Journalist
Lee Hugh
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Public Agencies Hired 27,000 in 2025 as Debt Ratio Fell 6.4 Points Public agencies hired about 27,000 new employees last year, a sharp increase, while their debt ratio fell, indicating improved financial health. The Finance and Economy Ministry said Wednesday it disclosed management data for 342 public agencies through the public-sector information system ALIO. New hiring totaled about 27,000, up about 7,000 people, or 34.5%, from a year earlier. The rebound followed two straight years of declines, driven in part by expanded staffing in public health care and a wider rail shift system. Hiring aimed at social equity also improved. Youth hiring reached 6.2% of authorized staffing, hiring of people with disabilities was 4.2% of regular employees, and hiring of talent from relocated regions was 40.8% of the mandatory target, all above legal standards. Financial indicators also improved. Public agencies’ debt rose 27.1 trillion won from a year earlier to 768.6 trillion won, but the debt ratio fell 6.4 percentage points to 174.1% as assets grew faster than liabilities. Assets increased 58.1 trillion won to 1,210.3 trillion won, and net profit rose 5.2 trillion won to 13.3 trillion won. Total authorized staffing stood at 429,000, up about 5,000. Welfare and benefits spending rose 5.6% to 864.8 billion won. Work-family balance indicators improved as well. The number of employees taking parental leave rose 15.6% to 29,379, and male parental leave increased 38.7%. Average pay for heads of public agencies rose 4.5% to 199 million won, while average employee pay increased 3.0% to 74 million won.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-30 15:03:07 -
At War 60 Days: Trump again crying wolf? Seoul dismisses US troop pullout worries SEOUL, April 30 (AJP) - Washington has hardly been shy about prioritizing a home-first defense strategy over the Indo-Pacific, with repeated signals of potential rollbacks in U.S. force deployments in both Europe and South Korea — a direction embedded in its National Defense Strategy. Those warnings have only grown louder as allies have shown limited appetite to back Washington in its confrontation with Iran. Seoul, however, is drawing a firm line against speculation. South Korea’s Ministry of National Defense said Thursday that “no discussions whatsoever” have taken place with Washington regarding any reduction of U.S. Forces Korea (USFK), underscoring that the alliance’s core mission — maintaining a robust combined defense posture against North Korea — remains unchanged. The reassurance came after U.S. President Donald Trump said via social media that Washington is reviewing a possible troop reduction in Germany, adding that a decision would be made “soon.” While the comment was directed at Europe, its implications reverberated across alliance networks. Concerns that troop deployments could be wielded as political leverage are not new. Trump has repeatedly pressed allies on burden-sharing, at one point overstating U.S. troop levels in South Korea while arguing Seoul had fallen short of supporting broader U.S. strategic priorities. Yet the likelihood of an abrupt shift on the Korean Peninsula remains structurally constrained. The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 includes provisions barring any reduction of USFK personnel below 28,500 without congressional approval — a legislative safeguard designed to prevent precisely such politically driven recalibration. A parallel requirement to maintain at least 76,000 U.S. troops in Europe reinforces that, despite rhetorical pressure, alliance commitments retain institutional depth. Still, the more consequential shift is unfolding beneath the surface. U.S. Forces Korea is increasingly being repositioned not as a peninsula-bound deterrent, but as part of a broader Indo-Pacific operational framework emphasizing “strategic flexibility.” “The U.S. is seeking to ensure that USFK is no longer tied exclusively to peninsular defense, but can be mobilized across the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea,” said Jeong Kyung-woon of the Korean Military Studies Association. This evolution is captured in the emerging concept of the “kill web,” highlighted by General Xavier Brunson, commander of the ROK-U.S. Combined Forces Command and USFK. The framework envisions a fully networked battlespace linking sensors — from satellites and drones to ground-based radar — with strike capabilities across allied forces, enabling faster, more flexible responses across theaters. In such a system, geography becomes secondary to connectivity. A threat detected in one domain could be processed and neutralized through assets deployed from another, effectively turning East Asia into an integrated operational space rather than a collection of discrete fronts. Brunson underscored that U.S. allies in the region cannot operate in isolation. “When you connect them, adversaries no longer have a single axis to focus on, which strengthens overall military effectiveness,” he said. This doctrinal shift coincides with ongoing negotiations over the transfer of wartime operational control (OPCON), with Washington signaling a possible timeline before early 2029 under the administrations of Lee Jae Myung and Trump. As the Iran conflict stretches U.S. resources and sharpens alliance expectations, the central question is no longer simply whether troops will be reduced, but how they will be used. For Seoul, the immediate risk of a drawdown may be limited. But the longer-term shift toward a more mobile, integrated and regionally oriented USFK presents a more complex strategic adjustment — one that extends well beyond the Korean Peninsula. 2026-04-30 15:02:42 -
