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K-wave AI News

2025/07/01 16:35

Hello and welcome to your AI guide to the latest cultural updates from Korea. Here's our top story. Korea has named the southern port city of Busan as its official candidate to host the 48th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee next year. The National Heritage Service announced on Monday that Busan was selected over Jeju Island after a thorough review of venue facilities, accessibility, and connections to nearby World Heritage sites. UNESCO will name the final host city at this year's session of the World Heritage Committee set for July 15 in Paris. The UNESCO World Heritage Committee is an intergovernmental body that meets annually to make key decisions regarding the inscription, conservation and protection of World Heritage sites. Passengers aboard France's high-speed TGV trains, which serve over 100 million people annually, can now enjoy Korean webtoons during their journey. Naver Webtoon has partnered with TGV to provide 15 Korean and French webtoons as exclusive in-train content. Passengers can access a variety of online content through the train's onboard network, and for the first time, webtoons have been added to the platform. Naver Webtoon launched its French-language service in 2019 and has since been expanding its presence in the French market. The city of Chuncheon in Gangwon-do Province has launched a new Tour Pass exclusively for international visitors to cater to the needs of independent foreign travelers. The pass offers access to the city's 11 key attractions, including Legoland Korea Resort and Kim You-jeong Literature Village, all through a single mobile ticket. A 48-hour pass is priced at 49,900 won, and a 24-hour light pass at 15,900 won. City officials say the initiative aims to enhance convenience for foreign tourists and establish Chuncheon as a stayover destination, which is expected to help boost the local economy. That's all from me. Stay tuned to the Kulture Wave.

[Features reporter] Lee calls for expanded support to make Korea "global cultural powerhouse"

2025/07/01 16:34

In a bid to promote Korea as a "global cultural powerhouse" President Lee Jae Myung has invited leading cultural figures to his office to hear their voices and discuss ways to expand support for artists. Arirang's top office correspondent Yoon Jung-min reports. A power that is soft, but strong. The message was prominent as President Lee Jae Myung hosted leading figures in the cultural sector at the presidential office on Monday, given the impact of culture on the economy and beyond borders. "As I watched 'When Life Gives You Tangerines,' I thought if we raise this as an industry, it could be a crucial opportunity for the Republic of Korea to shine on the global stage. Korea can become a powerhouse if we promote it overseas and enhance our cultural power." For that, he urged the need to significantly increase investment and support for the culture industry. Along with first lady Kim Hea Kyung, among those invited were musical writer Park Chun-hue who wrote Tony award-winning "Maybe Happy Ending," renowned soprano Jo Sumi , and 16-year-old ballerino Park Youn-jae. Also present were Kim Won-suk, director of the Netflix hit drama "When Life Gives You Tangerines" and Heo Ga-young, who recently won first prize in the La Cinef section at the Cannes for her short film "First Summer." "As for the performance industry, we need more exchanges with local experts overseas. I ask for policies to help invite overseas experts here for cooperation, or artists here going abroad." The roundtable focused on hearing from artists themselves, as the president often emphasizes the need to listen to voices on the ground to devise tailored policies from their point of view, though he did pitch his suggestion based on his administrative experience as a governor. "We should see it as a kind of investment that enhances the level of our society as a whole, and need to introduce a sort of basic income for artists." This is in line with Lee's pledges in his inaugural speech, when he vowed to make Korea one of the top five cultural powerhouses in the world, as he quoted a famous phrase by independence activist Kim Gu, who wished for "the power of a high culture." The meeting took place amid growing recognition of Korean culture on the global stage. What lies ahead is how to materialize what's been discussed to actually support artists. Yoon Jung-min, Arirang News.

