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Jungwoo Lee cannes2030@ajunews.com

Kim Seong-beom Aims to Diversify Seogwipo's Economy with AI, Bio, and Healing Industries Kim Seong-beom, the Democratic Party candidate for the Seogwipo City National Assembly by-election, has announced plans to diversify the tourism-dependent economy of Seogwipo by focusing on AI, bio, and healing industries. He emphasized, "The Seogwipo economy must change to a sustainable structure that is not shaken by external variables," adding, "I will devote all my efforts to creating a city where young people do not leave." A native of Seogwipo, Kim graduated from Seogwipo High School and has had a 32-year career in public service after passing the civil service exam. He has served as the Vice Minister and Acting Minister of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and is recognized as a prominent economic and administrative bureaucrat. The Democratic Party has described him as a "master of administration" upon his recruitment. In an interview with Aju Economy, Kim stated, "The Jeju economy has long depended on primary industries and tourism services. The COVID-19 pandemic and the restructuring of global trade have revealed that the current economic structure can be significantly affected by external factors." He further noted, "The reality that it is difficult to provide quality jobs for young people to build careers and grow has intensified youth outflow. It is urgent to reform the structure of the Jeju economy." Kim proposed fostering new industries linked to the policy direction of the Lee Jae-myung administration as a key solution. He stated, "I will cultivate future industries in Seogwipo, such as AI, bio, and healing industries, and change the economic structure of Seogwipo based on my experience of turning the promises of the Lee Jae-myung administration into actual results." He particularly emphasized the need to shift the tourism industry’s direction. Kim said, "Seogwipo tourism must transition from simple sightseeing to high-value wellness tourism centered on 'healing and stay,'" adding, "I will reduce the negative effects of over-tourism associated with quantitative growth and create a structure that genuinely benefits the local economy." He proposed the establishment of a 'marine healing and forest recreation tourism belt' utilizing Seogwipo's pristine natural environment as a key pledge. He also explained plans to normalize the long-delayed Donghong-dong healthcare town project in collaboration with the Jeju International Free City Development Center (JDC) and to attract large cruise ships and expand nighttime tourism content to ensure that tourism spending benefits local businesses. Kim expressed his commitment to enhancing transportation and medical infrastructure. He stated, "I will work closely with the government and airlines to secure stable flight seats and rationalize airfares," and added, "I will significantly strengthen the essential and emergency medical capabilities of Seogwipo Medical Center and reinforce the emergency medical network in rural and island areas." Additionally, he stated, "I will create a Seogwipo where all citizens can enjoy residential welfare without exclusion through the introduction of a national responsibility system for care, bridging the gap in public education, and establishing regional arts centers and barrier-free sports spaces." Kim identified his extensive central administrative experience and execution capabilities as his strengths. He noted, "Having worked as a senior official and vice minister in economic departments, I have collaborated with the National Assembly and central ministries during the legislative and budgetary processes," and added, "I have experience participating in cabinet meetings as Acting Minister and turning the president's key promises into actual results." He continued, "To bring Seogwipo's share and take care of citizens' lives, we must connect the central government, National Assembly, and local government organically," emphasizing that "administrative experience and policy networks are my greatest competitive advantages." During his campaign, the most frequently heard concerns from residents were about economic recession and worsening livelihoods. Kim said, "Many citizens have expressed that the Seogwipo economy is struggling and life is tough," recalling, "Especially, the words of the elderly who asked me to revive the economy and livelihoods, saying, 'I have high expectations because you are a worker trusted by President Lee Jae-myung,' remain most memorable." He added, "I feel a sense of responsibility to meet the expectations placed upon me," stating, "Just as I turned the president's promises into results as the first Vice Minister of Oceans and Fisheries in the Lee Jae-myung administration, I will surely revive the Seogwipo economy." In conclusion, Kim urged, "This election is not just about electing a single member of the National Assembly; it is a crucial choice that will determine the future direction of Seogwipo." He emphasized, "I was born and raised in Seogwipo and have always paid attention to local issues while in central government. Now is the time for action rather than words." Kim stated, "I will create new growth engines in AI, bio, and healing industries to take responsibility for the livelihoods and future of Seogwipo. Please give the prepared worker Kim Seong-beom the opportunity to work." * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-30 16:48:00
