News

[Arts & Culture] From Seoul to Broadway: How “Maybe Happy Ending” made Tony history

2025/06/13 20:00

It's Friday, which means it's time for Arts and Culture. We have our culture correspondent Choi Soo-hyung in the studio. Welcome Soo-hyung! Thank you for having me! I'm excited to see what your first feature report is all about. You lead the way. You and I already knew that earlier this week, the Korean original musical, "Maybe Happy Ending," swept this year's Tony Awards. This is one of the most prestigious musical theater awards, and its wins prove the strength of Korean musicals. So I asked an expert about the factors behind its success, and what this could mean for the future of Korean musicals. Here's the full story. On June 9th, in New York City, the Korean original musical "Maybe Happy Ending" became the star of the 78th Tony Awards. The musical won in 6 of the 10 categories it received nominations for, including Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical, and Best Original Score. "So many people worked hard with us for a long time. Seeing how happy they are now makes me feel incredibly proud. A lot of us poured our hearts into this project and gave it everything. That's one thing I can say with confidence." Experts say the wins were significant, as the musical succeeded without being a Hollywood-style blockbuster or based on a classic original story, both typical Broadway favorites. "'Maybe Happy Ending' isn't a typical Broadway show; it's not based on a classic story, nor is it a big-budget blockbuster. It's an original, unique, low-budget, and new direction for a Korean musical, especially as it is set in a future Seoul. That's why its success is so meaningful, it took major honors like Best Musical, Best Direction, and Best Book, winning 6 Tonys." The professor also noted that the musical's focus on the love between Artificial Intelligence robots reflects a philosophical advancement, adding significant value to its writing. "Hollywood usually focuses on AI and robots in terms of identity, like 'Am I human?' But Maybe Happy Ending goes further by exploring love between AI robots, which is a more advanced philosophical theme. It blends universal emotions with Korean originality, creating a fresh musical model. By breaking away from familiar formulas, it showed that bold, emotional storytelling can succeed globally." He stressed that what makes Korean content globally recognized is its deep cultural receptivity, not as a melting pot nor a salad bowl, but through a unique stage of fermentation. "1995 was the year Windows 95 launched, and soon after, Korea's high-speed internet network opened the door to global content, which today's creators grew up with. No other East Asian country absorbed global trends and universal values through content as freely as Korea did. Now, 30 years later, K-culture is in its fermentation stage and bursting out, creating something truly unique." He said current hits are fine, but Korean content should focus on diversity rooted in humanism, rather than simply following Western formulas for success. Looks fascinating. From what I'm hearing, it seems like the usual formulas for renowned global award winners are starting to break down these days. Do you think the trends in award selections are changing? And does Broadway need to embrace this kind of change? I wouldn't say the entire trend has changed, but in more depth, the professor said even Broadway itself is hitting a wall. Most of the major classics have already been used, so they're running out of material. In that sense, "Maybe Happy Ending" is significant because it presents a new breakthrough, bringing a brand-new, fresh model for Broadway to follow. And this doesn't just apply to this show. Think about Bong Joon-ho's "Parasite" or Han Kang's "Human Acts." It's not so much that the awards' standards have changed, it's more that Korean trends have already become global trends. With the Oscars, Nobel Prize in Literature, and now the Tony Awards, it seems Korea is setting major milestones across diverse cultural fields. Is the 30-year "fermentation stage" that the professor mentioned the key to Korean content's success? South Korea is very audience-friendly with a strong bottom-up approach putting people first. Creators listen carefully to what people want and follow the tastes and trends of their audience. The professor said that if "Maybe Happy Ending" had been too full of heavy philosophical messages, it probably wouldn't have won the awards. In places like Broadway or Hollywood, they prefer even if the theme is deep, about 95 percent of the content to still be fun and entertaining. Because in the end, it has to be chosen by the audience. "Maybe Happy Ending" also started gaining attention through word of mouth via social media. And many other Korean content creators naturally follow that balance. All right, Soo-hyung, thanks for coming in today. I'll be looking forward to every Friday for the culture segment with you. My pleasure.

Lone passenger survives deadly Air India crash, speculation of rare double engine failure

2025/06/13 20:00

Over in India now. Recovery efforts continued Friday in the wreckage of a London-bound Air India passenger plane that crashed almost immediately after takeoff, leaving just one survivor. Cha Yun-kyung has the latest. Air India said on Friday that 241 of 242 people onboard a plane bound for London that crashed on Thursday were killed in what is thought to be one of India's worst airline disasters in decades. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed in the northwestern city of Ahmedabad, shortly after takeoff. According to reports, 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian national were among the passengers on board. However, one passenger, a British national named Vishwashkumar Ramesh who sat in seat 11A, miraculously survived the crash, and was sent to a nearby hospital for treatment saying he "had no idea how he survived." "Yes, he is fine, he said nothing else." "We are absolutely upset (about) things, not just because he's our brother, but (because of) other people as well. There were 242 people on the flight." Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the scene of the crash on Friday and met with hospitalized people who had been injured on the ground. The National Disaster Response Force said that 81 bodies had been recovered by the morning, with the remains of the dead still being recovered. The death toll is expected to rise as the aircraft crashed into a residential area attached to a Medical College. It's still unclear what caused the crash, however, videos that have emerged show the plane struggling to gain altitude, seemingly amid a lack of thrust or power. One cause that has been speculated on by some experts is the possibility of an extremely rare double engine failure. The UK government has dispatched an investigation team to India to assist in determining the cause of the crash, as has the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration, the National Transportation Safety Board, and representatives from Boeing, the aircraft's manufacturer. Cha Yun-kyung, Arirang News.

U.S. Court to decide next week whether Trump's military intervention can continue

2025/06/13 20:00

A federal judge granted a temporary injunction against U.S. President Donald Trump's deployment of the California National Guard, which plaintiffs had argued violated the U.S. Constitution, giving the administration until next week to file an appeal. According to AP on Thursday, Judge Charles Breyer stated that Trump's military intervention in federalizing the Guard was illegal and "he must therefore return control" of the unit to the governor of California. However, a few hours after, an appeals court put the order on hold until a hearing takes place next Tuesday, where the court will determine whether Trump followed congressional-mandated procedure. This comes after California Governor Gavin Newsom filed a case with the court on Monday, calling President Trump's military intervention against protests over federal immigration policy in LA an assault on democracy.

Three special investigations to launch after President Lee appoints independent counsels

2025/06/13 20:00

The so-called "three special probes" are now ready to begin with President Lee's appointments having been completed on Friday. After up to 20 days of preparation, investigations will officially start, focusing on allegations against former President Yoon, his wife, and the death of a Marine. Our political correspondent Shin Ha-young reports. Three special counsels have been appointed and are gearing up to launch investigations into allegations made against former President Yoon Suk Yeol and his wife, and the supposed cover-up of the death of a Marine. President Lee Jae-myung on Thursday night appointed former acting chief of the Board of Audit and Inspection Cho Eun-suk to investigate Yoon's declaration of martial law last December and related insurrection charges. Cho on Friday pledged to ensure that the work done by the police, the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials, and the prosecution would not be wasted. Min Joong-ki , former chief judge of the Seoul Central District Court, will look into allegations against former first lady Kim Keon Hee, including stock manipulation and election fraud. "I'm aware that the case has raised a lot of questions from the public. Since this is a very controversial case, I believe it's important to remain objective." Lee Myeong-hyeon , who previously served as a senior official at the defense ministry's prosecutors' office, has been tasked with investigating the death of a Marine during flood rescue operations in 2023. "I see it as my duty to uncover the truth behind this unjust death, and I'll do my best to get to the bottom of it." The ruling Democratic Party and the Rebuilding Korea Party on Thursday each recommended three candidates one for each special counsel position. Among those recommended, two candidates from the ruling party and one from the other party were appointed. The DP welcomed the swift appointments, expressing hope that they will meet public expectations and uncover the truth. "All three special counsels are seen as having strong investigative skills and standing firm against outside pressure. We hope they will stay focused on the people and work to uncover the full truth." On the other hand, the opposition People Power Party strongly criticized the appointments, saying the government has shifted its focus away from people's livelihoods and is now heading toward political retaliation. They also pointed out that all three special counsels were recommended by the DP and the RKP, claiming political interests were put ahead of fair investigations. "The choice of special counsels clearly shows the political bias of the Lee Jae-myung administration. It suggests the real goal is to target the opposition and take political revenge." Each special counsel will start with a 20-day preparation period. The full-scale investigations are expected to begin as early as the end of this month or, at the latest, in early July. Shin Ha-young, Arirang News.

June Green Book: Downside pressures persists as tariff concerns incite uncertainties

2025/06/13 20:00

The economy and finance ministry on Friday released its first economic evaluation under the new government. According to the ministry, the South Korean economy continues to face downward pressure. Park Jun-han has the details. The Ministry of Economy and Finance on Friday assessed that downside pressures on the economy continue to persist due to tariff-led uncertainties. This assessment comes in the Ministry's Green Book for June, detailing South Korea's economic trends. The Ministry, however, dropped "increasing" when describing downside pressure on the economy. Globally, the 90-day suspension of reciprocal tariffs and a trade agreement between the U.S. and China have eased some uncertainties. Domestically, a slight increase in consumer and business confidence—following political stabilization and reduced global economic tension—has prevented downside pressures from worsening, though they still persist. "I think when we first used the phrase 'downside pressures,' we were primarily referring to internal uncertainty. Later, we noted that internal risks seemed to be gradually easing, while external risks had grown due to Trump's tariff policies." The Ministry pledged to swiftly implement the supplementary budget approved in May, while simultaneously preparing the second. "The ministry will continue to focus on responding to trade risks, including supporting our businesses affected by the imposition of U.S. tariffs. We will also accelerate the speed of development and implementation of a supplemental spending bill to revitalize the economy, stimulate consumption, and support vulnerable and small businesses." When asked about how Israel's attack on Iran earlier on the same day would impact the economy going forward, the spokesperson said that, regardless of the attack, downside pressure challenges persist. Park Jun-han, Arirang News.

1st official U.S. trip to Seoul since Lee Jae-myung took office

2025/06/13 20:00

A senior U.S. diplomat has reaffirmed the strength of the Seoul-Washington alliance, as he marked the first visit of a high-level official to South Korea since its new leader was elected. The State Department's Senior Bureau Official for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Sean O'Neill held meetings at Seoul's Foreign Ministry on Friday. He met with counterparts in charge of intelligence, and North Korea affairs, as well as economic issues. This comes ahead of President Lee Jae-myung's attendance at the G7 Summit next week, where he's likely to hold his first bilateral summit with President Donald Trump on the sidelines. O'Neill told reporters he's in Seoul to talk about security interests, including North Korea, and the prosperity of both nations.

President Lee meets business leaders, vows smarter regulations

2025/06/13 20:00

Also on Friday, President Lee vowed for what he called a "rationalization of business regulations," through the lifting of unnecessary regulations that hinder growth. This came on Friday as he sat with leaders of major conglomerates, Samsung, Hyundai Motors, LG, SK, and Lotte as well as chairs of top business organizations at Yongsan Presidential Office and vowed to support them. He said he used the word "rationalization" instead of "easing" or "loosening," as there needs to be regulation in place to promote fair corporate competition. He added that the government and private sector need to work together to overcome the current economic crisis. The top office also said that Lee stressed a need to "go all out to overcome the crisis through practical and flexible trade policies," amid the U.S. tariff policies.

