|
Quotes of the Day:
“Reflect upon your present blessings — of which every man has many — not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.”
– Charles Dickens
"We must be willing to get rid of the life we’ve planned so as to have the life that is waiting for us. The old skin has to be shed before the new one can come.”
– Joseph Campbell
“I hope that in this year to come, you make mistakes. Because if you are making mistakes, then you are making new things, trying new things, learning, living, pushing yourself, changing yourself, changing your world. You're doing things you've never done before, and more importantly, you're Doing Something. So that's my wish for you, and all of us, and my wish for myself. Make New Mistakes. Make glorious, amazing mistakes. Make mistakes nobody's ever made before. Don't freeze, don't stop, don't worry that it isn't good enough, or it isn't perfect, whatever it is: art, or love, or work or family or life. Whatever it is you're scared of doing, Do it. Make your mistakes, next year and forever.”
– Neil Gaiman
1. S. Korea's exports rise 8.2 pct in 2024 to new annual record
2. N. Korea's Kim attends art performance celebrating New Year in Pyongyang: KCNA
3. N. Korea briefly reports on Xi's sending of New Year's greeting to Kim without details
4. New Posters Produced in DPRK / National Flag-Hoisting Ceremony Held on New Year / Evening Gala of Young People Held in DPRK
5. California's Rep. Steel May Be Trump's Ambassador to South Korea
6. Yoon's senior aides offer to resign after acting president appoints key justices
7. Two more U.S. investigators join on-site probe of Jeju Air crash in Muan
8. Flight data recorder from crashed Jeju Air plane to be sent to U.S. for analysis: ministry
9. JCS chief calls for seamless readiness posture against N. Korean threats
10. [NEW YEAR SPECIAL] South Korea enters 2025 with battered yet resilient democracy
11. Quo vadis, Korea?
12. [NEW YEAR SPECIAL] Social media: new tool for democracy or catalysts of polarization?
13. North Korean Soldiers Fighting With Outdated Weapons, Ukrainian Sergeant Says
14. Elon Musk has done it: iPhones and Android smartphones can now use his satellites to make calls anywhere on Earth
15. In Trump's words: Fact-checking his claims and their impact on South Korea
1. S. Korea's exports rise 8.2 pct in 2024 to new annual record
Some good news for Korea and Koreans.
(2nd LD) S. Korea's exports rise 8.2 pct in 2024 to new annual record | Yonhap News Agency
en.yna.co.kr · by Kang Yoon-seung · January 1, 2025
(ATTN: ADDS details throughout, photo)
By Kang Yoon-seung
SEOUL, Jan. 1 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's exports advanced 8.2 percent on-year in 2024 to set a new annual record on robust shipments of semiconductors, data showed Wednesday.
Outbound shipments came to US$683.8 billion last year, compared with the previous record of $683.6 billion set in 2022, according to the data compiled by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.
Imports fell 1.6 on-year to $632 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of $51.8 billion.
The ministry said outbound shipments of eight out of 15 major export items gained ground in 2024.
By sector, exports of semiconductors rose 43.9 percent on-year to $141.9 billion, surpassing the previous record of $129.2 billion set in 2022.
The strong performance of chips was driven by robust demand for premium products, including high-bandwidth memory chips, despite the overall decline in global semiconductor prices.
Exports of other tech products also increased throughout 2024, with those of mobile devices and computers surging 11 percent and 77 percent on-year, respectively.
Containers are stacked at a port in the southeastern city of Busan on Dec. 31, 2024. (Yonhap)
Outbound shipments of automobiles edged down 0.1 percent to $70.8 billion due to production disruptions caused by strikes by auto parts makers in the second half, the ministry said.
Other major winners included the biohealth industry, whose exports climbed 13.1 percent on-year to $15.1 billion on the strong performance of biosimilar products.
Exports of ships jumped 18 percent to $25.6 billion on the back of strong demand for large-sized container and liquefied natural gas carriers.
By destination, exports to China, the top trading partner, increased 6.6 percent to $133 billion, led by chips, petrochemical products and mobile devices.
Shipments to the United States grew 10.5 percent to $127.8 billion, reaching a new annual high for the seventh consecutive year.
Exports to Southeast Asia rose 4.5 percent to $114 billion on the back of chips and petroleum products, the data showed.
For December, exports added 6.6 percent from a year earlier to $61.38 billion, marking the 15th consecutive month of on-year increase.
Imports rose 3.3 percent to $54.8 billion in the month, resulting in a trade surplus of $6.49 billion. South Korea has been maintaining a trade surplus for 19 consecutive months.
In December, exports of chips jumped 31.5 percent to $14.5 billion, setting a new monthly high on strong shipments of high-bandwidth memory chips and DDR5 products.
Exports of automobiles shed 5.3 percent to $6 billion due to supply disruptions in auto parts caused by heavy snow, the data showed.
Outbound shipments of petroleum products fell 12.2 percent to $3.93 billion due to the falling global crude prices, which led to reduced production by local refiners.
Exports of petrochemical products, on the other hand, added 1.8 percent to $3.86 billion on the expansion of local production facilities.
By region, exports to China added 8.6 percent on-year to $11.8 billion in December on strong demand for chips amid the boom in the artificial intelligence industry.
Shipments to the United States added 5.5 percent to $11.9 billion, as strong demand for chips and ships offset weaker exports of automobiles and machinery products.
"Despite high global interest rates and inflation, along with the Russia-Ukraine war and the Middle East crisis, South Korea achieved record exports and a trade surplus thanks to the unwavering efforts of exporters," Industry Minister Ahn Duk-geun said.
"With the launch of a new U.S. administration just a month away, the government will work closely with the private sector to minimize the negative impact of overseas uncertainties," Ahn added.
Containers are stacked at a port in the southeastern city of Busan on Dec. 31, 2024. (Yonhap)
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)
en.yna.co.kr · by Kang Yoon-seung · January 1, 2025
2. N. Korea's Kim attends art performance celebrating New Year in Pyongyang: KCNA
While the Korean people in the north sacrifice and suffer so he can do this. They are cold and hungry while he is warm, happy, and has a full stomach.
(LEAD) N. Korea's Kim attends art performance celebrating New Year in Pyongyang: KCNA | Yonhap News Agency
en.yna.co.kr · by Park Boram · January 1, 2025
(ATTN: UPDATES with more info in last 3 paras)
By Park Boram
SEOUL, Jan. 1 (Yonhap) -- North Korea has held a large-scale performance celebrating New Year in Pyongyang, with leader Kim Jong-un in attendance, state media reported Wednesday.
The art performance was given with "splendour" on Tuesday night at the May Day Stadium to usher "in the hopeful new year 2025, which will be a watershed for steady success and progress," the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said.
Figure skaters and schoolchildren danced on the ice to the tune of "Dear Father," a song praising Kim, to kick off the performance, which was attended by the leader, top government and party cadres and military commanders, according to the KCNA.
When Kim appeared in the auditorium, the audience broke into "stormy cheers," paying "the highest glory and tribute," while the leader extended his "greeting of best wishes" to all people across the country, the report said.
"When the performance ended, loud cheers of 'Hurrah!' for Kim Jong-un rocked the venue and fireworks were let off to gorgeously decorate the nocturnal sky," the KCNA noted.
Photos of the performance, released by North Korea, showed Kim's daughter, believed to be named Ju-ae, and Premier Pak Thae-song sitting next to Kim. However, Kim's wife was not seen, nor was she listed among those in attendance.
In separate dispatches, the KCNA reported that students in Pyongyang gathered at Kim Il Sung Square on Tuesday night to hoist the national flag and launch fireworks in celebration of New Year, indicating that North Korea ushered in the New Year with events similar to those in the past.
A video of the New Year performance, aired by Korean Central Television, showed Kim Yo-jong -- the North Korean leader's sister who serves as vice department director of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea -- walking outside the event venue, holding the hand of a boy, with a girl next to her.
