AJU PRESS - ASIA NEWS HUB

Journalist

Lee Jung-woo, Kim Yeon-jae cannes2030@ajupress.com, duswogmlwo77@ajupress.com

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
K-chip and defense boom reshapes career paths for Korea's elite talent pipeline SEOUL, May 28 (AJP) - Over the past year, South Korea's manufacturing powerhouses — semiconductors and defense — have staged an epic rise with soaring share prices and record earnings reshaping the ambitions of the country's brightest young people. Semiconductor departments at Yonsei University and Korea University, once considered niche engineering tracks, are now competing directly with medical schools for top science students. The Air Force, meanwhile, has become one of the country's most sought-after military branches as recruits look to gain experience tied to careers in aerospace and defense. Jongro Academy, one of South Korea's largest cram schools focused on top-tier university admissions, reports that admission cutoffs for semiconductor contract departments tied to Samsung Electronics and SK hynix climbed into the top 1 percent range this year. Korea University's semiconductor engineering department recorded a 1.47 cutoff in its academic excellence admissions track for 2026, a sharp improvement from 2.40 in 2021. Some admissions analysts say the programs are now competitive with lower-tier medical schools and could even surpass certain engineering departments at Seoul National University this year. Lim Sung-ho, head of Jongro Academy, said the admissions market is undergoing a historic transformation. "Regional medical schools and semiconductor contract departments at Yonsei and Korea universities have become equivalent choices," Lim said. "I have never seen anything like this in my 30 years working in this field." The trend has become so widespread that South Koreans have coined a new admissions term, "uichihan-yaksu-ban," adding semiconductor departments to the traditional elite grouping of medical, dental, veterinary and pharmacy schools. Hefty salaries, generous stock incentives and surging share prices have broken the long-held dominance of medical schools over the country's top students. The momentum followed a stellar first quarter that reinforced expectations of a memory-chip bonanza during the AI transition. In the first quarter of 2026, Samsung Electronics posted record revenue of 133.9 trillion won and operating profit of 57.2 trillion won, while SK hynix reported revenue of 52.6 trillion won and operating profit of 37.6 trillion won. Their stock prices have surged four- to fivefold in less than a year. Samsung Electronics shares have risen from roughly 80,000 won to 307,000 won over the past year, while SK hynix has jumped from about 230,000 won to 2.24 million won. SK hynix joined the exclusive $1 trillion valuation club this week, following Samsung Electronics. Samsung's semiconductor staff are set to receive bonuses of up to 626 million won this year, while SK hynix employees received profit-sharing bonuses worth up to 2,964 percent of annual base salary — pushing some payouts above 300 million won, roughly the median annual income of ordinary Korean salaried workers. The scale of the payouts has become a national talking point, with some workers reportedly abandoning overseas MBA and training programs in order to remain eligible for bonuses. The long-neglected defense sector is also drawing top talent. The Air Force is attracting unprecedented numbers of applicants as young men increasingly link military service to future careers in the defense and aerospace industries. Data submitted by the Military Manpower Administration to Democratic Party lawmaker Park Sun-won showed that 80,968 people applied this year for 18,000 Air Force enlisted positions, producing a competition rate of 449.8 percent. The March intake reached 936.4 percent, with nearly 15,000 applicants competing for 1,600 positions — the highest monthly figure in at least five years. February's competition rate stood at 891.9 percent, while April reached 849.6 percent. Applications have climbed rapidly in recent years. Total Air Force applicants rose from 46,313 in 2022 to 55,591 in 2023 and 92,664 in 2024. The overall competition rate increased from 257.3 percent in 2022 to 496.5 percent in 2024, before easing slightly this year. The Air Force, once avoided because its mandatory service period is longer than the Army's, is increasingly viewed as a gateway into aerospace engineering, aircraft maintenance, communications systems, software and drone technology. The turning point coincides with the dramatic rise of the defense segment amid sprawling wars in Ukraine and the Middle East. Defense exports hit a record $17.3 billion in 2022 after overseas contracts involving the K2 tank, K9 self-propelled howitzer, FA-50 light attack aircraft and Chunmoo rocket launcher. The boom accelerated after the United Arab Emirates signed a deal for the Cheongung-II missile defense system in 2021, followed by Poland's massive orders for Korean weapons systems in 2022. Companies including Hanwha Aerospace, Korea Aerospace Industries, LIG Nex1 and Hanwha Systems are expanding recruitment in aerospace, radar, satellites, electronic warfare and software engineering. The enthusiasm for semiconductors and defense also reflects broader anxieties among Korean youth over slowing social mobility and weakening job security outside a handful of strategic industries. Artificial intelligence is beginning to reshape hiring in accounting, law and office administration, while semiconductors and defense are increasingly viewed as rare sectors still offering rising wages, export growth and long-term industrial investment. 2026-05-28 10:22:15
