Journalist

Lee Hugh
  • Honda Korea’s Auto Sales Exit Raises Used-Car, Service Concerns for Owners
    Honda Korea’s Auto Sales Exit Raises Used-Car, Service Concerns for Owners Honda Korea’s decision to end its auto sales business is fueling anxiety among current owners, from fears of falling used-car prices to concerns about gaps in after-sales service. Industry watchers say the pressure on resale values could intensify if the company discounts remaining inventory ahead of its exit and if cancellations of existing contracts increase. According to the industry on the 27th, Honda Korea has begun follow-up procedures to close the auto sales business by the end of this year. Starting this week, it plans talks with its seven dealers on how to handle inventory and respond to customers with contracts, before setting a specific end date for sales. Honda Korea announced the move at an emergency news conference on the 23rd, about 23 years after it began its auto business in South Korea in 2004. The company said it will stop selling cars around year’s end and focus on its motorcycle business going forward. Concerns spread quickly online. Posts in owner communities asked, “Will used-car prices drop a lot?” “How will we get service eight years from now?” and “What happens to the lifetime engine-oil coupon?” Owners are particularly sensitive to resale values. When an automaker exits a market, uncertainty about long-term service can deter buyers, weakening demand for used vehicles and pushing prices down. If Honda Korea moves to clear inventory before it exits, promotions could make it harder to support prices for existing vehicles. Added discounts could also widen if canceled orders rise after the announcement. The industry said inquiries from customers who already signed new-car contracts have been pouring in. Another point of dispute is whether buyers can still use the “lifetime engine-oil coupon” Honda Korea offered to new-car customers to mark the launch of the 2025 New Odyssey last year. The company promoted the coupon as providing free engine oil for life, but the exit announcement has raised questions about whether that period can be guaranteed just one year later. Under the Automobile Management Act, Honda Korea must maintain after-sales service for at least eight years. However, because service centers are operated through contracts with dealers, some observers say the network could still be reduced depending on the outcome of future talks.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-27 18:16:43
  • Korean Power-Equipment Makers Pause in Q1, but Backlogs Hit Records on AI Data Center Demand
    Korean Power-Equipment Makers Pause in Q1, but Backlogs Hit Records on AI Data Center Demand AI data centers are driving a surge in electricity demand, and South Korea’s power-equipment makers posted strong year-over-year growth in the first quarter even as results cooled from the prior quarter. Industry officials said April 27 that Hyosung Heavy Industries, LS Electric, HD Hyundai Electric and Iljin Electric generally expanded sharply from a year earlier but saw some quarter-on-quarter easing. They cited a base effect from record fourth-quarter results and the seasonal first-quarter slowdown. Hyosung Heavy Industries reported first-quarter operating profit of 152.3 billion won, up 48.8% from a year earlier but down from the previous quarter as some revenue recognition was delayed during the off-season. The company secured about 4 trillion won in new orders for the quarter, and sales of ultra-high-voltage transformers are rising quickly, led by North America. Hyosung Heavy Industries’ share price recently topped 3 million won, and it traded above 4 million won intraday that day. The company has maintained that it is not reviewing a stock split. LS Electric posted first-quarter operating profit of 126.6 billion won, up 45% from a year earlier and a quarterly record, though slightly below 129.7 billion won in the prior quarter. With distribution-equipment orders for Amazon Web Services data centers being reflected in results, demand is spreading beyond ultra-high-voltage transformers into distribution. The company is also diversifying products from AC-focused equipment to DC power equipment. HD Hyundai Electric, which was set to report earnings April 28, was expected to show a similar pattern. FnGuide estimated first-quarter operating profit at about 270 billion won, up from a year earlier but slightly down from the previous quarter, reflecting the seasonal slowdown and some delayed revenue recognition for North American projects. Iljin Electric was also expected to extend its growth streak. First-quarter operating profit was forecast at about 50.8 billion won, up 49.2% from a year earlier, supported by expansion at its