Labor Ministry: 177 Public-Sector Employers Got Bargaining Demands After Yellow Envelope Law After the so-called Yellow Envelope law — revisions to the Trade Union and Labor Relations Adjustment Act — took effect, 177 public-sector workplaces received bargaining demands, with local governments accounting for the largest share at 112, according to the Labor Ministry. The Ministry of Employment and Labor reported the findings Thursday at an emergency economic headquarters meeting held jointly with a meeting of economy and external economy ministers, as part of its “response direction for major labor issues.” As of April 27, 400 prime contractors had received bargaining demands: 223 in the private sector (56%) and 177 in the public sector (44%). Within the public sector, 11 central government bodies, 112 local governments, 46 public institutions and eight local public enterprises, including local government-owned firms, received demands. In the public sector, 13 organizations posted public notices acknowledging the bargaining demands, including Busan Transportation Corp., Korea Asset Management Corp. and Hwaseong City; 11 of those issued final notices. In the care sector, a government-labor consultative body is operating to discuss substantive improvements in working conditions for care workers. Six public institutions participating in a “win-win bargaining” consulting program are working on selecting agenda items and reviewing key disputes. Officials also discussed recently announced talks on improving treatment for subcontracted and nonregular workers in the public sector. The core measures include ensuring appropriate wages, narrowing pay gaps and strengthening job security. The plan also includes strengthening the prior review system and ensuring the sustainability of treatment improvements. The ministry asked relevant agencies to swiftly take necessary follow-up steps. The first-term Economic, Social and Labor Council under the Lee Jae-myung government, launched April 19, will sequentially establish its individual panels. Eleven panels are to be formed, including those focused on responding to overlapping crises during the transition period such as artificial intelligence, and on structural improvements to the labor market. The ministry also released its “foreign workforce integrated support roadmap 추진방향.” It calls for an integrated approach covering appropriate supply-and-demand management for all working foreign nationals, protection of labor conditions, industrial safety, and support for stay and return. The ministry said it will announce the roadmap by June after consultations with relevant agencies and will also pursue revisions to the Foreign Employment Act.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-30 14:58:25 -
Iran Says It Can Share Military Experience With China-Russia-Led SCO Iran said it is ready to share its military experience and defensive capabilities with members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, a regional security bloc that includes China, Russia and Central Asian countries. The remarks signaled Tehran’s interest in expanding security cooperation with the SCO after its recent clashes with the United States and Israel. According to Times of Central Asia and Reuters on April 30, Iranian Deputy Defense Minister Reza Talaei-Nik told an SCO defense ministers meeting in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, that Iran was “ready to share defensive weapons capabilities and experience with independent countries, especially SCO member states.” He added that Iran could also share “the experience of America’s defeat” with other members of the organization. Times of Central Asia reported the comments were made at the Kyrgyz-hosted meeting and that Iran, by offering its recent war experience to other members, underscored the gathering’s geopolitical context. The reference to “America’s defeat” reflects Iran’s framing. Tasnim described it as sharing “war experience against the United States,” while Reuters reported that Iran delivered the message after its recent clashes with the United States and Israel. A ceasefire was announced earlier this month, but follow-up diplomatic talks have shown little progress.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-30 14:53:41 -
Finance Minister Koo to Extend Fuel-Linked Subsidies 2 Months, Unveil Foreign Worker Roadmap in June Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol said the government will extend fuel price-linked subsidies to ease the burden of high oil prices and will draw up a roadmap by June to overhaul overall foreign labor policy. Chairing an emergency economic meeting and a joint meeting of economy and external economic relations ministers at the Government Complex Seoul on April 30, Koo said, “Following this week’s payment of high oil price damage support funds, we will also extend by two more months through June the fuel price-linked subsidies that are being paid at a temporarily increased rate (50→70%).” The program supports bus, taxi, freight truck and coastal cargo ship operators when diesel and compressed natural gas prices exceed benchmark levels. It covers 70% of the amount above 1,700 won per liter for diesel and 50% of the amount above 1,330 won per cubic meter for CNG. The cap is 183.21 won per liter or cubic meter. Koo said the government will prepare an “integrated support roadmap” for foreign workers by June to revamp policy in line with demographic changes. “We will manage the entire process of employing foreign workers in an integrated way, from recruitment to protection of working conditions and job changes,” he said. On the economy, Koo said March all-industry output rose 0.3%, “once again confirming the solid recovery trend,” but warned that as negotiations over the Middle East war