Journalist

김동영
Kim Dong Young
  • Conservative party officials in somber mood as exit polls show 12-point gap
    Conservative party officials in somber mood as exit polls show 12-point gap SEOUL, June 3 (AJP) - South Korea's main opposition People Power Party officials watched in somber silence as exit polls showed their candidate trailing the ruling Democratic Party's Lee Jae-myung by about 12.4 percentage points in Tuesday's presidential election. The party's election headquarters at the National Assembly Library fell into heavy silence when broadcasters announced the results at 8 p.m., immediately after voting concluded across the nation. Officials clad in red campaign jackets had gathered with cautious optimism. Emergency Committee Chairman Kim Yong-tae and other senior leaders took front-row seats as the critical moment approached. The mood shifted dramatically as exit poll figures appeared on television screens, showing their candidate Kim Moon-soo significantly behind, despite the campaign’s final-week rhetoric about a possible "golden cross" comeback. "We expected results within the margin of error, either slightly behind or slightly ahead, but this significant gap is quite disappointing," said co-campaign chief Na Kyung-won. "It's being received as somewhat shocking." Within ten minutes of the announcement, senior party officials began leaving the venue, their expressions marked by disappointment as the unexpected scale of the setback sank in. 2025-06-03 21:02:16
  • Lee Jae-myung promises pro-labor policies, aiming to revive economy
    Lee Jae-myung promises pro-labor policies, aiming to revive economy SEOUL, June 3 (AJP) - Lee Jae-myung, presidential candidate of the liberal Democratic Party, is projected to win South Korea’s snap presidential election held Tuesday, with exit polls showing him ahead with 51.7 percent of the vote. His conservative rival Kim Moon-soo of the People Power Party follows with 39.3 percent, according to a joint exit poll survey by public broadcasters KBS, MBC, and SBS. The 61-year-old former Gyeonggi Province governor is seeking to implement sweeping economic reforms following months of political turmoil triggered by former President Yoon Suk Yeol's martial law declaration. Lee’s background sets him apart from South Korea’s political elite. Born into poverty as the seventh of nine children, he revealed in his autobiography that he spent his early years working in factories instead of receiving a proper education. A workplace accident left his left arm permanently damaged, but he persevered to earn a law degree and pass the national bar examination. His experience as a human rights lawyer defending exploited workers helped shape his pro-labor political philosophy. After becoming mayor of Seongnam City in 2010, Lee went on to serve as governor of Gyeonggi Province in 2018. He ran as the Democratic Party’s candidate in the 20th presidential election but lost to Yoon Suk Yeol. Now, he is running again in the 21st presidential election as the forerunner for his party. The Democratic Party candidate has pledged to introduce a 4.5-day workweek with no pay reduction, aiming to address South Korea’s notoriously long working hours. Lee also remains committed to advancing the Yellow Envelope Act, which would expand legal protections for workers and unions during labor disputes. His labor agenda includes stronger workplace safety measures and increased healthcare investment for workers in hazardous environments. As part of his economic revival plan, Lee has proposed a bold 100 trillion won (70.6 billion dollars) artificial intelligence initiative aimed at positioning South Korea among the world’s top three AI powers. The plan includes developing a "Korean ChatGPT" with free access for all citizens and acquiring more than 50,000 high-performance GPUs. His administration would also prioritize research and development investments while strengthening the country’s defense and content industries. In a Facebook post on June 2, Lee reaffirmed his commitment to the Korean people, saying: "I will pursue politics that has a positive impact on the people's livelihood and economy. I will definitely keep my promise of a country where we all prosper together, a Republic of Korea where each and every citizen's life is respected." 2025-06-03 20:32:03
  • Lee Jae-myung advocates pragmatic diplomacy and balanced global engagement
    Lee Jae-myung advocates pragmatic diplomacy and balanced global engagement SEOUL, June 3 (AJP) - Lee Jae-myung, presidential candidate of the liberal Democratic Party, is projected to win South Korea’s snap presidential election held Tuesday, with exit polls showing him ahead with 51.7 percent of the vote. His conservative rival Kim Moon-soo of the People Power Party follows with 39.3 percent, according to a joint exit poll survey by public broadcasters KBS, MBC, and SBS. At the center of Lee's diplomatic strategy is a push for pragmatic engagement with major powers while maintaining the foundation of the United States–South Korea alliance. He has cautioned against a one-sided foreign policy approach, arguing that South Korea must adapt to shifting global dynamics and avoid following any single country unilaterally. Lee emphasizes that even long-standing allies like the United States are adopting protectionist policies, which