Journalist
Lee Jung-woo이정우
cannes2030@ajupress.com
ReporterMinistry of Unification & North Korea, Politics, Foreign Affairs
I studied philosophy in college, and sociology and journalism in graduate school. I cover North Korea, South Korean politics, foreign affairs and films. I enjoy Nordic cinema, Indian cuisine and Japanese detective novels. I have a cat and like bright, acidic coffee.
"Were it left to me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers, or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter."
"Were it left to me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers, or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter."
Latest by Lee Jung-woo
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Washington's new trade agenda poses fresh challenges for Seoul SEOUL, June 17 (AJP) - Seoul should closely monitor Washington's evolving trade strategy and swiftly implement South Korea's trade deal with the U.S. agreed last fall, said an ex-trade chief on Wednesday. Speaking at a forum at the National Assembly in Seoul, former Trade Minister Jeong In-kyo also warned that the U.S.' annual trade report is increasingly being used as a platform for future enforcement actions beyond tariffs. "The National Trade Estimate (NTE) report has essentially become a document that organizes the justifications for future actions against trading partners," Jeong said. "Even if countries reach agreements with the U.S., the report contains grounds that could be used for additional measures later." The forum, titled "America's New Trade Agenda — Is Korea Prepared?," focused on implications of the U.S. Trade Representative's NTE report and recent investigations under Section 301 of the U.S. Trade Act. Jeong, who previously headed South Korea's trade negotiations office under the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, said the character of the NTE report has changed significantly under U.S. President Donald Trump's trade agenda. According to Jeong, the report has evolved from a traditional catalog of foreign trade barriers into a broader framework supporting Washington's efforts to reshape global trade rules and tighten economic pressure on China. He said this year's report expanded to more than 500 pages and included substantially more material on digital regulations and other non-tariff barriers. "The core objective of the current trade strategy is the construction of a comprehensive containment network against China," Jeong said. He added that Washington is particularly focused on preventing Chinese exports from entering the U.S. market through third countries. Jeong argued that South Korea should seek to conclude an Agreement on Reciprocal Trade, or ART, with the U.S. as quickly as possible. Countries that reach such agreements may face lower tariff rates than those that do not, he said. The forum was moderated by Rep. Kim Gunn of the main opposition People Power Party (PPP), who served as secretary of the National Assembly's Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee during the first half of the 22nd Assembly. A career diplomat before entering politics, Kim previously served as South Korea's ambassador to the U.K. and chief negotiator on North Korea's nuclear issue under disgraced former President Yoon Suk Yeol. A second presentation by Lee Joo Hyoung, a professor at the University of Seoul Law School, examined the legal foundations and policy implications of Section 301 investigations. Lee said recent developments stem partly from judicial scrutiny of presidential tariff authorities in the United States, prompting policymakers to rely more heavily on other trade enforcement tools. She described Section 301 as one of Washington's most flexible trade instruments because investigations can be expanded, revised and even reopened after being formally concluded. "The original purpose of Section 301 is not punishment itself but creating leverage for negotiations," Lee said. Lee noted that the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative recently launched investigations examining forced labor practices, structural overcapacity and supply-chain issues among major trading partners. She said South Korea has drawn particular attention from U.S. officials over digital platform regulations and labor-related issues. U.S. officials have repeatedly raised concerns that proposed Korean digital regulations could disproportionately affect American technology companies. She cited comments by U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer indicating that Washington could consider Section 301 actions if it determines that discriminatory regulations exist. Lee pointed to growing U.S. scrutiny of forced labor concerns, including cases linked to South Korea's salt-production industry. The issue gained prominence after U.S. Customs and Border Protection imposed a Withhold Release Order on products from a salt farm in South Jeolla Province over allegations of forced labor. The U.S. Embassy in Seoul visited Taepyung Salt Farm in August last year after U.S. authorities imposed an import hold on its products, inspecting workers' contracts, living quarters and labor conditions. She called the move "unusual," noting that it is rare for a foreign government to conduct investigations beyond its jurisdiction. She said the U.S. was less focused on the Shinan salt farm case itself than on broader efforts to prevent goods linked to forced labor in China from entering the U.S. market. The USTR's 2026 National Trade Estimate Report newly identified forced labor in salt production and illegal fishing issues as trade-related concerns involving South Korea, while also elevating scrutiny of the country's digital regulations and competition policies. 2026-06-17 17:35:30 -
