News

Drivers behind S. Korea’s record-breaking used car exports

2025/07/14 19:39

In other news. South Korea's pre-owned cars have been driving up the country's exports in recent months. Our business correspondent Park Jun-han covers this trend and its prospects. What some in Korea see as outdated or no longer needed can become a brand new start on the other side of the world. Such as used cars. South Korea's used car export market is gaining momentum, with shipments this year projected to exceed 10 trillion won—approximately 7.25 billion U.S. dollars—for the first time on record. With rising popularity in the Middle East, exports in June 2025 alone jumped nearly 68 percent year-on-year, extending the strong growth trend that began in the early 2020s. I'm sitting in a used Korean car that is ready to be shipped overseas. In fact, thousands of cars like this leave this lot every day to welcome new owners around the world. Still runs perfectly. Industry insiders claim that the vehicles made in Korea are well-known for their affordability, reliability, and accessibility. “Korean used cars are exported to around 160 countries. Not only are they high in quality and equipped with many features, but they're also competitively priced. On top of that, Korea has a well-established parts supply system and after-sales services around the world.” Used car exports involve complex but streamlined processes, including vehicle collection, inspection, repairs, deregistration, and coordination with customs brokers and freight forwarders. Once loaded onto ships, vehicles begin their second life overseas. Despite the positive outlook, there are looming risks. Local exporters shared concern over rising shipping costs and tightening import regulations abroad, especially in light of the U.S. government's recent tariff actions that could impact the price of overseas car shipping. “Our biggest concern right now, especially with the hike in U.S. tariffs, is the spike in freight rates. A couple of months ago, the cost nearly tripled, and it's been fluctuating ever since. That's become one of the biggest challenges for dealers like us.” Supported by continued demand for used vehicles, coupled with government support to deal with regulatory challenges in global trade, South Korea's used vehicle exports are expected to grow steadily. Park Jun-han, Arirang News.

White House official warns Trump's tariff threat "will be real" on Aug. 1

2025/07/14 19:38

The Trump administration's country-specific tariffs will go into effect on August first should U.S. negotiations with its trade partners fail to produce deals that the U.S. leader likes. Our foreign affairs correspondent Oh Soo-young has the latest. Washington has emphasised its reciprocal tariffs on trading partners will take effect from next month, if President Donald Trump doesn't get a deal he likes. On Sunday local time in an interview with ABC News, White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett said if President Donald Trump "doesn't get a deal he thinks is good enough, the tariffs will be real." Hassett implied that Trump was not satisfied with some "sketches of deals" negotiated by Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and others on his trade team," and believes the deals "need to get better." This comes after Trump sent letters to 25 countries over the past week, notifying them of their blanket tariff rates. South Korea, Japan and Malaysia were handed 25 percent tariffs, while Mexico and the European Union on Saturday were told to pay up 30 percent. Regarding the higher 50 percent rate announced for Brazil, Hassett said Trump has been "very frustrated" with bilateral negotiations with Brazil and its actions. Trump has also accused the incumbent government of targeting its former President Jair Bolsonaro. In response to Trump's letter, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that the EU will delay its own imposition of retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods, originally scheduled to take effect on Monday, until early August. Acknowledging Washington's notice over the weekend, von der Leyen indicated the Brussels prefers to negotiate to seek a resolution within the given timeframe. The EU initially prepared a first round of retaliatory tariffs in response to U.S. duties on European steel and aluminium, targeting 21 billion euros worth of American goods with additional duties. While showing willingness to negotiate, European leaders including French President Emmanuel Macron have also voiced determination to defend European interests. Meanwhile, the Mexican leader Claudia Sheinbaum struck an optimistic tone saying she is confident she can reach a deal, saying Trump's letter indicates his intention to negotiate. Oh Soo-young, Arirang News.

State arms agency successfully conducts live-fire tests of currently-developing marine attack helicopter

2025/07/14 19:37

The state arms procurement agency has successfully held a series of live-fire tests of the Marine Corps' locally-constructed attack helicopter which is currently under development. More than three daytime and nighttime live-fire drills of machine guns and rockets were conducted during the first half of this year. The agency has applauded the tests adding that the Marine Corps' air power in real combat situations has been well displayed. Following the prototype's first successful test flight last December the agency now aims to hold flight test evaluations focusing on live-fire capabilities of guided rocket and air-to-surface missiles. The helicopter is expected to be ready for deployment in the second half of next year.