calls for greater strategic independence. His "New Asia Strategy" aims to update previous diplomatic frameworks to better match today’s geopolitical realities. It includes expanding strategic cooperation with China, Japan, and Russia. Lee argues that China and Russia should not be treated as enemies by default, while also acknowledging the need to address unresolved historical tensions with Japan. Lee also calls for stronger ties with the Global South, identifying Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America as key diplomatic and economic partners. This multipolar approach is central to his broader plan for securing South Korea’s long-term strategic autonomy in an increasingly complex world. He has pledged to launch an emergency task force focused on trade negotiations to better manage economic tensions with Washington. On North Korea, Lee calls for a shift from confrontation to phased engagement and gradual denuclearization. His campaign outlines a plan to restart inter-Korean dialogue, reduce military tensions through step-by-step measures, and pursue humanitarian initiatives such as family reunions. While maintaining deterrence, Lee supports restoring cooperative projects designed to build mutual trust between the two Koreas. In terms of defense, Lee emphasizes conventional capabilities within the U.S.–South Korea alliance and opposes the deployment of tactical nuclear weapons or pursuing an independent nuclear arsenal. He proposes adopting AI-enhanced military technologies and establishing a hybrid conscription system, offering service members the option of short-term military service or longer professional careers. His administration would also focus on strengthening missile defense systems and boosting the defense industry's international competitiveness. In a Facebook post on Tuesday, Lee promised to create a "robust security powerhouse where elite soldiers, armed with cutting-edge equipment and weapons, proudly dedicate themselves to defending the homeland." 2025-06-03 20:27:35
  • Police probe overseas IP addresses in SK Telecom cyber attack
    Police probe overseas IP addresses in SK Telecom cyber attack SEOUL, June 2 (AJP) - South Korean authorities have identified foreign internet addresses linked to the recent cyberattack on SK Telecom and are coordinating with at least three countries as part of an expanding international investigation, police said on Monday. During a press briefing, Park Hyun-soo, acting chief of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, said that cybercrime teams are analyzing server log records tied to malicious code discovered in the breach. “We have found overseas IP addresses during the analysis and are conducting international cooperative investigations,” Park said. Police did not disclose the countries involved but confirmed they are working in conjunction with the National Intelligence Service. The scope of the collaboration suggests a broader effort to trace the source of the hack, which has raised alarms over potential foreign interference in the country's critical communications infrastructure. When asked whether the foreign IP addresses indicated that the cooperating nations had served as conduits for the attackers, officials declined to elaborate. “We are in the process of verification and cannot say that anything has been definitively established,” Park said. Speculation has circulated that China or North Korea may be connected to the breach. However, investigators emphasized that no conclusions have been reached. Authorities continue to examine the origin of the attack, including whether it bears hallmarks of state-sponsored activity. The breach, discovered in April, targeted South Korea’s largest telecommunications provider and is believed to have compromised the personal data of a significant portion of SK Telecom’s user base. 2025-06-02 15:52:27
  • UAE in talks with TSMC to build advanced chip plant
    UAE in talks with TSMC to build advanced chip plant SEOUL, June 2 (AJP) - The United Arab Emirates is in preliminary discussions with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) to build a cutting-edge semiconductor fabrication facility as Gulf nations accelerate efforts to position themselves at the forefront of the global artificial intelligence race. TSMC has reportedly held multiple meetings in recent months with Steve Witkoff, the U.S. special envoy to the Middle East, and representatives of MGX Fund Management, a UAE-based investment firm backing the proposal, Bloomberg reported. The talks come amid a surge of high-level U.S. interest in the region's emerging technology ecosystem. A recent tour of the Middle East led by former President Donald J. Trump included several of Silicon Valley’s most prominent figures, among them Elon Musk of Tesla, Jensen Huang of Nvidia, Sam Altman of OpenAI, and Lisa Su of AMD. Their presence has helped spark a wave of AI- and data center-related investment announcements across the Gulf. The proposed chip foundry, if realized, would mark a milestone for the UAE and the broader region. It would also represent a significant expansion for TSMC beyond its traditional bases in Asia and recent projects in the United States and Japan. However, the project faces steep challenges — including limited local access to water, a critical resource for chip