Journalist

John Na
  • U.S., Japan Plan First Dual-Use Defense Project: Make U.S.-Developed Drones in Japan
    U.S., Japan Plan First Dual-Use Defense Project: Make U.S.-Developed Drones in Japan The United States and Japan are moving to deepen cooperation on developing defense equipment using dual-use technology that can serve both military and civilian purposes. As a first project, the two sides are considering producing in Japan drones developed by a U.S. startup. The aim is to curb reliance on China, which holds a large share of the global drone market, and to strengthen defense supply chains within the alliance. Japanese media, citing Kyodo News on Monday, reported that the two governments plan to set up a public-private framework within the year to apply dual-use technologies to defense equipment development. The framework would link companies that plan and design equipment with firms that handle manufacturing. The initial concept is to manufacture in Japan drones developed by an emerging U.S. company. Kyodo described it as a structure that combines advanced technologies where the United States has strengths with Japan’s production capacity. Some observers say it could accelerate integration in U.S.-Japan defense equipment development. Drones are a typical dual-use item. In civilian settings they are used for logistics, filming and inspections, while on the battlefield they can be used for reconnaissance, attacks and target tracking. Their military importance has grown through the Russia-Ukraine war and U.S.-Iran clashes. The cooperation is also driven by concerns about China. By producing drones in Japan, the two countries appear to be seeking to reduce dependence on Chinese-made drones and parts and to build a supply chain that can provide stable procurement in an emergency. The plan could also raise concerns inside Japan, including the possibility that lethal attack drones produced domestically could be used in combat or exported to third countries. Japan has recently eased restrictions on defense exports, widening the scope of weapons transfers. If drone cooperation expands, debate could intensify over Japan’s defense export principles and its stance as a pacifist nation.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-27 11:45:20
  • Unfounded Claims Spread Online After White House Correspondents’ Dinner Shooting, Media Say
    Unfounded Claims Spread Online After White House Correspondents’ Dinner Shooting, Media Say Online claims that the shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner attended by President Donald Trump was staged spread rapidly after the incident, according to reports. Posts on X, Bluesky and Instagram asserted without evidence that the gunfire was orchestrated. Foreign media reported that no proof has been verified to support those allegations. U.S. technology outlet Wired reported on April 26 (local time) that social media users quickly circulated “staged” claims after the shooting. Wired said accounts across the political spectrum — including influencers and anonymous users — amplified the narrative without presenting evidence. Wired said the conspiracy theories grew alongside Trump’s remarks about the White House ballroom. Some online users argued that because Trump mentioned the need to build a ballroom after the incident, the shooting must have been staged to create justification for the project, Wired reported. Fact-checking outlets said scenes cited as “proof” online did not match the facts. PolitiFact said a clip of White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt saying before the event, “There will be gunshots in this room tonight,” was not a warning about an actual shooting. It was a figurative line referring to Trump’s speech and jokes, PolitiFact said. PolitiFact also said footage of a man holding up cards next to Trump was not a signal for gunfire. The moment was part of a scheduled performance by mentalist Oz Pearlman, it reported. Information released by investigators also did not align with the staging claims. Reuters reported that acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said the suspect appeared to have targeted Trump administration officials, and authorities were investigating whether the president may have been among the intended targets. Reuters also cited a U.S. official as saying Trump may have been the target. The Associated Press reported the suspect was identified as 31-year-old Cole Thomas Allen of Torrance, California. Authorities were investigating a motive, and the suspect was arrested at the scene shortly after the shooting, AP said. PolitiFact said the claims spread quickly in the immediate aftermath, when confirmed information was limited. It said some social media posts shared cropped clips that fueled suspicion while the suspect’s identity and the sequence of events were still unclear. In one case, a journalist initially reported incorrectly that the suspect had died and then promptly corrected the report. Wired said the episode mirrored online reactions that often follow political violence in the United States. As with the 2024 attempt to assassinate Trump, it said, users with differing political views again portrayed the incident as staged — for different reasons.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-27 10:22:34
  • Israel-Lebanon Ceasefire Frays as Airstrikes Kill 14, Reuters Reports