Lee pledges greater role in global development at G7 summit SEOUL, June 17 (AJP) - South Korean President Lee Jae Myung called for broader access to artificial intelligence (AI)-related technologies for developing countries during a session of the Group of Seven (G7) summit in France on Tuesday. He also urged a new model of international development cooperation that combines aid, private investment and technology-sharing. Speaking at the first expanded session of the summit in Évian-les-Bains, Lee said many developing countries remain unable to fully benefit from the opportunities created by the rapid rise of AI. "The AI revolution is both a new challenge and an opportunity for growth for humanity, yet many developing countries do not have sufficient access to these opportunities," Lee said, according to Cheong Wa Dae. The session, held under the theme of "Forging New Partnerships and Rebuilding International Solidarity," brought together leaders of G7 member states, invited partner countries, World Bank President Ajay Banga and African Development Bank President Sidi Ould Tah. They discussed ways to respond to growing needs driven by climate change, global conflicts, food and health crises and rising debt burdens, while addressing constraints on public financing. Lee argued that traditional aid-centered development models should evolve toward partnerships that mobilize private capital alongside official development assistance. "As development aid budgets for least-developed countries are shrinking, private investment should help open new paths to growth," Lee said. He cited a program by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) in Indonesia, where support for 12 local startups in agriculture, energy and environmental sectors helped attract $50 million in private investment from an initial US$1 million grant. Lee also promoted South Korea's vision of a "Global AI Basic Society," aimed at ensuring that the benefits of AI development are shared widely across countries. "The outcomes of AI technological development should be shared by all countries so that they can grow together," he said. Emphasizing that development assistance should ultimately improve people's lives, Lee pointed to a vocational training school in Ethiopia established jointly by KOICA and South Korean companies. He said the program has provided training in electrical engineering, electronics and information and communications technology, helping young people gain employment and entrepreneurial opportunities. Lee said South Korea would continue contributing to international development efforts based on its experience of transforming from an aid recipient into a donor nation. Following the session, summit participants adopted three documents on reciprocal international partnerships, cancer prevention and treatment, and Ebola response. South Korea expressed support for all three initiatives. Earlier in the day, Lee held bilateral talks with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, where the two leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation in defense, security, energy and critical minerals. Lee said South Korea, a major defense exporter, was prepared to contribute to strengthening Canada's security capabilities based on mutual trust. Carney responded that Canada places importance on building closer ties with South Korea and agreed to continue discussions on expanding cooperation. The meeting comes as South Korea's Hanwha Ocean and Germany's Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems compete for Canada's next-generation submarine project, estimated to be worth up to 60 trillion won ($39.7 billion). The two leaders also agreed to expand cooperation on energy supply chains, including crude oil, liquefied natural gas and critical minerals, while exploring practical ways to contribute to regional and global peace and prosperity. Lee noted the longstanding ties between the two countries dating back to Canada's participation in the 1950-53 Korean War and said the two nations have become partners that can support one another in addressing shared challenges. 2026-06-17 11:19:02 -