Kim Young-bin Aims to Revitalize Gongju, Buyeo, and Cheongyang for Youth Kim Young-bin, the Democratic Party candidate for the Gongju, Buyeo, and Cheongyang parliamentary by-election, has proposed expanding healthcare and welfare services and creating jobs for young people as key solutions to address the region's declining population and aging issues. He emphasized the importance of developing a sustainable tourism industry leveraging the Baekje cultural heritage, stating, "We will create a region where anyone can visit and want to stay." A native of Gongju, Kim graduated from Gyodong Elementary School, Gongju Middle School, and Gongju National University of Education. He has served as a prosecutor and a policy advisor to the Minister of Justice, gaining experience in policy and legal affairs at the central government level. He also worked as Chief Legal Officer at Dunamu, highlighting his dual experience in policy and the real economy as a strength. In a phone interview with Aju Economy on May 29, Kim stated, "Gongju, Buyeo, and Cheongyang are experiencing rapid population decline and aging, but the healthcare and welfare infrastructure remains insufficient. We must improve the reality where elderly individuals struggle to receive timely medical services when they are ill." He proposed expanding the functions of the Cheongyang County Health Center as one of his key pledges. Kim said, "We will construct new emergency and inpatient rooms and promptly establish a geriatric ward and dialysis unit, enhancing accessibility to healthcare and addressing gaps in the welfare and medical systems." He added, "As important as elderly welfare is the education and care of children. Creating a city where parents can raise their children and build families with peace of mind is a core task in responding to the population extinction crisis." Kim also stressed the need to address youth employment issues, stating, "The painful reality of young people leaving the region due to a lack of good jobs is a serious problem. Young people are leaving because there are no jobs, while companies cannot find workers, creating a vicious cycle." He outlined plans to foster tourism and cultural industries utilizing the Baekje cultural heritage. He aims to develop the Baekje cultural area into a national tourism and industry project in connection with the 'Baekje Historic Areas Special Act,' which passed the National Assembly in May, and the National Institute of Historical and Cultural Area Promotion, which is pursuing the establishment in Buyeo. Kim stated, "We can establish a national project system that goes beyond simple research and surveys to include restoration, tourism, and industrialization. We will create jobs and attract population influx through revitalizing the nighttime economy and expanding sustainable tourism." He also mentioned plans for tailored support at the National Assembly level to help young entrepreneurs sustain their businesses. Comparing himself to the People Power Party's Yoon Yong-geun, Kim highlighted his strengths in policy planning and the advantages of being a ruling party candidate. He said, "I have directly designed policies and coordinated laws while working at the Seoul Central District Prosecutor's Office and the Minister of Justice's policy advisory office. My experience in both public and private sectors makes me a versatile candidate." He emphasized the importance of close cooperation with the central government for regional development, stating, "I am a strong candidate from the ruling party who can secure budgets and address current issues in line with the Lee Jae-myung administration." Kim recalled a memorable moment during his campaign when he held a policy discussion with local youth. He said, "I was deeply impressed by the 30 or so college students and young people who presented their policy proposals with a clear sense of the issues. I realized again that resolving youth employment and housing and education issues is essential to responding to the population extinction crisis." He added, "I gain great strength when residents welcome me with 'You’ve come well.' I will continue to listen to the voices of residents directly in markets, alleys, and parks, and realize policies based on their input." Finally, Kim stated, "Gongju, Buyeo, and Cheongyang are not places for transient politicians. The person who has thought about the region from the beginning will ultimately be able to take responsibility for it until the end." He emphasized, "As someone who graduated from elementary, middle, and high school in Gongju, I will work with the Chungnam governor, mayors, and the Democratic Party to ensure tangible regional development." He concluded by stating, "I will be a worker who can create real change rather than just political slogans," appealing for support.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-30 16:48:00