fabrication, and a shortage of specialized technical talent. Still, the vision is part of a broader, region-wide effort to reduce economic dependence on hydrocarbons by investing in advanced technologies. Both Saudi Arabia and the UAE have launched sweeping initiatives — Vision 2030 and the National AI Strategy 2031, respectively — aimed at cultivating domestic AI capabilities and attracting global tech leaders. In parallel with the TSMC talks, the UAE is pressing ahead with the Stargate UAE initiative, a joint venture with OpenAI, Nvidia, Oracle, and SoftBank to construct a 5-gigawatt AI data center in Abu Dhabi. When complete, the facility is expected to consume roughly as much electricity as three million average American homes. Saudi Arabia, for its part, has tasked the sovereign wealth fund–backed startup Humain with acquiring 18,000 of Nvidia’s cutting-edge Blackwell chips and forming a $10 billion strategic partnership with AMD. These moves underscore the region’s intent to leapfrog into the upper ranks of AI infrastructure development. 2025-06-02 14:33:19
  • Arsonist sparks fire on Seoul subway, forcing 400 passengers to flee through tunnel
    Arsonist sparks fire on Seoul subway, forcing 400 passengers to flee through tunnel SEOUL, May 31 (AJP) - A man ignited a fire on a Seoul subway train during Saturday morning rush hour, forcing about 400 passengers to evacuate through underground tunnels as smoke filled the carriages. The blaze erupted at 8:43 a.m. on Line 5 between Yeouinaru and Mapo stations when a man in his 60s used a torch-style lighter to set clothing ablaze after boarding with a container of oil, witnesses said. Twenty-one passengers were hospitalized for smoke inhalation and ankle injuries sustained during the chaotic evacuation. No fatalities were reported. Train operators and passengers wielded fire extinguishers to contain the flames before firefighters fully extinguished the blaze at 10:24 a.m. Emergency responders deployed 230 personnel, including 166 firefighters and 60 police officers, along with 68 pieces of firefighting equipment. Police arrested the suspected arsonist near Yeouinaru station at 9:45 a.m. Service between Yeouido and Aeogae stations was suspended until 10:06 a.m., with trains bypassing Mapo and Yeouinaru stations during the emergency response. Investigators are examining the scene and questioning the suspect to determine the motive behind the arson attack. 2025-05-31 16:10:14
  • South Korean professor loses lawsuit over research fund embezzlement disciplinary action
    South Korean professor loses lawsuit over research fund embezzlement disciplinary action SEOUL, May 31 (AJP) - A South Korean national university professor who embezzled about 80 million won (US$57,952) in research funds by falsely claiming equipment purchases has lost his administrative lawsuit challenging his disciplinary punishment. The Chuncheon District Court ruled against the professor in his lawsuit seeking to overturn a three-month suspension imposed by the national university he resides, the court announced on Saturday. According to the indictment, the professor fraudulently claimed research material expenses 31 times between June 2018 and January 2021, pocketing about 80 million won intended for consumable research supplies. He also embezzled 1 million won over 36 instances by billing for meals for researchers who never attended actual research meetings. The university initially imposed dismissal and demanded 240 million won in additional disciplinary fines - triple the embezzled amount. After the professor appealed to the Appeal Commission for Educators, his punishment was reduced to a three-month suspension with standard disciplinary fines, considering his suspended sentence in criminal court. However, the professor argued he merely followed established practices of acquiring expensive equipment through credit arrangements and later paying through government project material costs. He claimed the funds questioned were used for actual equipment purchases that benefited his research. "The misconduct's content, duration, frequency and amount show the violations were not minor, warranting demotion or higher punishment," the court said. "However, considering the plaintiff's diligent work performance and research achievements, and that the embezzlement wasn't solely for personal gain, a suspension was deemed appropriate." The court emphasized that professors must maintain strong moral standards and integrity, stating the public interest in ensuring fair research fund management outweighed the defendant's personal disadvantages. 2025-05-31 14:20:46
  • China expands surveillance network in Korean waters with three new buoys