Beyond 'Teach You a Lesson': Why Korean teachers say real life can be more tragic SEOUL, June 17 (AJP) - Netflix's hit K-drama "Teach You a Lesson" may depict elite inspectors restoring order in dysfunctional schools, but teachers in South Korea say the most unsettling aspect of the series is not its violence. It is how accurately it captures their sense of abandonment. The methods may be exaggerated. The stakes, they argue, are not. In fact, real life is often more tragic. Unlike television, there is rarely a dramatic resolution when schools fail. Conflicts can end in prolonged legal battles, public humiliation, mental trauma and, in some cases, death. South Korea has witnessed several teacher deaths in recent years, most notably the 2023 death of a young teacher at Seoul's Seoi Elementary School that triggered nationwide protests and forced lawmakers to strengthen legal protections for educators. Yet many teachers say little has fundamentally changed. "The people who harass teachers and violate teachers' rights come at us with guns and knives. The least defense we have is a state-backed legal protection system." The speaker is an elementary school teacher in Incheon with a decade of classroom experience, describing what he sees as the reality of teaching in South Korea today. Like many teachers interviewed by AJP, he had watched every episode of "Teach You a Lesson," a series that imagines an extraordinary government agency empowered to intervene when schools descend into chaos. For many educators, however, the drama's popularity is less surprising than revealing. "I would suggest that the remarkable popularity of 'Teach You a Lesson' be understood as a symptom rather than as a foundation for policy," said Eom Moon-young, a professor in the Department of Education at Seoul National University. "The fact that a fictional Teacher Rights Protection Bureau resonates so powerfully reflects the profound sense of powerlessness many teachers now experience." Eom said the show's success reflects frustrations that have accumulated for years. Teachers increasingly report verbal abuse, physical threats, relentless complaints from parents and allegations of child abuse stemming from routine disciplinary actions. While South Korean society has become more attentive to children's rights over the past two decades, many educators say institutional protections for teachers have failed to keep pace. The current debate cannot be separated from the trauma of Seoi Elementary School. In July 2023, a young teacher at the Seoul school died by suicide after reportedly suffering severe stress related to parental complaints and student disciplinary issues, triggering nationwide outrage and mass rallies by teachers. Lawmakers later passed a package of reforms commonly known as the "Five Teacher Protection Laws," intended to strengthen legal safeguards for educators. Yet many teachers say the burden remains unchanged. One elementary school teacher in Sejong City said the fifth episode of the drama, which depicts a teacher driven to despair by relentless parental harassment, was the most memorable. "The education minister in the drama says he will take responsibility for everything," he said. "What stays with me is that the real education minister does not do that. Watching it gave me comfort." "The law has to change first." Another elementary school teacher from Daegu with 26 years of experience said the same episode felt less like fiction than a documentary. "I was deeply moved by the episode based on the Seoi Elementary case," he said. "It made me think they had researched reality very well. Everything that happened in that episode happens in real life. It is extremely common." Teachers also described a steady stream of parental complaints that they say has become increasingly intrusive. The Incheon teacher recalled one example involving a swimming lesson. A child who was afraid of water chose to remain poolside rather than enter the water. After photographs were shared with parents, one parent questioned why the child's swimsuit appeared dry. When the teacher explained that forcing the child into the pool could have created safety risks, the parent responded: "Then why did the child go to the swimming pool at all? Shouldn't the child experience the water?" Teachers also reported receiving messages about children's clothing, demands to report how many spoonfuls of lunch a child consumed, requests to monitor emotions after school and repeated phone calls outside working hours. One veteran middle school teacher in Seoul said the problem has steadily worsened. "For 28 years, things have continued to get worse," he said. "There are more parental complaints now. Many families have only one child, and parents often become overprotective. Even when their child is wrong, they side with the child." The fear of speaking up remains pervasive. According to a nationwide survey by the Korean Federation of Teachers' Associations, 36.6 percent of teachers reported infringements on educational activities last year. Yet only 3.8 percent sought formal proceedings before teacher rights protection committees, while 93.3 percent never filed complaints at all. Nearly 30 percent cited fears of retaliation, including false child-abuse allegations. Many teachers argue that even when investigations ultimately clear them of wrongdoing, the process itself can be devastating. A single allegation may trigger police investigations, child welfare inquiries, media attention and months of uncertainty. For many educators, that may be the most important lesson hidden inside the drama. The appeal of "Teach You a Lesson" is not that audiences are longing for vigilante justice or a return to corporal punishment. It is that teachers are searching for something far more basic: the reassurance that they will not have to fight these battles alone. The drama may exaggerate its methods. But for many teachers, real life is often more tragic because there is no Na Hwa-jin arriving at the end — only educators hoping that the next classroom conflict will not become another national tragedy. 2026-06-17 09:56:42 -