In April 2015, South Korea's spy agency reported that Kim was presumed to be giving birth the following month. Later in 2018, a government source said Kim was pregnant during her visit to South Korea in February of that year for the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics.
However, no official information has confirmed her marital status, pregnancies or childbirths. An official at South Korea's unification ministry noted that it is difficult to draw presumptions based on the video.
This image of a North Korean art performance ushering in New Year, held at Pyongyang's May Day Stadium, is published by the Korean Central News Agency on Jan. 1, 2025. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
pbr@yna.co.kr
(END)
en.yna.co.kr · by Park Boram · January 1, 2025
3. N. Korea briefly reports on Xi's sending of New Year's greeting to Kim without details
But we must not overestimate possible problems in the PRC-DPRK relationship.
N. Korea briefly reports on Xi's sending of New Year's greeting to Kim without details | Yonhap News Agency
en.yna.co.kr · by Kim Soo-yeon · January 1, 2025
SEOUL, Jan. 1 (Yonhap) -- North Korea on Wednesday briefly reported on Chinese President Xi Jinping's sending of a New Year's greeting to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un without disclosing other details in yet another sign of Pyongyang's strained ties with Beijing.
The move contrasted with North Korea's latest detailed media reports that Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin have exchanged New Year's messages amid growing military cooperation between the two nations.
The Korean Central News Agency reported Wednesday that heads of state or political leaders from several countries have recently sent New Year's greetings to Kim, briefly citing Xi as one of such figures.
There was also no report by the North's state media on whether the North's leader has delivered his message for the new year to Xi.
Putin and Kim exchanged New Year's letters last month, vowing to further bolster bilateral cooperation under a major defense treaty signed in June. The Rodong Sinmun, the North's main newspaper targeting domestic readers, carried details of their messages on the front and second pages.
North Korea's relations with China, the North's traditional ally and main economic benefactor, have cooled in contrast to Pyongyang's deepening military cooperation with Moscow.
Last year marked the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the North and China, but the two nations skipped major celebrative events.
This image, provided by Yonhap News TV, shows North Korean leader Kim Jong-un (L) and Chinese President Xi Jinping. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
sooyeon@yna.co.kr
(END)
en.yna.co.kr · by Kim Soo-yeon · January 1, 2025
4. New Posters Produced in DPRK / National Flag-Hoisting Ceremony Held on New Year / Evening Gala of Young People Held in DPRK
This is what the Korean people in the north receive on New Years:
Posters. A flag raising. And spending a cold night in Kim Il Sung square at a "gala."
New Posters Produced in DPRK
Date: 01/01/2025 | Source: KCNA.kp (En) | Read original version at source
https://kcnawatch.org/newstream/1735714285-747295011/new-posters-produced-in-dprk/
Pyongyang, January 1 (KCNA) -- New posters were produced to powerfully encourage the struggle of all the people across the DPRK who have turned out in the historic march for the new year under the seasoned and tested leadership of the Central Committee of the great Workers' Party of Korea.
Posters "All out for the implementation of the decisions made by the Eleventh Plenary Meeting of the Eighth Party Central Committee!", "Let us thoroughly implement the tasks for this year of the five-year plan set forth at the Eighth Party Congress!" and "Let us greet the 80th anniversary of the Party founding with high political enthusiasm and brilliant labor successes!" reflect the revolutionary will of all the people of the country to glorify this year as an eye-opening year, a year of great change, which provides a higher phase of development, true to the grand revolutionary programme set forth by the plenary meeting of the WPK Central Committee.
Poster "Let us make the flames of the drive for increased production and economizing campaign fierce across the country!" intensively calls for further increasing the patriotic enthusiasm of all the people through a dynamic drive for increased production and economy campaign in all fields of socialist construction and doubling the inexhaustible motive force of development of our state.
Posters "Let us make the people get real benefit!" and "Let us put the production on a normal basis at regional-industry factories!" reflect the strong desire to clearly prove the validity and vitality of the Party's policies by firmly laying the foundation of regional development.
Other posters call for conducting fish farming and aquaculture on a large scale, pushing ahead with the forest restoration as a Party-wide and nationwide undertaking and call upon officials, players and coaches in the field of sports to fully display the honor of the country with gold medals. -0-
www.kcna.kp (2025.01.01.)
National Flag-Hoisting Ceremony Held on New Year
Date: 01/01/2025 | Source: KCNA.kp (En) | Read original version at source
https://kcnawatch.org/newstream/1735713798-147929617/national-flag-hoisting-ceremony-held-on-new-year/
Pyongyang, January 1 (KCNA) -- A national flag-hoisting ceremony was held at Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang, the capital city of the DPRK, on January 1, 2025 amid the full joy and excitement for celebrating the significant New Year.
The square was crowded with Pyongyangites seeing out 2024 recorded with eye-opening events and unforgettable stories and waiting for the moment of excitement to be filled with confidence in the new year.
At 00:00 sharp, a bell tolled the start of the New Year and melodies of the immortal revolutionary hymns "Song of General Kim Il Sung " and "Song of General Kim Jong Il " resounded in the sky above the capital city.
On behalf of the workers, peasants and intellectuals, model working people of the capital city courteously hoisted up the national flag amid the solemn playing of the national anthem of the DPRK.
Masses paid high tribute to the national flag of the DPRK which is fluttering invariably and more brilliantly on this land displaying the independent dignity and prestige of our powerful state and the destiny and rosy future of the people.
With the DPRK flag fluttering in the sky above the capital city, marvelous fireworks were displayed to celebrate the New Year.
Showing the pride and joy of the people of a powerful state who have grown up under the national flag of glory, the magnificent and bright fireworks redoubled all the people’s revolutionary will to dynamically accelerate the new historic advance for vigorously hastening the era of comprehensive prosperity of our state, praying for the prosperity of the country. -0-
www.kcna.kp (2025.01.01.)
Evening Gala of Young People Held in DPRK
Date: 01/01/2025 | Source: KCNA.kp (En) | Read original version at source
https://kcnawatch.org/newstream/1735713797-751691507/evening-gala-of-young-people-held-in-dprk/
Pyongyang, January 1 (KCNA) -- An evening gala of youth and students took place at Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang, the capital city of the DPRK, on December 31, 2024 on the occasion of the New Year 2025.
The venue of the evening gala was filled with joy and optimism of young vanguard greeting the hopeful New Year with pride of having fully demonstrated the wisdom and stamina of the patriotic youth boundlessly loyal to the cause of the Workers' Party of Korea in the gigantic advance of 2024.
Amid the playing of the song "Cheers of the People" in the nocturnal sky above the square, the participants began their grand dancing party.
The participants danced to the tune of songs "Let's Love Our Country" and "Oh Party, It's Thanks to Your Care" with their ardent reverence for the respected fatherly Marshal Kim Jong Un who is bringing about miraculous victories and prosperity to be immoral in the history of the country with his extraordinary political caliber and gigantic leadership practices.
Amid the playing of "Song of Youth" and "Dash toward Future" and other songs which reflect the courageous spirit of the rising generation dynamically advancing in the van of the struggle to achieve the comprehensive development of Korean-style socialism with the youthful enthusiasm and strength, the young people were in high spirits.
Cheers of celebration of the youth and students shook the square amid the ever-growing atmosphere of the evening gala.
The evening gala of youth and students fully showed the revolutionary will of the rising generation to fully display their spirit and mettle as the vanguard in the sacred patriotic struggle for the comprehensive prosperity and development of the great state, true to the idea and spirit of the Eleventh Plenary Meeting of the Eighth Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea. -0-
www.kcna.kp (2025.01.01.)
5. California's Rep. Steel May Be Trump's Ambassador to South Korea
I have not heard this nor have I seen any reporting on this.
The rumor I have heard is a very experienced businessman in Asia, lawyer, and former US ambassador to Thailand, Michael DeSombre.
