National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac (L) talks with Foreign Minister Cho Hyun during a Cabinet meeting, chaired by President Lee Jae Myung, at the presidential office Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul, South Korea, 06 April 2026. Photo by YONHAP / EPA
April 24 (Asia Today) — South Korea’s national security adviser Wi Sung-lac said Thursday that the Coupang regulatory dispute is affecting security consultations between South Korea and the United States, while stressing that Seoul is seeking to keep the corporate matter separate from alliance negotiations.
Wi made the remarks during a briefing at a local press center in Hanoi, where he accompanied President Lee Jae-myung on a state visit to Vietnam.
“The Coupang issue is a corporate issue,” Wi said. “But it is true that the Coupang issue is affecting security consultations between South Korea and the United States.”
His comments came after 54 Republican members of the U.S. House of Representatives sent a letter to South Korean Ambassador to the United States Kang Kyung-wha, urging Seoul to end what they called discriminatory regulatory actions against U.S. companies, including Coupang.
Wi said South Korea has been discussing the matter with Washington and has argued that linking the Coupang issue to security talks is not desirable.
“Our position is that the Coupang matter should proceed according to legal procedures, while security negotiations should move forward as security negotiations,” Wi said.
He said delays in security consultations are “also true” and added that such delays do not help the broader alliance.
“We believe they should not be delayed and should resume promptly,” Wi said.
Wi said the security negotiations have their own structure and balance, and Seoul believes they can proceed separately from the corporate dispute.
He also said Seoul has reviewed the letter from U.S. lawmakers and has contacted relevant members of Congress to explain the government’s position.
“We are making efforts to provide explanations and understanding,” Wi said. “There were letters before this as well, and we explained those matters too.”
South Korea’s foreign ministry said Thursday that investigations and measures involving Coupang are being conducted under domestic law and due process, without discrimination based on nationality.
Wi said Seoul will continue efforts to explain its position but acknowledged that U.S. lawmakers may express concerns about American companies.
“Whether that issue is connected to security consultations is another matter,” Wi said. “We are trying to respond to the two issues separately.”
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung answers a question from a reporter during a speech about the ‘restoration of democracy, and resilience of the people’ during a press conference with foreign media held to mark the one-year anniversary of the 03 December martial law crisis, at the former presidential office, Cheong Wa Dae, in Seoul, South Korea, 03 December 2025. Photo by JEON HEON-KYUN /EPA
April 24 (Asia Today) — South Korean President Lee Jae-myung on Friday criticized an award-winning newspaper report on the Daejang-dong development scandal as a “tremendous fabrication” and called for the award to be canceled and the article corrected.
Lee made the remarks in a post on X after sharing an article about the Korean Newspaper Association giving the 2023 Korean Newspaper Award to the report.
“Would it not be proper, even now, to cancel and return the award, apologize and correct the report?” Lee wrote.
Lee said the award committee had cited the article for uncovering “powerful facts” in its coverage of the Daejang-dong issue.
“In reality, it was not fact-finding but a tremendous fabrication,” Lee said.
Lee accused the report of creating a link to him that he said did not exist in the Daejang-dong recordings.
“By reporting that ‘that person’ in the Daejang-dong recordings was Lee Jae-myung, even though that was not in the recordings, they caused the Democratic Party’s presidential candidate to lose the election and changed the history of the Republic of Korea,” Lee said.
Lee said the country had regressed as a result and that the public continued to suffer from the consequences.
“History must never again be changed by presidential election manipulation carried out by powerful institutions and the media,” Lee said.
A foreign journalist who covered North Korea’s Punggye-ri nuclear test site demolition reads the Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of the country’s Workers’ Party, on a North Korean chartered flight heading to Beijing, China. File. Photo by YONHAP / EPA
April 24 (Asia Today) — Nearly two-thirds of South Koreans oppose allowing access to North Korean websites, while most experts support the idea, the Presidential Advisory Council on Democratic and Peaceful Unification said Friday.
According to the council’s first-quarter public opinion survey on unification, 63.6% of respondents said they did not agree with a proposal to allow access to North Korean websites to help the public better understand North Korean society.
In contrast, 71.3% of 149 experts on unification and North Korea issues said they supported the proposal, showing a sharp gap between the general public and specialists.
The survey also found that 59.2% of respondents supported President Lee Jae-myung’s proposal, presented in a March 1 Independence Movement Day speech, to ease tensions between the two Koreas and work with relevant countries to transform the armistice system into a peace regime.
A separate 61.6% said they supported continuing the government’s policy of peaceful coexistence on the Korean Peninsula.
On the need for reunification, 65.9% said it was necessary, down 2.1 percentage points from the previous quarterly survey. Respondents cited eliminating the threat of war, at 29.2%, and economic development, at 26.3%, as the top reasons for reunification.
Views were mixed on North Korea’s “two hostile states” doctrine.
Among respondents, 27.7% said they do not recognize the North Korean regime but recognize inter-state relations with the North. Another 24.9% said they recognize both the North Korean regime and inter-state relations.
A separate 24% said they recognize neither the North Korean regime nor inter-state relations, while 16.7% said they recognize the regime but do not recognize inter-state relations.
The survey was conducted by Korea Research from March 27-29 on 1,200 adults nationwide. It had a confidence level of 95% and a margin of error of plus or minus 2.83 percentage points.
An infographic illustrates declining employment rates and rising crime involvement among South Korean youth, highlighting how economic hardship and online platforms are fueling participation in high-profit illegal activities disguised as part-time jobs. Graphic by Asia Today and translated by UPI
April 23 (Asia Today) — Economic hardship among young people in South Korea is reshaping crime patterns, with more youths turning to high-profit illegal activities disguised as part-time jobs, experts warn.
The shift marks a departure from traditional survival-driven crimes such as theft toward organized fraud, digital financial crime and so-called “crime-for-hire” schemes promising quick cash.
Economists have long noted the link between opportunity and crime. Gary Becker argued that individuals weigh expected criminal gains against legal income opportunities when deciding whether to commit offenses.
Recent data suggest that calculation is changing for young Koreans.
According to government employment data, the youth employment rate for those ages 15 to 29 fell to 43.6% in March, well below the overall rate of 69.7%. Youth employment declined for 41 consecutive months, with 147,000 fewer young workers compared with a year earlier.
In contrast, employment among older age groups increased, deepening what analysts describe as a “K-shaped” divide in the labor market.