Why 'Teach You a Lesson' is resonating around the world — and beyond the screen SEOUL, June 16 (AJP) - The latest Netflix K-drama "Teach You a Lesson" is taking the world by storm because, quite literally, classrooms around the world may be in need of a figurative whipping of their own. Forbes recently called it one of the best dramas of the year despite criticism over excessive violence, racism and some over-exaggerated acting, because it ultimately offers "a hopeful perspective on justice in a corrupt world." For teachers actually working in schools, that may not be an exaggeration. Kim Hanna, a middle and high school teacher with 15 years of classroom experience, said "Teach You a Lesson" resonated deeply with many educators because it reflected realities they confront every day. One scene that particularly stood out to her was when the fictional bureau tasked with restoring school authority declared that it would stand alongside teachers facing malicious complaints. "The drama points out that malicious complaints are pressuring innocent teachers and depriving them of the opportunity to become the kind of teachers they aspire to be," Kim said. "The fact that there is someone fighting for teachers is heartwarming." Kim said most educators enter the profession with a strong sense of mission and a desire to guide students responsibly. "But in reality, even ordinary disciplinary guidance can lead to malicious complaints or legal action. Many teachers end up feeling powerless, as though they can do nothing, or begin to question their own professional abilities," she said. Kim identified what she considers the most serious problem in schools today: the growing use of child-abuse allegations against teachers engaged in legitimate educational activities. According to Kim, a student known for impulsive and violent behavior attempted to assault a classmate. When the teacher intervened to stop the attack, the student kicked the teacher to the ground, climbed onto the teacher's chest and pulled the teacher's hair. "The teacher only grabbed the student's wrist to prevent further violence," Kim said. "Yet the parent later accused the teacher of assaulting the student." She said the parent subsequently posted messages criticizing the teacher on local online parenting forums and internet communities, damaging the teacher's reputation before filing a child-abuse complaint. "The unfortunate reality is that incidents like this are not rare in Korean schools," she said. Article 17, Paragraph 5 of South Korea's Child Welfare Act prohibits emotional abuse. However, Kim said the provision's ambiguity has created unintended consequences in schools. "Because the standard is unclear, even legitimate disciplinary guidance can result in child-abuse reports," she said. K-drama having real power But the drama has already hit home in South Korea, showing that it can do more than entertain — it can shape public debate and potentially influence policy. The questions it raises are no longer confined to television screens. How should schools respond when teachers can no longer maintain order? Who should protect both teachers' rights and students' right to learn when existing systems fail? New education leaders are now trying to answer those questions. Gyeonggi Province's incoming education superintendent Ahn Min-seok is among the first policymakers attempting to turn that conversation into concrete action by proposing a Gyeonggi-style Educational Rights Protection Bureau within the provincial education office. The proposal immediately sparked criticism on social media, with some arguing that a progressive educator advocating such a body was effectively endorsing a return to corporal punishment. Ahn rejected that interpretation. "The name comes from the drama 'Teach You a Lesson.' In reality, it cannot operate exactly as it does in the series," Ahn told AJP. "We cannot solve problems through violence, and I believe children should not be struck even with a flower." Still, he argued that the current system is no longer capable of addressing problems in schools quickly and effectively. "The key is to protect both teachers' rights and students' right to learn," he said. "We need to prevent situations in which a severely disruptive student infringes upon a teacher's authority and undermines the learning rights of other students as well." Ahn said he has long envisioned a new system in which responsibility no longer falls solely on individual teachers but is instead assumed institutionally by education authorities. "There is now a need for an institutional body within the education office that can take responsibility for this role," he said. To begin the process, the Gyeonggi education transition committee will hold a public forum next week titled, "Why and How Should a Gyeonggi-Style Educational Rights Protection Bureau Be Established?" The forum will gather experts, students, parents and teachers to discuss ways to protect both teachers' rights and students' learning rights. Ahn also revealed that teachers with military backgrounds, including former members