon called "2025 PLAVE Asia Tour " in Seoul. This marks PLAVE's first-ever Asia tour since their debut, with concerts scheduled from August 15 to 17 at the KSPO Dome in Seoul. The final show on August 17 will be screened at around 10 Lotte Cinemas and 20 CGV theatres. I should be specific, although this is billed as an Asia tour, all shows will take place in Seoul BUT on August 17 this will be screened across certain locations in Asia. PLAVE, Huntrix, Saja Boys, who else. maybe Ari one day ? But, before she joins a virtual K-pop group, she will continue to give us the latest news on the culture front. Ari, over to you!

K-wave AI News

2025/07/15 17:36

Hello and welcome to your AI guide to the latest cultural updates from Korea. Here's our top story. Korea's southeastern city of Ulsan will launch new tour programs and revamp existing ones to mark the inscription of the Petroglyphs along Bangucheon Stream on UNESCO's World Heritage list. Ulsan will add a new daytime program dubbed "Time Tour" to complement the existing "Beautiful Moonlight Tour" on Saturdays, and rebrand the Sunday "Family Tour" as the "World Heritage Tour." Both programs include visits to the Bangucheon Petroglyphs and the Petroglyph Museum, with a focus on immersive cultural heritage experiences and education. Bookings are available through the city's AI-powered tourism platform, "What a Ulsan," accessible on both its website and mobile app. Gyeongju City is stepping up efforts to enhance convenience for international visitors ahead of the APEC Summit set for this fall. In its latest efforts, the city has collaborated with the non-profit organization 'bbb Korea' to provide real-time phone interpretation services in anticipation of a potential surge in foreign tourists. bbb Korea connects users with thousands of volunteer interpreters who offer 24/7 support in 20 languages over the phone. The service can be accessed instantly through a mobile app. Gyeongju plans to promote the service at key locations frequented by foreign visitors, including APEC venues, restaurants, and hotels. Are you a fan of Korean instant noodles? Then you don't want to miss this. Nongshim, Korea's top ramyeon maker, has launched K-ramyeon experience stores called "Neoguri's Ramyun Shop" at the Yeouido and Jamsil docks of Seoul's Hangang River Bus Ferry Service. Visitors can buy Nongshim products at CU convenience stores at the docks, then head upstairs to cook their own ramyeon using instant cooking machines. The shops are decked out with a Neoguri character photo zone and quirky cup-noodle-shaped tables, bringing a fun, hands-on twist to enjoying Korea's ramyeon. The Hangang bus ferry, connecting seven docks from Magok to Jamsil, is currently running a trial service ahead of its official launch this September. That's all from me. Stay tuned to the Kulture Wave.

[K-wave] Korean swimmer Kim Young-beom announces intention to set world record at Singapore 2025

2025/07/15 17:35

In K-sports Korea's swimming team declared its intention to break the world record in the mens 4x 200 freestyle relay ahead of the World Aquatics Championships 2025. 19-year-old new member, Kim Young-beom is raising the team's expectations. Cha Yun-kyung reports. The Korean national swimming team including Hwang Seon-woo and Kim Woo-min held a media day at the Champion House of Jincheon National Training Center ahead of the upcoming World Aquatics Championships 2025 in Singapore. But 19-year-old Kim Young-beom, who joined the national team for the 4x 200 meter freestyle relay swimming, made the headlines by declaring his intention to set a world record at the upcoming world championship. "Our goal is to reach the finals and win a medal in the 100-meter freestyle and set a new world record for 800-meter relay swimming." Kim Young-beom, who is almost 2 meters tall, is expected to be a game changer for the national team as he recently beat swimmer Hwang Sun-woo in the 100-meter freestyle. Kim also impressed in the 200-meter freestyle, with a time of 1 minute 46 seconds. That is the reason why he is confident of setting a new record. The national team is targeting a time of under seven minutes for the 4x 200, which is faster than the Asian record set at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games, by setting Kim as the first swimmer. "If Kim Young-beom makes it to 1 minute 45 seconds when he starts,.. we can possibly make it to the six-minute range." Swimmer Kim Young-beom's ambitious declaration is getting attention. The finals for 4x 200-meter relay swimming at the World Aquatics Championships 2025 takes place on August 1st. Cha Yun-kyung, Arirang News.

[Short-form] Conquering Summer, Korean Style

2025/07/15 17:34

It’s only July, but the heat is already blazing! Thinking of getting an ice cream? Think again—there’s a hotter way to cool down and restore your energy.

