Latest news with #IncheonInternationalAirport
Hype Malaysia
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Hype Malaysia
KIIRAS' LingLing Goes Viral For Flexing Malaysian Passport
Ever since her debut, KIIRAS (키라스) leader LingLing (링링) has received lots of love from Malaysians for being the first female K-pop idol from the country. Recently, the star went viral amongst locals again for one simple gesture. Yesterday (28th July 2025, Monday), the KIIRAS members were spotted at Incheon International Airport, heading to Singapore and Malaysia. Since this is their first overseas schedule since their debut in May 2025, all eyes were on the girls for their airport fashion. As shared on KIIRAS' official social media pages, the six idols dressed in casual yet cute clothing, perfect for the tropical Southeast Asian weather. More photos of the members also made their way online. However, it was leader LingLing who received the most interest for her airport appearance. In a photo taken by a fan, the 20-year-old was holding her passport. The striking red Malaysian passport with its recognisable coat of arms immediately caught Malaysian netizens' attention. The Twitter post soon went viral, raking in hundreds of comments. Most of the comments were from locals who said they feel proud to see a K-pop idol carry the Malaysian passport. Some also said the photo made them feel proud to be Malaysian. At the same time, many fans also quipped that LingLing was flexing her Malaysian passport, which is one of the strongest passports in the world. According to the Henley Passport Index, the Malaysian passport currently ranks in 11th place globally, with 181 visa-free destinations. Speaking of Malaysia, LingLing will make her first public appearance as a K-pop idol in her home country later this week. KIIRAS will make an appearance at UOW University on 1st August 2025 (Friday) for the Astro 'The Music Journey 2' roadshow. The girl group is also reportedly making an appearance at a brand event at a local mall on 2nd August 2025 (Saturday). They will conduct interviews with local radio stations. Hopefully, we get to see more of LingLing's proud Malaysian moments when she's in her home country. Are you excited to welcome KIIRAS to Malaysia? Sources: Twitter (1)(2), Instagram
Korea Herald
21 hours ago
- Business
- Korea Herald
S. Korea's finance chief vows 'mutually beneficial' trade deal with Trump govt.
South Korea's Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol on Tuesday pledged to make every effort to reach what he called a "mutually beneficial" trade agreement with the United States ahead of this week's negotiation deadline. "We will do our utmost to draw up a proposal that centers on national interest and enables a mutually beneficial agreement between South Korea and the US," Koo told reporters at Incheon International Airport before departing for Washington. Koo is scheduled to hold talks with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Thursday (US time), just one day before US President Donald Trump's administration is set to start imposing "reciprocal" tariffs on key South Korean exports. The newly appointed finance chief emphasized Seoul's ongoing efforts to reach a deal, reportedly including a major investment proposal in the US shipbuilding sector. The initiative, tentatively titled "Make American Shipbuilding Great Again", seeks to bolster cooperation as the US looks to revitalize its domestic shipbuilding industry in the face of growing competition from China. Koo said he will present a detailed explanation of the current state of South Korean industries, including shipbuilding, while also exploring mid- to long-term avenues for cooperation in other sectors. The minister had originally been slated to attend a "2+2" meeting last week with Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo, along with Bessent and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. The talks were called off due to a scheduling conflict of Bessent. "Treasury Secretary Bessent holds a key role in overseeing trade negotiations within the Trump administration," Koo noted, adding that he would collaborate closely with other South Korean trade officials to formulate a comprehensive response. Seoul officials have been accelerating their diplomatic outreach as the US administration's reciprocal tariffs, including 25 percent duties on South Korean goods, are set to take effect unless a deal is reached. In a positive sign, Trump said Monday his administration expects to set tariffs somewhere in the range of 15 percent to 20 percent for most countries that have yet to reach a trade deal with it. Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan and Yeo had talks with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick in Washington on Thursday and in New York the following day before flying to Scotland to continue their discussions with the US official, who had accompanied President Trump on a European trip for separate trade negotiations with the European Union and China. Foreign Minister Cho Hyun is also expected to visit Washington soon for discussions with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. (Yonhap)