    Israel-Lebanon Ceasefire Frays as Airstrikes Kill 14, Reuters Reports Israel’s ceasefire with Hezbollah, an Iran-backed armed group in Lebanon, is increasingly failing to restrain fighting, with airstrikes and rocket fire resuming despite a U.S.-brokered extension. Israeli strikes on Saturday killed 14 people and wounded 37 in Lebanon, Reuters reported. Lebanon’s Health Ministry said the dead included two children and two women. The Israeli military warned residents of seven villages in southern Lebanon to evacuate. The villages are north of the Litani River, beyond a “buffer zone” Israel seized before the ceasefire, signaling an expanded strike area. Israel said the strikes were a response, not a ceasefire breach, arguing Hezbollah violated the truce first. It said it hit Hezbollah fighters, rocket launchers and weapons depots. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel’s top priority was “Israel’s security, the safety of its troops and border residents,” adding that Israel was responding forcefully “within the rules agreed with the United States and Lebanon.” Hezbollah said it would not halt attacks on Israeli forces in Lebanon or on northern Israel as long as Israel continues what it calls ceasefire violations. It also said diplomatic solutions no longer work and indicated it would no longer rely on Lebanese authorities. Hezbollah claimed it attacked Israeli troops and rescue units in Lebanon. The Israeli military said one soldier was killed and six were wounded. The escalation followed the ceasefire extension. A 10-day Israel-Lebanon truce that began March 16 under U.S. mediation was extended by three weeks after a White House meeting on March 23. Reuters said the ceasefire reduced attacks but did not stop them, with both sides continuing airstrikes and drone and rocket attacks while blaming each other for violations. The United Nations also warned of possible violations of international humanitarian law. Reuters reported that the U.N. human rights office said Israeli strikes in Lebanon and Hezbollah rocket fire toward Israel could breach the law, citing confirmed cases in which densely populated areas and residential buildings were hit. Reuters reported that since the war reignited on March 2, more than 2,500 people in Lebanon have been killed in Israeli airstrikes. Lebanon’s Health Ministry said the toll includes 277 women, 177 children and 100 medical workers. Israeli authorities said two civilians and 16 soldiers have been killed in Israel.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-27 09:31:21
  • Trump Describes Shooting Near White House Correspondents’ Dinner, Says He Wasn’t Worried
    Trump Describes Shooting Near White House Correspondents’ Dinner, Says He Wasn’t Worried President Donald Trump described what he said happened during a shooting in a security zone near the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, saying he was not worried even as Secret Service agents moved him and first lady Melania Trump to safety. He said the event should be held again and should not be derailed by “one crazy person.” In an interview with CBS on Saturday, Trump discussed the shooting linked to the dinner held the previous night at the Washington Hilton hotel. “I wasn’t worried,” he said, adding, “We live in a crazy world.” More than 2,500 people attended, including Trump, the first lady, Vice President JD Vance, Cabinet members and journalists. After gunfire was heard, Trump was surrounded by Secret Service agents and evacuated. Trump said the evacuation was delayed in part because he wanted to understand what was happening. “I wanted to see what was going on,” he said, adding that he told agents to wait and assess the situation. “I didn’t make it easy for the security guys to move,” he said. He said agents ordered him to get on the floor. “I was almost walking out standing up,” Trump said. “But the security guys said, ‘Get down on the floor,’ so the first lady and I got down on the floor.” He said that instruction signaled the situation was serious. “I’m the president, and I did what they told me,” he said. Trump said the first lady “was very strong,” but looked shaken in video he later reviewed. “Why wouldn’t she be?” he said. Trump said he had been through similar incidents before, but she had not to the same extent. He said she understood what was happening and followed instructions. Trump said he did not know whether the suspect had targeted him. He referred to what he described as a statement-like writing the suspect reportedly sent to family, saying it suggested the suspect had fallen into extremist thinking. In an interview with Fox News, Trump called the suspect “a very troubled person.” He rejected claims of a security failure. Trump said the suspect broke through the security zone at high speed, but said agents responded professionally and subdued the person immediately. “You can find flaws in any security situation,” he said, adding that agents “did a good job” that night. Asked whether the shooting could change his relationship with the media, Trump kept his distance. He said that after the incident, a White House briefing “looked like the room was completely united,” calling it “beautiful in a way.” But he said, “We disagree on many topics.” Trump repeated his criticism of the press, saying the media and Democrats are “almost one and the same.” He added that there are “great people” in the media, including fair reporters and others who are friendly to him. Trump again said the correspondents’ dinner should be held again. “One crazy person shouldn’t be allowed to cancel an event like this,” he said, adding that it should be held again within 30 days. He said it would be fine with more security and a wider perimeter.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-27 08:52:06
  • Iran Foreign Minister to Visit Pakistan as US-Iran Talks Are Floated Again
