Journalist

Hae-hun Jeong
  • PM tells US lawmakers Coupang probe not discriminatory
    PM tells US lawmakers Coupang probe 'not discriminatory' SEOUL, January 23 (AJP) - Prime Minister Kim Min-seok, who is currently in Washington, D.C., told U.S. lawmakers that South Korea is not discriminating against e-commerce giant Coupang in its investigation into a massive data leak late last year. His remarks came on Thursday as Kim began his five-day trip to the U.S., starting with a luncheon meeting with several U.S. House members including Young Kim, Ami Bera, Dave Min, Joe Wilson, John Moolenaar, Marilyn Strickland, Michael Baumgartner, Ryan Mackenzie and Young Kim. When asked whether the South Korean government is on a "politically motivated witch hunt" against Coupang in its investigation into the data breach, an issue raised by two U.S. investors, Kim denied any such "discrimination" against the company, adding that he believes that the country's relationship with the U.S. has been built on "sufficient trust" not to worry about such issues. Kim was also quoted as saying, "South Korea does not think immigration raid involving South Korean workers in Georgia was a discrimination case resulting from the fact they were South Korean." He added, "Likewise, no discriminatory actions were taken against Coupang simply because it is a U.S.-listed company." In the meeting, Kim also expressed hope that his visit would "accelerate" the implementation of follow-up measures in tariff-related agreements between the two countries, urging the U.S. lawmakers to continue playing an important role in strengthening the bilateral alliance. Their discussions also included a bill, led by Rep. Young Kim, that would allow up to 15,000 professional work visas for South Koreans and is currently pending in the House. After wrapping up the meeting, Kim visited the Korean War Veterans Memorial to lay flowers later in the day and attended an event to meet with young people and talk about Korean culture. 2026-01-23 14:51:22
  • Over 70 South Koreans to be deported from Cambodia over scam allegations
    Over 70 South Koreans to be deported from Cambodia over scam allegations SEOUL, January 22 (AJP) - Some 73 South Koreans detained in Cambodia over alleged involvement in online scams and other crimes are set to be deported from the Southeast Asian country, Cheong Wa Dae said on Thursday. In a press briefing, presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung said a chartered flight is set to be dispatched to Phnom Penh later in the day to bring them back, with arrival expected around 9 a.m. on Friday. They are accused of swindling a total of 486.7 billion won (US$331.5 million) from 869 South Korean victims and were nabbed by South Korea's task force in collaboration with Cambodian authorities, after the brutal torture and killing of a South Korean college student in Cambodia was belatedly reveled last summer. Investigators reportedly targeted several organized scam rings to arrest a score of suspects, including a couple who used deepfake technology to swindle about 12 billion won from 104 South Koreans and tried to evade arrest by altering their appearance through plastic surgery. Kang said arrest warrants have already been issued for all of them and they will be handed over to investigators for questioning, immediately upon arrival. 2026-01-22 15:29:25
  • Lee to hold New Years press conference next week
    Lee to hold New Year's press conference next week SEOUL, January 16 (AJP) - President Lee Jae Myung will hold his first press conference of the new year next week, presidential secretary for public relations Lee Kyu-yeon said on Friday. According to the secretary, the president will outline his plans for what he has called a "great transformation," aimed at achieving a major leap forward for the country. The conference, scheduled for 10 a.m. at Cheong Wa Dae next Wednesday is expected to last about 90 minutes, with around 160 domestic and foreign journalists invited. Like his two previous press conferences in July and November last year, which marked his 30th and 100th days in office, he will deliver opening remarks and then take questions on key issues across different areas. 2026-01-16 17:37:08
  • Lee to meet residents in Ulsan as part of regional growth initiative
    Lee to meet residents in Ulsan as part of regional growth initiative SEOUL, January 16 (AJP) - President Lee Jae Myung will visit Ulsan next week to meet residents and hear about the issues facing the industrial city. Lee, who stressed regional growth in his New Year's address, wrote on Facebook Thursday that he will hold his first town hall-style meeting of the year on Jan. 13, describing the southern city as “the heart of South Korea's industry. "Over the past 60 years, Ulsan has led our manufacturing industries including automobiles, petrochemicals, and shipbuilding, and has stood at the center of South Korea's economic growth," he wrote. "Now is the time to move forward on a new path, beyond being an industrial capital, to lead in artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in manufacturing and green industries." Lee said the government will make this year the "first year of a great leap through a major transformation," promoting growth beyond Seoul to boost regional development. He added that Ulsan, the leading city in the country's southeastern manufacturing belt, will help drive South Korea's industrial transformation. He urged residents to share their views, saying he wants to map out Ulsan's future and the country's next leap forward using citizens' collective wisdom. About 200 residents will be selected from those who apply by next Monday to attend the meeting. The meeting comes after Lee earlier outlined a vision for regional growth, with Seoul as the economic capital, the central region as the administrative capital, and the southern region as the maritime capital. 2026-01-16 10:56:12
  • Lee meets religious leaders to seek advice
    Lee meets religious leaders to seek advice SEOUL, January 12 (AJP) - President Lee Jae Myung on Monday asked major religious leaders to help unite South Koreans as social conflict and divisions deepen. At a luncheon meeting at Cheong Wa Dae in central Seoul with leaders of South Korea's seven key religious orders including Buddhist monks, Catholic priests, Christian pastors, and others, Lee said, "As many people feel, conflict, hatred, and hostility in our society seem to have increased." He added that the president's most important job is to bring people together, but "even though I'm trying, there are many limits." Lee asked them to do more so that people can "live hand in hand" with harmony and inclusion, saying that the essence of religion is to practice love. He added that he would take their advice to heart and do his best to move the country toward a society where people "reconcile, forgive, and embrace one another." Presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung said the New Year's gathering was held to seek wisdom and advice from the religious community. 2026-01-12 15:39:54
