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Quotes of the Day:
“No man has received from nature the right to give orders to others. Freedom is a gift from heaven, and every individual of the same species has the right to enjoy it as soon as he is in enjoyment of his reason.”
– Denis Diderot
“Either you think – or else others have to think for you and take power from you, pervert and discipline your natural taste, civilize and sterilize you.”
– F. Scott Fitzgerald.
“We all have inner demons to fight. We call these demons fear, hatred, and anger. If you don't conquer them, then a life of 100 years … Is a tragedy. If you do, a life of a single day can be triumphant.
– Yip Man, Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story
1. Interview: NIS tally of North Koreans killed or injured in Ukraine war rises over 4,000
2. British Ministry of Defense: “North Korean casualties in Russia likely to have exceeded 5,000”
3. Ministry of Unification: “Intention to Strengthen Ideological Control of All Classes” in Large-Scale Training of North Korean Boy Scout Leaders
4. [North Korea in Documents] A World Where Only ‘Loyalty’ and ‘Favor’ Survive... North Korea’s Name Control
5. Defense ministry reaffirms USFK's role in keeping peace on Korean Peninsula
6. S. Korea on edge as US eyes USFK role in Taiwan contingencies
7. Korea's Hanbit Unit marks 12th year of deployment to South Sudan
8. Arms agency chief visits Romania for talks on defense industry cooperation
9. Hanwha Group chief transfers half of his stake to 3 sons, completing leadership succession
10. S. Korea fully preparing for U.S.' reciprocal tariffs: trade minister
11. Acting president vows unwavering support for chip industry
12. Trump trade adviser defends tariffs, cites Korea’s impact on US manufacturing
13. What are Korea's bargaining chips against Trump's reciprocal tariffs?
14. Exclusive: CHIPS Office hit by 80% staff cut amid policy shift, Korean American official resigns
15. Ruling party urges Constitutional Court to make swift ruling on Yoon's impeachment
16. Opposition leader tops poll as Korea braces for Yoon's impeachment ruling
17. Constitutional Court justices reviewing Yoon's impeachment case with 'extra care': court official
18. S. Korea to let defense firms propose weapons systems under new acquisition model
19. Korean firms chase $2 trillion overseas orders with green, nuclear projects
20. Defense chief calls for 'prudent' live-fire drills to prevent wildfires
21. On-site probe begins into point of ignition for Uiseong wildfires
22. North Korea Carves Workers' Party Propaganda Slogans on New Apartment, Factory Walls
1. Interview: NIS tally of North Koreans killed or injured in Ukraine war rises over 4,000
Self mutilation to avoid the draft. So tragic.
We must never forget:
The root of all problems in Korea is the existence of the most evil mafia- like crime family cult known as the Kim family regime that has the objective of dominating the Korean Peninsula under the rule of the Guerrilla Dynasty and Gulag State.
Interview: NIS tally of North Koreans killed or injured in Ukraine war rises over 4,000
koreaherald.com · by Kim Arin · March 31, 2025
Seoul spy agency says North Koreans inflicting self-mutilation to avoid conscription
People Power Party Rep. Lee Seong-kweun speaks to The Korea Herald at his office at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, Wednesday. Im Se-jun/The Korea Herald
The total number of North Korean troops killed or injured fighting for Russia in its war in Ukraine has risen above 4,000, according to the National Intelligence Service's latest update, ruling party Rep. Lee Seong-kweun said.
Lee, the People Power Party's deputy chair of the National Assembly's intelligence committee, told The Korea Herald that the NIS' figure as of mid-March indicates more than 4,000 North Korean troops have either been wounded or killed in Russia's war. This is an increase from the total of around 3,000 -- nearly one-third of the 11,000 troops North Korea sent for Russia -- that the NIS released in January.
"The latest we have is that more than 4,000 members of North Korean forces in the Ukraine war have either been killed or wounded," the lawmaker said.
Lee said the NIS believes North Korea sent another 3,000 to 4,000 more troops to make up for the losses after a brief withdrawal from the Kursk front line in February. "North Korean troops have disappeared from the Kursk front briefly as a result of losing some 30 percent of their men to casualties, but they have since been replenished with additional dispatches of troops," he said.
Military parade in Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang, capital of North Korea during the 60th anniversary of the founding of the nation. (Getty Images)
Lee said the NIS suspects that those killed or wounded could include senior-ranking officers of the North Korean forces, which was tricky to ascertain as North Korea was "covering up tracks" of its military deployment in Ukraine.
"North Korea recovers the bodies of its dead soldiers as much as they can, rather than leaving them behind, in an effort to cover up any signs of their involvement in the war," he said.
According to what the NIS has learned from its Ukrainian counterpart, North Korean troops were also instructed to take themselves out with a grenade if they come close to capture. "They have guidelines telling the troops to opt for self-destruction and suicide to evade capture," Lee said.
The NIS does not think Ukraine has North Korean prisoners of war in its custody other than the two that had been captured in January.
While Ukrainian authorities have said North Korean troops were tipping the balance in favor of the Russian side in the Kursk battles, the NIS does not think the North Korean contribution has been significant, according to Lee.
"North Korean troops were mostly used like expendables in the battles, and they are not believed to have played a decisive role in Russia's recent gains in the Kursk region, which is more attributable to the US ending intelligence-sharing with Ukraine under Trump," the lawmaker said, citing the NIS.
Although North Korea does not officially recognize its military deployment to Russia and has made no acknowledgement of it to its own people, the NIS finds anxiety about further conscription to be spreading, Lee said. Many young people in North Korea are only children, making the families more reluctant to send them into war.
"Some are taking extreme measures such as self-inflicted mutilation of their bodies to dodge conscription, with North Korean authorities providing gifts and other consolatory offerings to families of deployed soldiers to prevent unrest," Lee said.
As for the possibility of North Korea carrying out a nuclear weapons test this year, Lee said the NIS believes they are "prepared to conduct another test at any time." "The NIS has been saying for some time now that North Korea is ready to test a nuclear weapon, the only question is when," he said.
The NIS' intelligence assessment with regard to Ju-ae -- the daughter of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un -- being his likely heir has not changed, according to Lee. "Ju-ae is still the most likely heir apparent, although the NIS does think the North Korean leader has other children of unknown age and sex," he said.
arin@heraldcorp.com
koreaherald.com · by Kim Arin · March 31, 2025
2. British Ministry of Defense: “North Korean casualties in Russia likely to have exceeded 5,000”
A higher estimate from the UK.
This is a Google translation of an RFA report.
British Ministry of Defense: “North Korean casualties in Russia likely to have exceeded 5,000”
Seoul-Lee Jeong-eun leeje@rfa.org
2025.03.31
https://www.rfa.org/korean/in-focus/2025/03/31/north-korea-troops-kursk-casualties/
Soldiers take part in a demonstration during training of the Korean People's Army Air Force and Landing Warfare Unit in March 2024 (Reuters)
Anchor: The British Ministry of Defense has reported that there is a high possibility that the number of casualties among North Korean troops deployed to Russia may exceed 5,000. Reporter Lee Jeong-eun reports from Seoul.
The British Ministry of Defense, in intelligence released on the Internet social network 'X' on the 28th, diagnosed that there is a very high possibility that North Korean troops deployed to Russia's Kursk Oblast suffered more than 5,000 casualties in an attack operation against the Ukrainian military as of March of this year.
It was estimated that about a third of them would have lost their lives in combat.
It also assessed that the number of North Korean casualties was close to half of the approximately 11,000 North Korean soldiers initially deployed to the Kursk region, and that the high casualty rate of the North Korean military was almost certainly the result of large-scale attrition warfare.
North Korean troops suffer massive casualties in Russian-backed battles – DI Report
According to information released by the British Defense Intelligence Agency (DI) on March 28, 2025, the North Korean military (DPRK) is estimated to have suffered more than 5,000 casualties in battles with the Ukrainian military, with approximately one-third of them killed. (Capture from the British Defense Intelligence Agency X account)
In addition, North Korean and Russian forces have expanded their territorial gains in recent weeks through offensive operations against Ukrainian forces in Kursk, and the Ukrainian military may have held at least one stronghold in Kursk, he said.
In addition, while North Korean military operations have been limited to the Kursk region so far, it is expected that deploying them to Ukrainian territory for the purpose of supporting Russian forces would require the approval of Russian President Vladimir Putin and General Secretary Kim Jong-un.
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Earlier, the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff reported on the 27th that out of the 11,000 North Korean soldiers dispatched to Russia, approximately 4,000 suffered casualties, and that more than 3,000 additional soldiers were dispatched via various means of transportation in January and February.
[Lee Seong-jun, Director of Public Relations, Joint Chiefs of Staff] It is estimated that the 3,000 troops were dispatched using various means of transportation, including sea and land, and the relevant agencies are currently confirming the exact details.
It also revealed that the North Korean military continues to provide Russia with missiles, artillery equipment, and ammunition in addition to troops.
Trump: “Russia, if there is no peace agreement, there will be secondary tariffs”
As talks to end the war in Ukraine continue, US President Donald Trump has warned that if Russia fails to reach an agreement, he will impose a second round of tariffs on Russian oil.
President Trump said in a telephone interview with NBC on the 30th (local time), “I am very angry that Russian President Vladimir Putin began to question the credibility of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.”