second plant in Hongseong, a higher share of higher-priced transformers for North America, and revenue recognition from long-term order backlogs. The four companies have already secured at least three years of work, with backlogs at record levels. Hyosung Heavy Industries’ heavy-industry division had an order backlog of about 15 trillion won. LS Electric’s backlog stood at 5.6425 trillion won at the end of the first quarter, up 13% from the prior quarter. HD Hyundai Electric had about 9.4 trillion won, and Iljin Electric about 2.39 trillion won. “The quarter-on-quarter decline in sales largely reflects the seasonal first-quarter slowdown and the fact that recently won orders have not yet been recognized as revenue,” an industry official said. “The boom in power equipment is expected to continue for the next four to five years, and backlogs are sufficient.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-27 18:15:49
  • Hyundai, Kia and Tesla Battle for South Korea EV Market as Subsidy Rules Shift
    Hyundai, Kia and Tesla Battle for South Korea EV Market as Subsidy Rules Shift South Korea’s electric vehicle market is seeing intensifying competition between domestic automakers and imported brands, with policy changes poised to reshape the landscape. The government has revised EV subsidies to award extra points based on contributions to domestic industry, raising the prospect of a shift in market dynamics. The local auto industry is also urging the government to include EVs in a planned “domestic production promotion” tax credit — often described as a Korean version of the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act — adding to uncertainty over how incentives will be set. As of Monday, the market has settled into a two-sided contest between Korean and imported brands, according to the Korea Automobile & Mobility Association and other groups. A total of 220,177 EVs were newly registered in South Korea last year. Kia led with 60,609, followed by Tesla with 59,893 and Hyundai with 55,461. Imported EV brands have closed in on domestic makers. Imported EVs accounted for 42.8% of the market last year, compared with 57.2% for Korean brands. The gap narrowed further this year. Tesla, after cutting prices, sold 20,964 vehicles in the first quarter — roughly half its total for all of last year. Over the same period, Hyundai sold 19,040 and Kia sold 34,303. Industry officials say the chase could be disrupted in the second half of this year, after the government said it will shift subsidy criteria from a focus on vehicle and battery performance to an emphasis on contributions to domestic industry and research-and-development results. Another potential turning point is a tax-credit plan scheduled to be announced in July. The domestic production promotion tax credit would allow corporate tax deductions tied to domestic production and sales of strategic-industry products, a structure that favors companies with larger investments in local manufacturing facilities. Hyundai Motor Group has said it will invest 125 trillion won in South Korea by 2030. Tesla, by contrast, has made little domestic production investment, according to the article. Regulatory filings cited by the report show Tesla Korea posted 3.3066 trillion won in revenue last year and recorded 0 won in donations. Most of its vehicles are produced in China and sold in South Korea. A key question is whether EVs will be included in the tax-credit program, which is currently limited to some advanced industries such as semiconductors and secondary batteries. The Korea Automobile & Mobility Association and others have formally asked the government to add EVs, arguing that subsidies alone have limits in encouraging domestic production. The association said the share of EVs produced in China in the South Korean market rose to 33.9% last year, and warned that the presence of China-made EVs is increasing. The report also noted that major countries including Japan provide tax credits for EVs through domestic production promotion policies. Still, some concerns have been raised that including EVs in the tax-credit program could shift imported-car prices and reduce consumer choice. Kim Ju-hong, executive director of the Korea Automobile & Mobility Association, said wider EV adoption is needed to energize the domestic EV industry and meet greenhouse-gas reduction targets in the transport sector. “We need to grow the ecosystem for both finished vehicles and parts through not only subsidies but also the introduction of a domestic production promotion tax credit,” Kim said. 2026-04-27 18:14:36
  • Renault Korea’s Grand Koleos Gains Attention as SUV Buyers Prioritize Quality