Yoon Yong-geun Proposes Cultural Tourism Belt to Revitalize Gongju, Buyeo, and Cheongyang Yoon Yong-geun, the People Power Party candidate for the Gongju, Buyeo, and Cheongyang by-election, has pledged to revitalize the declining region by focusing on sustainable tourism and expanding job opportunities for young people. Hailing from Buyeo, Yoon graduated from Buyeo Jangam Elementary School, Jangam Middle School, and Buyeo High School before earning a law degree from Chungnam National University. He passed the bar exam (48th session) and currently serves as the managing attorney at Elplus Law Firm. Recently, he gained experience in national politics as the head of the People Power Party's Seongnam Jungwon District and as the party's media spokesperson. In an interview with Aju Economy, Yoon stated, "Gongju, Buyeo, and Cheongyang are rich in historical, natural, and cultural assets, but we have failed to connect these to the local economy. We need policies that genuinely change residents' lives, not just increase the number of tourists." He proposed the 'Baekje Cultural Heritage Integrated Tourism Belt' as a key initiative. This plan aims to connect Gongju's historical and cultural resources, Buyeo's Baekje heritage, and Cheongyang's nature and wellness tourism to create a sustainable tourism city. Yoon emphasized, "Currently, tourists only stop briefly. We will create tourism routes that encourage stays of at least two nights and three days, transforming the tourism industry into one that combines accommodation, spending, and experiences." He also highlighted the need to utilize the underused Gongju KTX station. "I will turn Gongju KTX station into the 'starting point for a time travel through Baekje culture,' making the station itself a theme park where visitors can experience Baekje's history and culture from the moment they arrive," he said. Additionally, Yoon plans to connect traditional markets, alley businesses, and local agricultural product sales directly to tourism routes, ensuring that tourism spending translates into income for residents. He also aims to foster youth entrepreneurship and experiential content industries to link tourism with local job creation. Yoon stressed that he is a candidate with both central political experience and the ability to execute plans. "Having served as the head of the Seongnam Jungwon District and as the media spokesperson for the People Power Party, I have gained experience in navigating the central government and the National Assembly. Ultimately, the power to drive local development lies in securing actual budgets and policies," he said. Regarding his differences with Democratic Party candidate Kim Young-bin, Yoon asserted, "I am not a candidate representing anyone else. I was fairly selected as the People Power Party candidate through a democratic primary process." He actively refuted claims that he is using this election as a political stepping stone. "I am not someone who has temporarily stepped down for the election. I was born and raised in Buyeo, and my parents are buried here," he said. Yoon expressed his commitment to the region, stating, "Gongju, Buyeo, and Cheongyang are my hometown and ultimately my final resting place. I will become a politician who takes responsibility for the region even after the election." During his campaign, he noted that the most common concerns he hears from residents are about declining vitality and youth outmigration. "Twenty years ago, people and the economy were vibrant, but now I hear that young people are leaving for big cities, diminishing the overall liveliness of the area," he said. One resident's plea to not use the region as a means for personal political gain stood out to him. Yoon remarked, "I felt strongly that residents are looking for sincerity and accountability from politicians, rather than just words." Yoon concluded, "I am approaching this election with a sense of urgency to revive my declining hometown. I will improve job quality, transportation, culture, tourism, and living conditions to make this a region where young people return, not leave." Finally, he stated, "This election is not just about electing a single politician; it is a crucial choice that will determine the future of Gongju, Buyeo, and Cheongyang. I will prioritize residents' lives over political slogans and ask you to judge based on who will genuinely take responsibility for the region's future. I will repay you with results."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-30 16:48:00
