News

Four killed in Houthi attack on cargo ship in Red Sea

2025/07/10 11:38

Good morning, I'm Choi Chi-hee, and this is the World Now. The Houthi rebel group in Yemen said it has sunk a Greek-operated cargo ship in the Red Sea, killing at least four people. This is the second ship the Iran-aligned group has attacked this week. Yemen's Houthis released footage on Wednesday of the Greek-operated carrier Eternity C coming under attack on July 7. The attack resulted in at least four confirmed casualties, six crew members were rescued by EU-coordinated forces, and 15 are still missing, possibly captured by the Houthis. The Houthi military spokesperson claimed their naval unit assisted survivors, providing medical care and transferring them to safety.

Bitcoin hits new all-time high

2025/07/10 11:38

The world's largest cryptocurrency by market cap, Bitcoin, hit a new all-time high on Wednesday. According to U.S.-based virtual currency exchange Coinbase, the price of a single Bitcoin was trading at 112-thousand-55 U.S. dollars at 3.55 PM Eastern Standard Time, up over three percent from 24 hours prior. It marks the first time the cryptocurrency surpassed the 112-thousand mark, shattering the previous high of 111-thousand-900 dollars set on May 22nd.

[On-point] S. Korea's central bank holds interest rate steady: What's behind the decision?

2025/07/10 11:37

The Bank of Korea has announced that it will hold its interest rate steady. For more on what's behind this decision, we're joined by Professor Shin Se Don, Professor at Division of Business Economics at Sookmyung Women's University. Professor Shin, thanks for joining us this morning. 1. The Bank of Korea has decided to keep its benchmark interest rate at 2.5%. What's behind this decision, and how will this affect the South Korean housing market? 2. Some have been saying that the central bank needs to lower the rate, when can we expect that to happen? 3. With the Trump administration threatening to impose 25% tariffs on South Korean goods starting August 1st, this is expected to significantly impact Korean companies and the economy, right? 4. The U.S. dollar fell more than 10 percent in the first half of this year --its worst start to a year in over 50 years while the Korean won is slowly strengthening against the dollar. What's behind this trend, and what does this mean for South Korea? 5. Talks on next year's minimum wage are underway, and look like being finalized today. How is this likely to affect the domestic economy? Alright Professor Shin. Thank you so much for your insight today. We appreciate it.

S. Korea to adopt action plan on closer ties with ASEAN at regional meeting, U.S. tariff talks to loom large

2025/07/10 11:36

The annual series of ASEAN-related meetings takes place this week in Malaysia, gathering foreign ministers from the 10 Southeast Asian nations, and partner countries including South Korea. Our foreign affairs correspondent Oh Soo-young fills us in on what to expect. South Korea is set to adopt a new action plan on cooperating with Southeast Asian countries, at this week's series of high-level meetings in Kuala Lumpur. According to Seoul's foreign ministry, South Korea is joining the annual ASEAN-related Foreign Minister Meetings on Thursday and Friday, as a dialogue partner country to the 10-member regional bloc. During a meeting between Seoul and ASEAN, the two sides will adopt a Plan of Action laying out concrete steps to implement the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership reached upon their 35th anniversary of dialogue relations last year. They're expected to focus on deepening security, economic, and cultural cooperation. First Vice Foreign Minister Park Yoon-joo is leading the delegation as the new Foreign Minister-nominee Cho Hyun has not been officially confirmed by parliament. Park will also attend the ministerial meeting of ASEAN and +3 nations including Korea, Japan, and China, a separate meeting with Mekong countries, the East Asia Summit, and the ASEAN Regional Forum. Concerns over tariffs and regional tensions are expected to dominate most discussions, as the United States this week sent letters to fourteen countries, threatening to initiate the so-called reciprocal tariffs by August first. If no deal is reached, the Trump Administration says it will impose 25 percent duties on South Korea, Japan, and Malaysia, 32 percent on Indonesia,.. 36 percent on Cambodia and Thailand, and 40 percent on Laos and Myanmar. In a draft communique revealed to AFP, ASEAN nations warn that unilateral tariff actions are destabilizing economic recovery and deepening global divisions. Arriving Thursday for his first Asia trip since taking office, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to defend America's push to (quote) rebalance trade relationships, according to officials in Washington. The attendance of Chinese and Russian foreign ministers Wang Yi and Sergey Lavrov is also drawing attention, amid their shaky relations with the U.S.. Beyond tariffs, ministers will address rising tensions on the Thailand–Cambodia border, the ongoing civil war in Myanmar, and territorial disputes in the South China Sea. Meanwhile, South Korea is expected to reiterate its support for peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and emphasize ASEAN's role in coordinated regional diplomacy. ASEAN's annual meeting of foreign ministers is the only multilateral forum North Korea has attended in the region. However, there's a chance Pyongyang will skip this year's meeting, given its severed diplomatic ties with the host country, Malaysia. Oh Soo-young, Arirang News.