Quad launches joint Indo-Pacific maritime surveillance initiative SEOUL, May 27 (AJP) - The U.S., Japan, India and Australia agreed Tuesday to launch a joint maritime surveillance initiative in the Indo-Pacific, as growing concerns over disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea sharpened fears over the vulnerability of global shipping lanes and energy supplies. The four nations — known collectively as the Quad — announced the "Indo-Pacific Maritime Surveillance Collaboration" during a foreign ministers' meeting in New Delhi, according to a statement released by the U.S. State Department. The initiative will initially focus on the Indian Ocean, including maritime routes linked to the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea, where Iran and its regional proxies have threatened freedom of navigation amid ongoing regional tensions. In a joint statement, the Quad countries said they were united by "a common vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific, underpinned by robust economic and energy systems." "Recognizing shifts in the global energy landscape and escalating geopolitical complexities, we are accelerating collaboration to ensure energy stability and security," the statement said. The four countries emphasized the need to protect shipping routes and maintain uninterrupted trade flows, warning that disruptions to oil, gas and petrochemical markets disproportionately affect Indo-Pacific economies. "We reiterate the importance of ensuring unimpeded freedom of navigation and uninterrupted flow of global commerce, including in the Strait of Hormuz, and opposing any restrictive measures hampering the flow of commercial vessels," the statement said. The Quad members also pledged to strengthen maritime coordination by expanding the group's existing Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness initiative into the Indian Ocean and developing a shared "Common Operating Picture" for maritime operations. India will host a maritime monitoring mission involving coast guards from participating countries to coordinate responses to illegal maritime activities, while Australia will host counterterrorism tabletop exercises next month focusing on state-sponsored terrorism threats and unmanned aerial vehicles. The announcement appeared to signal the Quad nations' readiness to coordinate efforts to safeguard shipping routes if Iran seeks to tighten control over the Strait of Hormuz following the recent conflict in the Middle East. They also underscored broader concerns over China's expanding military presence and territorial claims in the East and South China seas. They added resilient supply chains and stable energy markets were essential to regional security. "We reaffirm the importance of resilient and diversified supply chains, including energy products and other downstream commodities," the statement said. The four countries also announced plans to establish a "Quad Fuel Security Forum" aimed at coordinating high-level discussions on energy security and emergency response cooperation. "To this end, the United States, Australia, India, and Japan will work to identify areas of cooperation for the Quad Initiative on Indo-Pacific Energy Security in technology, management, policy, international market analysis, and emergency response exercises," the statement said. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio attended the meeting alongside Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. The Quad was formed in 2004 as a strategic partnership aimed at countering China's growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region. The grouping was elevated to the leaders' level in 2021 under then-U.S. President Joe Biden. 2026-05-27 11:02:25
Choo Kyung-ho: Revitalizing Daegu's Economy with AI, Robotics, and Semiconductors "The Daegu mayoral election ultimately comes down to who can revive the Daegu economy. From day one, I will be a 'professional economic mayor' who works efficiently," said Choo Kyung-ho, the candidate for mayor from the People Power Party, during an interview with Aju Economy at his campaign office in Daegu's Suseong District. Choo emphasized that "Daegu cannot simply improve slightly," stating that a "complete overhaul of the Daegu economy" is necessary. He aims to create a city that attracts money and talent, proposing AI, robotics, future mobility, biotechnology, and semiconductors as the five key future industries for Daegu. Choo, a former economic bureaucrat, has held positions including First Vice Minister of the Ministry of Economy and Finance, Director of the Office for Government Policy Coordination, and Minister of Economy and Finance. He has also served as a member of the National Assembly representing Daegu's Dalseong District. The current state of Daegu's economy is challenging. According to the first quarterly real Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) statistics released by the National Data Agency, Daegu's economy shrank by 3.9% in the first quarter of this year compared to the same period last year, the largest decline among all cities and provinces in the country. In the second quarter, Daegu's GRDP also fell by 3.2% year-on-year, contrasting with the 1.9% growth recorded in Gyeongbuk, which ranked third in national growth rates. This highlights the dual challenges of low growth and delayed industrial restructuring facing Daegu's economy. Choo attributed these issues to a failure to adequately respond to changes in industrial structure. He noted, "In the past, Daegu was a city that led South Korea's industrialization centered on textiles and manufacturing. However, as the industrial paradigm shifts toward AI, semiconductors, and digital technologies, we have not secured sufficient new growth engines." He added that the structure in which businesses, talent, and capital are