News

Abductee family group officially announces halt to N. Korea leaflet campaigns

2025/07/08 22:37

A South Korean civic group representing families of abductees held in North Korea has said it would halt sending anti-Pyongyang leaflets across the border. In a joint press conference on Tuesday, the head of the group said he was swayed after receiving calls from the Unification Minister nominee and the Vice Minister. While adding that he has asked other groups involved in leaflet campaigns to suspend their plans, he hopes that separated families are able to unite with their loved ones in Kaesong. The Unification Ministry welcomed the group's response to the government's efforts to create a peaceful atmosphere on the Korean Peninsula.

‘Unprecedented solidarity’: UN Command marks 75 years since Korean War

2025/07/08 22:36

The United Nations Command marked its 75th anniversary with a ceremony at Camp Humphreys, honoring the multinational force that defended South Korea during the Korean War. In a message, General Xavier Brunson called it the "unprecedented global solidarity" of 22 nations, saying their sacrifice helped secure freedom for millions and supported South Korea's transformation. Canadian Lieutenant-General Derek Macaulay led the event, with a march-by of flags and a gun salute. Though wartime command now lies with the Combined Forces Command, the UNC still upholds the armistice, a lasting symbol of global commitment to peace on the Korean Peninsula.

S. Korea's first big defense export under new gov't — momentum for top 4 defense power?

2025/07/08 21:35

Welcome to Within The Frame, where we bring the most pressing issues across the globe into focus. I'm Kim Mok-yeon. On the eve of the very first "K-Defense Day," Korea has signed its largest-ever individual defense export contract under the new administration — finalizing a deal to supply 180 K2 tanks to Poland, estimated at over $6.5 billion U.S. dollars. This marks the second stage of a broader strategic agreement that has already seen Korean arms becoming a mainstay in Europe's shifting security landscape. At the same time, Michael Vaccaro, the U.S. deputy assistant secretary of state for Defense Trade Controls, is in Seoul. He delivered a keynote speech outlining the Trump administration's new defense export policy, just as he is set to begin closed-door meetings with Korea's top defense contractors. With eyes on Eastern Europe, Washington, and beyond, is Korea's ambition to become a global top-four defense power finally within reach? For more on this, we're joined in the studio by Mason Richey, professor of International Politics at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies. Welcome Also joining us online is Kim Yong-Jin, professor of Sogang Business School. 1. (KIM) Let's start with the headline itself — Hyundai Rotem has now officially finalized the second supply contract for K2 tanks to Poland. From a business perspective, how significant is this deal for Korea's defense industry and its global competitiveness? 2. (KIM) Building on that — this contract includes not just the standard K2GF tanks, but also the K2PL model tailored to Polish requirements. Why are localized variants like these such a competitive edge? And how valuable are the long-term MRO services tied to them? 3. (RICHEY) Now on the political side — this deal was stalled for nearly three years and even saw a change of government in Poland. How much did geopolitical factors — especially the war in Ukraine — drive this agreement over the line? 4. (RICHEY) Looking at comparative advantages — one of Korea's strongest selling points is timely delivery. Prof. Richey, how critical is delivery speed in today's defense diplomacy, especially when rival models like Germany's Leopard and the U.S. Abrams face bottlenecks? 5. (KIM) Looking ahead — many say this deal opens the door to more countries. What other markets are showing interest in K-Defense exports right now, and what specific strategies should Korean firms pursue to break into those regions? 6. (RICHEY) Let's zoom out to the broader structure — Korea's "One Team" model, with unified coordination between government agencies and private firms, is gaining attention. How does this compare with how traditional defense exporters operate? 7. (RICHEY) Turning to the U.S. — Vaccaro's keynote speech emphasized that cooperation with allies was central to U.S. security and cited Trump's recent executive orders on arms sales, and the maritime industry. What do these shifts signal about Washington's defense exports strategy, and how should Korea position itself in response? 8. (KIM) And more practically — Vaccaro is holding one-on-one meetings with Korean firms this week. What kinds of barriers or policy concerns are companies like Hanwha and Korea Aerospace Industries likely to raise in those talks? 9. (RICHEY & KIM) As we close out — both of you have touched on Korea's industrial and geopolitical momentum. With the U.S. Defense Innovation Unit now stepping in and the line between civilian and military tech growing thinner, what do you each see as Korea's biggest opportunity — and biggest challenge — as it tries to position itself as a tech-driven defense powerhouse?

