Journalist

PARK, JONG-HO
  • Jokuk Proposes Amendments to Pyeongtaek Support Special Law
    Jokuk Proposes Amendments to Pyeongtaek Support Special Law Jokuk, leader of the Jokuk Innovation Party, stated on May 10 that Pyeongtaek needs responsible support from the government and the National Assembly to take a significant leap forward. He announced the adoption of the "Pyeongtaek Support Special Law Amendment" as the party's official stance. During a field meeting with 11 members of the Jokuk Innovation Party at the Godeok STV Knowledge Industry Center in Pyeongtaek, Jokuk emphasized the importance of the amendment. "Pyeongtaek is home to the world's largest single semiconductor factory, the Samsung Electronics campus, and the largest U.S. military base, Camp Humphreys," he said. "We aim to elevate Pyeongtaek, a strong leader and beneficiary in artificial intelligence and a symbol of the Korea-U.S. alliance." He argued that the Pyeongtaek Support Special Law needs revision. While acknowledging that many projects have been carried out under the law enacted in 2005, he pointed out that it is insufficient to support national security and industrial strategy, highlighting its many gaps. Jokuk noted that despite four extensions of the deadline, including the passage of a bill on May 7, the sunset clause has left Pyeongtaek city and project stakeholders in a state of uncertainty. "To ensure stable business operations and a consistent development strategy, the sunset clause must be eliminated," he stressed. On this day, the members of the Jokuk Innovation Party confirmed the amendment to the Pyeongtaek Support Special Law as the party's official position. The proposed amendments include: 1) establishing and implementing measures to improve transportation for local residents, 2) legalizing national subsidies outlined in the enforcement decree, and 3) abolishing the sunset clause. After the adoption of the amendment as the party's official stance, Jokuk stated, "The amendment supported by the Jokuk Innovation Party will serve as a strong backing for me and a source of hope for the residents of Pyeongtaek. The Jokuk Innovation Party will demonstrate to the residents of Pyeongtaek that we act, not just speak."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-10 11:48:18
  • Kim Tae-nyeon touts policy record in bid for National Assembly speaker
    Kim Tae-nyeon touts policy record in bid for National Assembly speaker With the Democratic Party set to choose the speaker for the second half of the 22nd National Assembly, a three-way race is intensifying among Park Ji-won, Cho Jung-sik and Kim Tae-nyeon, in ballot order. Kim is seeking to stand out by stressing his experience designing policy and his ability to deliver results, though allies acknowledge his name recognition lags behind the other two contenders. ■Strengths(강점) Kim is widely regarded within the party as a policy specialist and strategist, political circles said. First elected in 2004 in Seongnam’s Sujeong district in Gyeonggi province, he has held senior posts including party policy chief and floor leader. He also led the party’s “Economy Is the Democratic Party” study group, with about 120 lawmakers participating, for five years, shaping internal debate on economic issues. Ahead of the June 3 local elections, he has served as head of a drive for a “leap” in the people’s economy, unveiling livelihood-focused pledges under what he called the “Chakbut Project.” At his May 4 announcement, Kim framed his policy credentials as central to his bid. “To build a ‘National Assembly that works well,’ we need a ‘speaker who works well,’” he said, adding that he was “the right person.” He pointed to initiatives he pushed as policy chief — including the 52-hour workweek, minimum wage increases and regulatory sandboxes — as achievements he helped translate into results. ■Weaknesses(약점) Despite being seen as a heavyweight, Kim is viewed as less well-known than his rivals. The speaker will be chosen through a combined vote: 80% by lawmakers and 20% by party members, a system introduced for the first time after revisions to party rules. That structure increases the need to win both lawmakers and the party base. Park is seen by many analysts as well-positioned with party members, backed by broad public recognition built through roles including chief of staff to former President Kim Dae-jung, director of the National Intelligence Service under the Moon Jae-in government, and service as a member of the 22nd Assembly’s Legislation and Judiciary Committee. Cho, a six-term lawmaker who served as special political adviser to President Lee Jae-myung, has been building support among first- and second-term lawmakers with what is described as backing from the president’s inner circle. Kim has been consolidating support among lawmakers in their second term or higher, but how much he can expand that bloc and win party members is expected to be decisive. ■Opportunities(기회) With the Middle East crisis and domestic stability cited as pressing concerns, Kim’s policy experience and drive are being cast as assets. As floor leader during the COVID-19 period, he oversaw legislation and helped pass multiple reform bills. He has pledged to create a speaker-led “livelihood and economic strategy council” bringing together the ruling and opposition parties, the government and industry to debate key agendas for the country’s economic future and link legislation with