    Renault Korea’s Grand Koleos Gains Attention as SUV Buyers Prioritize Quality Competition in the SUV market is shifting from size to overall execution, as buyers focus less on body dimensions and seat counts and more on comfort and usability in real-world driving. In that environment, Renault Korea's midsize hybrid SUV, the Grand Koleos, has drawn favorable reviews as a well-built model aimed at everyday practicality. Industry officials said the Grand Koleos is positioned as an SUV that balances design, utility and fuel economy, serving both daily commuting and leisure use. Rather than adding a third row, it uses a second-row-focused layout intended to improve space efficiency and driving refinement. Based on a 2,820-millimeter wheelbase, it offers ample legroom and headroom and is designed to reduce fatigue on long trips. Cargo space is rated at 633 liters, expanding to as much as 2,050 liters with the seats folded, supporting routine errands as well as travel and outdoor activities. By simplifying the body structure and reducing weight, the company said it also improved fuel economy and stability. The Grand Koleos is rated at 15.7 kilometers per liter, among the best in its class, and uses a hybrid E-Tech system that can handle much of city driving in electric mode. Renault Korea said a dual-motor series-parallel hybrid system and a multimode transmission were used to improve driving feel. Quietness, a key factor for family-oriented SUVs, was also emphasized. The vehicle applies active noise cancellation to reduce outside noise and engine sound, aiming for a cabin environment closer to that of an electric vehicle. The interior includes the openR panorama screen to strengthen user convenience. On safety, the Grand Koleos uses an ultra-high-strength body structure and includes a range of advanced driver-assistance systems as standard equipment, earning a 2024 Korea New Car Assessment Program, or KNCAP, Grade 1 rating. The company said the approach reflects a safety-centered design philosophy beyond simple feature comparisons. The Grand Koleos is the first model under Renault Korea's strategic Aurora Project. Developed in about 24 months, it has been cited by the company as an example of combining a fast development schedule with high completion. A Renault Korea official said, "The Grand Koleos refined its design not by adding, but by subtracting," adding that as the SUV market's focus shifts from size and specifications to practical user efficiency, the Grand Koleos is emerging as a realistic option.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-27 18:13:31
  • Daesang Chungjungone Marks 30th Anniversary at Seoul Spring Festival; Woongjin, KGC Launch Promotions
    Daesang Chungjungone Marks 30th Anniversary at Seoul Spring Festival; Woongjin, KGC Launch Promotions Daesang Chungjungone runs '30th anniversary' brand booth at Seoul Spring Festival Daesang’s Chungjungone brand is taking part in the “2026 Seoul Spring Festival” to expand consumer engagement, the company said Sunday. The city-center culture and tourism festival is co-hosted by the Seoul Metropolitan Government and the Seoul Tourism Organization. It began on April 10 and runs through May 5 along the Han River. About 820,000 people attended last year, including about 22% foreign tourists. Chungjungone is operating a brand booth at Yeouido Hangang Park in two phases: April 24-26 and May 1-5. The booth offers tastings and event-based activities aimed at direct interaction with domestic and overseas visitors. The booth is built around the brand’s 30th anniversary campaign message, “Today We Wanted.” It features a “30th anniversary emblem” using Chungjungone’s signature colors and shapes, alongside key products, the company said. On-site programs focus on low-sugar and low-calorie items. After completing participation steps via QR code, visitors can sample “Low-Sugar Hongcho” and choose products such as “Kongdam Baekmyeon Bibim Guksu” and “Grainbow Tuna & Crab.” A social media verification event also offers a roulette-style giveaway of items including low-sugar ketchup, pork cutlet sauce and oyster sauce. About 6,500 people visited during the first three-day run, April 24-26, the company said. It expects additional traffic during the May holiday period. Woongjin Foods to hold 50th anniversary online appreciation sale Woongjin Foods said it will launch a large-scale discount event to mark its 50th anniversary and thank customers. The company said the “50th Anniversary Appreciation Sale” will run from Sunday through May 24 on its Naver Brand Store, offering discounts of up to 56% across a broad lineup, from long-running brands to newer products reflecting recent trends. It will sell 24-count, two-item selection sets bundling products such as The Victoria sparkling water and tea drinks including Haneulbori, Achimhaetsal and Chorokmaesil, aiming to