Journalist

Jo Hyun-jung
  • Ruling, opposition parties agree to pass 90 noncontroversial bills; filibuster dropped
    Ruling, opposition parties agree to pass 90 noncontroversial bills; filibuster dropped The ruling and opposition parties agreed to pass 90 noncontroversial livelihood-related bills at Wednesday’s plenary session. The People Power Party said it will withdraw its filibusters on those bills. Cheon Jun-ho, floor operations deputy chief of the Democratic Party, and Yoo Sang-bum, floor operations deputy chief of the People Power Party, said they reached the deal Tuesday during talks at the National Assembly on the plenary agenda. Cheon said that of 175 bills slated for the plenary session, the parties agreed to prioritize urgent livelihood measures and pass 90 of them. He said a revision to the National Assembly Act needs further discussion and is expected to be finalized through additional talks between the floor leaders. Yoo said the parties agreed to pass the bills included in the deal by withdrawing the filibusters that had been requested. The parties’ floor leaders are set to meet later Tuesday afternoon to continue final talks on the National Assembly Act revision. 2026-01-28 16:27:18
  • Four-term lawmaker Seo Young-kyo announces bid for Seoul mayor
    Four-term lawmaker Seo Young-kyo announces bid for Seoul mayor SEOUL, January 15 (AJP) - Lawmaker Seo Young-kyo of the ruling Democratic Party (DP) announced her bid for Seoul mayor on Thursday, vowing to "transform the capital into a leading global economic and cultural hub." At a press conference at the National Assembly on Thursday, months ahead of local elections slated for June 3, the four-term lawmaker said Seoul must turn into a "city where Seoul citizens are truly the owners," pledging to deliver "proven results" that directly improve residents' lives. She outlined her key campaign pledges which include supplying 300,000 new homes and setting a target of 7,000 points for the benchmark KOSPI. Other priorities include expanding support for small business owners, strengthening welfare for children and senior citizens and increasing subway services for commuters. Seo criticized incumbent Oh Se-hoon, saying he has failed to improve the daily lives of Seoul residents by focusing only on showy projects. She added she will instead encourage more citizens to participate in various city projects. Within the DP, Park Hong-geun, Park Ju-min, and Kim Young-bae have already declared their candidacy. Additional candidates including Seongdong district's mayor Jung Won-oh, who gained attention after President Lee Jae Myung's recent praise for his achievements, are also expected to join the race soon. 2026-01-15 15:58:02
  • Former president shares thoughts on martial law debacle, urges stronger democracy
    Former president shares thoughts on martial law debacle, urges stronger democracy SEOUL, December 3 (AJP) - Former President Moon Jae-in shared his thoughts on social media on Wednesday, joining others in marking last year's martial law debacle that plunged the country into political turmoil. "I am very proud of our citizens who defended democracy and demonstrated the country's remarkable democratic resilience to the world," Moon wrote on Facebook. But he pointed out, "The forces behind have shown no remorse" and urged "continued vigilance," stressing the need to strive for a "strong democracy that cannot be shaken." Apparently referring to disgraced former President Yoon Suk Yeol and the conservative People Power Party (PPP), Moon said, "Those responsible, who shocked and angered South Korean society, have yet to apologize." He also warned that political extremism, which fuels hatred and division, poses a serious threat to democratic values. He expressed his belief that democracy is strengthened through trials and challenges, urging everyone to remember the lessons from a year ago and work toward a "stronger democracy." * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-12-03 11:22:51
  • Support bills for steel, petrochemical sectors set for parliamentary vote in South Korea
    Support bills for steel, petrochemical sectors set for parliamentary vote in South Korea SEOUL, November 21 (AJP) - Special legislation designed to bolster South Korea’s steel and petrochemical industries cleared a key parliamentary committee on Friday, paving the way for final approval next week. The National Assembly's Industry, Trade and Energy Committee passed the so-called K-Steel Act and the Petrochemical Support Act with bipartisan backing. The measures, which advanced through a subcommittee on Nov. 19, are expected to win passage in a full National Assembly vote on Nov. 27. The K-Steel Act aims to strengthen the sector’s competitiveness as it confronts steep U.S. tariffs, cheaper Chinese imports and mounting pressure to cut emissions. The bill, introduced in August by 106 lawmakers, also includes provisions supporting South Korea’s carbon-neutrality goals. The Petrochemical Support Act would provide financial assistance to domestic petrochemical companies struggling to maintain profitability amid intensifying global competition. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-11-21 14:34:03