the budget. “There is no ruling party or opposition when it comes to people’s livelihoods and the economy,” he said. Kim also said he would push what he calls an “Assembly that works well” bill to speed up lawmaking. The proposal includes provisions to replace a standing committee chair who, without just cause, fails to convene meetings or delays bill reviews. “I will not tolerate intentional delays and disruption,” he said, adding he would disclose legislative performance to the public and be judged on results. Kim, a five-term lawmaker from Seongnam, has also highlighted that he shares a regional base with President Lee. “I have shared the direction of politics with President Lee for more than 30 years and understand his philosophy deeply,” he said, arguing he can support the administration’s policy agenda. ■Threats(위협) Some analysts caution that Kim’s emphasis on execution could be seen as overly hard-line. Within the Democratic Party, some have argued for taking all standing committee chair posts. As floor leader, Kim once secured all 18 chairmanships. He has defended that approach by saying it enabled the passage of the largest number of reform bills since democratization in 1987, even during the COVID-19 crisis. Critics, however, warn that similar tactics could become a liability in a second-half Assembly expected to face sharp partisan confrontation. 2026-05-07 13:36:19
  • Hong Joon-pyo Slams Conservative Candidates as ‘Shameless’ Ahead of June 3 Local Elections
    Hong Joon-pyo Slams Conservative Candidates as ‘Shameless’ Ahead of June 3 Local Elections Hong Joon-pyo, former mayor of Daegu, on Monday criticized conservative figures running in the June 3 local elections and by-elections, calling them “shameless” and “thick-faced.” In a Facebook post, Hong said they were seeking office after “ruining the administration,” adding that they were running in by-elections and local government races “just to save themselves.” He also faulted parties for nominating them and voters for supporting them, saying South Korea’s conservative camp had become “a bizarre mess.” He added that some people, after being cut from consideration, did not leave the party and instead focused on attacking from within, asking how elections could succeed under those conditions. Using a metaphor, Hong said it would be better to leave a well and spit than to keep trying to drink from it while spitting into it. “A local election is a local election,” he wrote, but warned that “the bigger confusion will come after the local elections.” * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-04 14:07:38
  • Yang Hyang-ja says Gyeonggi needs a tech expert, not a legal specialist, as governor
    Yang Hyang-ja says Gyeonggi needs a tech expert, not a legal specialist, as governor Yang Hyang-ja, a People Power Party candidate for Gyeonggi governor, criticized Democratic Party candidate Chu Mi-ae on Monday, saying the province needs “a capable governor who can revive the economy, not a legal technician.” Speaking on KBS radio’s “Jeongyeok Sisa,” Yang said Chu is “South Korean politics’ representative brawler,” and claimed Chu was involved in the impeachments of three presidents, including President Roh Moo-hyun. Yang said Gyeonggi’s 14 million residents need “a worker, not a fighter,” and want “a new person” to build “a new Gyeonggi.” She added that for Gyeonggi to become “the heart of South Korea’s advanced industries,” she believes residents will see her as the right choice. Yang pledged to develop the province around semiconductors. “Gyeonggi’s per-capita gross regional domestic product needs to reach 100 million won,” she said. “To do that, we must bring in semiconductor-based advanced AI industries tailored to each of the province’s 31 cities and counties.” Calling herself the only expert in semiconductor management strategy, she said she would work energetically with civil servants and promised residents she would build “a happy Gyeonggi.” On development strategies for northern and southern Gyeonggi, Yang said semiconductors are centered in the south, but the north has an opportunity in logistics, defense industries, mobility and bio. She said she would make Goyang and Paju “a forward base for future industries,” not “a land of regulation and sacrifice.” Asked about the possibility of unifying candidacies with Cho Eung-cheon, the Reform Party’s candidate for Gyeonggi governor, Yang said she was not considering it. “If the People Power Party can’t beat the Democratic Party, any kind of unification won’t be easy,” she said. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-04 10:27:16
  • Democratic Party Taps Kim Seong-beom as Third Recruitment Pick Ahead of June 3 By-Elections
