|
Quotes of the Day:
“A bookstore is one of the only pieces of evidence we have that people are still thinking.”
– Jerry Seinfeld
"The best people possess a feeling for beauty., the courage to take risks, the discipline to tell the truth, the capacity for sacrifice. Ironically their virtues make them vulnerable; they are often wounded, sometimes destroyed.
– Ernest Hemingway
“He who is not everyday conquering some fear has not learned the secret of life.”
– Ralph Waldo Emerson
1. Citizens' movement promotes renewed Korean politics and reunification
2. Joint Press Statement for the 26th Korea-U.S. Integrated Defense Dialogue
3. South Korea Invests Big in Texas
4. PPP candidate suspends campaign amid dispute over candidacy unification
5. Former PM stresses need to unify conservative candidacy ahead of June election
6. Belarusian delegation to visit N. Korea for economic talks
7. DP candidate pledges to expand benefits for military conscripts
8. US, ROK hold defense talks amid questions about Trump policy on North Korea
9. China imports flow to North Korea through strategic border points
10. S. Korean defense giants set to surpass 100 trillion won in combined orders
11. Democratic Party seeks to halt Lee Jae-myung’s trials during campaign
12. “North Korea may provide additional 600mm rocket launchers to Russia”
13. Breaking News: North Korea Launches Mass Production of World's Most Powerful 600mm Rocket Launcher KN-25
1. Citizens' movement promotes renewed Korean politics and reunification
The Korean people must solve the "Korea question" and lead the unification effort. But civil society throughout the international community can provide critical support.
U.S. News May 4, 2025 / 6:00 PM
Citizens' movement promotes renewed Korean politics and reunification
https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2025/05/04/Korea-unification-citizen-activists/4821746379783/
By Michael Marshall
South Korea's impeached president Yoon Suk Yeol gets out of the Presidential Security Service vehicle as he arrives in front his official residence after being released from detention, in Seoul, South Korea, in March. EPA-EFE/Yonhap South Korea
May 4 (UPI) -- While the divided and dysfunctional South Korean political system is preparing for the June 3 election of a new president after the impeachment of President Seok-yeol Yoon, Korean citizen activists are looking beyond that event.
They are promoting a new politics with a broader sense of national purpose that rises above current party politics. This was the message Inteck Seo, co-chair of Action for Korea United (AKU) in South Korea brought to a gathering of representatives of Korean-American organizations in the DC Metro area at the Capitol Visitors' Center on Saturday.
AKU is the largest coalition of civil society groups in South Korea promoting reunification. The event was held to mark the 80thyear of Korea's liberation from Japanese colonial rule.
Seo argued that the three pillars on which the North Korean regime had stood - management of the entire economy, ideological control, and the politics of fear - were all crumbling. "The regime is on the brink of collapse," he said, "and we have to prepare for that future."
"North Korea recognizes that it can no longer compete with the South," he said. As a result it abandoned the long-standing goal of Korean reunification led by the North earlier this year.
Seo cited the U.S. Declaration of Independence which laid out the foundational principle that "all men are created equal and endowed by the Creator" with fundamental rights and freedoms, before listing the particular complaints against the British Crown. The movement for Korean reunification, likewise, needed to begin with a vision and principles that Koreans in the South could unite around before considering methods and processes.
The roots of that vision that he called the Korean Dream were to be found in Korea's ancient, pre-division culture, he suggested. In particular the principle of Hongikingan, living to "broadly benefit all mankind "connected Koreans with their past and with the ideals of the Korean Independence movement of the early 20th century.
He proposed that a new, unified Korea should be a model liberal democracy with a system of checks and balances; a moral free market economy; a free press; an educational system that cultivated ethical character and a spirit of public service; and freedom of religion and conscience.
The examples of Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King showed the power of citizens' movements to spark major cultural and political change. Seo noted that German unification was not a top-down process but was initiated from the bottom-up. Change in Korea would be launched in the same way. He urged Korean-American civil society groups to support the work of AKU in advancing reunification.
Fellow keynote speaker Morse Tan, former U.S. Ambassador for Global Criminal Justice, noted that in that role he had dealt with terrible atrocities in many countries but North Korea was by far the worst. It had a history of "sadness, oppression, and injustice."
"Many of North Korea's problems could be solved through reunification," he added, mentioning human rights and freedoms, and military and nuclear issues.
Dr. Suzanne Scholte, President of the North Korean Freedom Foundation, urged a human rights upfront policy towards North Korea by the U.S. government. Her organization engages with people in North Koreat through information broadcast by Free North Korean Radio, staffed by North Korean escapees. It also smuggles in flash drives, SD cards, and radios.
David Maxwell, former U.S. Special Forces Colonel who served in Korea, and regular UPI contributor, noted that 30 years of U.S. diplomacy focused on North Korean denuclearization had totally failed in its goal. He proposed the motto "unification first, the denuclearization." Unification policy should be pursued through a focus on human rights and a campaign to flow information into North Korea.
