Ruling Party Pushes for Abolition of Supplementary Investigation Rights Amid Opposition Filibuster On July 29, the National Assembly's Legislative Judiciary Committee and the Operations Committee approved amendments to the Criminal Procedure Law aimed at abolishing supplementary investigation rights and shortening the fast-track process. These bills are set to be presented for a vote in the plenary session scheduled for July 30, prompting the People Power Party to announce plans for an unlimited debate (filibuster) to block the measures.Both committees convened in the morning to review and vo July 29, 2026

Ruling Party Pushes Legislation Amid Opposition's Inaction The Democratic Party is rapidly moving to finalize the legislative process for amendments to the criminal procedure law, including the abolition of prosecutors' supplementary investigation rights, within three days. Meanwhile, the People Power Party finds itself powerless to respond. Since the start of the 22nd National Assembly, the People Power Party has lost its negotiating power due to a lack of seats and has resorted to filibustering various contentious bills, but with little success.Accord July 29, 2026

North Korea and China Emphasize Military Cooperation at Founding Day Event North Korea and China highlighted their military cooperation and traditional friendship during a reception in Pyongyang marking the 99th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese military. The event, attended by senior officials from both countries, reaffirmed the close ties between the two nations amid recent high-level exchanges.According to North Korea's Rodong Sinmun and the Chinese embassy in Pyongyang, the reception took place on July 29 and was attended by approximately 150 guests, inclu July 29, 2026

Bill Gates Plans Visit to South Korea Next Month to Discuss AI and Next-Gen Nuclear Cooperation Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft, is expected to visit South Korea as early as next month. If the visit occurs, discussions on artificial intelligence (AI) and next-generation nuclear power are likely to be key topics.According to the information and communication technology (ICT) industry on July 29, Gates, who is also the chairman of the Gates Foundation, has expressed his intention to meet with Prime Minister Han Seung-soo and is currently coordinating the schedule and agenda. The specific July 29, 2026

Heat Wave Continues Nationwide with Highs Reaching 38 Degrees On Thursday, July 30, a heat wave and tropical nights are expected to persist across most regions of the country. In particular, the Gyeongnam area is forecasted to experience a maximum perceived temperature exceeding 38 degrees Celsius, necessitating caution during outdoor activities.According to the Korea Meteorological Administration on July 29, the morning low temperatures on July 30 are expected to range from 21 to 28 degrees Celsius, while daytime highs will be between 31 and 38 degrees Ce July 29, 2026

Rep. Lee So-hee Calls for System Reform to Disclose Medical Malpractice Records Rep. Lee So-hee of the People Power Party criticized the lack of transparency regarding medical malpractice records, stating on July 29, "It is a gap in information that is out of touch with common sense that patients cannot verify even when a court has confirmed serious criminal responsibility."During a forum titled "The Public Should Know About Medical Malpractice Records" held at the National Assembly, she noted, "Even if a doctor is sentenced to prison for negligent homicide during medical p July 29, 2026

Houthi Rebels Consider Imposing Toll on Red Sea Shipping The Iran-aligned Houthi rebels in Yemen are reportedly considering imposing tolls on commercial vessels passing through the southern Red Sea. This move follows their recent declaration of a maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia and is seen as an effort to expand their influence over international shipping routes.According to Reuters on July 29, the Houthis are reviewing plans to charge tolls for most ships transiting the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, which connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden. The July 29, 2026

Blue House Reaffirms Justice Minister Jeong Seong-ho's Role Amid Resignation Speculation The Blue House has reaffirmed that Justice Minister Jeong Seong-ho should continue his role until the establishment and stabilization of the new public prosecution office, despite speculation about his resignation.Hong Ik-pyo, the Blue House's chief of staff, stated on MBC Radio on July 29 that "since the Ministry of Justice is the main agency for the public prosecution office set to launch in October, the minister must fulfill his duties until the system is organized and stabilized." He added, July 29, 2026

Vietnam Considers Limiting Online Gaming for Children to 60 Minutes Daily Vietnam is moving forward with a proposal to limit online gaming time for children under 16 to just 60 minutes per day. Current regulations allow users under 18 to play for up to 180 minutes daily, but the new amendment aims to reduce the total gaming time for those under 16 to just one hour. While there is significant support for this child protection measure, questions remain about how age verification and the management of overseas gaming will be handled.According to reports from Vietnamese m July 29, 2026

President Lee Sends Condolences Following Earthquake in Kumamoto, Japan President Lee Jae-myung expressed his condolences on July 29 regarding the earthquake that struck Kumamoto Prefecture in Japan, stating, "South Korea will always stand in solidarity with you."In a post on X (formerly Twitter), President Lee said, "I cannot help but feel sorrow upon hearing the news of significant loss of life and property damage."He added, "I pray for the souls of those who lost their lives in this earthquake and extend my deepest condolences to the bereaved families. I also sen July 29, 2026