He said he plans to speak with President Putin again this week.
On the 28th, President Putin insisted that Ukraine must establish a provisional government and hold presidential elections in order to begin peace negotiations with Russia, which is interpreted as a move to exclude President Zelensky from negotiations.
The United States, which is mediating the ceasefire talks between Russia and Ukraine, announced on the 25th that the two countries agreed to halt mutual attacks on energy facilities for 30 days and ensure safe navigation in the Black Sea.
This is Lee Jeong-eun of RFA's Free Asia Broadcasting in Seoul.
Editor Yang Seong-won
3. Ministry of Unification: “Intention to Strengthen Ideological Control of All Classes” in Large-Scale Training of North Korean Boy Scout Leaders
Loyalty, loyalty, loyalty. There can be nothing else.
ideological training and indoctrination is the most important tool for maintaining regime control (the others might be the gulags and executions)
This is a Google translation of an RFA report.
Ministry of Unification: “Intention to Strengthen Ideological Control of All Classes” in Large-Scale Training of North Korean Boy Scout Leaders
Seoul-Mokyongjae moky@rfa.org
2025.03.31
https://www.rfa.org/korean/in-focus/2025/03/31/north-korea-inflow-information-children/
North Korea's Korean Central News Agency reported on March 31 that the first National School Boys' Corps Instructor Conference was held in Pyongyang from March 26 to 29. (Yonhap)
Anchor: As North Korea announced that it had conducted its first-ever large-scale training of Boy Scout leaders, the South Korean government evaluated it as part of the North Korean authorities' efforts to strengthen ideological control over all classes of the population. Reporter Mok Yong-jae reports from Seoul.
North Korea's state-run media reported on the 31st that a nationwide training course for school boy scouts was held in Pyongyang from the 26th to the 29th.
According to reports, the event is being held for the first time ever under the instructions of General Secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea Kim Jong Un, and was organized to ensure that young revolutionaries and young patriots fulfill their responsibilities and duties.
In this grand lecture, the reporter stated that the purpose of this event was to encourage loyalty, saying, “All school boy scouts should hold on to the Party’s ideology as their unchanging guideline, plan a project, and organize and execute it only according to the teachings of the Father Marshal, even when they receive education.”
The Ministry of Unification of South Korea analyzed in a press briefing on the 31st that North Korea held this event following the National People's Unit Leaders' Conference held in mid-March, indicating that the North Korean authorities are strengthening ideological control over all classes of residents.
Previously, on the 18th, North Korean authorities held the 'National People's Unit Leaders' Zealots' Meeting' for the first time in 18 years.
These are the words of South Korea's Unification Ministry spokesperson Koo Byung-sam.
[Koo Byung-sam, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Unification] The National People's Unit Leaders' Conference was also an event held after a long time. Recently, there have been attempts to strengthen ideological control over all classes of residents, and we can only assume that there is an internal demand for such measures.
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“North Korean residents, increased exposure to external information”
Experts analyzed that this move by North Korean authorities to strengthen ideological control is evidence that North Korean residents are increasingly exposed to external information.
The 3rd National People's Unit Leaders' Conference was held in Pyongyang on the 16th and 17th, the Korean Central News Agency reported on the 18th.
The 3rd National People's Unit Leaders' Conference was held in Pyongyang on the 16th and 17th, the Korean Central News Agency reported on the 18th. (Yonhap)
Oh Kyung-seop, a senior researcher at the Institute for Unification Studies, observed in a phone call with Radio Free Asia on the 31st that ideological divisions appear to be seriously progressing within North Korea.
[Oh Kyung-seop, Senior Researcher, Korea Institute for National Unification] North Korean citizens have become considerably more aware of the prosperity of capitalist society and political freedom, while North Korea’s regime is extremely impoverished to the point of food shortages, and is politically unfree and oppressive. This is why North Korean citizens are considerably more aware of this…
Senior Researcher Oh continued to analyze that the North Korean authorities' large-scale training of Boy Scout leaders was a preliminary effort to block or minimize the influence of external information on young boys.
Meanwhile, the Joseon Children's Corps was founded in 1946 as an organization under the Youth League and is a 'red tie unit' that students aged 7 to 16 must join. It is estimated to have around 3 million members.
This is Mok Yong-jae from RFA's Free Asia Broadcasting in Seoul.
Editor Yang Seong-won
4. [North Korea in Documents] A World Where Only ‘Loyalty’ and ‘Favor’ Survive... North Korea’s Name Control
The only way to survive and possibly advance in north Korea is by demonstrating personal loyalty to the Kim family regime.
This is a Google translation of an RFA report.
[North Korea in Documents] A World Where Only ‘Loyalty’ and ‘Favor’ Survive... North Korea’s Name Control
Seoul - Kim Ji-eun, Ahn Chang-gyu, Lee Hyun-joo xallsl@rfa.org
2025.03.31
https://www.rfa.org/korean/listen/north-korea-documents/2025/03/31/north-korea-name-censorship/
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un smiles as he visits Taesongsan General Hospital. (kcna/Reuters)
Host: The most closed country on earth, North Korea, where you, our listeners, live. Today, we will meet North Korea through internal documents. I am Ahn Chang-gyu, the host of [North Korea Through Documents]. Today, we are joined by reporter Kim Ji-eun. Hello.
Reporter Kim Ji-eun: Hello. Today, we will be covering the lecture titled ‘Let’s Thoroughly Crush Anti-Socialist and Non-Socialist Phenomena’ from the March 2025 issue of the Workers’ Party of Korea Publishing House.
North Korean internal documents - Name
In a lecturer's manual for all residents published by the Workers' Party of Korea Publishing House and distributed nationwide in March 2025, the authorities emphasized, "We must thoroughly eliminate the phenomenon of children calling themselves by their names." (Source: Kim Ji-eun)
Host : Looking at the title, it seems to be criticizing anti-socialism and non-socialism in the issue of naming children, but I think North Korea is probably the only country on this planet that emphasizes political considerations such as maintaining subjectivity and national identity through personal names and says, "Do this," "Don't do this."
Reporter Kim Ji-eun : I think I'm the only one.
This document is a lecturer's guide for all residents, published by the Workers' Party of Korea Publishing House in March 2025 and distributed nationwide.
This month, following an explanation of Kim Jong Un's famous saying, "Let us put all our efforts into ideological work to arouse the spiritual power of the masses and brilliantly complete the task of the last year's struggle to implement the decisions of the 8th Congress of the Party," we presented educational materials on the greatness of "The revolution and construction are always to strive in a higher direction," as well as educational materials on belief, and slogans and watchwords to powerfully arouse all the people to implement the decisions of the 11th Plenary Session of the 8th Central Committee.
In addition, the educational material on 'Let's thoroughly crush anti-socialist and non-socialist phenomena' is included, and this part deals with the content of 'Let's thoroughly eliminate the phenomenon of calling children by their random names.'
'To convey the will to pass on the love and grace of the party to future generations', 'To reveal the desire to uphold the party to the end'
The steel notes that "since ancient times, our people have considered it a custom to name their children meaningful yet simple, noble yet weighty, easy to pronounce yet pleasant to hear, but some families are giving them names without any political considerations." At the same time, it urges that names be given "to convey the will to pass on the Party's love and grace to future generations" and "to reveal the desire to uphold the Party to the end," as "the enemies are carrying out vicious schemes to infiltrate their children with rotten bourgeois ideology and culture."
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Host : It's obvious what a 'name that contains the will to convey the love and grace of the party' and a 'name that shows the desire to support the party to the end' are. I can think of a few names right away, but the names that the authorities have asked us to create seem to be almost the same from the Kim Il-sung era to the present.
Reporter Kim Ji-eun : North Korea has had one regime for over 80 years. I always think about it, but in many ways, including the name, the non-socialist struggle, the anti-socialist struggle, has continued without rest for 80 years, but it is truly ironic that this phenomenon has never disappeared. If the struggle did not work out after 80 years, then either the struggle itself was meaningless, or it was a struggle for the sake of struggle, isn't it one of the two?
The documentation attaches great importance to the act of naming itself.
He pointed out that 'naming a child is not a matter limited to a single family, but rather a very important issue that determines whether or not we can thoroughly uphold subjectivity and nationality in revolution and construction, and further, whether or not we can protect our ideology and culture.'
It can be seen that the authorities are trying to control even the most basic actions of these residents by adding ‘revolution’ and ‘ideology’ to suit their taste.
If I were a North Korean citizen listening to this lecture, I would wonder if the “subjectivity in revolution and construction” pointed out by the party would provide food or money. I think there would be more than one or two residents who think like me that if the party did not interfere in every single thing, they would live better than they do now.
The document asks that children be named “Loyalty,” “Faithfulness,” and “Loyalty” to convey the Party’s love and grace. It also suggests good names such as “Eun-deok,” “Eun-hye,” “Happiness,” and “Hyo-seong.” Reporter Ahn, are these really common names in North Korea?
Among those many loyal, faithful, kind, happy, and generous people, many escaped North Korea and are now living well in South Korea. I would like to ask if they would have risked their lives to escape North Korea if they had the love and grace of the party, as their name suggests.
