Latest news with #LeeJae-myung
Straits Times
9 hours ago
- Politics
- Straits Times
South Korea stops decades-old propaganda broadcast into North Korea
Find out what's new on ST website and app. In June, President Lee Jae-myung ordered a halt to loudspeaker broadcasts near the border that criticise the Kim regime. SEOUL – South Korea has suspended decades-old radio broadcasts into North Korea in its latest move to ease tensions, marking a symbolic win for Pyongyang by cutting off a rare source of uncensored information for its citizens. South Korea's presidential office said on July 23 the radio broadcasts have been suspended 'for some time now,' saying such a move is better than witnessing inter-Korean ties deteriorating. That confirmed a recent report by the 38 North programme at the Stimson Centre that said that four radio stations believed to have been operated by South Korea's National Intelligence Service went silent in early July. 'In most of the world, cross-border broadcasting is a relic of a bygone era,' Mr Martyn Williams, a senior fellow for the Stimson Centre, said in the report. 'But North Korea is not like most of the world. It is one of the few places where people don't have access to the internet and are banned from accessing foreign media.' The move is especially notable because the programmes, some of which date back to the 1970s, 'have never paused broadcasting since their start, no matter the political relationship between the two Koreas being warm or frosty,' Mr Williams said. The move aligns with South Korea's President Lee Jae-myung's broader effort to improve relations with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, signalling a departure from the hardline policies of his conservative predecessor. In June, Mr Lee ordered a halt to loudspeaker broadcasts near the border that criticise the Kim regime. While the impact of the suspended broadcasts is hard to measure, North Korea's consistent attempts to jam the signals suggest they were effective in reaching listeners, Mr Williams said.
Straits Times
14 hours ago
- Automotive
- Straits Times
South Korea to scrutinise US-Japan trade deal as officials fly to Washington
Find out what's new on ST website and app. As Japan competes with South Korea in areas such as autos and steel, Tokyo's trade deal will pile pressure on Seoul to reach a similar level of 15 per cent. SEOUL - South Korea will take a close look at the terms of a US-Japan trade deal, its industry minister said on July 23, holding out the prospect of greater cooperation in the energy and industrial sectors ahead of key trade talks in Washington. Japan competes with South Korea in areas such as autos and steel, so Tokyo's trade deal will pile pressure on Seoul to reach a similar level of 15 per cent, or better, by an Aug 1 deadline to avert reciprocal US tariffs of 25 per cent. The new finance ministry and the top trade envoy of Asia's fourth-biggest economy are set for high-level trade talks with US counterparts in Washington on July 25. 'Investors see the Japan-US deal as a benchmark for the Korean deal,' said Mr Kim Sung-rae, an analyst at Hanwha Investment and Securities. 'The deal would put pressure on Korean negotiators to come up with a similar or better deal,' he added. South Korea's benchmark Kospi index edged down 0.3 per cent on July 23, but shares in automakers and suppliers rallied after the Japan-US deal. Hyundai Motor rose 6.8 per cent and Kia jumped 6.4 per cent. New President Lee Jae-myung has said Seoul wanted to avoid a comparative disadvantage with other countries in trade deals. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore S'pore's domestic recycling rate drops to all time low of 11% Singapore HDB launches 10,209 BTO and balance flats, as priority scheme for singles kicks in Business Singapore's digital banks finding their niche in areas like SMEs as they narrow losses in 2024 Asia Japan Prime Minister Ishiba to resign by August, Mainichi newspaper reports World Trump says US will charge 19% tariff on goods from Philippines, down from 20% Asia New Pokemon theme park to open in Japan in early 2026 Singapore Two found dead after fire in Toa Payoh flat Singapore 2 foreigners arrested for shop theft at Changi Airport 'It will be difficult for South Korea to have US tariff rates lower than 15 per cent on Japan and 10 per cent on Britain,' said Dr Kim Yong-jin, a management professor at Sogang University. Seoul needed to import more farm goods and energy, as well as boost investments, as Japan had done to reach a similar outcome, he added. South Korea will exclude the opening up of its rice and beef markets as a bargaining chip in the Washington talks, instead considering more US imports of crops for fuel, such as corn for bioethanol, the Yonhap News Agency said. 'We will make an all-out effort to produce a positive sum result that will allow Korea-US industrial and energy cooperation to be upgraded to the next level,' South Korea's Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan said in a statement. Since the result could have a significant economic impact, South Korea would respond thoroughly while closely considering the sensitivity of its industry, he added. Mr Kim will meet US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Energy Secretary Chris Wright, among others, he told reporters before boarding a plane to Washington for the talks. In a post on Truth Social, US President Donald Trump said Japan would boost market access for American producers of cars, trucks, rice and certain agricultural products, among others. The deal's tariff of 15 per cent on all Japanese imports is down from a proposed 25 per cent, with Mr Trump adding that it would include US$550 billion (S$703 billion) of Japanese investments in the United States. Last week, South Korea's Chosun Ilbo newspaper said the United States in July had asked Seoul in talks to set up a large-scale investment fund to support the reconstruction of its manufacturing industry, without identifying a clear source. REUTERS
Straits Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Straits Times
South Korea's President Lee orders all-out effort to find missing after floods