Jeon Tae-jin Promises to Create Ulsan AI Valley to Retain Young Workforce Jeon Tae-jin, the Democratic Party candidate for Ulsan's Nam-gu Gap district, has identified industrial transformation and youth employment as key issues. He stated, "I will innovate Ulsan's manufacturing competitiveness with AI and digital technology to create a city where young people can dream of the future," emphasizing, "I will engage in politics that brings budgets and results, not conflict." Jeon is the first candidate recruited by the Democratic Party ahead of the upcoming by-election. With 20 years of experience as a lawyer, he has served as an advisor to central government ministries and public institutions, earning a reputation as a practical expert in industry, administration, and law. In an interview with Aju Economy, Jeon remarked, "The aging of Ulsan's industries and the outflow of young people are urgent challenges that affect the region's future," adding, "It is essential to combine AI and digital technology with existing shipbuilding, automotive, and petrochemical industries for a smart industrial transition." He proposed the establishment of an 'Ulsan AI Valley' as a key pledge. Jeon plans to create a research and startup hub linked to UNIST and Ulsan University on the site of the Okdong military base, stating, "We will build an AI demonstration base that can be immediately applied in industrial fields to elevate Ulsan's manufacturing competitiveness." He further emphasized, "I will ensure that young people can find good jobs and new opportunities in Ulsan," vowing to transform the industrial capital of Ulsan into a future-oriented industrial structure. Jeon also presented promises to improve transportation infrastructure. He stated, "We will dramatically enhance the transportation network, including the underground expressway on Munsu Road, to improve commuting conditions and living environments," explaining, "I will create a city where young people want to stay, enjoying both job opportunities and quality of life." He highlighted his strengths in collaborating with the ruling party and his practical experience. Jeon said, "What Ulsan Nam-gu Gap needs now is not politics that fights against the Lee Jae-myung government, but politics that cooperates to secure budgets and deliver results." Addressing concerns about his lack of political experience, he countered, "Being a political newcomer is actually a strength." Jeon explained, "I can focus solely on resolving Ulsan's issues without getting caught up in existing political rhetoric or divisive conflicts," asserting, "While I will gain political experience, I am confident in my urgency and ability to drive Ulsan's development more than anyone else." He noted that the most common request from residents during his campaign is for economic recovery. Jeon said, "Citizens often express, 'We are tired of politics that just fights,' and 'Please revive Ulsan's economy.'" He emphasized, "Ultimately, what citizens want is not political slogans but politics that addresses their livelihoods." One particular comment from a small business owner resonated with him. Jeon recalled, "I heard, 'Political news comes out every day, but our store's situation isn't improving. Please revive the economy instead of fighting.'" He stated, "That one remark encapsulated the reality and urgency of the citizens." He stressed, "We now need politics that creates results for the economy, people's livelihoods, and Ulsan's future, rather than politics that fights." Finally, Jeon presented tailored pledges for different generations to garner support. He said, "For young people, I will create future jobs through the Ulsan AI Valley, and for parents raising children, I will directly bring in childcare and education infrastructure through central budgets." He added, "For middle-aged individuals enduring the industrial transition, I will advocate for job retraining and support for industrial transition, and for the elderly, I will demonstrate that only candidates from the ruling party can bring in central welfare budgets." Jeon concluded, "What Ulsan needs now is not politics that fights, but politics that brings in budgets and support," asserting, "I will create 'Ulsan Again,' not 'Yoon Again.' I will prove it through results, not words." * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-30 16:48:00