[Kulture Issue] Squid Game Season 3: analysis and response

2025/07/01 16:34

Game over. Korea's most successful Netflix series that took the world by storm, Squid Game, has finally wrapped up its epic journey with Season 3. Let's see how the reactions have been so far. For that, we are joined by Jae Soh, Professor and filmmaker at Seoul Institute of the Arts. Hello Professor Soh! Q1. There was much anticipation ahead of the release, and fans around the world were quick to watch through the six-episode series. Squid Game 3 claimed the top spot on Netflix worldwide within a day of its release. Professor Soh, what did you think of the final installment, and how has the local and overseas response been so far? Q2. What was season 3 about and without giving too much away, do you think it was a good way to end the series? Q3. Was there anything that made season 3 different from seasons 1 and 2? Q4. A variety of actors showed off their impressive acting throughout the seasons. What are some characters that stood out to you? Who would you say received a lot of attention in the third series? Q5. Professor Soh, after watching and hearing assessments on all three seasons, was there any part that received a different reaction from the audience in Korea and outside Korea? Q6. 'Squid Game' has become a global phenomenon. What needs to be done for Korean content to continue such global success? Q7. It's kind of sad that it's the end of the Squid Game series. Is there anything lying ahead for the future of Squid Game, or how will it be remembered? (Possible spin-offs?) Thank you very much Professor Soh for your insights and analysis. Thank you Walter as always, see you soon.

[Short-form] Buyeo Seodong Lotus Festival

2025/07/01 16:33

Short-form] Buyeo Seodong Lotus Festival Explore Korea’s celebrated lotus festival and let your own story bloom among the petals

[NEWs GEN] Summer Hustles: Inside the part-time work culture of today's youth

2025/07/01 13:33

[NEWs GEN] Summer Hustles: Inside the part-time work culture of today's youth

Trump to meet with trade team this week to set tariff rates: White House

2025/07/01 11:38

With the U.S. set to end its tariff pause next Wednesday, President Donald Trump is expected to hold meetings with his trade team this week to discuss pending deals and set country-specific rates. Our Kim Bo-kyoung tells us more. With the July 9th tariff pause deadline approaching, U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly planning meetings with his trade team this week to set tariff rates for individual countries. This, according to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt during a briefing on Monday. "He is going to set the rates for many of these countries if they don't come to the table to negotiate in good faith. And he is meeting with his trade team this week to do that." This echoes Director of the National Economic Council, Kevin Hassett, who said in an interview that there will be a marathon meeting as soon as the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" passes before Independence Day on the Fourth of July. While saying Trump will review tariff plans one country at a time, he added that the number of deals in hand is in the double digits, with a framework for negotiations in place similar to what was used to strike a deal with the UK last month. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also warned countries to cooperate during an interview with Bloomberg TV. Though there are countries that are negotiating in good faith with the U.S., he said, they should be aware that the tariffs could spring back to April 2nd levels, if the deal does not get across the line. Warnings have also been directed at specific countries. Trump, in a post on Truth Social, said Washington would be sending Tokyo a letter, while threatening to impose higher tariffs on Japanese exports to the U.S. over Japan's unwillingness to buy American-grown rice despite a massive rice shortage. Specific details of what the letter might contain have not been disclosed. Kim Bo-kyoung, Arirang News.

[Weather] Persistent heatwave with passing rain

2025/07/01 11:37

It looks like another sweltering day. The first heatwave advisory of the year was issued for Seoul yesterday, and the number of heatwave warning areas also increased. Most parts had a tropical night, and the scorching heat will continue. Seoul gets up to 30 degrees Celsius under cloudy skies for most of the day, while Daegu and Gwangju both hit 35 degrees with sunnier skies in store with higher UV rays. Muggy air will make it feel more uncomfortable. As temperatures climb significantly, the atmosphere will become unstable, leading to sudden downpours in various parts of the country. Expect up to 50 millimeters of scattered showers between this morning and evening, along with thunderstorms. Looking ahead, more hot weather and tropical nights will continue. I mean it's only the first day of July, so we need to brace for intense heat for at least 2 months. Stay hydrated and take care of your health!

Denmark expands military draft to women for first time

2025/07/01 11:37

Denmark's parliament has approved extending its compulsory conscription to women starting July 1, placing them on equal footing with men in the national draft lottery. Until now, only male citizens were subject to mandatory service, whereas women could join voluntarily. The reform brings forward plans originally set for 2027, due to security concerns amid Russian aggression and NATO defense commitments. Under the new policy, all women turning 18 after June 30 will enter the draft pool of the lottery system alongside men. Denmark plans to increase its annual number of conscripts from 4,700 to 6,500 by 2033. Service duration is also being extended from four to eleven months.