Samsung Z Fold 7 unveiled at Unpacked event in New York

2025/07/10 11:35

Samsung Electronics unveiled its latest generation of its Galaxy Z series smartphones. At the Galaxy Unpacked 2025,.. the Korean company introduced its slimmest and lightest foldable phone to date. Lee Seung-jae takes a look. The summer edition of Galaxy Unpacked 2025 was held in New York City on Wednesday, with expectations high over Samsung Electronics' latest releases. There, Samsung Electronics unveiled the latest generation of its Galaxy Z series smartphones, showcasing the company's slimmest and lightest foldable smartphones to date with their Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7. Along with its new physical features, the company says the new smartphone comes with an upgraded camera and artificial intelligence capabilities. "Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7, they present the pinnacle of our innovation. This is more than just a new flip or fold. Galaxy AI has become your very own human-like AI companion, elevating the way you connect, create, and lead every single day." Samsung says the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is the thinnest and lightest model in the latest Z series. The phone measures just 8-point-9 millimeters when folded, and 4-point-2 millimeters when unfolded. It weighs just 215 grams,.. making it even lighter than the Galaxy S25 Ultra, launched in January. Despite a reduction in size and weight, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 features a 6-point-5 inch external display and an 8-inch main display, with the inner display 11 percent larger than the previous model. It's also equipped with a 20-megapixel wide-angle camera, with Samsung improving its AI capabilities by enhancing cooperation with external partners like Google. Meanwhile,.. the clamshell-style Galaxy Z Flip 7 upgraded its display with slightly larger screens than its previous model, and a slimmer and lighter build. And for those at the event, it was a chance to see how Samsung Electronics continues to improve in the competitive mobile phone industry. I was very excited to see the unpacked of the new Galaxy Flip 7. I'm very surprised by how elegant it looks. It's very lightweight, its pocketability. And I'm most impressed about the AI assistance. It's going to be very helpful in my everyday life." Samsung also unveiled its latest Galaxy Watch 8. According to Samsung Electronics, the new Galaxy Fold and Flip models will officially launch worldwide on July 25th. Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.

BOK holds key rate steady at 2.5% in July

2025/07/10 11:34

As widely expected, South Korea's central bank has held its benchmark interest rate steady at two-point-five percent. The Bank of Korea announced the decision on Thursday following the fifth Monetary Policy Committee meeting of the year, taking a break from a rate-cutting cycle after a cut of 25 basis points in May. The decision comes amid Seoul's soaring housing prices and an increase in household loans. Late last month, the government introduced stricter mortgage rules to try to cool down the overheated prices of homes in the capital region. The record high interest rate gap between South Korea and the U.S., which currently stands at 2 percentage points, also fueled expectations of a rate freeze.

Stock

2025/07/09 22:43

2025. 7. 9. KOREAN STOCK MARKET KOSPI : 3,133.74 ▲18.79 +0.60% KOSDAQ : 790.36 ▲6.12 +0.78% KOSPI200 : 422.02 ▲0.80 +0.19% ASIAN STOCK MARKET NIKKEI225 : 39,821.28 ▲132.47 +0.33% HANG SENG : 23,892.32 ▼255.75 -1.06% SHANGHAI : 3,493.05 ▼4.42 -0.13% WALL STREET (July 8) DOW JONES : 44,240.76 ▼165.60 -0.37% NASDAQ : 20,418.46 ▲5.94 +0.03% S&P500 : 6,225.52 ▼4.46 -0.07% EXCHANGE RATE USD : 1,375.00 (+7.10) JPY : 935.37 (-0.81) CNY : 191.41 (+0.72) EUR : 1,610.68 (+5.18)