The event was organized by Alliance for Korea United-USA and the Congressional host was Rep. Young Kim, CA. Seo now travels to the West coast where he will meet with leaders of Korea organizations in the Seattle area.
2. Joint Press Statement for the 26th Korea-U.S. Integrated Defense Dialogue
The KIDD continues. Hopefully there is a lot of substance beyond this rather pro forma statement. I would have liked to have been a fly on the wall for the discussion between Colby and Cho.
Release
Immediate Release
Joint Press Statement for the 26th Korea-U.S. Integrated Defense Dialogue
https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/4174523/joint-press-statement-for-the-26th-korea-us-integrated-defense-dialogue/
May 5, 2025 |
The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and the Republic of Korea (ROK) Ministry of National Defense (MND) held the 26th Korea-U.S. Integrated Defense Dialogue (KIDD) on May 1-2, 2025, in Washington, D.C.
Mr. John Noh, Performing the Duties of Assistant Secretary of Defense (PTDO ASD) for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs, and Mr. Andrew Winternitz, PTDO Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (DASD) for East Asia, led the U.S. delegation. Deputy Minister (DEPMIN) for National Defense Policy, Mr. Cho Chang-rae, led the ROK delegation. Key senior U.S. and ROK defense and foreign affairs officials also participated in the dialogue.
During the meeting, both sides assessed the overall defense cooperation of the U.S.-ROK Alliance, and had in-depth discussions on policy directions that can advance our common interests.
Following the KIDD, DEPMIN Cho met with Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, Mr. Elbridge Colby, to discuss the results of the KIDD and to exchange views on strengthening the U.S.-ROK Alliance to ensure U.S. and ROK national interests. They assessed that the KIDD laid a foundation for practical cooperation to further solidify the Alliance and looked forward to deepening cooperation to achieve shared security goals on the Korean Peninsula and across the Indo-Pacific region. The two leaders recognized the ROK and U.S. military and civilian personnel that continuously work to strengthen the U.S.-ROK Alliance and expressed sincere appreciation for their shared commitment and sacrifice.
3. South Korea Invests Big in Texas
Excerpt:
The partnership between Texas and South Korea is a terrific example of the benefits of international investment. South Korean companies have not only brought capital and jobs to Texas but have also enriched its cultural landscape. As this relationship continues to flourish, it promises to bring even greater economic prosperity and cultural exchange to the Lone Star State.
South Korea Invests Big in Texas
By Aaron Demerson
https://www.realclearworld.com/articles/2025/05/05/south_korea_invests_big_in_texas_1108114.html
Thanks to its pro-business climate and top-tier workforce, Texas has long been a magnet for international investment. Among its most significant partners is South Korea, whose investments have profoundly shaped the economic landscape of the Lone Star State. This partnership is not just a testament to the mutual benefits of foreign direct investment but also a celebration of the cultural and economic ties that bind these two regions.
The relationship between Texas and South Korea dates back several decades, with Korean immigrants first arriving in the early 20th century. However, it was after the Korean War that larger numbers of Koreans began to settle in Texas, contributing to the state's cultural diversity and economic growth. Today, Texas is home to a thriving Korean community, particularly in cities like Dallas, which boasts one of the largest Korean American populations in the South.
South Korean companies have made substantial investments in Texas, spanning various industries such as electronics, energy, financial services and telecommunications. These investments have not only created thousands of jobs but also contributed significantly to the state's economy.
One of the most notable examples is Samsung Austin Semiconductor, which has invested billions in its Austin facility. Since its establishment, Samsung has expanded its operations multiple times, with the latest investment totaling $17.5 billion. This expansion is expected to create over 2,000 new jobs, further solidifying Samsung's role as a major employer in the region.
Gov. Greg Abbott's 2024 tour of Samsung's semiconductor facility in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, underscores the importance of this relationship. In the first five months of 2024 alone, South Korean companies invested $27.5 billion in nine additional projects, expected to create more than 4,800 new jobs in Texas. This level of investment highlights the confidence that South Korean companies have in Texas's economic potential and their commitment to contributing to its growth.
But Samsung is hardly alone in Texas. SK hynix has invested heavily in the Lone Star state to enhance its semiconductor manufacturing capabilities. SK hynix's investments have created hundreds of jobs and contributed to the state's reputation as a hub for high-tech industries.
Hyundai Merchant Marine and DongAh USA are also significant contributors, with investments in logistics and manufacturing sectors. These companies have helped diversify Texas's economy, making it more resilient and competitive on the global stage.