At the same time, youth crime is rising. Prosecutors’ data show the number of young offenders per 100,000 people increased from 3,130 in 2021 to 3,363 in 2024. Fraud is particularly prevalent, with people in their 20s accounting for 23.7% of cases – the highest share among all age groups.
Researchers say unemployment and crime are closely linked. A 2023 study found that a 1 percentage point increase in unemployment leads to a 1.5% rise in theft-related crime.
Experts argue the issue is not just an increase in crime, but a structural shift.
“Young people are no longer committing crimes out of necessity alone, but increasingly pursuing one-time, high-reward opportunities,” one analyst said.
The appeal is stark. While unstable jobs may pay about 2 million won (about $1,480) a month, illegal activities can promise hourly earnings exceeding 500,000 won (about $370), widening the perceived gap between legal and illegal income.
Underlying the trend is growing relative poverty – a sense of falling behind others despite overall economic development. Rising real estate and financial asset values have deepened wealth disparities, reinforcing frustration among young people who see limited chances for upward mobility.
Some openly acknowledge the temptation.
“Sometimes it feels better to go to prison than live in this kind of hardship,” a 27-year-old job seeker said. “I know it’s wrong, but it’s hard just to get by.”
Digital platforms are accelerating the problem.
Recruitment for illegal work now spreads through social media and messaging apps, lowering barriers to entry. Schemes such as “yamibaito,” which advertise high-paying short-term jobs, often involve tasks like money transfers, account lending or acting as intermediaries in voice phishing scams.
Many participants are first-time offenders in their early 20s.
Authorities say similar “crime outsourcing” operations are increasingly coordinated through encrypted platforms such as Telegram, making them difficult to trace due to their decentralized structure.
Young people’s familiarity with online tools, cryptocurrencies and non-face-to-face transactions makes them especially suited to the technical roles required in such operations, further concentrating recruitment within the demographic.
Experts caution that the consequences can be lasting.
“Some young people treat these illegal jobs as simple labor and underestimate the risks,” said criminal profiler Bae Sang-hoon. “Even minor involvement can lead to a criminal record that affects the rest of their lives.”
Analysts stress that the problem cannot be addressed through policing alone.
“Poverty is the mother of crime,” said Kim Yoon-tae, a professor of public sociology at Korea University. “We need to examine structural factors such as employment, education and housing, rather than framing this purely as an issue of personal responsibility.”
He added that stable jobs, fair access to education and stronger housing support are essential to reducing the appeal of illegal income opportunities.
Without such changes, experts warn, more young people could be drawn into a cycle where economic hardship leads to crime – and a criminal record further limits future opportunities.
Israel has killed journalist Amal Khalil and injured her colleague Zeinab Faraj in a ‘double-tap’ attack in southern Lebanon. Repeated strikes on the reporters and paramedics delayed rescue efforts for hours, according to Lebanon’s Al Akhbar News.
President of Vietnam and General Secretary of the Communist Party To Lam (2-R) and his wife Ngo Phuong Ly (R), South Korean President Lee Jae Myung (2-L) and his wife Kim Hea Kyung (L) pose for a group photo at the Presidential Palace in Hanoi, Vietnam, 22 April 2026. President Lee is on a state visit to Vietnam from 21 to 24 April 2026. Photo by LUONG THAI LINH / EPA
April 22 (Asia Today) — South Korean President Lee Jae-myung held summit talks with Vietnam’s top leader on Tuesday to strengthen cooperation in nuclear energy, infrastructure and supply chains, as both countries seek to navigate rising global uncertainties.
Lee met with To Lam in Hanoi during a state visit, where the two sides discussed expanding strategic cooperation across key sectors, including energy security and critical minerals.
The talks come as prolonged conflict in the Middle East heightens concerns over global energy supply disruptions, prompting both countries to pursue more resilient and diversified supply chains.
South Korea and Vietnam, each among the other’s top three trading partners, agreed to deepen cooperation not only in trade and investment but also in nuclear power, infrastructure, defense and other strategic industries.
The two countries have set a goal of increasing bilateral trade from $94.6 billion in 2025 to $150 billion by 2030.
Lee is expected to express support for South Korean companies seeking to participate in major Vietnamese infrastructure projects, including a new urban development project valued at about 1.1 trillion won ($740 million) and a new airport project estimated at 102.7 billion won ($69 million).
The leaders are also expected to discuss expanding cooperation in science and technology, climate response, artificial intelligence semiconductors and cultural industries, as well as boosting people-to-people exchanges such as tourism.
Ahead of the summit, Lee said relations between the two countries had reached a “comprehensive strategic partnership” following the 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2022.
“Through this visit, we aim to further develop our highest-level cooperation into a more future-oriented and strategic partnership,” Lee said during a meeting with Korean residents in Vietnam.
Lee also paid tribute at the mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh before the summit and is scheduled to attend a state banquet hosted by the Vietnamese leadership.
On Wednesday, Lee is expected to meet Vietnam’s prime minister and National Assembly chair, and attend a business forum with executives from major South Korean conglomerates, including Lee Jae-yong, Chey Tae-won and Koo Kwang-mo.
Rights advocates have accused the Trump administration of using third-country deportations to intimidate asylum seekers and migrants.
Published On 22 Apr 202622 Apr 2026
Fifteen South American migrants and asylum seekers recently deported from the United States to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) say they are facing pressure to return to their countries of origin, despite concerns for their safety.
Women from Colombia, Peru and Ecuador told the Reuters news agency that, since being deported to the Central African nation last week, they have been given no credible options other than going back to their home countries.
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“We feel pressured to agree to go back to our country, regardless of the risks,” a 29-year-old Colombian woman, who asked to remain anonymous out of fear of reprisals, told Reuters.
The group arrived in the DRC last week as part of a controversial third-country agreement with the administration of US President Donald Trump.
Since returning to the presidency for a second term, Trump has implemented hardline measures to restrict immigration to the US and expel immigrants already in the country, some of whom have legal status.
Among the 15 South Americans who were deported to the DRC, some say they had sought asylum — a legal immigration process — in the US after fleeing persecution in their home countries.
The 29-year-old woman, for example, wrote in her asylum application in January 2024 that she left Colombia after being kidnapped and tortured by an armed group, as well as suffering abuse at the hands of her ex-husband, who was a police officer.
A US immigration judge ruled in May 2025 that she was more likely than not to be tortured if she was sent home, according to court records reviewed by Reuters.