Firefighters battle to contain wildfires in western Turkey for second day

2025/07/01 11:36

Western Türkiye is battling massive wildfires driven by extreme heat and strong winds, forcing tens of thousands of people to evacuate from five regions across the country. Wildfires in Izmir province are entering their third day, fueled by scorching temperatures and winds reaching 40 to 50 kilometers per hour. The province's airport was briefly closed, and over 50-thousand residents from 41 settlements have been evacuated. More than 1,000 personnel are involved in firefighting efforts; however, dense smoke and strong winds are hampering aerial extinguishing efforts. Türkiye's Forestry Minister warned that the situation may worsen without a drop in temperature and wind speeds. Emergency services remain on alert, with resources being shifted to vulnerable coastal areas. The blazes form a part of a wider Western Europe heatwave, with temperatures across the region running 5 to 10 degrees Celsius above seasonal norms.

Israeli airstrike on cafe in Gaza kills dozens

2025/07/01 11:36

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 begin in the Middle East, where Israeli airstrikes have hit several locations in Gaza, amid pressure for a ceasefire. Tell us more. Israeli airstrikes have hit several locations across Gaza on Monday, killing at least 60, while the Israeli Prime Minister is set to visit the White House. A seaside cafe was struck by one of the airstrikes, killing over 30 people. This coincided with Israel's strategic affairs minister Ron Dermer's visit to Washington, under U.S. pressure for a ceasefire and hostage exchange. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is also set to visit the White House on July 7 for talks with U.S. President Donald Trump. The Israeli military stated its targets included Hamas command centers, and that evacuation orders were issued in some areas. However, humanitarian groups and UN officials warn that the intensified strikes are adding to civilian suffering.

Seoul hit by season's first heat wave advisory

2025/07/01 11:36

It's rainy season, but with heavy monsoon rain taking a break, sweltering heat is on the rise. Seoul has experienced its first tropical night of the season, while the first heat wave advisory was also issued. Lee Seung-jae has more. Seoul saw the season's first heat wave advisory being issued on Monday, just a day after it experienced its first tropical night of the summer. A heat advisory is issued when the day's highest perceived temperature is expected to stay at 33 degrees Celsius or above for two or more days. However, the capital's heat wave advisory came 11 days later than last year. Still, the sweltering heat is expected to remain not just in Seoul, but nationwide. "As the hot and humid North Pacific high-pressure area covers our country, a large amount of hot and humid water vapor is flowing in along its edge." The Korea Meteorological Administration also issued heat wave warnings for around 20 regions nationwide, including Daegu, Gwangju, central Busan, and eastern Jeju Island. A heat wave warning is issued when the highest perceived temperature is expected to reach 35 degrees or higher for two or more straight days, or when major damage is expected from the heat. Southern regions like Uljin, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, Haenam, Jeollanam-do Province, and Jeju Island, experienced the hottest June since the KMA began compiling records. The intense heat also led to the death of a woman in her 60s, who had been working in a field in Jinju, Gyeongsangnam-do Province. She was found unresponsive on Sunday afternoon, with police saying they believe she died of heatstroke. The KMA advises vulnerable groups, including the elderly and children, to take extra care to stay hydrated and limit outdoor activities. Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.

[On-point] Will President Lee Jae Myung's N. Korea policy help improve inter-Korean relations?

2025/07/01 11:35

With South Korea seeing the North's latest move as a "meaningful sign," eyes are now on how the new Lee administration will shape its policy on North Korea. For more on this, we're joined by Professor Min Jeong-hun, Professor at Korea National Diplomatic Academy. Professor Min, thanks for joining us this morning. 1. North Korea appears to have resumed operations to build fortifications near the border, after notifying the United Nations Command. What might be behind the North's move? 2. Upon President Lee's inauguration, both Koreas halted using loudspeakers across the border. Could this be a sign of improving inter-Korean relations? 3. President Lee Jae Myung has vowed to build peace on the Korean Peninsula. What would you say is the most notable shift in South Korea's policy toward North Korea compared to the previous administration? 4. U.S. President Donald Trump said he'll get the conflict solved with North Korea. How likely is it that Kim Jong-un will engage in talks with Trump? 5. The unification minister nominee voiced the need to change the ministry's name to better reflect the government's efforts to promote peace with North Korea. Do you see this as an effective measure? Alright. Thank you so much for your insight today. We appreciate it.

