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Quotes of the Day:
“I like simple things, books, being alone, or with someone who understands.”
– Daphne du Maurier
“Tolerance becomes a crime when it is applied to evil.”
– Thomas Mann
“To write the truth, as I see it; to defend the weak against the strong; to fight for justice; and to seek, as best I can, to bring healing perspectives to bear on their terrible hates and fears of mankind, in the hope of someday bringing about one world, in which men [and women] will enjoy the differences of the human garden instead of killing each other over them.”
– I. F. Stone
1. Trump, U.S. first lady congratulate former PPP lawmaker Ji Seong-ho on wedding
2. North Korea unveils new air-to-air missile in live-fire test, likely backed by Russian tech
3. DP's Lee proposes amending Constitution for two four-year presidential terms
4. Beyond Yoon: The Breakdown of Rule of Law in Korea
5. U.S. Allies Are Still Waiting for Tariff Relief Even After Speedy China Truce
6. US-UK tips on how Koreans, others must approach Trump trade talks
7. DP's Lee vows pragmatic diplomacy with China
8. Presidential candidates honor victims of 1980 pro-democracy uprising
9. Lee Jae-myung defends 'xie xie' comment after 'pro-China' accusation
10. Presidential candidates clash over economy in 1st TV debate
11. N. Korea's university resumes Chinese language test for 1st time in 5 years
12. Presidential hopefuls lock horns over Trump trade response strategy
13. Global maritime regulations and future of the Korean shipbuilding industry
1. Trump, U.S. first lady congratulate former PPP lawmaker Ji Seong-ho on wedding
Good news and congratulations to our friend Ji Seong Ho. Very nice of the President to do this. You can view the image of the letter at the link.
Recall the State of the Union in 2018 when he raised his crutches in the balcony.
As an aside, few people know and credit was never given, but the Korean escapees who were present were there only because of the efforts of Greg Scarlatiou, the President and CEO of the Committee For Human Rights in North Korea. He brought them to the US and gave the White House the opportunity to demonstrate the President's commitment to human rights in north Korea.
Sunday
May 18, 2025
dictionary + A - A
Trump, U.S. first lady congratulate former PPP lawmaker Ji Seong-ho on wedding
https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2025-05-18/national/socialAffairs/Trump-US-first-lady-congratulate-former-PPP-lawmaker-Ji-Seongho-on-wedding/2309776
Published: 18 May. 2025, 13:31
Updated: 18 May. 2025, 20:35
Ji Seong-ho, a North Korean defector-turned-People Power Party lawmaker, speaks to reporters in the Brady press briefing room at the White House, in Washington, on Jan. 31, 2018. Ji was a guest of President Donald Trump when he delivered the State of the Union. [AP/YONHAP]
U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump sent a letter congratulating Ji Seong-ho, a North Korean defector and former People Power Party lawmaker, on his recent wedding.
Ji shared the letter on Facebook on Saturday, revealing that the Trumps wished him and his bride a joyful future together.
"Congratulations on your wedding," the letter read. "We are pleased to join your family and friends in celebrating this wonderful occasion.”
Related Article
The Trumps also expressed that they’ll “pray for a lifetime of joy and happiness” and ended the letter saying, “May your hearts grow fonder and your love deep each day, and may God continue to bless you.”
Trump's gesture is seen as a recognition of his past connection with Ji, who was invited as a special guest to Trump's State of the Union address in 2018. During that address, Trump introduced Ji, then an activist, as a witness to the "horrors of the North Korean regime."
Born in 1982 in Haksan-dong, Hoeryong County, North Hamgyong Province, Ji escaped from North Korea on crutches and became a prominent advocate for North Korean human rights in South Korea.
U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump's letter addressed to Ji Seong-ho, a North Korean defector and former People Power Party lawmaker, to congratulate him on his recent wedding. [SCREEN CAPTURE]
In his social media post on the same day, Ji reflected on his journey.
"It has been 20 years since I crossed the Tumen River on crutches and found freedom in South Korea," he wrote. "I am grateful to God for this blessing, and today, I have received another blessing by marrying the most beautiful bride in the world."
He also expressed surprise at receiving congratulations from across the Pacific.
"President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, who invited me to the 2018 State of the Union to speak about North Korean human rights, have now sent me a congratulatory message for my wedding. I thank them once again."
BY KIM EUN-BIN [yim.seunghye@joongang.co.kr]
2. North Korea unveils new air-to-air missile in live-fire test, likely backed by Russian tech
We will not know the full scope of likely Russian support for north Korean advanced military technology for some time.
Sunday
May 18, 2025
dictionary + A - A
North Korea unveils new air-to-air missile in live-fire test, likely backed by Russian tech
https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2025-05-18/national/northKorea/North-Korea-unveils-new-airtoair-missile-in-livefire-test-likely-backed-by-Russian-tech/2309760
Published: 18 May. 2025, 14:05
Updated: 18 May. 2025, 19:46
North Korea's MiG-29 fighter jet fires a medium-range air-to-air missile on May 15. The air-to-air missile is a weapons system that South Korea has yet to domestically produce. [KCNA]
North Korea unveiled footage of its fighter jet conducting a live-fire test of a new domestically produced, medium-range air-to-air missile on Saturday, marking the first time the weapon has been publicly showcased. The missile is believed to be the result of technology transferred from Russia under the countries' expanding military cooperation. South Korea has not yet developed its own air-to-air missile.
The state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un supervised an air defense and airstrike training session for the country’s air force two days earlier. The footage showed a MiG-29 fighter jet launching what is suspected to be a new air-to-air missile and a glide-guided bomb, successfully intercepting a cruise missile and an unmanned aerial target.
Related Article
North Korea conducted anti-aircraft combat and airstrike training for its air force units on May 15. [KCNA]
North Korea had previously displayed the new medium-range air-to-air missile at the defense expo “Self-Defense 2021,” but this was the first known live-fire test. According to Rep. Yoo Yong-won of the People Power Party, the test indicates that North Korea has “achieved some level of proficiency in integrating [radar and avionics] with its [medium-range] air-to-air missile system.”
