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US demand for rice market access clouds prospects for Lee-Trump summit SEOUL, August 03 (AJP) - A dispute over U.S. access to South Korea’s rice market is casting a shadow over a planned summit between South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and U.S. President Donald Trump, raising concerns that economic friction could spill into broader diplomatic discussions. American officials have claimed that South Korea agreed to open its rice market to U.S. imports as part of recent trade negotiations. But South Korean officials, including President Lee’s office and senior government officials, have denied any such agreement, calling the statements out of Washington "politically motivated." “There has been no discussion whatsoever regarding rice market access,” said Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Koo Yoon-cheol on Aug. 2, after returning from trade talks in the United States. Speaking to reporters at Incheon International Airport, Koo dismissed comments by a White House spokesperson who had mentioned rice in the context of the agreement. “Rice was not on the table,” he said, emphasizing during a separate briefing at the South Korean Embassy in Washington that “the U.S. side recognized the sensitivity of agricultural issues in Korea, and we reached a consensus that there would be no further market opening.” The dispute intensified following remarks from Trump, who said South Korea had agreed to accept more American products, including agricultural goods. White House Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt echoed that statement, describing the deal as providing “historic market access for U.S. rice in Korea.” South Korean officials have pushed back, attributing the U.S. remarks to domestic political strategy, noting that American farmers remain a crucial part of Trump’s support base. “We believe this is political rhetoric,” said Agriculture Minister Song Mi-ryeong. She added that under the existing Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement, “99.7 percent of agricultural products are already open,” leaving little room for further concessions. The conflicting narratives come at a delicate time, with both governments signaling that a bilateral summit between Lee and Trump could take place in Washington within the next two weeks. Observers warn that if the rice issue surfaces during the talks, it could strain discussions not only on trade but also on broader areas such as security cooperation and regional diplomacy. 2025-08-03 10:27:09
South Korea's new ruling party leader rejects dialogue with PPP, citing threat to democracy SEOUL, August 03 (AJP) - Jung Chung-rae, a hardline lawmaker who is loyal to President Lee Jae Myung, ruled out cooperation with the conservative opposition People Power Party after being elected as leader of the ruling Democratic Party, on Aug. 2, denouncing the PPP as a “force that destroys democracy." Jung won 61.74 percent of votes in the party’s leadership contest, decisively defeating another Lee loyalist Rep. Park Chan-dae, who received 38.26 percent. Speaking to reporters after his victory, Jung drew a stark line between his party and the opposition, saying South Korea was “at war with rebellion” rather than engaged in routine partisan debate. “This is not a matter of ruling and opposition parties,” he said. “We must see this as a struggle between those who destroy democracy and the Constitution — the People Power Party — and those who defend it.” Jung was referring to an alleged plot involving martial law plans on Dec. 3, which he has characterized as an attempted insurrection. “They sought to arm military forces and storm the National Assembly, to dismantle the Constitution and even take lives,” he said. “Before any political engagement can occur, there must first be a sincere apology and reflection.” He accused some members of the People Power Party of continuing to support former President Yoon Suk Yeol. “As long as those who shield Yoon remain within the PPP, I cannot — and will not — shake hands with them,” Jung said. Jung also suggested that a special counsel investigation could reveal broader complicity in the purported plot. Should the probe uncover collaborators, sympathizers, or enablers within the People Power Party, he said, “public demand for a constitutional review and dissolution of the party will naturally grow.” He added, “At that time, I will exercise sound judgment as party leader.” In outlining his priorities, Jung pointed to sweeping institutional reforms as a mandate from the public. “The Korean people are calling for reforms of the prosecution, judiciary, and media,” he said. “Their demand is clear: finish the job before the Chuseok holiday on Oct. 6.” Acknowledging the potential for resistance, he added, “I will take on that resistance myself.” 2025-08-03 09:51:57
Torrential downpours return to Korea amid unrelenting heat and tropical nights SEOUL, August 2 (AJP) - With sweltering heat persisting across the country, South Korea is set to see intense rainfall starting Sunday as back-to-back downpours are expected to sweep much of the country. The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) on Saturday warned that very heavy rain is forecast from Sunday to Monday, particularly across the Seoul metropolitan area, the central provinces of Chungcheong, the southwestern Jeolla region, and southern coastal parts of South Gyeongsang Province. Some areas could experience torrential downpours of 50 to 80 millimeters per hour, a level of rainfall that could lead to flash floods, road inundation, or landslides, the KMA said. Another round of heavy rain is forecast for Wednesday and Thursday, as unstable atmospheric conditions are expected to persist throughout the week. Despite the forecast rain, the blistering heat is unlikely to subside. While temperatures may briefly dip during showers, the KMA said daytime heat indices could rise above 33 degrees Celsius again as soon as the rain stops. High humidity will continue to push up perceived temperatures, and tropical nights, when temperatures remain above 25 degrees Celsius after sunset, are expected in many regions. 2025-08-02 17:12:24