U.S. extends reciprocal tariff deadline to August 1

2025/07/08 19:58

The relief is that the July deadline of the pause on country-specific U.S. tariffs has been extended to August First. The regret is that South Korea is among the American trade partners to have received a letter unilaterally informing it of a 25-percent tariff. Our Moon Ji-young has details. U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Monday, extending the effective date for reciprocal tariffs to August 1, pushing back the previous July 9 deadline. Trump outlined the rates in letters to the leaders of countries including South Korea and Japan via Truth Social earlier on Monday, with rates ranging from 25 percent to 40 percent. Trump originally unveiled the tariffs in April but granted a 90-day reprieve so that countries could strike trade agreements. "I have the signed letters that went out to both South Korea and Japan today, and there will be approximately 12 other countries that will receive notifications and letters directly from the President of the United States" In the letter, Trump threatened to impose 25 percent duties on South Korea, with higher duties for items deemed to have been transshipped through Korea from other countries. Trump stated that the relationship between Seoul and Washington has been quote "far from reciprocal." He warned that any retaliatory tariffs from Seoul would result in an additional surcharge on top of the 25 percent. However, Trump did leave open the possibility of an adjustment to the tariff rate for South Korea. The South Korean government views Trump's letter as an effective extension of the pause on new duties for Korean products. Seoul has been actively working to avoid or minimize the impact of these steep levies, as well as other tariffs on products such as automobiles, steel, and aluminum. According to Reuters, these reciprocal tariffs are separate from the sector-specific levies. In a press release, Seoul's Trade Ministry stated that South Korea will seek to address the trade deficit issue -a major concern of the U.S. -by improving domestic rules and regulations. It also affirmed its commitment to creating opportunities in core industries through the two countries' "partnership for manufacturing renaissance." Moon Ji-young, Arirang News.

[Weather] Scorching heat in the western parts of the country this week

2025/07/08 19:56

Today, Seoul recorded the hottest temperature this year, with daytime temperatures soaring to 36 degrees Celsius under a heat wave warning. If the temperature reaches 37 degrees, it is likely to be the hottest day in early July ever recorded in Seoul. The east coast and the coastal areas of the Gyeongsang-do provinces, which were hotter than human body temperature until yesterday, are expected to be able to get out of the scorching heat for a while from today. In particular, the temperature on the east coast, including Gangneung, is expected to drop below 30 degrees Celsius from today, and stay under 30 degrees until later this week. Tomorrow morning, Seoul will start warm at around 27 degrees, Daejeon and Busan 24 degrees. Daily highs will move up to 34 degrees in Chuncheon, 35 degrees in Daejeon. Severe heat waves and tropical nights in the western parts of the country are expected to continue until later this week. That's all for Korea. Here are the weather conditions around the world.

World News: Former Russian minister found dead hours after being fired, investigators suspect suicide

2025/07/08 19:54

This is the World Now, bringing you the latest stories from around the globe. Former Russian transport minister, Roman Starovoit, was found dead near Moscow on Monday, following his dismissal earlier the same day. 53-year-old Starovoit was discovered with a gunshot wound in his car, just hours after President Putin fired him in a presidential decree, with suicide believed to be the cause of death. No explanations were given regarding the reasons behind the dismissal. Starovoit's removal came amid a corruption probe linked to allegations of embezzling approximately 246 million U.S. dollars that were allocated for border fortifications, as well as criticism following disruptive drone attacks that grounded flights. Investigators are conducting a criminal probe to determine the exact cause of his death. Poland has temporarily reinstated border controls with Germany and Lithuania as of Monday, aiming to stop a reported surge in undocumented migration, particularly after violent incidents involving foreign nationals. However, the border controls have led to concerns of traffic jams at border crossings. 800 police officers, 200 border officials, and 500 soldiers have been deployed across 52 checkpoints on the German border and 13 checkpoints on the Lithuanian border. The move follows Germany's own strengthened border checks since 2023. Poland's Prime Minister says the controls are necessary to prevent Germany from returning migrants to Polish territory without oversight. Finally, Paris reopened three designated swimming sites along the Seine River for the first time in over a century on Saturday following a major cleanup tied to the 2024 Olympics. The three locations are near the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and the National Library. Officials confirmed that the water is being tested daily to make sure it is safe. The river had been closed off since 1923, as it was too polluted to swim in safely. However, Paris invested 1.5 billion U.S. dollars into cleaning up the river to ensure it was Olympic-ready in 2024. 1,000 visitors will be allowed in each swimming site each day until the end of August. Choi Chi-hee, Arirang News.