The targets shot down by the MiG-29 included what analysts described as a “North Korean version of the Uran” anti-ship missile and a manta ray-shaped drone, which appear to simulate South Korea’s cruise missiles and stealth drones.
According to Yoo, the missile’s appearance has drawn comparisons to the China’s PL-12, which was developed with Russian technical assistance, suggesting that the North may have received similar support from Moscow. Yoo also warned that North Korea could further develop the missile for ground-to-air or ship-to-air applications, expanding its operational capabilities.
North Korea’s Rodong Sinmun reported on May 17 that its leader Kim Jong-un visited a unit under the 1st Guards Air Division of the Korean People's Army two days earlier and supervised air defense and airstrike training for the air force units. [RODONG SHINMUN/NEWS1]
South Korea’s air-to-air missile development, by contrast, remains in its early stages. While a new air-to-surface missile for fighter jets is under development with a 2028 target, air-to-surface missiles for helicopters have already been deployed.
KCNA also revealed footage of air-to-ground bombs on Saturday, believed to be GPS-guided and optically guided.
Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of North Korea, reported on May 17 that its leader Kim Jong-un visited the unit under the 1st Guards Air Division of the Korean People’s Army on May 15 and supervised air defense and airstrike training for the air force units. [RODONG SHINMUN/NEWS1]
“This is an evidence of North Korea’s ongoing efforts to develop its own version of South Korea’s Korean GPS-Guided Bomb (KGGB),” said Yoo.
The training session also featured a display of North Korea’s expanding drone capabilities, including the Star-4 strategic reconnaissance drone, resembling the American Global Hawk, and the Star-9 combat drone, akin to the U.S. Reaper drone. The Star-9 formation flight was shown for the first time.
Yoo expressed concern that North Korea's drones, modeled after U.S. designs, “could pose a significant challenge to South Korea’s air defenses.”
“Pyongyang might be adapting tactics and technologies learned from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which could further modernize its conventional air power,” Yoo said.
BY CHO MUN-GYU [yim.seunghye@joongang.co.kr]
3. DP's Lee proposes amending Constitution for two four-year presidential terms
If I were Korean, I would recommend supporting this with the one caveat that Lee outlines. When this amendment is passed it will not apply to the president that is currently in office. It must begin with the next election after the current president; whomever it may be, steps down.
Excerpts:
After attending a ceremony marking the 1980 Gwangju pro-democracy uprising, Lee told reporters the proposed constitutional amendment for the two-term presidency would not apply to the sitting president.
"Our Constitution outlines that a constitutional amendment does not apply to the sitting president," Lee said. "If (the amendment) takes place right after the local elections, it would fit perfectly.
(LEAD) DP's Lee proposes amending Constitution for two four-year presidential terms | Yonhap News Agency
en.yna.co.kr · by Chae Yun-hwan · May 18, 2025
(ATTN: UPDATES throughout with Lee's remarks; ADDS photo)
SEOUL, May 18 (Yonhap) -- Democratic Party (DP) presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung on Sunday proposed an amendment to the nation's Constitution that would allow a president to serve two four-year terms.
The proposal is expected to help reduce presidential powers because a president could be judged by voters when the first four-year term is over, Lee said in a Facebook posting.
"By introducing the double-term presidency, a president's responsibility will be strengthened" because of mid-term elections, Lee said.
Lee, who has kept a solid lead in opinion polls for the June 3 election, called for the National Assembly to form a special committee for the discussions for the proposed amendment.
South Korea's single, five-year term presidency was established in an amendment to the Constitution in 1987.
Democratic Party presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung greets voters in the southwestern city of Naju on May 17, 2025. (Pool photo) (Yonhap)
Lee proposed a referendum on the amendment during the local elections next year or the general elections in 2028.
He also called for introducing a runoff system for presidential elections to "minimize unnecessary social conflict," as well as requiring parliamentary recommendation when appointing prime ministers and parliamentary approval for heads of government agencies.
In addition, Lee called for limiting presidential veto powers and making it necessary for the president to seek parliamentary consent when he or she seeks to declare martial law.
"Even in an emergency, if it does not get parliamentary approval within 24 hours, it should automatically lose its effect," he said.
After attending a ceremony marking the 1980 Gwangju pro-democracy uprising, Lee told reporters the proposed constitutional amendment for the two-term presidency would not apply to the sitting president.
"Our Constitution outlines that a constitutional amendment does not apply to the sitting president," Lee said. "If (the amendment) takes place right after the local elections, it would fit perfectly.
"The issue of terms for the country's final decision maker must be considered carefully," he said. "What is more important than the constitutional amendment is stabilizing the country and recovering the people's livelihoods, and it would be most rational to conduct the amendment along with the next local elections."
Lee said that constitutional amendments cannot take place unilaterally and called for focusing on areas where a compromise can be reached rather than simply pushing for an all-out revision.
Democratic Party presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung (3rd from R), the minor New Reform Party's Lee Jun-seok (2nd from R) and the minor Justice Party's Kwon Young-kook (R) attend a ceremony marking the 45th anniversary of the 1980 pro-democracy uprising in Gwangju at the May 18th National Cemetery in the southwestern city, about 270 kilometers south of Seoul, on May 18, 2025. (Yonhap)
kdh@yna.co.kr
(END)
en.yna.co.kr · by Chae Yun-hwan · May 18, 2025
4. Beyond Yoon: The Breakdown of Rule of Law in Korea
A strong critique.
The first paragraph in the excerpt could be a mirror image of American politics.
Excerpt:
South Korea’s distinctly two-party system between the conservative and progressive parties – which relies on hostility against each other to garner support, rather than promoting policies or demonstrating competence – has led to political polarization and revenge whenever there is a transfer of power. It reveals the fragile foundation of Korean democracy: built upon mistrust in government institutions, a heavy inclination toward personality politics, and a general lack of strong informal norms that uphold the democratic infrastructure.
The current behavior of the executive, judiciary, and legislature blatantly disregards the equal right of opposing voices to governance and political competition, and lays bare a collective unwillingness to respect both the letter and spirit of the rule of law.
