News

Global trade war smolders as U.S. and China continue tit-for-tat levies

2025/04/11 20:00

Turning to the renewed trade tensions between the world's two largest economies. U.S. tariffs on China now jumped to 145-percent, with the pre-existing penalty added for fentanyl issues. Meantime, officials in Washington hinted at a possible dialogue with Beijing. Ahn Sung-jin has the details. The trade war between the United States and China has only intensified. The tit-for-tat levies continue as China announced that it will be raising its tariffs for U.S. imports from 84 percent to 125 percent starting from April 12th. The Chinese Customs Tariff Commission of the State Council noted on Friday that further on it will disregard any further tariff increases by the U.S. on Chinese goods. Beijing has continuously criticized Washington, calling out the tariffs as "self-interested actions," while also denouncing them for violating the rules of world trade. It had responded with various retaliatory measures, including non-tariff measures such as reducing the number of American movie imports and reducing travel and study abroad to the U.S. "We will not sit idly by and let the Chinese people be deprived of their legitimate rights and interests If the U.S. insists on fighting a tariff war or a trade war, China will fight to the end." This comes after the White House had hiked its tariffs on Chinese imports to 145 percent. Trump had raised the tariffs on all Chinese imports to 125 percent on Wednesday, and within 24 hours, after China imposed its previous 84 percent, the U.S. raised them to the current 145 percent. Since the Trump administration's second term began, tariffs on Chinese imports have jumped from 54 to 104, 125 and 145 percent over the course of a week. "We would love to be able to work a deal. They've really taken advantage of our country for a long period of time. They've ripped us off beyond anybody, nobody, how people stood for it, sitting in my position, is not even believable." However, White House officials hinted they were waiting for China to make the first move, as Trump said that "China wants to make a deal." As the two enter a prolonged trade war, pundits say that this may threaten the global economy. According to The New York Times, approximately 13 percent of U.S. imports were from China, suggesting that the cost of living for American consumers is likely to increase. Companies have also been pessimistic amid the uncertainty, with American factories canceling orders from China, and Chinese manufacturers reducing operations. Despite Trump pausing his "reciprocal tariffs" on other countries for 90 days, flames from the ongoing trade war with China continue to burn, raising concerns on a global scale. Ahn Sung-jin, Arirang News.

U.S. commanders warn pulling troops from S. Korea would embolden Kim, empower China

2025/04/11 20:00

As the Trump administration reconsiders its military footprint abroad, U.S. commanders are warning that cutting troops in South Korea could raise the risk of a North Korean invasion and expand China's influence. Our Kim Jung-sil reports. At a U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on Thursday, Admiral Samuel Paparo, head of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, warned that cutting American troops in South Korea would heighten the risk of a North Korean invasion. He explained that the absence of U.S. forces on the Korean Peninsula would raise the probability of Kim Jong-un taking military action. Paparo added that a reduction in troop numbers would inherently weaken America's ability to respond to conflict on the peninsula — and increase the risk of Chinese involvement. General Xavier Brunson, commander of U.S. Forces Korea, echoed those concerns — calling a reduction in troop presence "problematic." He stressed that American forces not only deter the North, but also play a vital role in checking Russian and Chinese influence in the region. Brunson also pointed to the historical weight of the mission, reminding lawmakers that U.S. troops have helped preserve peace and stability in the region for more than 75 years. While no formal policy shift has been announced, the Pentagon's top commanders made it clear that a troop withdrawal from the Korean Peninsula would carry serious consequences. Kim Jung-sil, Arirang News.