2025 Korea Season in Spain: Captivating Spain in one dance, "Two Cultures, One Heart"

2025/07/08 19:52

Spain is the stage of South Korea's cultural program this year and a recent dynamic performance in Madrid has become the talk of the town for touching upon the bilateral interest in dance as a form of universal expression. Our Choi Soo-hyung was there. Spain is a country renowned for its dance and passion. And in its capital, Madrid, stands a cultural landmark, the Matadero Art Theater. There, a special performance unfolded, blending the past and present of Korean dance. A dancer walked through a dream. Traditional Korean sounds, pansori, janggu and jing, filled the space, setting the stage for a soulful dance. The swishing of hanji, Korean traditional paper, mimicked the sounds of waves, telling people what Korean dance is. Modern styles like b-boying, hip-hop and street dance also caught the eye. Through intense movements, dancers told stories of conflict in modern society, showing how far Korean contemporary dance has come. The final stage presented a dynamic blend of tradition and modern emotion, filled with color and energy. And in the encore, the entire audience danced together to the Korean folk song, "Ganggangsullae," a circle dance, as one a true moment of cultural harmony. "Amazing. I enjoyed every second of it, the dancers, the body language, and the expression. At first, I thought I would not understand because we've come from different cultures, we may have different artistic languages, but it was so enjoyable. The expression and the story were super clear." "The performance was amazing. It was a mix between what you can know about contemporary dance and things you didn't know about Korea, but you can interpret or think about." Since 2022, South Korea's Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has selected one country each year with strong potential for spreading Korean culture, offering a year-long series of cultural programs on site. This year, Spain was chosen. On Friday, July 4, a performance titled "A Dance Between Cultures," showcased the spirit of the 2025 Korea Season. Featuring acclaimed Korean teams recognized both at home and at international festivals like the Edinburgh Fringe, the event brought Korea and Spain together through dance. "Koreans and Spaniards both love music and dance. Through sharing that energy, it's a great way to connect emotions, and open hearts. We wanted to show performances that people would want to see again, even years later, with a more open mind and a positive mindset." Spain's cultural scene also said why dance can play such an important role in helping Spain understand Korea. "It's very funny, we are so far but we have the same system to protect our identity through the culture, through the tradition, through the idea to move the tradition to another way to be, to express. So the past and the future always together, always dancing together." "Under the theme 'Two Cultures, One Heart,' the performance blended Korean traditional and contemporary dance with Spanish artistry, marking a powerful highlight of this year's Korea Season. Choi Soo-hyung, Arirang News, Madrid.

Made in Korea: World's first recombinant anthrax vaccines ready for production

2025/07/08 19:50

Back here on the local front. South Korean drug regulators have approved the world's first recombinant anthrax vaccine developed by researchers here. Park Kun-woo has more. Made in Korea. That's a term describing the world's first recombinant anthrax vaccine, which is set to be manufactured in a plant in Hwasun-gun County, in the southwest of South Korea, after decades of joint research between the public and private sectors. The Barythrax vaccine uses recombinant protein technology, minimizing the toxic side effects of other conventional vaccines. "For years, Korea had to rely on expensive imports for anthrax vaccines. But now, that's starting to change. This homegrown vaccine isn't just set to be made in Korea, but will be the result of nearly three decades of accumulated research and technology." The vaccine was approved by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety in April and is expected to be produced later this year. The Hwasun facility alone can produce up to 10 million doses annually, helping ensure a stable supply. However, there were challenges to developing a first-of-its-kind product. "Because this was the first recombinant anthrax vaccine, there were no established guidelines. We had to create and verify the evaluation standards step by step." She stressed the importance of this immunization tool in national preparedness, especially to respond to global health crises, including bioterrorism. She added that those working in high-risk sectors, including lab researchers, military personnel, police, and firefighters, are being considered as priority groups for vaccination. While the product didn't go through a Phase 3 clinical trial due to ethical constraints, there have been concerns regarding its safety. "We couldn't go through a full Phase 3 clinical trial, but we confirmed safety through non-clinical tests with rabbits." He added that rabbits are sensitive to anthrax and require high levels of neutralizing antibodies, which adds weight to the test results. Lee also said the shot is expected to be competitively priced and rising global demand is widely opening possibilities for exports. From a country once reliant on foreign supply, Korea is now positioning itself as an exporter. And with this step toward vaccine self-reliance, expectations are rising for the future of "K-vaccines." Park Kun-woo, Arirang News, Hwasun.