[[K-pop]] 'Golden' from K-pop anime reaches top of UK music chart SEOUL, August 2 (AJP) - "Golden," a track from Netflix’s K-pop Demon Hunters, has become the first K-pop song in over a decade to top the UK’s Official Singles Chart. Released six weeks ago, the song "Golden" by the film’s fictional girl group HUNTR/X topped the UK’s Official Singles Chart. The chart's official website described the song as a "phenomenon," saying it "takes over this week’s Official Chart," as the song became the first K-pop No. 1 in 13 years since PSY’s Gangnam Style. "For the many music fans who have been to their enormous concerts, bought their merch, and streamed their iconic songs, this will forever be the summer of Oasis," said the chart's Chief Executive Officer, Martin Talbot. The song's chart-topping performance comes amid the rising popularity of the K-pop musical fantasy film, which revolves around a fictional girl group called HUNTR/X, who lead double lives as demon hunters to battle evil spirits disguised as a rival boy band. Directed by Korean American Maggie Kang, who reportedly wanted to create a story rooted in her Korean background and heritage by blending traditional mythology with K-pop, the 100-minute film features several South Korean stars, including Ahn Hyo-seop, Kim Yun-jin, and Lee Byung-hun, who lent their voices. 2025-08-02 16:16:16
Trump says Washington and Seoul have 'great' relationship ahead of summit SEOUL, August 2 (AJP) - U.S. President Donald Trump said Friday that the U.S. and South Korea have a "great relationship," ahead of South Korean President Lee Jae-myung's visit to the White House within two weeks. "We have a great relationship with South Korea," said Trump, speaking to reporters outside the White House before departing for New Jersey. When asked about the timing of the summit, he added that Lee is expected to visit within two weeks. Trump had previously called the deal with Seoul a "full and complete" trade deal on Wednesday, following South Korea's agreement with the U.S. to lower reciprocal tariffs from 25 percent to 15 percent in exchange for massive investment and wider market opening. The following day, South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio held talks in Washington, where they discussed the upcoming summit and broader bilateral cooperation. Lee’s visit will mark his first official trip to Washington since taking office in early June. 2025-08-02 10:57:49
Yoon refuses to comply with arrest in probe involving wife SEOUL, August 1 (AJP) - Independent prosecutors on Friday failed to forcibly bring in disgraced former President Yoon Suk Yeol for questioning, as he refused to cooperate. Prosecutors led by Min Jung-ki, who have been investigating a string of allegations involving Yoon’s wife and former first lady Kim Keon Hee, visited a remand prison in Uiwang, Gyeonggi Province, in an attempt to arrest Yoon. Yoon reportedly protested vehemently by lying almost bare-naked on the floor of his cell, resisting to comply with prosecutors' repeated requests to respond to an arrest warrant issued by the Seoul Central District Court the previous day. Prosecutors had no choice but to leave due to safety concerns but vowed to try again with stronger measures next time. According to Yoon's lawyers, the impeached president has been suffering from deteriorating health including diabetes, worsening eyesight, and other ailments, making him unable to comply with questioning. However, correctional officers determined that his condition was not severe enough to prevent him from appearing for questioning, prompting prosecutors to attempt to bring him in earlier in the day. Kim, who is embroiled in several allegations including the acceptance of a luxury handbag, involvement in a stock manipulation scheme, election-related meddling in candidate nominations, and other accusations, is also scheduled to appear for questioning next week, although it remains to be seen if she will cooperate. 2025-08-01 17:07:35
[[K-Pop]] IVE to drop new album late this month SEOUL, August 1 (AJP) - K-pop girl group IVE will release a new album later this month, their agency Starship Entertainment said Friday. Slated for release on Aug. 25, the album, dubbed "IVE Secret," is expected to feature songs with summer vibes, although no details have been disclosed. To create buzz ahead of its release, a teaser poster was also unveiled, featuring six members holding various props such as a tumbler, an animal-shaped object, and a toy gun, piquing curiosity about the album. The upcoming album comes in about six months since their latest album "IVE Empathy," which came out in February. All five of their previous albums have sold over a million copies each. Meanwhile, the sextet will perform at a concert in Los Angeles later this week, which is part of an annual K-pop event that tours worldwide. 2025-08-01 16:26:58