He would seem be one of the most qualified political appointees. (and speaks Mandarin, Korean, and Japanese) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_G._DeSombre
California's Rep. Steel May Be Trump's Ambassador to South Korea
By John Gizzi
Sunday, 29 December 2024 03:32 PM EST
Current | Bio | Archive
https://www.newsmax.com/john-gizzi/michelle-steel-south-korea-ambassador/2024/12/29/id/1193237/
Less than a month after Rep. Michelle Steel, R-Calif., was defeated for reelection by a wafer thin 604 votes, the two-term lawmaker and first Korean-American woman to serve in Congress is under serious consideration to be the U.S. ambassador to South Korea.
Newsmax learned Friday that House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., has privately urged President-elect Donald Trump to name the Seoul-born Steel as ambassador and that two former GOP speakers — Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., and Newt Gingrich, R-Ga. — have also weighed in with Trump to tap Steel for the South Korea portfolio.
Interest in South Korea and just who Trump sends there to speak for the U.S. has risen dramatically in the last week. Not only was President Yoon Suk Yeol impeached for his never-anticipated late night declaration of martial law Dec. 3, but his successor, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo was himself impeached on Friday for complicity in Yoon's power grab.
With Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok now moving into the Blue House (South Korea's presidential palace), there is growing concern in Washington that North Korea could take advantage of the ongoing political turmoil in South Korea and even take military action against one of the U.S.' most important allies in the Pacific.
Steel, 69, has close relationships with many of the political leaders in South Korea, supporters note, and also has an excellent relationship with Trump. During her recent reelection bid, Trump wrote on Truth Social that Steel is "an America First Patriot" who "has my complete and total endorsement."
A small businesswoman who served as a member of the California Board of Equalization and as Orange County supervisor before winning her first term in 2020, Steel is well-connected in the Korean-American business community and in international business circles.
Trump is expected to make a decision on the ambassadorship to South Korea in the next week.
John Gizzi is chief political columnist and White House correspondent for Newsmax. For more of his reports, Go Here Now.
6. Yoon's senior aides offer to resign after acting president appoints key justices
(2nd LD) Yoon's senior aides offer to resign after acting president appoints key justices | Yonhap News Agency
en.yna.co.kr · by Kim Boram · January 1, 2025
(ATTN: ADDS new info in last 2 paras, new photo)
SEOUL, Jan. 1 (Yonhap) -- Senior aides of impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol, including his chief of staff, offered to resign Wednesday, a day after acting President Choi Sang-mok appointed two justices to the Constitutional Court.
Those who expressed their intents to resign include Chung Jin-suk, the presidential chief of staff; National Security Adviser Shin Won-sik; Sung Tae-yoon, chief of staff for policy; and Chang Ho-jin, foreign policy adviser to Yoon, according to the presidential office.
Choi on Tuesday appointed two justices to the Constitutional Court, partially meeting the opposition's demand to fill three vacancies on the nine-member bench before a ruling on President Yoon's impeachment.
The presidential office voiced regret over Choi's appointments, saying that he has gone beyond his authority as an interim leader.
By law, at least six votes are required to uphold an impeachment motion, which means the appointment of three additional justices could improve chances of Yoon's impeachment being upheld. The court has up to six months to decide whether to remove Yoon from office or reinstate him.
Yoon, impeached by the National Assembly last month, is also facing a criminal investigation over his failed martial law declaration on Dec. 3.
The resignation offers by Yoon's top aides also come after a Seoul court issued a warrant to detain Yoon on Tuesday, making him the first sitting South Korean president to face arrest. Yoon is suspected of masterminding the martial law declaration, orchestrating an insurrection and abusing power.
Presidential chief of staff Chung Jin-suk (L) and acting President Choi Sang-mok (R) talk after paying tribute at the Seoul National Cemetery on Jan. 1, 2025. (Pool photo) (Yonhap)
Meanwhile, Kim Tae-kyu, acting chairman of the Korea Communications Commission, also expressed his intention to step down in an apparent protest against the appointment of justices.
He has been acting as the leader of the communications watchdog since Chairperson Lee Jin-sook was impeached in August.
In this file photo taken Aug. 27, 2024, Kim Tae-kyu, acting chairman of the Korea Communications Commission, attends a Cabinet meeting in Seoul. (Yonhap)
sooyeon@yna.co.kr
(END)
en.yna.co.kr · by Kim Boram · January 1, 2025
7. Two more U.S. investigators join on-site probe of Jeju Air crash in Muan
Two more U.S. investigators join on-site probe of Jeju Air crash in Muan | Yonhap News Agency
en.yna.co.kr · by Kim Boram · January 1, 2025
SEOUL, Jan. 1 (Yonhap) -- Two additional investigators from aviation manufacturer Boeing Co. have joined the on-site probe into the Jeju Air crash at Muan International Airport, government sources said Wednesday.
With these additions, the number of the U.S. team members increased to 10, including six from Boeing and three from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board.
According to the sources, the U.S. team expanded its presence to ensure a thorough examination of the accident.
The U.S. team arrived in South Korea on Monday and traveled directly to Muan, where it commenced its joint investigation with the Korean team led by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport the following day.
During their initial joint on-site investigation, investigators focused on a navigation system that assists in aircraft landings, known as a localizer.
The localizer, installed on a concrete structure, at Muan International Airport has been blamed for exacerbating the severity of casualties in the Jeju Air crash.
The Jeju Air B737-800 aircraft belly-landed at the airport and exploded Sunday as it crashed into the structure, claiming 179 lives out of 181 passengers on board.
Investigators conduct an on-site investigation at the scene of the Jeju Air crash at Muan International Airport in southwestern South Korea on Jan. 1, 2025. (Yonhap)
brk@yna.co.kr
(END)
en.yna.co.kr · by Kim Boram · January 1, 2025
8. Flight data recorder from crashed Jeju Air plane to be sent to U.S. for analysis: ministry
(4th LD) Flight data recorder from crashed Jeju Air plane to be sent to U.S. for analysis: ministry | Yonhap News Agency
en.yna.co.kr · by Park Boram · January 1, 2025
(ATTN: ADDS more detains in paras 13-14)
SEOUL, Jan. 1 (Yonhap) -- The South Korean government said Wednesday it will send the flight data recorder from the crashed Jeju Air plane to the United States for analysis.
The exact timeline for the transferring of the flight recorder will be decided in consultation with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport said in a briefing.
Investigators conduct an on-site investigation at the scene of the Jeju Air crash at Muan International Airport in southwestern South Korea on Jan. 1, 2025. (Yonhap)
The flight recorder, retrieved earlier from the wreckage of the Jeju Air B737-800 aircraft at Muan International Airport, reportedly sustained some external damage, missing a connector that links its data storage unit to the power supply.
"We have determined that extracting data from the damaged flight data recorder here is not possible," said Joo Jong-wan, director of the aviation policy division at the ministry. "And so we have agreed with the NTSB to send it to the U.S. and analyze it there."
South Korean experts will participate in the analysis process in the U.S., he added.
However, the authorities have completed extracting data from the cockpit voice data recorder, found in a relatively better condition, and started converting it into voice files, the ministry said earlier.
Joo Jong-wan, director of the aviation policy division at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, speaks during a media briefing in the central city of Sejong on Jan. 1, 2025, in this photo provided by the ministry. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Meanwhile, two additional investigators from aviation manufacturer Boeing Co. have joined the on-site probe into the Jeju Air crash at Muan International Airport, government sources said.
With these additions, the number of the U.S. team members increased to 10, including six from Boeing and three from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board.
According to the sources, the U.S. team expanded its presence to ensure a thorough examination of the accident.
The U.S. team arrived in South Korea on Monday and traveled directly to Muan, where it commenced its joint investigation with the Korean team led by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport the following day.
During their initial joint on-site investigation, investigators focused on a navigation system that assists in aircraft landings, known as a localizer.
The localizer, installed on a concrete structure, at Muan International Airport has been blamed for exacerbating the severity of casualties in the Jeju Air crash.
On the second day of their investigation of the accident site on Wednesday, the U.S. officials were seen examining airplane debris scattered around the runway, including engine parts.