South Korea’s CJ Group grabbed the spotlight of the golf world last weekend when it hosted the CJ Cup Byron Nelson PGA event at the TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney, Texas, for the second year. CJ Group, a global lifestyle company whose products and services range from bibigo dumplings and Red Baron Pizza to K-drama movies and K-pop music to biopharmaceuticals, has a sizable presence in Texas. Texas is home to CJ’s four warehouse facilities and CJ’s Tous Les Jours bakeries have several locations around Texas. The fan zone at last year’s CJ Cup allowed Texans to experience barbecue Korea-style: In addition to sampling bibigo’s Mandu Dumplings, they could try Korean crunchy chicken with Korean BBQ drizzle sauce.
Over the past decade, South Korean companies have reported 38 investment projects in Texas, amounting to nearly $20.6 billion in capital investment and creating more than 7,000 new jobs. These projects span various sectors, including electronics, energy, and manufacturing, highlighting the diverse nature of Korean investments in the state.
In addition to job creation, these investments have generated substantial tax revenues for Texas. The influx of capital and the establishment of new businesses lead to increased tax revenues from corporate taxes, property taxes, and sales taxes, benefiting local communities and the state government.
The economic relationship between Texas and South Korea is complemented by strong cultural ties. Direct flights between Seoul and Dallas-Fort Worth facilitate business and personal travel, strengthening the connection between the two regions. Texas's Korean community plays a vital role in fostering these ties, contributing to the state's cultural richness and diversity.
The partnership between Texas and South Korea is a terrific example of the benefits of international investment. South Korean companies have not only brought capital and jobs to Texas but have also enriched its cultural landscape. As this relationship continues to flourish, it promises to bring even greater economic prosperity and cultural exchange to the Lone Star State.
Aaron Demerson is President and CEO of the Texas Economic Development Corporation.
4. PPP candidate suspends campaign amid dispute over candidacy unification
Will the PPP self-destruct?
PPP candidate suspends campaign amid dispute over candidacy unification | Yonhap News Agency
en.yna.co.kr · by Kim Eun-jung · May 6, 2025
SEOUL, May 6 (Yonhap) -- The People Power Party (PPP) presidential candidate Kim Moon-soo said Tuesday he will suspend his election campaign for the time being, citing what he called a lack of party support for his candidacy amid talks for unifying the conservative candidacy with former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo.
Kim made the remark shortly after the PPP's interim leader, Kwon Young-se, urged him to keep his pledge to pursue a unified candidacy with Han, who is currently running as an independent.
"I have consistently expressed a clear intent to unify the candidacy, and that remains unchanged," Kim told reporters during his visit to Gyeongju, 370 kilometers southeast of Seoul. "However, the party continues to refuse to support its own presidential candidate."
Kim Moon-soo (C), the People Power Party's presidential candidate, answers reporters' questions during his visit to Gyeongju, about 370 kilometers southeast of Seoul, on May 6, 2025. (Yonhap)
Kim criticized the leadership for what he called a unilateral move to convene both the national committee and a party convention later this week, suggesting it may be an effort to replace him in favor of Han.
"I believe this is an attempt by the party leadership to unjustly and forcibly push me out," Kim said, adding, "If this was going to happen, why did we hold three rounds of primaries?"
Kim was nominated as the PPP's standard-bearer during a party convention Saturday to run in the June 3 election, which will replace former President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was ousted over his martial law declaration.
Kim said he will suspend his campaign schedule and return to Seoul to come up with measures over the issues.
ejkim@yna.co.kr
(END)
en.yna.co.kr · by Kim Eun-jung · May 6, 2025
5. Former PM stresses need to unify conservative candidacy ahead of June election
(2nd LD) Former PM stresses need to unify conservative candidacy ahead of June election | Yonhap News Agency
en.yna.co.kr · by Kim Eun-jung · May 6, 2025
(ATTN: UPDATES with the PPP's response in last two paras; ADDS photo)
SEOUL, May 6 (Yonhap) -- Former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo on Tuesday stressed the need to unify the conservative presidential candidacy ahead of the June 3 election amid efforts to collaborate with People Power Party (PPP) candidate Kim Moon-soo.
Han, who registered as an independent preliminary candidate, made the remarks during a debate session with journalists when asked about negotiations to form a unified candidacy with Kim.
"I have never imagined that unifying candidacies would fail," Han said, without elaborating on details. "Failure to unify the candidacies would be a major betrayal of the people."
Former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo speaks with journalists during a debate session in Seoul on May 6, 2025. (Pool photo) (Yonhap)
Han has reached out to Kim's camp to discuss merging their candidacies to better challenge Democratic Party contender Lee Jae-myung, who continues to hold a strong lead in recent opinion polls.
The 75-year-old technocrat has emerged as a strong contender in the conservative camp for the June election to replace former President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was ousted over his martial law declaration. Han, who had served as acting president, resigned Thursday and announced his bid the next day.
To register as a unified candidate, Han and Kim must agree before May 11, the deadline for official candidate registration with the National Election Commission.