Korea Herald
4 days ago
- Business
- Korea Herald
US delays crucial ‘2+2' trade meeting with Korea
Seoul weighs $100 billion US investment from top chaebol groups to avert looming tariffs A high-level trade meeting between South Korea and the US was abruptly called off Thursday, just one day before it was set to take place in Washington, due to US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's "urgent schedule." The delay has sparked concerns in Seoul as next week's tariff deadline approaches with insufficient time for a potential breakthrough. South Korea's Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Koo Yoon-cheol was set to depart for Washington when the US notified Seoul of the last-minute decision. Koo canceled the trip after receiving the notice while waiting at Incheon International Airport, just an hour before his scheduled flight. The now-delayed '2+2" dialogue was to take place between Koo and Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo from Korea, as well as Bessent and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer from the US. It would have marked the first such meeting under President Lee Jae Myung's new Cabinet. The high-stakes talks were seen in Seoul as a critical opportunity to make a breakthrough in trade talks before the Aug. 1 deadline, when a 25 percent 'reciprocal tariff' will be imposed on all Korean goods unless a new deal is reached. "Washington has apologized multiple times for postponing the meeting and proposed rescheduling the meeting between Bessent and Koo as soon as possible," Seoul's Finance Ministry said. While the US did not clarify the nature of Bessent's scheduling conflict, reports say he may accompany US President Donald Trump's trip to Scotland on July 25-29. This means it could be virtually impossible to reschedule the '2+2' meeting before the tariff deadline, further dimming hopes of a negotiated resolution in time. Despite the disruption, Yeo and Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan, who are already in Washington, will continue consultations with their US counterparts, including Greer, Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and Secretary of Interior Doug Burgum, according to the Industry Ministry. South Korea has been pushing for reduced tariff rates or exemptions through a comprehensive deal covering both tariffs and broader economic cooperation. Korean exports currently face a 10 percent base tariff with additional levies imposed on key products, such as 25 percent tariffs on automobiles and auto parts, and 50 percent on steel and aluminum. Without a meaningful advancement in negotiations, this baseline tariff is scheduled to increase to 25 percent on Aug. 1, intensifying economic strain on the export-dependent country. Further adding to the pressure, Japan struck a deal with the US on Wednesday. The latter agreed to lower its tariff rate against Japan from 25 percent to 15 percent in exchange for a whopping $550 billion investment in the US and a difficult concession to open its market for more American automobiles and rice. Observers say Japan's deal could serve as a benchmark for South Korea in its own negotiations, as the two countries share similar trade dynamics with the US: both run comparable trade deficits and rely heavily on the US market for key exports, such as automobiles, semiconductors and electronics. Like Japan, South Korea is considering an investment package exceeding $100 billion with participation from the country's major conglomerates, including Samsung, SK, Hyundai Motor and LG, according to industry sources. The figure is expected to grow as additional corporate and government contributions are finalized. Seoul had planned to propose a $100 billion package during the now-postponed talks. President Lee was scheduled to meet with Samsung Electronics Chair Lee Jae-yong on Thursday afternoon, according to local media reports, with discussions expected to focus on the US investment and tariffs. Lee has held similar one-on-one meetings since last week, seeing Hyundai Motor Chair Chung Euisun on July 14, LG Group Chair Koo Kwang-mo on July 15, Hanwha Group Vice Chair Kim Dong-kwan on Tuesday and SK Group Chair Chey Tae-won on Wednesday. Meanwhile, National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac sought to dispel speculation that he was unable to have a face-to-face meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio during his visit to Washington. Wi explained that Rubio was urgently summoned by Trump, and was unable to meet as the meeting ran longer than expected. Wi said that "sufficient coordination had taken place via phone call" with Rubio, and that they had agreed to have an additional consultation, with the specific time and method to be arranged through working-level coordination. "The report that the US side refused the meeting, resulting in the cancellation of the talks, is inaccurate. Such misinformation not only undermines the reputations of the individuals involved, including Wi and Rubio, but could also negatively impact the trust between Korea and the US in the middle of sensitive communication," Wi said in a written statement.