Democracy has not won over martial law just yet – the uphill battle has just begun.
Beyond Yoon: The Breakdown of Rule of Law in Korea
The corrosion of Korean democracy is more insidious, systematic, and widespread than a single bad apple.
https://thediplomat.com/2025/05/beyond-yoon-the-breakdown-of-rule-of-law-in-korea/
By Soyoung Kim
May 16, 2025
Credit: Depositphotos
The impeachment of South Korean President Yoon Seok-yeol for his unlawful declaration of martial law demonstrated that the government is still capable of disciplining the most overt violations of the constitution and the law. But the corrosion of Korean democracy is more insidious, systematic, and widespread than a single bad apple. All three branches of government – executive, judicial, and legislative – are locked in a zero-sum game of egotistical politicking without regard for the durability of the larger system of laws, institutions, and community. They may be following the law to the letter but not its spirit. This fragile commitment to democracy stems from weak norms of mutual tolerance and forbearance.
In office, Yoon exercised a historically high number of vetoes. While it is the president’s constitutional right to request a second reading of a bill passed by the National Assembly, Yoon had been accused of abusing that right to protect himself and his family. Successive acting presidents, Han Duck-soo (former prime minister) and Choi Sang-mok (former economy minister), continued this selective practice, together vetoing 17 bills including the special prosecution acts against then-first lady Kim Gun-hee and power broker Myung Tae-kyun, and amendments to the commercial law, in just three months.
Han also refused to appoint three constitutional judge nominees recommended by the National Assembly, saying it was beyond the scope of his authority as acting president. But just months later, he appointed a nominee that requires presidential recommendation, arguing that that there is no functional difference between the authority of a democratically president and an acting president. The Constitutional Court unanimously granted an injunction to stop the appointment of his nominee.
The Supreme Court has been accused of intervening in politics by remanding the election law violation case of Lee Jae-myung – former leader of the Democratic Party (DP) and a leading presidential candidate – back to appellate courts after unprecedentedly quick proceedings. Law professionals have questioned the court’s extremely rare decision to skip the usual small panel review process and directly conduct a full bench; to conduct two meetings in four days rather than the usual once-a-month schedule; and to hand down a verdict two months earlier than the deadline. The decision to skip the panel stage altogether is reported to have been made by Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Cho Hee-dae. Cho was appointed by Yoon in December 2023.
The National Council of Judges is set to meet in the wake of the controversial decision to discuss concerns about the judiciary’s political neutrality and erosion of public trust in the judicial system. The court’s handling of Lee’s case demanded attention because a guilty verdict would bar Lee from contesting in elections for five years. His trial has now been postponed to after the presidential election.
The legislature has abandoned its responsibility of representing the people and providing oversight of the government. The People Power Party (PPP) bears responsibility for their defense of Yoon’s decision to declare martial law and disruption of the impeachment process, such as killing the first motion in the National Assembly to impeach Yoon by walking out en masse. They demonstrated a blatant disregard for democratic processes and values by actively participating or endorsing the dissemination of conspiracy theories, fake news, and threats to the democratic system. But none of this justifies the DP’s own excessive acts.
Since the beginning of Yoon’s term, the DP passed a total of 22 impeachment votes, raising concerns that they were abusing the mechanism to pressure the executive and remove nonconformists from office without considering its constitutionality and intended purpose of removing appointments who have committed a gross violation of the law. They not only impeached the ministers and prosecutors involved in the martial law plans but also the chief auditor and the Korea Communications Commission Chairperson.
Now the DP is publicly discussing impeaching Chief Justice Cho and the Seoul High Court panel for their remand of Lee’s case and proposing to pack the Supreme Court with 100 justices. Even more serious, the DP proposed a bill that would cease all ongoing criminal trials against a president-elect, in an attempt to prevent the courts from sentencing Lee if he is elected president. This addresses the current uncertainty regarding Article 84 of the Constitution, which stipulates that a sitting president cannot be criminally prosecuted except for crimes of insurrection or treason but does not mention trials that began before their election. In an incredibly brazen act of manipulation, the DP also added a clause in this amendment providing that the trial can continue if it is clear that the defendant will be ruled as not guilty. Passing legislation to suit a political purpose – manipulating the rules of the democratic game – is not illegal but clearly does not support the rule of law.
South Korea’s distinctly two-party system between the conservative and progressive parties – which relies on hostility against each other to garner support, rather than promoting policies or demonstrating competence – has led to political polarization and revenge whenever there is a transfer of power. It reveals the fragile foundation of Korean democracy: built upon mistrust in government institutions, a heavy inclination toward personality politics, and a general lack of strong informal norms that uphold the democratic infrastructure.
The current behavior of the executive, judiciary, and legislature blatantly disregards the equal right of opposing voices to governance and political competition, and lays bare a collective unwillingness to respect both the letter and spirit of the rule of law.
Democracy has not won over martial law just yet – the uphill battle has just begun.
Authors
Guest Author
Soyoung Kim
Soyoung Kim is an assistant professor in the Faculty of International Studies, Nagoya University of Commerce and Business.
5. U.S. Allies Are Still Waiting for Tariff Relief Even After Speedy China Truce
See the graphics at the link.
U.S. Allies Are Still Waiting for Tariff Relief Even After Speedy China Truce
Talks with Japan, South Korea and European Union bog down over auto tariffs and U.S. reneging on past deals
https://www.wsj.com/economy/trade/trump-tariff-relief-us-allies-0a18879c?st=oqfx8o&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink
By Jason Douglas
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and Timothy W. Martin
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Updated May 18, 2025 12:01 am ET
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Ryosei Akazawa, Japan’s minister of economic revitalization, said one Japanese automaker is losing a million dollars every hour because of tariffs. Photo: Stefani Reynolds/Bloomberg News
The U.S. hammered out a trade truce with its foremost geopolitical rival in record time. Reaching agreement with longtime allies is proving more of a slog.
The U.S. drew up a list of 18 key trading partners to focus on in negotiations following President Trump’s April 2 tariff blitz, when he slapped “reciprocal” tariffs on almost all U.S. imports.