U.S. President Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu meet in Washington D.C.

2025/07/08 19:47

U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sat down for closed-door talks at the White House on Monday. Addressing members of the media White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt revealed that the ceasefire proposal supported by Israel had been delivered to Hamas and that the release of all hostages is Mr. Trump's top priority. Separately during dinner later in the day the Israeli leader gave his American counterpart a copy of a letter that he had sent to the Nobel Prize Committee nominating Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize. This marks Prime Minister Netanyahu's third visit to the U.S. during the second Trump administration.

S. Korea "strongly regrets" UNESCO's failure to review Japan's fmr. slave labor World Heritage sites

2025/07/08 19:46

The World Heritage Committee has rejected a review into Japan's commitment to the disclosure of accurate historical records at its UNESCO-listed industrial sites where many Koreans were forced into wartime labor. Our foreign affairs correspondent Oh Soo-young reports. South Korea has voiced "strong regret" after a UNESCO committee rejected its proposal to review Japan's handling of wartime forced labor sites, including Hashima Coal Mine near Nagasaki. On Monday's annual session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Paris, South Korea proposed a formal agenda to assess whether Japan had fulfilled its 2015 promise to acknowledge the use of Korean forced labor at its Meiji-era industrial sites. But Japan submitted a counterproposal to delete the item, which was passed with 7 votes in favor, 3 opposing and 8 abstentions. The 21-member committee allows motions to pass with just six votes in favor. In 2015, Japan pledged to take steps to present the full historical context of 23 industrial sites, including forced labor under its colonial rule, as a condition for having them listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites. However, Tokyo has failed to follow through on this pledge. Japan placed the "Industrial Heritage Information Center" in Tokyo not Nagasaki and failed to mention forced mobilization or discrimination against Korean laborers. This year, Nagasaki produced a virtual reality video to mark the 10th anniversary of the sites' listing but again omitted the history of forced labor, prompting further criticism. Some 57-thousand-900 Koreans were forced into work at seven of Japan's registered sites during its colonial rule of Korea in the early 20th century. In 2021, UNESCO adopted a decision expressing "strong regret" over Japan's inadequate follow-up,.. and urging it to uphold its commitment. Two years later, the committee called on Japan to consult with concerned countries, and produce new and enhanced measures on historical interpretation, for review by December 2024. However, Tokyo decided to file an "update" instead of a proper report, which is subject to a committee review. The World Heritage Committee has reviewed Japan's industrial sites every two to three years, through progress reports. Thus, South Korea has stressed UNESCO has a duty to monitor implementation of its decisions. All member states under the World Heritage Convention have the right to raise concerns and request formal reviews. Japan pays the third largest amount of contributions to the UNESCO's annual budget. Observers say this boosts its influence within the organisation. South Korea says it will keep urging Tokyo to fulfill its international commitments, while working to build forward-looking cooperation based on mutual trust. Oh Soo-young, Arirang News.

President Lee calls for new control tower for defense industry

2025/07/08 19:43

Marking the 1st K-Defense day, President Lee Jae Myung asked his Cabinet to review creating a control tower to nurture the nation's defense industry. This came... as Lee presided over a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday morning, where he also asked officials to review instituting a related strategy meeting as a regular event to boost arms exports,... noting the importance of the industry for the economy and national defense. He called for pan-governmental efforts to make Korea one of the world's top four powerhouses in the defense industry,... in areas of manpower, R&D, and overseas markets.