of the Marine Corps and South Korea's special forces, have volunteered to participate. "Many have sent messages saying, 'I will become Gyeonggi's Na Hwa-jin,'" he said. In the series, Na Hwa-jin, played by actor Kim Mu-yeol, is a former Special Forces captain turned inspector for a fictional Educational Rights Protection Bureau, leading a team dispatched to schools engulfed by bullying, corruption and collapsing authority to protect victims and restore order. "Realistically, we may be able to secure 20 to 30 people capable of fulfilling such a role," Ahn said. But he repeatedly emphasized that violence would have no place in the system. "In schools facing serious crises, where teachers can no longer maintain order, these personnel would be deployed not for violent retaliation but for guidance and intervention to restore the educational environment," he said. "If a former special forces inspector simply enters a classroom, that alone can create a sense of authority." Ahn said the debate is ultimately about restoring schools' ability to function rather than reviving old disciplinary practices. "Student rights and teachers' rights should not be viewed as opposing values," he said. "They are rights that must be respected simultaneously. While protecting students' human rights, we must also institutionally guarantee teachers' legitimate authority to guide and discipline students in educational settings." As Forbes noted, "Like all films and dramas in this world, one would hope to have some sort of escapism — because in reality, especially those who have been affected by school injustice, there are those who don't have that luxury." That may explain why "Teach You a Lesson" is resonating far beyond Netflix audiences. For many teachers, students and victims of physical and cyberbullying, the issues depicted in the series are not fiction but everyday reality. And perhaps that is the drama's greatest achievement: not offering an escape from reality, but forcing society to confront it. 2026-06-16 18:33:29 -
Lee invites Pope Leo XIV to Seoul in hopes for Vatican peace diplomacy SEOUL, June 16 (AJP) - South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on Monday invited Pope Leo XIV to visit Seoul for the 2027 World Youth Day gathering, raising hopes that the trip could become a stepping stone toward the first papal visit to North Korea as Seoul revives its push for peace on the Korean Peninsula. The invitation came during Lee's 30-minute one-on-one meeting with the pope at the Vatican, where the two leaders discussed dialogue, reconciliation and ways to improve relations between the two Koreas. The meeting marked the first known discussion between Lee and Pope Leo XIV on Korean Peninsula issues since the pontiff's election earlier this year and signaled Seoul's intention to once again enlist the Vatican's moral authority to support regional peace efforts. National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac said Lee explained South Koreans' aspirations for peace and outlined his government's policy vision while reaffirming the Vatican's support for reconciliation. "Both sides shared the view that dialogue, reconciliation and cooperation remain necessary despite current difficulties," Wi told reporters. According to South Korean officials, ways to improve inter-Korean relations were discussed, and the possibility of a future papal visit to North Korea was also believed to have been raised, although neither side disclosed details. The Vatican later issued a statement confirming Lee's audience with the pope as well as his separate meeting with Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin. No pope has ever visited North Korea despite repeated efforts over the past quarter-century. The first notable attempt came in 2001, when South Korean Catholic leaders formally asked Pope John Paul II to visit Pyongyang, arguing that such a trip could help advance reconciliation between the two Koreas. Church officials at the time said North Korean leader Kim Jong Il had indicated a willingness to invite the pope. The strongest push came in 2018 during a period of active inter-Korean diplomacy. Then-President Moon Jae-in personally conveyed North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's invitation to Pope Francis during a visit to the Vatican. Francis responded positively, saying he would be willing to visit if he received a formal invitation from Pyongyang. South Korean officials said at the time that the pope strongly supported efforts to advance peace on the Korean Peninsula and encouraged Seoul to continue pursuing dialogue. Despite those exchanges, the visit never materialized as diplomatic momentum faded. The idea also survived into the administration of former President Yoon Suk Yeol. Rep. Kwon Young-se, a five-term lawmaker who served as unification minister under Yoon, told AJP that Pope Francis had been particularly enthusiastic about visiting North Korea. "Cardinal Lazarus You Heung-sik, who is close to the pope, was also very supportive of a visit to North Korea, so I discussed the issue of a papal visit with him many times," Kwon said. According to Kwon, the Vatican had already created a favorable atmosphere internally and made its own efforts to facilitate such a trip. However, Pyongyang never responded. "The Catholic Church, unlike Protestantism or Buddhism, exclusively dispatches priests from the Vatican, and I heard from the Vatican that North Korea is very uncomfortable with priests entering the country from outside," he said. "I hope a papal visit to North Korea can be realized, but it will probably be very difficult to make it happen," he added. Still, Seoul sees an opportunity in 2027. South Korea will host 2027 World Youth Day, one of the Catholic Church's largest global events, which typically attracts hundreds of thousands of young pilgrims from around the world. If Pope Leo XIV accepts Lee's invitation, it would mark the first papal visit to South Korea since Pope Francis visited in 2014. 2026-06-16 11:05:51 -