Some were observed picking up debris, inspecting the undersides and taking photos, while others made a call with a stern expression or pointed to damaged areas, calling others over to inspect.
The Jeju Air B737-800 aircraft belly-landed at the airport and exploded Sunday as it crashed into the structure, claiming 179 lives out of 181 passengers on board.
Investigators conduct an on-site investigation at the scene of the Jeju Air crash at Muan International Airport in southwestern South Korea on Jan. 1, 2025. (Yonhap)
brk@yna.co.kr
(END)
en.yna.co.kr · by Park Boram · January 1, 2025
9. JCS chief calls for seamless readiness posture against N. Korean threats
JCS chief calls for seamless readiness posture against N. Korean threats | Yonhap News Agency
en.yna.co.kr · by Kim Soo-yeon · January 1, 2025
SEOUL, Jan. 1 (Yonhap) -- The chief of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) on Wednesday called for a seamless readiness posture against North Korea's possible provocations, stressing the need to make powerful responses if Pyongyang stages saber-rattling.
Adm. Kim Myung-soo made the call during his phone talks with commanding officers at major operational units, including the general outpost (GOP) battalion commander at the Army's 25th Infantry Division and the commanding officer of the Yeonpyeong unit in charge of western border islands, according to the JCS.
"We should deter the enemy's threats with a seamless operational posture. If it stages provocations, we should strongly retaliate against them to make it regret," Kim said.
His message came amid concerns that North Korea may take advantage of the current political crisis in South Korea, triggered by President Yoon Suk's botched martial law declaration on Dec. 3, to stage major provocations.
This photo, provided by the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) on Jan. 1, 2025, shows Adm. Kim Myung-soo, chief of the JCS, checking a readiness posture by holding phone talks with top commanding officers at the JCS' combat control room. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
sooyeon@yna.co.kr
(END)
en.yna.co.kr · by Kim Soo-yeon · January 1, 2025
10. [NEW YEAR SPECIAL] South Korea enters 2025 with battered yet resilient democracy
[NEW YEAR SPECIAL] South Korea enters 2025 with battered yet resilient democracy
The Korea Times · January 1, 2025
Protesters march toward the presidential office in central Seoul during a candlelight vigil calling for President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment, Dec. 5, 2024. AP-Yonhap
Trump's return to test US democratic values
By Lee Hyo-jin
As South Korea ushers in 2025, its democracy stands at a critical moment.
The nation is still reeling from the political turmoil triggered by President Yoon Suk Yeol’s sudden declaration of martial law on Dec. 3, 2024, a decision that challenged the country’s hard-won democracy and led to his impeachment by the National Assembly.
If the Constitutional Court upholds his removal, Yoon will become the second South Korean president in less than a decade to be ousted, following former President Park Geun-hye’s impeachment in 2017.
The ongoing impeachment crisis underscores the resilience of the country's democratic system, many analysts say. However, it also raises a critical question: Is South Korea's democracy on the right path?
Hahm Sung-deuk, dean of political science and law at Kyonggi University’s Graduate School of Political Studies, viewed that Yoon's impeachment, for one thing, has demonstrated that authoritarian leadership is no longer acceptable to South Koreans.
"The move to impeach Yoon, supported by a majority of the public, is a clear sign that authoritarian presidential leadership no longer works in South Korea. What’s particularly meaningful is that this process was driven by civil society rather than politicians,” Hahm told The Korea Times.
“As we saw with Park’s impeachment and now with Yoon’s, a leader who loses public trust can no longer count on finishing his five-year term."
The political scientist noted that the Asian nation is progressing toward democratic consolidation, a stage where democracy becomes stable and resistant to backsliding into authoritarianism.
President Yoon Suk Yeol bows before giving a public address from his residence in Seoul after the National Assembly passed a motion to impeach him, Dec. 14, 2024. Courtesy of presidential office
Regardless of the Constitutional Court's outcome, Yoon’s political career is likely to be cut short.
"Even if he survives impeachment and returns to his job, the president will not be able to effectively govern the nation. The best course of action from him would be to take responsibility for his actions and step down. That’s how a developed democracy should work," Hahm said.
From a broader perspective, the impeachment crisis — the second time in less than a decade that a South Korean leader has faced such proceedings — has laid bare vulnerabilities in the nation’s political system, particularly the excessive concentration of presidential power, often referred to as an "imperial presidency."
South Korea’s current presidential system grants considerable power to the president, who is elected for a single, five-year term and serves as both head of state and government. The president has the authority to appoint key officials without parliamentary approval, veto bills passed by parliament, command the military, and exert significant influence in foreign policy.
While the strong executive branch enables decisive governance, critics argue that the president's single-term limit often undermines long-term policy visions, with each successor rarely respecting the legacy of the predecessor.
Moreover, the lack of effective checks from the legislative body often allows the president to wield excessive power over state affairs — a dynamic that ultimately led to Yoon's self-destructive decision to impose martial law.
Lawmakers attend a plenary session at the National Assembly in Seoul, Dec. 14, 2024, to vote on a motion to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk
Calls for constitutional reform to address these issues have intensified in the wake of Yoon's impeachment turmoil, with some proposing a shift to a four-year presidential tenure and eligibility for a second term.
Im Ji-bong, a law professor at Sogang University, acknowledged the need to reform the presidential system.
"While the current presidential system is a much-improved version compared to the military dictatorship era, it still grants excessive power to the president and leaves it largely unchecked," Im said.
"However, now is not the time to make the change," the professor stressed. "Discussions on constitutional amendments should take place only after the current impeachment crisis subsides. Calls for an amendment, currently raised mainly by conservatives, are more of a political maneuver to extend Yoon's term."
But changing the system may not be the ultimate solution.
"It's more about an imperial president than an imperial presidency. The problem arises when an authoritarian and incompetent individual takes the helm and the bureaucratic system fails to provide the necessary checks, with no one in the government willing to say 'no' to the leader," Hahm said.
This combination of photos show a rally calling for President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment at the National Assembly in Seoul, Dec. 14, left, and a gathering of Yoon's supporters at Gwanghwamun in Seoul on the same day. Yonhap
Deepening polarization
Another challenge facing the country's democracy is a deepening political divide.
Although South Korea's Assembly technically operates under a multi-party system, it is often dominated by two major parties: the conservative and the liberal. These rival factions clash for power, turning the Assembly into a battleground of political mudslinging rather than a space for effective legislation.
“Polarization is inevitable in the current bipartisan landscape. We need to reform the electoral system for other minor parties to thrive," Im said. "But the problem is that lawmakers, who hold the key to make these changes, are unwilling to move."
Hahm said that while polarization in the political arena can be a natural phenomenon driven by ideological differences, the growing trend of "affective polarization"— where individuals demonize others simply for holding opposing views — poses an increasing threat to the nation’s democracy.
“Yoon's staunch supporters often demonize supporters of Lee Jae-myung (the leader of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea), and vice versa. This kind of animosity, rooted in fandom politics rather than policy debates, has become a vicious cycle that is difficult to break," he said.
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump speaks at AmericaFest in Phoenix, Dec. 22, 2024. AP-Yonhap
Trump's return
Meanwhile, the political turmoil in South Korea carries significant implications across the Asia-Pacific and to the United States, which may now be reassessing the decades-old South Korea-U.S. alliance, according to watchers in the U.S.
"If Yoon can throw South Korea into political disarray on a disingenuous pretense as he did in December, who’s to say any future South Korean president won’t do so as well? Washington will now second-guess Seoul’s reliability and readiness," said Sean King, senior vice president at Park Strategies, a New York-based consulting firm.
"South Korea is effectively without a functioning government just as U.S. President-elect Donald Trump is toying with the idea of directly reengaging North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un without even consulting Seoul," King added.
While some still hold out hope that Trump might reach out to Seoul before engaging with Pyongyang, King viewed this a slim chance, as American policymakers are questioning, "Who — or what — even is (the role of) Seoul right now?"