Jeju 4.3, reforestation records listed as UNESCO Memory of the World

2025/04/11 20:00

In other news. The UNESCO has recognized the archives documenting the painful memory of state violence against civilians in Jeju decades ago as its Memory of the World Register, in honor of human rights and reconciliation. Park Hyo-been has more. The road to remembrance begins with tragedy. In the aftermath of Korea's liberation, Jeju Island faced severe economic hardship, leading to growing public unrest. Tensions boiled over in 1947, when police opened fire during a demonstration, killing six civilians. In response to increasing crackdowns, involving far-right youth groups, local units of the Workers' Party launched an armed uprising on April 3rd, 1948. Over the next seven years, there were an estimated 15-thousand civilian casualties, while some estimate the number of victims to be as high as 30-thousand. After decades of efforts to uncover the truth, the Jeju 4.3 archives were officially added to UNESCO's Memory of the World Register on Thursday, local time, in Paris. This recognition honors a rich collection of materials: records of military trials, postcards from imprisoned survivors, and the government's official report. UNESCO acknowledged the archive's historical value, authenticity and global significance, highlighting its role in confronting past state violence and restoring the dignity of the victims. "The inscription of the Jeju 4.3 Incident highlights the universal value of human rights, and offers a new path forward through Jeju's spirit of reconciliation and healing." Also, the reforestation archive, which records Korea's large-scale forest recovery after the Korean War, was added to UNESCO's Memory of the World list. The reforestation project is now considered a model case for developing nations and a valuable reference in global discussions on climate action and desertification prevention. "The reforestation archive showcases Korea's post-war recovery efforts and serves as a global model for climate action and desertification prevention." With these additions, South Korea now has 20 entries in UNESCO's Memory of the World Register, bolstering its global reputation as a leader in preserving documentary heritage. Beyond preserving the past, these records continue to speak to the world — reminding us of the enduring power of truth, resilience, and collective memory. Park Hyo-been, Arirang News.

S. Korea prepares for snap election with less than two months to go

2025/04/11 20:00

Welcome to Within The Frame, where we bring the most pressing issues across the globe into focus, I'm Kim Mok-yeon. South Korea is entering a pivotal chapter in its democratic journey. Just months after a dramatic presidential impeachment and the declaration of martial law, the nation now faces an election that could redefine its political future. Both major parties are recalibrating under pressure. The Democratic Party is poised to nominate its former leader Lee Jae-myung, while the People Power Party is fielding a wider slate of candidates—Kim Mun-soo, Hong Jun-pyo, Oh Se-hoon, and more, each reflecting a different vision for conservatism in a post-Yoon era. With early voting just days before election day and an unusually compressed campaign timeline, the race is accelerating fast—and so are voter expectations. So what's shaping the race, and how are parties responding to a fractured public? For answers to these questions, we invite Hwang Kyung-moon, Korea Foundation Professor at Australian National University. Welcome. Also joining us is Choi Hyun-sun, a Professor at Myongji University's Department of Public Administration. Welcome to the program. 1.(HWANG) So, let's start with Prof. Hwang. As a historian, how would you assess the historical significance of the upcoming presidential election? 2.(HWANG) Given the division over the impeachment of former President Yoon—particularly among conservative voters and within the People Power Party—how should we understand these fractures from a historical perspective? What's your take, Prof. Hwang? 3.(CHOI) Professor Choi, with the candidate registration deadline set for May 11th and early voting just two weeks before election day, how does this condensed timeline stack up against past elections? And how must parties adapt to effectively reach voters? 4.(CHOI) Early voting is scheduled for May 29th to the 30th, just days before the main election. How pivotal could this be in shaping the final outcome, and what kind of strategies should candidates employ to drive early turnout, Professor Choi? 5.(HWANG) Following four months of unrest since the declaration of martial law, what key policies are political parties now prioritizing, Prof. Hwang? 6.(CHOI) The Democratic Party seems to be rallying around Lee Jae-myung, while the People Power Party has several high-profile contenders like Kim Mun-soo, Hong Jun-pyo, and Oh Se-hoon. How might these dynamics affect the nomination process and outcomes? What's your view on how this will play out, Professor Choi? 7.(HWANG) With this impeachment, it marks the second time a conservative president has been removed. What should the conservative camp offer to rally and unify its base? Especially in today's political climate, Prof. Hwang, how can they regain cohesion? 8.(HWANG) As for the liberal Democratic Party, what must the party present to broaden its appeal beyond its loyal base? In your view, Prof. Hwang, how can the party position itself amid ongoing national uncertainty? 9.(CHOI) Former President Yoon Suk Yeol moved back to his private residence in Seocho-dong today. How influential do you expect him to be in the upcoming presidential race, particularly within the conservative bloc? Could he shape the political narrative or throw his support behind a candidate, Professor Choi? 10.(CHOI) In the wake of the impeachment, what institutional or electoral reforms might be on the horizon? And how could they reshape future campaigns and governance? Where do you see the system heading from here, Professor Choi?