The AFP news agency also reported that a 30-year-old Colombian woman named Gabriela only learned that she was being sent to the DRC a day before last week’s flight. During a 27-hour trip, the hands and feet of the deportees were shackled.
“I didn’t want to go to Congo,” she told AFP. “I’m scared; I don’t know the language.”
Immigration advocates have said that third-country deportations are an effort to intimidate migrants and asylum seekers into agreeing to leave the US.
Such removals involve sending immigrants to places with which they have no familiarity. Many, including the DRC, are known for human rights concerns or are sites of active conflict.
“The goal is clear: Put people in a place so unfamiliar that they give up and agree to return home, despite the immense risk they face there,” said Alma David, a US-based lawyer representing one of the asylum seekers in the DRC.
An AI-generated image illustrates rising consumer debt and credit card borrowing in South Korea. Graphic by Asia Today and translated by UPI
April 21 (Asia Today) — Credit card loans and cash advances in South Korea surged more than 50% in March, signaling growing financial strain among households and raising concerns about rising credit risk in the card industry.
According to data from the Credit Finance Association, card loan usage at nine major credit card companies rose to 11.44 trillion won ($8.4 billion) in March from 7.42 trillion won ($5.4 billion) in February, an increase of about 54%.
Outstanding card loan balances reached 42.99 trillion won ($31.5 billion), up slightly from the previous month and marking a third straight month of increases.
The sharp rise reflects growing demand for short-term, high-interest borrowing as households face persistent inflation and a slowing economy, while tighter bank lending standards push lower-credit borrowers toward credit cards as a last resort.
Industry officials warned the trend could signal deteriorating asset quality, as card loans typically carry higher default risks.
Delinquencies are already rising. Data from the Bank of Korea showed the delinquency rate on credit card loans at commercial banks reached 4.1% at the end of January, the highest level since May 2005.
Loans overdue for more than six months – widely considered difficult to recover – also surged, rising 84% last year to 470.8 billion won ($345 million).
While higher loan volumes can boost interest income, industry officials said the increasing share of low-credit borrowers and longer delinquency periods could weigh on profitability due to higher provisions for bad loans.
Among card issuers, Samsung Card recorded the largest loan volume in March at 2.22 trillion won ($1.6 billion), while Hyundai Card posted the biggest monthly increase.
Cash advance usage also climbed sharply, rising 56% month-over-month to 12.48 trillion won ($9.1 billion), with outstanding balances increasing 4.5% to 6.29 trillion won ($4.6 billion).
A credit card industry official said the combined rise in new borrowing and outstanding balances could become a burden if delinquency rates continue to worsen.
China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning speaks during a press conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Beijing, China, 13 January 2026. Photo by WU HAO / EPA
April 21 (Asia Today) — China has denied entry to South Korea’s intelligence chief and signaled reluctance to improve bilateral relations, amid growing tensions over Seoul’s perceived stance on Taiwan, according to diplomatic sources.
A South Korean delegation led by lawmaker Cho Jung-sik of the Democratic Party of Korea recently visited Beijing and returned Sunday after holding talks on political issues and bilateral relations. The delegation had initially planned to include National Intelligence Service Director Lee Jong-seok.
However, Chinese authorities reportedly refused Lee’s visit, citing remarks in which he suggested that engagement with Taiwan could be used as leverage to encourage China’s cooperation in improving inter-Korean relations.
According to a diplomatic source in Beijing, China reacted strongly to the comments and demanded an explanation through diplomatic channels. The delegation was subsequently restructured to include deputy officials and retired military officers instead of Lee.
Although the visit proceeded, its outcomes were limited. Chinese officials maintained protocol by assigning a vice foreign minister to host the delegation, but expectations for substantive progress were low, sources said.
Beijing is believed to be increasingly dissatisfied with what it views as South Korea’s ambiguous position – publicly supporting the “One China” principle while maintaining a level of engagement with Taiwan.
Tensions have also been fueled by a recent dispute over how Taiwan is officially referenced, in which South Korea appeared to adjust its position following objections from Taipei. Chinese officials reportedly viewed the move as inconsistent and unfavorable.
The strained atmosphere has cast doubt on the possibility of a visit to South Korea this year by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, which Seoul has sought as part of efforts to stabilize ties.
Analysts say the situation highlights the need for South Korea to carefully manage relations with China while balancing broader regional dynamics.
South Korea’s Unification Minister Chung Dong-young speaks to reporters at the Seoul Government Complex on April 20. Photo by Asia Today
April 20 (Asia Today) — South Korea’s unification minister on Monday rejected reports of a rift with the United States over intelligence sharing on North Korea, warning against speculation that could harm bilateral relations.
Chung Dong-young said he was concerned about claims suggesting a crisis in ties between Seoul and Washington following reports that the United States had limited the sharing of satellite intelligence after his recent remarks.
“I explained policy to underscore the seriousness of North Korea’s nuclear issue, and it is deeply regrettable that this is being framed as a leak of classified information,” Chung told reporters at the Seoul Government Complex.
He said his comments referencing a suspected nuclear facility in Kusong, North Pyongan Province, were based on publicly available information and had been mentioned previously during his confirmation hearing in July.
Chung questioned the timing of the controversy, noting that the same reference had been made months earlier without issue.
He added that since taking office, he has not received any classified intelligence reports related to North Korea’s nuclear facilities from domestic or foreign agencies.
South Korea’s Unification Ministry also said the remarks were based on previously published material, including reports by the Institute for Science and International Security, the RAND Corporation and the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
Chung dismissed suggestions that internal divisions within South Korea over alliance policy were behind the issue, saying he did not believe such factors were at play.
In a separate social media post, he also criticized what he described as politically motivated speculation, calling claims of an intelligence leak “groundless.”
The comments come amid heightened scrutiny over information sharing between South Korea and the United States on North Korea’s nuclear program.
Gasoline and diesel fuel prices are displayed on a screen inside a gas station in Seoul, South Korea, 19 April 2026. The average gasoline price in the country rose 0.42 won (0.0003 US dollar) from a day earlier to 2,001.93 won per liter on the same day, according to data from Korea National Oil Corp. Photo by YONHAP / EPA
April 18 (Asia Today) — Average gasoline and diesel prices at South Korean gas stations rose for a third straight week, putting both fuels on the verge of topping 2,000 won per liter.