Behind the Jamsil protests: The pro-democracy politics of young Koreans SEOUL, June 15 (AJP) - Unlike their clear-cut elders, young South Koreans are neither right nor left. They are simply pro-democracy, and intolerant when they believe it is under attack — whether through a martial law declaration or a shortage of ballot papers. The generational divide has become increasingly visible in recent months as South Koreans in their 20s and 30s have emerged as a new political force, distancing themselves from the country's deeply entrenched ideological camps while mobilizing around what they see as threats to democratic norms. The latest example came after widespread ballot shortages during the June 3 local elections, an administrative failure that triggered protests led largely by younger citizens and ignited a broader debate over trust in South Korea's electoral institutions. Unlike older generations, whose political identities have long been shaped by Cold War-era divisions between conservatives and progressives, many younger Koreans have shown little loyalty to either camp. Instead, they have increasingly rallied around procedural fairness, transparency and institutional accountability. For more than a week, demonstrators occupied areas around a vote-counting center in Seoul's Jamsil district, demanding accountability from election authorities and, in some cases, calling for a rerun of the election. The protests drew significant participation from people in their 20s and 30s, many of whom organized through online communities rather than traditional civic organizations. But as far-right groups attempted to frame the controversy as evidence of election fraud, many younger protesters deliberately sought to distance themselves from such narratives. On June 11, users of the online platform DC Inside launched a new forum called the "Voting Rights Gallery," saying its purpose was to restore public confidence in elections and protect citizens' right to vote. A similar distinction emerged offline. At a rally near Hongik University Station on Saturday, organizers prohibited all flags except placards calling for a new election. National flags and political banners commonly associated with conservative and far-right protests were banned. About 40 people attended, according to organizers. University students have also sought alternative avenues for civic engagement. One example is "One Vote Record," a website compiling statements from student governments nationwide. According to the platform, 396 statements issued by 215 universities most frequently referenced democracy, voting rights, trust and fairness. Ninety-six percent of the statements mentioned democracy, while 94 percent referred to political participation rights and 87 percent highlighted concerns about trust or fairness. Experts say the movement reflects anxieties over institutional competence rather than belief in systemic election fraud. "The first responsibility is to separate two issues that can too easily become confused: the administrative failure itself, and the much broader claim that the election was fraudulent," said Emily Flore St. Denny, a political scientist at the University of Copenhagen. "A shortage of ballot papers is a serious failure because it affects the equal exercise of voting rights. It deserves a full and independent public investigation. But it should not automatically be allowed to become evidence for fraud unless there is evidence of fraud," she said. Robert Gulotty, a political scientist at the University of Chicago, said political leaders have a responsibility both to improve election administration and to reject unfounded allegations. "Parties and people have a responsibility to hold their own politicians to account when they try to argue that elections are fraudulent when they are not," Gulotty said. Peter Chen, a senior lecturer at the University of Sydney, said governments must focus on building institutional resilience. "Trust and confidence in elections should be a core performance measure," he said, adding that independent electoral bodies, stronger resources and anti-misinformation strategies are essential. The issue has become politically sensitive for President Lee Jae Myung, whose administration has condemned disruptive protest tactics while acknowledging public frustration. On Monday, Lee wrote on X that demonstrators should refrain from violating the rights of others while expressing their views. He cited reports that activities at sports facilities near the Jamsil election site had