Yet aside from one quick agreement with the U.K. and now the tariff rollback with China, none have so far yielded the kind of breakthrough that would bring relief for painful import levies.
For some of the biggest targets on that list, such as Japan, South Korea and the European Union, one sticking point is cars. The U.S. has so far been reluctant to drop a crippling 25% tariff on imported autos, which particularly hits these allies.
The U.K. did secure a lower auto tariff in its rapid-fire agreement with U.S. negotiators—but only on the first 100,000 vehicles imported each year, far fewer than the carmaking powerhouses send to the U.S. each year.
In earnings reports this month, Toyota, Honda and Nissan blamed tariffs for souring profit forecasts, while data Friday showed Japan’s economy shrank in the first quarter, underlining its vulnerability to an export decline.
Japan’s top trade negotiator, Ryosei Akazawa, said Japan was still seeking the removal of all tariffs Trump has recently imposed, including those on autos and steel as well as the baseline 10% “reciprocal” tariff. He called these levies “deeply regrettable.”
Seoul is also seeking an exemption from tariffs and its trade minister met Friday on South Korea’s Jeju Island with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. Noting the local auto-parts industry creates about 330,000 jobs, South Korea’s minister for small and midsize businesses recently pledged support to minimize the damage.
Trade officials from several EU member states said they would push for a better deal than the one the U.K. reached with the U.S., which left tariffs in place for most goods. “I don’t think that’s the level of ambition Europe would be happy with,” said Michał Baranowski, Poland’s deputy economy minister.
For some of the U.S.’s closest allies and trading partners, auto tariffs have become a sticking point. Photo: Hiro Komae/Associated Press
Trump on April 2 announced plans to hit U.S. allies and adversaries alike with steep new tariffs aimed at reining in the U.S.’s yawning trade deficit and rebuilding U.S. manufacturing.
Japan received a 24% tariff, while the EU got 20%. The Trump administration said the tariffs reflected not just other countries’ tariffs on imports from the U.S. but also onerous regulations and other nontariff barriers.
The levy on South Korea was set at 25%, while the U.K., with which the U.S. runs a trade surplus, got the baseline 10% rate that Trump wants to be a floor on almost all U.S. imports.
Days after announcing the new levies, the White House decreed most of those new tariffs would be suspended for 90 days, while car and steel tariffs remained in force. A rush to negotiate better terms began.
Japan was the first country out of the block to start talks, and officials were hoping for a quick deal.
Trump has frequently spoken of his regard for former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who presented him with a golden golf club after he won the presidency in 2016. Abe’s widow visited Mar-a-Lago late last year following Trump’s second election victory, and the current prime minister, Shigeru Ishiba, was one of the first global leaders to visit the White House after inauguration day.
Unlike China, Japan didn’t retaliate against Trump’s tariffs and Ishiba has been careful to avoid public criticism of the president.
“The Japanese are very careful to not have Trump lose face,” said Shihoko Goto of the Washington-based Mansfield Foundation.
Yorizumi Watanabe, president of Fuji Women’s University in Japan and a former top Japanese trade negotiator, said Tokyo was among the nations most susceptible to U.S. pressure.
“Japan is maybe the easiest one to negotiate because we are totally dependent on the U.S. market and also U.S. defense,” he said.
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba met President Trump at the White House in February. Photo: Kyodonews/Zuma Press
At the same time, he said, Japan is wary of giving too much away in talks. It already signed a trade pact with the U.S. in 2019 during Trump’s first term in which Japan lowered tariffs on some U.S. agricultural products, such as frozen beef and pork, while the U.S. lowered tariffs on some Japanese goods such as machine tools.
Trump has shown by levying a host of new tariffs that he doesn’t consider the 2019 deal with Japan binding, much as he dispensed with the U.S.-Mexico-Canada agreement he also negotiated during his first term.
In Tokyo, that about-face stung. “Even assuming we reach a new agreement built on a win-win relationship, it’s important to reaffirm that they’re going to observe the rules fully this time,” Yoshihiko Noda, leader of the opposition Constitutional Democratic Party, said in an interview.
Trade experts say Japan could offer to increase imports of U.S. cars and align its car-safety standards with America’s. It could propose buying more corn and other agricultural products, this time including rice, which was excluded from 2019 talks. Japan’s shipbuilding expertise could help the U.S. Navy and rebuild the long-dormant U.S. industry, a Trump priority.
There are hurdles other than tariffs. Analysts say some U.S. trading partners might balk at demands to loosen economic ties with China, or agree to let their currencies appreciate against the dollar. Still, the U.S.-China deal reached in Geneva clears some space for Trump’s team to turn its attention to other countries.
“I’ve been focused on the Asia deals, of which obviously China is the largest,” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Tuesday. “We’ve had very productive discussions with Japan,” he said, adding that across Asia “things are going very well.”
Write to Jason Douglas at jason.douglas@wsj.com and Timothy W. Martin at Timothy.Martin@wsj.com
6. US-UK tips on how Koreans, others must approach Trump trade talks
Interesting advice.
Excerpts:
It also remains to be seen if massive investments announced prior to negotiation days – such as Hyundai’s $21 billion countrywide investment announcement from March or possible involvement in the Alaska LNG pipeline – will be considered as part of a trade package, or if deals will need to be made day of.
Last, the UK deal entailed some liberally framed commitments set to be resolved at a later date. One clause included a pledge for both countries to continue “to identify” areas of opportunity for trade relations. The United States and the United Kingdom did not go into the agreement with any preexisting FTA. The agreement allows either country to terminate the agreement with written notice. This makes the deal a different commitment than the US-Korea FTA (KORUS FTA), which requires 180 days’ notice for termination, and moreover, does not appear to be legally binding.
Nomenclature is important. Since this is an “economic prosperity deal,” movement toward any type of post-Brexit FTA would likely require further negotiation. In South Korea’s case, the extent to which a deal could abrogate or change the KORUS FTA was not indicated by the deal made with the United Kingdom on May 8. Still, the declaration of a British trade deal means that things are starting to move forward, and that Liberation Day may not be the end all be all.