The average nationwide gasoline price for April 12-18 stood at 1,996.3 won per liter, or about $1.36 a liter and $5.15 a gallon. That was up 28.7 won from 1,967.6 won a week earlier. Diesel averaged 1,990.2 won per liter, or about $1.36 a liter and $5.13 a gallon, up 31.1 won from the previous week.
With both fuels nearing the 2,000 won threshold, the government is set to announce its fourth maximum-price notice on Thursday. The current system partially reflects changes in global oil prices while slowing the pace of retail price increases.
By brand, SK Energy had the highest gasoline price at 2,001.8 won per liter, or about $5.16 a gallon, while self-service budget stations were the cheapest at 1,974.7 won. For diesel, SK Energy was also the highest at 1,995.2 won per liter, while budget stations posted the lowest average at 1,966.1 won.
By region, Jeju had the country’s highest average gasoline price this week at 2,029 won per liter, or about $5.23 a gallon. Seoul followed at 2,026.7 won, or about $5.23 a gallon.
International oil prices have recently eased on expectations that the conflict involving the United States and Iran could wind down. Dubai crude, the benchmark for South Korea’s imported oil, stood at $101.8 a barrel on Wednesday, down $4.7 from $106.5 on Sunday. Changes in global oil prices usually reach domestic pump prices with a two- to three-week lag.
This image, released on March 20, by the North Korean Official News Service (KCNA), shows North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and his daughter, Kim Ju Ae, observing a military exercise involving tanks, drones, and other munitions. File Photo by KCNA/UPI | License Photo
April 19 (UPI) — South Korea’s Defense Ministry said North Korea test launched multiple, short-range ballistic missiles into the East Sea, also known as the Sea of Japan, Sunday morning.
“Detailed specifications are currently under close analysis by South Korean and U.S. intelligence authorities,” officials in Seoul said in a statement, according to ABC News.
“Our military is closely monitoring North Korea’s military activities under a firm combined defense posture and maintains an overwhelming capability and readiness to respond to any provocation.”
The Japan Times said the Defense Ministry of Japan also confirmed the activity.
“North Korea’s series of actions, including the repeated launches of ballistic missiles and other weapons, threaten the peace and security of Japan, the region and the international community,” the ministry said in a statement.
Newsweek said Pyongyang has increased its ballistic missile testing and nuclear weapons development since the conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran began nearly two months ago.
Sunday’s missile launches appear to have come from Sinpho, a coastal city in North Korea where submarines capable of launching such weapons are built.
Sakie Yokota, mother of Megumi Yokota, who was abducted by North Korea, speaks during a rally demanding the immediate return of all abductees in Tokyo on November 3, 2025. Photo by Keizo Mori/UPI | License Photo
On the first Sunday night of Coachella, headliner Karol G told her American fans, and her global audience, to keep fighting.
“This is for my Latinos that have been struggling in this country lately,” the Colombian superstar told the tens of thousands watching her in person, and many more on the fest’s livestream. She’d recently criticized ICE in a Playboy interview, but this set was about her fans’ resolve. “We want everyone to feel welcome to our culture, so I want everyone to feel proud of where you come from. Don’t feel fear — feel pride!” she said.
Any artist would be proud to play that caliber of headline slot. But right now, many foreign acts also feel fear — or at least wariness — about booking substantial tours in the United States. A year of brutal ICE raids, tensions at border crossings and policed political speech, coupled with sky-high prices for expedited visas, fuel and other touring logistics, could push international acts away from the U.S.
“The fears that ICE would raid shows didn’t really materialize, but there is a chilling effect,” said Andy Gensler, editor of the touring-biz trade bible Pollstar. “Trump’s only been back in office a year, so we haven’t fully seen the effects, but it does send a message that if you’re a political artist you won’t get a visa. With the economic shock of gas prices and tourism way down, the signifiers are out there.”
The music economy is still thriving in SoCal. Coachella sold out with record spending from fans, and fears that ICE might show up for a prominent Latin headliner proved unfounded. (The agency did not respond to a request for comment on Coachella, and Lt. Deirdre Vickers of the Riverside County Sheriff’s office said that their office “does not participate in immigration enforcement operations.”)
But in smaller venues featuring emerging and mid-tier global acts, some see trouble ahead.
Pollstar’s Gensler estimates that the total number of concerts in the U.S. they tracked for the first quarter of 2026 was down about 17% from last year. That could be due to many economic factors — but slower international touring could be contributing.
“The U.S. is still incredibly lucrative market, the arena and stadium level buildings are vast and you can make more money here than any market in the world,” Gensler said. “But I’ve heard anecdotally that fewer people are going to South by Southwest, and tourism from Canada is way down, and that includes music tourism to California. As barriers go up, and the economic shock of gas prices impacts touring, it’s hard to know how that will all shake out.”
Talent firms who specialize in bringing young acts to the U.S. began noticing pullback before this year’s festival season. Adam Lewis is the head of Planetary Group, a marketing agency that produces and promoting musician showcases in the U.S., with a significant roster of artists from abroad. He said that performers who ordinarily would leap at the chance to play U.S. festivals are taking hard looks at the payoffs and risks.
“Artists are thinking twice, based on what the government is doing right now,” Lewis said. “You can look at the economics — the fees are cost prohibitive to get a visa. People are scared, at the bottom line. Artists and industry people are afraid to come to the U.S. for any music event. The money is going elsewhere.”
South by Southwest, the March Texas confab for music, film and tech, was among the first festivals to feel a pinch this year. Several sources said they saw fewer foreign showcases and acts amid a broader culling of music. In 2025, Canada canceled its popular annual showcase, after deciding that hostile policies made the risks not worth the rewards. Many still pulled off successful events, but acknowledged the mood has shifted.
“The perception of how hard it’s gotten has taken root, and that has meant that not as many acts will take the chance on the threat of being turned away or risking future entry,” said Angela Dorgan, the director of Music From Ireland, the Irish Music Export office (which is funded by Culture Ireland). That organization has helped break acts like CMAT (a hit at Coachella this year) and Fontaines DC in the U.S.
“Artists want to continue to come here in spite of the trouble and not stay away because of it. There’s a unique pull to America for all Irish people, so we don’t want to see you hurting,” Dorgan said. ”Irish artists feel that their U.S. fans need music more than ever now and want to continue to connect with and support their fans.”