South Korea to host first Korea-Africa foreign ministers' meeting SEOUL, May 30 (AJP) - South Korea will host its first standalone Korea-Africa Foreign Ministers' Meeting next week, bringing together representatives from 54 African countries and four regional organizations as Seoul seeks to deepen economic ties, diversify supply chains and strengthen cooperation on global challenges. The three-day gathering, scheduled for May 31 to June 2 in Seoul, comes as governments worldwide race to secure critical mineral supplies and build more resilient supply chains amid growing geopolitical and trade uncertainties. The meeting will be accompanied by a Korea-Africa Business Forum involving government agencies and private-sector participants. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the conference will focus on expanding practical cooperation for shared prosperity and coordinating responses to challenges ranging from supply chain disruptions and climate change to development and security issues. The main ministerial session on June 1 will be co-chaired by Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and Ghanaian Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, representing the African Union's vice chair country for 2026. Ministers will hold two plenary sessions. The first session, titled "Strengthening Economic Cooperation: Promoting Shared Prosperity and Sustainable Growth," will review cooperation in trade, investment, infrastructure, science and technology, education, food security and supply chains, while exploring ways to expand economic engagement between South Korea and African economies. The second session, "Joint Responses to Global Challenges: Korea-Africa Solidarity," will discuss practical cooperation in development assistance, climate action, public health, peace and security, and people-to-people exchanges. On the sidelines of the meeting, Cho is expected to hold a series of bilateral talks with participating foreign ministers to discuss issues including Korean business expansion in Africa, supply chain cooperation and the protection of overseas nationals. The ministry will also host the Korea-Africa Business Forum on June 2 jointly with the Korea-Africa Foundation, KOTRA, the Korea International Trade Association and Yonhap News Agency. The forum will provide a venue for businesses and institutions to explore investment opportunities and discuss practical cooperation measures related to global supply chain challenges. The meeting marks South Korea's first foreign ministers' conference dedicated exclusively to Africa and follows Seoul's broader diplomatic push to diversify its partnerships beyond traditional allies while expanding its role as what the government describes as a "globally responsible state." Separately, Hyundai Motor Group will provide transportation support for visiting delegations under an agreement with the Foreign Ministry. 2026-05-30 07:41:11
To young Jeju islanders, life does not give tangerines SEOUL, May 29 (AJP) - "Jeju's wind is harsh, but people learn to bend instead of break." The line from the hit Netflix drama When Life Gives You Tangerines celebrates the resilience of people on South Korea's southern island. In reality, however, the wind has become harsh enough to drive many young Jeju residents away altogether. As Jeju recorded a second consecutive year of net population loss, young islanders told AJP that a lack of quality jobs, limited career opportunities and a narrower cultural scene compared with Seoul are pushing them to leave their hometown in search of a future on the mainland. South Korea's premier resort island is now confronting a demographic reversal after years of rapid growth fueled by an "in-migration boom." According to the "2025 Domestic Migration Trends in the Honam and Jeju Regions" released Thursday by the Honam Regional Statistics Office, 77,588 people moved into Jeju in 2025 while 81,861 moved out, resulting in a net population loss of 4,273 people. The decline follows a net loss of 1,808 people in 2024 and marks a stark turnaround from more than a decade of uninterrupted growth. Jeju's population expanded from 577,000 in 2010 to more than 700,000 in 2023 as retirees, remote workers and lifestyle migrants flocked to the island. Young adults accounted for much of the outflow. The net migration rate among people in their 20s stood at minus 3.2 percent, while teenagers and people in their 30s also posted negative migration rates. Statistics indicate that employment and education are the main drivers. About 18,000 people moved from Jeju to the Seoul metropolitan area last year, while roughly 16,000 moved in the opposite direction, resulting in a net outflow of around 2,000 people to greater Seoul. Jobs were cited as the leading reason for leaving the island, accounting for 35.5 percent of departures. Education-related moves represented 12.7 percent, well above the national average of 9.2 percent. The trend is especially pronounced among young singles. One-person households accounted for 86.8 percent of interregional departures from Jeju, reflecting young people relocating alone for work or study. "There are no jobs unless young people become civil servants, work at public corporations or get jobs at banks, so many young people from Jeju move to the Seoul metropolitan area," said a Jeju native in her 30s who is preparing to seek employment in Seoul and requested anonymity. "There's nowhere for young people to hang out." She said career options outside government service, teaching and a handful of professional occupations remain limited, pushing many residents toward the capital region. Another