US-UK tips on how Koreans, others must approach Trump trade talks - Asia Times
For a deal to be made, attention must be paid to high-level publicity and visible leader deference – on camera
asiatimes.com · by Tom Ramage · May 16, 2025
On May 8, President Donald Trump announced the first bilateral trade deal since unveiling the so-called “Liberation Day” tariffs on April 2. The agreement with the United Kingdom, labeled as an “economic prosperity deal” rather than a free trade agreement (FTA), portends what future trade deals may look like, particularly for close allies and trading partners like South Korea.
Notably, the 10 percent baseline tariff remains in place, meaning there is likely no reprieve for other negotiating partners. The UK government made concessions that the United States felt were good enough to reach an alternative arrangement for Section 232 tariffs on autos and steel, although the United Kingdom was not targeted by the reciprocal tariffs announced on April 2. The two countries also agreed to a quota system of 10 percent baseline tariffs and 25 percent thereafter for the first 100,000 UK vehicles sent to the United States.
For steel, along with a commitment to continue negotiations, the deal advertises the creation of a trading union for aluminum and steel between the two countries, whereby the United States would “promptly construct a quota at most favored nation (MFN) rates for UK steel and aluminum” with a given that the United Kingdom “meet US requirements on the security of the supply chains of steel and aluminum products.” This could have subsequent implications for Korean steel, as there are now alternative arrangements taking place for the 232 tariffs under which Korean steel exports to the United States now apply.
A notable omission from the US-UK deal is any mention of service industry tariffs, including on US films produced overseas, which President Trump has indicated he would target. At the signing ceremony for the US-UK trade deal on May 8, he suggested such issues could be handled separately. In 2024, US studios spent around $2.8 billion to film movies in the United Kingdom, including blockbuster films Wicked and Barbie. Taxing this investment with tariffs could become a substantial issue between the United States and other countries if fully pursued by the Trump administration.
No deal would be complete without substantial investment commitments. Within a day of the agreement, British Airways’ parent company announced the purchase of roughly $13 billion worth of Boeing aircraft – a development that was teased by Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick in the original announcement. At the press conference announcing the trade deal, Lutnick indicated that the United States had “agreed to let Rolls-Royce engines and those kind of plane parts to come over tariff-free,” although the intricacies of such an arrangement did not appear in the official text of the agreement.
Beyond these items, the agreement does not mention Britain’s future status under AI export controls or access to chips – the Joe Biden administration’s “AI diffusion rule” guaranteeing the country’s tier-one status was rescinded shortly after the talks – nor did US companies offer any chip or AI concessions in tandem. This stands in contrast to Trump’s recent inroads in the Middle East, where he received major concessions at the same time as business deals for countries to access high-level US semiconductor technologies.
These agreements may mean that control over access to AI technologies and advanced chips will be a critical part of the canvas as the president creates new deals.
President Trump came away from the deal with market expansion for US agricultural products in the United Kingdom – including $700 million for ethanol exports – along with alignment on labor, intellectual property and environmental standards and commitments for supply chains on pharmaceuticals. Perhaps one of the most significant implications for a US-Korea deal is the United Kingdom granting the United States an exemption on its 20% tariff on beef imports, replacing it with a quota system for US imports of the item. This is an important development for Korea’s negotiating posture, where the country maintains restrictions on the import of US beef jerky products and beef under thirty months of age.
Along these lines, UK regulations around antibiotics and chemicals remain in force. Prime Minister Keir Starmer clarified that UK food standards would not be eliminated, signaling chlorinated chicken and hormone-treated beef will likely still be ineligible for export. The countries also agreed to collaborate on digital trade, meaning that US-Korea digital platform issues could be on Korea’s docket for further negotiations.
Setting a precedent?
The ins and outs of the UK deal mean a few things for whoever is queued up next.
First, no purchase commitments seem to be enough to repeal the 10% baseline tariff. This is a minimum levy that could remain against other countries for the foreseeable future. It is worth noting that, unlike South Korea, the United Kingdom does not face “reciprocal tariffs.” Therefore, the trade deal provides limited insights as to how U.S. tariffs could be lowered from 25% toward the 10% baseline levels.
Second, a deal almost certainly means high-profile company investments are a negotiating tool for tariff concessions. There is a certain magic in the theatrics around this – the United Kingdom’s deal was done in the Oval Office, with the ambassador in front of the cameras. For a deal to be made, attention will be paid to high-level publicity and visible leader deference.
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It also remains to be seen if massive investments announced prior to negotiation days – such as Hyundai’s $21 billion countrywide investment announcement from March or possible involvement in the Alaska LNG pipeline – will be considered as part of a trade package, or if deals will need to be made day of.
Last, the UK deal entailed some liberally framed commitments set to be resolved at a later date. One clause included a pledge for both countries to continue “to identify” areas of opportunity for trade relations. The United States and the United Kingdom did not go into the agreement with any preexisting FTA. The agreement allows either country to terminate the agreement with written notice. This makes the deal a different commitment than the US-Korea FTA (KORUS FTA), which requires 180 days’ notice for termination, and moreover, does not appear to be legally binding.
Nomenclature is important. Since this is an “economic prosperity deal,” movement toward any type of post-Brexit FTA would likely require further negotiation. In South Korea’s case, the extent to which a deal could abrogate or change the KORUS FTA was not indicated by the deal made with the United Kingdom on May 8. Still, the declaration of a British trade deal means that things are starting to move forward, and that Liberation Day may not be the end all be all.
Tom Ramage is an economic policy analyst at the Korea Economic Institute of America, which originally published this article on its newsletter The Peninsula. The article is republished with permission.
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asiatimes.com · by Tom Ramage · May 16, 2025
7. DP's Lee vows pragmatic diplomacy with China
I fear "pragmatic diplomacy" does not mean what Lee thinks it means and it could be dangerous for South Korea, especially when considering the nature, objectives ,and strategy of Xi and the CCP/PRC.
DP's Lee vows pragmatic diplomacy with China | Yonhap News Agency
en.yna.co.kr · by Kim Eun-jung · May 18, 2025
SEOUL, May 18 (Yonhap) -- Democratic Party presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung said Sunday he would pursue a pragmatic foreign policy toward China, responding to criticism from his rivals who labeled him "pro-China."