been disrupted and instructed police to investigate allegations of obstruction and restricted public access. "Freedom of expression and public debate must be protected," Lee said previously. "But actions that cross the line cannot be tolerated." Political analysts warn that authorities' handling of the controversy could have lasting consequences for public trust. "Democracy depends not only on citizens accepting the winners they prefer, but also on accepting losses they dislike," St. Denny said. "When trust in election administration collapses, electoral defeat is no longer interpreted as defeat but as a form of theft." Yet some scholars argue that the intensity of public engagement itself signals democratic resilience rather than decay. "South Koreans still believe in democracy enough to participate massively," said Timothy Koskie, a researcher on trust at the University of Sydney. "They believe in it enough to protest a lot. Consequently, it just isn't accurate to say that Korea's trust in democracy has collapsed." Lawmakers from both the ruling and opposition parties largely agreed that younger voters no longer fit conventional ideological labels. "I think the young people are being very wise in drawing a line between themselves and those who claim election fraud," said Rep. Kwon Chil-seung. "The younger generation has a balanced view of this situation." Rep. Song Ki-heon said many politicians still struggle to understand younger voters. "I feel that there are not many politicians who understand the sentiments of people in their 20s and 30s," he said. For younger South Koreans, democracy itself — not party affiliation — has become the cause worth defending. 2026-06-15 18:00:14 -
Opposition hits post-election high as Lee's ratings continue to slide SEOUL, June 15 (AJP) - South Korea's main opposition gained further ground in the aftermath of the June 3 local elections, recording its strongest support since former President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment and President Lee Jae Myung's victory in the subsequent snap election. A Realmeter survey found support for the conservative People Power Party (PPP) rose for a third straight week to 44.3 percent, its highest level since Lee took office, widening its lead over the ruling Democratic Party to 6.3 percentage points, outside the margin of error. The Democratic Party's support fell to 38.0 percent, slipping below 40 percent for the first time since the second week of August last year. At the same time, Lee's job approval rating dropped 3.7 percentage points from a week earlier to 51.5 percent, extending a monthlong decline that has erased nine percentage points from its mid-May peak of 60.5 percent. Negative assessments rose 3.2 percentage points to 44.2 percent, while 4.3 percent were undecided. Realmeter attributed the deterioration in public sentiment to lingering fallout from the June 3 local elections, including ballot shortages and vote-counting errors that have fueled criticism of the National Election Commission and triggered demands for investigations by civic groups and university students. The pollster also cited persistent economic pressures, including a weak won and elevated inflation, as weighing on the administration. The nationwide survey of 2,515 eligible voters aged 18 and older was conducted between June 8 and June 12 through automated mobile phone interviews. Realmeter said the PPP appeared to have broadened its appeal beyond its traditional base by attracting some centrist, progressive and younger voters after taking a hard-line stance on the election controversy, including calls for a parliamentary investigation and a special counsel probe into alleged election mismanagement. The ruling party's decline reflected growing criticism over its handling of the election outcome and intensifying internal divisions. Pressure has mounted on Democratic Party leader Jung Chung-rae, with several lawmakers openly questioning his leadership and calling for him to take responsibility for the result. Lawmakers Hwang Myung-sun and Lee Un-ju, both considered close to President Lee, have publicly raised concerns about Jung's leadership. During a closed-door caucus meeting on June 11, some lawmakers reportedly urged him to resign. Jung's supporters have countered that there are no grounds under party rules for his immediate departure and that he should remain in office until the party leadership race next month. Support for the minor Rebuilding Korea Party stood at 3.7 percent, followed by the New Reform Party at 2.8 percent and the Progressive Party at 1.2 percent. A protest in Seoul's Jamsil, triggered by the ballot shortage crisis in the June 3 local elections, entered its 11th day on Monday. 2026-06-15 15:16:50 -