Lee calls for expanded support to make Korea "global cultural powerhouse"

2025/07/01 11:34

President Lee Jae Myung has invited leading cultural figures to his office to hear their voices on ways to support them, and promote Korea as a "global cultural powerhouse." There, he called for the need to significantly expand support for artists. Our top office correspondent Yoon Jung-min reports. A power that is soft, but strong. The message was prominent as President Lee Jae Myung hosted leading figures in the cultural sector at the presidential office on Monday, given the impact of culture on the economy and beyond borders. "As I watched 'When Life Gives You Tangerines,' I thought if we raise this as an industry, it could be a crucial opportunity for the Republic of Korea to shine on the global stage. Korea can become a powerhouse if we promote it overseas and enhance our cultural power." For that, he urged the need to significantly increase investment and support for the culture industry. Along with first lady Kim Hea Kyung, among those invited were musical writer Park Chun-hue who wrote Tony award-winning "Maybe Happy Ending," renowned soprano Jo Sumi , and 16-year-old ballerino Park Youn-jae. Also present were Kim Won-suk, director of the Netflix hit drama "When Life Gives You Tangerines" and Heo Ga-young, who recently won first prize in the La Cinef section at the Cannes for her short film "First Summer." "As for the performance industry, we need more exchanges with local experts overseas. I ask for policies to help invite overseas experts here for cooperation, or artists here going abroad." The roundtable focused on hearing from artists themselves, as the president often emphasizes the need to listen to voices on the ground to devise tailored policies from their point of view, though he did pitch his suggestion based on his administrative experience as a governor. "We should see it as a kind of investment that enhances the level of our society as a whole, and need to introduce a sort of basic income for artists." This is in line with Lee's pledges in his inaugural speech, when he vowed to make Korea one of the top five cultural powerhouses in the world, as he quoted a famous phrase by independence activist Kim Gu, who wished for "the power of a high culture." The meeting took place amid growing recognition of Korean culture on the global stage. What lies ahead is how to materialize what's been discussed to actually support artists. Yoon Jung-min, Arirang News.

Seoul deems N. Korea's UNC contact 'meaningful'

2025/07/01 11:33

Seoul says North Korea's recent communication with the United Nations Command is a "meaningful sign," as it marks the first direct contact in eight months. According to the South Korean military, North Korea last week notified the UNC of its plans to resume construction work near the Demilitarized Zone, using the inter-Korean military hotline known as the "pink phone." Seoul's Joint Chiefs of Staff says over a thousand North Korean troops have been mobilized daily since late last week, while adding that it will respond firmly to any violations of the Military Demarcation Line. Although it's unclear what Pyongyang's intentions are,.. Seoul says the communication itself is significant as the North has previously rejected dialogue.

S&P 500, Nasdaq hit new all-time highs for 2nd straight day

2025/07/01 11:33

Both the S&P 500 and the tech-heavy Nasdaq closed at new all-time highs on Monday, as hopes for trade deals and possible rate cuts eased investor uncertainty. The Nasdaq rose over 96 points, to close at 20-thousand-369-point-seven-three, while the S&P 500 rose over 31 points, to close above 6-thousand-204 on the day. Both indexes ended the quarter with double-digit gains, with the S&P 500 gaining over 10 percent, while the Nasdaq rose nearly 18 percent. Canada's recent withdrawal of its so-called "digital tax" on U.S. tech companies raised optimism about a possible trade deal between the U.S. and Canada. Both indexes had also reached all-time highs at the close of the previous session on Friday.

President Lee to hold first press conference on Thursday

2025/06/30 23:34

President Lee Jae Myung will hold his first press conference on Thursday to mark one month in office. According to Presidential Spokesperson Kang Yu-jung, the event will be held as a town hall meeting for closer communication with more reporters. The Q&A sessions will cover key issues, including the economy, politics, diplomacy, and culture. While former presidents typically held their first press conferences around the 1-hundred-day-mark, Kang said Thursday's event was scheduled earlier to explain the new administration's policy direction and priorities, as it began without a transition committee. It will start at 10 AM, though the venue has yet to be announced.

