Journalist

by Jun Sung-min
  • President Lee and Canadian Prime Minister Carney Discuss Strengthening Security and Economic Cooperation
    President Lee and Canadian Prime Minister Carney Discuss Strengthening Security and Economic Cooperation On May 8, President Lee Jae-myung spoke with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to discuss enhancing cooperation in security, economy, energy, critical minerals, and advanced industries. Chief Presidential Secretary Kang Yu-jeong reported in a written briefing that the two leaders assessed the smooth implementation of follow-up actions from their summit during the APEC meeting in Gyeongju last year. They agreed on the need for closer collaboration between their countries in achieving a peaceful resolution to the current situation in the Middle East, ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, and stabilizing energy supply through international efforts. As their relationship expands beyond security cooperation to encompass various fields including economy, energy, advanced industries, and culture, they expressed a commitment to deepen strategic cooperation based on this trend. President Lee stated, "Canada is a key ally for South Korea, and in light of the complex international order and unstable global energy supply chains, I hope we can further strengthen our cooperation in security, economy, energy, critical minerals, and advanced industries." Prime Minister Carney responded, "It is important for middle powers like Canada and South Korea to strengthen their ties through a more pragmatic approach." The two leaders also agreed to maintain regular communication to actively develop bilateral relations and to expedite discussions at all levels to achieve concrete and practical results in various fields. This conversation comes as South Korea is competing for a contract in Canada’s estimated 60 trillion won ($45 billion) Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP). The CPSP is a major project to build up to 12 diesel submarines to replace the four Victoria-class submarines, which are set to retire in the mid-2030s. The Hanwha Ocean and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries consortium from South Korea and Germany's Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) are on the shortlist and are currently in final competition ahead of an announcement in June.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-08 17:41:20
  • Blue House Expresses Regret Over Failed Constitutional Amendment Due to Opposition
    Blue House Expresses Regret Over Failed Constitutional Amendment Due to Opposition The Blue House expressed regret on May 8 that a proposed constitutional amendment was not presented at the National Assembly due to opposition from lawmakers of the People Power Party. It urged continued discussions on the amendment in the upcoming second half of the 22nd National Assembly. Chief Spokesperson Kang Yoo-jung stated in a written briefing that the amendment aimed to incorporate the spirit of the Busan Democratic Uprising and the May 18 Democratic Movement into the preamble of the constitution, as well as to clarify the government's responsibility for regional balanced development and enhance the National Assembly's oversight of martial law. He noted that reflecting the lessons of the December 3 illegal martial law was a national demand, and there was little disagreement between the ruling and opposition parties on this matter. Kang emphasized, "The public will find it hard to understand why even the minimal constitutional amendment necessary to safeguard the nation and democracy was opposed." He further stated, "The discussions on constitutional amendments promised to the public must not be halted. We request that the National Assembly approach these discussions with a greater sense of responsibility in the second half and uphold the commitments made to the people." Kang added, "Constitutional amendment is not merely a matter of changing systems. It should serve as a new starting point for restoring cooperative politics, national unity, and social harmony beyond extreme confrontation and political strife." He assured that the Blue House would continue to pursue discussions on constitutional amendments as a pressing issue alongside the public.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-08 16:21:25
  • Anti-Corruption Agency Requests Investigation into Kim Geon-hees Luxury Bag Scandal
    Anti-Corruption Agency Requests Investigation into Kim Geon-hee's Luxury Bag Scandal The Anti-Corruption Agency has decided to request an investigation from the National Investigation Headquarters regarding allegations related to Kim Geon-hee's acceptance of luxury bags and potential violations of the anti-bribery law. On May 8, the agency announced the findings of its normalization task force (TF). According to the agency, the TF reviewed various allegations, including past reports concerning luxury bags and new claims related to interference in complaints. It found that Jeong Seung-yoon, the former deputy chair and secretary at the time of the report, delayed the handling of the case and held an unofficial meeting with the accused at the presidential residence late at night, raising concerns about potential violations of the anti-bribery law. Jeong Il-yeon, chair of the Anti-Corruption Agency, stated during a briefing, "The fact that the former secretary met with former President Yoon Suk Yeol has been confirmed based on testimonies from staff members." Regarding whether Jeong met with Kim Geon-hee, the subject of the luxury bag allegations, he noted that this is a matter that should be investigated by the authorities. The TF also reported that Jeong had treated a deceased agency official, who had opposed the closure of the luxury bag case, unfairly by limiting their speaking rights in meetings and excluding them from key tasks, which could be considered workplace harassment. The agency plans to notify the official's current employer about these misconducts. Additionally, the agency intends to offer a sincere apology to the deceased official and their family. The TF highlighted issues in the agency's handling of the so-called "helicopter transport privilege" controversy that arose during Lee Jae-myung's tenure as leader of the Democratic Party in 2024. It was reported that Jeong included matters not discussed in meetings in official documents and directed that the actions of medical personnel be reported as violations of conduct, contrary to the department's recommendations. The TF concluded that the additional testimony indicating that the transfer and helicopter transport between Seoul National University Hospital and Pusan National University Hospital were conducted within the scope of authority suggests that the initial classification as a violation of conduct was inappropriate. In relation to allegations involving former Broadcasting and Communications Review Committee Chair Ryu Hee-rim regarding "complaint solicitation," the TF noted that the responsible department had recommended forwarding the matter to a third party (the Board of Audit and Inspection or the prosecution), but Jeong had rejected this recommendation. The TF also stated that there are indications that Ryu failed to fulfill their obligation to report private interests during the investigation, prompting a request for an audit from the Board of Audit and Inspection.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-08 15:58:36