    Iran Foreign Minister to Visit Pakistan as US-Iran Talks Are Floated Again Iran foreign minister to visit Pakistan; possibility of second U.S.-Iran talks raised Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is expected to visit Pakistan, according to reports, as the possibility of renewed U.S.-Iran negotiations is being discussed again, though no schedule has been set. Reuters reported on the 24th that Pakistani sources said Araghchi was expected to arrive in Islamabad with a small delegation. The timing of any U.S.-Iran talks remains undecided. The Associated Press, citing two Pakistani officials, also reported that Araghchi could visit as early as that day and no later than this weekend. Pakistan has played a mediating role between Washington and Tehran. Reuters said Islamabad has kept security measures in place in case talks are held, but uncertainty has caused confusion locally because no date has been confirmed. President Lee arrives in Seoul, wrapping state visits to India and Vietnam President Lee Jae-myung returned to South Korea on the 24th after a six-day trip to India and Vietnam, arriving via Seoul Air Base. Air Force One carrying Lee, first lady Kim Hye-kyung and aides landed at about 9:03 p.m. at the base in Seongnam, south of Seoul. They were greeted by Democratic Party leader Jung Cheong-rae, presidential chief of staff Kang Hoon-sik and senior presidential secretary for political affairs Hong Ik-pyo. Prime Minister Kim Min-seok and Interior and Safety Minister Yoon Ho-jung also welcomed the couple. Lee and Kim stepped off the plane and shook hands with officials who came to receive them. Lee began the trip on the 19th with a two-night, three-day state visit to India. In a summit with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the two agreed to expand cooperation in strategic industries including shipbuilding, artificial intelligence and defense. They also agreed to set up an industrial cooperation committee and speed talks to improve the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, strengthen supply-chain cooperation, and continue coordination on global issues including Middle East developments. KOSDAQ tops 1,200 for first time in 25 years, led by chip suppliers and biotech South Korea’s KOSDAQ closed above 1,200 for the first time since 2000, lifted by gains in semiconductor materials, parts and equipment makers and biotech shares. The KOSPI, after setting repeated records, traded narrowly as investors took profits. The Korea Exchange said on the 24th that the KOSDAQ rose 29.53 points, or 2.51%, to finish at 1203.84. It was the first close above 1,200 since Aug. 4, 2000, about 25 years and eight months ago. The rally was driven by chip-supply-chain and biotech stocks. As large semiconductor shares eased on profit-taking, buying shifted toward KOSDAQ growth stocks, widening gains. The KOSPI slipped 0.18 point to 6475.63. It climbed as high as 6516.54 early but gave up gains to end near flat. Profit-taking after three straight record closes through the previous day, along with geopolitical risk in the Middle East, limited the advance. Samsung Electronics union reports plan to rally outside chairman’s home on first day of strike A Samsung Electronics labor union has reported plans to hold a rally outside the home of Chairman Lee Jae-yong on the first day of a planned general strike, as a dispute over the bonus system extends beyond the workplace. Samsung Electronics’ National Samsung Electronics Union said on the 24th it filed a notice that morning with Yongsan Police Station in Seoul for a gathering at 1 p.m. on May 21 outside Lee’s residence in Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu. The reported turnout was about 50 people. The union has announced an 18-day strike from May 21 to June 7. The gathering is expected to be conducted more as a news conference to publicize the strike plan than as a large-scale protest, according to the report. The union is demanding the removal of a cap on performance bonuses and payment of 15% of operating profit as bonuses. The joint union struggle headquarters held a rally the previous day outside Samsung’s Pyeongtaek campus in Gyeonggi province, urging management to accept its demands.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-24 21:54:24
  • Pentagon chief says Europe, Asia must share costs for Hormuz security
    Pentagon chief says Europe, Asia must share costs for Hormuz security U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth publicly pressed European and Asian countries over shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, arguing that the era of relying on U.S. military power to secure key sea lanes is over. Bloomberg reported on April 24 that Hegseth criticized what he called “free-riding” by Europe and Asia in connection with Hormuz transit. GB News said Hegseth told a Pentagon news conference that Europe and Asia had benefited for decades from U.S. protection, but that “the time for free-riding is over.” He was also quoted as stressing that alliances are not one-way, a message widely read as a call for countries with major stakes in stable passage through Hormuz to share costs and responsibilities. At the same news conference, Reuters reported that Hegseth said the U.S. maritime blockade on Iran was expanding. “Our blockade is growing and expanding worldwide,” he said. Hegseth said the U.S. Navy has so far turned back 34 vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. He added that without U.S. Navy approval, ships cannot sail from the strait to anywhere in the world. The remarks were seen as a signal that Washington is seeking to link Hormuz transit to burden-sharing by allies. The strait is a critical sea lane for Middle Eastern crude oil and liquefied natural gas, and major importers in Europe and Asia have a direct interest in its stability. Hegseth also left room for negotiations with Iran, saying Iran has a chance to reach a “good deal” with the United States. He did not provide details on any timetable or whether the blockade could be eased.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-24 21:51:21