S. Korea's new commander-in-chief makes visit to border area

2025/06/13 20:00

South Korea's new president appears to be aligning his defense policy with a focus on peace through dialogue. Today, President Lee Jae-myung met with frontline troops and residents near the border with North Korea, just days after suspending loudspeaker broadcasts aimed at Pyongyang. Our Presidential Office correspondent Song Yoo-jin reports. South Korea's new commander-in-chief, President Lee Jae-myung, visited the army's 25th Infantry Division in Yeoncheon-gun County, Gyeonggi-do Province on Friday, his first visit to a military unit since taking office. Welcomed by some 50 service members, President Lee expressed his gratitude for their hard work and dedication to the country, and inspected military facilities in the area. Lee reaffirmed his peace-through-dialogue approach during the visit, which came two days after suspending South Korea's loudspeaker broadcasts toward the North. Pyongyang also appears to have halted its loudspeaker campaign as of Thursday. Later in the day, President Lee spoke with residents near the inter-Korean border, who've been suffering from the loudspeaker campaigns. "Even with just one night of silence, I couldn't sleep yesterday, torn between relief and anxiety. I've developed insomnia, and sleeping pills don't even help now. Every time I think about it, I tear up. I'm just so, so thankful." In an unscheduled addition to his itinerary, the President also met with the head of Yeoncheon-gun County and local business owners to check in on their livelihoods, particularly the rural basic income project he introduced during his tenure as Gyeonggi-do Province governor. The program provides all residents in a designated area with a monthly payment of around 110 U.S. dollars in local currency. Song Yoo-jin, Arirang News.

Middle East escalation hits KOSPI and KRW

2025/06/13 20:00

South Korean markets also closed sharply lower on Friday due to escalating tensions in the Middle East, a first loss after seven market days of gains. The benchmark KOSPI slid nearly point-9 percent to finish at 2-thousand-8-hundred-94 --falling back below the 29-hundred mark. On the other hand, as the Middle East crisis is expected to drive up global oil prices and shipping rates, oil stocks and shipping stocks rallied. The Korean won also took a hit, closing at 1-thousand-3-hundred-69-point-6. This is a jump of 10-point-9 won compared to the day before, while it also went beyond the 1-thousand-3-hudrend-70 range during the day.

Seoul expresses concern over Middle East situation, hopes for swift de-escalation

2025/06/13 20:00

President Lee Jae-myung held an emergency meeting Friday afternoon, emphasising that the safety and lives of South Koreans are "the most important" issue amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. The leader called on officials to implement measures to ensure the safety and well-being of Korean nationals in the region,. and ordered officials to monitor oil, currency, and stock markets, to prepare for volatility. The Foreign Ministry has also expressed deep concern over the escalating situation in the Middle East, and is communicating with diplomatic missions to ensure the safety of Korean nationals. The ministry has said, as of Friday, there have been no South Korean casualties.

N.Korea accelerates military and nuclear development U.S. extends diplomatic gesture