UK's Indo-Pacific minister in Seoul to boost cooperation with South Korea SEOUL, June 12 (AJP) - U.K. Minister for the Indo-Pacific Seema Malhotra has been in Seoul this week as she seeks to deepen cooperation with South Korea across various sectors and address shared global challenges. During her three-day visit which began on Thursday, Malhotra has been meeting with South Korean government officials and business leaders to discuss cooperation in advanced technologies, clean energy, and defense, according to the British Embassy in Seoul. She arrived from Viet Nam as part of a broader regional trip that reflects Britain's commitment to strengthening partnerships across the Indo-Pacific. Her visit also comes amid growing ties between the two countries under their "Global Strategic Partnership" (GSP), as they seek to strengthen economic resilience and address regional and global security challenges. "I am pleased to be making my first visit to Korea, one of the U.K.'s closest partners in Asia," Malhotra said in a statement released by the embassy. "In a more uncertain world shaped by conflict, economic disruption and climate change, trusted partnerships matter more than ever," she said. "That is why I am here to deepen our Global Strategic Partnership, which is driving secure, mutually beneficial growth, strengthening our economic resilience, and supporting our long-term security across both the Indo-Pacific and Euro-Atlantic." South Korea and the U.K. have developed a growing economic partnership, with bilateral trade in goods and services reaching 17 billion pounds (US$23 billion) last year. The two countries are also preparing to sign an upgraded free trade agreement later this year. The revised pact is expected to modernize bilateral trade by maintaining tariff-free access for most goods, strengthening services trade, and adding provisions on digital trade and supply chains. Energy security and resilient supply chains are among the key topics of Malhotra's visit. The embassy said both countries share a strong interest in protecting freedom of navigation and maritime security as globally integrated trading economies. Malhotra is expected to discuss international security issues including Russia's war in Ukraine and Britain's continued support for Kyiv, while also raising concerns about growing military ties between Moscow and Pyongyang. She is also expected to reaffirm London's commitment to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and to the complete denuclearization of North Korea, in line with U.N. Security Council resolutions. As part of her other schedule in Seoul on Thursday, Malhotra met K-pop girl group NMIXX, along with Colin Crooks, the British ambassador to Seoul, as they were appointed promotional ambassadors for the embassy's campaign, "Girls Can Dream, Girls Can Achieve: Nothing Is Impossible for a Girl Who Dreams." The campaign is designed to inspire girls to take the lead in shaping their own dreams and futures and to pursue their goals with confidence. 2026-06-12 16:46:20 -
Another fire breaks out at SK hynix's plant in Cheongju SEOUL, June 12 (AJP) - A fire broke out at SK hynix's chip plant in Cheongju, North Chungcheong Province on Friday, injuring one worker and forcing about 4,000 employees to evacuate. The fire came less than two weeks after a similar incident at the same plant on June 1. According to workers and fire officials, flames started at around 9:55 a.m. in a gas room on the second floor of its M15X facility at the plant. The fire was fully extinguished within about 10 minutes after the automatic sprinkler system was activated. The fire is believed to have occurred while six workers were mixing fluorine and nitrogen inside the room. Fluorine is toxic to humans. All employees were immediately evacuated due to concerns over a possible gas leak. Fire authorities said no gas leak was detected, but about 13 workers who complained of symptoms such as dizziness were taken to an on-site hospital. One worker at the scene suffered a first-degree burn to his ankle, while the rest were apparently found to have no health issues. With authorities reportedly still unable to determine the cause of the fire earlier this month, SK hynix had launched a companywide campaign from June 4 to June 10 in response to a series of recent incidents. The M15X facility is one of SK hynix's key production bases for manufacturing next-generation high-bandwidth memory (HBM) chips, a critical component used in artificial intelligence (AI)-related applications. 2026-06-12 14:29:24 -
Italy honors Lee with highest state decoration SEOUL, June 12 (AJP) - Italy rolled out a red carpet and gave some of its highest state honors to President Lee Jae Myung during his state visit on Thursday, highlighting deepening ties as the two countries upgraded their relationship to a special strategic partnership and expanded cooperation in technology, defense, and trade. Lee received the Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Merit, Italy's highest-ranking state decoration, typically awarded to foreign heads of state and individuals deemed to have made exceptional contributions to Italy. It marked the first time since taking office that Lee has received such a state honor from a foreign government. The ceremonial welcoming event began even before Lee landed in Rome. Two Italian fighter jets escorted South Korea's presidential aircraft after it entered Italian airspace, a gesture reserved for visiting heads of state. "This was not a courtesy extended to will meet with U.S. President Donald Trump to clearly convey our position on the NTE Report and non-tariff barriers, and reaffirm South Korea's commitment to implementing bilateral cooperation initiatives, including the implementation of the Joint Fact Sheet." 2026-06-12 11:34:03