  • Iran Foreign Minister to Visit Pakistan as Possible US-Iran Talks Resurface
    Iran Foreign Minister to Visit Pakistan as Possible US-Iran Talks Resurface Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is expected to visit Pakistan, according to reports, as talk resurfaces about a possible resumption of negotiations between the United States and Iran, though no schedule has been set. Reuters reported on the 24th that Pakistani sources said Araghchi is expected to arrive in Islamabad with a small delegation. The timing of any U.S.-Iran talks remains unconfirmed. The Associated Press, citing two Pakistani officials, also reported that Araghchi could visit as early as that day and no later than this weekend. Pakistan has played a mediating role between Washington and Tehran. Reuters said Islamabad has kept security measures in place in case talks are held, but uncertainty over dates has fueled confusion locally. Araghchi’s trip is being viewed as a factor in assessing whether a ceasefire can be maintained and whether there is room for negotiations to end the conflict. Major issues remain, including passage through the Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s nuclear program and sanctions relief, leaving prospects for progress unclear. 2026-04-24 21:33:17
  • Pentagon Email Discussed Suspending Spain’s NATO Status Over Iran War Cooperation, Reuters Says
    Pentagon Email Discussed Suspending Spain’s NATO Status Over Iran War Cooperation, Reuters Says U.S. Defense Department officials discussed the possibility of suspending Spain’s membership in NATO, Reuters reported, reflecting frustration over what was described as Spain’s lack of cooperation during the Iran war. Reuters, citing a U.S. government official, said the idea was raised in an internal Pentagon email. Spain was reported to have denied U.S. requests to use Spanish bases and airspace during U.S. operations in the Iran war. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez rejected the reports at a European Union summit in Cyprus, saying, “Spain is a reliable NATO member and is fulfilling all its obligations.” “We do not work by email. We work based on official documents and the official position of the U.S. government,” Sanchez said, adding, “We are not concerned.” Many observers said an actual suspension is unlikely. The Associated Press reported that NATO has no explicit mechanism to suspend or expel a member, while the alliance’s founding treaty sets out procedures for voluntary withdrawal.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-24 21:21:15
  • Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon Says Ruling Party Leader Jang Dong-hyeok Must Make a Decision Ahead of Local Elections
    Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon Says Ruling Party Leader Jang Dong-hyeok Must Make a Decision Ahead of Local Elections Oh Se-hoon, the mayor of Seoul, said it was “time for a decision” for Jang Dong-hyeok, leader of the People Power Party, publicly raising questions about Jang’s responsibility as the party’s approval rating has fallen to its lowest level ahead of the June 3 local elections. Oh, the People Power Party’s candidate for Seoul mayor, made the remarks on April 24 during an appearance on the TV Chosun YouTube channel. He said candidates campaigning in the field “honestly feel that it would be better if Chairman Jang were less visible,” adding that they believe that would help the campaign. “Oh, now is the time when restraint or a decision is needed,” Oh said. “Since we’ve hit the lowest approval rating since the party was founded, at this point it would actually help the election if the leader felt responsible and reduced the scope of his activities.” Oh also criticized Jang’s remarks about replacing candidates if they engage in conduct harmful to the party. Speaking on TV Chosun’s News 9 the previous day, Oh said he could not agree after hearing comments that, with about 40 days left until the election, sounded like an intention to fight with the candidates. Jang rejected calls to step down. He said April 24 that resigning as party leader because the situation is bad “is not what a responsible politician does,” and said he would be judged after the local elections conclude.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-24 21:09:17
  • Gwangjang Market Stall Suspended for 3 Days After 2,000-Won Bottled Water Dispute
    Gwangjang Market Stall Suspended for 3 Days After 2,000-Won Bottled Water Dispute A street stall at Seoul’s Gwangjang Market that drew criticism for selling a 500-milliliter bottle of water to a foreign customer for 2,000 won has been suspended for three days. The Gwangjang Market street vendors association said April 24 that the stall was ordered to halt business under its disciplinary decision from April 22 through April 24. The dispute began after a Myanmar-born YouTuber living in South Korea posted a video of a visit to the market with a Russian friend on April 16. In the video, they ordered items including dumplings and japchae, then asked for water. The vendor demanded 2,000 won for it. An association official said it is difficult to set uniform prices because vendors operate as individual businesses, but added, “We expect this incident will lead to water being sold at an appropriate price.” The association is also reported to be making price labeling for water mandatory.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-24 20:49:06