Takafumi Sugahara, the organizer of “Tokyo Calling X Inspired By Tokyo,” a Japanese showcase at South by Southwest, agreed: “Bringing artists to the United States has always been challenging when it comes to obtaining visas, but it feels like the process has become even more difficult than before — perhaps due to the current political climate under the current administration.”
Fans watch Karol G perform at the Coachella stage last weekend. “We want everyone to feel welcome to our culture, so I want everyone to feel proud of where you come from. Don’t feel fear — feel pride!” the Colombian superstar said.
(Christina House / Los Angeles Times)
After high-profile incidents of tourist detainments and fear of reprisals for political speech, those worries and long-dreaded expenses may shift their priorities. “From my point of view, the impact of global conflicts or wars does not seem to be affecting artists’ decisions very strongly for now,” they said. “However, if the current situation were to worsen, it’s possible that we could begin to see that change.”
Coachella usually hits a few visa snafus every year (this year, the English electronic artist Tourist had to cancel. Last year, it was FKA Twigs). Yet the Grammy-winning Malian Algerian group Tinariwen had to cancel a major tour this year, after the Trump administration placed severe new travel restrictions on 19 countries, including Mali. Folk legend Cat Stevens scotched a book tour after visa problems. Outspoken acts like the U.K.’s Bob Vylan have been denied U.S. visas for criticizing Israel, and the Irish rap group Kneecap faced hurdles after their visa sponsor, Independent Artist Group, dropped them for similar reasons last year.
The Times spoke to one European band (who asked not to be named, for fear of reprisals from the U.S. government) who had a substantial tour of U.S. theaters booked last year, before their visas were denied just days before the tour was due to begin. They were forced to cancel those dates and reschedule for spring 2026, losing tens of thousands of dollars in up-front costs and non-refundable fees. (A performance visa routinely costs $6,000 with now-necessary expedited processing.)
“Our manager said, ‘This has never happened before, but even though you paid lot of money and the check cleared, you won’t have visas,’” the band said. They wondered if their pro-Palestinian advocacy might have played a role, but now believe it was due to changes in their application forms.
That small discrepancy “meant we lost tens of thousands of [dollars], which for a mid-tier band with a loyal cult following, was quite ruinous,” they said. “We had to put on fundraising shows to get to zero, then re-apply for visas, and paid four grand extra to expedite them. We took out a loan to pay it. We felt relentlessly fleeced,” they said. “We love the U.S., but now there is a reality in which we have to cut our losses and stop coming. A lot of bands are giving up on the U.S., for sure.”
“It’s a different feeling now where the U.S. government can do anything to us, and we just have to take it,” they added. “They’re moving the goalposts the whole time. It’s scary.”
That fate can befall even major acts, particularly those from Latin America.
Last year, superstar Mexican singer Julión Álvarez canceled his concert for a planned 50,000 fans in Arlington, Texas, when his touring visa was revoked. Grupo Firme faced a similar fate at the La Onda festival in Napa Valley. Los Alegres del Barranco saw their visas canceled after they projected an image of drug kingpin “El Mencho” during a concert.
“That was a moment where people realize how serious or scary it can get for promoters with this administration when comes to the visa situation, how quickly things can change and you can lose millions,” said Oscar Aréliz, a Latin music expert at Pollstar.
An act the caliber of Karol G might not face quite the same risks, though she told Playboy that “If you say the thing, maybe the next day you’ll get a call: ‘Hey, we are taking your visa away.’ You become bait, because some people want to show their power.”
If it can happen to a stadium-filler like Álvarez, it can happen to anyone. That might make some Latin acts prioritize other regions.
Bad Bunny demurred on touring the continental U.S. for fear of ICE raids at his shows, opting for a lengthy residence in his home territory of Puerto Rico instead.
Local Latin music hubs like Santa Fe Springs and Pico Rivera have suffered greatly under recent ICE raids and have seen fans retreat in fear. Las Vegas is a major touring destination for acts during Mexican independence celebrations in September, but now “it feels different,” Aréliz said. He expects the city — typically boisterous with Latin acts then — to lose a big chunk of music tourism from the north and south.
“Vegas’ top tourist countries are Canada and Mexico, so we’re going to see other countries benefit from this. If acts struggle to tour here because of the visa situation, they’re going to tour Mexico and Latin America instead,” he added.
Tours typically book a year in advance, so the full effects of the visa issues and ICE fears may not be felt until later in 2026 or 2027. The results of the midterm elections may change global perception of America’s safety. The country is still an incredibly valuable touring market for acts that can make it work.
But the world’s music community now looks at the U.S. like an old friend going through a rough patch: They’ll be happy to see us once we pull it together.
“Certainly over the last number of years in the U.S., we have been thinking of where we could find these new audiences for Irish music,” Dorgan said. “The unofficial theme of our at home showcase Ireland Music Week was, ‘America. We are not breaking up with you, but we are seeing other people.’”
Jang Dong-hyeok (L), chief of the main opposition People Power Party, speaks during a meeting of the party’s Supreme Council at the National Assembly in Seoul, 02 February 2026. Photo by YONHAP / EPA
April 17 (Asia Today) — Jang Dong-hyuk, leader of South Korea’s main opposition People Power Party, has delayed his return from a U.S. visit by three days at the request of U.S. officials, party aides said Thursday.
Park Jun-tae, Jang’s chief of staff, told reporters at the National Assembly that Jang had originally planned to return later in the day but would now arrive early Sunday.
“While heading to the airport for departure procedures, special circumstances arose, leading to an extension of his schedule,” Park said.
The delay was made at the request of officials from the U.S. Department of State, Park added. He said speculation about possible meetings with Vice President JD Vance or Secretary of State Marco Rubio remained unconfirmed.
Some members of Jang’s delegation have already returned to South Korea, while others remain in the United States.
Jang departed for Washington on April 11 and was initially scheduled to return Friday via Incheon International Airport.
During the visit, he met with U.S. lawmakers including Bill Hagerty and delivered a speech at the International Republican Institute, where he emphasized the U.S.-South Korea alliance.
He also criticized the South Korean government’s policy toward North Korea, arguing it prioritizes dialogue over deterrence and risks weakening trust in the alliance. Jang called for “peace through strength” to counter North Korea’s nuclear threat.
SMEs and Startups Minister Han Seong-sook (R) speaks during a meeting with representatives of small and midsize companies, chaired by President Lee Jae Myung (4th L), at the presidential office Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul, South Korea, 20 March 2026. Photo by YONHAP /EPA
April 17 (Asia Today) — South Korea will provide 462.2 billion won ($308 million) in emergency support for small businesses and exporters affected by the prolonged Middle East war, the government said Thursday.