Find out what's new on ST website and app. The aftermath of a landslide on July 20, following days of torrential rain that triggered floods and landslides, in Sancheong county. SEOUL - South Korea's President Lee Jae-myung told public officials on July 22 to 'spare no effort' in the search for missing people and on damage recovery after days of torrential rains left a trail of destruction in various parts of the country. The wet weather has now subsided, though media reports said heavy rainfall was drenching parts of North Korea. Some 19 people have died and nine were still missing in South Korea as of the morning of July 22, while 2,549 people remained displaced, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety said. Damage to property was extensive with some 3,776 facilities, including homes, shops and factories needing to be cleared of water, debris and earth, it said. Noting the limitations of existing methods in coping with last week's rain, Mr Lee ordered the prime minister and all related ministries to establish a comprehensive response system for natural disasters by region and type. He also told a cabinet meeting to 'strictly crack down on mindless public officials who enjoy dancing and drinking at.. locations where people are dying'. The president's approval rating fell to 62.2 per cent from 64.6 per cent previously according to pollster Realmeter, in a survey conducted last week during the torrential rains. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore S'poreans aged 21 to 59 can claim $600 SG60 vouchers from July 22 Singapore Changi Airport handles 17.5 million passengers in Q2 2025 Singapore 2 charged over alleged involvement in posting of bail for man who subsequently absconded Singapore Teen charged after she allegedly sold vaporisers, put up WhatsApp ad showing e-cigarettes Life Having a workout partner could be the secret to sticking to your fitness goals Singapore 2,500 turtles seized in India and sent back to S'pore, put down humanely after salmonella detected Singapore LTA seeks tailored solutions to improve Bukit Panjang LRT's maintenance inspections Singapore Ports and planes: The 2 Singapore firms helping to keep the world moving Mr Lee, who took office in June, has promised to make the country safer and to prevent any repeat of the disasters in recent years that have often been blamed on the inadequate response by authorities. REUTERS
The Sun
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
North Korea to build new 5,000-ton destroyer amid naval expansion
SEOUL: North Korea has announced plans to build another 5,000-ton destroyer, state media reported Tuesday, marking the third such vessel in its expanding naval fleet. The move comes after the launch of two similar warships earlier this year, signaling Pyongyang's continued focus on military modernization. Leader Kim Jong Un has prioritized strengthening the country's naval capabilities, overseeing the April launch of the Choe Hyon, North Korea's first 5,000-ton destroyer. South Korea's military suspects Russian assistance in its development, possibly linked to Pyongyang's support for Moscow in Ukraine. A second destroyer, the Kang Kon, suffered a failed launch in May but was repaired and set afloat in June. Workers at the Nampho Shipyard pledged Monday to complete the new vessel by October 10, 2026, coinciding with the anniversary of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea. The upcoming warship, referred to as 'Choe Hyon-class Destroyer No. 3,' was described by state media as 'a powerful warship of our own type.' The Nampho dockyard manager urged workers to meet the deadline to uphold the party's military ambitions and defend maritime sovereignty. Meanwhile, South Korea's new president, Lee Jae-myung, has adopted a softer stance toward Pyongyang compared to his predecessor. His administration recently halted propaganda broadcasts along the border, prompting North Korea to reciprocate by ending its own eerie noise broadcasts into the South. - AFP
See - Sada Elbalad
2 days ago
- Climate
- See - Sada Elbalad
18 Killed in Flash Floods in South Korea
Israa Farhan At least 18 people have died in South Korea following days of torrential rainfall that triggered severe flooding and landslides across multiple regions, according to the country's Ministry of Interior. Authorities reported on Monday that the intensity of the heavy rain had begun to ease after several days of relentless downpours. However, as of Sunday, nine people remained missing, and hundreds of residents in the most affected areas have been left in shock. One of the hardest-hit regions was Gapyeong, located about 62 kilometers northeast of Seoul, where residents narrowly escaped rising floodwaters. The town received a staggering 173 millimeters of rain in just 17 hours on Sunday—surpassing the previous daily rainfall record of 156.3 millimeters set in September 1998. The Ministry said two people were confirmed dead and four were missing after landslides swept through homes in the Gapyeong area and floodwaters carried away several vehicles. In total, 1,999 public buildings and 2,238 private facilities, including farmlands, were damaged by the extreme weather. With rainfall now subsiding, the Korea Meteorological Administration has issued a nationwide heatwave alert, warning of another dangerous weather pattern affecting the country. President Lee Jae-myung has ordered an immediate and precise disaster response, according to spokesperson Kang Yoo-jung. The president emphasised the need for tailored prevention measures based on the specific vulnerabilities of each area. Kang stated that if any negligence or serious disciplinary failures are found among officials, they will be held accountable. President Lee, who took office in June, has pledged to strengthen the country's disaster preparedness and avoid repeating the consequences of previous natural crises, which have often been linked to government inaction. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters Arts & Culture "Jurassic World Rebirth" Gets Streaming Date News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Arts & Culture South Korean Actress Kang Seo-ha Dies at 31 after Cancer Battle Business Egyptian Pound Undervalued by 30%, Says Goldman Sachs News "Tensions Escalate: Iran Probes Allegations of Indian Tech Collaboration with Israeli Intelligence" Sports Get to Know 2025 WWE Evolution Results News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks
