Journalist

Kim Bongcheol
  • President Lee Calls for Reform of Agricultural Cooperatives Amid Corruption Issues
    President Lee Calls for Reform of Agricultural Cooperatives Amid Corruption Issues President Lee Jae-myung on May 14 criticized the opaque decision-making structure and corruption issues within agricultural cooperatives, urging swift reforms including direct elections for members.During a senior advisors meeting at the Blue House, President Lee stated, "The transformation of rural areas and agriculture must begin with correcting the structural ailments present in our agricultural sector."He identified the normalization of agricultural cooperatives as a prerequisite for this transformation."Normalizing agricultural cooperatives, which support the foundation of agriculture, is of utmost importance," President Lee emphasized. "Agricultural cooperatives have a significant responsibility to protect farmers' rights and promote sustainable rural development."He acknowledged, however, that the current situation is lacking. "Due to the opaque decision-making structure and corruption among some employees, we have continuously faced criticism for not fulfilling our fundamental roles," he noted.President Lee called for a return to a farmer-centered organization. He stated, "We must quickly return the agricultural cooperatives, built by the sweat and dedication of farmers, back to the farmers themselves."He also stressed the need for rapid improvements in governance from the perspective of member sovereignty and the swift implementation of normalization measures, including strengthening democratic oversight.President Lee urged, "Please accelerate reforms such as direct elections for members, so that agricultural cooperatives can truly become leaders in agricultural development and improving the quality of life for farmers."Additionally, President Lee expressed condolences regarding the recent murder of a high school student in Gwangju, saying, "I pray for the victim and extend my deepest sympathies to the bereaved family."He also wished for the quick recovery of another student who was injured, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive response to crimes targeting vulnerable groups, including youth and women. "We must declare a war on such crimes and significantly strengthen our prevention and response systems," he asserted.President Lee stated, "Until public anxiety is alleviated, we will continue thorough special security operations in areas of crime concern, and we will take strict action against online harassment targeting victims." He added, "I once again pray for the victim's soul, and I hope all public officials will commit themselves to ensuring the safety of the nation, which is our primary duty."Earlier, on May 5, at around 12:11 a.m., a suspect named Jang Yoon-ki was arrested for fatally stabbing a 17-year-old high school student, identified as A, near a university in Gwangju's Gwangsan District. Jang also seriously injured another 17-year-old student, B, who came to A's aid upon hearing her screams.The Gwangju Police Agency announced that starting at 7 a.m. that day and continuing for 30 days until June 12, they would post Jang's name, age, and mugshot on their website.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-14 20:34:31
  • President Yoon Calls Saemaul Undong a Major Achievement of Park Chung-hee
    President Yoon Calls Saemaul Undong a Major Achievement of Park Chung-hee Lee Jae-myung, the President of South Korea, stated on May 14 that the Saemaul Undong (New Village Movement) was a significant achievement during the industrialization era under President Park Chung-hee, which improved the cultural, economic, and social environment of the country.During a meeting at the Saemaul Undong headquarters in Bundang, Seongnam, the President remarked, "The Saemaul Undong is still very useful in this era." This marks the first official visit by a sitting president to the Saemaul Undong headquarters.President Lee expressed that he had wanted to visit earlier in his term but delayed due to concerns about appearing biased. He acknowledged the support he received from Saemaul members and leaders during his time as the mayor of Seongnam.He emphasized the movement's crucial role in South Korea's history, particularly in modernization, and noted its unmatched dedication to social service activities. He stated, "Without the Saemaul organization, it would be difficult to conduct official social service events at the local government level."The President also mentioned the need to expand agricultural support activities in international volunteer work, questioning whether foreign aid initiatives truly benefit the recipient countries.He reflected on the importance of maximizing efficiency, suggesting that sharing the principles of the Saemaul Undong could be beneficial.Furthermore, President Lee advised that organizations should focus on their core roles without being swayed by political affiliations. He cautioned that if they align with political motives, they risk losing respect.He concluded by expressing a desire for all matters to be based on common sense and rationality, emphasizing that while ideology and values are important, they should not interfere in the public sphere. He advocated for fairness and transparency in all dealings.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-14 17:29:35
  • President Lee Emphasizes Public Responsibility in Financial Sector