Kim Jong-un reaffirms full alignment with Russia on "all strategic matters"

2025/07/14 19:36

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has reaffirmed Pyongyang's alignment with Moscow on all strategic matters. Remarks to this end followed his meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov this past weekend in Wonsan. Kim reportedly reiterated North Korea's "unconditional" support for Russia's military campaign in Ukraine. Lavrov in response underscored the Kremlin's commitment to deepening strategic cooperation with Pyongyang.

Lee calls K-democracy "beacon" for democratic citizens worldwide

2025/07/14 19:36

And the president this past Sunday sought to share South Korea's democratic resilience in a speech to mark Seoul's latest hosting of an international symposium on political science. Our correspondent Yoon Jung-min has more. Standing before a global audience, South Korean leader Lee Jae Myung's message of the resilience of democracy was loud and clear. "The remarkable resilience and the power of democracy that our people have shown belong to the Republic of Korea and to people all over the world. I am confident that the colorful K-democracy that our people themselves have shown will be a beacon and a new milestone for democratic citizens around the world. As he made the remarks at the opening ceremony of the International Political Science Association's 2025 World Congress in Seoul on Sunday, President Lee was highly critical of the martial law incident by former President Yoon Suk Yeol, calling it a "coup d'état" aimed at permanent rule. His message was also directed at what lies ahead: reconciliation. "Conversation over conflict, healing over wounds, reconciliation over confrontation. The core spirit of 'K-democracy' that will save our future lies in thoroughly restoring the values of democracy: freedom, equality and solidarity." He went on to extend the value of democracy to the lives of the people, calling democracy and freedom "inextricable." "In an era of crisis where the wave of inequality, polarization, and poverty hinders growth, freedom means the economy. Freedom means a warm meal that will fill hunger, a decent job to make a living." The liberal leader wrapped up his speech by describing what the future holds for democracy in a digital era, as he noted the use of smartphones to monitor abuse of power. "The AI revolution will further develop digital democracy, help facilitate rational debate and democratic decision-making and strengthen direct democracy." This year's congress runs from July 12 to 16 in the South Korean capital under the theme of "Resisting Autocratization in Polarized Societies," bringing together some 35-hundred political scientists from around the world. It's the second time that Seoul hosted the event. It last hosted the congress in 1997. Yoon Jung-min, Arirang News.

President Lee stresses sense of duty for civil servants

2025/07/14 19:35

Also earlier on this Monday President Lee Jae Myung addressed the country's future civil servants sharing his thoughts on the mindset he hopes they'll bring to public service. Our Presidential Office Correspondent Song Yoo-jin reports. Ever since taking office, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has emphasized that every hour spent by a public official is equivalent to 52 million hours for every person in the country. That sense of responsibility was the main message in a lecture the President delivered to some 3-hundred trainee civil servants on Monday at the National Human Resources Development Institute in Jincheon, Chungcheongbuk-do Province. He described public service as work that could "determine the country's fate." "In the hands of public officials rest the lives of so many people. Especially for all of you, starting out as mid-level managers in the Korean civil service, as deputy directors, an enormous amount of authority is being entrusted to you." The President also pointed out what he called the biggest problem in Korea's bureaucracy: a culture where well-intentioned decisions are still punished if they fail, which he says makes civil servants passive. "When you're in public service, every choice you make, there are countless possibilities. But if you're judged after the fact, if people say, 'You should have known this was the better decision,' that's like asking them to be god-like creatures. But we're not gods. We're human beings doing our best." After the lecture, President Lee took questions from the audience, offering advice based on his experience as Seongnam City mayor and Gyeonggi-do Province governor. "In policy making, there is no decision that will please absolutely everyone. We've been given the mandate from the people to mediate conflicts of interest. So with that, we should do our best to minimize misunderstandings, explain our decisions, and adjust where we can. And when all else fails, we must exercise our authority firmly." This was the first time in 20 years that a sitting president lectured soon-to-be deputy directors, the entry-level grade for those who pass the national civil service exam. Afterward, President Lee visited the site of the 2023 underpass flooding in nearby Osong City for a safety inspection, reflecting his view that public officials must always prioritize people's safety. Tuesday marks exactly two years since the disaster, which killed 14 people. Song Yoo-jin, Arirang News.