    Democratic Party Taps Kim Seong-beom as Third Recruitment Pick Ahead of June 3 By-Elections The Democratic Party on April 30 named Kim Seong-beom, a former vice minister of oceans and fisheries, as its third “talent recruitment” pick ahead of the June 3 parliamentary by-elections. Kim is widely expected to run in Seogwipo, Jeju, the seat vacated by Wi Seong-gon after Wi confirmed his bid for Jeju governor and resigned his lawmaker post. Kim said he wants to work for his hometown of Seogwipo. Party leader Jeong Cheong-rae introduced Kim at a National Assembly event, calling him “a master” in the oceans and fisheries field. Jeong said Kim was appointed vice minister as soon as the Lee Jae-myung government launched and showed strong performance, adding that Kim wants to use more than 30 years of experience for Seogwipo’s development and South Korea’s maritime future. Kim said he spent 32 years in public service, working mostly in oceans and fisheries administration. He said that as vice minister he delivered results, including handling the relocation of the oceans ministry to Busan and raising fines for illegal Chinese fishing boats. Kim, who is from Namjeju and attended school in Seogwipo, said he left Seogwipo, gained broader experience and returned. “I will use the national-level experience and strength I have built up for my hometown of Seogwipo,” he said. Wi, who attended the event, encouraged Kim. Wi said Kim is “yomangjida,” explaining it as a Jeju dialect expression meaning “bold and capable,” and said he believes Kim will do well. The party previously recruited attorney Jeon Tae-jin from Ulsan as its first pick and on April 20 gave him a strategic nomination in Ulsan Nam-gap. It then recruited Ha Jeong-woo, former senior presidential secretary for AI future planning, and Jeon Eun-su, former presidential spokesperson, as picks No. 2 and No. 3, respectively. Jeong said the party plans to continue recruiting. After visiting Deokpung Traditional Market in Hanam, Gyeonggi Province, the day before, he told reporters that after the third recruitment event there was a “99.9%” chance of adding one more person, saying he had someone in mind.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-30 16:00:14
  • National Assembly Speaker, Six Parties Set May 7 Vote on Constitutional Amendment, Urge PPP to Join
    National Assembly Speaker, Six Parties Set May 7 Vote on Constitutional Amendment, Urge PPP to Join National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik and six political parties said April 28 they plan to put a constitutional amendment bill to a vote at a May 7 plenary session, alongside the June 3 local elections. The proposal includes adding the spirit of the Bu-Ma Democratic Uprising and the May 18 Democratization Movement to the Constitution’s preamble. They called on the People Power Party to stop what they described as opposition for its own sake and take part in the amendment effort. Woo and the six parties — the Democratic Party, the Rebuilding Korea Party, the Reform Party, the Progressive Party, the Basic Income Party and the Social Democratic Party — held their third roundtable meeting at the speaker’s office and said they had decided to move the bill at the May 7 session. They urged the People Power Party to participate in the floor vote. Woo said the party’s call to delay constitutional revision until after the local elections amounted to “opposition for the sake of opposition,” and he asked the party leadership to allow its lawmakers to vote “according to their conscience and convictions” so democracy can be strengthened. Cheon Jun-ho, acting floor leader of the Democratic Party, said the People Power Party was blocking “a century-long national plan,” and urged it to join the vote and show “genuine remorse” over the insurrection. The jointly sponsored amendment bill would introduce National Assembly approval for a president’s declaration of martial law, add the spirit of the Bu-Ma Democratic Uprising and the May 18 Democratization Movement to the preamble, and spell out an obligation for balanced regional development. To pass the National Assembly, a constitutional amendment requires approval from two-thirds of sitting lawmakers. With nine lawmakers having resigned to run for metropolitan mayor and governor posts in the June 3 elections, 191 votes are needed out of 286 seats. Without cooperation from the People Power Party, the amendment cannot pass. Earlier April 28, Song Eon-seok, floor leader of the People Power Party, said at a party meeting that the Constitution is an organically connected system and revisions should proceed only after comprehensive discussion. He argued that a hastily pushed amendment ahead of an election should not be pursued. After the roundtable, Cho Oh-seop, chief of staff to the National Assembly speaker, told reporters the speaker’s office has been in ongoing contact with People Power Party leaders and lawmakers by phone and in person to seek support for the bill. He said some People Power Party lawmakers had responded that there was “no reason to oppose” the amendment, and that further persuasion would continue. He added that the speaker’s office is also seeking a meeting between Woo and Jang Dong-hyeok, the party’s representative.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-28 18:13:15
  • Han Dong-hoon Criticizes Ha Jung-woo’s Possible Busan By-Election Run as ‘Proxy Fight’