improve shopping convenience through curated packages, the company said. A separate special package will focus on newer items, combining products such as “Jayeoneun The Dried Peach,” “Teazle Zero Peach Oolong Tea,” and fresh-brew green tea and hojicha, using the same selection format. All packages include a scratch coupon for additional benefits. A consumer event, titled “Our 50 Years, Your Story,” will invite customers to share brand-related experiences in comments. Winners will be selected by drawing to receive new products or discount coupons. On the first day, Woongjin Foods will also run a live commerce broadcast at 10 a.m. tied to Naver Brand Day, offering extra benefits on top of the discounts. “We prepared this event to repay the support customers have shown over the past 50 years,” a Woongjin Foods official said. “We will continue to expand customer touchpoints through various promotions.” KGC JungKwanJang unveils new Everytime campaign with actor Park Bo-gum KGC said Sunday it has released a new advertising campaign for Everytime featuring actor Park Bo-gum as the model. The campaign promotes a daily health routine for moments when people need energy. In the ads, Park is shown managing his health with Everytime whenever he feels low on energy, emphasizing steady, everyday habits rather than a one-time boost. The campaign includes three spots — an office worker version, a baseball cheering version and a combined version — portraying relatable situations when energy dips. KGC said the ads highlight Everytime’s differentiated value, framed as clearing fatigue and replenishing energy based on the scientific functionality of red ginseng. JungKwanJang’s Everytime, launched in 2012, has recorded cumulative sales of 2 trillion won, KGC said. It has exported more than 7 million units to 22 countries and has expanded formats including sticks, ampoules and films, along with product lines ranging from the premium “Limited” to the milder “Soft” and fruit-flavored “Flavor.” To mark the ad launch and Family Month, KGC Korea Ginseng Corp. said it will run promotions through May 16 at JungKwanJang franchise stores nationwide, department stores, Jung Mall and Naver Store. Major products including “Everytime Original” and “Film” will be sold at discounts of at least 10%. New customers who visit stores and sign up for Members during the period will receive an “Everytime Energy Pack” (three-day trial) worth 10,000 won, the company said.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-27 18:12:13
  • NEXZ returns with Mmchk as JYP sharpens global group strategy
    NEXZ returns with 'Mmchk' as JYP sharpens global group strategy SEOUL, April 27 (AJP) — Rookie boy group NEXZ is back with its second single “Mmchk,” underscoring JYP Entertainment’s evolving strategy to globalize the K-pop model through multinational lineups. The seven-member group held a showcase in Seoul on Sunday to mark the release of the single album at Blue Square Woori Bank Hall in Yongsan District. Formed through “Nizi Project Season 2,” a joint audition program between JYP and Sony Music Japan, NEXZ embodies a growing industry trend: exporting Korea’s idol training system while localizing talent. The group consists of six Japanese members—Tomoya, Yu, Haru, Hyui, Yuki and Seita—and one Korean member, So Geon. The survival-style program evaluated roughly 20 contestants on vocals, dance, stage presence and character, with only those meeting all criteria advancing. Unlike NiziU, which debuted primarily in Japan, NEXZ first launched in South Korea before expanding outward—signaling a more integrated, reverse-entry approach to global markets. The members underwent training periods ranging from two to over four years. Tomoya and Hyui joined JYP as early as 2019, while others entered through the structured audition pipeline. NEXZ debuted in May 2024 with “Ride the Vibe” and returns about six months after its previous release, the mini album “Beatboxer” in October 2025. The group has since gained early traction, winning Best New Artist at ASEA 2025 and being named among the “Best 5 New Artists” at the Japan Gold Disc Awards. The title track “Mmchk,” a bass-house dance number, features lyrical contributions from members Yuki, Hyui and Tomoya—part of an effort to shape the group’s own musical identity. “We can’t believe it’s already been two years since our debut—it still feels like yesterday,” Yu said during the showcase. “With the experience we’ve gained, we hope to reach more people through this comeback.” “It’s our first release in about six months, and we know fans have been waiting,” he added. “We’ll do our best to show growth both musically and on stage.” Reflecting on the group’s evolution, Tomoya said, “I remember how nervous I was before our debut. Now