Jeju native in her 30s who now works as a civil servant in Seoul said living in the capital during university fundamentally changed her perception of the island. "After experiencing Seoul's infrastructure during college life, life in Jeju felt frustrating," she said. Lee, a 27-year-old pharmacist born and raised in Jeju until high school, spent about seven years in Seoul and said the gap extends beyond jobs. "Jeju offers fewer opportunities for young people to gain experiences," Lee said. "There are especially fewer opportunities in cultural life and employment." She recalled having to fly to Seoul whenever her favorite group, Davichi, held a concert, requiring additional costs for flights and accommodation. "There are so many events in Seoul," she said. "Seoul is vibrant and full of youthful energy." Lee said policymakers should focus on attracting major corporations and high-value industries to the island. Many of her longtime friends from Jeju have already relocated to the Seoul area for work. Kim Sung-bum, a parliamentary candidate for Seogwipo, argued that the exodus reflects structural economic challenges rather than declining attachment to the island. "I believe young people are leaving their hometown not because they lack affection for the region, but because there are not enough quality jobs where they can build their future," Kim told AJP. Asked how he would address the issue if elected, Kim said attracting future industries and creating stable, well-paying jobs would be central to the effort. "We will work closely with the central and local governments to secure relevant budgets so that we can overhaul the regional economic structure through future industries and provide quality jobs and stable living conditions," he said. For many young Jeju residents, the problem is not a lack of affection for the island. It is that while Jeju remains a dream destination for visitors and retirees, it increasingly struggles to offer the opportunities that young people believe they need to build their lives. 2026-05-29 17:45:58
Early voting for local elections gets off to strong start SEOUL, May 29 (AJP) - Early voting for the June 3 local elections began across the country on Friday, with turnout already surpassing levels seen in previous elections, as President Lee Jae Myung and other prominent figures cast their ballots. According to the National Election Commission (NEC), voter turnout stood at 7.02 percent as of 2 p.m. on the first day of early voting, up 0.96 percentage points from 6.06 percent recorded during the 2022 local elections. Of the country's 44.64 million eligible voters, about 3.13 million had already voted by Friday afternoon. South Jeolla Province recorded the highest turnout at 14.5 percent, followed by North Jeolla Province at 12.22 percent, Gangwon Province at 9.03 percent, Gwangju at 8.63 percent and Jeju Island at 7.62 percent. Turnout in Seoul stood at 6.58 percent, while Busan recorded 6.4 percent. Early voting runs for two days at some 3,571 polling stations nationwide from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Saturday for those unable to vote on election day next week to cast their ballots early. Meanwhile, Lee visited a polling station near Cheong Wa Dae in central Seoul around noon with first lady Kim Hea Kyung to vote. In an apparent effort to avoid political symbolism and election neutrality, Lee wore a gray tie rather than blue, which is associated with the ruling Democratic Party (DP), or red, which represents the main opposition People Power Party (PPP). Former President Moon Jae-in and his wife Kim Jung-sook also cast their votes in the southeastern city of Yangsan, where they reside after his retirement from office. Prime Minister Kim Min-seok cast his ballot at a polling station in Yeouido near the National Assembly, while Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae did so in Seocho, southern Seoul. Samsung Electronics chairman Lee Jae-yong was also spotted casting his ballot in Seoul's posh district of Yongsan. The elections next Wednesday will choose about 4,000 officials including metropolitan mayors, provincial governors, local government heads and education superintendents, and fill other vacancies. "We will do our best to ensure the election runs smoothly and in an orderly manner so that voters do not face any inconvenience at polling stations," a National Election Commission official told AJP. 2026-05-29 16:56:51