People Power Party presidential candidate Kim Moon-soo (L) and former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo enter Jogye Temple in downtown Seoul on May 5, 2025. (Yonhap)
On Tuesday, Kim expressed regret over the PPP leadership for not actively supporting his candidacy and ongoing unification talks, underscoring that he was tapped as the party's candidate through multiple rounds of primaries.
He criticized the party for unilaterally forming a task force to pursue candidacy unification with Han, arguing that such an initiative should be led by the candidate himself.
"The (PPP) leadership promised full support for the candidate," Kim said in a statement. "But so far, they have been excluding me and unilaterally operating the party, effectively refusing to acknowledge me as the party's official presidential candidate."
Rep. Kwon Young-se, the interim leader of the People Power Party, speaks during a party meeting held at the National Assembly in Seoul on May 6, 2025. (Yonhap)
In response, the PPP's interim leader, Kwon Young-se, urged Kim to keep his promise of unifying the candidacy, saying the party will conduct a survey among party members Wednesday to ask whether they support a potential merger between Kim and Han.
"The party members and the public chose Kim, believing in his clear promise to pursue a unified candidacy with Han," Kwon said during a party meeting. "Breaking the promise would be a betrayal of party members and the people, and the public would no longer believe in our party and its candidate."
ejkim@yna.co.kr
(END)
en.yna.co.kr · by Kim Eun-jung · May 6, 2025
6. Belarusian delegation to visit N. Korea for economic talks
Belarusian delegation to visit N. Korea for economic talks | Yonhap News Agency
en.yna.co.kr · by Kim Eun-jung · May 6, 2025
SEOUL, May 6 (Yonhap) -- A government delegation from Belarus will visit North Korea this week for talks on economic cooperation between the two nations, Pyongyang's state-run media reported Tuesday.
The delegation was scheduled to visit Pyongyang from Tuesday to Friday to hold a meeting of the intergovernmental joint committee for trade and economic cooperation, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said.
The visit, led by Belarusian Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Shuleiko, comes at the request of Pyongyang, it noted.
Top diplomats of North Korea and Belarus held a meeting in Pyongyang in July 2024, as the two nations have been deepening military ties with Russia amid Moscow's war against Ukraine.
North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui (C) shakes hands with her Belarusian counterpart, Maxim Vladimirovich Ryzhenkov (L), during their talks at the Mansudae Assembly Hall in Pyongyang on July 24, 2024, in this file photo provided by the North's official Korean Central News Agency. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
ejkim@yna.co.kr
(END)
en.yna.co.kr · by Kim Eun-jung · May 6, 2025
7. DP candidate pledges to expand benefits for military conscripts
DP candidate pledges to expand benefits for military conscripts | Yonhap News Agency
en.yna.co.kr · by Kim Eun-jung · May 6, 2025
SEOUL, May 6 (Yonhap) -- Democratic Party presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung pledged Tuesday to enhance benefits for military conscripts and introduce measures to boost the cryptocurrency market as part of his broader youth policy initiatives.
Lee unveiled a series of initiatives targeting employment, housing, education and investment opportunities for young people, widely seen as efforts to appeal to younger, particularly male, voters.
"I will create a nation where young people have opportunities and hope," Lee wrote on Facebook.
Lee vowed to require all public institutions to count the years of military service when calculating salary grades of their employees and to expand national pension credits to cover the entire duration of military service.
In South Korea, all able-bodied men must serve mandatory military service of at least 18 months.
Lee also pledged to introduce exchange-traded funds (ETFs) linked to spot cryptocurrencies and to establish an integrated market monitoring system to create a safer digital asset investment environment.
Democratic Party presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung (C) visits a traditional market in Jeungpyeong County, about 100 kilometers southeast of Seoul, on May 6, 2025. (Pool photo) (Yonhap)
ejkim@yna.co.kr
(END)
en.yna.co.kr · by Kim Eun-jung · May 6, 2025
8. US, ROK hold defense talks amid questions about Trump policy on North Korea
The number one question I receive from the media and my Korean friends is about President Trump's policy toward Korea. Everyone wants to know what it is.
US, ROK hold defense talks amid questions about Trump policy on North Korea
Biannual KIDD discussion is first since Trump’s return and comes as US pushes allies to play role in countering China
https://www.nknews.org/2025/05/us-rok-hold-defense-talks-amid-questions-about-trump-policy-on-north-korea/
Jooheon Kim May 6, 2025
The U.S. and South Korean flags, June 30, 2019 | Image: The White House
High-level U.S. and South Korean defense officials held biannual talks in Washington on evolving security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region last week, amid questions about whether the Trump administration will push to expand the scope of the alliance beyond North Korean threats.