drag on, economic strains are becoming more visible, including weaker consumer sentiment and supply chain effects. The government said it will push ahead with measures to promote “eco-friendly green consumption and tourism” and a “youth New Deal” plan, while also pursuing contingency responses and structural reform tasks. The meeting also reviewed the government’s response to the Middle East war and major labor issues. The government said it will encourage the public sector to serve as a model employer under the revised union law and will continue discussions, centered on the Economic, Social and Labor Council, on structural changes such as AI transition and youth jobs. To boost consumption and tourism during the holiday period, the government said it will expand operations of mass transit such as rail, air and buses, and pursue domestic demand measures including free admission to national cultural facilities and vacation support for workers. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-30 14:52:46 -
Lee warns excessive union demands can hurt other workers President Lee Jae-myung on April 30 called on workers to show solidarity with one another, saying labor’s strength comes from unity among people in the same position. Presiding over a meeting of senior presidential aides at Cheong Wa Dae, Lee said the guarantee of the “three basic labor rights” exists for that reason. The rights refer to the freedom to form and join unions, the right to bargain collectively, and the right to take collective action such as strikes. Lee also stressed responsibility by labor unions and employers. “Management should treat workers as valued partners in running a company,” he said, adding that “unions, too, must share a sense of responsibility.” His remarks were widely interpreted as aimed at the Samsung Electronics union, which has demanded performance pay equal to 15% of operating profit and has warned of a general strike. Lee said if “some organized workers” make excessive or unfair demands “just to save themselves” and draw public criticism, it can harm not only that union but other workers as well. He said responsibility and solidarity are needed to build a society where “all workers, and all citizens,” can live together, not one driven by “only I survive.” He added that employers should take the same approach, saying most people will be workers or employers within their families and, more broadly, all are members of South Korea who should try to see issues from the other side. Lee noted that May 1 will be the first Labor Day since his government took office. He said that starting this year, Labor Day has regained its “proper name” and has been designated a legal public holiday, giving it special meaning. He said he hopes the day will be a time for people to share and reflect on the value of work. Lee said narrowing gaps in the labor market is important to building a country where work is respected, and he called for stronger efforts to improve workplace safety. He said policy effects are becoming visible, including a recent decline in deaths from industrial accidents, but added that the government should move faster on stronger on-site oversight and related institutional improvements. He also said working conditions for nonregular workers should be improved in a fair and reasonable direction. Calling the government the country’s largest employer, Lee said it should set an example as a model employer. He also warned that a major shift driven by artificial intelligence will expose labor and industry to fundamental change, and said overcoming the challenge will require a spirit of shared growth and cooperation.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-30 14:46:33 -
BTS Busan concert sells out in presale as global tour demand surges SEOUL, April 30 (AJP) - BTS’ upcoming Busan concert has sold out during the fan club presale, highlighting strong demand for the group’s global tour, BigHit Music said Thursday. Tickets for the BTS Busan concert, part of the “BTS World Tour ‘Arirang’ in Busan,” scheduled for June 12 and 13 at Busan Asiad Main Stadium, were fully sold out during the membership presale, which opened on Thursday via NOL Ticket, South Korea's popular online ticket reservation service. Busan Asiad Main Stadium is one of South Korea’s largest concert venues with a capacity of up to around 80,000, including floor seating. The BTS tour has drawn strong demand across major markets, beginning with three sold-out shows in Goyang, northwest of Seoul, that attracted a combined audience of some 132,000 people, before continuing through Japan, North America and Europe. The upcoming Busan concert marks BTS’ return to the venue for the first time in about four years since their October 2022 concert held in support of the city’s World Expo bid. That event drew around 50,000 attendees and reached audiences across 229 countries and regions via live broadcasts. The June 13 Busan concert coincides with the group’s debut anniversary, adding symbolic significance. The venue also hosted BTS’ last full-member performance before their military enlistments. Beyond the concerts, BTS plans to roll out a citywide project titled “BTS The City Arirang” across Busan from June 5 to 21, extending the impact of the BTS Busan concert beyond the stage. The tour’s impact is also evident in global music charts. In Japan, BTS’ 2017 track “Crystal Snow” topped Oricon’s weekly streaming surge chart following renewed attention from a Tokyo Dome performance, despite being nearly nine years old. “MIC Drop” also re-entered the rankings, reflecting increased streaming driven by the tour. The global impact of the BTS tour extends beyond music. In El Paso County, Texas, local authorities declared the group’s concert dates as “BTS Weekend,” while presenting the band with an award recognizing its cultural influence. Local officials in El Paso estimate the concerts could generate roughly $75 million in economic impact, underscoring how BTS concerts are driving tourism and local spending worldwide. 2026-04-30 14:45:36 -