North Korean internal documents - Name
North Korean authorities are specifically requesting that the puppet country not be given a name like 'South Korea'. (Source: Kim Ji-eun)
Host : Actually, there are cases in my family where the authorities gave us the names that reporter Kim just mentioned. There were really a lot of them. But these names also have some differences depending on the era.
Before the Arduous March, the authorities encouraged people to give themselves names that honored the love and grace of the leader and the party and that conveyed a desire to be loyal to them. However, after the Arduous March, with the emergence of the military-first politics advocated by Kim Jong-il, the atmosphere in which the authorities gave people names they wanted changed significantly.
These are names that have a more direct and coercive meaning, and contain anger toward the United States and others. I remember a parent naming triplets Gun, Bomb, and Tan. The names of the three children are Kim Gun, Kim Bok, and Kim Tan, and if you remove the last names, you get 'Gun Bomb'. The authorities have featured them in the media several times and encouraged other residents to do the same.
Reporter Kim Ji-eun : Has this been reported once or twice? But what is a person's name 'Kim Chong'? What is Kim Bok? What is Kim Tan? It is not normal to praise parents for giving such violent and bizarre names and to propagandize residents to follow suit.
In addition to bombs and guns, in addition to the defense and enforcement of the will, satellites were also a trend at one time. Satellite refers to a satellite that orbits the sun, and it signifies that people were ideologically united around Kim Il-sung.
The child named by Kim Jong-un himself... Grows up to be notorious as a bad 'cadre'
Reporter Ahn, I don't know if you remember, but Kim Jong-il went to Daehongdan and visited the house of a soldier who had just been discharged from the military... Of course, it was planned, but it is said that he named them at the couple's request. If they had a son, they were to name him 'Daehong' and if they had a daughter, they were to name her 'Hongdan'. So their children were named Daehong and Hongdan.
The child who received the name 'Daehong' later grew up to become a cadre and is said to have pushed the residents so hard that they were often met with resentment.
Host : That's right. It was widely reported that the person who received that name became an executive, and it seems that he is loyal to the person who gave him that name.
Reporter Kim Ji-eun : Having that name could have been another source of power.
In this document, authorities urge parents not to name their children politically ambiguous without any awareness, but to name them in a way that clearly reveals their political leanings.
In particular, they emphasized that we should never give names that could be considered as compatriots by our (North Korea) main enemy, the South Korean puppets. In fact, what the authorities wanted to say most in this document was 'don't give people Korean names' and 'social lifestyle', but it can be seen that this document was written to tell people not to give themselves South Korean names.
Host : So how much care do North Korean citizens have when naming their children?
Reporter Kim Ji-eun : Yes. I think it will be difficult to build it without being caught by anti-socialists or non-socialists.
So most of them are named safely as Sukmyeong, Myeongsuk, Gyeongsik, and Sugil. If they are born in May, they are named Owol. If they are born in the fall, they are named Chuwol. If they are born in the spring, they are named Chunwol. If there is no hope for happiness, why would anyone name them Eunhye? In North Korea, the revolution has not improved the lives of the people, but rather worsened them, so names that praise the revolution or the government have been disappearing recently.
Host: Recently, South Korean names have become a problem along with South Korean speech. We will discuss the current situation and what the residents think next time.
Reporter Kim Ji-eun, thank you for your hard work.
[North Korea in Documents] We greet you here today. This was Ahn Chang-gyu. Thank you, listeners. We will greet you next time.
Editor Lee Hyun-joo
5. Defense ministry reaffirms USFK's role in keeping peace on Korean Peninsula
A vital US national interest in northeast Asia is preventing war on the Korean peninsula. What happens on the Korean peninsula (bad or good), whether war, instability and regime collapse, South Korea moving under China's influence, or unification, will have global effects and effects on the American homeland. The American people will feel everything that happens on the Korean peninsula.
Defense ministry reaffirms USFK's role in keeping peace on Korean Peninsula | Yonhap News Agency
en.yna.co.kr · by Lee Minji · March 31, 2025
SEOUL, March 31 (Yonhap) -- The defense ministry on Monday stressed the role of the U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) in South Korea remains unchanged, following a media report that indicates the U.S. would prioritize its homeland defense and deterrence of Chinese threats.
The Washington Post reported Saturday (U.S. time) that the Pentagon will "assume risk in other theaters" and push allies to increase their defense spending to deter threats from Russia, North Korea and Iran.
The report cited a nine-page secret internal memo, distributed throughout the Pentagon in mid-March and signed by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. It spawned speculation here about a possible change to the USFK's role, including the reduction in its size.
"The biggest role of the USFK is to play its role for the peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula," Seoul's defense ministry spokesperson Jeon Ha-kyou told a regular press briefing.
When asked about whether there are any changes to the priorities of the 28,500-strong USFK, Jeon said, "That remains unchanged," while adding that the military maintains a firm combined defense posture against various circumstances based on the South Korea-U.S. alliance.
Concerns have been growing that Washington may demand that Seoul further shoulder the cost of the upkeep of the USFK or reconsider the role of U.S. troops in South Korea as U.S. President Donald Trump takes a "transactional" approach to alliances.
This March 20, 2025, file photo shows South Korean and U.S. troops conducting combined river crossing drills on the Imjin River in Yeoncheon, located about 50 kilometers north of Seoul, in conjunction with the annual springtime Freedom Shield exercise. (Pool photo) (Yonhap)
mlee@yna.co.kr
(END)
en.yna.co.kr · by Lee Minji · March 31, 2025
6. S. Korea on edge as US eyes USFK role in Taiwan contingencies
Korea must be on edge about Taiwan contingencies because such contingencies will have direct effects on Korean security and prosperity
They should not be concerned about USFK but instead what Korea itself is going to do to secure its interests in a Taiwan contingency (hint is not some foolish effort to try to restrict the use of US forces in Korea to support a Taiwan contingency). The riny is that only those who do not understand military planning and operations think that USFK is going to be turned toward Taiwan contingencies. USFK is optimized to provide the foundation of the ROK/US Combined Forces Command and very few USFK forces will add capabilities to what exists in Japan and CONUS that will be employed for Taiwan constituencies.
The challenge for the US is dealing with simultaneous and near simultaneous contingencies in Taiwan and Korea or dealing with a Taowan contingency while supporting deterrence to prevent a Korean contingency. This is how the ROK and US should approach contingency planning and not focus on the two fantasy assumptions heard by the press and uninformed pundts: 1) that the ROK can remain "neutral" in a Taiwan contingency and thus China will not harm South Korea; and 2) tha South Korea should or even can prevent USFK forces from supporting a Taiwan contingency so as to sustain the perception of a South Korean neutral posture.
S. Korea on edge as US eyes USFK role in Taiwan contingencies
The Korea Times · March 31, 2025
Armored vehicles and American troops are seen at a U.S. military base in Dongducheon, Gyeonggi Province, March 10, during the Freedom Shield South Korea-U.S. joint military exercise. Yonhap
USFK's primary role is to maintain peace on Korean Peninsula: defense ministry
By Lee Hyo-jin
South Korea is expected to face pressure from the U.S. government to allow American troops stationed in the country to be deployed in the event of a conflict in the Taiwan Strait, analysts said Monday, following an alleged secret Pentagon memo that describes "deterring China's seizure of Taiwan" as its focus.
This contentious idea would shift the primary mission of the 28,500 U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) troops from deterring North Korean threats to countering China — a key element of the Donald Trump administration's foreign policy. For Seoul, this could create a security vacuum and complicate its relations with Beijing.
According to a Washington Post report published Saturday (local time), an interim National Defense Strategic Guidance document from the U.S. Department of Defense prioritizes deterring China’s seizure of Taiwan and strengthening homeland defense by "assuming risk" in other parts of the world.
The secret document, allegedly signed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, was reportedly distributed within the department in mid-March.
The document describes China as the department's "sole pacing threat," and denial of a Chinese fait accompli seizure of Taiwan — while simultaneously defending the U.S. homeland — as the Pentagon's sole pacing scenario. It further states that the Pentagon will pressure allies in Europe, the Middle East and East Asia to increase their responsibility in deterring threats from Russia, North Korea and Iran.
This document suggests that the Trump administration is poised to demand a greater security burden from South Korea and may also push for a shift in USFK’s role beyond the Korean Peninsula, according to local military experts.
"The U.S. government has previously floated the idea of shifting USFK's role to counter China, and under Trump, such demands could become more overt and emboldened. He would stress the strategic flexibility of the USFK, and seek to expand its mission to deter China's aggression," said Kim Yeoul-soo, an analyst at the Korea Institute for Military Affairs.
U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth waits for the arrival of Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba prior to their meeting at the latter's office in Tokyo, Sunday. The United States will ensure "robust, ready and credible deterrence" across the Taiwan Strait, Hegseth said, calling China "aggressive and coercive." AFP-Yonhap
Kim viewed that, in the long term, the Trump administration may push for South Korea to independently handle conventional military threats from North Korea, with the U.S. stepping in only in the event of nuclear threats.
The concept of USFK's strategic flexibility would support this shift, as it is aimed at changing the core mission of American forces abroad from defending host nations to rapid deployment to other parts of the world where the U.S. faces conflicts.
In 2006, the U.S. agreed to "consult" with South Korea in the event of making decisions related to USFK's strategic flexibility, but the issue has remained a source of debate, with concerns over unilateral decision-making by Washington.