The Korea-U.S. Integrated Defense Dialogue (KIDD) between the deputy defense ministers of both countries and senior defense and foreign ministry officials took place from May 1-2, addressing alliance priorities ranging from extended deterrence to force posture, according to the U.S. State Department and ROK defense ministry on Monday.
“During the meeting, both sides assessed the overall defense cooperation of the U.S.-ROK Alliance, and had in-depth discussions on policy directions that can advance our common interests,” the two sides said in a joint statement.
This year’s dialogue was the first since President Donald Trump’s inauguration in January, and it sets the stage for the annual Security Consultative Meeting held in the fall in recent years, where the two countries’ defense ministers address key issues.
After the KIDD talks, South Korea’s Deputy Defense Minister Cho Chang-rae also met with U.S. Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby to discuss the results and “exchange views.”
“They assessed that the KIDD laid a foundation for practical cooperation to further solidify the Alliance and looked forward to deepening cooperation to achieve shared security goals on the Korean Peninsula and across the Indo-Pacific region,” the joint statement reads.
While North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs remain central to the alliance’s agenda, recent developments suggest that Washington is increasingly viewing cooperation with Seoul through a broader lens.
These developments include apparent U.S. openness to a Japanese proposal to create a single Asian theater focused on countering China, as well as the Trump administration’s emphasis on the need for allies to do more for their own defense.
“I believe the Indo-Pacific strategy will likely expand to focus on countering China. Given the growing U.S.-China conflict, including economic tensions like tariffs, the U.S.-South Korea alliance may evolve beyond its current purpose to address these broader issues,” Na Seung-hak, a military studies professor at Tongmyong University, told NK News.
The expert suggested that Colby’s meeting with Cho further indicates the likelihood of a shift toward a more prominent role for South Korea in the U.S. Indo-Pacific strategy.
Widely recognized as a leading voice in Washington advocating a tougher stance on China, Colby has consistently argued that U.S. defense priorities should shift away from North Korea and concentrate more on confronting Beijing’s growing power.
He has also urged the need for Seoul to build up its own defense capabilities — potentially including the development of nuclear weapons if necessary — to bolster its role in countering both the DPRK and China.
Last week’s KIDD meeting notably came as U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth directed Colby to begin drafting the country’s 2025 National Defense Strategy (NDS).
A Pentagon statement said the strategic roadmap will “prioritize defense of the U.S. homeland, including America’s skies and borders, and deterring China in the Indo-Pacific,” as well as “prioritize increasing burden-sharing with allies and partners around the world.”
Edited by Bryan Betts
9. China imports flow to North Korea through strategic border points
Is north Korea opening and becoming less isolated? And of course as we have long known both China and Russia do respect the UN sanctions.
China imports flow to North Korea through strategic border points - Daily NK English
"Hunchun charges low customs fees and essentially allows sanctioned items through," a source told Daily NK
By Seulkee Jang - May 6, 2025
dailynk.com · by Seulkee Jang · May 6, 2025
FILE PHOTO: North Korean trucks can be seen heading to the Chinese side of the border on the Sino-North Korean Friendship Bridge. (Daily NK)
North Korea has recently stepped up imports of various supplies from China. The country carefully categorizes goods as sanctioned or non-sanctioned, using different import channels for each type.
According to a Daily NK source in China recently, North Korea has been importing a wide range of items including textiles, electronics, construction supplies, and foodstuffs. North Korean traders in China are particularly shipping large quantities of sanctioned items into North Korea through Hunchun or Changbai in China’s Jilin province.
In early May, cargo trucks loaded with refrigerators, freezers, fans, TVs, electric rice cookers, and other appliances entered North Korea’s Rason through Hunchun.
Materials for outward processing items such as wigs, fake eyelashes, and watches have also arrived in Rason via Hunchun. Meanwhile, sanctioned items including car parts, equipment, machinery, steel, and aluminum reportedly moved through Quanhe customs house in Hunchun to the Wonjong-ri customs house in Rason.
Up to 300 or more trucks, each carrying over 10 tons of cargo, cross from Hunchun’s Quanhe customs house into North Korea daily, the source said.
This traffic pattern exists because Chinese customs authorities conduct relatively loose inspections on items entering North Korea through the Hunchun-Rason and Changbai-Hyesan routes, while also imposing lighter customs charges.
“Hunchun charges low customs fees and essentially allows sanctioned items through,” the source explained. “You simply can’t get items like electronics or aluminum into North Korea overland except through Hunchun.”
The route connecting Dandong in China’s Liaoning province and Sinuiju in North Korea’s North Pyongan province — once the primary overland trading channel between the two countries — now mainly handles imports from China and exports of non-sanctioned items.
Daily NK previously reported that cargo trucks entering Sinuiju through Dandong in early May carried foodstuffs such as rice, processed foods, sugar, and cooking oil, along with building supplies including lime powder, flooring, water and sewage pipes, toilets, and showerheads.
