[Morning Briefing] Trump's 'Strong USA' Returns... Yoon Appears at Impeachment Trial Today

◆ Trump: "America's Golden Age Has Just Begun"

President Donald Trump was inaugurated on the 20th local time. In his inaugural address, he stated, "I will put America first," and declared, "America's golden age is just beginning." He further emphasized, "America will soon become a greater, stronger, and far more exceptional nation than ever before," adding, "America will once again think of itself as a growing nation." President Trump reiterated his intention to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America and to pursue the return of the Panama Canal, stating, "Nothing will stand in our way."

◆ 'Trump Factor' as Davos Forum Opens

The annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (Davos Forum), attended by global leaders, opened on the 20th local time in Davos, Switzerland. This year's theme is 'Cooperation in the Age of Intelligence,' aiming to creatively solve common human problems by utilizing AI (artificial intelligence) advancements while preventing side effects. The Davos Forum has traditionally addressed major issues such as geopolitical conflict resolution, climate change response, and the restoration of multilateral trade. However, President Trump's America First policy is expected to be a significant variable. President Trump is scheduled to deliver a speech at the Davos Forum on the 23rd, albeit online.

◆ Dollar-Won Exchange Rate Falls... Closes in Mid-1440s

The dollar-won exchange rate expanded its decline in overnight trading, falling to the mid-1440s. At 2 a.m. Korean time on the 21st, the dollar-won exchange rate closed at 1,444 won, down 14.3 won from the previous Seoul market closing price. This is 7.7 won lower than the weekly closing price of 1,451.7 won. The global dollar weakened significantly due to foreign reports suggesting that President Trump would not announce 'additional tariffs' on his first day in office, contrary to previous declarations. The 20th local time, when President Trump was inaugurated, was a U.S. holiday, 'Martin Luther King Day,' with the New York Stock Exchange and bond markets closed.

◆ Yoon to Appear at Constitutional Court Impeachment Trial... 'First Time'

President Yoon Seok-yeol, currently detained at the Seoul Detention Center, will appear in person to testify at the third hearing of the Constitutional Court's impeachment trial at 2 p.m. today (21st). He did not attend the first and second hearings due to safety concerns related to the timing of the Public Prosecution Service's arrest warrant execution. This is the first time an impeached president has appeared in person at a Constitutional Court trial instead of through a legal team. President Yoon, who refused the Public Prosecution Service's summons and forced subpoena, stated, "I will attend the Constitutional Court as much as possible."

◆ Most of the Country Faces 'Bad' Air Quality

Today, Tuesday, air quality levels across the country, except for Jeju, are expected to be 'bad,' with the Seoul metropolitan area, Gangwon Yeongseo, Chungcheong, Daegu, and Gyeongbuk expected to experience 'very bad' levels in the morning, so wearing a mask when going out is advisable. Dense fog is expected in central regions until the morning, requiring caution for traffic safety during the commute. The highest daytime temperature is forecasted to be between 6 and 12 degrees.

Kim Bong-gu, Hankyung.com Reporter kbk9@hankyung.com