Heat wave grips Seoul, heat-related illness cases surge by over 80%

2025/07/08 19:41

Today Capital Seoul is enduring the hottest day of the year thus far and health experts are warning against prolonged outdoor activity. Our Byeon Ye-young was out and about. Seoul is experiencing extreme heat, with Tuesday marking the hottest day of the year so far. "During the daytime, the temperature in Seoul is getting as high as 36 degrees Celsius." Seoul experienced its ninth consecutive tropical night on Monday, meaning that the nighttime lows do not drop lower than 25 degrees. South Korea's weather agency issued the season's first heat wave warning for all parts of Seoul on Monday, 18 days earlier than last year. The heat wave warning remains in effect for a second day on Tuesday, issued when perceived temperatures hit 35 degrees Celsius or higher for two days or when severe heat-related damage is expected. For those in Seoul, the heat is more than just a nuisance. "I'm working outside, and it's so hot I feel like I'm going to melt. It's very hot. I want to go to the seaside." "I didn't feel it when I was driving this morning, but now I'm really feeling the heat. I've got a tan because I was recently on vacation, but now I'm kind of worried about my health, and things like skin cancer." Tuesday's temperatures climbed to over 37 degrees, marking the hottest day in early July since weather-related data began being recorded in 1907, breaking a 118-year record. The intense heat nationwide has also led to a sharp rise in heat-related illnesses. According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, 875 cases were reported as of Sunday, up 83 percent from the same period last year. Data also revealed that seven people have died from heatstroke since May 15, more than double the number of deaths recorded in 2024. Byeon Ye-young, Arirang News.

South Korea's economy faces challenges amid trade uncertainty

2025/07/08 19:38

A state-run think tank finds economic prospects for South Korea continue to appear challenging as the construction industry remains in the doldrums while external trade risks persist. Park Jun-han covers the latest findings. The Korea Development Institute reported on Tuesday that South Korea's economy remained subdued, grappling with persistent weaknesses in construction and manufacturing, alongside rising trade uncertainties stemming from U.S. tariff pressure. This assessment was according to the monthly economic trends report released by the state-run think tank. Notably, production in May was hampered by a prolonged contraction in the construction sector, specifically a 20-point-8 percent year-on-year decline. The construction industry is considered a key pillar of domestic demand in South Korea, with a slowdown in the sector potentially weighing heavily on the broader economy. "Construction is closely tied to domestic demand, as it creates jobs and stimulates demand for building materials and nearby restaurants. So when the construction industry slows, that weakness ripples through the broader domestic economy." Despite the domestic downturn, semiconductor production grew by 18-point-1 percent in May. Also, investment in related equipment sustained high growth of 7-point-5 percent. However, overall exports to the U.S. underperformed, growing only 1-point-9 percent, primarily due to a 16-point-1 percent drop in motor vehicle exports, driven by steep U.S. tariffs on automobiles. Given that the United States is one of South Korea's largest export destinations, an economic expert notes that rising tariff tensions may hurt the Korean economy. "I believe the impact of tariff uncertainty on the Korean economy is significant. If the 25% tariff is implemented, it will become more difficult for Korean businesses to export to the U.S. market. As exports decline, wage earners in export-related industries could face job insecurity." However, the KDI pointed to signs of improved stability in the credit market and domestic consumption. It cited the benchmark KOSPI's notable rise in June, a slight dollar depreciation, and policy expectations under the new president as factors behind improved investor sentiment. The institute also emphasized that a gradual easing of high interest rates and stimulus measures in the second supplementary budget aimed at boosting domestic consumption are likely to support a recovery in spending. Park Jun-han, Arirang News.

