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South Korea’s move to lower tensions with Kim Jong Un threatens 400,000 Christians
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FIRST ON FOX: A move aimed at lowering tensions between South and North Korea is threatening, rather than improving, life for the estimated 400,000 Christians who live in the North. The policy has been slammed as «a catastrophic strategic mistake.»
South Korea’s new President, Lee Jae-myung, ordered a reported 80% of radio broadcasts from the South, beamed into the North, to stop transmitting in May. The President also declared that loudspeakers that had been broadcasting anti-communist propaganda on the border between the two countries should be taken down.
Myung reportedly told his Cabinet in Seoul, «I hope such reciprocal measures will gradually lead to dialogue and communication» between the two Koreas, the Korea Times reported Tuesday, adding that the South Korean President wants South and North Korea to «shift from a relationship that causes harm to each other to one that is mutually beneficial.»
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A South Korean Christian radio station recording material for broadcast in 2021.
In a statement reported by news website korea.net on August 5, South Korea’s defense ministry added that the new measures were «practical measures to help ease inter-Korean tensions, within a range that does not affect the military’s readiness posture.»
But the shutdown of radio stations is having a drastic effect on North Korea’s Christians. The Kim Jong-un regime has ruled that it is a crime to worship Christianity. Even being found with a Bible can lead to execution, normally with a bullet, sometimes reportedly after torture.
There’s no general access to the internet for ordinary citizens. The only practical way Christians can experience the Gospel and Christian teaching or thoughts is to secretly listen to a radio. But now the Stimson Center’s 38 North, a publication analyzing data on North Korea, says broadcasts into the country from the South, including broadcasts previously backed by the U.S. Agency for Global Media, have been cut back by almost 80% since May, and they advise that level could fall even further over the coming months.
Kim Jong Un depicted riding a horse atop Mount Paektu, a sacred site in North Korea. (KCNA)
It’s also reported that it is more difficult to hear the Christian message now. Because there are fewer broadcasts still going into the North, authorities are said to be having greater success in electronically jamming them.
A U.S. State Department spokesperson expressed concern, telling Fox News Digital, «Under the leadership of President Trump and Secretary Rubio, the State Department Office of International Religious Freedom is actively looking into new ways to advance freedom of religion around the world, including in North Korea, and for North Korea’s severely persecuted Christian community. President Trump is a champion for religious freedom globally, including defending people’s ability to read the Bible and freely access religious texts.»
It is impossible to over-estimate the importance of these broadcasts to Christians in North Korea, Timothy Cho, who defected from the country when he was 17, told Fox News Digital from London. Cho serves on the Secretariat of the British government’s All-Party Parliamentary Group on North Korea, saying «we are sharing the Gospel with our brothers and sisters on the ground in North Korea. This significance we cannot compare with any amount of values, because it is hope. It is hope, and it is light and it is the message they can rely on during the darkest time inside North Korea.»
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President Trump is to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un for a summit sometime next month. (Reuters)
In North Korea, Cho claimed, the ruling Kim family dynasty is portrayed collectively as gods, not only the so-called ‘Supreme Leaders,» but supreme beings. He explained that’s why Christianity is so feared by the government. He added that «the most dangerous threat to North Korean authority is the claim of there being a true God who is not connected to the Kim dynasty.»
«Underground Christianity provides a space for the free exchange of ideas. Christianity is a defining feature of the DNA of the Korean people,» Greg Scarlatiou, President and CEO of the Washington-based Committee for Human Rights in North Korea, told Fox News Digital. «The Kim family regime wants none of that, having tried so hard to obliterate the true identity of the Korean people.»
«The shutting down of radio stations beaming information into North Korea is a catastrophic strategic mistake. True change can’t come from the Kim family. It can only come from the people of North Korea, especially Christians. And the only thing the outside world can do to help them is empowerment through information.»
North Korea is at the top of Open Doors’ World Watch List for persecution of Christians again this year. Open Doors is a global organization that supports and speaks up for Christians persecuted for their faith. The report noted, «Police and intelligence agents search homes without warning. If they find Christian materials, it is considered a crime against the nation, and the whole family can be banished, imprisoned or executed. Those who use an unregistered smartphone or radio to access unapproved media are punished.»
The report continued, «Christians only dare to listen to radio programs at night, hidden under blankets. Each act of worship, even though conducted by oneself, is perceived as an «act of extreme disloyalty.» Citizens are trained to report anyone who might be an enemy of the regime, including family members.
A bible from North Korea, September 21, 2021. (Open Doors)
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«The national media broadcast anti-Christian content, where Christians are portrayed as evil betrayers of the nation, and missionary activities are referred to as acts of terrorism,» the Open Doors report noted.