2025/06/13 20:00

Welcome to Within The Frame, where we bring the most pressing issues across the globe into focus. I'm Kim Mok-yeon. The White House has confirmed President Donald Trump remains open to resuming direct communication with Kim Jong-un, seeking to reignite the momentum of the 2018 Singapore summit. The White House stated Trump is still receptive to letter exchanges, even after reports that North Korea rejected a recent personal message sent through diplomatic backchannels. While Washington signals openness, tensions on the peninsula remain fluid. South Korea, under the new Lee Jae-myung administration, has paused anti-North loudspeaker broadcasts — prompting a rare reciprocal silence from Pyongyang. But alongside this brief diplomatic window, North Korea continues to flex its military muscle, rapidly deploying a new 5,000-ton destroyer just two weeks after a failed launch. To unpack these developments and assess what lies ahead, we are joined online by Amb. Joseph DeTrani, Former Special Envoy of the U.S. for the Six-Party Talks. Welcome. Also joining us is Ban Kil Joo, Assistant Professor at the Korea National Diplomatic Academy. Good to see you. 1. (Ban) Let's start with the most recent news — North Korea's state media said today that it succeeded in relaunching its new 5,000-ton destroyer named the Kang Kon, just 15 days after its failed initial launch on May 21. Prof.Ban, what significance does this have for North Korea's naval power and broader military strategy? 2. (DeTrani) Then Ambassador DeTrani, considering the known technical capabilities and construction speed of North Korea's destroyers, how might North Korea's naval modernization affect the overall security dynamics on the Korean Peninsula? 3. (Ban) Now turning to nuclear developments — the IAEA has officially confirmed that North Korea is constructing a new nuclear facility in Yongbyon, in North Pyongan Province. It reportedly shows similarities to the Kangson nuclear facility near Pyongyang. If this "third nuclear facility" becomes operational, how will it affect North Korea's nuclear productivity and the broader security landscape here on the peninsula? 4. (DeTrani) On a related note, North Korea has previously showcased its nuclear material production capabilities — releasing footage of Chairman Kim Jong-un inspecting the interior of what is presumed to be the Kangson facility. What is the intention behind these public displays? Is North Korea positioning itself to use this capability as a bargaining chip in future negotiations with the United States, like Iran did? 5. (Ban) As North Korea continues accelerating its nuclear development, attention is turning to the Lee Jae-myung administration's early approach to the issue. On June 10, President Lee used the term "denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula" during his phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping, instead of the Yoon administration's phrase "North Korea's denuclearization." How should this shift in language be interpreted? 6. (DeTrani) Following up on that linguistic shift, the use of "denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula" appears to be an effort to create a dialogue-friendly atmosphere by easing inter-Korean tensions. What impact might this approach have on coordination with the international community — particularly with the United States? 7. (Ban) And as for the Lee administration's first moves on the regime, the government halted anti-North Korea loudspeaker broadcasts for the first time in a year. In response, North Korea also appears to have stopped its "loud noise" broadcasts targeting the South. Can this be interpreted as a positive reaction from North Korea? What implications could this easing of inter-Korean tensions have for future relations? 8. (DeTrani) Circling back to Washington-Pyongyang ties — North Korea-focused media has reported that Pyongyang rejected a personal letter from President Trump addressed to Chairman Kim Jong-un. The White House has not denied this report. What might be North Korea's intention in rejecting the letter? And how do you assess the prospects for a resumption of U.S.-North Korea dialogue?

President Lee meets business leaders, vows smarter regulations

2025/06/13 17:00

Staying with the president's agenda. President Lee Jae-myung has vowed for what he called a "rationalization of business regulations" through the cutting of red tape. Such intentions were shared during a meeting earlier on this Friday at the Yongsan Presidential Office with leaders of Korea's conglomerates including Samsung, Hyundai Motors, LG, SK, and Lotte as well as the chairs of top business organizations. The president highlighted the use of the word "rationalization" instead of "easing" or "loosening" given the need for regulation to promote fair competition. He also stressed that the government and private sector need to work together to overcome the current economic challenges including U.S. tariffs.

[Weather] Heavy rain on Jeju and south coast with strong winds

2025/06/13 17:00

It's raining everywhere today. The rain clouds have gradually spread to the southern parts of the Chungcheong-do provinces, and it will rain in the Seoul metropolitan area tonight. Jeju will get as much as 180 millimeters of heavy rain, and the mountainous areas will receive more than 250 millimeters. The south coast will also see more than 120 millimeters of heavy rain. As rain is concentrated on Jeju Island and the south coast, a preliminary heavy rain warning has been issued for these areas. Winds are also expected to strengthen between tonight and early morning tomorrow, so a preliminary strong wind warning is also in effect. Tomorrow morning, most areas will start off at around 19 to 21 degrees Celsius. Daily highs will move up to 30 degrees in Seoul and Chuncheon, 28 degrees in Daejeon and Daegu. The rain will continue on and off until Monday. That's all for Korea. Here are the weather conditions around the world.