Fmr. DP leader Lee Jae-myung outlines campaign vision in run for presidency

2025/04/11 17:00

We start here on the local front where the former head of the Democratic Party shared his vision for South Korea as a potential global leader. Our correspondent Shin Ha-young reports. Former Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung, now a preliminary presidential candidate, has pledged to make South Korea a "first mover" on the global stage. Lee laid out his campaign vision for a new government at the National Assembly on Friday, elaborating on the "K-Initiative" he introduced during his candidacy announcement the day before. He explained that while South Korea grew by emulating the successes of other countries, there are no clear models or answers to follow. "I will take South Korea into a new era of global leadership. This is the vision of the 'K-Initiative.' To survive in today's fierce global battleground, I'm calling for a paradigm shift from copying to leading. A recent poll released on Friday shows that Lee remains the front-runner among presidential hopefuls. A survey conducted by Gallup from Tuesday to Thursday on 1-thousand-5 adults aged 18 and over shows that Lee is the most favored candidate to be the next president at 37 percent. However, the DP has yet to announce its primary election rules or plans. The party is reportedly debating methods to select its candidate. One possible option is based on the results of a party membership vote -for 50 percent and public opinion polls also for 50 percent. However, candidates outside Lee's faction are pushing for an open primary, where the outcome is determined entirely by a public vote. Former DP lawmaker Kim Du-kwan and Governor of Gyeonggi-do Province Kim Dong-yeon, who both announced their bids earlier this week, have raised concerns, saying candidates are not being included in the discussions. The party aims to select its presidential candidate by early May. Shin Ha-young, Arirang News.

[Weather] Turning cooler with spring rain this weekend

2025/04/11 17:00

It certainly felt more like early summer out there today! Now, we're in for a significant change this weekend. Get ready for some widespread rain starting from Jeju, along with strong winds and thunderstorms. And mountainous regions in Gangwon-do could see rain turning into snow. So, yes. This band of rain will bring cooler air to the country. But the rain will help ease the dryness and clear the dust in the air. But, tomorrow morning will be warmer under cloudy skies, kicking off at 13 degrees in Seoul and 9 degrees in Daegu. Highs will be around the norms, getting up to 18 degrees in the capital and Gwangju. Daejeon and Daegu at 21 degrees. Plan accordingly for your wet and much cooler weekend! And those of us in the capital could see rain into Monday. That's Korea for you. Here's a look at the international weather conditions.

Defence ministers of 'coalition of willing' meet in Brussels, discuss bolstering Ukraine forces

2025/04/11 17:00

This is The World Now, bringing you the latest stories from around the globe. In Europe, defense ministers of 31 nations convened in Brussels to discuss the formation of a multinational force aimed at supporting Ukraine. The so-called "coalition of the willing," led by the United Kingdom and France, aims to establish a framework for ensuring lasting peace in the region. On Thursday local time, at the NATO headquarters in Brussels, the defense ministers deliberated on creating a "reassurance force" for Ukraine, in the event of a future ceasefire with Russia. The proposed force is envisioned to comprise of between 10,000 and 30,000 troops, stationed away from active front lines. However, uncertainties remain over the role of the United States. While the U.S. did not participate in the Brussels meeting, European ministers underscored the importance of American Support. Meanwhile, in the United States, a helicopter carrying a family from Spain crashed in New York City's Hudson River, resulting in the deaths of all six individuals on board, including the pilot. On Thursday afternoon, local time, at 3:17 PM, a Bell 206 helicopter operated by New York Helicopters crashed into the Hudson River near Lower Manhattan. The aircraft carried a Spanish family of two adults and three children, along with the pilot. Eyewitnesses observed the helicopter breaking apart mid-air before crashing upside-down into the water. The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board have begun investigations into the cause of the crash. Mayor Eric Adams extended condolences to the victims' families, describing the incident as "heartbreaking and tragic." On Saturday night, April 12, a full Pink Moon that is smaller and fainter will be visible in the April spring night sky. The so-called "micromoon," the smallest and faintest in 2025, occurs when the Moon is at its farthest point from Earth, approximately 406-thousand-six kilometers away. According to NASA, the micromoon will be up to 14% smaller and around 30% dimmer than a supermoon. Despite its name, which originates from the seasonal bloom of pink wildflowers in early spring, the Pink Moon won't appear pink. Choi Chi-hee, Arirang News.