we’ve gained confidence and a clearer identity as NEXZ.” Members who participated in writing the lyrics said the track conveys a message of mutual inspiration. “We wanted to express that ‘because you shine, we can shine too,’” they said, noting the challenge of writing in Korean. On performance, the group emphasized flexibility over categorization. “Rather than defining ourselves within a specific genre, we want to present our own style and deliver performances that audiences keep coming back for.” Addressing the coined term “Mmchk,” So Geon described it as a symbolic keyword representing the group’s desire for recognition. “We hope it becomes something people naturally associate with NEXZ,” he said. Despite a crowded comeback season, the group struck an optimistic tone. “There is some pressure, but more than that, we feel excited,” he added. “It’s an opportunity to show everything we’ve prepared.” Seita said the group aims to earn its first music show win, while Hyui added that a special performance is planned if that goal is achieved. NEXZ will continue its global push with a showcase tour starting in Taipei next month, followed by Hong Kong and Bangkok. The single “Mmchk” will be released on major music platforms at 6 p.m. Monday, marking the start of full promotional activities. 2026-04-27 18:12:00
  • KOVO Fines Volleyball Setter Ahn Hye-jin 5 Million Won, Issues Warning Over DUI
    KOVO Fines Volleyball Setter Ahn Hye-jin 5 Million Won, Issues Warning Over DUI Ahn Hye-jin, a professional volleyball setter who sparked controversy over drunk driving ahead of free-agent talks, has been disciplined by the Korea Volleyball Federation (KOVO) with a stern warning and a 5 million won fine. KOVO said it convened its disciplinary committee on April 27 at its office in Seoul’s Mapo district and decided on the penalty after reviewing the case. The committee called drunk driving a serious antisocial act but said it considered several factors: her blood alcohol concentration at the time was relatively low at 0.032%; she voluntarily reported the incident to her club and the league after it occurred; and she has shown deep remorse. It also said it took into account that she has effectively been sidelined for a season as an unsigned free agent and was removed from the national team. Under KOVO rules, penalties for drunk driving range from a warning to expulsion, and a fine of at least 5 million won may also be imposed. The league said it weighed past cases and fairness. Ahn, wearing a black suit, attended the hearing and bowed as she apologized. “I’m sorry for causing concern. I will make sure this never happens again,” she said. Ahn was caught by police on April 16 for driving with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.032%, a level that triggers a license suspension, and was questioned. Her club notified KOVO the next day and requested discipline under league rules. The fallout has been significant. Ahn, the starting setter for GS Caltex in the 2025-2026 season, helped the team win the championship and was selected for the national team for the first time in five years after the season ended. She was dropped from the national team call-up list shortly after the drunk-driving case. She had been seen as a strong candidate for a major free-agent deal, but no club signed her, including GS Caltex. As a result, she remains unsigned and will be unable to play in the women’s V-League in the 2026-2027 season.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-27 18:11:14
  • Forty years after Chernobyl and nuclear power is back in vogue
    Forty years after Chernobyl and nuclear power is back in vogue SEOUL, April 27 (AJP) - Forty years ago today, the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant became a global epitaph for technological hubris. The radioactive clouds that drifted across Europe did more than contaminate soil; they poisoned the public's trust in the atom for a generation. In a historical paradox, the very anniversary of the disaster finds the world—and South Korea included—sprinting back toward nuclear energy with newfound urgency. The shift is being driven by today's "perfect storm": a volatile Middle East destabilizing energy markets, the relentless power hunger of the AI revolution, and the unforgiving clock of the climate crisis. For decades, Chernobyl stood as the ultimate cautionary tale. However, the narrative among experts has shifted from categorical fear to forensic distinction. "Chernobyl was a bizarre event stemming from reckless behavior and a flawed RBMK design that lacked a containment structure," says Jacopo Buongiorno, professor of nuclear science at MIT. Modern engineering has effectively "designed out" the vulnerabilities of the past. Today’s Western-standard reactors, such