    China expands surveillance network in Korean waters with three new buoys SEOUL, May 31 (AJP) - China has quietly installed three additional observation buoys in disputed West Sea waters near South Korea, raising fresh concerns about Beijing's growing maritime surveillance capabilities in the region. The South Korean Navy reported on Saturday its discovery of large buoys near the 123-degree east longitude line, west of Ieodo reef. The installations sit in international waters within China's exclusive economic zone, directly adjacent to South Korea's maritime boundaries. Since 2018, China has deployed 10 observation buoys measuring about 3 meters wide and 6 meters tall throughout the Provisional Measures Zone (PMZ) under the stated purpose of marine observation. The latest additions bring the total count to 13 buoys, with one positioned inside the disputed fishing zone shared by both nations. While Beijing claims the buoys serve meteorological and oceanographic purposes, South Korean defense analysts fear the equipment could monitor South Korean naval vessels and submarines, potentially compromising Seoul's maritime security operations in its own backyard waters. China has systematically expanded its presence in the contested zone, installing large-scale aquaculture facilities described as deep-sea fishing operations. This month, Beijing declared parts of the area off-limits to navigation while announcing planned military exercises. "We are closely monitoring China's unauthorized installation of structures within the PMZ and will work closely with relevant ministries and agencies to protect our maritime sovereignty," a Ministry of National Defense official said. 2025-05-31 10:34:31
  • Trump doubles steel tariffs to 50 percent, dealing blow to South Korea and other exporters
    Trump doubles steel tariffs to 50 percent, dealing blow to South Korea and other exporters SEOUL, May 31 (AJP) - U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Saturday he would double tariffs on foreign steel imports to 50 percent from the current 25 percent, delivering a blow to overseas producers including South Korea as he unveiled a major investment partnership. Trump made the announcement during a speech at a U.S. Steel plant outside Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, saying the measure would "further secure the steel industry." The move comes as part of a broader agreement involving Japanese steelmaker Nippon Steel's investment in the American company. "We don’t want America’s future to be built with shoddy steel from Shanghai. We want it built with the strength and the pride of Pittsburgh," said Trump, explaining the tariff increase. The tariff hike represents a doubling of duties first imposed in March under the Trade Expansion Act, which allows restrictions on imports deemed threats to national security. "At 25 percent, they can sort of get over that fence," Trump said. "At 50 percent, they can no longer get over the fence." The announcement coincided with Trump's reversal on Nippon Steel's acquisition of U.S. Steel, which he had previously opposed on national security grounds alongside former President Joe Biden. The Japanese company plans to invest $14 billion in American steel operations over the next 14 months. Trump described the investment as "the largest investment in the history of the commonwealth of Pennsylvania" and "the biggest investment in American steel history." He said the partnership would create and maintain over 100,000 jobs nationwide, including 100,000 in Pennsylvania specifically. The president assured that the deal would prevent layoffs or outsourcing, adding that U.S. Steel workers would receive $5,000 bonuses. He called the arrangement a "blockbuster agreement" that ensures the historic American company remains domestically owned. South Korea's top steelmakers, POSCO and Hyundai Steel, already posted disappointing first-quarter results following previous U.S. tariff measures of 25 percent, industry experts saying the doubling of the levies to hit the nation strong, as South Korea exports around 13 percent of its total steel produce to the U.S. 2025-05-31 09:47:51
  • Tour for reunification wraps up in Seoul ahead of major campaign on Liberation Day in August
    Tour for reunification wraps up in Seoul ahead of major campaign on Liberation Day in August SEOUL, May 30 (AJP) - A nationwide tour promoting reunification between the two Koreas, organized by a civil coalition, wrapped up with a final rally in Seoul on Friday after spanning 13 cities and provinces. The Korean Dream Hangang Grand Festival Organizing Committee held an event at the Kim Koo Museum & Library in Yongsan, bringing together civil representatives from across South Korea. The event served as the finale to a series of rallies that began on May 12 in Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province, building momentum for the organization's broader "Korean Dream Ten Million Campaign," scheduled for mid-August to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Liberation Day on Aug. 15. Led by former Prime Minister Chung Un-chan as chairman, along with co-chairs former National Assembly Vice Speaker Chung Woo-taek and former Democratic Party floor leader Lee Jong-geol, the committee has been mobilizing public support for reunification between South and North Korea since 2022. The campaign promotes a vision called "Korean Dream," which envisions a unified Korea contributing to world peace by achieving reunification as a path to national advancement rather than merely a political objective. "Over the past 80 years since the end of Japanese colonial rule, through your dedication and sacrifice, we have overcome the ruins of war and achieved both industrialization and democratization," said the chairman. "Now is the time to transcend barriers of ideology, generation, region, and class to achieve genuine national unity and sustainable co-prosperity," he added. 2025-05-30 17:42:36