"From Trump's perspective, keeping its forces permanently stationed here doesn't align with its national interests," Kim said. "The best option for South Korea is to significantly strengthen its defense capabilities, preparing for a scenario where there would be no U.S. troops involved in conventional warfare with North Korea."
Park Won-gon, a professor of North Korean studies at Ewha Womans University, said he wasn’t surprised by the latest revelations on Pentagon’s focus on China deterrence, as these ideas had already been publicly discussed by Elbridge Colby, Trump’s pick for undersecretary of defense for policy.
"Colby has repeatedly stated that the South Korea-U.S. alliance should be updated to reflect broader geopolitical environments, and even said that USFK should be restructured to address Chinese threats," Park said.
"Given that Colby has mentioned 2027 as the year Beijing could take action on Taiwan, the U.S. may seek to adjust USFK’s role and prepare for its involvement in a potential Taiwan Strait conflict before then."
Helicopters fly over with Taiwan's national flag during an inauguration celebration of Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te in Taipei, May 20, 2024. AP-Yonhap
South Korea's Ministry of National Defense reaffirmed that USFK's main role is maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.
"Since this has not been confirmed as an official statement from the U.S. Department of Defense, there is nothing in particular for us to comment on," defense ministry spokesperson Jeon Ha-kyou said during a briefing, when asked about the Washington Post report.
"The primary role of USFK is to contribute to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, and that remains unchanged," he said.
The Korea Times · March 31, 2025
7. Korea's Hanbit Unit marks 12th year of deployment to South Sudan
South Korea: A global pivotal state.
Monday
March 31, 2025
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Korea's Hanbit Unit marks 12th year of deployment to South Sudan
https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2025-03-31/national/defense/Koreas-Hanbit-Unit-marks-12th-year-of-deployment-to-South-Sudan/2273654
Published: 31 Mar. 2025, 09:41
Updated: 31 Mar. 2025, 11:10
Two soldiers of the Hanbit Unit stand guard at a construction site in South Sudan on Feb. 12. [JOINT CHIEFS OF STAFF]
“A gift from god.”
This phrase was used by residents of South Sudan to describe the 280-member Hanbit Unit, according to the Korean military. The Korean peacekeeping unit was deployed in 2013, two years after South Sudan gained independence from Sudan.
The one expression captures the efforts by the Hanbit Unit, primarily composed of sappers, to help rebuild South Sudan after more than 50 years of civil war, the military said.
Related Article
As of Sunday, the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) stated that the Hanbit Unit’s most notable accomplishment since its first deployment on Mar. 31, 2013, has been the repair work on the main supply routes. The unit — now in its 19th rotation — marked the 12th anniversary of its deployment on Monday.
The Hanbit Unit has repaired up to 2,500 kilometers (1553.4 miles) of main supply routes, with the 19th rotation completing work on 307 kilometers this month.
Because these routes transport essentials such as food and medical supplies, locals regard them as lifelines. In particular, securing the main routes centered on Bor, a key city where a branch of the UN World Food Programme (WFP) is based, is crucial for food distribution to residents.
However, due to annual rainy seasons, it is common for roads to be washed away when the White Nile overflows.
If properly maintained, paved roads could be used as movement paths by rebel forces, making new construction a delicate matter. Unpaved roads must be repaired regularly in preparation for the rainy season from April to November.
The Hanbit Unit focused heavily on efficiency in this round of repairs by operating an equipment hub between its base camp and temporary lodging site. The need for repairs has increased as the WFP's transport volume has grown. After repairs, vehicle speeds rose significantly from 10 kilometers per hour to over 60, and traffic volume also increased, the military said.
The repairs were also completed swiftly. The Hanbit Unit was the first to finish its assigned tasks, even as six other engineering units from China, India, Thailand, Pakistan and Bangladesh under the United Nations Mission in South Sudan continued their work.
Col. Kwon Byung-guk, commander of the Hanbit Unit, left, poses with vocational school graduate Gatmai Magok Nhial for a photo on Feb. 20 in South Sudan. [JOINT CHIEFS OF STAFF]
Civil-military projects aimed at improving residents' living and medical conditions are also being carried out.
Six donation ceremonies were held in local villages from December of last year through March of this year, delivering 17,025 items, including medicines and various daily necessities, worth around 120 million won.
"It provided a foundation for smooth cooperation during the supply route repair operations and served as a buffer to prevent unnecessary friction in the region," said an official from the JCS.
The military believes that the vocational school, which has been operating since 2016, and the farm, which opened in 2014, have also helped earn residents’ trust. Both the school and farm are operated by the Hanbit Unit.
The vocational school offers training in electricity, plumbing, poultry farming and agriculture, while the farm is actively working to find high-quality rice varieties to promote local rice cultivation. All programs are focused on enabling the self-sufficiency of the South Sudanese people.
"As a citizen of Korea who has experienced the Miracle on the Han River, I dream of a Miracle on the Nile for South Sudan," said Col. Kwon Byung-guk, who was part of four deployments and commanded the unit in 2024.
"I hope the Hanbit Unit’s reconstruction support and humanitarian activities will lead to harmony, unity and prosperity among South Sudan’s tribes."
BY LEE KEUN-PYUNG [kim.minyoung5@joongang.co.kr]
8. Arms agency chief visits Romania for talks on defense industry cooperation
A partner in the Arsenal of Democracy. (Yes, I will beat that horse more dead because it is important to highlight)
Arms agency chief visits Romania for talks on defense industry cooperation | Yonhap News Agency
en.yna.co.kr · by Chae Yun-hwan · March 31, 2025
SEOUL, March 31 (Yonhap) -- The head of the state defense procurement agency visited Romania last week for talks with senior officials to strengthen arms industry cooperation, his office said Monday.
Seok Jong-gun, minister of the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), met Nicoleta Pauliuc, chair of the Romanian Senate committee on defense, on Friday to discuss the European country's plans to acquire new military hardware.
During the talks, Seok explained Seoul's efforts to take part in the country's projects to acquire new infantry combat vehicles and battle tanks with its Redback armored fighting vehicle and the K2 tank, according to DAPA.
Seok also met Romanian Economy Minister Bogdan-Gruia Ivan the same day to discuss arms industry cooperation in warships and advanced technologies.
Ivan expressed hopes for cooperation with South Korean defense and shipbuilding companies to enhance the security of the Black Sea region and its shipbuilding industry, to which Seok agreed to hold talks in the areas, DAPA said.
The two countries have recently stepped up arms industry cooperation after South Korea's Hanwha Aerospace won a 1.38 trillion-won (US$940 million) order from Romania last year to supply K9 self-propelled howitzers and K10 ammunition resupply vehicles.
Seok's trip came after he visited Norway earlier in the week to discuss ways to upgrade the capability of the K9 operated by the Scandinavian country.
Seok Jong-gun (R), minister of the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), shakes hands with Romanian Economy Minister Bogdan-Gruia Ivan during his visit to Romania on March 28, 2025, in this photo provided by DAPA on March 31. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
yunhwanchae@yna.co.kr
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en.yna.co.kr · by Chae Yun-hwan · March 31, 2025
9. Hanwha Group chief transfers half of his stake to 3 sons, completing leadership succession
A key company in the South's defense industry. Someday it hopefully will be part of a JAROKUS ship building consortium with Japan and the US.
Hanwha Group chief transfers half of his stake to 3 sons, completing leadership succession | Yonhap News Agency
en.yna.co.kr · by Chang Dong-woo · March 31, 2025
SEOUL, March 31 (Yonhap) -- Hanwha Group Chairman Kim Seung-youn has transferred half of his stake in the group's holding company, Hanwha Corp., to his three sons, the company said Monday, effectively completing the group's leadership succession.
According to a regulatory filing, Kim has transferred a combined 11.32 percent stake in Hanwha Corp. to his three sons.
Vice Chairman Kim Dong-kwan received 4.86 percent, while President Kim Dong-won and Executive Vice President Kim Dong-seon each received 3.23 percent.
Kim previously held a 22.65 percent stake in Hanwha Corp., the de facto holding company of the conglomerate. Following the transfer, he now retains an 11.33 percent stake.
Following the share transfer, Hanwha Energy Corp. holds a 22.16 percent stake in Hanwha Corp., while Chairman Kim owns an 11.33 percent stake. Vice Chairman Kim Dong-kwan holds 9.77 percent, and the younger sons each hold 5.37 percent.
This file photo provided by Hanhwa Group shows its Chairman Kim Seung-youn. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
As the three sons already own 100 percent of Hanwha Energy, their combined stake in Hanwha Corp. now totals 42.67 percent, effectively consolidating control of the group's management with the next generation.
Hanwha Group said Chairman Kim decided to gift the shares to eliminate unnecessary speculation surrounding the group's succession and allow the company to focus on its core business operations.
The move also comes in response to speculation linking Hanwha Aerospace Co.'s recent rights offering and its acquisition of a stake in Hanwha Ocean to the succession planning.
The group emphasized that these decisions were strategic business moves unrelated to the succession.
odissy@yna.co.kr
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en.yna.co.kr · by Chang Dong-woo · March 31, 2025
10. S. Korea fully preparing for U.S.' reciprocal tariffs: trade minister
Practicing economic warfare on our allies?