"Yoon could not have picked a worse time for his scandalous martial law misdeeds," he added.
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, left, and Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk watch a fight during UFC 309 at Madison Square Garden in New York, Nov. 24, 2024. AFP-Yonhap
Yet the U.S. may have its own concerns when it comes to upholding democratic values, with Trump set to take the White House again later this month.
His return to the presidency raises concerns about the U.S.'s role as a leading democracy, which had been a central focus of the Joe Biden administration's policies. When the martial law fiasco unfolded in Seoul, analysts in the U.S. compared it to Trump’s Capitol riot attempt in 2021.
During his first term, Trump often bypassed traditional diplomatic and political norms with his unorthodox style of governance, and his divisive rhetoric exacerbated polarization in American politics. Also, he favored an administration shaped by close associates and family members.
In his latest presidential campaign, Trump continued his inflammatory rhetoric, labeling his political opponents as “Marxists" and “communists.” His recent appointments to key positions, dominated by close allies and loyalists such as Tesla CEO Elon Musk, underscore concerns that a second Trump administration could undermine democratic norms.
The Korea Times · January 1, 2025
11. Quo vadis, Korea?
Conclusion:
Trump said in Seoul in 2017 that “the Republic of Korea will be a faithful ally of the U.S. very long into the future” and emphasized last November in nominating Marco Rubio as his secretary of state that “I look forward to working with Marco, a true friend to our allies, to make America and the world safe and great again!" This is the right stance for Trump 2.0 to take.
Quo vadis, Korea?
The Korea Times · January 1, 2025
By Yun Byung-se
Yun Byung-se
The late Donald Rumsfeld, former U.S. defense secretary, is renowned for his oft-quoted remarks on the complexities of policy analysis, famously distinguishing between "known knowns," "known unknowns," and "unknown unknowns." Reflecting on the year 2024, most global events fit neatly into one of these categories. Yet, several developments last year defied the most imaginative foresight.
Among these were North Korea’s direct involvement in the Ukraine-Russia war, Donald Trump’s unprecedented trifecta victory in the U.S. presidential and congressional elections and the abrupt collapse of the Assad regime in Syria, alongside the downfall of other pro-Iranian forces in the Middle East. Additionally, political uncertainties in mature democracies such as Japan, France, Germany and South Korea severely undermined the leadership of incumbent governments, as evidenced by election outcomes, no-confidence votes and plummeting approval ratings. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s aborted martial law and its aftermath is the latest example of “thinking the unthinkable.”
These new challenges, coupled with ongoing polycrises on the geopolitical, geo-economic and geo-technological fronts worldwide, present turbulent waters for South Korean diplomacy to navigate in the New Year, particularly during the transitional period of the impeachment process and beyond. The nation must confront as many “unknown unknowns” as “known unknowns.”
First, the North Korea-Russia entente, solidified by their new treaty of strategic partnership, will complicate the geopolitical landscape. This alliance is evolving into a built-in structure rather than a temporary marriage of convenience. It is already undermining international efforts to denuclearize North Korea and bring peace and stability to Asia and Europe. North Korea, or the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), internationalized the conflict through its combat participation beyond merely providing weapons and munitions.
The greatest concern now is Russia’s potential quid pro quo for DPRK’s involvement in the war. Russian assistance in DPRK’s nuclear, missile and emerging technology sectors would be a nightmarish scenario, not just for South Korea, the United States and Japan, but for the international community as a whole. Their strategic deterrence and preemptive weapons of mass destruction use doctrine could severely weaken the allies’ deterrence capabilities and nuclear assurances.
China appears displeased with this development but is reluctant to abandon North Korea due to the escalating U.S.-China strategic competition. The no-limit strategic partnership between Russia and China remains a source of ongoing concern, indirectly linking to this axis.
Thus, our North Korea policy must now strategize over both the emerging new axis and Trump’s approach to revisionist countries.
Second, Trump 2.0 is likely to be more offensive, unilateral, focused, speedy, top-down and nondiscriminatory, regardless of friends or foes. We know Trump values unpredictability as a tactic, often making impulsive decisions. However, we can discern some predictable elements from the unknowns through his recent public statements, campaign pledges, the 2024 Republican Party Platform and the recent lineup of the Trump 2.0 Cabinet, not to mention Trump 1.0 policies.
On this basis, we can anticipate the nuts and bolts of America First foreign and trade policy to achieve the goal of Make America Great Again, or the MAGA movement, where transactionalism, economic nationalism, burden-sharing in alliances, less interventionism, rejection of globalism and fierce competition with China will be central themes. Trump will not wait for four full years but will push for quick returns and visible outcomes.
The Korean government should prepare its own transactional strategy to minimize the risks from the “Anything But Biden” approach, such as increasing pressure for defense burden-sharing and redressing trade imbalances and investment onshoring through universal tariffs. “Big Give and Big Take” may be one option, reinforced by collaboration on mutually beneficial areas such as shipbuilding, MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul), emerging and critical technology. Another option is to remind Trump 2.0 and the U.S. Congress of South Korea’s strategic value to its national security and the Indo-Pacific strategy, which was the brainchild of Trump 1.0. If Trump 2.0 is wise enough not to adopt a “penny-wise, but pound-foolish” approach, what is feared as “Trump risk” will turn into an opportunity for an upgraded strategic alliance.
The South Korean government should also provide timely input to the new Trump lineup before it finalizes its new North Korea policy, including the possible resumption of the U.S.-DPRK summit. This is what we did in 2017. “Peace through strength” is a commendable approach, and it should be coupled with precious lessons of history from bad deals like the Munich Agreement and the Paris Peace Accords, which resulted in catastrophic consequences before the ink dried. The Trump 2.0 cabinet is advised to read his eloquent speech before the Korean National Assembly in November 2017.
Third, South Korea should continue to demonstrate its democratic resilience and economic prowess again. As the U.S. saying goes, foreign policy begins at home. Now, many countries see the truth of this maxim for their own nations. In South Korea, the fate of the political leadership of both ruling and opposition parties and the early return to normalcy depends on both judicial and constitutional processes and the wisdom of diverse political forces to resolve this crisis in the nation’s interest.
Two weeks ago, U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan perceptively mentioned, "We had Jan. 6. I think it's important for us to recognize that dramatic events happen even in highly advanced, consolidated democracies. The real test is can the democratic institutions hold at the end of the day even if they bend." He added, "The institutions in South Korea are holding."
In 2017, the Korean nation smoothly overcame the previous impeachment crisis without economic disaster or diplomatic "Korea passing." I was part of that transition team. As one of the maturing democracies, I believe that we shall overcome this time again, despite much more difficult circumstances at home and abroad.
For that, the current leadership in South Korea — administrative, legislative and judiciary — should not shrink from its grave obligations to navigate this Korean ship through turbulent waters in the safe and right direction.
Finally, Korea and the world are now entering a period of uncertainty, navigating both known and unknown challenges, driven by the rise of MAGA 2.0 and intense strategic confrontations between major powers. As William Burns, CIA director, aptly noted early last year, this is a world in which the United States no longer enjoys uncontested primacy. America cannot solve multiple complex challenges alone. Collaboration between the U.S. and its allies is sine qua non.
Trump said in Seoul in 2017 that “the Republic of Korea will be a faithful ally of the U.S. very long into the future” and emphasized last November in nominating Marco Rubio as his secretary of state that “I look forward to working with Marco, a true friend to our allies, to make America and the world safe and great again!" This is the right stance for Trump 2.0 to take.
Yun Byung-se, former foreign minister of ROK, is co-chair of the REAIM Global Commission and Chairman of Seoul International Law Academy.
The Korea Times · January 1, 2025
12. [NEW YEAR SPECIAL] Social media: new tool for democracy or catalysts of polarization?
Excerpts:
The prevalence of opinion-based content and inflammatory rhetoric raises concerns about the platforms' impact on public discourse and political polarization.
"The algorithm that continually shows content matching one's political orientation can lead to people's tendencies being expressed in extreme ways, which is a concern that needs to be monitored,” Choi said.