South Korea weighs combined intake, pumping stations to cut river work and costs The government is considering building a single integrated facility when two or more water intake stations and pumping stations are located close together, aiming to reduce costs by minimizing river construction work. The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced the plan after holding a regular meeting of their 2026 working-level consultative body on intake and pumping station upgrades on Wednesday at the Government Complex Sejong. The upgrade program is designed to ensure stable water intake even as climate change increases swings in river water levels due to drought and algal blooms. The two ministries plan to invest a total of 88.6 billion won this year to improve facilities through 2028, including relocating intake points and reinforcing equipment. The climate ministry is upgrading intake and pumping stations managed by local governments and K-water. Of 70 sites, upgrades have been completed at four. Of the remaining 66, construction is underway at eight, while designs are being prepared for 56. The agriculture ministry is upgrading pumping stations managed by the Korea Rural Community Corp. Of 101 sites, 11 have been upgraded, and supplemental design work is underway for the remaining 90. Construction will begin as designs are completed, the ministry said. The two ministries reviewed progress and future plans and agreed to coordinate to speed implementation. The climate ministry said it will provide administrative support so permitting steps, including river-occupation permits and small-scale environmental impact assessments, can be processed quickly. The ministries also plan to hold seminars to share upgrade experience and new technologies. Song Ho-seok, the climate ministry’s director general for water resources policy, called the upgrades “a key project to secure stable water use even amid the climate crisis,” and said the government will work with relevant agencies to accelerate the work and actively consider ways to cut costs. Jeong Hye-ryeon, the agriculture ministry’s director general for food policy, said pumping station upgrades are an important foundation for a stable supply of agricultural water and pledged close coordination and technical support to keep the project on track.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-30 14:45:17 -
South Korea releases list of 28 designated presidential records from Sewol ferry disaster day after dropping appeal The Presidential Archives under the Ministry of the Interior and Safety said Wednesday it has provided requesters with a list of presidentially designated records related to rescue efforts on the day of the Sewol ferry disaster. The disclosure followed an April 10 Seoul High Court ruling that overturned the government’s decision to withhold the list. The government decided not to file a further appeal, making the ruling final. The case began with a June 2017 information request seeking disclosure of the list of designated presidential records tied to passenger rescue efforts on the day of the disaster. The archives had denied the request, citing Article 17 of the Presidential Records Act and the protected status of the materials. But the court, in a remand trial, said it was difficult to conclude the legal requirements for designation had been properly met and found the nondisclosure unlawful. The released information is a list of 28 designated presidential records produced or received on April 16, 2014, by the presidential secretariat and the National Security Office, among others. The contents of the individual records were not included in the disclosure. Han Seong-won, head of the Presidential Archives, said the agency respected the court’s decision, quickly completed administrative steps related to dropping the appeal and delivered the list to the requesters. Han said the archives also plans to provide the list soon to the 4.16 Sewol Ferry Disaster Family Association, which requested the same information, adding that the disclosure is expected to help protect the public’s right to know and improve administrative transparency. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-30 14:43:37 -
Iran Soccer Federation Leaders Turned Back at Canadian Airport, Miss FIFA Congress Iran’s soccer federation leadership was blocked during the entry process in Canada and was unable to attend the FIFA Congress. Reuters and The Associated Press reported on April 29 (local time) that a delegation including Iran Football Federation President Mehdi Taj, Secretary-General Hedayat Mombeni and Vice President Hamed Momeni arrived in Toronto with valid visas but ran into problems at the airport and returned on the first available flight. Iran said the delegation turned back because of “unacceptable conduct” by Canadian immigration authorities. The Canadian government declined to discuss individual cases but said its policy barring entry to senior officials of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, or IRGC, remains in place. AP said Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand effectively confirmed the refusal. As a result, the Iranian delegation missed both the Asian Football Confederation Congress in Vancouver and the FIFA Congress. The incident renewed debate over Iran’s participation and travel issues ahead of the 2026 World Cup in North America. FIFA has not issued an official statement.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-30 14:39:47