  • DPs newly elected floor leader calls for unity ahead of local elections
    DP's newly elected floor leader calls for unity ahead of local elections SEOUL, January 12 (AJP) - The ruling Democratic Party (DP)'s newly elected floor leader Han Byung-do, has called for unity to build momentum for a resounding victory in the upcoming local elections slated for this summer. The three-term lawmaker Han Byung-do was elected on Sunday to replace Kim Byung-ki, who resigned late last year amid a spate of bribery allegations and other misconduct. In a press conference at the National Assembly in Seoul, Han said, "There is no room for division and conflict," urging unity to win the local elections in June and ensure the success of the current Lee Jae Myung administration. Expressing that he felt a "heavy sense of responsibility," Han added, "To earn the public's trust, we must join forces on issues that improve people's lives, as the public is watching." He said the ruling party's role is to bring the party, government, and presidential office together to adjust differences through discussion. Han also suggested that he is willing to talk with the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) on state affairs. "I'm ready to discuss and negotiate with opposition parties on all issues," he said, "unless they oppose solely for the sake of opposition." Han, widely considered among aides close to former President Moon Jae-in, will serve the remainder of Kim's term until May. 2026-01-12 10:27:08
  • Lee asks Xi to play mediator role for peace on Korean Peninsula
    Lee asks Xi to play mediator role for peace on Korean Peninsula SEOUL, January 7 (AJP) - President Lee Jae Myung on Wednesday said he asked Chinese President Xi Jinping to play a mediator role in maintaining peace and security on the Korean Peninsula including North Korea's nuclear weapons program. Lee made the remarks at a luncheon in Shanghai with South Korean reporters, after his talks with Xi in Beijing the previous day. "We have to find a realistic path that helps everyone," Lee said, questioning whether North Korea could give up its nuclear weapons now, even as denuclearization remains a long-term goal. He said he asked Xi to convey South Korea's sincerity regarding the proposed phased approach to North Korea. Lee also urged caution in interpreting Xi's remarks at the summit, in which Xi said leaders should "stand firmly on the right side of history and make the correct strategic choice." When asked about the comment, Lee said he interpreted it as a Confucian saying, meaning that people should live kindly. Lee returns home later in the day. 2026-01-07 17:11:27
  • Lee begins final leg of China trip with startup forum in Shanghai
    Lee begins final leg of China trip with startup forum in Shanghai SEOUL, January 7 (AJP) - President Lee Jae Myung, on a state visit to China, is set to meet entrepreneurs from both countries to discuss partnership and promote future cooperation at a forum in Shanghai on Wednesday. In a written press briefing, presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung said that the final leg of Lee’s four-day trip to China begins with a forum attended by about 400 entrepreneurs from startups and venture companies, where they will discuss ways to strengthen cooperation between the two countries while laying the groundwork for South Korean firms seeking to make inroads into the Chinese market. The forum will feature a dialogue session and business meetups. Products and technologies from leading South Korean startups seeking to expand into China will also be on display. Participants include Huo Jianjun, general manager of China Merchants Bank International, better known as CMBI, a subsidiary of China Merchants Bank, one of China's largest commercial banks. 2026-01-07 10:29:06
  • Lee heads to Shanghai after meeting with Chinese Premier
    Lee heads to Shanghai after meeting with Chinese Premier SEOUL, January 6 (AJP) - President Lee Jae Myung, on a state visit to China, on Tuesday met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and expressed hope that the talks would mark a turning point for a "breakthrough" in bilateral relations. During his meeting with Zhao Leji, China's top legislator, Lee shared that he and Chinese President Xi Jinping had agreed the previous day to develop a "strategic cooperative partnership" that contributes to people's livelihoods and peace. Lee expressed expectations for Li's role in enhancing bilateral relations, saying that Li oversees China's economic affairs and is responsible for stabilizing livelihoods, and has contributed to "laying the foundation for peace and cooperation in the region." Lee also hoped the two countries would expand "mutually beneficial" cooperation and promote peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula for shared prosperity. Citing the Korean saying "Friends are better the longer you know them, and clothes are best when they're new," Lee said he was able to exchange views candidly with him like "old friends" as it was his third meeting with Li. Lee then added China probably has a similar expression. Li responded by praising Lee for boosting the economy and improving livelihoods as his top priorities since taking office in June last year. As he wraps up his itinerary in Beijing with the meeting with Li, Lee is now traveling to Shanghai. 2026-01-06 17:10:09
  • Lee seeks Chinese legislatures support in strengthening relations
    Lee seeks Chinese legislature's support in strengthening relations SEOUL, January 6 (AJP) - President Lee Jae Myung started his third day in China by holding talks with Zhao Leji, China's top legislator, on Tuesday. Lee met with Zhao earlier in the morning, a day after his 90-minute summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, and called for support in strengthening bilateral relations. Sharing what the two discussed, Lee said they agreed to "maturely develop a strategic cooperative partnership." Stressing the role of the National People's Congress (NPC), China's supreme organ, Lee said he believes it could help raise mutual understanding and broaden common ground. Lee also praised Zhao for helping facilitate exchanges between the two countries. Zhao was quoted as saying that deepening the bilateral relationship serves the "interests of both peoples" and contributes to the peace and prosperity of the Korean Peninsula and global security. Zhao also pledged that China would work with South Korea to implement agreements reached by the two leaders and to deepen cooperation. 2026-01-06 14:28:13