World News: UN nuclear watchdog’s board of governors finds Iran isn’t complying with its nuclear obligations

2025/06/13 17:00

This is the World Now, bringing you the latest stories from around the globe. The International Atomic Energy Agency has, for the first time in nearly two decades, formally declared Iran in breach of its nuclear non-proliferation obligations by approving a related resolution. On Thursday, the United Nations' nuclear watchdog adopted a resolution, with 19 in favor and 11 abstentions, finding Iran non-compliant with its safeguards since 2019. A May 31 report by the agency identified uranium traces at four previously undeclared sites, concluding three were tied to a covert nuclear program carried out into the early 2000s. In response, Iran's foreign ministry and national atomic energy agency announced the country will build a new uranium-enrichment facility "in a 생략a secure location," and condemned the IAEA's resolution, saying it "completely called into question the credibility and prestige" of the nuclear watchdog. The recent vote comes as Oman announced on Thursday that the United States and Iran will hold a sixth round of talks over Tehran's nuclear program on Sunday. Germany pledged more military aid to Ukraine, in addition to a joint production of long-range missiles and drones, during military aid talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. According to German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, during his visit to Kyiv on Thursday Germany has provided 8.1 billion U.S. dollars worth of military aid this year, with an additional 2.2 billion dollars awaiting parliamentary approval. The new aid package includes the delivery of new IRIS-T air defense systems under a three-year supply plan. Talks also included the joint production of long-range cruise missiles, drones, and rockets, exchanging funding for technical expertise. While Kyiv pushed for long-range Taurus cruise missiles, Berlin is not planning to supply them at this time. Pistorius emphasized Germany's role as Ukraine's largest European military backer and said enhanced support aims to strengthen Ukrainian deterrence and negotiating leverage ahead of any future peace talks. The United Nations said Thursday that Israel's military operations have severed Gaza's last functional internet cable, triggering a full digital blackout, and halting humanitarian operations and vital services in the region. According to Deputy UN spokesperson Farhan Haq, "There is a full internet blackout, and mobile networks are barely functioning." Communications across Gaza, lifesaving aid, and coordination between relief organizations have been paralyzed as a result, posing a grave danger to civilians, as they cannot access "life-saving support." Choi Chi-hee, Arirang News.

From Seoul to Broadway: How “Maybe Happy Ending” made Tony history

2025/06/13 17:00

News of a South Korean production winning this year's Tony Award for Best Musical has re-ignited much interest in the local theater industry. My colleague Choi Soo-hyung takes a look at the success of the K-musical "Maybe Happy Ending" and the prospects ahead. On June 9th, in New York City, the Korean original musical "Maybe Happy Ending" became the star of the 78th Tony Awards. The musical won in 6 of the 10 categories it received nominations for, including Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical, and Best Original Score. "So many people worked hard with us for a long time. Seeing how happy they are now makes me feel incredibly proud. A lot of us poured our hearts into this project and gave it everything. That's one thing I can say with confidence." Experts say the wins were significant, as the musical succeeded without being a Hollywood-style blockbuster or based on a classic original story, both typical Broadway favorites. "'Maybe Happy Ending' isn't a typical Broadway show; it's not based on a classic story, nor is it a big-budget blockbuster. It's an original, unique, low-budget, and new way for a Korean musical, especially as it is set in a future Seoul. That's why its success is so meaningful, it took major honors like Best Musical, Best Direction, and Best Book, winning 6 Tonys." The professor also noted that the musical's focus on the love between Artificial Intelligence robots reflects a philosophical advancement, adding significant value to its writing. "Hollywood usually focuses on AI and robots in terms of identity, like 'Am I human?' But Maybe Happy Ending goes further by exploring love between AI robots, which is a more advanced philosophical theme. It blends universal emotions with Korean originality, creating a fresh musical model. By breaking away from familiar formulas, it showed that bold, emotional storytelling can succeed globally." He stressed that what makes Korean content globally recognized is its deep cultural receptivity, not as a melting pot nor a salad bowl, but through a unique stage of fermentation. "1995 was the year Windows 95 launched, and soon after, Korea's high-speed internet network opened the door to global content, which today's creators grew up with. No other East Asian country absorbed global trends and universal values through content as freely as Korea did. Now, 30 years later, K-culture is in its fermentation stage and bursting out, creating something truly unique." He said current hits are fine, but Korean content should focus on diversity rooted in humanism, rather than simply following Western formulas for success. Choi Soo-hyung, Arirang News.