News18
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
BTS' RM, Suga Keep Things Low As They Leave For LA After Stylist's Wedding
RM and Suga were spotted at the airport with their bodyguards and staff members as they left for Los Angeles. BTS is back to making music together after a brief pause. The group's leader, Kim Namjoon, aka RM, and the main producer, Min Yoongi, aka Suga, jetted off to Los Angeles again after attending their stylist's wedding in Seoul, South Korea. The duo was spotted at Incheon International Airport on Wednesday, July 23, as they departed for the United States. According to a report by RNX TV, RM and Suga were dressed casually in laid-back outfits, wearing LA Dodgers caps and masks that covered their faces. They tried to keep a low profile as they navigated through the busy airport alongside their bodyguards and staff. Thankfully, this time, they were not hounded by fans. Only a few paparazzi captured their arrival at the airport. RM, Suga And J-Hope Attended Their Stylist's Wedding In South Korea Their low-key appearance came right after the duo, along with J-Hope, were spotted at the wedding of their stylist, Kim Young-jin, also known as Kimvenchy. He got married to his girlfriend Lee Ha Jeong in a private ceremony on July 19 in Seoul. Some of the biggest names in the South Korean entertainment industry attended the festivities, including the three members of BTS and NCT's Doyoung. While RM turned MC for the wedding ceremony, it was Suga who became the centre of attention. It was the rapper's first public appearance after he went low profile following his minor DUI incident back in 2024. While RM and Suga left for Los Angeles yesterday, J-Hope joined the maknae line of the group a day before. Jimin, JK and V are believed to be staying at an undisclosed location as they prepare for their new music. Previous reports stated that BTS would be staying in the States for the next two months to work on their new album, which is scheduled to be released sometime in the first half of 2026. Except Jin, all the members are now in LA. The eldest member of the seven-membered group is currently on his first-ever world tour, titled RunSeokjin EP. Tour, which began on June 28, 2025, in Goyang. He is already towards the end of the US leg of the tour, which will end with two shows each in Tampa and Newark. After this, he is set to perform in London, with the tour concluding altogether in Amsterdam on August 10. Following this, he will join the rest of the BTS members. First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Korea Herald
6 days ago
- Business
- Korea Herald
Korea left in limbo as US delays crucial ‘2+2' trade meeting
Seoul weighs $100 billion US investment from top chaebol groups to avert looming tariffs A high-level trade meeting between South Korea and the US was abruptly called off Thursday, just one day before it was set to take place in Washington, due to US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's "urgent schedule." The delay has sparked concerns in Seoul as next week's tariff deadline approaches with insufficient time for a potential breakthrough. South Korea's Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Koo Yoon-cheol was set to depart for Washington when the US side notified Seoul of the last-minute decision. Koo canceled the trip after receiving the notice while waiting at Incheon International Airport, just an hour before his scheduled flight. The now-delayed '2+2" dialogue was set to take place between Koo and Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo from Korea, as well as Bessent and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer from the US. It would have marked the first such meeting under President Lee Jae Myung's new Cabinet. The high-stakes talks were seen in Seoul as a critical opportunity to make a breakthrough in trade talks before the Aug. 1 deadline, when a 25 percent 'reciprocal tariff' will be imposed on all Korean goods unless a new deal is reached. "Washington has apologized multiple times for postponing the meeting and proposed rescheduling the meeting between Bessent and Koo as soon as possible," Seoul's Finance Ministry said. While the US did not clarify the nature of Bessent's scheduling conflict, reports say he may accompany US President Donald Trump's trip to Scotland on July 25-29. This means it could be virtually impossible to reschedule the '2+2' meeting before the tariff deadline, further dimming hopes of a negotiated resolution in time. Despite the disruption, Yeo and Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan, who are already in Washington, will continue consultations with their US counterparts, including Greer, Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and Secretary of Interior Doug Burgum, according to the Industry Ministry. South Korea has been pushing for reduced tariff rates or exemptions through a comprehensive deal covering both tariffs and broader economic cooperation. Korean exports currently face a 10 percent base tariff with additional levies imposed on key products, such as 25 percent tariffs on automobiles and auto parts, and 50 percent on steel and aluminum. Without a meaningful advancement in negotiations, this baseline tariff is scheduled to increase to 25 percent on Aug. 1, intensifying economic strain on the export-dependent country. Further adding to the pressure, Japan struck a deal with the US on Wednesday. The latter agreed to lower its tariff rate against Japan from 25 percent to 15 percent in exchange for a whopping $550 billion investment in the US and a difficult concession to open its market for more American automobiles and rice. Observers say Japan's deal could serve as a benchmark for South Korea in its own negotiations, as the two countries share similar trade dynamics with the US: both run comparable trade deficits and relay heavily on the US market for key exports, such as automobiles, semiconductors and electronics. Like Japan, South Korea is considering an investment package exceeding $100 billion with participation from the country's major conglomerates, including Samsung, SK, Hyundai Motor and LG, according to industry sources. The figure is expected to grow as additional corporate and government contributions are finalized. Seoul had planned to proppose a $100 billion package during the now-postponed talks. President Lee was scheduled to meet with Samsung Electronics Chair Lee Jae-yong on Thursday afternoon, according to local media reports, with discussions expected to focus on the US investment and tariffs. Lee has held similar one-on-one meetings since last week, seeing Hyundai Motor Chair Chung Euisun on July 14, LG Group Chair Koo Kwang-mo on July 15, Hanwha Group Vice Chair Kim Dong-kwan on Tuesday and SK Group Chair Chey Tae-won on Wednesday.