S. Korea says worst-case tariffs averted, eyes talks with U.S.

2025/07/08 19:36

In related news. The Presidential Office convened a meeting this afternoon to address the latest developments on the U.S. tariff front. For details I have our correspondent Song Yoo-jin standing by live. Yoo-jin welcome. So what has the top office said? Good afternoon, Sunny. As you know, trade negotiations with Washington have been one of President Lee Jae Myung's top priorities. Presidential Spokesperson Kang Yu-jung says the administration sees value in the fact that they have a bit more time before the tariffs actually take effect. Take a listen. "Given how little time there has been after the new administration was launched, we see it as having avoided the worst-case scenario of tariffs going up. We've now secured extra time for negotiations, and National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac is continuing high-level talks in the U.S." In response to President Trump's latest announcement, Presidential Chief of Policy, Kim Yong-beom, convened a meeting this afternoon with the ministries of Industry, Finance, and Foreign Affairs. Kim emphasized that although swift negotiations are important, safeguarding South Korea's national interests remains the highest priority and urged the ministries to approach talks with the U.S. with that in mind. Regarding the potential impact of the tariffs, Kim said market reactions have so far been relatively calm, but ordered close monitoring of exports and the broader economy. He also directed ministries to implement support measures for sectors likely to be affected, including autos and steel. Kim added that once National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac returns from Washington, they will hold a joint meeting to review the situation again and discuss the next steps. And speaking of the top presidential security adviser do tell us a bit about his agenda over in the U.S. Well Sunhee Wi met with his American counterpart, Marco Rubio, on Monday local time. According to the Presidential Office, the South Korean delegation reiterated the need to arrange a summit between Presidents Lee and Trump as soon as possible to make progress on key issues, to which the U.S. side agreed. On tariffs specifically, Washington expressed hopes of close coordination to reach a deal before the 25-percent duty kicks in. On the same day, South Korea's top trade negotiator, Yeo Han-koo, who is also in Washington, met with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. Yeo called for lowering tariffs on major Korean exports to the U.S., mainly automobiles and steel, which are currently subject to separate tariffs of 25-percent and 50-percent, respectively, under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962. He also emphasized Seoul's commitment to bilateral cooperation on manufacturing, describing it as a way to achieve more balanced trade. Yeo and Lutnick are scheduled to continue their talks on Wednesday. Wi's visit to Washington is set to conclude on Tuesday, so we expect more details once he returns to Seoul. That's all I have for now. Back to you, Sunny. All right Yoo-jin thank you for that coverage. That was our Song Yoo-jin at the Presidential Office.

PRES. LEE SEEKS RISK REDUCTION ON PENINSULA

2025/07/08 18:34

Hello and welcome. You're watching Press Perspective for Tuesday July 8th here in Seoul. I'm Min Sunhee. South Korea wants to renew dialogue. North Korea appears disinterested. Pundits for their part believe such cross-border interaction looks unlikely for now. For more I have Cheon Soram a former RFA reporter. Soram welcome back. I also have Chloe Borgnon a correspondent for French daily France 24. Chloe it's good to have you here. Soram, President Lee Jae Myung's appointments for unification, foreign, and defense ministers are seen as strong indications of his intentions to engage North Korea in dialogue. First, do remind us about who they are, and do you agree with this assessment by analysts? Chloe, many scholars believe North Korea will rebuff efforts of engagement by South Korea. This being said, first do remind us about the factors that will keep Kim Jong-un away from the negotiating table, and then, what may be some ways of coaxing him back to dialogue? Soram, there is much debate about whether South Korea can deescalate North Korea without U.S. support. What have you been hearing? Chloe, beyond the U.S., who are the allies that South Korea can rely on to ease tensions here on the peninsula? Meanwhile, Soram, what's with regard to South Korea's plans to repatriate six North Korean fishermen? And for the sake of context, could you tell us a bit about this situation? Chloe, last week, a North Korean man crossed into the South Korean border. What do we know about this particular incident? And do such defections look to complicate South Korea's engagement efforts with North Korea? Soram, perhaps another challenge for the Lee Jae Myung administration is the balancing of its desire for dialogue with North Korea and the international community's concerns over the regime's rampant human rights abuses. That being said, I believe Reuters covered the latest UN concerns with regard to these violations. Do tell us more. Chloe, some scholars believe the Lee Jae Myung administration's approach to North Korea is more realistic. Do explain their stance for us, and do you share their thoughts? All right.

[K-Enter] BTS ranks 34th on Apple Music's '10th Anniversary Most Popular Songs' list BLACKPINK’s Rosé also makes the list.