  • President Lee Remembers Fallen Public Servants During Parents Day Speech
    President Lee Remembers Fallen Public Servants During Parents' Day Speech On May 8, President Lee Jae-myung delivered an emotional speech at the 54th Parents' Day ceremony, expressing the government's commitment to honoring the responsibilities of fallen public servants' families. The ceremony took place at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Jung-gu, Seoul, where President Lee presented carnations to the parents of deceased police officers and firefighters before addressing the audience. Approximately 230 attendees included parents of public servants who died in the line of duty during rescue operations, as well as individuals recognized for their filial piety and elderly citizens living alone. President Lee and his wife personally pinned red carnations on the chests of 11 parents of fallen public servants, conveying their condolences, gratitude, and respect. "As I handed out the carnations, I suddenly found myself in tears," President Lee said. "I can only imagine the pain you feel. I offer my heartfelt condolences," he added before beginning his speech. During his address, President Lee became emotional while recalling the moment he honored the parents of fallen public servants. "On Parents' Day, there are those who are grieving for family members they can no longer meet," he said, struggling to continue. He continued, his voice choked with emotion, "Today, we are joined by the parents of public servants who left us while protecting the lives of our citizens." President Lee acknowledged the profound sorrow of parents who have lost their beloved children, stating, "I know that no words can fully comfort you in the face of such grief. I will solemnly remember the noble sacrifices of those young individuals who fulfilled their duties until the very end in the most dangerous situations." * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-08 14:36:36
  • President Lee Warns Against Hoarding Goods Amid Rising Prices
    President Lee Warns Against Hoarding Goods Amid Rising Prices President Lee Jae-myung warned on May 8 that hoarding goods could lead to disaster, stating, "Hoarding is a path to ruin; those who think they can make a quick profit through hoarding will end up completely failing." In a post on X (formerly Twitter), President Lee noted, "There are still those who do not realize the world has changed and are heading down a path of ruin with outdated thinking. I want to inform them in advance." As concerns about rising prices due to the prolonged conflict in the Middle East continue, he reiterated his commitment to a strong response against market disruption. He emphasized, "Under the law, if hoarding occurs, all items subject to hoarding will be confiscated, and if confiscation is not possible, their value will be seized. Mandatory confiscation means that once detected, leniency is not an option." President Lee also questioned, "Do you think you can avoid detection? We offer rewards of 20-30% of the value of hoarded goods for reports, so is it really possible to go unnoticed?" He concluded by stating, "The era of abnormality is coming to an end, and a normal era is beginning. Those who seek unjust profits by relying on abnormality will face severe consequences." 2026-05-08 12:30:37
  • President Lee Honors Parents on Parents Day, Emphasizes Support for Families
    President Lee Honors Parents on Parents' Day, Emphasizes Support for Families On Parents' Day, May 8, President Lee Jae-myung expressed deep respect for all parents dedicated to their families and the nation. He stated, "The heartfelt desire to leave a better world for our children is the root of this country and the driving force behind its prosperity and growth. Today's South Korea stands on that silent dedication." In a Facebook post, he said, "On this 54th Parents' Day, I extend my sincere gratitude and respect to all parents who are devoted to their families and the nation." Lee reflected on his own experience, saying, "A parent carries the weight of the world for each child. I truly realized this only after becoming a father of two." He emphasized the need for a society that does not rely solely on parental sacrifice but rather fosters a nation where the community shares responsibility, stating, "We will strive for a 'country where the people are happy,' so everyone can look forward to a better future." The president asserted that parents who have dedicated their lives deserve to enjoy a worry-free and happy retirement. He pledged to provide more attentive care and expand practical support for parents. He outlined initiatives by the people's sovereignty government, including 'community-integrated care,' 'dementia asset management services,' and a record 1.15 million senior job opportunities, along with reforms to unfair pension systems to ensure healthy and vibrant retirements. Lee concluded by wishing for a warm day where gratitude and love can be shared with those who may not have heard it before. 2026-05-08 11:33:36
  • South Korea and Japan Hold First Deputy-Level Security Talks