S. Korea fully preparing for U.S.' reciprocal tariffs: trade minister | Yonhap News Agency
en.yna.co.kr · by Oh Seok-min · March 31, 2025
SEOUL, March 31 (Yonhap) -- South Korea is making all-out efforts to fully prepare for the U.S. administration's imposition of reciprocal tariffs, Seoul's top trade official said Monday, vowing strong support for businesses expanding into new markets.
Trade Minister Cheong In-kyo made the remarks during a meeting with exporters in Seoul, as U.S. President Donald Trump's government is set to announce reciprocal tariffs aimed at matching the tariffs imposed by other nations on U.S. exports Wednesday (U.S. time).
"We are making thorough preparations to respond to the U.S. announcement on reciprocal tariffs, set for April 2. We have been in continuous negotiations with the U.S. to best protect our companies' interests," Cheong was quoted as saying by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.
"We will also enhance support for exporters seeking alternative markets to brace for the spread of protectionism among major economies," he added, according to the ministry.
The new tariff scheme is expected to impact South Korean companies and the broader economy, as exports serve as the country's key growth engine.
Exporters called on the government to play an active role in minimizing the impact of the U.S. tariff policy, according to the ministry.
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during the White House iftar dinner at the White House in Washington on March 27, 2025, in this photo released by EPA. (Yonhap)
graceoh@yna.co.kr
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en.yna.co.kr · by Oh Seok-min · March 31, 2025
11. Acting president vows unwavering support for chip industry
Acting president vows unwavering support for chip industry | Yonhap News Agency
en.yna.co.kr · by Lee Haye-ah · March 31, 2025
SEOUL, March 31 (Yonhap) -- Acting President Han Duck-soo pledged the government's unwavering support for the nation's semiconductor industry on Monday.
Han made the pledge during a visit to chip giant SK hynix Inc.'s plant in Icheon, about 50 kilometers southeast of Seoul, as the semiconductor industry has faced challenges from an increasingly uncertain trade environment caused in part by recent U.S. tariffs, and technological competition from rival nations.
"The government will support the semiconductor and other advanced strategic industries without wavering under any circumstances for the sake of our future," he said.
In particular, Han promised to use various tools, such as financial, tax, banking and infrastructure support, to help secure the industry's global competitiveness.
Moreover, the government will boldly remove regulations hampering businesses' investment and innovation, he said.
Acting President Han Duck-soo (2nd from L) visits an SK hynix plant in Icheon, some 50 kilometers southeast of Seoul, on March 31, 2025, in this photo provided by the company. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
hague@yna.co.kr
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en.yna.co.kr · by Lee Haye-ah · March 31, 2025
12. Trump trade adviser defends tariffs, cites Korea’s impact on US manufacturing
Mr. Navarro does not like Korea (or any of our allies I think). So shortsighted (and yes I am expressing my bias for the ROK/US alliance. It is not because I "like" Korea but because in my cold-hearted calculation the alliance is critical to US national security and prosperity)
Trump trade adviser defends tariffs, cites Korea’s impact on US manufacturing
koreaherald.com · by Ahn Sung-mi · March 31, 2025
Trump says reciprocal tariffs on April 2 to target all countries
White House trade adviser Peter Navarro speaks to reporters at the White House in Washington on March 12. (AP-Yonhap)
As President Donald Trump announced new 25 percent tariffs on imported cars and with plans to roll out sweeping reciprocal tariffs also underway, his top economic advisers are delivering aggressive messages to defend the move, referring to South Korea as among the countries undermining American manufacturing.
Peter Navarro, the White House's senior counselor for trade and manufacturing, on Sunday in the US defended the administration’s push for auto tariffs in an interview with Fox News, arguing the tariffs could bring back American manufacturing and jobs.
“What the Germans and the Japanese and the South Koreans are doing is they are turning this country from a manufacturing nation into an assembly nation,” Navarro said.
He criticized German and Japanese carmakers for sending the most “important, high-value-added” auto parts to be assembled in the US, claiming that only 19 percent of the cars Americans buy each year have American-made engines and transmissions.
He pointed to Mexico as another example, noting that auto plants there manufacture car engines destined for the US market.
“The Germans and the Japanese and South Koreans and the Mexicans have taken our manufacturing capability, so we’ve got to get that back and we are going to do it in a way which is going to protect American consumers and create jobs for American workers,” he said, claiming there would be over 1 million new jobs created in the auto industry as a result of tariffs.
Navarro’s remarks came just days after Trump announced a series of tariffs on foreign-made cars and key auto parts, such as engines, transmissions, power train parts and electrical components, set to take effect Thursday.
The auto tariffs are expected to hit the export-dependent Korean economy particularly hard, as the US market accounts for the lion's share of the country’s car shipments. Last year, South Korea exported $34.7 billion worth of vehicles to the US, nearly half of the country’s total car exports of $70.8 billion.
The tariffs are expected to make Korean cars pricier, reducing their appeal in the all-important US market. As a result, Korean automakers like Hyundai Motor and Kia could see their profits tumble.
Trump is also preparing to roll out reciprocal tariffs on Wednesday. Amid growing speculation as to the scope of the tariffs, the US president on Sunday told reporters they will apply to all countries.
It signaled a move from earlier remarks by Trump's aides that the tariffs will target only a small group of 10 to 15 countries with the biggest trade imbalance, dubbed the “Dirty 15” by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
While the secretary has not named specific countries, concerns are growing here that Seoul could be among them. The US posted a $66 billion trade deficit with South Korea last year, according to US government figures, placing Korea ninth on its list of countries from which it imports more than it exports.
Another of Trump’s top economic advisers on Sunday said it is up to the president to decide the scope and number of countries the tariffs will affect.
“President Trump is going to decide how many countries,” National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett said during an appearance on Fox News. “The point about 15 countries is that we have massive trade deficits with about 15 countries. It doesn’t mean that there aren’t a lot of unfair trade practices around the world. So the reciprocal part of our trade actions will be visible to everybody on (April) 2nd.”
Amid rising speculation on the extent of tariffs, the Wall Street Journal on Monday reported that Trump has been urging his advisers to take on a more aggressive approach on tariffs, including higher rates on a broader range of countries. Among the options reportedly being discussed is a global tariff of up to 20 percent on all countries.
sahn@heraldcorp.com
koreaherald.com · by Ahn Sung-mi · March 31, 2025
13. What are Korea's bargaining chips against Trump's reciprocal tariffs?
Unfortunately any contributions to the US economy already made will not weigh into the Administration's calculus. Just as Korea has provided the US with the largest US military base outside of the continental US, private business contributions to the US economy will not outweigh the perception among people like Peter Navarro that countries like the ROK are taking advantage of the US from both an economic and security standpoint. Again so shortsighted.
Excerpt:
Gov't urged to emphasize private sector's contributions to US economy
What are Korea's bargaining chips against Trump's reciprocal tariffs?
The Korea Times · March 31, 2025
Industry Minister Ahn Duk-geun, second from right, talks with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, second from left, at a hotel in Washington, March 22 (local time). Courtesy of Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy
Gov't urged to emphasize private sector's contributions to US economy
By Park Jae-hyuk
The Korean private sector's ongoing investments in the United States are expected to help Seoul to secure favorable results in its negotiations with Washington to lower tariffs as much as possible, international trade experts said, Monday.
The experts advised the government to emphasize Korea's contribution to the U.S. economy, as the White House has pointed to nontariff barriers and trade imbalances to justify its forthcoming reciprocal tariffs on free trade partners.
"The government should show proof that Korean products have contributed to the U.S. industry and job market," said Kim Dae-jong, a professor of business administration at Sejong University.
Chang Sang-sik, head of the Institute for International Trade under the Korea International Trade Association, said that Korea should position itself as an irreplaceable ally as the U.S. has excluded Chinese products.
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to reporters aboard Air Force One on his return to Washington, Sunday (local time). Reuters-Yonhap
Initially, the government sought an exemption from reciprocal tariffs, citing the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA), which makes almost all goods tariff-free. However, U.S. President Donald Trump has reiterated that his administration will start imposing reciprocal tariffs on all countries without exception on April 2.
Trump stated that negotiated deals would be impossible before the announcement of the sweeping tariffs, although he is open to negotiations afterward if the U.S. could "get something" in return.
"You'd start with all countries," he told reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday (local time), referring to the reciprocal tariffs he is set to announce this week.
Additionally, Korea is presumed to be on the list of the so-called "Dirty 15," the 15 countries that U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent identified as imposing high tariffs on American goods.
As it has become virtually impossible for Korea to avoid U.S. reciprocal tariffs, the government has shifted its focus to convincing the U.S. to impose lower tariffs on Korean products than on those from Japan and European Union member countries, so that Korean goods could have price competitiveness.
"Tariff rates can differ depending on the package we can offer," Trade Minister Cheong In-kyo said during a lecture in Seoul on March 19, following his meeting with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.
Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Chung Euisun, front row right, poses for a selfie with Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, front row left, and the employees of the Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America, during the factory's grand opening in Ellabell, Ga., Wednesday (local time). AP-Yonhap
One factor considered favorable for trade talks is Hyundai Motor Group's plan to invest $21 billion in the U.S. to build manufacturing facilities. During a White House meeting on March 24 with Executive Chair Chung Euisun of the Korean automotive group, Trump welcomed the plan, saying Hyundai Motor would not have to pay any tariffs.
