South Korea

Yonhap | English | News | Oct. 24, 2025 | North Korea

North Korea announced on October 23, 2025, that it successfully tested two hypersonic projectiles. The projectiles were launched from the Ryokpho District in Pyongyang and accurately hit a target located on the tableland of Kwesang Peak in Orang County, North Hamgyong Province.

The tests are part of North Korea's defense capability development program aimed at improving the sustainability and effectiveness of its strategic deterrence. The Korean Central News Agency described the new hypersonic projectiles as an important addition to the country’s weapon systems.

[토론회] 감축 목표 65%까지 높여야. 시민사회 2035 NDC 긴급 토론회 열어

People's Solidarity for Participatory Democracy | Local Language | AcademicThink | Oct. 24, 2025 | Climate Change

Civil society organizations have called for raising the country's 2035 greenhouse gas reduction target to 65% compared to 2018 levels, criticizing the government's proposed 48% and 53% targets as inadequate and based on overly optimistic industrial growth projections. They highlighted that the industrial sector, which accounts for about 50% of emissions, is only required to reduce by 15%, leading to a shifting of responsibilities onto the public sector and citizens. The steel industry was singled out for evading responsibility despite its high emissions and lack of implementation of carbon-neutral strategies, with renewable energy use in the sector remaining below 1%.

Calls were also made for concrete climate policies such as a 2035 phase-out of internal combustion engine vehicles and the expansion of transport modes linked to public transit to adequately address emissions in the transport sector. Civil society emphasized the importance of including workers and farmers in the climate response planning process to ensure a just transition, noting that their voices and demands have been largely excluded to date. Women farmers and gender perspectives must be incorporated into climate policies, as women face unique climate impacts and have historically been underrepresented in decision-making processes.

Regarding energy policy, activists criticized the current coal phase-out plan as insufficient and not aligned with civil society and international demands for a 2030 coal phase-out. The government's reliance on nuclear power to meet energy demands, particularly from the AI industry, was challenged on grounds of effectiveness, economic feasibility, and social cost. Youth activists stressed that the NDC process should focus on broader social transformation and guaranteeing a safe and livable society, reflecting the Constitutional Court's recognition of the state's duty to protect citizens amid the climate crisis.

The emergency forum, held on October 21, 2025, was hosted by Climate Crisis Emergency Action and included various civil society organizations. It aimed to influence the public discussion around the 2035 NDC by presenting comprehensive critiques of government proposals and advocating for ambitious, inclusive, and scientifically grounded climate policies that reflect diverse stakeholder voices.

관세협상단, 귀국 이틀만 다시 워싱턴…"마지막까지 와 있다"(종합)

Newsis | Local Language | News | Oct. 24, 2025 | UndeterminedTrade Issues and Numbers

The South Korean tariff negotiation delegation, led by Kim Yong-beom, presidential office policy director, and Kim Jeong-gwan, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, returned to Washington, D.C., on October 22, 2025, just two days after coming back to Seoul. Their return aims to address remaining unresolved issues in Korea-U.S. tariff negotiations, following extensive discussions over recent weeks.

Kim emphasized that negotiations are near completion, with most issues showing close agreement except for one or two critical points. The delegation met U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on October 16 for over four hours, reaching agreements on many topics but still needing to work on outstanding matters. The short turnaround of their return followed a briefing to President Lee Jae-myung and reflects the delicacy of finalizing the talks.

Kim indicated the necessity of thorough internal coordination and face-to-face meetings to deliver additional positions and finalize negotiations. He stressed the importance of avoiding setbacks to agreements provisionally reached and highlighted the mutual progress symbolized by continued meetings. Minister Kim noted that while some discussions could be held via video, in-person talks were deemed more effective.

Regarding the $350 billion U.S. investment plan, Kim said no specific details on individual items have been disclosed but maintained that the negotiation "standard is within the range that our country can tolerate." Both Korea and the U.S. are considering analyses from their financial authorities to minimize any shock to the foreign exchange and U.S. economies. After concluding talks with Secretary Lutnick, the delegation plans to return to Korea without visiting the White House or meeting former President Donald Trump.