as the AP1000 or South Korea’s APR-1400, utilize passive safety systems—mechanisms that rely on the laws of physics, like gravity and natural convection, to cool a core without human intervention or external power. “No modern reactor approved under a Western regulatory framework combines those characteristics,” said Sara A. Pozzi, professor of nuclear engineering and radiological sciences at the University of Michigan and president of the IEEE Nuclear and Plasma Sciences Society. Nuclear energy is now undergoing a broad reassessment, driven by converging pressures: climate change, energy security, and surging electricity demand from artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure. It already covers roughly 10 percent of global electricity and about a quarter of all low-carbon power. More than 400 nuclear reactors are in operation across 31 countries, with about 70 more under construction. The United States remains the largest producer, operating 94 reactors and aiming to quadruple nuclear capacity by 2050. China, meanwhile, is rapidly expanding, with nearly 40 reactors under construction and ambitions to surpass the U.S. “The world cannot power its industries, meet the demands of artificial intelligence or secure its energy future without nuclear power,” U.S. Undersecretary of State Thomas DiNanno said recently. Even Europe, once the epicenter of anti-nuclear sentiment, is shifting its stance. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has acknowledged that turning away from nuclear energy was a “strategic mistake,” citing the continent’s growing dependence on imported fossil fuels. Geopolitical shocks have accelerated the shift. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine exposed Europe’s energy vulnerabilities, while Middle East tensions have underscored the fragility of global supply chains. Ukraine itself still relies on nuclear power for roughly half its electricity—even during wartime. In this environment, nuclear energy is no longer viewed solely as a climate solution, but increasingly as a strategic asset. “Nuclear power is among the safest and cleanest power options,” said Daniel Hoornweg, faculty member in engineering and applied science at Ontario Tech University. “Yes, they are safe—historical accidents cannot happen,” Pavel Tsvetkov of Texas A&M University also assured. But the drawbacks are equally clear: high upfront costs, long construction timelines, regulatory hurdles and persistent public skepticism. Waste management and proliferation concerns remain unresolved, complicating expansion. “The challenges with Fukushima and TMI are largely about public perception,” Hoornweg added. At the forefront of the next phase are small modular reactors (SMRs), which promise lower costs, faster deployment and greater flexibility. Yet their commercial viability remains uncertain. While pilot projects are underway, particularly in Canada, their economics are still unproven. “They may remain a niche solution,” Hoornweg added. “SMRs are not commercially available yet,” Buongiorno agreed. South Korea remains a titan in the nuclear sector, boasting a robust supply chain and the rare ability to build reactors on time and within budget. However, the domestic path is fraught with political and social friction. While the current administration has signaled support, domestic experts like Lee Jeong-ik of KAIST argue that policy has yet to fully revitalize the industry. The 12th Basic Plan for Electricity Supply and Demand remains a point of contention, with critics arguing it lacks the aggressive expansion needed for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)—the factory-built, "plug-and-play" future of the industry, he pointed out. The massive upfront costs and the perennial "NIMBY" (Not In My Backyard) sentiment also pose setback. For Koreans, the memories of the 2011 Fukushima meltdown remain vivid, even as the "inconvenience" of energy price hikes pushes the public toward pragmatic acceptance. As the world marks four decades since the tragedy in Ukraine, the atom has undergone a profound rebranding. It is no longer just a source of fear, but a source of possibility. The question for 2026 is no longer whether we can afford to live with nuclear power, but whether we can afford to live without it. 2026-04-27 18:08:47
  • Special Counsel Expands Martial Law Probe With Raids on Prosecutors’ Network, Joint Chiefs