“This curation of content can create echo chambers, where users are primarily exposed to information that confirms their existing beliefs, potentially exacerbating societal divisions.”
On the night martial law was declared, Yoon deployed hundreds of troops to the National Election Commission, ordering the seizure of records. Later, in a public address, he justified the action as part of an investigation into alleged election fraud — a claim widely propagated by extreme conservative YouTubers following the ruling conservative party's defeat.
[NEW YEAR SPECIAL] Social media: new tool for democracy or catalysts of polarization?
The Korea Times · January 1, 2025
A citizen records crowds in front of the National Assembly in Seoul, Dec. 3, 2024, with a smartphone, after President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law and mobilized the military to prevent lawmakers from entering the Assembly. Yonhap
Online platforms speed up info sharing but fuel extremism
By Baek Byung-yeul
The recent political unrest in Korea has brought renewed attention to the role of social media platforms — particularly YouTube and X (formerly Twitter) — in shaping modern democracy. These digital tools serve as a double-edged sword, granting citizens unparalleled access to information while also deepening societal divides.
In particular, the sudden declaration of martial law by President Yoon Suk Yeol in December was a stark example of the positive impact these media platforms can have on the development of democracy, as well as the risk of polarization.
As Korea grappled with an unprecedented crisis, social media emerged as a lifeline for information dissemination and civic mobilization, reflecting a shift in media dynamics. Experts said the rapid spread of news through these channels enabled citizens to respond swiftly to the unfolding situation, ultimately playing a pivotal role in safeguarding democratic institutions.
On the other hand, this same power of instant communication also highlighted concerns about the spread of misinformation and the potential for these platforms to reinforce existing biases and deepen social rifts.
Martial law troops are surrounded by citizens near the National Assembly in Seoul, Dec. 4, 2024, as they try to withdraw after the Assembly passed a motion to lift President Yoon Suk Yeol's declaration of emergency martial law. Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul
Power of real-time information
On Dec. 3, 2024, when Yoon declared martial law, social media platforms became vital tools for spreading information.
Lee Jae-myung, the leader of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea, livestreamed a video of himself climbing over the wall of the National Assembly to participate in a vote to lift martial law through YouTube, which garnered over 2.4 million views.
This rapid dissemination of information through social media enabled citizens to respond quickly, effectively preventing the military from seizing control of the parliament. Citizens, armed with smartphones, became real-time broadcasters, sharing footage of how military forces are blocking lawmakers' access to the National Assembly.
Lee Jae-myung, leader of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea, livestreams on his way to the National Assembly to lift President Yoon Suk Yeol’s martial law, Dec. 3, 2024. Captured from Lee’s YouTube
The immediacy and scale of public rallies would have been unimaginable in the past, when traditional media like newspapers, radio and television dominated news distribution. The contrast with historical events, such as the press censorship during the May 18 pro-democracy movement in Gwangju in 1980, underscores how the evolving media landscape has transformed public engagement during times of crisis.
Park Sang-byung, a prominent political commentator, observed that the martial law declaration on Dec. 3 marked a pivotal moment in the media landscape. He highlighted how social media platforms have become formidable forces, making it nearly impossible for those in power to control the flow of information.
This democratization of information flow has fundamentally altered the dynamics between the government, traditional media and the public. Citizens are no longer passive consumers of news but active participants in its creation and dissemination, he said.
"During that night, information about soldiers attempting to suppress the National Assembly spread through social media such as X and YouTube faster than traditional media reports,” Park said.
“This rapid dissemination enabled citizens to respond swiftly, with messages like ‘I'm in front of the National Assembly now, soldiers with guns have arrived, let's gather quickly to stop them,’ spreading rapidly through social networks.”
He estimated that the rapid spread of information through social media gives people unparalleled access to information and fosters democracy.
“Korea's high social media adoption rate played a crucial role in mobilizing citizens on the day. The immediacy and diverse perspectives offered by these platforms allowed people to take action quickly, often before traditional media could cover the events comprehensively,” the commentator said.
Protesters hold light sticks for K-pop bands in a rally in Seoul, demanding President Yoon Suk Yeol's immediate resignation, Dec. 24, 2024. Yonhap
Professor Choi Jin-ho of Gyeongsang National University's Department of Media Communication agreed.
"If we focus on where to place an emphasis, I would evaluate that these social media tools are having a more positive impact on the development of democracy," he said.
He pointed out that during the martial law crisis, it would have been challenging to gather so many people at the Assembly to counter the martial law forces without social media.
“Traditional media outlets often report news according to their predetermined schedules and intentions,” Choi said.
“On that day, we could see how many people were on the ground in real time through YouTube and X. Would it be possible for so many people to gather at the Assembly without these social media platforms?”
Citizens rejoice near the National Assembly in Seoul, Dec. 4, 2024, after hearing the news of the passage of a bill to lift President Yoon Suk Yeol's martial law. Yonhap
Echo chamber concerns
While social media has empowered citizens, it has also contributed to the spread of misinformation and polarization.
A December 2023 study commissioned by the National Assembly Research Service and conducted by the Korean Political Science Association found that YouTube channels covering political events allocated 87 percent of their time to expressing opinions, while only 10 percent was used for presenting facts. The analysis was based on 80 channels and 822 videos.
The research also revealed that 86 percent of the videos included hateful or hostile language and 90 percent of the panelists were from the same political affiliation.
The prevalence of opinion-based content and inflammatory rhetoric raises concerns about the platforms' impact on public discourse and political polarization.
"The algorithm that continually shows content matching one's political orientation can lead to people's tendencies being expressed in extreme ways, which is a concern that needs to be monitored,” Choi said.
“This curation of content can create echo chambers, where users are primarily exposed to information that confirms their existing beliefs, potentially exacerbating societal divisions.”
On the night martial law was declared, Yoon deployed hundreds of troops to the National Election Commission, ordering the seizure of records. Later, in a public address, he justified the action as part of an investigation into alleged election fraud — a claim widely propagated by extreme conservative YouTubers following the ruling conservative party's defeat.
Citizens record videos on their smartphones at the National Assembly in Seoul, Dec. 3, 2024, the night President Yoon Suk Yeol abruptly declared martial law. Korea Times photo by Park Si-mon
Speaking about the potential downsides of social media, Park, the political commentator, also warned about the risk of confirmation bias.
"If people only consume content that aligns with their existing views, algorithms will continue to show similar content, potentially trapping users in echo chambers where they believe everyone shares their beliefs,” he said.
To mitigate these risks, Park suggested that citizens should balance their social media consumption with content from traditional media outlets that undergo gatekeeping processes.
“While social media has the advantage of showing various aspects of our society, there is also the possibility that citizens may be subjected to confirmation bias. So, it is important to consume traditional medial platform’s content produced through the gatekeeping process.”
The Korea Times · January 1, 2025
13. North Korean Soldiers Fighting With Outdated Weapons, Ukrainian Sergeant Says
Of course we, and other NATO countries, have also been providing Ukraine with outdated military equipment.
North Korean Soldiers Fighting With Outdated Weapons, Ukrainian Sergeant Says
eurasiareview.com · December 31, 2024
By Park Jaewoo and Lee Sangmin
North Korean soldiers are fighting with deteriorated supplies and outdated weapons and may have been carrying no food rations during their recent combat operations in Russia’s Kursk region, a Ukrainian special operations sergeant told Radio Free Asia.
Mykhailo Makaruk of the 8th Special Operations Regiment said he came to the realization after searching through uniforms of North Korean soldiers who had been killed in Russia’s Kursk region.
“They have no military food in their bags. They have some grenades but it’s not even the Soviet type,” Makaruk said in an interview with RFA on Friday that was conducted in English. “It’s bullshit grenades. And they have lower level military medicine kits.”
Up to 12,000 North Korean soldiers are in Russia to support its war efforts against Ukraine in Kursk, according to Ukraine and the U.S.