President Lee dispatches special envoys to EU, France, UK, India

2025/07/14 19:34

On the diplomatic front. President Lee Jae Myung is dispatching special delegations overseas to demonstrate what he calls the "return of democratic Korea" and to share his policy agenda. Four separate delegations have been set up to visit the European Union headquarters in Belgium as well as France, the United Kingdom and India. The delegation to the EU led by former Environment Minister Yoon Yeo-joon departed earlier on this Monday and the remaining three delegations are all scheduled to depart by Wednesday. Their agenda includes talks with key officials and the delivery of letters from President Lee Jae Myung. Additional delegations will be announced once schedules are finalized.

President Lee appoints vice ministers of education, science, veterans affairs

2025/07/14 19:33

President Lee Jae Myung appointed five vice ministers this past Sunday. Choi Eun-ok has been named Vice Education Minister in acknowledgement of her commitment to academic reform and development. Meanwhile Koo Hyuk-chae the head of the Science Ministry's Planning and Coordination Office has been promoted to First Vice Minister WHILE at the Veterans Affairs Ministry Kang Yun-jin the ministry's first female Director-General is set to take the post of Vice Minister. Also announced were new Vice Ministers for Land and SMEs as well as seven other vice-ministerial-level appointments including Hong So-young the first woman to head the Military Manpower Administration.

[Features reporter] Running through the summer heat: S. Korea's nighttime fitness craze

2025/07/14 15:39

On hot summer days like these, most people are looking for cool places to stay inside. But Hyobeen, I heard that some are choosing to head outdoors instead? Who are these people? That's right Soa. While most people are hiding from the heat, some are running into it on purpose, literally. So I jumped in for a run myself, and let's just say, it was sweaty but fun. Let's take a look. It's 7 PM on a humid summer evening, but the heat hasn't stopped these runners. People stretch, chat, and tie their shoelaces, getting ready for their weekly run. "I really feel like I've become healthier through running. Even when it's tough in the summer, I think of it as a 'double XP event' so I push myself even harder." "When I run with the crew, I get more energy from the people around me. I end up running further than I could on my own, and I enjoy it more too." They are the Seoul Running Crew, a free community running program held at three locations across Seoul. Every Thursday evening, runners meet up and split into beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels. "Right now, I'm running with the crew here at Yeouido Park. Even though the sun's nearly gone down, the heat is intense and so is the energy." Led by professional coaches, including former national athletes, participants are guided safely based on their pace and fitness levels. Since this season kicked off in April, all 60 spots at each location have been fully booked every single week. To support this growing fitness trend, the city has even revamped its infrastructure. Take Yeouinaru Station, right in the heart of Seoul's business district. It now features a "Runner Station," a dedicated facility for joggers equipped with lockers and changing rooms, so office workers can head straight out for a run after work. The station also offers live weather updates, UV levels, and wind speed, so runners can check if conditions are safe to run. There are also check-up sessions for beginner runners, helping them find the right pace range and recommending routes that match their fitness level. Despite the sweltering heat, more and more people are lacing up their shoes and hitting the asphalt. For them, summer nights aren't just about beating the heat, they're about building community, pushing limits, and making the city their own.