Two days later, however, Trump signed a proclamation imposing 25 percent tariffs on all foreign-made cars starting April 3. As a result, Hyundai's vehicles shipped from Korea will be subject to the universal car tariffs.
"Companies should clarify that they will produce major components and intermediary goods in the U.S. or source them from U.S. companies," Chang said. "Korea should also signal its intent to cooperate with the U.S. in various sectors, including shipbuilding, solar power, semiconductors and energy."
Amid the U.S. request to resolve trade imbalances, Korean Air recently decided to buy a combined $32.7 billion worth of aircraft and engines from Boeing and GE Aerospace. However, Washington is still urging Korea to import more U.S. products, including liquefied natural gas from Alaska.
During his visit to Seoul last week, Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy told the press that Korea's gas imports from his state would be a prerequisite for favorable trade talks with the U.S. His remarks came as the government remained undecided on the request.
Additionally, Korea's plan to regulate monopolistic online platforms, including U.S. Big Tech companies, its ban on the import of American beef from cattle aged 30 months or older and the screen quota system to protect domestic filmmakers are seen by the U.S. as nontariff barriers that justify its reciprocal tariffs.
Some critics point out that Korea should voice complaints about U.S. protectionist policies, as the government refused the EU's request to cooperate in counteracting Trump's tariff threats.
Korea chose to remain low-key to avoid becoming the main target of the U.S., unlike the EU and Canada, both of which are preparing retaliatory tariffs on American products after their trade talks with Washington proved fruitless.
On Thursday, Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi also called the U.S. decision to hike the car tariffs with no exceptions "extremely regrettable."
"It is worthwhile to consider imposing retaliatory tariffs as a last resort," Kim said. "If the government remains silent, it can be seen as consenting to the U.S. tariff policies."
The Korea Times · March 31, 2025
14. Exclusive: CHIPS Office hit by 80% staff cut amid policy shift, Korean American official resigns
2d and 3d order effects of DOGE are everywhere.
Exclusive: CHIPS Office hit by 80% staff cut amid policy shift, Korean American official resigns
Future of U.S. subsidies for Samsung, SK hynix unclear amid CHIPS Office overhaul
https://www.chosun.com/english/industry-en/2025/03/31/E7Q62CYPFRGZHCTWX5A3V34WXI/
By Kim Eun-joong (Washington),
Yoo Ji-han,
Kim Mi-geon
Published 2025.03.31. 16:26
Updated 2025.03.31. 18:19
Dan Kim, Chief Economist and Head of Strategic Planning and Industry Analysis at the U.S. Department of Commerce’s CHIPS Program Office (CPO) /Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA)
U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed his intention to repeal the CHIPS and Science Act. In line with that stance, approximately 80% of the staff at the CHIPS Program Office (CPO) within the U.S. Department of Commerce—a division created three years ago to oversee semiconductor subsidies—have reportedly been dismissed or urged to resign. Of the office’s roughly 150 employees, about 120 are said to have been affected.
Dan Kim (Korean name Kim Dong-jin), a former vice president at SK hynix’s Washington, D.C. office, also resigned last week. Kim had joined the CPO nearly three years ago as chief economist and director of strategic planning and industry analysis.
His departure, as a senior Korean American official with close knowledge of South Korean corporate operations, has further fueled concerns over whether the subsidies designated for Samsung Electronics and SK hynix will be distributed as planned.
Enacted in August 2022, the CHIPS and Science Act earmarked $52.7 billion (77.4 trillion won) to support the U.S. semiconductor industry—$39 billion for manufacturing facilities and $13.2 billion for research and development and workforce development.
To carry out this initiative, the Biden administration appointed Michael Schmidt, formerly of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, to lead the newly formed CHIPS for America office within the Department of Commerce. The office recruited a number of experts from the government, the semiconductor industry, and finance.
Kim joined the CPO as chief economist and head of strategic planning and industry analysis. At the time, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced his appointment, saying he brought expertise in international competitiveness and national security issues related to the semiconductor industry, having held senior positions in both the U.S. government and the private sector.
The staff reductions at the CPO are being overseen by Elon Musk, who currently leads the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and is spearheading a sweeping restructuring of the federal bureaucracy. It remains unclear whether Kim’s resignation was voluntary.
South Korean companies are closely watching whether the subsidies approved under the previous Biden administration will be disbursed as planned. Any revisions to the original agreements under the Trump administration could affect the final amounts.
Samsung Electronics, which is constructing a semiconductor manufacturing facility in Texas, had been approved to receive $4.745 billion—equivalent to approximately 12.8% of its total investment—under the Biden administration. However, the funds have reportedly not yet been disbursed. Covington & Burling, the law firm representing Samsung in the subsidy process, has also come under scrutiny. The firm was sanctioned by executive order after Trump accused it of involvement in what he described as the Biden administration’s “weaponization of the legal system.”
SK hynix, which is set to receive $458 million, has likewise not received any funding, as its facility remains in the pre-construction phase.
15. Ruling party urges Constitutional Court to make swift ruling on Yoon's impeachment
Everyone is on edge waiting for the ruling.
Ruling party urges Constitutional Court to make swift ruling on Yoon's impeachment | Yonhap News Agency
en.yna.co.kr · by Yi Wonju · March 31, 2025
By Yi Wonju
SEOUL, March 31 (Yonhap) -- The interim leader of the ruling People Power Party (PPP) on Monday called on the Constitutional Court to swiftly deliver its verdict on President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment.
Rep. Kwon Young-se made the call as the court has continued its deliberation on Yoon's fate, 34 days after it wrapped up hearings. No date has been set on Yoon's impeachment ruling.
"Acting court President Moon Hyung-bae should stop delaying any more time and issue a ruling promptly based on the decisions of each justice," Kwon said after a meeting of the PPP's emergency leadership committee.
Yoon was impeached Dec. 14 over his failed bid to impose martial law.
It took 63 days for former President Roh Moo-hyun to be reinstated and 92 days for former President Park Geun-hye to be removed from office from the passage of their impeachment motions.
With 107 days having passed since Yoon's impeachment, the court has yet to rule on the case. On April 18, the terms of two judges appointed by the previous administration will expire.
Currently, the court has an eight-member bench, and consent by at least six standing judges is necessary to uphold Yoon's impeachment.
Kwon also condemned the main opposition Democratic Party (DP) for pressuring the appointment of opposition-recommended Justice candidate Ma Eun-hyuk.
On Sunday, DP floor leader Park Chan-dae said his party will take "major" action if acting President Han Duck-soo fails to appoint Ma by Tuesday, hinting at a second impeachment attempt against Han, as well as against Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok and other Cabinet members.
Kwon Young-se (R), chief of the ruling People Power Party's emergency leadership committee, speaks during a meeting of the committee at the National Assembly in Seoul on March 27, 2025. (Yonhap)
julesyi@yna.co.kr
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en.yna.co.kr · by Yi Wonju · March 31, 2025
16. Opposition leader tops poll as Korea braces for Yoon's impeachment ruling
Sad but not unexpected development.
Opposition leader tops poll as Korea braces for Yoon's impeachment ruling
The Korea Times · March 31, 2025
Rep. Lee Jae-myung, leader of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea, speaks during a Supreme Council meeting held near Gwanghwamun in Seoul, Monday. Yonhap
57% of Korean voters expect transition of power to liberal leader
By Kwak Yeon-soo
A poll released Monday showed that Rep. Lee Jae-myung, leader of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), remains the most favored candidate in the event of a snap presidential election.
The same poll showed that the DPK's approval rating surpassed that of the ruling People Power Party (PPP) as the nation braces for the Constitutional Court’s ruling on President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment. While the top court has yet to announce the date for its verdict, legal experts predict it could be delivered later this month.
According to the survey conducted by Realmeter on 1,510 adults, 49.5 percent of respondents supported Lee as a president in the future, followed by Labor Minister Kim Moon-soo at 16.3 percent and Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo at 7.1 percent. Former PPP leader Han Dong-hoon and Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon’s approval ratings stood at 6.7 percent and 4.8 percent, respectively.
“Lee is maintaining a commanding lead in the latest poll with nearly 50 percent support. His approval rating rose after his acquittal in the appellate trial on charges of violating the Public Official Election Act,” Realmeter said.
“Among ruling party presidential hopefuls, Hong and Han saw slight increases in their approval ratings from the week before. However, Oh’s approval rating fell due to a controversy surrounding the designation of three districts in Seoul as areas requiring government permission for home transactions.”
Lee was found not guilty of violating the election law on Wednesday, in a ruling that could eliminate the long-standing legal risks he has faced from criminal allegations.
Experts said the acquittal will allow Lee to tighten his grip on the party and help strengthen his leadership.
“After Lee’s acquittal, the DPK would feel the burden lifted and place him as the party's presidential candidate,” political commentator Park Sang-byeong said.
Lee was also considered a front-runner among liberal politicians, with other potential candidates including Gyeonggi Province Gov. Kim Dong-yeon, former prime ministers Lee Nak-yon and Kim Boo-kyum and former South Gyeongsang Province Gov. Kim Kyoung-soo. However, none of the four garnered more than 1.8 percent support.