Ukraine has reported more than 3,000 North Korean casualties while South Korea estimates at least 1,100 North Koreans have been killed or wounded.
In a briefing on Friday, White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby said there have been more than 1,000 North Korean casualties in the past week alone.
The North Korean military has been mounting “hopeless” attacks on Ukrainian forces in Kursk on the orders of the Russian and North Korean military leadership, Kirby said, adding that North Korean human wave tactics “haven’t really been all that effective.”
There have been no signs of an additional deployment of soldiers from North Korea, despite the recent high casualty numbers, the Pentagon’s Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh told reporters in Washington on Monday.
“Can’t say that we’re seeing more being sent, but that doesn’t mean that they won’t send more in the future,” she said.
Cigarette lighters
Makaruk said the North Koreans appear to have Soviet standards for training, and all of their equipment –- including Kalashnikov AK-47 rifles -– seem to have been provided by the Russians.
That included smaller items, such as Russian cigarettes as well as multiple lighters that they may have been collecting as souvenirs or for use as barter currency, he said.
Makaruk spoke to RFA after rotating from the combat zone to a rear Ukrainian military operations area.
He said he also found ID cards that labeled the North Korean troops as “non-combat soldiers” who were carrying out “civilian occupations.”
The Ukrainian military has previously said that North Korean soldiers are using fake ID cards with Russian-style names to hide their identities.
The signature field on the cards seen by Makaruk contained just a handwritten Korean name that appeared to have been written with a different type of writing instrument.
Makaruk didn’t provide any relevant documents or photos, and RFA was unable to independently verify his claims.
Language barrier
Meanwhile, a Russian prisoner of war said in a video released on Telegram that the North Korean military has its own command system separate from the Russian military.
The prisoner, identified as Alyoshin Alexey, also said that there is a serious language barrier between the Russians and North Koreans, most of whom don’t speak Russian. There are no interpreters built into North Korean units, he said.
The video was posted to Telegram on Monday by the pro-Ukrainian international civic group InformNaplam.
Alyoshin Alexey said he is a member of the Russian Army’s 352nd Motorized Infantry Regiment and was active in Kursk when North Korean soldiers began appearing in the area on Dec. 10.
There have been several friendly fire incidents between the two sides that have resulted in casualties, he said.
Also, he noted that the North Korean military usually attempts to collect the bodies of dead soldiers from the battlefield possibly because they don’t want to leave evidence that could identify them as North Korean.
Neither Russia nor North Korea have confirmed the presence of North Korean troops in the region.
Earlier in December, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Russian forces of burning the faces of dead North Korean soldiers to keep their deployment secret.
eurasiareview.com · December 31, 2024
14. Elon Musk has done it: iPhones and Android smartphones can now use his satellites to make calls anywhere on Earth
If this is accurate then we need to request that he employ his satellites over north Korea so we can connect the Korean people in the north to the outside world.
This could be a game changer for information campaigns for north Korea.
Elon Musk has done it: iPhones and Android smartphones can now use his satellites to make calls anywhere on Earth - Jason Deegan
jasondeegan.com · by Smith Noah · December 30, 2024
XWhatsApp
76
SHARES
After revolutionizing global internet access, Elon Musk’s Starlink is poised to take smartphone connectivity to the next level. The ambitious satellite service will soon enable users to make calls from virtually anywhere on the planet, all without the need for specialized hardware.
Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell service: what it means
Starlink, a division of SpaceX, has announced its plans to introduce Direct-to-Cell, a groundbreaking feature that uses its vast satellite network to allow voice calls on regular smartphones. What sets this apart is its simplicity—there’s no need for modifications to your device. As long as your phone is LTE-compatible, you’re ready to connect.
This innovation could fundamentally change how we think about mobile communication. Imagine being able to make calls from the remotest corners of the Earth—whether you’re deep in a rainforest, sailing in the middle of the ocean, or trekking across deserts—with no cell towers in sight. Starlink’s satellite system makes this scenario entirely possible.
Read
Which smartphones are compatible?
According to a letter sent by SpaceX to the FCC, the service has already proven successful with devices from major brands like Apple, Samsung, and Google. Tests confirmed smooth communication using the PCS G Block spectrum, across urban and rural areas, indoors and outdoors, and even under tree cover or clear skies.
Crucially, SpaceX emphasizes that any LTE-enabled smartphone will work with this technology—no hardware upgrades required. Even slightly older models like the iPhone 13 or iPhone 14 can benefit from this satellite connectivity, proving that cutting-edge communication doesn’t have to leave older devices behind.
Pin
A game-changer for messaging and emergencies
One of the most significant advantages of Starlink’s service is its flexibility. Unlike traditional satellite communication systems that often restrict users to preset messaging options, this new solution allows consumers to send fully customizable messages through their preferred platforms. In emergency situations, this added context could be life-saving, enabling users to clearly communicate their needs.
Read
Whether it’s a text to check in with loved ones or a critical call during an outdoor expedition, this innovation promises seamless, reliable communication where it was previously impossible.
What’s next for Starlink?
Starlink plans to roll out this new satellite phone service as part of a commercial package, with pricing details yet to be revealed. The potential impact is immense—not just for adventurers and emergency responders, but also for everyday users in rural or underserved areas where traditional mobile networks struggle to provide consistent service.
And this is just the beginning. SpaceX’s letter to the FCC hints at future expansions, including support for the Internet of Things (IoT), improved voice communication, and even web browsing through the satellite network. These advancements aim to deliver even greater value for individuals, businesses, and emergency services.
Bridging the global communication gap
While those with access to fast fiber-optic internet may not immediately see the appeal of satellite connectivity, Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell service has the potential to address a critical need. Despite the widespread availability of mobile networks, vast regions of the world still lack reliable coverage. Starlink’s solution could offer a lifeline in such areas, particularly for travelers and outdoor enthusiasts who depend on uninterrupted access for safety and convenience.
Read
By making it possible to stay connected from virtually anywhere, Elon Musk’s Starlink continues to push the boundaries of modern communication. Whether for work, emergencies, or simply keeping in touch, this latest development could redefine what it means to be connected in an increasingly mobile world.
4/5 - (944 votes)
Smith Noah
My name is Noah and I’m a dedicated member of the “Jason Deegan” team. With my passion for technology, I strive to bring you the latest and most exciting news in the world of high-tech.
jasondeegan.com · by Smith Noah · December 30, 2024
15. In Trump's words: Fact-checking his claims and their impact on South Korea
But I doubt that Trump's supporters will concur with these "checked facts."
In Trump's words: Fact-checking his claims and their impact on South Korea
koreaherald.com · by Ahn Sung-mi · January 1, 2025
From tariff threats to trade relations, CHIPS Act, unpacking President-elect Donald Trump's rhetoric and what it means for Korean companies
President-elect Donald Trump (AP-Yonhap)
With former President Donald Trump set to return to the White House later this month, South Korean companies are bracing for economic upheavals.
From tariffs to trade relations, the possibility of sweeping changes has put companies on edge as they weigh the risks and opportunities.
Trump’s campaign rhetoric has been full of bold promises, from slapping hefty tariffs on imports to enforcing aggressive trade policies. But if there’s one thing businesses learned from his first term, it’s that these threats often serve as bargaining chips rather than permanent policies.
While South Korean firms with billions in US investment should prepare for some turbulence, there’s no need to panic just yet. Trump’s playbook might be less about rewriting the rules and more about using them to his advantage.
In prepping for what to expect, The Korea Herald has fact-checked some of Trump’s remarks related to the economy and announced policies, analyzing their feasibility and potential implications for Korea.
Trump's love affair with tariffs
"We’re going to be a tariff nation. It’s not going to be a cost to you, it’s going to be a cost to another country." (At campaign rally in Wisconsin on Sept. 7, 2024)
False. Tariffs make imports more expensive, but it is the buyer who pays.
"Tariff is the most beautiful word in the dictionary," Trump famously said during his campaign.