South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun says Seoul to press Iran over vessel strike SEOUL, May 29 (AJP) - South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun said Thursday that Seoul will urge Iran to prevent any recurrence of the recent strike on the South Korean vessel Namu, though he added that Tehran is unlikely to acknowledge responsibility or issue an apology. In an interview with a South Korean media outlet, Cho suggested that he could soon hold another phone call with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi following South Korea’s investigation into the attack. “We will tell the Iranian side through other channels that we reached this conclusion and that such an incident must never happen again,” Cho said. Asked whether he planned to directly raise the issue with Araghchi, Cho said the two ministers had agreed during a previous conversation to speak again soon. “We said during the last call that we should talk again soon, so we will likely do so,” he said. South Korea’s government announced findings Wednesday that the Namu had been struck by a missile of Iranian origin, but stopped short of directly blaming Tehran for the attack. Cho defended the government’s cautious response, citing the presence of South Korean nationals and vessels in the region. “There are 25 South Korean ships in the Strait of Hormuz, as well as diplomatic staff and Korean nationals in Iran,” he said. “Taking various factors into account, we chose an appropriate level of response.” Cho added that South Korea also has long-term economic interests tied to possible reconstruction projects in the region if tensions between the United States and Iran ease. “Still, this is not the end of it,” he said. “We will continue conveying to Iran that such an incident should never happen again.” Cho also addressed comments by President Lee Jae Myung regarding Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and an International Criminal Court warrant against him. “What Israel did by detaining activists on the high seas was a violation of international law,” Cho said. “But the ICC is where international law and international politics intersect. The realities of international politics must also be taken into consideration.” On North Korea, Cho said Pyongyang currently shows “no sign” of returning to dialogue with Seoul, but expressed hope that the North would eventually respond to the Lee government’s outreach efforts. “Our basic position is peaceful coexistence through dialogue,” he said. “Sending drones to North Korea would be wrong. The point is to come to the dialogue table.” Cho’s remarks came after Singaporean Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan visited North Korea earlier this week before traveling to Seoul for talks Thursday. South Korea’s Foreign Ministry said Cho and Balakrishnan discussed efforts to create conditions for dialogue with North Korea and exchanged views on regional security issues. Balakrishnan visited Pyongyang on Tuesday and Wednesday, where he met North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui and senior official Jo Yong Won. It marked the first visit to North Korea by a Singaporean foreign minister since 2018, when Singapore hosted the first summit between then-U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Balakrishnan also said he invited North Korea to attend the ASEAN Regional Forum scheduled for July in Manila. North Korea had participated in the annual security forum since 2000 but skipped last year’s meeting in Kuala Lumpur. 2026-05-29 13:56:52
South Korean public sector union vows mass summer rally over pension, labor rights SEOUL, May 28 (AJP) - South Korea’s largest public officials’ union said Thursday it will launch a nationwide campaign and hold a large-scale rally in July demanding improvements to the civil servant pension system, higher wages, and broader political rights for government employees. The Korean Government Employees’ Union, known as KGEU, held a resolution rally near the presidential Blue House in central Seoul, where union leaders accused the government of overworking civil servants while restricting their political freedoms and weakening retirement security. The union said it plans to organize a mass rally of civil servants and teachers at Seoul’s Gwanghwamun area on July 11 as part of what it described as a broader struggle for workers’ “survival rights.” Among the union’s key demands are measures to address what it calls an “income gap” in the public pension system, wage increases, guarantees for safer working conditions, and expanded political rights for civil servants, who face legal restrictions on political activities under South Korean law. KGEU Chairman Lee Hae-jun urged members to mobilize nationwide ahead of the July rally, saying public workers must rely on “unity and struggle” to secure their demands. “We were forced to live with the label of being servants of power rather than servants of the people,” Lee told union members, emphasizing: “Sacrifice was demanded in the name of being civil servants, while our rights were thoroughly suppressed.” Union officials said organizers will begin nationwide outreach efforts immediately to recruit participants for the July event, which they hope will draw tens of thousands of workers. Speakers at Thursday’s rally described worsening working conditions across local governments, including excessive overtime, emergency duty assignments, and staffing shortages. Jang Kyung-hwan, a district branch leader in Seoul, said