Trump pushes on defense cost-sharing with S. Korea

2025/07/09 22:43

U.S. President Donald Trump has picked on South Korea yet again over its contributions to keep U.S. soldiers here in the country, saying Seoul should pay more, in what is seen as his strategic move to get an upper hand in both defense and tariff negotiations. Ahn Sung-jin leads us tonight. U.S. President Donald Trump is pushing for a "one-stop shopping" deal with South Korea on defense and trade. At the White House on Tuesday, Trump stated that its Asian ally was underpaying for military protection. He reiterated his hardline stance that Seoul should increase its contributions to U.S. defense costs, referring back to negotiations during his first term where he claimed he demanded that Seoul should pay 10 billion U.S. dollars a year in defense cost-sharing, a figure far above current levels. "You know, we have 45,000 soldiers in South Korea. And, you know, that's a huge economic development for them. That's tremendous amount. That's like having a city. It's tremendous money for them and it's a tremendous loss for us." Unlike Trump's assertion, there are currently around 28-thousand U.S. military troops in Korea. And regarding Trump's remarks, the South Korean government said that it will comply with the existing defense cost-sharing agreement between the two countries. The Foreign Ministry on Wednesday stated that the existing 12th Special Measures Agreement contributes to a joint defense position and added that it is inappropriate to react to every single remark made by a foreign leader. As Trump's remarks continue to stir debate on the alliance between the two countries, an expert says Korea should show flexibility and try to negotiate with the people in charge from various stakeholder ministries. "It's not really clear to me that Donald Trump appreciates the American alliance network. He attacks U.S. allies on a fairly regular basis so I would encourage South Korea to go slow and see if they can move the bay from the executive level." South Korea's defense cost-sharing issue and the need to preserve its security alliance with the U.S. adds to the complexity of the high-stakes negotiations. Ahn Sung-jin, Arirang News.

[Weather] Summer heat in the west will continue

2025/07/09 22:42

It is still early July, but the heat wave is fierce in the western parts of the country. It soared to 38 degrees Celsius during the day in Gwangmyeong, but along the east coast, affected by the easterly wind, there was a short break from the heat, staying at 29 degrees in Gangneung today. Steaming heat around the west will continue for the time being. Under clear skies, the UV rays will rise to high to very high levels from the morning. Please refrain from outdoor activities between 10 in the morning and 3 in the afternoon to avoid any heat-related illnesses. Tomorrow morning, Seoul, Daejeon, Gwangju and Jeju will start off at 25 degrees, Gyeongju at 22 degrees. Daily highs will move up to 35 degrees in Seoul and Gwangju, 30 degrees in Gyeongju and Jeju. As the heat remains even at night, tropical nights will continue across the country. That's all for Korea. Here are the weather conditions around the world.

Why Korea is where future Paralympians come to dream big

2025/07/09 22:41

South Korea has been inviting young para-athletes from abroad in the second half of the year for over a decade, offering training in sports where the country has particular strength. Our Park Kun-woo tells us more. Running at full speed without falling. Drenched in sweat, but still smiling. 16-year-old John, who has dwarfism, dreams of one day competing on the Olympic stage, representing his country as a badminton player. He's been training hard -already around a decade since he first picked up a racket. Nothing stops him from pushing limits; instead, he's eager to keep improving. "I want a new experience for me. Korea is more advanced in training and they, giving knowledge for our players. They have so much respect for others. I like that" John is one of around 60 participants from 16 different countries who came to Korea this summer to take part in the annual international Para sports youth camp in Icheon, Gyeonggi-do Province. And, determination was shown across the court, where shuttlecocks flew rapidly, with players, some in wheelchairs, moving back and forth with precision and speed. This year's program not only features badminton but also powerlifting and archery, offering young athletes with disabilities the opportunity to train and dream big. "This barbell feels heavy to me. But for them? It seems like it's almost no big deal. It's not the body that holds them back but it's the strength inside that drives them forward." At the weightlifting gym, effort and spirit echoed with every lift. Some may not be able to use all parts of their body, but that hasn't stopped them from lifting bars and chasing their goals. "I want to go to the Paralympics and be a champion so I can earn money and make my parents proud. So, I need to stay disciplined and train consistently, especially here where the facility's good." Even when facing physical barriers, these young lifters stayed focused and consistent. Korea, an archery powerhouse, is also sharing its expertise with these future champions. Coaches are helping the participants to adjust their posture and techniques. "Just like everyone's bone structure is different, each person's disability and range of movement also varies. So, we teach them based on each athlete's condition and strength. Even for complete beginners, we structure training step-by-step and make sure it's fun and sustainable." In the end, what matters isn't the physical ability, but the will. And with that in mind, these young athletes continue to run, lift, and aim, toward their dreams. Park Kun-woo, Arirang News, Icheon.