During a televised debate, Lee responded to the question from Lee Jun-seok of the New Reform Party over past remarks in which he suggested South Korea should simply say "xie xie" (thank you in Chinese) to both China and Taiwan, and refrain from taking sides in their dispute.
"We must prioritize the national interest and avoid becoming too deeply involved in the China-Taiwan conflict," Lee said. "The idea is to respect the status quo and maintain an appropriate distance."
Democratic Party presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung (L) and his People Power Party rival Kim Moon-soo attend the first televised debate in Seoul on May 18, 2025. (Pool photo) (Yonhap)
Lee, the front-runner in the June 3 election with about 50 percent support, added that calling him "pro-China" was an "inappropriate" label for a politician.
Pressed on whether he would support intervention in a potential China-Taiwan contingency, Lee declined to give a definitive answer, instead emphasizing a flexible, situational approach.
"If a specific situation arises, we must assess it flexibly, based on the national interest," he said. "Diplomatic relations are fluid and responses should vary accordingly."
While reaffirming the importance of the South Korea–U.S. alliance, Lee said diplomacy with other major powers, such as China and Russia, should be handled in a prudent matter, saying it should be guided by "pragmatism" and the "national interest."
"It's clear the South Korea-U.S. alliance should remain the foundation of our diplomacy and security, and be further strengthened," he said. "But we should not go all in and put all our eggs in one basket."
ejkim@yna.co.kr
(END)
en.yna.co.kr · by Kim Eun-jung · May 18, 2025
8. Presidential candidates honor victims of 1980 pro-democracy uprising
(LEAD) Presidential candidates honor victims of 1980 pro-democracy uprising | Yonhap News Agency
en.yna.co.kr · by Chae Yun-hwan · May 18, 2025
(ATTN: UPDATES throughout; ADDS photo; RECASTS headline)
GWANGJU, May 18 (Yonhap) -- Some presidential candidates honored victims of the pro-democracy uprising in Gwangju on Sunday by visiting a cemetery where protesters who were killed 45 years ago were laid.
Democratic Party presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung, the minor New Reform Party's Lee Jun-seok and the minor Justice Party's Kwon Young-kook were among some 2,500 attendees who took part in the ceremony at the May 18th National Cemetery.
On May 18, 1980, demonstrators in Gwangju, including students, protested against the then ruling junta led by Chun Doo-hwan, who seized power in a military coup the previous year. The military conducted a bloody crackdown, leaving hundreds dead.
A ceremony commemorating the 1980 Gwangju pro-democracy uprising takes place at the May 18th National Cemetery in Gwangju, about 270 kilometers south of Seoul, on May 18, 2025. (Pool photo) (Yonhap)
"Going toward the future by respecting others' differences and sharing their pain is the true way to repay for Gwangju that May," acting President Lee Ju-ho said at the ceremony. "The spirit of solidarity and unity that Gwangju demonstrated that May 45 years ago is a teaching that is needed today."
The ceremony featured various performances dedicated to activists who died during the uprising, including Moon Jae-hak, who was the inspiration for a character in Nobel literature laureate Han Kang's novel "Human Acts."
The event concluded with all of the participants, including the presidential candidates, acting President Lee and National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik, singing the song "March for the Beloved" that symbolizes the pro-democracy uprising.
Meanwhile, the May 18 Foundation, a civic group dedicated to commemorating the pro-democracy movement, expressed "strong regret" over Lee's speech, saying that it did not mention efforts to support the movement, such as outlining the May 18 spirit in the Constitution.
The government has held a ceremony marking the pro-democracy uprising every year after May 18 was designated as a memorial day in 1997.
Democratic Party presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung (3rd from R), the minor New Reform Party's Lee Jun-seok (2nd from R) and the minor Justice Party's Kwon Young-kook (R) attend a ceremony marking the 45th anniversary of the 1980 pro-democracy uprising in Gwangju at the May 18th National Cemetery in the southwestern city, about 270 kilometers south of Seoul, on May 18, 2025. (Yonhap)
yunhwanchae@yna.co.kr
(END)
en.yna.co.kr · by Chae Yun-hwan · May 18, 2025
9. Lee Jae-myung defends 'xie xie' comment after 'pro-China' accusation
I think it is difficult to defend the comment and frankly, it does seem as if Lee is "pro-China." He doth protest too much.
Lee Jae-myung defends 'xie xie' comment after 'pro-China' accusation
koreaherald.com · by Kim Arin · May 18, 2025
Democratic Party of Korea's presidential candidate Rep. Lee Jae-myung speaks during a televised debate on Sunday. Yonhap
The Democratic Party of Korea's presidential candidate Rep. Lee Jae-myung defended Sunday comments made Tuesday, arguing that labeling him "pro-China" was "very inappropriate."
Lee was speaking in response to a question during a televised debate about his controversial remarks earlier on the campaign trail that he would say "xie xie" (thank you) to both China and Taiwan in the event of a contingency between the two countries.
"What I said is that we have to make every decision based on our national interests, and we must keep our distance from a China-Taiwan contingency, if such a crisis should occur. We can get along with both China and Taiwan," Lee said.
"The pro-China label is very inappropriate."
Lee went on, "You can't make up an extreme scenario and force an extreme decision. We have to respond flexibly based on a given situation, and of course the principle guiding that decision would be whether it would in our national interests."
Lee said in a brief of his top policies that if he is elected president, he would make his policy decisions to "serve national interests" on diplomatic and trade fronts.
arin@heraldcorp.com
koreaherald.com · by Kim Arin · May 18, 2025
10. Presidential candidates clash over economy in 1st TV debate
In Korea, like the US (and everywhere), "It's the economy, stupid."
(LEAD) Presidential candidates clash over economy in 1st TV debate | Yonhap News Agency
en.yna.co.kr · by Kim Eun-jung · May 18, 2025
(ATTN: RECASTS headline, lead; UPDATES throughout with latest details, photo)
SEOUL, May 18 (Yonhap) -- Democratic Party (DP) presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung and his People Power Party (PPP) rival Kim Moon-soo sparred over strategies to revive South Korea's struggling economy and address trade challenges during their first televised debate ahead of the June 3 election.