2025/07/08 17:37

Starting off with some news on Apple Music's "10th Anniversary: Most Popular Songs" chart and it won't be a surprise to some to see who made the list. According to Apple Music's "10th Anniversary: Most Popular Songs" chart released on Monday, BTS's "Dynamite" ranked 34th, breaking into the top 100 and making it the highest-ranking K-pop track on the list. "Butter" BTS's other song ranked 252nd, making it the second highest-charting K-pop entry. The list features the 500 most-streamed songs since the platform launched in 2015. Both "Dynamite" and "Butter" saw massive global success upon release, each reaching the top 5 on Apple Music's "Top 100: Global" chart. Also featured were Pinkfong's children's song "Baby Shark" at No. 351 and BLACKPINK's Rosé with "APT.," at No. 459. Topping the overall chart was Ed Sheeran's hit "Shape of You." From human idols to virtual idols let's jump into the digital world now. Virtual idol group PLAVE has taken the top spot for streaming on Melon, South Korea's largest music platform, for the first half of the year amassing over 950 million streams from January 1 to June 18, earning PLAVE the title of the "Most-streamed artist" in the first half of 2025. Their title track "Dash" from the third mini album "Asterum: The Shape of Things to Come – Part.1", released in February, recorded 185 million streams, making it the most-streamed song during that time. Since debuting on March 12, 2023, PLAVE have racked up more than 2.77 billion cumulative streams on Melon. In other news, G-Dragon claimed the top spot for most unique listeners, with around 3.12 million users tuning into his music. His boy group, BIGBANG, were the most-searched artist on Melon during the same period. Do we already see the take over of virtual K-pop artists taking over the genre? Only time will tell. Lastly, let's talk about the Korean box office. "Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning", starring Tom Cruise, has become the highest-grossing film released in Korea this year. According to the film's distributor, Lotte Entertainment, as of Monday morning, the movie has drawn an audience of about 3,379,000. This surpasses the previous record held by the Korean film "The Snitch" or "Yadang" in Korean, which had attracted roughly 3,377,000 viewers as of the same date. "Mission: Impossible 8" drew about 423,000 moviegoers on its opening day, May 17, and surpassed 3 million viewers by its 23rd day in theatres, which was June 8. Thanks as always Walter. Now we move onto to our not virtual K-pop artist, but virtual anchor Ari for more culture related news. Ari, over to you!

K-wave AI News

2025/07/08 17:36

Hello and welcome to your AI guide to the latest cultural updates from Korea. Here's our top story. The Hungarian original musical "Tesla" won the Grand Prize at the Daegu International Musical Festival, the largest musical festival in Korea. Produced by Budapest-based private performing arts company TBG Production, the musical portrays the life of electrical engineering pioneer Nikola Tesla through an epic and visually dynamic performance. It was praised for its outstanding quality which captivated both audiences and judges alike. This year's Daegu musical festival showcased 29 productions in over 100 performances, featuring acclaimed works from diverse countries, including Hungary, France, China, and Japan, alongside Korean original musicals that highlighted the strength of homegrown creativity. It came to a close on Monday evening with the grand DIMF Awards ceremony held at the Daegu Opera House. The first Korea-born twin giant panda sisters, Ruibao and Huibao, have joyfully celebrated their second birthday at Everland, their current home. These beloved pandas are younger siblings of Fubao who captured hearts across Korea before being sent to Sichuan, China, last April. A special birthday party was held attended by zookeepers and invited guests, featuring a giant bamboo cake and a variety of enrichment gifts, including cooled rocks and bamboo toys, to help the pandas stay cool and cozy during the summer heat. Born on July 7, 2023, Ruibao and Huibao arrived weighing just 180g and 140g, respectively, but now each weighs around 70kg, showing an astonishing 440-fold increase in weight. The Jeju National Museum is hosting a special exhibition titled "Dreams of a Butterfly in Jeju, Special Exhibition on Seok Du-myung in Celebration of the 80th Anniversary of Korea's Liberation from Japan." The exhibition showcases over 100 items, including Seok's butterfly collections, key publications on his Jeju studies, and traditional Korean butterfly crafts. Seok, known as "Dr. Butterfly," was a pioneer in Jeju studies and a multidisciplinary scholar who combined natural sciences with the humanities. To enhance engagement among children, the museum will offer educational programs and guided tours every Wednesday and Thursday from July 30 to August 14. The exhibition runs through October 19. That's all from me. Stay tuned to the Kulture Wave.