"KPop Demon Hunters" soundtrack takes over Billboard Hot 100 with 7 tracks

2025/07/09 22:40

Netflix's animated film "KPop Demon Hunters" has become a global hit, and its soundtrack is gaining popularity too. Also, Rosé, from BLACKPINK, has two duet tracks on the chart, highlighting the growing global popularity of Korean culture. Shin Ha-young reports. K-culture is gaining more global recognition. Several songs from the soundtrack for Netflix's animated film, "KPop Demon Hunters," have entered the Billboard Hot 100 this week, boosted by the global popularity of the U.S.-produced movie centered on Korean pop music. According to the latest chart released on Tuesday, seven songs from the soundtrack entered the chart, with "Golden" ranking the highest at No. 23, jumping 58 spots in just one week after debuting at No. 81. The track, "Your Idol," also rose 46 spots to No. 31, staying on the chart for a second consecutive week. The film's soundtrack also climbed to No. 3 on the Billboard 200 albums chart, up from No. 8 last week. "KPop Demon Hunters" showcases various elements of Korean culture, including its folklore as well as traditional props. Elsewhere on the Hot 100, Rosé has two duet songs on the charts. "APT." entered week 37 on the Billboard Hot 100 at number 27. Released in a collaboration with American pop star Bruno Mars, "APT." went viral for its addictive hook and its clever nod to a popular Korean drinking game. Her new song "On My Mind," a new collaboration with American singer-songwriter Alex Warren, entered the chart, ranking in 60th place. Meanwhile, K-drama sensation Squid Game Season 3 has made Netflix history. According to Netflix's Top 10 website on Wednesday, for the second straight week, the final season ranked first among non-English shows in all 93 countries where the chart is tracked. This is the first time any Netflix series has held the top spot in every tracked country for two consecutive weeks, setting a new record. All three seasons of Squid Game currently occupy the top three spots on Netflix's list of most popular non-English shows of all time. Shin Ha-young, Arirang News.

2025 Korea Season Part 2: A vibrant celebration of diverse Korean culture blossoming in Spain

2025/07/09 22:39

Over in Europe As the Korea Season, aimed at promoting Korean culture, is taking place in Spain, the country will host a vibrant lineup of K-content events throughout the year. Our Choi Soo-hyung reports from Spain on the current and future state of Korean soft power. Wearing a Virtual Reality headset, a participant swings her arms freely, learning a martial art from the Joseon Dynasty. "I think it's very beautiful to know how Korean culture is, all the temples, and it's funny, it's very fun. The second thing I did, I think, for people who live in Spain, it's a very good way to learn." Suwon Hwaseong, one of Korea's most iconic cultural heritage sites in Gyeonggi-do Province, comes vividly alive right before your eyes. "I think that it was quite similar to reality because it showed the colors, spaces in a very realistic way. Also, the explanation and the small details like the ceilings with those color combinations and the small animals looking through were really cute." At the Korean Cultural Center in Madrid, Korea's traditional culture has been fully digitized through a comprehensive database process, allowing visitors to experience it in digital format, without even setting foot in Korea. In other sites in the venue, unique reinterpretations of the Joseon Dynasty's white porcelain are on display, all created using "malchong," or horsehair. Jeong Da-hye became the first Korean artist to win the prestigious Loewe Craft Prize, a leading award in Spain's contemporary craft scene. "This work merged tradition and innovation. It's very important for Spain also to receive a very natural work like this. The Loewe Foundation was very happy to see this kind of artist, so they selected her in 2022." Right now, Spain is completely immersed in Korean Culture. Since 2022, South Korea's Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has selected one country each year with a strong potential to spread Korean culture, offering a year-long series of cultural programs. This year's Korea Season takes place in Spain. In particular, the Korean Cultural Center here is set to host around 60 events throughout the year. "The center is carrying out this year's Korea Season under the key theme of "expansion." Beyond just popular areas like K-pop, we are working to highlight all things across K-culture, from fine arts and exhibitions to literature, webtoons, fashion, and beauty." Moreover, after Han Kang's Nobel win last year, Korean literature is gaining a lot of interest in Spain. That's why, in the second half of the year, Korean literature events will take center stage. "October has been designated as Literature Month, and we're promoting Korean literature as a focus country at Madrid's Liber International Book Fair. At the same time, we'll be the guest of honor at Barcelona's Kosmopolis International Festival of Literature." "Through the end of this year, a dynamic cultural journey will unfold across Spain, connecting the richness of Korean culture with the world. Choi Soo-hyung, Arirang News, Madrid.