While various goods enter North Korea from China along the Dandong-Sinuiju route, sanctioned items are rarely found among shipments entering through this channel, the source noted.
This is because Chinese customs authorities strictly inspect items entering North Korea through Dandong customs house and impose higher customs charges compared to Hunchun or Changbai.
Since China finds international monitoring of its sanctions implementation burdensome, it maintains separate export routes to North Korea — some that permit exports of sanctioned items and others that don’t.
However, trucks affiliated with North Korean consulates in China frequently use the Dandong-Sinuiju route. Though smaller in size, these vehicles transport luxury goods because Chinese customs authorities don’t rigorously inspect them.
dailynk.com · by Seulkee Jang · May 6, 2025
10. S. Korean defense giants set to surpass 100 trillion won in combined orders
The arsenal of democracy.
S. Korean defense giants set to surpass 100 trillion won in combined orders
https://www.chosun.com/english/industry-en/2025/05/06/QEWK537NZNCZHCKMFPUWMBA7HU/
By Jung Han-kook,
Kim Seo-young
Published 2025.05.06. 09:50
Hanwha Aerospace's K9 self-propelled howitzer. /Courtesy of Hanwha Aerospace
South Korea’s top four defense companies—Hanwha Aerospace, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), LIG Nex1, and Hyundai Rotem—are expected to surpass 100 trillion won ($72 billion) in total order backlog this year, driven by strong export growth. As more countries adopt self-reliant defense strategies in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s calls for increased military spending—warning that “America will no longer protect them for free”—expectations are rising that South Korea’s leading defense firms will secure more orders.
According to data compiled by Chosun Ilbo on May 5, the combined backlog of the four companies stands at around 94.5 trillion won. The figures for Hanwha Aerospace and KAI are based on first-quarter results, while those for LIG Nex1 and Hyundai Rotem reflect data from the end of 2024.
All four companies are securing more export deals, which are enhancing both the scale and quality of their order books. Hanwha Aerospace, for example, holds 31.4 trillion won in ground defense orders, led by exports of K9 howitzers and Chunmoo multiple rocket systems. Exports account for 65% of that backlog. KAI’s backlog at the end of the first quarter reached 24.3 trillion won, up 32% from 18.4 trillion won in 2020. The company aims to exceed 29 trillion won by year-end. Its export share has also risen from 50% in 2020 to 63% by the end of last year.
LIG Nex1 holds a backlog of around 20 trillion won as of the end of 2024, while Hyundai Rotem’s stands at 18.8 trillion won. More than half of the orders for both companies come from overseas. Hyundai Rotem is also expected to finalize a second contract with Poland to export around 820 K2 tanks, valued at over 8 trillion won. If finalized, the deal would significantly boost its backlog this year.
11. Democratic Party seeks to halt Lee Jae-myung’s trials during campaign
Not a surprise I suppose.
Democratic Party seeks to halt Lee Jae-myung’s trials during campaign
https://www.donga.com/en/article/all/20250506/5587687/1
Posted May. 06, 2025 07:14,
Updated May. 06, 2025 07:14
South Korea’s main opposition Democratic Party of Korea is demanding that all court proceedings involving its presidential candidate, Lee Jae-myung, be suspended during the official campaign period, which begins May 12, and postponed until after the June 3 presidential election.
The party’s request covers a range of cases, including a retrial over alleged violations of the Public Official Election Act that the Supreme Court has already sent back with a guilty finding. It also seeks to pause trials tied to high-profile scandals such as the Daejang-dong and Baekhyeon-dong development projects, the Seongnam FC sponsorship case, the Wirye development probe, allegations of perjury coaching, and claims that a company illegally sent funds to North Korea.
At a press conference at the National Assembly on Sunday, Yoon Ho-joong, the party’s chief campaign manager, accused the judiciary of interfering with the election. He said the court, led by Supreme Court Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae, plans to summon Lee five times before election day. “This goes beyond election interference — it is judicial obstruction of the electoral process,” Yoon said. He formally demanded that all court dates involving candidates during the campaign period be pushed back until after the vote.
Lee is currently scheduled to appear in court multiple times during the campaign: May 13 and 27 for the Daejang-dong case; May 15 for the election law retrial; May 20 for the perjury case; and May 27 for both a corporate card misuse case and the North Korea remittance case. The Democratic Party wants all proceedings delayed.
The party also hinted that it may pursue impeachment proceedings against Chief Justice Cho and the Seoul High Court judges handling Lee’s retrial if its demands are rejected.
Yoon warned that the party is prepared to act if trial delays are not granted. “We make clear our intent to block the High Court’s proceedings,” he said. “If anyone interferes, it will be an act of constitutional destruction and an obstruction of the people’s sovereignty, and the legislature will punish them on behalf of the people. They will come to understand that the gavel wielded by the people’s representatives is stronger than that of the judiciary.”