“From the PPP, there is a high possibility that Hong and Han will face off against Lee considering various factors including whether they have the potential to expand to attract moderate voters," Park said.
Police maintain strict security in front of the Constitutional Court in central Seoul, Monday. Yonhap
The Realmeter poll also found that 47.3 percent of respondents expressed support for the DPK, an increase from 43.6 percent the previous week. In contrast, 36.1 percent indicated support for the PPP, a decrease from 40 percent.
The survey suggested that more than half of Koreans favored the transition of power to a liberal leader if a snap election takes place in the case of a verdict that upholds Yoon's impeachment. If Yoon is ousted over his Dec. 3 martial law declaration, the nation will be required to hold a snap presidential election within 60 days.
Asked which political party they would prefer to win the next presidency, 37.8 percent of respondents said they would support the current conservative party, while 57.1 percent favored one of the opposition parties.
The poll has a margin of error of plus or minus 2.5 percentage points with a confidence rate of 95 percent.
The Korea Times · March 31, 2025
17. Constitutional Court justices reviewing Yoon's impeachment case with 'extra care': court official
Is a "powder keg "being created in Korean society as the court drags out its ruling?
Constitutional Court justices reviewing Yoon's impeachment case with 'extra care': court official | Yonhap News Agency
en.yna.co.kr · by Lee Haye-ah · March 31, 2025
By Lee Haye-ah
SEOUL, March 31 (Yonhap) -- The Constitutional Court's eight justices are deliberating on suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment case with "extra care," a court official said Monday amid growing calls for a swift verdict.
Kim Jung-won, the court's secretary general, made the remark in response to a lawmaker's question about the trial, which effectively concluded with the final hearing on Feb. 25.
"Multiple meetings are being held, and discussions and reviews are being conducted in depth," he told a meeting of the parliamentary legislation and judiciary committee. "As the case generates large public interest and repercussions, they are deliberating with extra care."
Kim said the justices are meeting "frequently" but stopped short of disclosing how many times the meetings have been held or how far along the justices are in their deliberations. He added that he does not know the details of the discussions.
Asked when the ruling will be delivered, he said, "I am not in a position to say."
Opposition parties have been pushing to amend the law to automatically extend a justice's term until the appointment of a replacement, a move that comes as two of the eight current justices are set to retire in mid-April.
Kim said the court is reviewing the proposal internally but has no official position on it yet.
Kim Jung-won, the secretary general of the Constitutional Court, speaks during a meeting of the parliamentary legislation and judiciary committee at the National Assembly in Seoul on March 31, 2025. (Yonhap)
hague@yna.co.kr
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en.yna.co.kr · by Lee Haye-ah · March 31, 2025
18. S. Korea to let defense firms propose weapons systems under new acquisition model
Despite the political turmoil at the top, the South Korean bureaucracy presses on. It is not paralyzed.
S. Korea to let defense firms propose weapons systems under new acquisition model
The S. Korean military is shifting away from its traditional top-down approach
https://www.chosun.com/english/industry-en/2025/03/31/QMVKDFOPVFFJHG34SHWPNRWHOY/
By Kim Ji-hwan,
Lee Jung-soo
Published 2025.03.31. 15:43
A K2 battle tank developed by Hyundai Rotem. /Hyundai Rotem
South Korea’s military is planning to shift its weapons acquisition process from a top-down approach to a bottom-up model that allows defense companies to take the lead in proposing new systems.
The change aims to speed up the adoption of advanced technologies by cutting down the typical five-to-10-year development cycle. The industry also expects the new system to help reduce research and development costs.
According to military authorities and the defense industry, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration is preparing to introduce a new system that would allow companies to take the lead in proposing research and development projects.
Under this framework, companies with expertise in specific weapon systems will be able to participate from the early stages of the military’s requirement review process and propose new systems.
Once the military approves the proposed need, the parties will discuss required capabilities and the timeline for deployment. Based on those discussions, companies will propose development plans tailored to military needs, and the military will move forward with acquisition projects based on those proposals.
A K9 self-propelled howitzer moves through a desert in the Middle East. /Hanwha Aerospace
Currently, the military must first identify and submit a requirement before the development of a weapon system can begin. Once a branch of the armed forces requests a specific weapon, the Joint Chiefs of Staff decides whether to approve the request and then sends it to DAPA.
The agency determines whether to pursue the project through a business strategy review, allocates a budget, and then issues a project announcement. Only after that announcement can companies find out what capabilities the military is seeking. Because the military defines the requirements beforehand, companies have had little opportunity to influence those specifications.
Under the new program, companies would be involved from the start, when the military first reviews the need for a particular weapon system.
A DAPA official said the new approach would allow companies to “quickly understand the military’s needs and begin preliminary development in advance,” adding that the system could help address the problem of companies only developing weapons strictly according to fixed military requirements.
Industry officials also expect the new system to lower their upfront research costs. Until now, companies often had to initiate R&D without knowing what the military would need. Developing a technology can take years and cost million of dollars, and firms had to invest without knowing whether they would win the contract.
“A company cannot even participate in a bid unless the military specifically requests the technology,” said an official at a defense company. “If this system is implemented, businesses should be able to save significantly on R&D spending.”
The change is also expected to help the military adopt cutting-edge technologies more quickly. In fast-evolving fields like drones and artificial intelligence, critics have pointed out that waiting for the military to issue formal requirements before beginning development makes it difficult to keep pace with rapid technological advances.
“We expect the time between development and deployment to be significantly reduced,” said an official at a defense firm.
To explain the proposed system and gather industry feedback, DAPA held an informational session on Mar. 18. Companies that attended reportedly responded positively.
However, some participants also emphasized the need for safeguards to ensure fairness in the bidding process. DAPA said it plans to finalize the system after further discussions, including which types of weapon systems will be covered first.
19. Korean firms chase $2 trillion overseas orders with green, nuclear projects
Korean firms chase $2 trillion overseas orders with green, nuclear projects
Korean builders pivot from EPC to renewables, SMRs, and investment-driven deals
https://www.chosun.com/english/industry-en/2025/03/31/AV5DU7V66VAQXFLXR5UE2RWPFM/
By Jo Eun-im,
Park Su-hyeon
Published 2025.03.31. 14:56
South Korean construction firms are expanding beyond traditional markets in the Middle East and Southeast Asia, targeting North America, Africa, and Australia. They are also broadening their focus beyond engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) projects to renewable energy, nuclear power, and investment-driven developments as they target $2 trillion in cumulative overseas orders.
According to industry sources, DL E&C recently entered the North American market through a carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) project. In November 2024, the company signed a contract with Canada’s Genesis Fertilizers to provide design and technology licensing for an eco-friendly fertilizer plant that produces blue ammonia by removing carbon dioxide from natural gas. DL E&C is responsible for front-end engineering design (FEED), while its subsidiary, Carbonco, supplies CCUS technology. Carbonco was established in 2022 to spearhead DL E&C’s CCUS business.
“This agreement marks our entry into the North American blue ammonia market,” a DL E&C official said. “With the U.S. and Canada increasing support for green projects, we anticipate further contract wins in the region.”
A construction site for the North East Link (NEL) road project in Australia./GS E&C
GS E&C is strengthening its presence in Australia’s infrastructure sector. In October 2021, a GS E&C consortium was awarded the North East Link (NEL) road project, which connects Melbourne’s northeastern orbital road to the Eastern Freeway. The project, valued at 10.1 trillion won ($7.5 billion), includes constructing a 6.5-kilometer tunnel, with GS E&C’s share amounting to 2.8 trillion won. The company is using tunnel boring machine (TBM) technology, which minimizes vibration and noise while enhancing safety.
Australia’s construction market is dominated by local firms, with most foreign players coming from Europe. GS E&C partnered with an Italian construction company to secure the contract.
A construction site for the Kazungula Bridge over the Zambezi River at the Zambia-Botswana border. Built by Daewoo E&C, the bridge was completed in September 2020./Daewoo E&C
After decades of operations in Africa, Daewoo E&C is now expanding its footprint and diversifying its portfolio. Since entering Nigeria in 1983, it has completed 71 projects worth around $10 billion. It is currently involved in the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Train 7 project, as well as emergency repair work at the Kaduna and Warri refineries. In Libya, where infrastructure has deteriorated due to past conflicts, the company has undertaken 163 projects worth $11.4 billion since 1978.
Daewoo E&C is also engaged in Iraq’s reconstruction efforts. The company has executed nine projects worth $3.8 billion, including the Al Faw port breakwater, which commenced in 2014. It is currently working on Iraq’s first immersed tunnel project and expects to win contracts for naval and air force bases this year.
“With long-standing trust built in Africa and Iraq, we have secured contracts through direct negotiations,” a Daewoo E&C official said. “We plan to expand into new African markets such as Mozambique and increase our footprint in Turkmenistan.”
An International Contractors Association of Korea (ICAK) representative noted that Chinese and Southeast Asian competitors are aggressively securing EPC contracts, prompting South Korean firms to pivot toward new business areas.
“Korean construction companies are moving away from conventional EPC projects and expanding into renewable energy, nuclear power, small modular reactors (SMRs), and investment-driven developments,” the official said.