K-Classical music shines at LA Phil’s ‘Seoul Festival’ with composer Chin Un-suk

2025/06/13 17:00

Earlier this month Korean classical music artists were on stage at the Walt Disney Concert Hall much to the delight of audiences there at the invitation of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Our Lee Eun-hee has more. Perhaps it's the dawn of a new era in K-Classical music. A new generation of composers is making its mark, not just in Korea, but on the world's most prestigious stages. Recognized as one of the world's outstanding orchestras, the Los Angeles Philharmonic presented a week-long "Seoul Festival" at the Walt Disney Concert Hall from June 3rd through the 10th. This is the first time the orchestra has dedicated an entire week of performances to a single country. The entire program, featuring concerts that highlight rising Korean performers, was curated and directed by South Korean composer Chin Un-suk. She is a Siemens Prize winner, often called the 'Nobel Prize of Music,' and currently serves as the artistic director of South Korea's Tongyeong International Music Festival. "The opening concert at Disney Hall played to a near-full house and received an overwhelmingly positive response. The orchestra concerts that followed also received great applause and strong support from the audience." The Seoul Festival included a collaboration between South Korea's Tongyeong International Music Festival Ensemble and the LA Phil New Music Group, under the theme "New Voices from Korea." South Korea's young composers, including Lee Sung-hyun, a prize-winner at the Geneva International Music Competition, premiered works, all conducted by rising talent Yoon Hankyeol, the winner of the Herbert von Karajan Young Conductors Award at the 2023 Salzburg Festival. A university lecturer in composition, notes that while Korean composers once felt the need to emphasize 'Korean-ness' to appeal globally, they now naturally carry that identity, and are expressing themselves in more universal musical languages that resonate internationally. "Korean performers have already shown their talent through many international competitions, and now it seems natural that this spotlight is extending to Korean composers as well. They bring unique ideas, creative materials, and fascinating sound worlds that resonate with classical audiences worldwide. In the past, Korean composers had fewer chances to be heard, but the global rise of Korean culture is now inviting the world to discover the depth and originality of their music." Evenings highlighting Korean composers and artists who are shaping musical culture and building connections from Seoul to Los Angeles have shown just how strong Korea's classical music scene is. "I love working with young Korean musicians, so I had high hopes for this festival, and it went beyond my expectations. Every performance was world-class." After Chin Un-suk, the future of Korean classical music holds exciting promise. Lee Eun-hee, Arirang News.

S. Korea and Indonesia finalize deal to cut Jakarta's payments for KF-21 fighter jet project: DAPA

2025/06/13 17:00

South Korea and Indonesia have finally inked an agreement to reduce Jakarta's portion of the payment for the joint KF-21 fighter jet project launched back in 2015. According to the Defense Acquisition Program Administration the deal was sealed in Jakarta this past Wednesday. Under the initial plan Indonesia had agreed to shoulder some one-point-seven trillion Korean won for the project in return for technology transfer from South Korea. Later Indonesia suggested slashing its share of payment to one-third of the original sum while cutting the level of tech transfer. South Korea in response had accepted the suggestion but the two countries were unable to sign a revised contract amid a police probe into alleged technology theft by Indonesian engineers at KF-21 manufacturer the Korea Aerospace Industries.