On Thursday, Kim Yo-jong, the North Korean leader’s sister, and Deputy Department Director of the Publicity and Information Department of the ruling Workers Party in Pyongyang, made it clear that North Korea will not lessen controls. She released a statement, monitored by a source in Seoul, reportedly saying, «We don’t care whether South Korea dismantles the loudspeakers or stops the broadcasts. We have no intention of improving relations with America’s loyal lackeys.»
north korea,south korea,christianity religion,kim jong un
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Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday said the assassination of Charlie Kirk was a sign of a «deep rift» in American society, while offering his condolences to the family of the late conservative activist.
Speaking at the Valdai Discussion Club in Sochi at a forum of Russian experts, Putin addressed the killing, according to Reuters.
«This is a disgusting atrocity, especially since it was broadcast live. We all saw it. It was truly horrific,» Putin said. «First and foremost, I extend my condolences to Mr. Kirk’s family and all his loved ones. We sympathize and empathize.
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Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday condemned the killing of Charlie Kirk while speaking to a panel of Russian experts. (Getty Images)
«What happened is a reflection of a deep division within society. In the United States, I don’t believe there is any need to escalate the situation externally, as the country’s political leadership is working to restore order domestically,» he added.
Kirk was shot and killed in September while speaking at Utah Valley University.
His alleged killer, Tyler Robinson, faces seven charges, including aggravated homicide, which carries the potential death penalty; felony discharge of a firearm; obstruction and witness tampering.
Robinson returned to court Monday and is scheduled to appear again Oct. 30. Prosecutors said they had already gathered «voluminous» evidence against him.
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Charlie Kirk speaks before he is assassinated during Turning Point’s visit to Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, Sept. 10, 2025. (Tess Crowley/The Deseret News via AP)
Kirk’s murder has intensified debate over political violence in the United States. Republican leaders have urged Democrats to moderate their rhetoric toward President Donald Trump and to embrace greater tolerance for opposing views.
In addition to addressing Kirk’s death, Putin responded to Trump’s recent characterization of Russia as a «paper tiger.»
«A paper tiger? Then go deal with this paper tiger,» Putin said. «If we are fighting the entire NATO bloc, moving forward, advancing and feeling confident, and we are still called a paper tiger, then what does that make NATO itself?»
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Last week, Trump predicted Ukraine could reclaim all its territory from Russia before labeling Moscow a «paper tiger.»
vladimir putin,charlie kirk,russia
El canciller alemán Friedrich Merz insistió este jueves desde una cumbre de líderes europeos en Copenhague que apoyará “cualquier vía” que permita utilizar activos rusos congelados para conceder un préstamo de reparación a Ucrania. Merz confió en que la Unión Europea tome una decisión en “semanas”, a pesar de que Bélgica rechaza de plano la propuesta por considerarla una “confiscación” con lagunas legales.
“Apoyaré cualquier vía que permita el uso de activos rusos para seguir ayudando a Ucrania y garantizar que la guerra termine lo antes posible”, declaró Merz a la prensa al término de la cumbre de líderes de la Comunidad Política Europea (CPE) celebrada en la capital danesa.
El mandatario alemán se refirió a la próxima cumbre formal de jefes de Estado y de Gobierno de la Unión, prevista para dentro de tres semanas en Bruselas, y confió en que entonces se tome una “decisión concreta”. Tras dos días de reuniones al máximo nivel en Copenhague, Merz afirmó tener la convicción de que existe un “fuerte acuerdo” tanto en el seno de la UE como de la CPE respecto a seguir esa vía.
“Putin no debería subestimar nuestra determinación. Hay una gran unidad y una firme determinación de contrarrestar juntos esta agresión”, insistió.
La cita danesa fue la primera ocasión para que los líderes europeos examinaran la propuesta que la presidenta de la Comisión Europea, Ursula von der Leyen, circuló entre las capitales: usar los activos soberanos rusos congelados en Bélgica —en el depósito de fondos Euroclear— para conceder un préstamo a Kiev.
Al término de la jornada, en una rueda de prensa junto a la primera ministra danesa, Mette Frederiksen, el presidente de Ucrania, Volodimir Zelensky, celebró que “casi todos los líderes estén planteando el pleno uso de los fondos congelados rusos”.
Frederiksen, por su parte, concedió que el debate del miércoles sobre este asunto fue “intenso” y que afloraron “algunas cuestiones técnicas que deben ser resueltas”, pero al mismo tiempo se mostró “bastante segura” de que sabrán resolverlas. “Es justo que Rusia pague por los daños que ha causado”, zanjó.
El crédito sin intereses tendría un valor de unos 140.000 millones de euros y Ucrania solo tendría que devolverlo si llegara la paz y Moscú indemnizara al país por los daños de la guerra.
El Ejecutivo comunitario y los defensores de la iniciativa sostienen que no se trataría de una “confiscación” de los activos, pero Bélgica niega respaldo al plan. Su primer ministro, Bart de Wever, advirtió este jueves en rueda de prensa sobre el riesgo de trasladar el mensaje de que “un grupo de países pueden, simplemente, decidir políticamente cogerlo (el dinero) y dárselo en un préstamo” a otro país.