Lee calls for expanded support to make Korea "global cultural powerhouse"

2025/06/30 23:34

President Lee Jae Myung invited leading cultural figures to his office today to hear their voices on ways to support them, and promote Korea as a "global cultural powerhouse." There, he called for the need to significantly expand support for artists. Our correspondent Yoon Jung-min reports. A power that is soft, but strong. The message was prominent as President Lee Jae Myung hosted leading figures in the cultural sector at the presidential office on Monday, given the impact of culture on the economy and beyond borders. "As I watched 'When Life Gives You Tangerines,' I thought if we raise this as an industry, it could be a crucial opportunity for the Republic of Korea to shine on the global stage. Korea can become a powerhouse if we promote it overseas and enhance our cultural power." For that, he urged the need to significantly increase investment and support for the culture industry. Along with first lady Kim Hea Kyung, among those invited were musical writer Park Chun-hue who wrote Tony award-winning "Maybe Happy Ending," renowned soprano Jo Sumi , and 16-year-old ballerino Park Youn-jae. Also present were Kim Won-suk, director of the Netflix hit drama "When Life Gives You Tangerines" and Heo Ga-young, who recently won first prize in the La Cinef section at the Cannes for her short film "First Summer." "As for the performance industry, we need more exchanges with local experts overseas. I ask for policies to help invite overseas experts here for cooperation, or artists here going abroad." The roundtable focused on hearing from artists themselves, as the president often emphasizes the need to listen to voices on the ground to devise tailored policies from their point of view, though he did pitch his suggestion based on his administrative experience as a governor. "We should see it as a kind of investment that enhances the level of our society as a whole, and the need to introduce a sort of basic income for artists." This is in line with Lee's pledges in his inaugural speech, when he vowed to make Korea one of the top five cultural powerhouses in the world, as he quoted a famous phrase by independence activist Kim Gu, who wished for "the power of a high culture." The meeting took place amid growing recognition of Korean culture on the global stage. What lies ahead is how to materialize what's been discussed to actually support artists. Yoon Jung-min, Arirang News.

Israel-Iran ceasefire holds as new diplomatic dynamics unfold

2025/06/30 22:43

Welcome to Within The Frame, where we bring the most pressing issues across the globe into focus. I'm Kim Mok-yeon. Nearly a week has passed since Israel and Iran shocked the world by agreeing to a ceasefire—bringing a sudden, if fragile, halt to months of escalating conflict. While the guns have quieted, questions remain: How durable is this truce, and what were the real outcomes of the U.S.-led airstrikes on Iran's nuclear infrastructure? With President Trump pushing for a new nuclear agreement and Tehran pivoting eastward—turning to China and suspending oversight by global watchdogs—the Middle East is entering uncharted diplomatic territory. Add to that Trump's vow to tackle North Korea next and talk of a Gaza ceasefire within days, and the global security picture grows even more complex. As power dynamics shift and regional players multiply, we ask: Is this the start of lasting peace—or just a pause before the next storm? For a deeper discussion on this, we connect to Ban Kil Joo, Assistant Professor at Korea National Diplomatic Academy. Welcome Also joining us from Utah is Austin J. Knuppe, Assistant Professor of Political Science at Utah State University. Great to see you. (Ban Kil Joo) Let's begin with the status of the ceasefire itself. It's been nearly a full week since Israel and Iran agreed to a truce on June 24th. At this point, would you say the ceasefire is holding steady? (Austin J. Knuppe) Now, shifting to the aftermath of the strikes Prof. Knuppe, there are still questions surrounding whether Iran's nuclear infrastructure was fully dismantled. While the Trump administration continues to tout the mission as a success, what do we actually know about the extent of the damage? (Ban Kil Joo) Moving on to Iran's internal response, Tehran's parliament recently passed a resolution to halt cooperation with the IAEA, a move that signals its intent to step outside international oversight. Could this mean Iran is trying to conceal and resume its nuclear development? — And is there any chance Iran could formally withdraw from the IAEA? (Austin J. Knuppe) Turning now to the diplomatic front. President Trump has announced plans to engage Iran in nuclear negotiations this week. He's reportedly preparing incentives to encourage Tehran to come to the table. Do you think we're on the verge of a new nuclear deal? (Ban Kil Joo) Following the ceasefire, Iran's defense minister made a rare trip to China, asking Beijing to help sustain peace with Israel. Prof. Ban, In your view, does this mark a broader push by China to deepen its influence in the Middle East? (Austin J. Knuppe) Let's take a broader look, so now we're seeing regional power dynamics move away from U.S. dominance, with players like China, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia asserting a bigger role. Prof. Knuppe, How might this new multipolar order affect both the durability of the truce and prospects for nuclear talks? — Could this mean more complexity and less U.S. leverage? (Ban Kil Joo) Meanwhile there are concerns that attention may soon shift to the Korean Peninsula. After recent gains in the Middle East, speculation is growing that President Trump may now focus on North Korea. Just this past Thursday, he said he has a "very good relationship" with Kim Jong-un and intends to resolve tensions. Prof Ban, Could we see renewed dialogue between Washington and Pyongyang—and what kind of reaction should we expect from the North? (Austin J. Knuppe) Staying in the region. Following the Israel-Iran truce, President Trump said a Gaza ceasefire might also be reached within the week. Al Jazeera has reported a spike in related diplomatic activity. Do you think a Gaza ceasefire is realistically within reach? (Ban Kil Joo) And finally, before we wrap, even if things look relatively stable for now, what key variables remain that could still threaten the sustainability of the Israel-Iran ceasefire?