S. Korea swelters under relentless heat, leaving at least 8 dead

2025/07/09 22:37

Scorching heat continues to grip South Korea, with temperatures soaring well above 35 degrees nationwide. More than 200 people suffered from heat-related illnesses just today, an unprecedented number compared to previous years. Our Park Hyobeen reports. Another sweltering day swept South Korea. In Paju City, Gyeonggi-do Province, the mercury hit over 39 degrees Celsius, and Seoul wasn't far behind at 36 degrees. It was just as hot as Tuesday, which marked the hottest July day in 118 years. "Actually, today is better than yesterday, but it's still so warm. I'm sweating a lot. It's still so hot. " "It's really hot. It's really humid. It's hard to do anything outside." "People are trying to cool off at places like this stream. It was already 35 degrees at 5 PM in Seoul, and the heat is expected to continue overnight. That means another tropical night, Seoul's 11th in a row." The Korea Meteorological Administration has issued heat wave warnings for most regions, including Seoul. These alerts are issued when the "feels-like" temperature is expected to remain above 35 degrees for more than two days. The extreme temperatures are taking a toll on lives. As of 4 PM Wednesday, eight people have died from heat-related causes this summer. Over 1,200 heat illness cases have been reported so far, more than double the number from the same period last year. More than 200 people were affected just today, a sharp increase compared to previous years. In response, the Seoul Metropolitan Government held an emergency meeting on Tuesday morning to discuss countermeasures. Officials are stepping up real-time monitoring and prioritizing protection for vulnerable groups, including the elderly, outdoor workers and farmers. They're also urging people to stay indoors between noon and 5 PM, stay hydrated, and seek help immediately if they experience dizziness or headaches, which are common signs of heat-related illnesses. Meanwhile, a bit of relief is also expected, with some rain in the forecast for parts of the country later today. Park Hyobeen, Arirang News.

Financial Authorities: no second chances on unfair stock trading --HYBE chairman eyed as first major case

2025/07/09 22:36

Since President Lee Jae-myung's inauguration, the government has been making strong messages to warn anyone trying to cheat in the stock market. Today, authorities announced specific measures with a new task force. Our Kim Do-yeon explains. No second chances — that's the message from Korea's financial watchdogs on unfair trading, illegal short selling, and false disclosures. On Wednesday, the Financial Services Commission, the Financial Supervisory Service, and the Korea Exchange unveiled measures to fight market abuses, launching a joint task force to track and investigate violations. "Accounts linked to illegal gains will be frozen during investigations. Fines of up to twice the profits will be imposed, along with restrictions on trading and executive appointments. Through these measures, we aim to ensure that stock manipulators are immediately expelled from the capital market under a strict one-strike-out policy." When the joint task force begins operations later this month officials from the three entities will work in the same office and make sure investigations are finished within six months. This is in line of the new administration's agenda as President Lee Jae-myung early last month chose the Korea Exchange for his first public event since inauguration and emphasized a fair stock market. Under this tougher stance, HYBE chairman and BTS creator Bang Si-hyuk could become the first high-profile case. The Securities and Futures Commission is set to refer him to prosecutors for alleged fraudulent transactions under the Capital Markets Act. He is accused of telling early investors in HYBE that he had no plans to go public and leading them to sell their shares at low prices to private equity funds set up by his acquaintances. A year later, the company did go public and Bang allegedly shared the proceeds from the later stock sales, taking around 200 billion won or around 150 million U.S. dollars. Financial authorities have reportedly secured evidence that Bang was preparing for an IPO while telling the early investors otherwise. Separately, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's financial crimes unit, which has been conducting its own investigation, is also expected to hand over the case to prosecutors soon. To this, HYBE explained that the IPO process was done according to the law and that it has been cooperating with the authorities to confirm the facts. Kim Do-yeon, Arirang News.