N. Korea relaunches warship after mishap, Seoul notes lack of anti-South rhetoric

2025/06/13 17:00

Across the border. North Korea says it has successfully re-launched a destroyer following a failed debut in late May. Our correspondent Kim Jung-sil covers the latest launch and the response from South Korea. North Korea has re-launched a 5,000-ton warship, just three weeks after it partially capsized during a failed debut. Leader Kim Jong-un, joined by his daughter Ju-ae, attended Thursday's second launch ceremony in the Rajin shipyard. The destroyer, named 'Kang Kon' after an anti-Japanese resistance figure, rolled out again following swift repairs. At a Friday briefing, South Korea's unification ministry gave this assessment: "This looks like an effort to show off the ship's repair ahead of this month's party plenary, and to reclaim the regime's prestige following last month's capsizing incident." The ministry also noted there was no mention of South Korea, its military, or the ROK-U.S. alliance this time. During April's separate destroyer launch, Kim Jong-un repeatedly slammed Seoul and Washington, accusing them of stoking tensions. "We're closely noting the absence of any reference to South Korea, especially given that Chairman Kim mentioned the South nine times during the April launch of the Choe Hyon destroyer." State media touted the ship's ability to "raise naval operations to a strategic level," language experts say signals plans to expand its range and possibly arm it with nuclear-capable missiles. Others say the shift points to a more targeted message. "The Choe Hyon destroyer operates in the West Sea so the message was targeted at South Korea. Kang Kon, meanwhile, likely sends a stronger signal to the U.S. as it's operating in the East Sea and Pacific." North Korea says it plans to commission two destroyers a year, an ambitious pace that, if met, could reshape its naval power over the next decade. But with Pyongyang claiming to have built two in under 18 months, experts are questioning just how capable these warships really are. Kim Jung-sil, Arirang News.

DP elects Kim Byung-kee as new floor leader, PPP to elect on Monday

2025/06/13 17:00

Also on the political front. Korea's two major political parties are undergoing leadership transitions. The Democratic Party on this Friday afternoon elected third-term lawmaker Kim Byung-kee as its floor leader a position that carries the responsibility of advancing key legislation in support of President Lee Jae-myung's reform agenda and overseeing confirmation hearings for new cabinet nominees. Meanwhile the People Power Party will open candidate registration for its floor leadership race on Saturday before electing a leader on Monday.

Three special investigations to launch after President Lee appoints independent counsels

2025/06/13 17:00

On the political front. The names of the three individuals who will lead the recently approved special investigations into the former president and first lady have been announced. Our correspondent Shin Ha-young has the latest. Three special counsels have been appointed and are gearing up to launch investigations into allegations made against former President Yoon Suk Yeol and his wife, and the supposed cover-up of the death of a Marine. President Lee Jae-myung on Thursday night appointed former acting chief of the Board of Audit and Inspection Cho Eun-suk to investigate Yoon's declaration of martial law last December and related insurrection charges. Cho on Friday pledged to ensure that the work done by the police, the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials, and the prosecution would not be wasted. Min Joong-ki, former chief judge of the Seoul Central District Court, will look into allegations against former first lady Kim Keon Hee, including stock manipulation and election fraud. "I'm aware that the case has raised a lot of questions from the public. Since this is a very controversial case, I believe it's important to remain objective." Lee Myeong-hyeon, who previously served as a senior official at the defense ministry's prosecutors' office, has been tasked with investigating the death of a Marine during flood rescue operations in 2023. "I see it as my duty to uncover the truth behind this unjust death, and I'll do my best to get to the bottom of it." The ruling Democratic Party and the Rebuilding Korea Party on Thursday each recommended three candidates one for each special counsel position. Among those recommended, two candidates from the ruling party and one from the other party were appointed. The DP welcomed the swift appointments, expressing hope that they will meet public expectations and uncover the truth. "All three special counsels are seen as having strong investigative skills and standing firm against outside pressure. We hope they will stay focused on the people and work to uncover the full truth." On the other hand, the opposition People Power Party strongly criticized the appointments, saying the government has shifted its focus away from people's livelihoods and is now heading toward political retaliation. They also pointed out that all three special counsels were recommended by the DP and the RKP, claiming political interests were put ahead of fair investigations. "The choice of special counsels clearly shows the political bias of the Lee Jae-myung administration. It suggests the real goal is to target the opposition and take political revenge." Each special counsel will start with a 20-day preparation period. The full-scale investigations are expected to begin as early as the end of this month or, at the latest, in early July. Shin Ha-young, Arirang News.