Fully blooming cherry blossoms in Yeouido, Seoul

2025/04/11 17:00

The cherry blossom festival at Yeouido here in Capital Seoul is in full bloom. Our Choi Soo-hyung covers these annual sights of the spring season. It's cherry blossom season now in South Korea. Many people have come to Yeouido in Seoul to see the beautiful cherry blossoms fully blooming in the warm spring weather. Visitors enjoy a nice spring walk along the 1-point-7 kilometers-long Yunjung-ro road right by the National Assembly building. "This is one the most famous hot spots to sightsee and enjoy the cherry blossoms in the capital city, Seoul." This year's cherry blossom festival in Yeouido started on Tuesday. Over 18-hundred cherry blossom trees are planted here, circling around the National Assembly building and right next to the Hangang River. With rain in the forecast for the weekend, many people came to hang out and enjoy the flowers, even though it's a weekday. "We came here as a vacation, but we were not planning to see these beautiful blossoms that are going on right now with the beauty of spring, and so we are very grateful to be here and see the beauty of this beautiful park. It's just exploding with color, and the blossoms are absolutely stunning." "My baby just turned one, so this is their first time seeing flowers like this. It was really fun and enjoyable. My baby really loved it too." "Actually, this is my first time coming to the Yeouido cherry blossom festival. It's also the first time for my baby, so I'm really happy to be here. The weather is nice too, so we're enjoying the flowers a lot." Facilities such as shelters for light picnics, photo zones, and temporary health centers.. have been set up for visitors. It also has a special barrier-free tour program for people who are visually impaired. They can walk around Yeouido Park with a guide, touch the flowers to feel them, and enjoy the sound of the street performances. For those who want to know the best spots to enjoy this stunning view, use exit one of National Assembly subway station on subway line number nine, or exit two of Yeouinaru Station on line number five. The festival was supposed to start on April 4th, last Friday, but it was delayed as this fell on verdict day for former President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment trial. Because of that, the festival will continue until Saturday, April 12th. To run the festival, Yeongdeungpo-gu Office will close some parts of the road behind the National Assembly and traffic restrictions will stay in place until Sunday April 13th. Choi Soo-hyung, Arirang News.

Jeju 4.3, reforestation records listed as UNESCO Memory of the World

2025/04/11 17:00

In other news. A painful chapter in Korea's history has been included in UNESCO's register. Park Hyo-been covers this event. The road to remembrance begins with tragedy. In the aftermath of Korea's liberation, Jeju Island faced severe economic hardship, leading to growing public unrest. Tensions boiled over in 1947, when police opened fire during a demonstration, killing six civilians. In response to increasing crackdowns, involving far-right youth groups, local units of the Workers' Party launched an armed uprising on April 3rd, 1948. Over the next seven years, there were an estimated 15-thousand civilian casualties, while some estimate the number of victims to be as high as 30-thousand. After decades of efforts to uncover the truth, the Jeju 4.3 archives were officially added to UNESCO's Memory of the World Register on Thursday, local time, in Paris. This recognition honors a rich collection of materials: records of military trials, postcards from imprisoned survivors, and the government's official report. UNESCO acknowledged the archive's historical value, authenticity and global significance, highlighting its role in confronting past state violence and restoring the dignity of the victims. "The inscription of the Jeju 4.3 Incident highlights the universal value of human rights, and offers a new path forward through Jeju's spirit of reconciliation and healing." Also, the reforestation archive, which records Korea's large-scale forest recovery after the Korean War, was added to UNESCO's Memory of the World list. The reforestation project is now considered a model case for developing nations and a valuable reference in global discussions on climate action and desertification prevention. "The reforestation archive showcases Korea's post-war recovery efforts and serves as a global model for climate action and desertification prevention." With these additions, South Korea now has 20 entries in UNESCO's Memory of the World Register, bolstering its global reputation as a leader in preserving documentary heritage. Beyond preserving the past, these records continue to speak to the world — reminding us of the enduring power of truth, resilience, and collective memory. Park Hyo-been, Arirang News.