    South Korea and Japan Hold First Deputy-Level Security Talks South Korea and Japan's senior officials discussed security cooperation on May 7 in Seoul. The meeting, the 14th Korea-Japan Security Policy Council, was attended by South Korea's First Deputy Foreign Minister Park Yoon-joo and Deputy Minister of National Defense Lee Doo-hee, along with Japan's Deputy Foreign Minister Takehiro Funakoshi and Defense Policy Director Koji Kano. This meeting marked a shift from previous director-level discussions to deputy-level talks.According to the Foreign Ministry, the officials assessed the active shuttle diplomacy between the two nations, driven by trust and ties between their leaders. They agreed to continue fostering exchanges and cooperation at all levels of their foreign and defense ministries.The deputy ministers also exchanged views on the global security environment, including the situation in the Middle East and developments on the Korean Peninsula. They acknowledged the increasing importance of cooperation among South Korea, Japan, and the United States amid escalating international tensions and committed to maintaining ongoing communication to advance their collaboration.The Korea-Japan Security Policy Council was established following an agreement at the 1997 Korea-Japan Foreign Ministers' Meeting, with the first session held in Seoul the following year. The council has experienced interruptions and resumptions in line with the fluctuating relations between the two countries, with the last meeting taking place in Tokyo in November 2024.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-07 23:32:24
  • Blue House Expresses Regret Over Failed Constitutional Amendment Vote
    Blue House Expresses Regret Over Failed Constitutional Amendment Vote The Blue House expressed regret on May 7 over the failure of the constitutional amendment to pass in the National Assembly, stating, "It is disappointing that the vote was invalidated due to lawmakers' refusal to participate." Spokesperson Kang Yoo-jung emphasized during a briefing that "the amendment is a promise to the people" and urged members of the People Power Party to fulfill their responsibilities as constitutional officials and participate in the upcoming session. Kang added, "We will consider ways to complete the amendment within the legal and institutional framework." Regarding the fire on the HMM cargo ship 'Namuh' docked in the Strait of Hormuz, Kang noted that analyzing the cause of the fire will require considerable time. He reiterated that, as mentioned by the National Security Director, it will take time to determine the cause, and thus, no specific information can be provided at this moment. Kang explained that the towing and subsequent processes are ongoing, which will prolong the analysis of the fire's cause. The 'Namuh' experienced an explosion and fire on May 4. The government is monitoring the towing of the vessel and the investigation into the incident while considering response measures.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-07 22:13:38
  • NIS: North Koreas Constitution Affirms Two States but Reduces Hostility
    NIS: North Korea's Constitution Affirms Two States but Reduces Hostility The National Intelligence Service (NIS) reported on May 7 that North Korea's constitutional amendments clarify the existence of two states but significantly reduce hostility towards South Korea. After a meeting of the National Assembly's Intelligence Committee, ruling party lawmaker Park Sun-won stated that the NIS provided an assessment of the new constitution. According to Park, the NIS noted that while the new constitution establishes a territorial clause stating that North Korea's territory includes areas adjacent to South Korea, it does not label South Korea as an enemy or mention the need to subdue it during wartime. The NIS also indicated that although there is a clause asserting the inviolability of territory adjacent to South Korea, there are no hostile statements directed at the South. Park added that the NIS interprets the constitutional changes as a clear indication of North Korea's separation from South Korea, emphasizing that this reflects a focus on maintaining the status quo rather than aggressive actions. Additionally, the NIS reported that references to the achievements of former leaders Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il in state-building and unification have been removed, consolidating Kim Jong-un's leadership authority. The revised constitution, released the previous day, includes a new clause stating that the chairman of the State Affairs Commission has command over North Korea's nuclear forces. Lee Jong-suk, the NIS director, explained that this clause serves as a clear declaration that North Korea will not abandon its nuclear arsenal.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-07 21:47:13
  • President Lee Jae-myung says price stability is top priority, urges steady supply of key goods
    President Lee Jae-myung says price stability is top priority, urges steady supply of key goods President Lee Jae-myung said May 7 that stabilizing prices must be the government’s top priority, calling for full use of available measures to secure supplies of crude oil and other key raw materials and to keep supply and demand steady for major goods. Chairing a meeting with senior aides at Cheong Wa Dae, Lee warned that prolonged inflation would deepen the hit to livelihoods, weaken consumer sentiment and weigh on the economic recovery. He said price pressures were rising as global oil prices remained volatile, noting that fuel prices climbed more than 20% amid uncertainty over ceasefire negotiations and that the consumer price increase in April widened from March. Lee said active government management had kept Korea’s inflation increase relatively smaller than in other major countries, but added that was no reason for complacency. While it is unclear how long the war will last, Lee said, how the country overcomes the crisis will shape the future of the economy. He urged the public, businesses and the government to pull together, saying the crisis could ultimately strengthen the economy. Applications for the first round of “high oil price damage support payments” for vulnerable groups — including basic livelihood recipients, near-poor households and single-parent families — are open through May 8. Lee said the central and local governments’ detailed preparations helped keep confusion and inconvenience low during the first round. He called for thorough checks and publicity so the second round, set to begin May 18, proceeds without disruption. Lee also spoke about a 600 billion won citizen-participation National Growth Fund set to launch May 22, saying the world is engaged in a “war without gunfire” for leadership in future industries. He said active public investment to foster advanced industries could inject new and dynamic energy into Korean industry. Growth that does not share results with the public is not sustainable, Lee said. He said the fund could help expand productive finance and serve as a solid catalyst for developing future advanced industries and helping people build stable assets. He urged officials to step up outreach and closely review any institutional shortcomings so more people can join and share in the gains.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-07 15:48:17