Stock

2025/06/30 22:41

2025. 6. 30. KOREAN STOCK MARKET KOSPI : 3,071.70 ▲15.76 +0.52% KOSDAQ : 781.50 ▼0.06 -0.01% KOSPI200 : 414.60 ▲1.88 +0.46% ASIAN STOCK MARKET NIKKEI225 : 40,487.39 ▲336.60 +0.84% HANG SENG : 24,072.28 ▼211.87 -0.87% SHANGHAI : 3,444.43 ▲20.20 +0.59% WALL STREET (June 27) DOW JONES : 43,819.27 ▲432.43 +1.00% NASDAQ : 20,273.46 ▲105.55 +0.52% S&P500 : 6,173.07 ▲32.05 +0.52% EXCHANGE RATE USD : 1,350.00 (-7.40) JPY : 938.12 (-2.33) CNY : 188.56 (-0.80) EUR : 1,583.55 (-4.81)

S. Korea may face 0.4% decline in real GDP if tariff effects are fully felt

2025/06/30 22:41

With about 10 days left until the Trump administration's tariff deadline comes to an end, the South Korean government on Moday hosted a public hearing to address concerns and seek Seoul's potential negotiation strategy. Our correspondent Park Jun-han was there. South Korea may face a 0.3 to 0.4 percent decline in real GDP if tariff effects are fully felt. This was mentioned during a public hearing held by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy on Monday, based on a feasibility review conducted by the Korea Institute for International Economic Policy. "If all the tariffs imposed or planned by the Trump administration were to materialize, our projections estimated that real GDP growth could decline by approximately 0.3% to 0.4%." The hearing was held a day after trade ministry officials from the new Lee Jae Myung administration returned from high-level tariff negotiations in the United States last week. The talks involved six areas of trade between South Korea and the U.S., namely, balanced trade, non-tariff measures, economic security, digital trade, country of origin, and commercial considerations. People from various sectors, including agriculture, steel, automobiles and oil, gathered to express complaints and called for transparent disclosure of progress in the negotiations. A general manager from the Korea Iron and Steel Association raised concerns, saying that the industry is particularly worried about the possibility of major competitors securing better terms — and whether that could further hurt Korea's steel exports. Also, an official from the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency, who appeared as a panelist to represent the voices of business leaders exporting to the U.S., urged the government to swiftly address the issue of uncertainty. "It's not just Korean companies; U.S. firms are also clearly concerned about the tariffs. I believe that shared concern can be used as a bargaining chip, and we should strategically approach the tariff talks through Korea–U.S. business cooperation channels." While the trade ministry expressed sympathy to industries affected by the tariffs, it explained that only limited information could be shared, as the potential harm of disclosing details of the negotiations outweighs the benefits. "If you look at global or domestic media, there's very little information on which countries specifically received what demands and how they responded to certain tariff-related issues. I believe this is due to concerns over transparency, as making the negotiations public could be detrimental to the national interest." Although the pace of negotiations is likely to pick up, it's still unclear when a deal will be reached — or what kind of tariffs might follow. With less than 10 days left before the July 9 deadline, the tug of war between South Korea and the U.S. is expected to continue. Park Jun-han, Arirang News.