China says door for dialogue with the U.S. is open

2025/04/11 17:00

Now AS HEARD in that report despite its imposition of hefty tariffs on China the Trump administration has also shared hopes for trade talks with Beijing. And Beijing for its part claims its door for dialogue has always been open. Lee Seung-jae has more. The United States and China have been facing off with tariffs imposed left and right. China responded to U.S. President Donald Trump's 104 percent tariffs by imposing an 84 percent tariff on American goods. Trump quickly countered with additional tariffs against China, with levies now at up to 145 percent. On Thursday, Beijing expressed its willingness to hold talks with the U.S. in the hope of putting an end to the tariff war. "China's position is clear and consistent. If the United States wants to talk, our door is open. However, dialogue must be conducted on an equal footing and on the basis of mutual respect." The spokesperson also warned that if the U.S insists on pursuing a tariff war, China will respond and "fight till the end." She added that pressure, threats, or blackmail are not the right way to deal with China. The European Union is also open for negotiations with the U.S., as it announced it would put its trade retaliation measures on hold for 90 days. According to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Thursday, the bloc "took note of the announcement by President Trump," adding that the EU wants to give negotiations a chance. The European Commission spokesperson also announced the 27-member bloc's willingness to hold talks with Washington. "We believe we can reach all sorts of beneficial outcomes from both sides that would avoid the types of tariffs that we believe are harmful and counterproductive. So we're continuing all our preparations, and we will continue to talk to our member states, talk to our industry, and we remain ready to engage in a meaningful way with the U.S." Despite the tariff-for-tariff war between major economies, there are now hopes that the parties involved will sit down for talks, in a bid to ease the global trade tensions. Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.

U.S. clarifies 145% tariffs on China, keeps door open for talks

2025/04/11 17:00

The U.S. tariff on Chinese imports into the American market stands at 1-hundred-45 percent. The clarification was made by the White House on Thursday. Park Kun-woo reports. The White House said Thursday that imports from China now face a retaliatory 145 percent tariff. According to officials, an existing 20 percent levy will be added to the 125 percent tariff, announced the day before. That tariff was imposed by Donald Trump in February in response to China's role in supplying fentanyl and its precursors to the U.S. However, Trump also said he remains open to talks with Beijing. "I have great respect for President Xi. He's been, in a true sense, he's been a friend of mine for a long period of time and I think that we'll end up working out something that's very good for both countries." On Wednesday, Trump announced a 90-day pause on additional tariffs, keeping a 10 percent baseline tariff in place for trading countries except China. The following day, he said what happens after that would depend on the situation at that time, but stressed that tariffs would return if no negotiations took place during the pause. Also on Thursday, White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett said 15 countries had made "explicit offers" to lower tariffs, with some being considered and other deals close to being agreed. "We're setting up a very orderly process to prioritize countries and make sure that the countries that are most important for getting this to the finish line are the countries that we bring in first." He added that he expects a lot of movement on trade deals within the next three to four weeks. Park Kun-woo, Arirang News.

Gov't to provide US$ 6 bil. to support export companies

2025/04/11 17:00

The government is poised to provide over nine trillion won about six billion U.S. dollars in financial support for export businesses. The plan was announced during a meeting led by Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok on this Friday. The package includes loans at lower rates and crucial funding for operations. A dedicated task force will also be set up to address changes in supply chains.