[K-wave] N. Korea's Mount Kumgang listed as UNESCO World Heritage site

2025/07/14 15:37

Next, we take a look at some significant UNESCO World Heritage inscriptions for the two Koreas. North Korea's Mount Kumgang has been named a UNESCO World Heritage site, while a set of prehistoric rock carvings in South Korea has also been added. Lee Seung-jae reports. During the 47th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Paris on Sunday, a new addition for both South and North Korea was added to the list. First,.. North Korea's Mount Kumgang, a scenic mountain known for its beauty, was named a UNESCO World Heritage site. Listed officially as "Mount Kumgang-Diamond Mountain from the Sea," the inclusion comes as the International Union for Conservation of Nature, which serve as advisory bodies to the World Heritage Committee, recommended the inclusion in May. According to UNESCO's website, Mountain Kumgang is "a strikingly beautiful mountain with numerous peaks and curious rocks amounting to some 1,200, waterfalls and pools formed by crystal-like clear waters flowing from hundreds of gorges, as well as with the seascape stretched along the coastline." The mountain is North Korea's third World Cultural Heritage site, after the Complex of Koguryo Tombs in 2004 and the Historic Monuments and Sites in Kaesong in 2013. Meanwhile, a set of prehistoric rock carvings located in South Korea's Ulsan has also been added to UNESCO's World Heritage list. "Petroglyphs along the Bangucheon Stream" were officially recognized for their significant cultural value in Paris. Located along the Bangucheon Stream, a tributary of the Taehwa River in Ulsan, some 360 kilometers southeast of Seoul, the petroglyphs are carved into vertical cliffs, depicting prehistoric hunting scenes and animals. According to the committee, the carvings are "masterpieces created through the creativity of prehistoric people." And for South Korea, the inclusion of the prehistoric art spanning some 6-thousand years,.. was a long time coming. "The Korea Heritage Service will do its best to protect the value of the Bangucheon petroglyphs as a common heritage of mankind and to preserve and utilize them well." With the latest addition, the country now has 17 entries on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.

[K-Enter] BLACKPINK's new song "JUMP" tops iTunes charts in 47 countries Music video also making people jump

2025/07/14 15:36

Time for K-enter with Walter Lee. Let's start off with BLACKPINK. They made us wait for 2 years and 10 months but BLACKPINK are back with their new single "JUMP," and I can happily announce, the song has topped the iTunes "Top Songs" chart in 56 countries. Released last Friday, the track quickly climbed to No. 1 across regions including South America, Europe and Asia. It also ranked No. 3 in the U.S., No. 4 in the UK, and claimed the No. 1 spot on the Worldwide iTunes Song Chart. The music video became the most viewed video on YouTube within 24 hours of its release, surpassing 40 million views in less than two days. The girls are currently on their "DEADLINE" tour which spans 16 cities, with stops in Los Angeles, Toronto, New York, Paris, and more. From one powerhouse girl group to another well kind of, let's talk about Huntr/x from the Netflix movie "KPop Demon Hunters." The soundtrack for Netflix's animated film Kpop Demon Hunters is enjoying a lot of popularity. On Sunday, Billboard announced that the "Kpop Demon Hunters" soundtrack climbed to No. 2 on the Billboard 200, the main U.S. album chart, marking its highest position yet, up one spot from the previous week. After debuting at No. 8, the album surged to No. 3 in its second week and rose again to No. 2 in its third week. In the 2020s, only four soundtracks have reached the Top 2 on the Billboard 200: "Wicked", "Barbie", "Encanto", and now "K-pop Demon Hunters". Meanwhile, "Golden," performed by Huntr/x the girl group in the film, has taken the No. 1 spot on Melon's "Top 100," Korea's leading music chart. Lastly, we move over to BTS fandom. What's the news? The documentary "BTS ARMY: FOREVER WE ARE YOUNG", which highlights "ARMY", the global fandom of BTS, is set to be released worldwide on July 30. The feature-length film explores the passion, creativity, and unity of BTS's official fanbase, ARMY, which now numbers over 9 million. The film premiered at the "2025 South by Southwest (SXSW) festival", where it received overwhelming praise, earning a standing ovation. The directors shared, "There is no ARMY without BTS, and no BTS without ARMY," expressing their hope that the film offers fans a heartfelt experience where they can laugh, cry, and celebrate the strength of their community. Thank you for that Walter. Let's move onto more culture news with our AI anchor Ari. Ari!

K-wave AI News

2025/07/14 15:35

Hello and welcome to your AI guide to the latest cultural updates from Korea. Here's our top story. The 2025 Gangneung Cultural Heritage Night Tour will run from August 14 to 16, centered around the city's historic Daedohobu Government Office. Marking its 10th anniversary, this year's event features an expanded lineup, including a grander opening parade and drone show, along with new programs that incorporate vibrant local culture. Blending Gangneung's history and culture through immersive experiences, the tour has been designated as Korea's flagship tourism program for showcasing and utilizing national heritage. As the peak summer vacation season begins, thousands flocked to Gangwon-do Province's major beaches last weekend to beat the heat. Over 80 beaches across six coastal cities and counties in the province welcomed a combined total of roughly 187,000 visitors during the weekend. The cumulative number of visitors to Gangwon beaches this summer season reached over 670,000, up nearly 10% compared to the same period last year. World-renowned sound artist Ryoji Ikeda is presenting a solo exhibition at the Asia Culture Center in the southwestern city of Gwangju, marking the center's 10th anniversary. Running through December 28, the exhibition showcases seven of his works, including four new pieces. The show highlights a decade of Ikeda's creative innovation and explores the evolving role of art in an era where technology and artistry increasingly converge. Ikeda, who participated in ACC's opening in 2015, is recognized as a key figure representing the center's spirit of interdisciplinary experimentation. That's all from me. Stay tuned to the Kulture Wave.