«Ceci n’est pas une confiscation» (Esto no es una confiscación), ironizó De Wever, usando el título de uno de los cuadros más conocidos del pintor surrealista belga René Magritte, La traición de las imágenes, en el que se ve una pipa de fumar sobre la frase “Esto no es una pipa”.
El político belga reveló que la víspera trasladó al resto de líderes de la UE sus dudas legales respecto a un proyecto “sin precedentes” y “muy arriesgado”, y criticó a Von der Leyen porque su Ejecutivo no respondió con claridad a todas estas preocupaciones en las semanas en que Bélgica pidió aclaraciones.
Con todo, De Wever dejó la puerta abierta a reconsiderar la situación si de aquí al Consejo Europeo de finales de octubre se responde a las dudas legales y si el resto de países se comprometen a mutualizar los riesgos y garantizan que responderán junto a Bélgica “si algo va mal”.
Por su parte, el primer ministro de Hungría, Viktor Orbán, que por distintas razones mantiene un veto regular contra toda iniciativa europea de apoyo a Ucrania frente a Rusia, criticó con dureza que la UE se plantee usar los fondos en efectivo congelados.
“No somos ladrones, ese dinero no es nuestro”, afirmó Orbán a la prensa a su salida de la cumbre, para insistir en que “de ninguna manera” Hungría formará parte de un proyecto que supone “tocar el dinero de otro”.
International,Relations,Diplomacy / Foreign Policy,Europe
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Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., accused the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of endangering women’s health, saying the agency approved another chemical abortion drug without the thorough safety review it had promised.
Hawley argued the move shows both regulatory failure and the influence of a company that refuses to define «woman» in its materials.
«This is shocking. FDA has just approved ANOTHER chemical abortion drug, when the evidence shows chemical abortion drugs are dangerous and even deadly for the mother. And of course 100% lethal to the child,» he wrote on X on Thursday afternoon.
«FDA had promised to do a top-to-bottom safety review of the chemical abortion drug, but instead they’ve just greenlighted new versions of it for distribution. I have lost confidence in the leadership at FDA.»
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Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., accused the Food and Drug Administration of endangering women’s health after it approved another chemical abortion drug without what he said was a promised full safety review. (Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)
Evita Solutions describes its mission as one to «normalize abortion» and make it «accessible to all.» On its website, the company says it «believes that all people should have access to safe, affordable, high-quality, effective, and compassionate abortion care, regardless of their race, sex, gender, age, sexuality, income, or where they live.
«We know that you can make the best choice for your body.»
According to the FDA, Evita received approval in a Sept. 30 letter obtained by Reuters.
In an interview with Fox News Digital, Hawley said the FDA’s decision was even more troubling given its promised safety review has barely begun.
«I just, I can’t figure out what’s happening at the FDA. I’m totally baffled by it,» Hawley said.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the FDA and Evita Solutions for comment on the matter.
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In another post, Hawley blasted the FDA for partnering with a company that «doesn’t even believe there is such a thing as a ‘woman.’»
Evita Solutions now joins GenBioPro in producing the generic version of mifepristone, the abortion pill originally made by Danco Laboratories. Mifepristone blocks progesterone, a hormone needed to sustain pregnancy, and is followed by misoprostol to complete the process.
The approval comes as abortion drugs face mounting opposition from conservative lawmakers, religious organizations and pro-life groups.
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Misoprostol, left, and mifepristone, the two drugs used in a medication abortion. (Robyn Bech/AFP via Getty Images)
Religious groups like Inspire Investing and Alliance Defending Freedom have campaigned against the drug, while the Restoration of America Foundation (ROAF) has pressed lawmakers for accountability.
Last month, ROAF called on the Senate Finance Committee to hold Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. accountable at a hearing, demanding answers about the removal of safety protocols for the abortion pill mifepristone.
In a letter obtained by Fox News Digital, ROAF warned that the rollback leaves women more vulnerable and shifts costs to taxpayers. The group said the Biden-era changes endanger women by allowing abortion pills to be prescribed via telehealth and sent through the mail.
Hawley said the FDA should restore the safeguards put in place under the Trump administration.
«What needs to happen is the FDA needs to get in line with the president’s policy and put back into place the safety regulations President Trump had. Ditch the Biden approach and go back to President Trump’s approach,» Hawley said.
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Under the Biden administration, the FDA for the first time allowed telehealth prescribing and mail-order delivery of abortion pills. Previously, the agency required mifepristone to be dispensed in person to screen for complications such as ectopic pregnancy.
Fox News Digital’s Jasmine Baehr and Reuters contributed to this report.
reproductive health,abortion,health,health care healthy living,pregnancy,politics
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