Han Seong-sook, minister of SMEs and Startups, visited South Gyeongsang Province to inspect local business conditions and pledged swift policy support for small businesses, exporters and young entrepreneurs.
Han first toured a “glocal” commercial district in Tongyeong, where officials highlighted a local revitalization model that has helped boost sales in the area. The ministry said it plans to expand support for local entrepreneurs and foreign tourism infrastructure beginning in 2026.
Han then visited the Korea SMEs and Startups Agency in Jinju and emphasized special extensions of policy loan maturities and expanded emergency financing. The ministry is pushing to disburse more than 90% of the supplementary budget for logistics support by June to help exporters cope with rising shipping costs.
At Gyeongsang National University, Han discussed expanding the government’s “Startup for All” project with aspiring young entrepreneurs before heading to K-Tech, a defense exporter, for the final stop of the trip.
Companies at the meeting cited soaring raw material costs and higher logistics expenses caused by shipping delays as major difficulties. Han said it could take considerable time for logistics to normalize and for Middle East energy facilities to be fully restored.
“This is a critical moment for a closely woven support safety net to prepare for the fallout from the war,” Han said, pledging to relay companies’ concerns through an inter-ministerial emergency economic response system and to mobilize all available policy tools.
The ministry said the emergency support is part of a broader 1.69 trillion won ($1.13 billion) supplementary budget approved this month, with 462.2 billion won ($308 million) earmarked to minimize damage to export-oriented small and medium-sized firms from the Middle East conflict.
Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher told the UN Security Council that South Sudan is at risk of slipping into ‘full-scale famine and collapse’ as fighting intensifies and the UN peacekeeping mission is cut back.
Trade, Industry and Resources Minister Kim Jung-kwan attends a press conference at the government complex in Sejong, central South Korea. Photo by YONHAP / EPA
April 16 (Asia Today) — South Korea will begin receiving 27 million barrels of alternative crude oil in June, part of a broader effort to stabilize energy supplies and diversify import sources amid disruptions linked to conflict in the Middle East.
The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy said the shipments are part of crude secured by a presidential envoy team, with additional policy measures being introduced to support refiners facing supply uncertainty.
A senior ministry official said the envoy team secured about 223 million barrels of alternative crude, excluding 50 million barrels previously allocated from Saudi Arabia. Of that, 27 million barrels are scheduled for shipment beginning in June.
The earlier 50 million barrels are expected to be shipped in April and May through the Red Sea port of Yanbu, with confirmation from Saudi Aramco that deliveries will proceed as planned, the ministry said.
South Korean refiners had faced disruptions despite existing contracts, as shipments were affected by instability and constraints linked to the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil transit route.
The envoy delegation has secured a total of about 273 million barrels of crude from countries including Kazakhstan and Saudi Arabia. Of that, roughly 250 million barrels from Saudi Arabia – which accounts for about one-third of South Korea’s crude imports – are expected to be delivered by the end of the year.
Officials said the government has already secured about 118 million barrels for April and May combined, indicating no immediate risk to domestic supply. Remaining volumes are expected to be shipped sequentially through the end of the year.
In parallel, the government is introducing measures to help refiners diversify import sources. For crude imported between April and June, authorities will ease requirements for refunds of the petroleum import levy and temporarily expand refund limits.
The ministry said it simplified freight cost calculations using an international benchmark index and removed restrictions on shipment volume, duration and frequency. It also temporarily lifted caps on freight cost compensation for diversified imports to expand financial support.
The program is backed by about 127.5 billion won (approximately $95 million) in funding, based on estimated demand from domestic refiners.
Officials said broader reforms may be considered if the situation persists.
The ministry also pushed back against claims that fuel consumption has increased following the introduction of a price cap. Data showed that weekly gasoline and diesel sales fell in five of seven weeks from late February to mid-April compared to the same period last year.
From mid-March to mid-April, after the price cap took effect, total fuel sales declined 12.4% year-over-year, the ministry said, urging observers to focus on overall trends rather than short-term fluctuations.
Hezbollah warns it has its ‘finger on the trigger’ in case of Israeli violations of the temporary ceasefire.
Published On 17 Apr 202617 Apr 2026
Displaced Lebanese have begun cautiously returning to their homes in the south after Lebanon and Israel agreed to a 10-day truce, even as the Lebanese army calls on residents to delay their return and Hezbollah warns it has its “finger on the trigger” in case of Israeli violations.
Tens of thousands of people poured into areas of southern Lebanon on Friday morning hours after the truce went into effect, many heading back to homes and villages battered by more than a month of Israeli attacks.
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“People just couldn’t wait,” reported Al Jazeera’s Zeina Khodr from Nabatieh, one of the hardest hit areas.
“Even if it’s 10 days, they want to return to their homes. Some of them are just coming to see what remains of their homes, what remains of their lives.
“They want to show that they don’t want to give up their lands,” added Khodr.
While the ceasefire largely appeared to hold, Lebanon’s army accused Israel of several early violations on Friday, including intermittent shelling of southern Lebanese villages.
Lebanon’s National News Agency also reported that unexploded ordnance killed a boy in the town of Majdal Selem, while rescuers uncovered the bodies of at least a dozen people killed in earlier attacks in Tyre.
French President Emmanuel Macron warned that the ceasefire “may already be undermined by ongoing military operations” and called for “the safety of civilians on both sides of the border”.
Hezbollah said its fighters “will keep their finger on the trigger because they are wary of the enemy’s treachery”.
Israeli air strikes and a ground invasion of parts of southern Lebanon have killed more than 2,100 people and displaced some 1.2 million in the latest round of fighting, according to Lebanese authorities.
Hezbollah attacks, meanwhile, killed two Israeli civilians, while 13 Israeli soldiers were killed in Lebanon, according to Israel.
Israeli officials have said they intend to maintain control over Lebanese territory extending to the Litani River as a “buffer zone” against Hezbollah.
‘Unliveable’
As residents assessed the damage to their hometowns, some pledged to stay, while others – finding nothing to return to or fearing the fragile truce could collapse – said they would leave again.
“There’s destruction and it’s unliveable. Unliveable. We’re taking our things and leaving again,” said Fadel Badreddine, who returned to Nabatieh with his young son and wife. “May God grant us relief and end this whole thing permanently – not temporarily – so we can return to our homes and lands.”