    Han Dong-hoon Criticizes Ha Jung-woo’s Possible Busan By-Election Run as ‘Proxy Fight’ Han Dong-hoon, former leader of the People Power Party, criticized Ha Jung-woo, senior presidential secretary for AI future planning, over Ha’s suggestion that he may run in the Busan Buk-gu Gap parliamentary by-election to be held alongside the June 3 local elections. Speaking on BBS Radio’s “Geum Tae-seop’s Morning Journal” on Monday, Han said Ha appeared to be entering the race not by his own decision but to “fight a proxy battle” for President Lee Jae-myung. Han said Ha had stated that he would need President Lee’s permission to run and would not do so without it. Han also accused Ha of neglecting AI policy while weighing a bid for the by-election. “AI is extremely important and we’re in a golden time,” Han said, adding that Ha spent about a month wavering over whether to run and that “AI was pushed to the back burner.” Han added, “He hasn’t done anything for 10 months.” Han said he would use the election to reflect public sentiment, arguing that the People Power Party’s leadership has damaged the party and failed to effectively check the Lee administration. On criticism from Park Min-sik, a former minister of patriots and veterans affairs who has also signaled interest in running in Busan Buk-gu Gap, Han said Park has not been nominated and that he saw no need to respond. Han added that he understood why Park’s remarks were becoming harsher ahead of the election, describing Park as someone who “hurt” the district and left. Asked about the possibility of unifying conservative candidates in what is expected to be a three-way race, Han said such a move was only a dependent variable compared with the broader push to rebuild conservatism and local hopes for development. He said there was no reason for him to propose unification first and that there was no need to cite political calculations.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-28 09:55:48
  • Ruling Party Says Middle East Crisis Recovery May Take Over a Year, Energy Supplies Stable
    Ruling Party Says Middle East Crisis Recovery May Take Over a Year, Energy Supplies Stable The ruling party and the government on April 27 reviewed economic response measures as the war in the Middle East drags on. They said it could take more than a year for energy supplies and global oil prices to return to pre-crisis levels, but assessed that there is no immediate problem with energy supply. They also said an auto insurance discount tied to participation in a driving-day program will be launched next month to ease the burden on households hit by high oil prices. The National Assembly’s special committee on economic responses to the Middle East war said it discussed the issues at its fourth meeting held at the Assembly. Committee Chair Yu Dong-su said the prolonged conflict is expected to require more than a year for energy supply conditions and international oil prices to recover to earlier levels, but added he believes the government is “defending well” against supply-related risks. Rep. Ahn Do-geol, the committee’s secretary, told reporters after the meeting that there were no problems securing crude oil supplies and building naphtha stockpiles. He said 80% of the volume needed for May crude oil supply had been secured, and that with 2.1 million tons of naphtha secured for the year, about 85% to 90% of May needs were covered, allowing for stable supply. On urea solution, Ahn said about three months of inventory has already been secured, but some companies have reported shortages of vehicle-grade urea solution. He said the Public Procurement Service began releasing public stockpiles to companies facing shortages starting on the 23rd. He also said a 25% cut in fuel tax on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) butane, which is expected to rise in price, is scheduled to take effect next month. The committee said financial support efforts tailored to sectors such as banking, insurance and capital finance are also continuing. Separately, the ruling party and the government announced an auto insurance rider offering a discount for vehicles participating in the driving-day program, following consultations with the nonlife insurance industry. Applications for the rider will open in May for personal auto policies, and the discount will be applied retroactively starting April 1. Subscribers will receive a 2% discount on their annual auto insurance premium. Ahn said 17 million vehicles — 67% of the nation’s 26 million vehicles — would benefit from the discount, calling it a meaningful amount compared with the pace of rising auto insurance premiums. Yu said the discount rider could help ease public anxiety as people face economic hardship from high oil prices. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-27 11:57:19
  • Rebuilding Korea Party launches Blue Pinwheel election committee ahead of June 3 local vote
    Rebuilding Korea Party launches 'Blue Pinwheel' election committee ahead of June 3 local vote The Rebuilding Korea Party said it has launched its central election committee, dubbed “Blue Pinwheel,” ahead of the June 3 local elections and National Assembly by-elections. The committee is campaigning on three pledges: “zero insurrection forces,” zero corruption and the realization of an “advanced nation of social rights.” Lee Hae-min, the party’s central campaign chief, told reporters at the National Assembly on April 26 that the name “Blue Pinwheel” was shortened to “Blue Pin.” He said it reflects a promise to “use the public’s desire to change outdated politics as the driving force for reform” and to pursue clean politics. Lee said the party set three goals aligned with its ballot number, 3, for the local elections. “Blue Pinwheel turns on the people’s wishes,” he said, adding that the party would embrace the concerns of young people, farmers, the self-employed and future generations. Lee also addressed the Pyeongtaek B by-election in Gyeonggi Province, where party leader Cho Kuk has declared his candidacy and former lawmaker Yoo Eui-dong was named the People Power Party’s sole recommended candidate. Lee said the matchup fits the party’s goal of eliminating what it calls “insurrection forces,” and argued Pyeongtaek could become a place where the party’s election aims are achieved. Asked about the possibility of cooperation among progressive forces in Pyeongtaek, Lee said the reform camp shares awareness on issues such as political reform, but election alliances are not formed on those issues alone. He added that the key actors in any alliance are Pyeongtaek residents, not the leaders of five parties. On possible coordination outside Pyeongtaek, including in the Honam region, Lee said he met Democratic Party Secretary-General Cho Seung-rae for about two hours for a serious discussion and that the two parties have maintained frequent behind-the-scenes contact. He said more time is needed before details can be made public, and that they plan to meet again soon. The Blue Pinwheel committee is scheduled to hold its first meeting on April 27. Cho is expected to serve as committee chair. 2026-04-26 16:24:16
  • Lee Jae-myung Says South Korea, Vietnam to Expand Cooperation in Nuclear, Infrastructure
    Lee Jae-myung Says South Korea, Vietnam to Expand Cooperation in Nuclear, Infrastructure Lee Jae-myung: Korea, Vietnam to expand cooperation in nuclear, infrastructure President Lee Jae-myung said April 22 (local time) that South Korea and Vietnam will broaden cooperation in “strategic areas” including nuclear power, infrastructure and science and technology innovation. Speaking at a luncheon with members of the Korean community at a hotel in Hanoi during his state visit to Vietnam, Lee said he aims to develop bilateral ties — already “at the highest level” — into a more future-oriented and strategic partnership. Lee noted that the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1992 and “in just one generation” became each other’s top three trading partners. He added that Vietnam is South Korea’s largest destination for investment, with about 10,000 Korean companies operating there. Ruling party, government: Auto insurance discount for 5-day driving plan next month An auto insurance product offering discounts to drivers who join a five-day driving rotation system is set to be launched next month, officials said. A fourth round of a maximum oil price system will be decided after weighing market impact, global oil prices and the public burden. The Democratic Party, the government and the presidential office said they discussed responses to the Middle East situation at a high-level meeting April 22 at the prime minister’s official residence in Seoul’s Samcheong-dong. Kang Jun-hyeon, the party’s chief spokesperson, said the non-life insurance industry will introduce a special rider next month that discounts auto premiums for participation in the five-day system, providing benefits to people who voluntarily conserve energy. Officials said they will decide whether to implement the fourth maximum oil price system after a comprehensive review of market effects, international factors and the burden on the public. Unification Ministry explains Jeong Dong-young remarks on Kusong nuclear site…“Based on research and reporting” South Korea’s Unification Ministry said Unification Minister Jeong Dong-young’s recent public mention of Kusong as the location of a uranium enrichment facility in North Korea was a summary assessment based on outside information. In reference material distributed to reporters on April 22, the ministry said Jeong’s remarks drew on comments by International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Grossi and information from the Institute for Science and International Security, among other sources, to address the status of North Korea’s nuclear facilities. The ministry said Jeong referred to Grossi’s March 2 keynote speech to underscore the seriousness and urgency of the North Korea nuclear issue. It added that Jeong had mentioned Kusong in the same context during his confirmation hearing in July last year. Samsung Electronics union plans rally, steps toward May general strike Tensions are rising as Samsung Electronics’ labor union has signaled large-scale rallies and a general strike, drawing criticism that such moves could amount to self-inflicted damage as global competition in semiconductors intensifies. Industry officials said April 22 that the union’s joint struggle headquarters will press ahead with a rally at the Pyeongtaek campus on April 23 as a prelude to a general strike in May. The hard line has heightened unease in the industry, recalling conditions two years ago when uncertainty and weakening chip results coincided with the company’s first-ever strike. KOSPI hits record again as money crowds into Samsung, SK Hynix chip stocks South Korea’s benchmark KOSPI extended its run of record highs for a second straight session, topping 6,400. While the rally has been clear, uncertainty over whether the Middle East war will end has also fueled caution. The market’s gains have been uneven, with money increasingly concentrated in the top two chipmakers by market value. About 40% of institutional and foreign buying flowed into Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, and the exchange-traded fund market is also shifting toward semiconductors. A planned launch by the end of next month of 2x leveraged ETFs tied to Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix is expected to intensify the concentration of funds in semiconductor-related products. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-22 21:51:22