local officials have been burdened with election work, disaster response duties, and crowd-control assignments at large public events. “Our demand is not for privilege,” Jang said. “We are demanding wages that allow a decent standard of living, fair compensation for our work, and the right to work safely.” Other union officials highlighted workplace harassment and mental health concerns among public employees. Park Jin-hong, a branch leader from South Jeolla Province’s Jangseong County, cited multiple cases of workplace bullying, assault, and unexplained deaths involving civil servants over the past year. Union leaders also criticized past pension reforms, arguing that younger and late-career civil servants face growing uncertainty over retirement benefits. South Korea’s civil servants are prohibited from engaging in many forms of political activity, including openly supporting political parties or candidates, restrictions that labor groups have long argued violate basic political rights. The KGEU said it will continue protests and regional organizing efforts through early July ahead of the planned rally in Seoul. 2026-05-28 17:26:04
South Korea denies report of alliance rift over wartime control transfer SEOUL, May 28 (AJP) - South Korea's Defense Ministry on Thursday dismissed as "groundless" a local media report claiming that President Lee Jae Myung's push for an early transfer of wartime operational control (OPCON) could lead to the dismantling of the current South Korea-U.S. Combined Forces Command (CFC) structure. The ministry said U.S. Forces Korea had raised no objection to plans for a future combined command led by a South Korean four-star general following the transfer of wartime operational control. "I would like to say that since the visit to Korea in January by a senior U.S. official, there has been no proposal from U.S. Forces Korea to change the existing agreement," Defense Ministry spokesperson Jeong Bit-na said. Jeong added that Seoul and Washington would "continue to maintain the current Combined Forces Command structure" after the OPCON transfer in order to preserve a strong combined defense posture. She also expressed "strong regret" over the report. The remarks came after a South Korean newspaper reported that U.S. military officials had raised concerns that an accelerated OPCON transfer — before South Korean forces fully meet required military capability conditions — could complicate wartime command arrangements under a future combined command led by a South Korean general. Under the current system, the commander of the Combined Forces Command is a U.S. four-star general, while a South Korean four-star general serves as deputy commander. Under a 2018 agreement, the allies agreed to retain the combined command structure after OPCON transfer while placing a South Korean general in command and a U.S. general in the deputy role. The allies are currently conducting assessments and certification procedures for the future command's operational capabilities. The debate reflects broader tensions over the pace and conditions of the OPCON transition, which has long been one of the alliance's most sensitive issues. South Korea assumed peacetime operational control of its military in 1994, but wartime operational control remains under the U.S.-led combined command structure established after the 1950-53 Korean War. Lee has made the transfer a major defense priority, framing it as a matter of sovereignty and "self-reliant national defense." Earlier this week, Lee called for the process to move forward "swiftly" and said South Korea already possesses sufficient military capabilities to defend itself. The issue has drawn renewed attention since Combined Forces Command Commander Gen. Xavier Brunson said during a U.S. Senate hearing last month that "political expediency should not precede conditions" in discussions over OPCON transfer, emphasizing that military readiness should remain the primary standard. Some South Korean military analysts and former officers have warned against accelerating the transition amid growing regional security threats from North Korea, China and Russia. "Recovering wartime operational control is the right direction," said Nam Dong Woo, a retired South Korean Navy brigadier general. "However, the South Korean military must be thoroughly prepared before taking back OPCON. Since this issue has a major impact on South Korea's security, it should never be approached with the mindset of 'if this fails, we can do better next time.'" The OPCON issue has repeatedly resurfaced under successive South Korean administrations. During the presidency of Roh Moo-hyun, Seoul and Washington agreed to dissolve the CFC and adopt a parallel command structure after OPCON transfer, though the plan was later delayed. Under Moon Jae-in, the allies instead agreed on the current Future Combined Forces Command model, which would preserve a unified combined command structure after the transfer. 2026-05-28 17:11:37