Separately, the Democratic Party of Korea plans to propose an amendment to the Criminal Procedure Act during a session of the National Assembly’s Legislation and Judiciary Committee on Tuesday. The bill would suspend criminal trials for any candidate elected president until the end of their term, meaning all cases against Lee would be frozen if he wins the June 3 presidential election.
The party dismissed speculation that it might replace Lee as its candidate. “There has been no discussion whatsoever about a new candidate,” said Kang Hoon-sik, head of the campaign’s general affairs office. “Neither candidate Lee nor the party is wavering in the slightest.”
12. “North Korea may provide additional 600mm rocket launchers to Russia”
This is a Google translation of a n RFA report.
“North Korea may provide additional 600mm rocket launchers to Russia”
Seoul-Handohyeong hando@rfa.org
2025.05.05
https://www.rfa.org/korean/in-focus/2025/05/05/north-russia-600mm-rocket-launcher/
Anchor: Analysis has been raised that North Korea may provide Russia with additional 600mm multiple rocket launchers in addition to its existing 240mm multiple rocket launchers. Reporter Han Do-hyung reports from Seoul.
North Korea's state-run media outlet, Korean Central News Agency, reported on the 4th that General Secretary of the Workers' Party Kim Jong-un inspected an important tank factory to learn about its production status, progress of modernization projects, and the implementation of key technology research projects.
According to the media, General Secretary Kim stressed the need to reexamine the viewpoint on tank design, saying, “Replacing the Army with the latest tanks and armored vehicles is the most important issue in building up military power and modernizing the Army.”
General Secretary Kim also stated that creating the capacity to produce large-scale tanks and self-propelled guns at a cutting-edge level and replacing armored weapon systems in a rapid manner are important tasks for realizing the second armored force revolution.
In photos released by North Korean media, General Secretary Kim is seen kneeling on top of a tank and inspecting its interior, showing an active presence.
North Korean media did not disclose the time General Secretary Kim inspected or which factories he inspected.
Rep. Yoo Yong-won of the People Power Party, a former military journalist, presumed in an analysis distributed to reporters on the 4th that General Secretary Kim visited the Kusong Tank Factory in North Pyongan Province.
Along with this, Rep. Yoo said, “The tank that was revealed is the same type as the tank that was revealed at the military equipment exhibition in November last year,” and revealed that it appears that they are also planning to produce tracked tanks, self-propelled guns, and mobile launchers here.
There was some analysis that the tanks that appeared at the Defense Development 2024 exhibition last year appeared to be equipped with an Active Protection System (APS) and a Remote Control Weapons System (RCWS). Rep. Yoo also stated in his analysis that “North Korea may first deploy tanks equipped with an Active Protection System and a Remote Control Weapons System.”
The active protection system is a weapon system that automatically intercepts enemy anti-tank weapons when they approach, and the remote fire control system is a system that can remotely fire a machine gun from inside the tank. However, it is known that the Korean military's K2 tank has not yet fully deployed these technologies.
Rep. Yoo also noted that there was a wire mesh cage installed on the rear of the tank, and analyzed that this appears to be an attempt by North Korea to prepare for suicide drone attacks, taking lessons from the Russia-Ukraine war.
People Power Party lawmaker Yoo Yong-won raised the possibility that North Korea may provide 600mm multiple rocket launcher weapons to Russia.
People Power Party lawmaker Yoo Yong-won raised the possibility that North Korea may provide 600mm multiple rocket launcher weapons to Russia. (Provided by People Power Party lawmaker Yoo Yong-won’s office)
In particular, Rep. Yoo stated that there is a possibility that North Korea will provide Russia with 600mm multiple rocket launchers following its support of 240mm multiple rocket launchers, in relation to the nine 600mm super-large multiple rocket launchers that appeared in the photos released by North Korean media.
There were instances where additional Russian weapons support was provided after General Secretary Kim visited a weapons exhibition or guided a production plant, including ballistic missiles such as the KN-23 and armored vehicles equipped with anti-tank missiles such as the Phoenix.
Rep. Yoo added that the factory in Pyonganbuk-do Province is located about 50km from the North Korean-Chinese border and further north than the Pyongyang factory that produces 240mm multiple rocket launchers, making it geographically advantageous for Russian military support.
Last year, General Secretary Kim Jong-un continued to conduct numerous on-site guidance related to 240mm multiple rocket launchers, and South Korean experts analyzed this to Radio Free Asia (RFA) in May of last year as having a dual purpose of increasing internal power and selling weapons to Russia and other countries.
These are the words of Hong Min, Senior Research Fellow at the Institute for Unification Studies, and Yang Wook, Research Fellow at the Asan Institute for Policy Studies.
[Hong Min, Senior Researcher at the Institute for Unification Studies] It seems that the concept of a showcase or sales is strongly embedded in it.