    President Lee Emphasizes Public Responsibility in Financial Sector President Lee Jae-myung stated on May 14 that while the financial sector operates in a private capacity, it is fundamentally a quasi-public enterprise reliant on state-issued currency and monopolistic licenses, thus it must fulfill its public responsibilities.In a post on X (formerly Twitter), President Lee remarked, "Usury and gambling are signs of national decline." He added, "We will swiftly and maximally secure consumer finance and inclusive finance."He shared a document on X detailing the results of a special crackdown on illegal private finance from November last year to April this year, which led to the arrest of 1,553 individuals.President Lee emphasized, "Loans exceeding legal interest rates are void; if the interest rate (regardless of the nominal rate) exceeds 60%, the principal is also void. There is no need to repay, and lenders who provide such loans can face criminal penalties. Unlicensed lending will also be punished."Earlier, during a Cabinet meeting on May 12, President Lee criticized the private debt collection company 'Sangnok-su' for still pursuing delinquent debts from the early 2000s credit card crisis, calling it "primitive predatory finance."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-14 15:03:21
  • Leaders of Korea and Mexico agree to expand cooperation in phone call
    Leaders of Korea and Mexico agree to expand cooperation in phone call SEOUL, May 14 (AJP) - Lee Jae Myung spoke by phone with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, Cheong Wa Dae said on Thursday. In a written press briefing, presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung said the two leaders agreed on the need to expand bilateral cooperation during their phone conversation earlier in the day. The two leaders have kept in close contact since their first face-to-face meeting in June last year on the sidelines of the G7 gathering in Canada. They also exchanged letters earlier this year. Recalling an event last week at Mexico City's Zócalo Plaza, where tens of thousands gathered to catch a glimpse of K-pop superstars BTS, they agreed to work to strengthen cultural exchanges between the two countries. Lee described Mexico as South Korea's largest trade and investment partner in Latin America and stressed the need to restart talks on a free trade agreement as soon as possible. He also called for closer cooperation on energy and other sectors to cope with growing global uncertainties amid the prolonged conflict in the Middle East. Sheinbaum was quoted as saying she has a strong interest in boosting cooperation with Korea. Lee also congratulated Mexico on co-hosting the World Cup, which kicks off on June 11 and runs through July 19 across 16 cities in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. This will mark the first time the quadrennial tournament is hosted by three nations simultaneously. Lee also accepted Sheinbaum's invitation to visit Mexico, with both sides agreeing to begin preparations and hold further talks on strengthening bilateral ties. 2026-05-14 14:03:43
  • President Yoon Congratulates Mexico on Hosting the First World Cup
    President Yoon Congratulates Mexico on Hosting the First World Cup President Yoon Suk Yeol spoke with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo on May 14, reaching a consensus on expanding cooperation between the two countries.Chief Presidential Secretary Kang Yu-jeong stated in a written briefing that the two leaders evaluated their ongoing friendly exchanges, which have continued since their first bilateral summit in nine years during the G7 summit last June, including a letter exchange in January.The leaders expressed their admiration for the tens of thousands of fans who gathered at Mexico's Zocalo Square on May 6 to see BTS, agreeing to strengthen cultural exchange cooperation between their nations.President Yoon emphasized the need to expedite the resumption of free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations, noting that Mexico is South Korea's largest trading and investment partner in Latin America. He expressed hope that both countries, sharing similar positions amid increasing global economic uncertainty following the Middle East conflict, would enhance cooperation in various fields, including energy.In response, President Sheinbaum expressed great interest in enhancing practical cooperation with South Korea, including economic ties.Additionally, President Yoon congratulated Mexico on hosting its third World Cup, the first to be held in three countries, and wished for its success. The tournament will take place from June 11 to July 19 across 16 cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.Chief Secretary Kang reported that both leaders agreed to accept President Sheinbaum's invitation to visit Mexico and to prepare thoroughly for discussions on further developing bilateral relations.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-14 13:03:18
  • Blue House Denies Reports on Reviewing Excess Tax Revenue from Semiconductor Boom
    Blue House Denies Reports on Reviewing Excess Tax Revenue from Semiconductor Boom On May 14, the Blue House refuted media reports claiming that it had begun reviewing plans to utilize excess tax revenue generated by the semiconductor boom, stating, "This is not true."One outlet reported that Kim Yong-beom, the head of the Blue House Policy Office, had instructed senior officials, including Economic Growth Chief Ha Jun-kyung and Financial Planning Advisor Ryu Deok-hyun, to examine options for using the excess tax revenue.In a press release, the Blue House clarified, "The government continuously discusses economic conditions, tax revenue circumstances, and directions for fiscal investment."A senior official from the Blue House dismissed the reports, stating, "We are not at a stage where we are specifically discussing or reviewing plans for utilizing excess tax revenue from the semiconductor sector, and there are currently no plans for such a review."Previously, on May 11, Kim Yong-beom had mentioned on his Facebook page that if an unprecedented surplus in tax revenue were to arise from the AI infrastructure boom, a portion of that benefit should be returned to the public, referring to it as a 'citizen dividend.'* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-14 11:49:44