[Features reporter] First public art museum in Korea specializing in photography opens

2025/07/08 17:35

The SeMA Museum of Photography, is a branch of the Seoul Museum of Art and the first and only public space in Korea specializing in photography. This museum plans to offer diverse activities to become a new center for photographic art in Korea and Asia. Cha Yun-kyung has more. Photographer Jung Hae-chang held the first photo exhibition in Korea in 1929. Lee Hyung-rok showed the devastated land and the lives of people right after the Korean War; while Cho Hyun-doo has been evaluated as a pioneer in the field of abstract photography in Korea. Their work, which highlights the history of Korean artistic photography, can be seen at the SeMA Museum of Photography, the first public space in Korea specializing in photography. "As SeMA Museum of Photography has collected and conducted research on the collections of 26 photographers. So far we have displayed the work of 5 of the main main photographers in the history of Korean photography." Two special exhibitions are being held at the SeMA Museum. One elaborates on the history of Korean photography over a century, and the other displays various work by 6 contemporary photographers showing the construction of the museum. "We want to ensure that all visitors can experience the influence and artistic value of photography by putting on these special exhibitions." Located in Changdong, Dobong-gu District of Seoul, the museum features exhibition halls, darkrooms, a photo library, and education rooms for programs covering all age groups. The museum plans to run special exhibitions until October. Cha Yun-kyung, Arirang News.

[K-Travel] Where to travel in Korea this summer? Part 1: Gyeongbokgung Palace

2025/07/08 17:34

Starting today for a month, we want to introduce foreigners' favorite summer travel destinations in Korea. The first location is a "hotpeul" or hot spot in the heart of Seoul, where traditions and trends coexist. It's Gyeongbokgung Palace, one of the most popular attractions among foreign tourists who visit South Korea's capital Seoul. Today, for our first K-Travel series, we invite two young Seoul guides who know Gyeongbokgung inside out. They are Kylie Stecher and Nabilah Kamal! Welcome Kylie, Nabilah! Both of you are very interested in Korea and Korean culture. There is also a good reason for why you know Gyeongbokgung Palace so well. First, please introduce yourself to our viewers. Kylie, let's start with you. And Nabilah! Kylie, there are five major palaces in the capital Seoul, which are Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Deoksugung, Changgyeonggung, and Gyeonghuigung. Why is Gyeongbokgung known as the most representative palace and what makes it unique from the others? Nabilah, beyond the experience of touring around the palace, Gyeongbokgung Palace offers a variety of activities. What are they? Wearing a traditional Korean hanbok at the palace is one of the most popular activities among foreign tourists. How would you describe that experience, Kylie? Nabilah and for you? Nabilah, do you have any tips on how to take amazing photos at the palace, what we call "insaengshot" these days? Kylie, what did you find foreign visitors are most attracted by at the palace. or was there anything they were particularly surprised about? Nabilah, could you tell us about the different atmosphere at Gyeongbokgung Palace depending on the time of the day and season? In summer, temperatures in Korea can get quite high. But, the palace also has some go-to spots to cool off? Kylie, for people who are planning to visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, what's the best way to get there? Any tips? Finally, do you have recommendations on what to do or where to go nearby after touring around the palace? Nabilah? And Kylie? Alright, thank you so much for that "tour" to Gyeongbokgung Palace today. Thank you very much Kylie for joining us again on the show. Thank you Nabilah, it was a pleasure to have you.

Relentless heatwave expected in west, slight relief in east with passing showers

2025/07/08 13:39

The first "Heatwave Warning" of the season was issued yesterday in Seoul, which came 18 days earlier than last year. Areas like Miryang and Gumi in Gyeongsang-do saw temperatures nearing 40 degrees Celsius yesterday, breaking their July all-time high records. Starting today, as the wind shifts to an easterly direction, the heatwave will get worse in western regions. So, most of the west is now under a heatwave warning. Seoul could have the hottest day of the year so far, reaching 36 degrees, Gwangju at 35. Daegu at 34 which is 3 degrees lower than yesterday. The western regions, where temperatures are soaring, could see intense and heavy showers. Up to 40mm of rain is expected, along with thunderstorms. The searing heatwave will remain firmly in place day and night through this week. Stay safe and healthy in this extreme heat.