[Yang Wook, Research Fellow at Asan Institute for Policy Studies] I think they are basically pursuing the strengthening of conventional power through exports with exports in mind.
13. Breaking News: North Korea Launches Mass Production of World's Most Powerful 600mm Rocket Launcher KN-25
Excerpt:
The induction of the KN-25 into mass production confirms that North Korea is aggressively advancing its long-range precision artillery capabilities. With this development, the KN-25 is no longer a prototype or limited-scale testbed—it is now a central pillar of Pyongyang’s modern artillery doctrine, providing a significant leap in both deterrent power and offensive capability. Its presence on the battlefield significantly alters the strategic calculus on the Korean Peninsula, demanding urgent reassessment of allied missile defense and counter-artillery strategies.
Breaking News: North Korea Launches Mass Production of World's Most Powerful 600mm Rocket Launcher KN-25
armyrecognition.com · by Administrator
The KN-25 is mounted on a tracked chassis and features an armored crew cab at the front. Its launch system consists of two rows of three launcher tubes installed at the rear, each designed to fire massive 600mm rockets. The vehicle’s suspension system includes ten double road wheels on each side, providing the system with excellent mobility across rugged terrain and enhancing its operational flexibility on the battlefield. This configuration, now confirmed to be entering mass production, allows North Korean forces to deploy and reposition these platforms with agility, making them harder to detect and neutralize in pre-emptive strikes.
The KN-25 first appeared in military parades and state media coverage around 2019, initially presented as a "super-large caliber multiple launch rocket system." Its unique design and exceptional firepower immediately attracted the attention of defense analysts, who noted that its characteristics blurred the line between MLRS and tactical ballistic missile systems. Over the years, the system has undergone numerous tests, with North Korea showcasing successive improvements in range, accuracy, and salvo-firing capability. These developments are believed to be driven by a strategic intent to establish a precision-strike weapon that is less expensive and more deployable than conventional ballistic missiles but still capable of delivering similar levels of destruction.
Designed to deliver precision-guided munitions with a range of up to 380 kilometers, the KN-25 enables North Korea to strike key military and infrastructure targets deep within South Korea and potentially against U.S. forces stationed on the peninsula. The rockets, guided by inertial navigation systems and possibly satellite guidance, provide a high level of accuracy, reportedly within tens of meters from intended targets. This accuracy allows for targeted destruction of critical military nodes such as airfields, command and control centers, logistics hubs, and radar installations.
The KN-25 is deployed in two configurations: a tracked chassis version now confirmed in mass production, which includes six launcher tubes arranged in two rows of three; and a wheeled transporter-erector-launcher (TEL) variant equipped with four tubes, optimized for high-speed road mobility. These dual configurations allow North Korean forces to conduct both pre-positioned assaults and rapid redeployments to evade surveillance and preemptive strikes. Furthermore, the system’s quasi-ballistic trajectory and high terminal speed complicate interception efforts, posing a significant challenge to conventional C-RAM and missile defense systems such as the U.S. Patriot PAC-3 or THAAD batteries deployed in South Korea.
The emergence of the KN-25 introduces a serious new threat to South Korea and U.S. forces on the peninsula. Unlike older artillery systems with limited range and accuracy, the KN-25’s long reach and precision make it capable of targeting U.S. military bases as far south as Busan, as well as South Korea’s key industrial and civilian centers. Its mass-production status suggests that North Korea could field these systems in large numbers, enabling saturation attacks designed to overwhelm missile defense batteries through sheer volume.
South Korea’s current missile defense architecture was not primarily designed to counter high-volume, quasi-ballistic rocket artillery. While systems like Iron Dome and the domestically developed L-SAM are under development or consideration, they are not yet fully operational or tailored to intercept heavy, fast, and maneuverable rockets like the KN-25. Furthermore, South Korea’s indigenous C-RAM program is not expected to be completed before 2035, leaving a critical vulnerability window in the near to mid-term.
For U.S. forces, the KN-25 represents a significant escalation in North Korea’s artillery threat. The system provides Pyongyang with a flexible, survivable, and rapid-response deep strike option that can be used for both tactical battlefield engagements and strategic deterrence. It also fits into North Korea’s broader asymmetric warfare strategy—leveraging unconventional, cost-effective weapons to counter more technologically advanced adversaries.
The induction of the KN-25 into mass production confirms that North Korea is aggressively advancing its long-range precision artillery capabilities. With this development, the KN-25 is no longer a prototype or limited-scale testbed—it is now a central pillar of Pyongyang’s modern artillery doctrine, providing a significant leap in both deterrent power and offensive capability. Its presence on the battlefield significantly alters the strategic calculus on the Korean Peninsula, demanding urgent reassessment of allied missile defense and counter-artillery strategies.
armyrecognition.com · by Administrator
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
| 