Recent economic Green Book points to heightened uncertainties and sluggish domestic demand as downside pressures

2025/04/11 17:00

The Finance Ministry's April assessment of the Korean economy affirms the persistent presence of risk factors including lackluster domestic consumption and U.S. import duties. Park Jun-han covers the latest findings. The finance ministry's latest economic report points to a sluggish recovery in domestic demand and growing global uncertainty from Washington's tariffs as key downside risks. This assessment comes in the ministry's Green Book, a monthly report that outlines the trends in the country's economy. According to the ministry, while the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk Yeol has reduced some internal uncertainty, external risks are growing due to the U.S. tariffs. "The 90-day moratorium has eased some of the pressure on our economy and companies, but the 10% tariff rate is still in effect. And then steel, automobiles, those are also subject to item-specific tariffs, so there is downside pressure." In the Green Book, there were some signs indicating a slowdown in domestic spending. The country's Consumer Sentiment Index dropped from February's 95.2 points to 93.4 in March. Also, preliminary GDP data shows that construction investment in the fourth quarter of 2024 fell 4.5 percent compared to the previous quarter. Year-on-year, construction investment was down 6.5 percent. The ministry vowed full support to combat economic uncertainties and downside pressures. It said it will continue to promote a strengthened economic recovery, including providing support for jobs, construction, and small businesses. At the same time, the ministry will make every effort to respond to trade risks, such as supporting Korean companies affected by the imposition of U.S. tariffs, and expediting the supplementary budget to strengthen industrial competitiveness. Park Jun-han, Arirang News

South Korea establishes diplomatic ties with Syria, longtime ally of North Korea

2025/04/11 17:00

South Korea has forged diplomatic ties with Syria. This means Seoul now has formal relations with ALL UN members states with the exception of North Korea. Our foreign affairs correspondent Bae Eun-ji has details. Syria has now become the 194th country in the world to form diplomatic relations with South Korea marking a milestone for the country, as it now has formal ties with all UN member states, except North Korea. Foreign minister Cho Tae-yul visited Syria's capital city Damascus this week,.. and signed a joint statement on Thursday local time, with his counterpart Assad al-Shaibani. "By establishing diplomatic relations with Syria -the last remaining country with which we had no diplomatic ties, South Korea has now reached a historic milestone of establishing diplomatic relations with all 191 UN member states." The two sides held a meeting, where Cho said South Korea is willing to contribute to reconstruction efforts in Syria, and discussed the possibility of Korean companies participating in rebuilding the country. He also promised Seoul will provide humanitarian assistance including medicine, medical equipment and rice. During his visit, Cho also met the country's interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa.. and said taking a firm stance against extremism and eliminating chemical weapons, will help create an environment conducive to the country's development. South Korea started to work on forging diplomatic ties with Syria, after more than 13 years of war recently put an end to the brutal Assad dictatorship which had maintained a close relationship with North Korea for decades. The Assad family regime, which ruled the country for more than 50 years, collapsed in December during a major offensive by opposition forces. Syria has had diplomatic ties with North Korea since 1966, but the fall of the dictatorship brought about a significant shift in its relations with Pyongyang. Now that South Korea has forged ties with nations that have been close allies of the North, including Cuba last year, this latest diplomatic development is expected to further isolate Pyongyang on the global stage. Bae Eun-ji, Arirang News.

Yoon expected to leave presidential residence 1 week after impeachment upheld

2025/04/11 17:00

Impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol is moving out of the presidential residence and into his private residence today. The move comes precisely one week after the Constitutional Court ruled to uphold his impeachment. The ruling strips him of all presidential benefits with the exception of some 40 security officials. Yoon also faces a criminal trial on charges of insurrection with a hearing set for next Monday. Should he be found guilty he may face life in prison or the death penalty.

PPP primary to have heart monitors during debate, MBTI self-introductions for younger voters

2025/04/11 17:00

Also on the political front. The People Power Party is planning to make its partisan primary election more appealing to those in their 20s and 30s. The party's primaries will require contenders to put on heart monitors during debates as well as partake in speed games and to include in their introductions their personality type as evaluated via the MBTI test. As of this Friday nine party members have voiced their intentions to run in the presidential race including five-term lawmaker Na Kyung-won who declared her decision earlier this afternoon. Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon is scheduled to share his bid on the 13th while Hong Joon-pyo resigned from his Daegu mayor post today and is set to make his bid on the 14th.