drawn to the capital region has also stifled Daegu's economy. Choo outlined four key initiatives: Industrial Structure Innovation: He plans to foster advanced industries such as AI, robotics, future mobility, biotechnology, and semiconductors while enhancing the competitiveness of existing industries like machinery and textiles through smart technology and value addition. He also aims to focus on service industries favored by young people, including healthcare, culture, tourism, gaming, and content. Creating a Startup City: Choo intends to establish a "three major deep-tech startup belt" connecting Suseong Alpha City, Shinseo Innovation City, and Technopolis. He also plans to create a 1 trillion won startup fund to nurture unicorn companies. Attracting Large Corporations for Quality Job Creation: Choo stated, "I will promote Daegu as the second semiconductor industrial cluster following Yongin," aiming to attract companies like Samsung, SK Hynix, Hyundai Motor, and data centers to create a structure that prevents youth from leaving the city. He emphasized that the lack of good jobs is a common concern among Daegu citizens, stating, "To tell young people to come back, we must first create jobs worth returning to." Building a Super-Regional Economic Zone Centered on the New TK Airport: Choo plans to promote the new airport as a national industry and integrate the regional transportation network and administrative systems of Daegu and Gyeongbuk to develop them into a single economic zone. He remarked, "The airport is not just a transportation facility; it is an economic infrastructure that transforms logistics, industry, tourism, and housing," adding that to overcome the limitations of being an inland city, Daegu must redraw its industrial map centered around the new airport. Regarding his differences with rival candidate Kim Boo-kyum, Choo stated, "Anyone can make promises. What matters is whether they can actually execute them." He highlighted his experience in emergency economic meetings, drafting supplementary budgets for people's livelihoods, attracting investments, and establishing structures like the AX Committee and Daegu-style contract departments as evidence of his leadership and execution capabilities. The upcoming Daegu mayoral election is being viewed as a competitive race, contrasting with the city's traditional conservative stronghold. Choo acknowledged, "I take seriously that citizens are disappointed and worried about the political arena." He noted, "The era when a specific party automatically receives votes is over. Citizens are now looking more critically at 'who can save Daegu' and 'who can deliver results.'" When asked about his relationship with the Lee Jae-myung government and ruling party, Choo stated, "I do not intend to be a mayor who confronts the central government simply because we belong to different parties." He emphasized that the mayor of Daegu is an administrator responsible for the lives of citizens, stating, "We cannot abandon Daegu's projects just because the administration is different, nor can we simply ask for favors without a solid plan." Choo highlighted his 35 years of bureaucratic experience and his role as a former Deputy Prime Minister as his strengths. He stated, "Budgets do not come simply by asking for them. They require precise project design, feasibility, and budget strategy." He added, "I know what needs to be prepared in which department and where bottlenecks occur," and expressed his intention to leverage his central government experience and network to enhance Daegu's negotiating power. Choo also mentioned his proposal for a "joint council for the development of Daegu's economy" to Kim. He stated, "Issues like the TK New Airport and the administrative integration of Daegu and Gyeongbuk should be pursued beyond party lines," asserting that party affiliation is less important than the interests of Daegu. He pledged to cooperate where possible and to demand what is necessary firmly. Finally, when asked what message he would like to convey to citizens who have not yet decided on a candidate, Choo said, "I deeply understand the urgency and frustration of citizens regarding Daegu's economic difficulties." He emphasized, "However, despair alone will not change anything. The most important thing now is to regain confidence that we can succeed." Choo concluded, "I, Choo Kyung-ho, who truly understands the economy, will definitely revive Daegu's economy. The achievements I made in attracting businesses and creating jobs in Dalseong will now be expanded throughout Daegu." He assured, "I will restore Daegu's pride and confidence." * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-23 18:51:41
Govt boycott widens vs Starbucks Korea over "Tank Day" backlash SEOUL, May 22 (AJP) - More Korean ministries and public agencies are moving to distance themselves from Starbucks Korea after the top coffee franchise under Shinsegae Group came under fire for its “Tank Day” promotion over its association with the May 18 Gwangju Democratic Uprising. South Korea’s Defense Ministry has temporarily suspended welfare partnership projects with Starbucks Korea as criticism intensifies over what many viewed as historically insensitive marketing tied to one of the country’s darkest democratic tragedies. The ministry had signed a memorandum of understanding with Starbucks Korea on April 6 at its headquarters in Yongsan, Seoul, under the company’s “Hero Program.” The agreement, attended by Vice Defense Minister Lee Doo-Hee and Starbucks Korea strategic planning chief Lee Soo-yeon, included plans to provide beverages to troops stationed in remote areas, scholarships for children of fallen or injured soldiers and employment support for service members preparing for civilian life. The suspension