And he’s doubling down on that stance, threatening a 60 percent duty on all imports from China and even floating a blanket 10-20 percent tax on goods from every other country.
On Day 1 of his second term, he has vowed to impose a 25 percent tariff on imports from Mexico and Canada and tack on another 10 percent for China.
For South Korea, an export-driven economy, these policies could sting. The US is a key market for Korean products like cars, electronics and semiconductors.
But if Trump’s tariffs go into effect, it’s not just South Korean firms that will feel the pain -- American consumers will too.
Tariffs are essentially taxes on imports, and it is American importers -- not foreign manufacturers -- who actually foot the bill. To cover these added costs, business often pass the burden to the consumers by raising prices. According to a report from ING, these tariffs could end up costing Americans as much as $2,400 per person each year.
And retaliation is always a possibility. China, Mexico, and Canada -- the targets of Trump’s Day 1 tariffs -- account for nearly half of all US imports. If these countries retaliate, costs for daily essentials like fresh fruits and vegetables from Mexico and oil from Canada could rise even further.
Is Korea a real trade enemy?
"We helped Korea come back from the Korean War. … It‘s time we stop. They are a money machine. … Sure it’s an ally but you know on trade it‘s not an ally, on trade it’s an enemy. Some of the worst people we have in terms of trade are allies." (Interview with Larry Kudlow of Fox Business on Oct. 4, 2024)
Mostly false. US has trade deficit with Korea, but those imports help fuel its economy.
The US does run a trade deficit with South Korea. In 2023, it hit $51.4 billion, making Korea the eighth-largest contributor to America’s trade gap, according to US data. For Trump, who’s laser-focused on shrinking this deficit, it is a figure that’s hard to ignore. But the story is not as straightforward as it seems.
A big chunk of what South Korea sends to the US is intermediate goods -- things like semiconductors, battery components, displays and steel that are used to make other products -- that are essential for US manufacturing. Data from the Export-Import Bank of Korea shows these materials accounted for over half of Korea’s exports to the US during both Trump’s and Biden’s tenure. In 2022, they comprised 60.4 percent of Korean shipments, and last year, they made up 50.1 percent.
Over the past three years, Korean conglomerates like Samsung, Hyundai, SK, LG and Hanwha have injected over $114 billion to the US, building plants, creating jobs and boosting local economies.
The recent uptick in the trade deficit also reflects the local materials being shipped in to help construct these new facilities.
Should Trump raises concerns over the trade gap, Korean firms should be ready to explain how their exports and investments are bolstering the US economy, not undermining it.
Luring foreign factories to the US
"Vote for Trump, and you will see a mass exodus of manufacturing from China to Pennsylvania, from Korea to North Carolina, from Germany to right here in Georgia." (Campaign rally in Savanah, Georgia, on Sept. 24, 2024)
Misleading. Reshoring attempts began under Biden, but US lacks skilled workforce.
At campaign rallies, Trump promised to lure foreign manufacturers to America with higher tariffs and tax breaks. But the reality is not so clear.
Manufacturing in the US has been on the decline for decades, now accounting for just 8 percent of the workforce, a steep decline from 30 percent in the 1970s. Automation, outsourcing and cost-cutting layoffs have shifted the landscape. Modern manufacturing jobs require advanced skills that many US workers simply don’t have.
Companies like Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. have also struggled to find skilled labor in the US. The Taiwanese semiconductor titan reportedly delayed the opening of its Arizona chip factory from 2024 to 2025, citing a shortage of qualified workers. TSMC had to bring half of approximately 2,200 employees at its Arizona plant from Taiwan due to a lack of trained local workers.
Without US investment in labor training and education, the US market will remain unprepared, leading foreign companies to rely on their own employees. For Korean conglomerates, this uncertainty could lead to rethink of their ambitious expansion plans stateside.
‘Tax China to build up America’
My agenda will tax China to build up America. … I will implement a bold series of reforms to completely eliminate dependence on China in all critical areas. We will revoke China’s most favored nation trade status and adopt a four-year plan to phase out all Chinese imports of essential goods, everything from electronics to steel to pharmaceuticals. (Campaign Agenda 47)
Unlikely. Chinese technology advanced after trade curbs of Trump's first term.
Trump has vowed to “tax China to build up America” and cut reliance on Chinese goods in critical areas like electronics, essential goods and pharmaceuticals. But did his strategy of tariffs and sanctions during his first term slow China’s rise? The results are mixed.
While the initial restrictions disrupted some Chinese companies, they also spurred China to accelerate its push for technological self-sufficiency.
During Trump’s first term, a slew of export controls prompted China to invest in critical industries like semiconductors, electric vehicles, artificial intelligence and biotechnology. This was part of its ambitious “Made in China 2025” initiative to dominate cutting-edge technology.
Huawei led the charge, unveiling last year the Mate 60 smartphone powered largely by domestically produced components. It was hailed as a milestone for China’s semiconductor aspirations and a step closer to catching up with global competitors.
ChangXin Memory Technologies, a rising player in DRAM production, has also been scaling up. The company is projected to claim 15 percent of the global DRAM market in the coming years, according to Nomura Securities. It’s also moving toward mass production of high-bandwidth memory chips, essential for AI applications. While its capabilities in this area still trail industry leaders like Korea’s SK hynix and Samsung as well as Micron in the US, it is making rapid progress.
Experts caution that trying to stall China’s technological momentum may be futile. US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo has called export controls merely “speed bumps” on China’s path, describing the effort to hold back Beijing as “a fool’s errand” in an interview with The Wall Street Journal. Raimondo, who executed the Biden administration's chip policies, emphasized that the real key for Washington to outpace China lies in innovation.
Subsidies vs. tariffs
"That chip deal is so bad. When I see us paying a lot of money to have people build chips, that‘s not the way. You didn’t have to put up $0.10, you could have done it with a series of tariffs." (On Joe Rogan podcast on Oct. 25, 2024)
Probably false. Prospect of switch to tarriffs has slowed factory expansion in US.
Trump has bashed the CHIPS and Science Act, which offers subsidies for setting up chip factories in the US.
Under the legislation, Samsung Electronics secured $4.745 billion in subsidies for its $37 billion advanced chip manufacturing expansion in Central Texas, while SK hynix was awarded $458 million for the company’s $3.87 billion advanced chip plants in Indiana.
Trump contends that higher tariffs, rather than subsidies, would do more to encourage companies like TSMC, Samsung and SK hynix to establish operations in the US by making chip imports pricier.
But early evidence casts doubt on this. Faced with the possibility that the US could switch from subsidies to tarriffs, chip companies have slowed their efforts to increase capacity there. And while tariffs could make imported chips more expensive, this will be offset to some extent by the low yield rate in US factories brought on by the skills shortage mentioned above.
In any case, there are legal obstacles. the CHIPS Act is bipartisan legislation that has already been enacted, making it difficult to simply withdraw from.
High tariffs could also affect raw materials used in production, ultimately driving up the cost of chips, even if they are manufactured in the US.
Tariffs on semiconductors themselves would likely raise costs for industries that dependent on them, from carmakers to tech companies. With the US producing only about 10 percent of the world’s chips -- and none of the most advanced chips -- tariffs on chips could wreak havoc on global supply chains.
Especially, high-tech industries, which rely on intricate international supply networks would especially be vulnerable as increased costs ripple through each stage of production. American tech giants like Nvidia and AMD, whose semiconductors mostly come from Taiwan and Korea, could feel the pinch on their profitability.
For Samsung and SK hynix, additional tariffs could exacerbate operational challenges, particularly as they grapple with squeezed profit margins. Such measures could raise questions about the long-term viability of their investments and operations in the US.
koreaherald.com · by Ahn Sung-mi · January 1, 2025
De Oppresso Liber,
David Maxwell
Vice President, Center for Asia Pacific Strategy
Senior Fellow, Global Peace Foundation
Editor, Small Wars Journal
Twitter: @davidmaxwell161
Phone: 202-573-8647
email: david.maxwell161@gmail.com
| 