PEOPLE, POLITICS, TARIFFS AFTER COURT RULING

2025/04/11 17:00

Hello and welcome. It's Friday April 11th and you're watching Press Perspective. Today we touch upon a host of issues here on the local front AS REPORTED by the foreign media including public sentiment and election preparations all amid U.S. tariffs. For more I have Yang Chien-Hao a freelance journalist from Taiwan based here in Seoul. Chien-Hao welcome. I also have Chloe Borgnon with French broadcaster France 24. Chloe it's good to have you here. 1) Chien-Hao, public rallies leading up to the Constitutional Court's ruling were intense. 2) And Chloe, I believe South Korea's political polarization continues to make international headlines. 3-1) Chien-Hao, contrary to earlier concerns, there have been no violent displays of public discontent over the latest political developments. 3-2) Chien-Hao, do you suppose the reality that the ruling by the Constitutional Court was unanimous served to ward off radical public behaviour? 4) Chloe, there are mounting concerns here in South Korea, ahead of the early election, regarding the potential spread of disinformation to sway voters. 5) Chien-Hao, the presidential race is on as foreign media outlets have been quick to report. 6) And Chloe, what messages from the presidential candidates would be of interest to Europe, do you think? 7) Chien-Hao, clearly, the most urgent task for the new tenant of South Korea's top office is America's tariff policy. 8) Chloe, staying with tariffs. All right.

K-wave AI News

2025/04/11 14:00

Hello and welcome to your AI guide to the latest cultural updates from Korea. Here's our top story. Two pivotal chapters of Korea's modern history have been officially recognized by UNESCO. The Jeju April 3rd Archives and post-war forest rehabilitation records have been added to the list of UNESCO's Memory of the World. The decision was made during UNESCO's Executive Board meeting in Paris on Friday, local time. The Jeju April 3rd Archives comprise more than 14,600 documents chronicling the thousands of civilians killed during the Jeju Uprising, which began in 1948. The collection also includes records of the subsequent efforts for truth-finding and reconciliation. UNESCO recognized the archives for their historical value, authenticity, and universal significance. Also inscribed were Korea's forest rehabilitation records—a collection of over 9,600 materials, including official documents, photographs, and public campaign materials from the post-Korean War era. Often referred to as Korea's "Green Revolution," the nationwide reforestation movement played a critical role in rebuilding the country from the devastation of war. With these additions, Korea now holds 20 entries on the UNESCO Memory of the World Register. The number of visitors to Cheong Wa Dae, the former presidential compound, spiked sharply after President Yoon Suk-yeol was dismissed. According to the Cheong Wa Dae Foundation, more than 16,000 people visited the site over the weekend following the Constitutional Court's impeachment ruling, up by over 5,200 compared to the previous weekend. A foundation official noted that the surge represents more than a threefold jump from the usual daily average. President Yoon relocated the presidential office to Yongsan in May 2022, and Cheong Wa Dae was opened to the public for the first time on his inauguration day. With speculation mounting that the next administration could return to the Blue House, visitor numbers are expected to remain high in the coming weeks. Since its public opening, Cheong Wa Dae has steadily evolved into a major cultural and arts venue, attracting over seven million visitors to date. An exhibition celebrating the artistic legacy of Uigyeom, a renowned Buddhist monk-painter of the late Joseon Dynasty, has opened ahead of Buddha's Birthday. Showcasing 47 works, including three National Treasures, it underscores the historical and artistic significance of Uigyeom's contributions to Buddhist art. Among the highlights is the 'Yeongsanhoesangdo' from Haeinsa Temple, painted in 1729. Designated a National Treasure, the painting depicts Shakyamuni Buddha delivering a sermon, which serves as a key reference in the study of late Joseon Buddhist painting. Active from the early to mid-18th century, Uigyeom is believed to have produced Buddhist artworks at temples across Korea for over four decades. The exhibition runs through June 29 at the Central Buddhist Museum of the Jogye Order with select works, including the Yeongsanhoesangdo, on view until April 22. That's all from me. Keep it tuned to the Kulture Wave.