President Lee names vice ministers for the Office for Government Policy Coordination

2025/07/09 22:35

President Lee Jae Myung has promoted from within when choosing his vice ministers for the Office for Government Policy Coordination. Presidential Spokesperson Kang Yu-jung told reporters on Wednesday that Kim Young-su, currently heading the Planning and Coordination Office, has been appointed 1st Vice Minister. Kang described Kim as having strong expertise in policy planning, coordination, and evaluation. Kim Yong-soo, who leads the Economic Policy Coordination division, will serve as 2nd Vice Minister. He is expected to play a key role in supporting the government's growth strategy by promoting regulatory reform and development in AI, biotech, and semiconductors. The Office for Government Policy Coordination acts as a control tower for policies that involve several ministries.

Six N. Koreans safely repatriated after being rescued in S. Korean waters

2025/07/09 22:35

Six North Koreans, rescued earlier this year in South Korean waters, were safely repatriated today. South Korea's unification ministry confirmed their voluntary return to the North. Our correspondent Kim Jung-sil reports. These rare photos show six North Korean fishermen making their journey home. Despite their small size, these photos show the end of a months-long journey after the fishermen were rescued from South Korean waters. For their return, the group traveled together in a single wooden boat in the East Sea, and at 8:56 AM, they crossed the Northern Limit Line. By 9:24 AM, a North Korean vessel made contact with the boat, and both vessels began their journey back to the North. The six fishermen, in their 30s and 40s, were stranded in boats that drifted into the East and West Seas in March and May. Since direct communication between the two Koreas was severed in 2023, Seoul coordinated through the UNC to convey its message about the fishermen's return. While North Korea didn't confirm directly, its actions spoke louder. "At the handover, a North Korean patrol boat was stationed at the designated point, and the vessel returned under its own power, completing the repatriation smoothly and safely." The Ministry of Unification verified their voluntary wish to return, with consent confirmed. Experts say Wednesday's repatriation reflects North Korea's ongoing attention to South Korea. "North Korea's response shows they're watching South Korea's peace efforts, and if the new government remains sincere, a positive response from the North may not be far off." This isn't the first repatriation of its kind. Similar cases took place in 2017, when fishermen also expressed a strong desire to return to the North. Despite delays, officials emphasized that Wednesday's decision was driven by humanitarian concerns and respect for the individuals' wishes. A Ministry official expressed hope that better communication between the South and North could lead to smoother future repatriations. Kim Jung-sil, Arirang News.

Trump shocks market again, with 50% tariff on copper; pharmaceuticals, chips maybe next

2025/07/09 22:34

Countries including South Korea have a little more than 3 weeks to reach tariff deals with the U.S. Meanwhile, the Trump administration is seeking to dump more tariffs on items like copper and pharmaceuticals. Park Jun-han has the details. On Tuesday, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a plan to impose a 50% tariff on copper imports, prompting markets to push copper prices to a record high. "We did steel, as you know, they're 50%, we did aluminum 50%, lumber just came out. And we did cars and now today we're doing copper. I believe the tariff on copper, we're going to make it 50%." After Trump's announcement, copper prices jumped to a record high, ending the trading day up 13-point-12 percent — the largest one-day gain since 1989 — at approximately 5-point-69 U.S. dollars per pound. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the U.S. imports about 50% of the refined copper it uses each year. Over 90% of copper imports, roughly 1 million tons, come from Chile, Canada and Peru. While the Trump administration aims to revive domestic copper production, the new tariffs are likely to raise costs for American manufacturers. On the same day, Trump hinted at tariffs of up to 200% on pharmaceuticals, along with possible duties on semiconductors that could take effect by late July. A market analyst noted that while the market currently views the impact as limited, it could come under pressure if the proposed chip tariffs exceed expectations. "The impact of the tariffs has not yet been significant, as South Korea has already built — or is in the process of building — semiconductor factories in the U.S., and the specific tariff rate has yet to be announced. However, if a high rate is imposed, it will inevitably affect the Korean semiconductor industry and the stock market." Trump's sector-specific tariff plan, based on Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, which allows the president to restrict imports that threaten national security, came a day after he sent tariff letters to 14 trading partners, including South Korea, outlining new tariff rates effective August 1. Trump is set to send letters to 15 to 20 more countries in the coming days. Park Jun-han, Arirang News.