20. Defense chief calls for 'prudent' live-fire drills to prevent wildfires
As an SFODA commander in the 1980s I recall our team training with the 5th ROK SF Brigade in Bupyong and we started a fire on a hillside because we were using tracers. On that day COL Robert Howard (Medal of Honor recipient), commander of SOC-K (as it was known at the time) was visiting and while I was standing next to him the ROK SF Brigade Commander came up to me and said only 3 words: "No more tracers" and walked away as our team and now the entire brigade was mobilized was to put out the fire.
(LEAD) Defense chief calls for 'prudent' live-fire drills to prevent wildfires | Yonhap News Agency
en.yna.co.kr · by Lee Minji · March 31, 2025
(ATTN: ADDS details from U.S. Forces Korea release in paras 8-10)
By Lee Minji
SEOUL, March 31 (Yonhap) -- Acting Defense Minister Kim Seon-ho has called for a "prudent" approach to conducting live-fire drills involving flammable ammunition to prevent wildfires, the defense ministry said Monday, following one of the country's worst blazes that ravaged the southeastern regions.
The wildfires that started on March 21 resulted in 75 casualties, including 30 deaths, and scorched an estimated 48,000 hectares of land. More than 3,000 homes were destroyed, along with 30 cultural heritage sites and around 2,000 agricultural facilities.
"Gunnery using flammable ammunition should be drastically adjusted and controlled depending on the risk of wildfires and weather advisories and firing drills should take place when the operation of firefighting squads and helicopters are possible," Kim said in an internal memo distributed Saturday.
Kim also urged commanders to be vigilant in preventing fires that could cause damage to the public's lives and properties, while ensuring the safety of troops in relevant operations, according to the document.
This Dec. 6, 2024, file photo shows acting Defense Minister Kim Seon-ho. (Yonhap)
As of Monday, the military has mobilized about 7,900 troops and 440 helicopters for firefighting and restoration efforts.
The acting defense chief thanked the U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) for mobilizing helicopters for firefighting efforts, calling it a display of the strong bond of the South Korea-U.S. alliance.
The USFK deployed one CH-47 Chinook and four UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters from the 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade, which conducted aerial water drop operations over wildfire-affected areas, it said in a release.
The USFK said as it has concluded its firefighting support operations, all USFK assets and personnel were instructed to return to their home locations Sunday evening, it added.
The USFK emphasized its presence in South Korea "extends beyond deterrence and defense" and reaffirmed its commitment to the country.
"The safety of the Korean people remains a top priority, and USFK stands ready to respond whenever called upon by its allies," it said.
USFK Commander Gen. Xavier Brunson shared the view in a message posted on X on Friday.
"Our thoughts are with the people of the ROK for the tragedies caused by ongoing wildfires in Gyeongsang," Brunson said. "In times like this, the US-ROK Alliance stands as a testament to our enduring commitment to the ROK."
ROK refers to the acronym of South Korea's official name.
This photo, provided by the U.S. Forces Korea (USFK), shows one of its helicopters deployed to help contain wildfires in South Korea's southeastern regions. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
mlee@yna.co.kr
(END)
en.yna.co.kr · by Lee Minji · March 31, 2025
21. On-site probe begins into point of ignition for Uiseong wildfires
On-site probe begins into point of ignition for Uiseong wildfires | Yonhap News Agency
en.yna.co.kr · by Yoo Cheong-mo · March 31, 2025
SEOUL, March 31 (Yonhap) -- Police, firefighters and relevant authorities on Monday conducted their first joint on-site investigation at the original point of ignition for the nation's worst wildfires in history that charred vast areas of woodland in the southeastern province of North Gyeongsang last week.
The forest fire was allegedly accidentally ignited by a 56-year-old man on a hill in North Gyeongsang county Uiseong's Anpyeong district, about 180 kilometers southeast of Seoul, on March 22. It rapidly spread to Andong and three adjacent counties amid high winds and dry conditions for nearly a week, killing 26 people and destroying an estimated 4,000 structures.
Police and other officials conduct a joint on-site investigation on March 31, 2025, at a grave site in the southeastern county of Uiseong, the original point of ignition for the nation's worst wildfires on record. (Yonhap)
Police booked the man without detention last Friday on suspicion of accidentally starting the fire while tending to his grandparents' grave site, with some news reports saying that he tried to burn tree branches over the grave with a cigarette lighter.
The Gyeongbuk Provincial Police Agency said the first on-site investigation was conducted at the grave site and the surrounding hill, together with the National Forensic Service, the National Institute of Forest Science and the firefighting authorities.
They used a drone and other methods to confirm the cause of the fire and the direction in which the flames spread with the wind. They also searched the areas around the ignition point to confirm whether there was any incinerated material that could have started the forest fire.
Earlier on Saturday, police conducted a basic field investigation at the grave site for about two hours, collecting one lighter from its surroundings.
The suspect has denied the allegations against him, police officials said, adding he will be summoned and questioned after all basic fact-finding is completed.
ycm@yna.co.kr
(END)
en.yna.co.kr · by Yoo Cheong-mo · March 31, 2025
22. North Korea Carves Workers' Party Propaganda Slogans on New Apartment, Factory Walls
I am sure this was at the top of the people's list of "wants" for their Juche apartments and factories. I am reminded of the communist mantras we had to recite at SERE school: "Work harder, Work faster. Work more quicklier."
This is a Google translation of an RFA report.
North Korea Carves Workers' Party Propaganda Slogans on New Apartment, Factory Walls
Seoul-Ahn Chang-gyu xallsl@rfa.org
2025.03.31
https://www.rfa.org/korean/in-focus/2025/03/31/north-korea-apartment-wall-slogan-carve/
Propaganda billboards praising economic development and the military line a road in Pyongyang in December 2010. (Reuters)
Anchor: North Korea is inscribing slogans and propaganda phrases designated by the Workers' Party on the walls of newly built apartments, major factories, and enterprises. It is pointed out that this is an attempt to imprint the government's ideology and intentions on the residents. Reporter Ahn Chang-gyu reports from inside North Korea.
North Korea is famous for being a country of propaganda. The Workers' Party strictly controls the media, as well as publications such as books and textbooks. Various slogans and propaganda posters (posters) are installed all over the streets of the capital and the provinces, and they are all approved by the Workers' Party.
A source from North Hamgyong Province (who requested anonymity for personal safety reasons) reported on the 29th, “Recently, various writings have been engraved on newly built apartments,” adding, “These are important slogans and propaganda phrases designated by the Workers’ Party.”
“Last week, while driving to and from Myeonggan by land, I saw red letters as large as the door of various party slogans and propaganda messages that frequently appear in newspapers and broadcasts written on the walls of apartments and houses in various areas through which the car passed,” the source said.
“In the case of the greenhouse village in Jungpyeong-ri, Gyeongseong-gun, phrases such as ‘unity, self-reliance, self-reliance, paradise on earth, and self-reliance’ were written in large, downward letters on the walls of small, two- to three-story houses that were not very large,” he explained.
“We passed through the greenhouse village and the salt water relief park area. The tourist hotel is still under construction, but the newly built 4-6 story apartments there have slogans like Juche, strong country, all-round development, long live single-minded unity, and long live socialism inscribed on them,” he added.
The source said, “In the past, slogans and propaganda slogans were installed on the walls and roofs of apartments, but they were usually done by fixing wooden boards or placards with slogans written on them.” He added, “There are still many slogans installed like that, but recently, slogans and phrases have been engraved on the walls of buildings so that they are never erased.”
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A woman walks past a sign with a propaganda slogan in the special economic zone of Rason city, North Korea, September 2011. (Reuters)
On the same day, another source from Yanggang Province (who requested anonymity for personal safety reasons) reported, “Various slogans and phrases were also inscribed on newly built factories and enterprises, including recently completed local industrial plants, school uniform factories, and school bag factories.”
The source explained, “In Hyesan alone, the slogan ‘Long live the politics of the people-first principle’ was inscribed on the front wall of the student shoe factory, and the phrase ‘Self-reliance’ was inscribed in large letters at the student uniform factory.”
“Various Party slogans and propaganda slogans, such as ‘Resolutely Implement the Workers’ Party’, ‘Three Revolutions’, ‘Fight to Implement the Party’s Ideology’, and ‘Fight to Defend the Party’s Policies’, were inscribed on the new local industrial plants built in 20 regions across the country early this year,” he added. “There is not a single new industrial plant that does not have slogans or propaganda slogans inscribed on it.”
In relation to this, another source from North Hamgyong Province said on the 30th, “The intention behind engraving Workers’ Party slogans and propaganda phrases on apartment buildings is to systematically impress upon residents the claims and views of the authorities.”
The source explained, “In local areas with small populations and city centers, apartment names are usually named after the apartment’s characteristics, commercial establishments located on the first floor, or the organizations to which the apartment belongs.” For example, “8th Floor Apartment,” “Suyuk Store Apartment,” “XX Factory Apartment,” etc.”
“However, recently, as slogans and phrases promoted by the Workers’ Party have been posted on new apartments, residents have been calling them ‘Unity Apartments,’ ‘Juche Apartments,’ and ‘Self-reliance Apartments,’” he said, adding, “This is exactly what the authorities are aiming for; they intend to make residents naturally recall the authorities’ slogans and propaganda phrases every day.”
This is Ahn Chang-kyu of RFA's Free Asia Broadcasting in Seoul.
Editor Yang Seong-won
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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