Lee Jun-seok of the minor New Reform Party and Kwon Young-kook of the minor Democratic Labor Party also outlined their economic policies during the debate, hosted by the National Election Commission.
Four presidential candidates -- (From L to R) Kim Moon-soo of the People Power Party, Kwon Young-kook of the minor Democratic Labor Party, Lee Jun-seok of the minor New Reform Party and Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party -- pose for a photo ahead of their first televised debate on May 18, 2025. (Pool photo) (Yonhap)
The upcoming election will choose a successor to former President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was impeached over a botched martial law attempt in December. Voters are placing top priority on addressing economic challenges amid volatile trade dynamics in the wake of U.S. President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs.
During a debate focused on revitalizing the economy and trade strategies, candidates expressed differing views on the role of government and how to approach trade negotiations with Trump.
Lee of the DP said the government should take a more active role in stimulating domestic demand and nurturing new growth engines in key sectors, such as artificial intelligence, renewable energy and the culture industry.
"It is important to swiftly implement a supplementary budget within the possible range to revive the livelihoods of ordinary people and boost the domestic economy," said Lee, the front-runner who holds about 50 percent in recent opinion polls.
On trade, Lee indicated a cautious approach toward negotiations with the United States if elected, saying "There is no need for us to take the lead in rushing to conclude the negotiations early."
South Korea is one of the first countries that began trade talks with the U.S., but an upcoming presidential election in June is slowing progress in the ongoing negotiations.
People watch the televised debate between Democratic Party presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung (R) and his People Power Party rival Kim Moon-soo at Seoul Station in the capital on May 18, 2025. (Yonhap)
In contrast, Kim of the PPP pledged to ease business regulations and increase incentives for companies, while also promising financial support for small merchants most affected by the economic downturn.
Underscoring the importance of South Korea's alliance with the U.S., Kim said he would seek to hold a summit with U.S. President Donald Trump as soon as taking office, if elected.
"The most important factor in negotiations with President Trump is trust. Only through mutual confidence can we strengthen the South Korea-U.S. alliance," Kim said.
Lee of the New Reform Party said he will approach the Trump administration in a "calm and strategic" manner, emphasizing that Seoul and Washington are allies with shared security and strategic interests.
Kwon of the Democratic Labor Party said he would stand firm against what he described as Trump's "predatory trade practices," asserting South Korea's economic sovereignty is not subject to negotiations.
The four candidates will hold two more televised debates on May 23 and May 27, respectively, before election day.
yunhwanchae@yna.co.kr
(END)
en.yna.co.kr · by Kim Eun-jung · May 18, 2025
11. N. Korea's university resumes Chinese language test for 1st time in 5 years
"Lips and teeth?"
N. Korea's university resumes Chinese language test for 1st time in 5 years | Yonhap News Agency
en.yna.co.kr · by Deok-Hyun Kim · May 18, 2025
SEOUL, May 18 (Yonhap) -- An elite university in North Korea has resumed its Chinese language proficiency test for the first time in five years, according to a website of the Chinese Embassy in Pyongyang on Sunday.
The North's Pyongyang University of Science and Technology resumed its Chinese language proficiency test called HSK on Saturday, with the Chinese ambassador to Pyongyang, Wang Yajun, attending the test.
The language test in Pyongyang resumed for the first time in five years since the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a statement, Wang said he expects the resumption of the Chinese language test to "encourage more young North Koreans to join the ranks of Chinese language learners."
The move comes amid signs of North Korea and China working to mend ties, which had not been at their best as Pyongyang recently aligned closely with Moscow by deploying troops to support Moscow in the war against Ukraine.
Chinese Ambassador to Pyongyang Wang Yajun speaks at a meeting with students at the North's Pyongyang University of Science and Technology, in this photo posted on the website of the Chinese Embassy in Pyongyang. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
kdh@yna.co.kr
(END)
en.yna.co.kr · by Deok-Hyun Kim · May 18, 2025
12. Presidential hopefuls lock horns over Trump trade response strategy
Presidential hopefuls lock horns over Trump trade response strategy
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From left, presidential candidates Kim Moon-soo of the People Power Party, Kwon Young-kook of the Korean Democratic Labor Party, Lee Jun-seok of the Reform Party and Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party of Korea hold hands ahead of the first presidential debate in Seoul, Sunday. Yonhap
By Bahk Eun-ji
- Published May 18, 2025 10:08 pm KST
https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/southkorea/politics/20250518/presidential-hopefuls-lock-horns-over-trump-trade-response-strategy
Lee Jae-myung urges caution on US tariffs; Kim Moon-soo seeks immediate summit with American leader
The specter of trade negotiations with the United States under President Donald Trump loomed large Sunday night as Korea's presidential hopefuls offered sharply divergent strategies during their inaugural televised debate.
Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) candidate, advocated for a measured, interest-driven path in dealing with Washington, while Kim Moon-soo of the People Power Party championed a rapid, trust-based summit approach.
Lee said there was “no need to rush” into an agreement.
“The foremost principle in trade negotiations is to prioritize the national interest," he said. “We shouldn't feel compelled to concede just because the United States makes demands.”
He stressed the value of strategic patience, pointing to Japan and China as examples of countries that have successfully employed this approach.
“Japan, which initially demanded early negotiations, has taken a step back. China also set strong conditions before ultimately adjusting its position. We need to navigate this wisely, too,” he said.
Lee added that Korea should seize the moment to pivot away from export dependency and steadily increase domestic demand.
Kim took the opposite view.
“Trust is the most important thing,” he said. “President Trump and I already share a rapport. Based on that trust, we can reach a deal before the current waiver expires in July.”
He added, “Korea and the United States are allies sharing the values of freedom and democracy. We can use that trust to reach a good agreement.”
Kim emphasized that high-level diplomacy can bypass bureaucratic hurdles and lead to tangible economic outcomes.