DMZ breach to global realignment: S. Korean peninsula in flux

2025/07/09 21:35

Welcome to Within The Frame where we bring the most pressing issues across the globe into focus, I'm Kim Mok-yeon. Tensions on the Korean Peninsula are back in focus this week. A North Korean soldier crossed the DMZ in the dark of night, prompting fresh scrutiny over the regime's intentions—and South Korea's border security. At sea, six North Koreans were quietly repatriated, raising the question of whether inter-Korean communication could restart through backdoor diplomacy. Meanwhile, global attention sharpens: the Quad, that's the U.S., India, Australia and Japan, has put North Korea back on its radar, and Pyongyang is lashing out. All this as the North's ties with Moscow grow even deeper—militarily, culturally, and possibly institutionally. To break all of this down, we're joined by Go Myong-hyun, Senior Research Fellow at Institute for National Security Strategy. Welcome. Evans Revere, Former U.S. Acting Assistant Secretary of State and Non-resident Senior Fellow in the Foreign Policy Program at Brookings. Good to see you. 1.(GO) On July 3rd, South Korean troops identified a North Korean individual who crossed the Military Demarcation Line overnight. The crossing took place along a section of the DMZ where border-cutting work hasn't yet been completed. Do you think this was a premeditated defection that took advantage of a security gap? 2. (REVERE) This marks the first known defection to the South under the Lee Jae-myung administration. So far, North Korea has remained silent on the matter. Why do you think they've chosen not to respond? 3. (GO) Shifting to a related issue—today, the government repatriated six North Koreans who had been rescued while drifting at sea. Although the North never formally acknowledged the repatriation plans, its personnel showed up at the designated handover point in advance. Could this become a turning point toward restoring inter-Korean communication channels? 4. (REVERE) Now turning to multilateral diplomacy—last week, foreign ministers from the U.S., Japan, India and Australia, known as the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, condemned North Korea's nuclear weapons program and reiterated the need for full denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. This marks a return to language about North Korea that had been dropped in the first Quad statement after the launch of the second Trump administration. What's behind this renewed emphasis? What significance does it carry? 5. (GO) In response, North Korea denounced the Quad's statement as a "grave political provocation." The North further labeled the condemnation as U.S. interference and warned of countermeasures. How do you interpret Pyongyang's reaction? What kind of actions might they be signaling? 6. (REVERE) Let's expand to the North Korea–Russia axis— News just in today says Russia's foreign minister will pay a visit to North Korea over this weekend. What do you expect during this trip? Are we looking at deeper military coordination, or could this mark the next phase of a formal alliance? 7. (REVERE) Meanwhile, a CNN report citing Ukrainian intelligence says North Korea is expected to send an additional 25,000 to 30,000 troops to Russia. Why do you think Pyongyang is continuing to dispatch forces despite the heavy toll it's facing? 8. (GO) Their partnership seems to extend beyond the battlefield. North Korean state TV has been increasing its programming on Russian culture. What's behind this media shift? Could it be an attempt to soften domestic dissent over troop deployments? 9. (REVERE) Now looking at alliance dynamics—President Trump has ramped up pressure on South Korea to significantly increase its contribution toward hosting U.S. forces. He's reiterated his campaign stance, stating that Seoul should pay 10 billion dollars each year. Ahead of the upcoming U.S.-ROK summit, is this a tactical move to bolster his negotiation leverage? 10. (GO) The Trump administration is reportedly preparing to unveil a new national defense strategy next month, raising speculation that a U.S. troop realignment in Korea could be on the table. If that scenario plays out, how should Seoul respond?