[Kulture-Issue] K-film studies thriving among local and foreign students

2025/04/11 14:00

As Korean movies are receiving increased recognition worldwide, the interest in studying film in Korea has gone up as well, not just among domestic students, but also exchange students from abroad. Today, we want to delve into Korea's film departments and their curriculum, with our movie expert, Jae Soh, Professor and filmmaker at Seoul Institute of the Arts. Welcome back, Professor Soh! Q1. Prof. Soh, as a Professor teaching in the film department at Seoul Institute of the Arts, you are seeing the interest of students grow, up close right? Tell us how it has been lately. Q2. It also seems that more and more students from abroad are interested in pursuing film education in Korea. Is it really so and if yes, which countries do they come from? Q3. "Squid Game" and "Parasite" are probably the two productions that have raised the status of Korean content abroad. How do you think these global successes have affected the enrollment in film departments at Korean universities/academic institutions? Q4. Is there anything unique about the curriculum at film departments in Korea that maybe sets them apart from film education abroad? And what are some of the things that international students find particularly interesting? Q5. What has been your favorite part of teaching international students? Q6. Professor Soh, we touched upon this a number of times with you, but the movie industry has actually been facing challenges lately. But why is it then, that film-related majors are still attracting so many students? Q7. What direction do you think film and content education in Korea should take in the future? Thank you very much Professor Soh for your insights today and please keep contributing to the expansion of high-quality film education in Korea. Thank you Bella, Have a fantastic weekend.

[K-enter] BTS's "IDOL" hits 500mil. streams on Spotify

2025/04/11 14:00

Time for our daily dose of K-entertainment news with Bella Kim. Bella, nothing can stop "IDOL" group BTS from reaching new milestones! What's the latest? BTS have added another streaming milestone to their name. According to Spotify's latest chart update, BTS's hit track "IDOL" has officially surpassed 500 million streams. It's the group's 15th song to cross the 500-million-stream mark on Spotify. "IDOL" was released back in August 2018 as the title track of the repackaged album "LOVE YOURSELF 結 'Answer'." It's a song with global sounds as it blends South African dance rhythms with traditional Korean musical elements. Upon its release, the song achieved major chart success, landing at No.11 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and No.21 on the UK Official Singles Chart. In 2022, it also earned a Platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of Japan in the streaming category. "IDOL" indeed. Our second story for today is on a Korean film set to influence global viewers? "Lobby," released earlier this month in Korea, will soon hit theaters in overseas countries, including Vietnam, Australia, Japan and Hong Kong. According to its distributor, SHOWBOX, the film has confirmed its premiere in Vietnam on April 18th and in Australia and New Zealand on the 24th. It will continue its release in Taiwan, Japan, Hong Kong, Indonesia, and other places around the world. "Lobby" tells the story of a startup CEO, Chang-wook, played by Ha Jung-woo, who only knows research but turns to lobbying on the golf course in order to secure a 4 trillion won national project. It sounds pretty serious, but it's actually a comedy film. What's also notable is that this film is Ha Jung-woo's third film as a director. So if you're a fan of Ha Jung-woo or just want to have some laughs, make sure to check it out when it premieres in your area. Just by the title and the summary, it does sound pretty serious, but it's very interesting to hear that it is a comedy film. Along with "Lobby," there's also a Korean show that global viewers can enjoy very soon in their living room? Netflix has dropped the official trailer for upcoming drama series "Weak Hero Class 2," starring Park Ji-hoon, Ryeo Un and Choi Min-young. Based on a popular webtoon of the same name, "Weak Hero Class 2" follows the story of Yeon Si-eun, a model student who transfers to Eunjang High School carrying the trauma of failing to protect a friend from violence. Determined not to lose another friend, he faces even greater challenges in a gripping tale of survival and growth. The first season, "Weak Hero Class 1," was initially released on Wavve in 2022 and was re-released on Netflix last Month. Upon its release on Netflix, it received tremendous love as it made into the TOP 10 in over 70 countries and stayed in the Top 10 non-English show category for 2 consecutive weeks. With the first season's success, the anticipation for its sequel is growing bigger and bigger. "Weak Hero Class 2" will be available worldwide on Netflix on April 25th. I should go watch the first season before the second one comes out. Thank you Bella for today's stories. We now have our AI anchor Ari on stand-by, for other culture-related news! Ari!