[Hallyu People] A pansori singer from France on traditional Korean music and "Sustainable K-Style"

2025/07/14 15:34

In our "Hallyu People" segment today we meet with a Sorikkun from France and of Cameroonian descent. She is one of the winners of a presentation contest of the "2025 Cultural Communication Forum", an annual event held by the Corea Image Communication Institute, which is affiliated with the Foreign Ministry. It's pansori singer Laure Mafo, who is joining us in the studio. Welcome Laure! 1) First and foremost, congratulations on your achievement at the contest! How did you participate in this event and how do you feel? 2) Foreigners residing in Korea took part in this contest under the theme "Sustainable K-Style." The keyword of your presentation was Pansori. Please tell us more about the competition and also what your presentation was about. 3) How did your journey as a Pansori performer begin? 4) Back in 2018, on the occasion of a South Korea-France bilateral summit, you had the opportunity to perform at the Élysée Palace, which must have been an unforgettable experience. Tell us about that and any other performances that mean a lot to you. 5) Do you have any other interesting episodes to share while learning this traditional Korean performance art? 6) Laure, the Cultural Communication Forum was an event aimed at hearing foreigners' views on Korean culture. Do you think your thoughts on K-culture or your foreign friends' thoughts have changed compared to when you first encountered Korea? And what do you say is the charm of Korean culture? 7) What are you currently working on, and what are your future plans or goals as a pansori singer? Thank you very much Laure for sharing your story with us today and for sharing your beautiful pansori music in and outside of Korea. Thank you Walter as always.

[NEWs GEN] Burning Up: How youth are tackling climate change

2025/07/14 12:33

[NEWs GEN] Burning Up: How youth are tackling climate change [뉴젠] 118년 만에 극한 폭염... MZ들의 환경 문제 경각심

White House official warns Trump's tariff threat "will be real" on Aug. 1

2025/07/14 11:41

Pressure is mounting for America's trade partners, as U.S. President Donald Trump renews his push for sweeping tariffs set to take effect on August 1st. A senior White House official has warned the tariffs are not just a negotiating tactic. Our foreign affairs correspondent Oh Soo-young starts us off. Washington has emphasised its reciprocal tariffs on trading partners will take effect from next month, if President Donald Trump doesn't get a deal he likes. On Sunday local time in an interview with ABC News, White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett said if President Donald Trump "doesn't get a deal he thinks is good enough, the tariffs will be real." Hassett implied that Trump was not satisfied with some "sketches of deals" negotiated by Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and others on his trade team," and believes the deals "need to get better." This comes after Trump sent letters to 25 countries over the past week, notifying them of their blanket tariff rates. South Korea, Japan and Malaysia were handed 25 percent tariffs, while Mexico and the European Union on Saturday were told to pay up 30 percent. Regarding the higher 50 percent rate announced for Brazil, Hassett said Trump has been "very frustrated" with bilateral negotiations with Brazil and its actions. Trump has also accused the incumbent government of targeting its former President Jair Bolsonaro. In response to Trump's letter, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that the EU will delay its own imposition of retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods, originally scheduled to take effect on Monday, until early August. Acknowledging Washington's notice over the weekend, von der Leyen indicated the Brussels prefers to negotiate to seek a resolution within the given timeframe. The EU initially prepared a first round of retaliatory tariffs in response to U.S. duties on European steel and aluminium, targeting 21 billion euros worth of American goods with additional duties. While showing willingness to negotiate, European leaders including French President Emmanuel Macron have also voiced determination to defend European interests. Meanwhile, the Mexican leader Claudia Sheinbaum struck an optimistic tone saying she is confident she can reach a deal, saying Trump's letter indicates his intention to negotiate. Oh Soo-young, Arirang News.