TRUMP ANNOUNCES 25% TARIFF ON S. KOREA STARTING AUGUST

2025/07/09 19:45

Welcome to Wednesday's edition of Press Perspective. It's July 9th here in Seoul. I'm Min Sunhee. The July 9th deadline of the pause on country-specific U.S. tariffs ENDS today BUT the Trump administration has extended THAT pause to August first. It has also sent its ally South Korea a letter unilaterally informing it of a 25-percent tariff even as senior officials of the Lee Jae Myung administration were engaged in related talks with their American counterparts in Washington. For more I have Ruy Valdes with Spanish news agency EFE Spain. Ruy welcome. I also have Professor Oh Joon-seok at Sookmyung Women's University joining our talk virtually. Professor Oh it's a pleasure. Ruy, let's begin with the latest regarding U.S. tariffs. The pause on country-specific tariffs comes to an end on this Wednesday, and the Trump administration has spoken of two options: letters informing American trade partners of their respective tariffs or trade deals. South Korea has received a letter, informing the country of a 25-percent tariff. Do tell us more. Ruy, how many tariff deals has the U.S. sealed thus far? Professor Oh, some believe this latest move by the Trump administration is a negotiation strategy. Do you agree? And simply speaking, what appears to be his negotiation strategy? Professor Oh, what countermeasures has the South Korean government shared to offset U.S. tariff repercussions, and what are your thoughts? Are there any structural policies that you believe should be prioritized? Ruy, South Korean delegates have been flying into the U.S. in recent days for related talks. What are some of the issues on the table as seen by Reuters? Professor Oh, are FTAs losing their protective edge amid the presence of U.S. tariffs? I mean, what is the fate of South Korea's FTA with the U.S. given Mr. Trump's pursuit of tariffs? Ruy, how is the South Korean media framing these tariff talks between the U.S. and South Korea as well as the U.S. and the rest of its trade partners? I mean, how is public sentiment being shaped around future engagement with the U.S.? Professor Oh, Korea's exports rebounded in June amid sales of chips and cars to markets in Europe and Asia. What is your outlook as U.S. tariffs kick in? Also, could export market diversification serve to ease the fallout from U.S. tariffs? All right.

Live from Cheonggyecheon Stream: S. Korea swelters under relentless heat

2025/07/09 19:44

We start on the local front today as Seoul seeks to survive yet another day of extreme heat. I have our Park Hyobeen out in central Seoul for an actual gauge of the heat wave here in the capital city. Hyobeen it's a little after five P.M. and I believe the heat remains relentless? Good afternoon, Sunny. I'm standing here at Cheonggyecheon Stream in central Seoul. I've been out here for about 10 minutes, and honestly, sweat is already pouring out. Today feels just as hot as yesterday, which marked the hottest early July day in 118 years, as the current temperature hit 35 degrees, although the "feels like" temperature is up to 37 degrees. Now that it's close to evening, the temperatures have eased a little. A bit of relief is also expected, with some rain in the forecast for parts of the country later today. But we're likely in for another tropical night, when temperatures stay above 25 degrees even after 6 PM. Seoul has already had ten in a row. Due to the extreme heat, the Korea Meteorological Administration issued a heat wave warning across the country. This alert is issued when the "feels like" temperature is expected to be above 35 degrees for more than two days in a row in large parts of the country. Earlier this afternoon at 3 PM, the mercury hit 38.8 degrees in Paju City, Gyeonggi-do Province, while Seoul recorded around 35.8 degrees. So people are doing whatever they can to stay cool, finding shade, or cooling off by the Cheonggyecheon Stream. Let's take a listen to what they had to say. "Actually, today is better than yesterday, but it's still so warm. I'm sweating a lot. It's still so hot. " "It's really hot. It's really humid. It's hard to do anything outside." Indeed Hyobeen health experts have been calling on the public to refrain from prolonged outdoor activity. That being said what can you tell us about the reports concerning the health-related incidents from the scorching heat? Yes, unfortunately, there have. As of 4 PM on Wednesday, at least 8 people have died from heat-related illnesses this summer. The number of overall heat-related illnesses has reached over 1,200 so far, more than double the figure from the same period last year, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency. In response to the extreme heat, the Seoul Metropolitan Government held an emergency meeting on Tuesday morning to review countermeasures. The authorities are calling for enhanced real-time monitoring and stronger protection for vulnerable groups, including the elderly, outdoor workers, and farmers. They are also advising people to avoid being outside between noon and 5 PM, to drink plenty of water, and to seek help right away if they feel symptoms such as dizziness or a headache, which are common signs of heat-related illnesses. That's all I have for now, back to you, Sunny. All right Hyobeen thank you for BRAVING the blistering heat to bring us that report. That was our Park Hyobeen at Cheonggyecheon Stream in downtown Seoul.