[K-Travel] Where to travel in Korea this summer? Part 2: Haeundae Beach in Busan

2025/07/15 17:34

During the month of July, "The Kulture Wave" is introducing Korea's top summer travel destinations. Last week we talked about a place in the heart of Seoul. For our second K-travel spot, we go down south, to the country's second largest city Busan, and to be exact to the beach: Haeundae Beach! We now connect to someone who knows the charm of the vibrant coastal city better than anyone else, it's Christopher Boyd Tressler, a writer and editor for 'Busan Beat Magazine'! Hello Christopher! Q1. Christopher, please tell us a little bit about yourself, including what brought you to Busan. How long has it been, and what do you do there? Q2-1. Today's focus is 'Haeundae Beach'. What was it like the first time you went there? (maybe from a foreigner's perspective) And how would you describe summer season at Haeundae? Q2-2. Busan is seeing an increase in exchange students from overseas as well as foreign residents. Do you feel that change around you? Q3. Are there any locations you would recommend to foreign tourists visiting Haeundae in the summer? (It could be related to something you discovered while writing for the magazine.) Q4. Was there any moment when you felt "right, so this is summer in Korea"? Q5. Busan is establishing itself as a global city that hosts various international events. What are some venues near Haeundae where you can feel that happening? Q6. We cannot leave out food, when talking about Busan. Do you have any must-try summer dishes in Haeundae you'd like to recommend? Q7. Let's say a friend from abroad wants to visit Busan this summer. If you had to set up a one-day course for them around Haeundae, how would that day look like? Q8. Any additional tips you would like to share, for people who want to travel to Busan and Haeundae? Thank you Christopher for those great tips and sharing the Haeundae vibe with us today. Thank you Walter, for always sharing the good Kulture Wave vibes with us. See you tomorrow!

[NEWs GEN] Pets or Pests: The growing debate over pet ettiquette

2025/07/15 15:33

[NEWs GEN] Pets or Pests: The growing debate over pet ettiquette

Trump calls tariff letters "the deals" but remains open to tariff talks

2025/07/15 11:46

U.S. President Donald Trump referred to the letters he sent about tariff rates as the "deals" with U.S. trading partners, but stressed that more trade talks could still happen. Meanwhile, South Korea's top trade negotiator faced the media on Monday, saying that negotiations have made progress. Lee Soo-jin starts us off. U.S. President Donald Trump left the door open to further trade talks, even as he maintained that the letters he sent regarding tariff rates are "the deals" with U.S. trading partners. Speaking at the White House on Monday during a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Trump told reporters, "The deals are already made." "The letters are the deals. The deals are made. There are no deals to make. They would like to do a different kind of a deal and we're always open to talk. We are open to talk, including to Europe." This comes after Trump sent letters to 25 countries, notifying them of their blanket tariff rates --starting with South Korea and Japan on July 7 with a 25 percent rate, followed by the EU and Mexico with a 30 percent rate. The letters also noted the extension of the effective date for reciprocal tariffs to August 1, pushing back the previous July 9 deadline. Meanwhile, Trump said the U.S. has been taken advantage of in trade and military matters. He posted on his social media Truth Social, on Monday, saying that for decades the country has been "ripped off on trade and military," adding, "it has come at a cost of trillions of dollars." However, he did not name any specific country in the post. With less than three weeks to go before sweeping U.S. tariffs take effect, South Korea's Trade Minister Yeo Han-gu says negotiations with Washington have entered what he calls "game time." Speaking to reporters Monday at the Sejong Government Complex, Yeo stressed, "With under 20 days left, it's now a time for choices and decisions." He added that Seoul is ramping up give-and-take talks to find a "landing zone," aiming to secure a broad package deal. And amid U.S. demands to lower trade barriers, Yeo also touched on a sensitive topic for the country. The agricultural industry. The trade minister said free trade talks, not just with the U.S. but with any other trade partners, are always "painful." Yeo, however, underscored the need for strategic judgment as despite the pain for the agro-sector, Korean industry as a whole has taken steps forward from trade deals made in the past. Lee Soo-jin, Arirang News.

Rain continues today with cooler temperatures

2025/07/15 11:44

Rain clouds are moving across the nation, and while heavy rain alerts for the East Coast have been lifted, the rain will continue on and off until tonight. Eastern parts of Korea could see heavier rainfall of up to 60 millimeters. Western regions, including the capital, and Chungcheong-do will see 10 to 40 millimeters. After rain takes a short break tonight, starting tomorrow, heavy rain is expected for the western regions, and it will continue into the weekend. With frequent rain expected this week, we won't experience the intense heat we saw last week. Seoul, Daegu, and Busan get up to 28 degrees, Gwangju at 29 degrees. Strong winds will continue nationwide. Rainy and cooler temperatures to dominate the rest of the week, then starting Sunday, temperatures will begin to rise again, reaching heatwave alert levels next week. But beware of windy and rainy weather this week, and stay safe and aware of your surroundings.

New 'Harry Potter' in costume as series begins filming

2025/07/15 11:43

Finally, the first image from HBO's Harry Potter TV adaptation was unveiled on Monday, marking the start of production at Warner Bros Studios Leavesden in the United Kingdom. The photo shows actor Dominic McLaughlin, playing the iconic role of 11-year-old Harry Potter, characterized by the round glasses, forehead scar and the Hogwarts uniform. Crews have already constructed a replica of Privet Drive, where the story begins, to faithfully accommodate the setting of the book for the seven-season saga. The actors who will play Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley have also been confirmed. The new TV series is expected to take 10 years to complete.

US Supreme Court clears way for Trump to gut Education Department

2025/07/15 11:42

The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday sided with President Trump's administration, lifting a lower-court injunction to clear the way to implement sweeping workforce reductions at the Department of Education. The injunction had required the reinstatement of nearly 1,400 employees dismissed in March as part of plans to dismantle the department. The court's unsigned order enables the Education Department to dismiss almost 40 percent of its staff, as originally planned under an executive order aimed at returning key duties to other federal agencies like Health and Human Services. Further legal challenges are continuing in lower courts.