followed mounting outrage over Starbucks Korea’s “Tank Day” campaign, which coincided with the anniversary of the 1980 Gwangju Uprising. Critics argued the use of the word “tank” was deeply inappropriate given the military crackdown that killed and injured pro-democracy demonstrators during the uprising. Civilian boycott of Korea's favorite coffee brand accounting for a quarter of the coffee-chain market has been widening. The controversy has not died down even after Shinsegae Group chairman Chung Yong-jin moved fast to sack Starbucks Korea CEO Son Jung-hyun. Since the incident drew open condemnation from President Lee Jae Myung, government agencies moved swiftly to distance themselves from the brand. The Justice Ministry recently instructed the Supreme Prosecutors’ Office to review whether Starbucks products had been used in official surveys, contests or promotional events since January. Prosecutors later reported that no Starbucks products had been purchased during the period. Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs Kwon Oh-eul also publicly criticized the controversy in a post on X on Thursday. “As minister of patriots and veterans affairs, I express deep regret and grave concern over Starbucks Korea, which caused controversy with its May 18 Tank Day event on the anniversary of the May 18 Democratic Uprising,” Kwon said. Kwon added that the ministry would strengthen monitoring against the spread of false information related to the May 18 movement and promote broader historical awareness across society, including within corporations. He also urged Starbucks Korea to issue a sincere apology to democracy activists, bereaved families and the wider public. The veterans ministry is also understood to have conducted a comprehensive review of its use of Starbucks gift certificates and products at ministry events over the past several years and issued internal guidance temporarily banning their use. 2026-05-22 17:39:58
South Korea forecast to see hotter-than-usual summer with extreme heatwave SEOUL, May 22 (AJP) - South Korea is likely to face a hotter-than-usual summer this year, with above-normal sea surface temperatures around the Korean Peninsula expected to fuel prolonged heat and heavy downpours, the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) said on Friday in its forecast for the upcoming three months. According to the weather agency, there is a 60 percent chance that temperatures in June and July will be higher than the seasonal average. For August, the peak summer period, the probability is estimated at 50 percent. An analysis by the World Meteorological Organization, using 525 climate model datasets from meteorological agencies and institutions in some 12 countries, also points to a warmer-than-usual summer for South Korea. The analysis put the probability at up to 76 percent that temperatures from June to August would exceed seasonal norms. These forecasts are attributed to unusually warm sea surface temperatures in the North Indian Ocean and North Pacific. Warmer waters in the North Indian Ocean can strengthen convective activity and help generate atmospheric wave patterns that favor high-pressure circulation east of South Korea. Such high pressure systems can draw hot and humid southerly winds toward the peninsula. In recent summers, a strong North Pacific high parked southeast of South Korea has repeatedly helped produce extended periods of oppressive heat. The KMA also cited the likely persistence of a positive North Atlantic tripole pattern, which can help build high pressure in the upper atmosphere over South Korea. That pattern tends to increase sunshine and suppress cloud formation, raising temperatures further. El Niño is another factor. Sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific are expected to rise through the June-August period, increasing the chance of El Niño conditions. U.S. and international forecasters have said the event could strengthen toward a "super El Niño" level by autumn. Waters around South Korea are also already warmer than usual and are expected to remain so through the summer. The KMA said the probability of above-normal sea surface temperatures was especially high in the East Sea, reaching 70 percent in June and July. Warmer seas can increase the supply of water vapor to the atmosphere, intensifying both heat and the risk of extreme rainfall. The KMA said stronger-than-usual warm currents, including the Tsushima Warm Current and the East Korea Warm Current, have raised ocean heat content near the peninsula. The forecast follows a string of record-breaking warm seasons. Over the past 53 years, South Korea's average June temperature has risen by 1.7 degrees Celsius, while July and August temperatures have climbed by 1.3 degrees and 1.4 degrees, respectively. This year's monsoon season is expected to bring similar or slightly higher levels of rainfall in June and July. The likelihood of heavy rain is linked to hot, humid air flowing into the inland areas from the south. Meanwhile, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency said it began operating shelters and facilities to respond to heat-related illnesses and emergencies last week, and will continue to run them until the end of September in cooperation with more than 500 medical institutions across the country. Heat-related illnesses including heatstroke can cause symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, muscle cramps, fatigue and loss of consciousness, and can be fatal if left untreated. The number of reported heat-related illness cases rose to 4,460 last year, up more than 20 percent from 3,704 a year earlier, and close to the 4,526 cases recorded in 2018, when South Korea experienced its longest-ever stretch of extreme heat days. 2026-05-22 16:30:51