Al Jazeera’s Khodr said “wherever you look you see damage, destruction” in Nabatieh. “So much has been lost in this conflict in the past 46 days.”
If the ceasefire holds, it could ease one of the main points of tension in US-Iran negotiations. Iran and mediator Pakistan had maintained that Lebanon should be covered in a separate US-Iran ceasefire framework, while Israel claimed it was not part of that deal and continued its attacks.
Ali Akbar Dareini, a researcher at Iran’s Center for Strategic Studies, said the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire had removed one obstacle to wider negotiations between the US and Iran because Tehran views the regional conflict as interconnected, describing this as a “unity of fronts”.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, whose country hosted last week’s ceasefire talks between the US and Iran, welcomed the Israel-Lebanon truce on Friday and expressed “hope that it will pave the way for sustainable peace”.
He also praised the mediation role of US President Donald Trump, who has invited Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun to the White House for “meaningful talks”.
“Pakistan reaffirms its unwavering support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Lebanon, and will continue to support all efforts aimed at lasting peace in the region,” Sharif said on X.
History textbooks often include the story of the Underground Railroad, an organized network of secret routes, places and people that guided enslaved populations from the South to abolitionist Northern states.
However, less is known about the underground railroad that ran southbound to Mexico. But one live-looped musical is unearthing that hidden history, one beat at a time.
Co-created and performed by Brian Quijada and Nygel D. Robinson, “Mexodus” tells the fictional story of Henry, who evades his capture by fleeing Texas across the Rio Grande. After a near fatality, he is saved by Carlos, a farmer and former combat medic battling his own trauma from the Mexican-American War. Together they form solidarity, despite social, racial and political strains plaguing both sides of the border.
Following its off-Broadway run at the Daryl Roth Theatre in New York City, the hip-hop and bolero-infused musical directed by David Mendizábal will open at the Pasadena Playhouse stage July 8 and run until Aug. 2. But for history buffs and musical enthusiasts alike, a sonically richer version filled with sound effects of the musical airs exclusively on Audible today, April 16.
The idea for “Mexodus” first came to Brian Quijada — playwright, actor and composer behind “Where Did We Sit on the Bus?,” “Kid Prince and Pablo” and “Somewhere Over the Border” — when reading a 2018 article on History.com about the estimated 5,000 to 10,000 enslaved individuals that escaped the American South for freedom in Mexico, though some researchers estimate that number to be higher.
“My parents crossed the border undocumented in the late 1970s, so I think I’ve always been fascinated with writing immigration stories,” Quijada said. “The reason that this story attracted me was because it’s like a reverse border story, but I also knew that it wasn’t my story to tell so I sat on it for a long time.”
Quijada bookmarked the article until he met Robinson — a performer at Berkeley Rep, Baltimore Center Stage, Shakespeare Theater Company, Mosaic Theater and writer and composer of “Santa Claus Is Comin’: A Motown Christmas Revue” and “R&J: Fire on the Bayou” — at an actor-musician conference weeks before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. They were the only actors-musicians of color in the room, listening in on conversations about how one should audition for musicals like “Once,” “Million Dollar Quartet,” which typically center white storylines.
“We kind of looked at each other and we’re like, ‘we don’t really belong here,’” said Quijada, who invited Robinson to take part in “Mexodus” during the pandemic shutdown. The first iteration of the project was as a mixtape.
The musical edge of “Mexodus” hinges on live looping, a recording and playback technique where a sound is repeated and then layered (think Justin Bieber’s solo performance of “Yukon” at the 2026 Grammy Awards). Physically, both Quijada and Robinson’s characters have to pick up a guitar, record it, then play the drum set and run to the bass. “ It’s pretty labor-intensive,” Quijada said.
“I think Brian and I are artists in this way, like various people of color, where it’s like, no one else is gonna do it for me, so I can do it all by myself,” Robinson said.
There’s also a more dramaturgical, meta reason for the loop, which follows a four chord structure throughout the piece, set in both 1851 and present day.
“The looping shows you that there’s not much difference between 1851 and 2026,” Robinson said. “We just keep finding ourselves in a loop and like maybe a sound is in that wasn’t there before. Maybe another sound is added, but it’s still the same four chord structure that has been happening in this country for all existence.”
In 2010, the U.S. National Park Service outlined a possible runaway route stretching on the Camino Real de la Tejas between Natchitoches, La., to Monclova, Mexico. Still, it is unclear how organized the underground railroad heading to Mexico truly was, the Associated Press reported in 2020, with archives destroyed in a fire and sites along the path abandoned.
In 2024 the Jackson Ranch Church and Martin Jackson Cemetery in San Juan, Texas — which are part of a ranch owned by interracial couple Nathaniel Jackson and Matilda Hicks — were recognized by the U.S. National Park Service for serving as a gateway to freedom in Mexico.
Other Texas couples alongside the border— including interracial abolitionist couple Ferdinand Webber and Silvia Hector — aided enslaved people in their pursuits to reach Mexico, which had abolished slavery in 1829, while Texas was still part of the country.
Fears surrounding the Mexican government’s attempts to abolish slavery led to the formation of the Republic of Texas in 1836 and its eventual annexation to the United States by 1845; records also show that American slave owners would head down to Mexico to kidnap formerly enslaved individuals, according to USC historian Alice Baumgartner, who wrote about it in her 2020 book “South to Freedom: Runaway Slaves to Mexico and the Road to the Civil War.”
A database by the Texas Runaway Slave Project, which found listings for 2,500 runaways across various Texas newspapers from the 1840s through the 1860s, also documents the frequented journey to Mexico.
Slavery in the U.S. wouldn’t be officially abolished until 1865 with the ratification of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution.
“I was also really intimidated by the amount of research that I would have to do to write this piece because at the time back [between 2017 and 2020], [researchers] were just beginning to uncover a lot of this,” Quijada said.
Themes of racism — including anti-Blackness in the Latino community — oppression and resistance are woven throughout “Mexodus,” which since its debut in 2023 at the Baltimore Center Stage/Mosaic Theater Company in Washington, D.C., has been making viewers aware of the little-known history.
Robinson recalled how one Black woman came up to him after the show to let him know she believed in Trump’s border wall.
“I got nervous, but she was like, ‘after seeing this, I’m realizing that there’s something trying to convince me of that.’ And I’m like, yes!” said Robinson. “I’m like, this is good. This is good. We started you somewhere. Wow.”