S. Korea moves to legislate 'K-Steel Act' as U.S. tariff hike threatens steel exports SEOUL, August 01 (AJP) - South Korean lawmakers are pushing for a new legislative measure known as the "K-Steel Act" to support the domestic steel industry amid rising trade pressure from the United States' high tariffs and a flood of cheap Chinese imports. According to political sources on Friday, Rep. Eoh Ki-gu of the Democratic Party and Rep. Lee Sang-hwi of the People Power Party plan to introduce a bipartisan bill to protect domestic steel production on August 4. More than 100 lawmakers from both the ruling and opposition parties are backing the proposal. Key provisions in the bill include the establishment of a special committee to strengthen the steel industry's competitiveness, designation of green steel zones with regulatory exemptions, expansion of infrastructure and tax incentives, support for green steel technology development and industrial restructuring, and stronger safeguards against unfair trade practices and import surges. The legislative move comes as U.S. trade restrictions grow tighter. After imposing a 25 percent tariff on steel imports in March, the U.S. raised the rate to 50 percent in June. According to the Korea International Trade Association, the United States remains the largest export market for Korean steel, accounting for 6 trillion won (about $4.35 billion) out of Korea’s total steel exports of 46 trillion won (about $33.29 billion) in 2024. In company-specific terms, roughly 10 percent of POSCO’s total exports go to the U.S., along with about 33 percent for Hyundai Steel and 36.5 percent for Seah Steel. On July 30, the U.S. concluded trade talks with South Korea, announcing a reduction in auto tariffs to 15 percent while confirming that the 50 percent tariffs on steel would remain in place. U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick wrote on his X (formerly Twitter) account, "Steel, aluminum, and copper are not included and remain unchanged." 2025-08-01 16:08:16
South Korea sees July export volume grow 5.9 percent on strong chip demand SEOUL, August 1 (AJP) - South Korea's exports rose 5.9 percent in July from a year earlier to $60.82 billion, marking the second consecutive month of growth despite concerns over impending U.S. tariffs, trade ministry data showed Friday. Semiconductors drove the export surge, posting a 31.6 percent year-on-year increase to $14.71 billion, recording the highest July performance ever, aided by strong demand for high-value memory chips such as high bandwidth memory chips and price recovery. The chip sector accounted for 24.2 percent of total exports, nearly a quarter of South Korea's overseas shipments during the month. Automotive exports also performed well, rising 8.8 percent despite reduced shipments to the United States due to the 25 percent tariffs, as increased sales to the European Union, Commonwealth of Independent States and Latin America offset the decline. Shipbuilding exports more than doubled with a 107.6 percent increase, driven by strong demand for liquefied natural gas carriers. The regional export landscape showed notable changes, with exports to the United States ranking third at $10.33 billion, tailing behind China at $11.05 billion and ASEAN countries at $10.91 billion. Some analysts suggest the July growth may reflect "front-loading" effects, as companies rushed to export key products before the August implementation of higher U.S. tariffs. Beyond semiconductors, automobiles, and ships, many sectors struggled, including secondary battery exports falling more than 20 percent due to declining mineral prices and overseas production shifts. Steel exports dropped 2.9 percent while auto parts fell 7.2 percent, both affected by higher U.S. tariffs on these products. From August, the United States will implement reciprocal tariffs ranging from 10 percent to 15 percent on major Korean products including semiconductors, still lower than the initially proposed 25 percent rates. "Despite very high external uncertainties surrounding our exports ahead of the U.S. tariff implementation on August 1, our companies made all-out efforts in export activities, continuing the positive export trend for two consecutive months since June," Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Kim Jung-kwan said in a press release. 2025-08-01 16:06:54
All tours suspended as Cheong Wa Dae undergoes renovation ahead of Lee's move-in SEOUL, August 1 (AJP) - Public access to the former presidential office of Cheong Wa Dae in central Seoul was halted on Friday as renovation work begins ahead of President Lee Jae-myung's move-in to the compound. Lee, who took office in early June in the wake of the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk Yeol over his botched Dec. 3 declaration of martial law, was unable to immediately use the compound due to the need to enhance security and overhaul facilities and has been temporarily working at his predecessor's office in Yongsan. The massive construction work is expected to take several months and be completed by the end of this year at the earliest, with visits and other tour programs remaining suspended during the period. Ahead of Friday's complete closure, public access had already been limited since mid-July, allowing only those with bookings to look around outdoor areas, which prompted many to flock there, leading to a surge in the number of visitors. Once complete, a partial reopening is up in the air, with no concrete details decided yet. Nestled in the sylvan foothills of Mt. Bukak and surrounded by splendid gardens, the palatial compound was often seen as a symbol of excessive presidential power, with its secluded location creating the impression that presidents were distant from the public both physically and in other ways. That led Yoon to open the compound to the public on his first day in office and to hastily relocate his office to a nondescript government building in Yongsan in May 2022. 2025-08-01 15:51:15