    Special Counsel Expands Martial Law Probe With Raids on Prosecutors’ Network, Joint Chiefs Kwon Chang-young’s second comprehensive special counsel team, which is investigating remaining allegations after the three special counsel probes (insurrection, Kim Keon-hee and the deceased Marine), is accelerating its follow-up investigation into the Dec. 3 martial law declaration. The team has carried out searches and seizures targeting the prosecution’s internal network and Joint Chiefs of Staff-related suspects, while questioning Yeo In-hyeong and National Security Office officials as witnesses. Special Counsel Assistant Kim Jimi said at a regular briefing on the 27th at the special counsel office in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province, that the team summoned three suspects and 52 witnesses for questioning last week. Of those, 15 were witnesses in the insurrection case. The team is searching and seizing servers for e-Pros, the prosecution’s internal network, to verify allegations that former Prosecutor General Shim Woo-jung was involved in the Dec. 3 martial law declaration and to determine why prosecutors did not file an immediate appeal of a court decision canceling the detention of former President Yoon Suk Yeol. The team plans to continue the search through this week. The special counsel also carried out compulsory measures involving Joint Chiefs of Staff personnel. Kim said the team executed search-and-seizure warrants for three suspects in connection with allegations of performing key duties in the insurrection. In a separate line of inquiry into allegations that the Korea Coast Guard took part in martial law, investigators visited Yeo at the Seoul Detention Center to question him as a witness. Yeo is a witness in a case involving allegations that Ahn Seong-sik, former planning and coordination officer at the Coast Guard, was involved in the insurrection. Ahn is suspected of being involved in reflecting language in internal counterintelligence rules that would automatically dispatch Coast Guard personnel if a joint investigation headquarters is formed after a martial law declaration. The team is also pursuing an investigation involving the National Security Office. It questioned the head of the NSO crisis management center as a witness on the 27th, and previously questioned former Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul as a witness. Former Defense Intelligence Command chief Noh Sang-won did not provide any statements during questioning, Kim said. “Noh refused to make any statement,” she said, adding, “If he refuses to testify, we have no choice but to assess the case based on other evidence.” The team is reviewing allegations tied to Noh’s so-called “Investigation Unit 2” and the contents of the “Noh Sang-won notebook.” In the case involving allegations of outside pressure on the investigation into the death of a Marine, the team said it obtained some meaningful statements from Jeong Jong-beom, former deputy commander of the Marine Corps. Investigators also questioned Lee Si-won, former senior presidential secretary for public service discipline, as a witness. The probe into allegations involving the closure of the North Jeolla provincial government office is also moving forward. The team notified Kim Kwan-young, governor of North Jeolla Special Self-Governing Province, to appear at 2 p.m. on the 30th as a suspect on allegations of aiding the insurrection. Kim has been reported over alleged access restrictions at the provincial government office and eight city and county offices in the province during the Dec. 3 martial law declaration. The special counsel is also investigating allegations involving first lady Kim Keon-hee. The team questioned two prosecution investigators as witnesses who participated in the probes into the Deutsche Motors stock manipulation case and the Dior bag case. It plans to summon a former Presidential Security Service employee as a witness this week. The team previously completed a search and seizure of the Supreme Prosecutors’ Office information and communications division. In the investigation into allegations surrounding the relocation of the presidential residence, the team has questioned 19 witnesses so far. To determine whether Kim Keon-hee improperly intervened, investigators executed search-and-seizure warrants at the residences of Covana Contents-related figures and questioned four related witnesses. Searches and seizures were also carried out targeting two staff members of People Power Party lawmaker Yoon Han-hong. In the case involving allegations of a cover-up of an investigation into the Unification Church, the team completed searches and seizures at the National Police Agency, the Gangwon Provincial Police Agency and the Chuncheon Police Station. It plans to summon people connected to foreign intelligence within the police in sequence this week. Separately, the team said it has named the allegations tied to the Ssangbangwool remittances to North Korea case, which were transferred from the Seoul High Prosecutors’ Office, as the “case involving allegations of presidential office interference in the Suwon District Prosecutors’ Office investigation.” The team said it changed the name to more objectively describe the target of the investigation, noting that the previous wording could include subjective judgment.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-27 18:04:19