The pair hope that amid all the dark news circulating around the world — and the traumatic, historical themes interlaced in “Mexodus” — the existence of this piece of art can be a glimmer of hope and joy for the future of both Black and brown communities.
“ I need you all to see the truth, but we’re gonna try and dance anyway,” Robinson said.
Magistrate hands the opposition figure five-year term, that his lawyers say will be appealed.
Published On 16 Apr 202616 Apr 2026
South African opposition politician Julius Malema has been sentenced to prison time for firing a rifle in the air at a party rally.
Malema, the leader of the far-left opposition Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), was handed a five-year sentence on Thursday by Magistrate Twanet Olivier.
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Malema, who is one of South Africa’s most prominent politicians, was convicted last year of charges, including unlawful possession of a firearm and discharging a weapon in a public place over the 2018 incident at a stadium in the Eastern Cape province.
The 45-year-old leader of the fourth-biggest party in parliament had pleaded not guilty, arguing the gun was a toy.
“It wasn’t … an impulsive act,” the magistrate said. “It was the event of the evening.”
Malema’s defence said the shots were only intended to be celebratory.
His lawyers applied for leave to appeal the magistrate’s decision within minutes of it being read out in a court in KuGompo City, formerly East London, on Thursday.
Outside the court, hundreds of Malema’s red-clad EFF supporters gathered for the sentencing in the politically charged case.
The EFF – a small but vocal party – says the case is an attempt to silence its outspoken leader, who is known for fiery speeches.
Party supporters have threatened protests should their leader be jailed.
The magistrate stressed it “is not a political party who has been convicted here … it is a person, an individual.”
The maximum time was a 15-year prison sentence. If confirmed after all appeals, the five-year sentence would bar Malema from serving as a lawmaker.
That would be a major setback to the EFF, which has strong support among young South Africans frustrated by the racial inequality that has persisted since the end of white minority rule in 1994.
An Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) supporter holds up a placard as supporters gather outside court ahead of South African opposition politician Julius Malema’s appearance for sentencing after being convicted of charges including unlawful possession of a firearm and discharging a weapon in public, in KuGompo City, South Africa, April 16, 2026. [Esa Alexander/Reuters]
A chart shows the number of pet insurance policies in South Korea rising sharply from 51,727 in 2021 to 251,961 in 2025. Graphic by Asia Today and translated by UPI
April 15 (Asia Today) — South Korea’s pet insurance market has expanded more than threefold in the past three years, but low enrollment rates continue to limit its growth, prompting insurers to step up marketing efforts.
According to industry data, the number of pet insurance policies in force reached 251,961 last year, up 55.4% from a year earlier. The figure has increased about 3.5 times from 71,896 in 2022.
New policy subscriptions have also risen steadily, while total premiums surpassed 100 billion won (about $75 million) for the first time, jumping from 28.8 billion won (about $21 million) in 2022 to 129.1 billion won (about $97 million) last year.
Despite the rapid growth, the market penetration rate remains low. Data from the KB Financial Research Institute show that only about 2-3% of pets are insured.
As of late 2024, about 15.46 million people in South Korea owned pets, with an estimated 7.63 million dogs and cats nationwide.
The low adoption rate contrasts with more mature markets such as Japan, where the pet insurance sector is valued at around 1 trillion won (about $750 million).
Industry officials say the market still has strong growth potential, driven by rising pet ownership and increasing veterinary costs. Government data show the average monthly veterinary expense per pet is about 37,000 won (about $28), though costs vary widely by clinic.
To raise awareness, insurers are expanding promotional efforts. Companies are launching supporter programs, hosting offline events and collaborating with influencers and pet trainers to reach potential customers.
For example, a pet-focused insurer recently launched a supporter program in which participants share their experiences using insurance products. Other companies have held in-person promotional events and partnered with well-known dog trainers to produce online content.
Analysts say high premiums and limited coverage remain key barriers. Calls are also growing for standardized veterinary pricing to reduce uncertainty in medical costs.
“As pets are increasingly seen as family members, interest in their health care is rising,” an industry official said. “Insurers are working to tap into latent demand by expanding coverage and improving price competitiveness.”
Roelf Meyer will replace the South African ambassador who was expelled from the US by President Donald Trump in 2025.
Published On 15 Apr 202615 Apr 2026
South Africa has appointed Roelf Meyer, who helped negotiate the end of white minority rule in his country in the 1990s, as the next ambassador to the United States, according to local media.
Meyer’s appointment is seen as a sign that Pretoria is aiming to improve its relations with Washington following a “turbulent year”, according to the South African Broadcasting Corporation.
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South Africa has gone without diplomatic representation in Washington, DC, since March 2025, when US President Donald Trump expelled Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool for his criticism of the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement.
Posting on social media at the time, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio accused Rasool of being a “race-baiting politician” who hates the US and Trump.
Rubio’s post linked to a story by US conservative news site Breitbart that reported on a talk Rasool gave on a webinar organised by a South African think tank. Rasool had spoken in academic terms of the Trump administration’s crackdown on diversity and equity programmes, as well as immigration, and mentioned the possibility of a future US where white people would no longer be in the majority.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, centre left, and former minister and constitutional negotiator Roelf Meyer, centre right, during the first National Convention at the University of South Africa, Pretoria, in August 2025 [File: Phill Magakoe/AFP]
Trump last year also issued an executive order freezing most foreign assistance to South Africa amid the country’s legal action at the International Court of Justice over Israel’s genocide in Gaza and the passage of a controversial South African law aimed at correcting historic racial disparities in land ownership.
Tensions escalated further when Trump then launched a refugee programme for white South Africans, whom the US president claims face government-led persecution in their home country.
Meyer, 78, is a seasoned negotiator with experience working under pressure. As a member of South Africa’s white Afrikaans minority, he once served as a minister under the apartheid Nationalist Party government.
He rose to prominence in the 1990s, during the final days of apartheid, as the Nationalist Party held talks with the African National Congress (ANC) to end segregation and white minority rule. The talks paved the way for South Africa’s first democratic elections in 1994.
As the chief negotiator, Ralph had become acquainted with South Africa’s current president, Cyril Ramaphosa, who was then an ANC negotiator.
Meyer himself later joined the ANC in 2006.
He is set to take up the post as US ambassador once all protocols are complete in Washington, DC, according to Ramaphosa’s office.