Lee Jun-seok of the Reform Party framed the issue as a matter of strategic coherence, arguing that Korea should align its stance not only with the United States but also with other key allies.
“We need to strengthen trust with Washington and manage relations with Japan pragmatically,” he said. “Outdated political talking points are not how diplomacy works anymore.”
Kwon Young-kook of the Korean Democratic Labor Party (KDLP) took the most confrontational stance, denouncing Trump’s tariff policy as “economic aggression.” He warned against any concessions that could harm workers, saying, “These are not ordinary tariffs. They’re predatory and unjust.”
The two-hour debate, hosted by the National Election Commission, was aired live on SBS and marked the first of three official televised sessions ahead of the June 3 election. While the forum was officially focused on economic issues, trade policy — particularly how to deal with the Trump administration’s approach — emerged as a major point of contention among the four candidates.
In the earlier portion of the debate, candidates also presented their strategies for tackling Korea’s long-standing low-growth problem. Lee Jae-myung called for a state-led investment push, especially in artificial intelligence, green energy and regional innovation hubs. “We need to build an economy that grows with people at the center,” he said.
Kim emphasized deregulation, tax cuts and labor reform to boost private-sector hiring. He proposed creating a new regulatory overhaul agency and said, “The best way to beat low growth is to get government out of the way.”
Lee Jun-seok highlighted structural inefficiencies and a lack of innovation, drawing on his background in science and technology to argue that Korea needs leadership capable of navigating a tech-driven, global economy. Meanwhile, Kwon emphasized the issue of inequality, asserting that economic growth must go hand in hand with justice for workers and marginalized communities.
Two more debates — focusing on social and political issues — are scheduled for Friday and May 27.
13. Global maritime regulations and future of the Korean shipbuilding industry
Global maritime regulations and future of the Korean shipbuilding industry
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By Kim Sung-woo
- Published May 18, 2025 4:00 pm KST
- Updated May 18, 2025 4:26 pm KST
https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/opinion/20250518/global-maritime-regulations-and-future-of-the-korean-shipbuilding-industry
The Korean shipbuilding industry is bracing for a hit from the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) new greenhouse gas regulations and the United States Trade Representative's (USTR) targeted actions to restore American shipbuilding.
First, the IMO decided to introduce a new standard for greenhouse gas fuel intensity (GFI) at the 83rd session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee held last month to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent by 2030 and 70 percent by 2040 compared to a 2008 baseline, with the goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050. Referring to carbon dioxide emissions per unit energy of ship fuel (gCO2eq/MJ), starting from January 2028, members must meet relevant thresholds that decrease annually.
GFI is calculated by summing up all greenhouse gases emitted by a particular ship every year throughout the entire lifecycle of the fuel, from its extraction, production, transportation and combustion (the so-called well-to-wake).
Just as the IMO’s target to achieve net zero emissions was set, the U.S. was about to create a new set of challenges. As a follow-up to the Executive Order titled “Restoring America's Maritime Dominance” issued by President Donald J. Trump on April 9, on April 19, the USTR used Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 to counter China's increasing dominance in the maritime industry, maritime logistics and shipbuilding sectors.
Section 301 provides a domestic procedure through which interested parties may petition the USTR to investigate a foreign government act, policy or practice and take appropriate action. The key purpose was to impose fees on Chinese-flagged ships and Chinese-made ships entering the United States. The United States, starting from October 2025, will gradually charge higher rates per ton of cargo as entry fees to keep China’s maritime power in check.
Markets are already reacting to the announcements. In line with stiffer IMO regulations, demand in the shipbuilding industry has been transitioning not only to LNG dual-fueled and methanol-fueled ships, but also to other alternative low-carbon options such as ammonia and liquefied carbon dioxide carriers. Markets are reacting even faster to find alternatives to Chinese shipyards to stay under the USTR’s radar. Late in March 2025, a United States oil company postponed its order for a liquefied natural gas bunkering vessel (LNGBV) from a Chinese shipyard. In addition, according to some foreign media reports, European shipping companies are contemplating ordering 20 ships from European builders.
In light of these developments, it is time for the Korean shipbuilding industry to make strategic moves. The announcements from the IMO and the USTR will drive demand for alternative shipyards while also fostering demand for shipbuilding and ship remodeling processes that are highly efficient and low-carbon. This will create ample opportunities not only for shipyards but also for suppliers of relevant equipment and materials across the supply chain. The demand for mixed biofuels, better fuel efficiency, propulsion systems with built-in GHG reduction technologies, digital monitoring solutions, dual-fuel engines, and onboard carbon capture will increase over time.
Despite increasing competition with other countries with lower-cost production, the Korean shipbuilding industry has many opportunities ahead. Hanwha Ocean is developing ammonia gas turbines, while maintaining the world's No. 1 market share for super-large container ships.
Samsung Heavy Industries, where 86 percent of total orders are for ships using eco-friendly fuels, is stepping up to unveil a new era of onboard-carbon-capture-and-storage ships, increase supply of fully autonomous operation solutions and develop ammonia fuel cells. HD Group is also building a super-large container ship/LPG carrier equipped with a dual-fuel engine that can use both traditional fuel and LNG/ammonia.
Demand for replacing, maintaining, and altering existing ships is also expected to rise, mainly for ships older than 15 years. Suppliers of dual-fuel engines, which account for more than 10 percent of a ship's price, are already seeing record-breaking revenues in their financial statements. Korean companies that can do a quick fix to turn traditional ships into eco-friendly ships will reap the benefits.
According to Clarksons Research, a shipbuilding and shipping analysis firm, only 7.7 percent of ships operating worldwide used alternative fuels in 2023. At the core of the issue is that low-carbon fuels carry high price tags. The price of methanol, a carbon-free fuel, is more than three times higher than that of fossil fuels, and the price of biofuels that can be mixed with fossil fuels is more than twice that of bunker fuel. Korean shipyards are facing a make-or-break moment on whether they can secure a diversified portfolio of eco-friendly technologies with low price tags to set them apart from their competitors, hopefully before the new IMO targets take effect.
Kim Sung-woo is head of Environmental Energy Research Institute at the Seoul-based law firm Kim & Chang.
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
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