  • South Korea Industry Minister Urges Caution as Samsung Electronics Labor Dispute Grows
    South Korea Industry Minister Urges Caution as Samsung Electronics Labor Dispute Grows “Samsung Electronics is not just a company; it is an asset of the national community.” Industry Minister Kim Jeong-gwan’s remark captures the stakes in the labor dispute now unfolding at Samsung Electronics. While the conflict appears to center on wages and performance bonuses, it also touches on South Korea’s core industrial competitiveness and its future. Treating it as a routine labor negotiation, he suggested, understates its broader impact. Samsung Electronics is a private company, but it also functions as a pillar of the South Korean economy. A wide network of suppliers is tied to its semiconductor business, and public assets — including the National Pension Service — are deeply intertwined. Millions of small shareholders also have a direct interest in the company’s performance. In that structure, Samsung’s gains are difficult to frame as belonging to any single group. At the same time, workers’ rights cannot be curtailed; the issue is how those rights are exercised and the ripple effects. Kim underscored the nature of the semiconductor business. “Semiconductors are not an industry where you make a profit once and you’re done,” he said. The sector requires sustained, large-scale investment, and today’s profits must feed tomorrow’s capital spending and research and development. If that link breaks, competitiveness can erode quickly. In semiconductors, current results and future preparation cannot be separated. The union’s proposed approach to performance bonuses has become a point of contention in that context. A distribution formula tied to operating profit can reflect short-term results clearly, but it also carries the risk of sharp swings as the business cycle turns. The semiconductor industry is known for pronounced booms and downturns. Designing a fixed distribution structure around performance in a particular period could later weigh on investment plans. The dispute, the article argues, is not over the idea of bonuses but over their size and structure. Sharing gains is necessary, it said, because corporate performance is built on employees’ efforts. But standards should not be locked to short-term profit alone. A system that reflects medium- and long-term performance is needed, taking into account value created after investment, cash flow and capital efficiency. With transparent and predictable criteria, conflict can ease and trust can be rebuilt. The realities of global semiconductor competition have already been demonstrated, the article said. U.S. chipmaker Intel and Japan’s semiconductor industry once led the world but lost competitiveness after falling behind in investment timing and strategic decisions. The lesson is not about labor disputes, it said, but that once a country or company slips in investment and strategy, recovery is difficult. South Korea’s semiconductor sector faces a similar environment, with gaps hard to maintain and setbacks hard to reverse. Both labor and management must confront that reality, it said. Workers have a rightful share, but it should be designed within limits that do not damage future competitiveness. The company, in turn, must present compensation standards that are reasonable and persuasive. If trust collapses, conflict is likely to repeat. The government’s role also matters, the article said. Market autonomy is a basic principle, but when an issue can affect an entire industry, officials may need to set direction and standards. Kim’s comments were framed as a reminder of principles rather than direct intervention — a question of how to balance current profits with future investment. If that balance fails, both the company and the industry risk losing sustainability. Samsung Electronics sits at the center of South Korea’s industrial ecosystem, and its decisions affect suppliers, employment and investment. For that reason, the article said, the current dispute requires extra caution and should be judged through the lens of long-term competitiveness, not short-term interests. The solution is balance, it concluded: share performance while preparing for the future. If either side dominates, sustainability will be shaken. Kim’s warning, it said, points to that risk, and what is needed now is restraint and responsible choices rather than confrontation.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-27 18:02:55