Rain expands nationwide, heatwave recedes

2025/07/14 11:40

Grab your umbrella on your way out. Rain that's falling in eastern regions will expand nationwide, reaching the capital area and Chungcheong-do provinces as early as this morning. This round of rain should taper off by tomorrow evening. A preliminary rain advisory is in effect for east of Gangwon-do Province where intense downpours of around 50 millimeters per hour could lash down from this afternoon with up to 120 millimeters expected through tomorrow. A strong wind advisory could also be issued for the east coast. On a positive note, the heatwave alerts have all been lifted thanks to this rain! Temperatures will be as much as 9 degrees cooler than Sunday. Seoul and Daejeon get up to 28 degrees, Daegu at 31 degrees. This rain is truly a welcome sight, as the prolonged heat and sunny skies have caused severe damage to agricultural crops as well. This week, we'll see frequent rain, though temperatures will still hover around 30 degrees Celsius. Keep an umbrella handy!

Sinner banishes Roland Garros demons to de-throne Alcaraz at Wimbledon

2025/07/14 11:39

23-year-old Jannik Sinner won his first Wimbledon men's singles title on Sunday in a historic final between the world's No. 1 and No. 2 players, defeating defending champion Carlos Alcaraz with scores of 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, and 6-4. Sinner became the first-ever Italian Wimbledon singles champion, and the victory marks his fourth Grand Slam title overall. Despite dropping the first set, Sinner played on with resilience as he won three consecutive sets, to end his five-match losing streak against Alcaraz. Alcaraz, seeking a third consecutive Wimbledon crown, acknowledged Sinner's performance, calling their rivalry "a class apart."

Killing Fields execution site and two former Khmer Rouge prisons added to UNESCO heritage list

2025/07/14 11:39

Cambodia celebrated the inscription of three former Khmer Rouge sites as UNESCO World Heritage, marking the first modern-era recognition on behalf of the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, Choeung Ek Killing Fields, and M-13 prison. These are notorious locations used as torture and execution sites in the past. At a UNESCO meeting in Paris on July 11, the sites were officially listed under "Cambodian Memorial Sites: From centers of repression to places of peace and reflection." Cambodia held nationwide drum-beating ceremonies on Sunday to honor the designation. Cambodia's Interim Culture Minister described the listing as a "model for the world."

Fire triggers evacuations near Grand Canyon

2025/07/14 11:39

In the United States, a fast-moving wildfire near the Grand Canyon's North Rim has forced a full evacuation and destroyed key infrastructure. Park authorities said Sunday that the Grand Canyon Lodge, the only lodging inside the park at the North Rim, had been destroyed by the flames, and evacuation orders were issued. The blaze, dubbed the Dragon Bravo Fire, rapidly grew to more than 20 square kilometers, consuming the historic Grand Canyon Lodge, visitor center, administrative offices, and a wastewater treatment plant. Park authorities evacuated all staff and approximately 500 visitors from the North Rim, which opens seasonally. The wastewater plant fire triggered a chlorine gas leak, leading officials to restrict access to inner canyon trails until air quality is verified. Nearby crews are also battling the White Sage Fire, which has burned over 40,000 acres north of the park.

France's Macron announces plan to accelerate military spending

2025/07/14 11:38

Now, let's take a look at some stories from around the world with our Choi Chi Hee. Good morning, Chi Hee. Good morning, Eunji. Let's start with France announcing an accelerated military spending plan. The French President has unveiled a plan to speed up France's spending on its armed forces by 2027. French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Sunday, an accelerated military spending plan, aiming to double France's armed forces budget by 2027 which is three years ahead of schedule as Europe faces mounting security threats. On July 13, Macron announced an additional 7.6 billion U.S. dollars in defense funding over 2026 and 2027, pushing France's military budget to 74.8 billion dollars in 2027, which would be double the 37.64 billion dollars in annual spending when Macron took office in 2017. Making an address to the armed forces on the eve of the Bastille Day national holiday, Macron described the move as essential in response to "unprecedented threats" including Russia's aggression, nuclear proliferation, terrorism, and global instability. He said, "To be free in this world, we must be feared. To be feared, we must be powerful." He also said details on the 2026 budget plans will be announced on Tuesday by the Prime Minister.