  • President Lee to Meet Nobel Laureate Peter Howitt on May 15
    President Lee to Meet Nobel Laureate Peter Howitt on May 15 President Lee Jae-myung will meet with Peter Howitt, the Nobel Prize-winning economist from Brown University, on May 15. Chief Presidential Secretary Kang Yoo-jung announced in a written briefing on May 13 that President Lee will host Professor Howitt at the Blue House on the morning of May 15.Kang described Howitt as a leading scholar who has theoretically established that innovation is the key driver of economic growth. She noted that President Lee intends to hear Professor Howitt's insights on strategies for South Korea's economic leap and innovative growth.The meeting will also include Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Koo Yun-cheol, along with Kim Yong-beom, head of the Policy Office, Ha Jun-kyung, chief of economic growth, and Moon Jin-young, chief of social affairs from the Blue House.Professor Howitt was also Lee's doctoral advisor when he pursued his Ph.D. at Brown University in 2003. 2026-05-14 00:27:44
  • South Koreas President Lee Mentions US Currency Swap in Meeting with Treasury Secretary
    South Korea's President Lee Mentions US Currency Swap in Meeting with Treasury Secretary President Lee Jae-myung mentioned the possibility of a "Korea-U.S. currency swap" during a meeting with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bensent on May 13.During a briefing later that day, Chief Blue House Spokesperson Kang Yu-jung stated, "President Lee met with Secretary Bensent at the Blue House and noted that despite recent uncertainties, the economies of both countries are showing stability." She added, "He emphasized the need for close communication between the two nations to strengthen economic cooperation and maintain positive momentum."Kang further noted, "The President highlighted the necessity for cooperation in the foreign exchange market," to which Secretary Bensent responded by agreeing with President Lee's views on the importance of Korea-U.S. collaboration moving forward.A currency swap is a foreign exchange transaction in which two parties exchange different currencies at an agreed-upon exchange rate for a specified period.South Korea has entered into currency swaps with the United States twice in the past, during the global financial crisis in 2008 and at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, to stabilize its foreign exchange market amid international financial turmoil.Last year, the South Korean government also proposed a won-dollar currency swap to the U.S. during tariff negotiations.However, a Blue House official stated that they could not confirm the specifics of President Lee's proposal regarding the Korea-U.S. currency swap. 2026-05-14 00:06:48
  • President Lee Surprises Ulsan Market Visit, Pledges Support for Local Economy
    President Lee Surprises Ulsan Market Visit, Pledges Support for Local Economy President Lee Jae-myung visited the Namok Masung Market in Ulsan's Dong-gu on May 13, engaging with local residents. After presiding over a 'K-Shipbuilding Future Vision' meeting at the Hyundai Hotel, President Lee went to the market to hear from citizens, according to Deputy Spokesperson Ahn Gyu-ryeong in a written briefing. The news of his visit drew a large crowd, with residents welcoming him with cheers and applause. President Lee shook hands with citizens and posed for photos, responding warmly to their enthusiasm. He made a point to connect with children by bending down to greet them and exchanged high-fives with teenagers, prompting laughter and applause from the crowd. During his visit, President Lee purchased various items, including shiitake mushrooms, melons, steamed cod, and spicy soybean paste salad, using cash and Onnuri gift certificates. He also sampled and bought local snacks such as mugwort rice cakes, fried chicken skin, sweet rice drink, and red bean bread. While conversing with shop owners, he promised to work harder to revitalize local economies. As President Lee departed the market, residents continued to send him off with warm wishes, saying, "Stay healthy" and "Keep up the good work," while he waved back until he got into his vehicle.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-13 23:30:52
  • South Korea Confirms External Strike Caused HMM Namoo Explosion
    South Korea Confirms External Strike Caused HMM Namoo Explosion South Korea's Blue House announced on May 10 that the explosion involving the HMM Namoo, a Korean vessel docked in the Strait of Hormuz, was caused by an external strike. However, specific details of the discussions held during the National Security Council (NSC) working committee meeting were not disclosed. A Blue House official stated, "The NSC working coordination meeting was convened with relevant ministries to discuss the incident involving the Namoo." Earlier, on May 4, the Foreign Ministry reported that the incident was caused by an unidentified aircraft strike. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Park Il said during a briefing, "The joint investigation team confirmed that on May 4, an unidentified aircraft struck the stern of the HMM Namoo." He added, "CCTV footage captured the aircraft, but there are limitations in identifying the launching entity, the exact model, and its physical size." Following a thorough on-site investigation, CCTV review, and interviews with the captain, the government determined that two unidentified aircraft struck the port side of the HMM Namoo's stern ballast tank twice, approximately one minute apart, around 3:30 PM on May 4. The impacted area showed a breach approximately 5 meters wide and about 7 meters deep into the hull, bending inward. Spokesperson Park noted, "The damaged area is located 1 to 1.5 meters above sea level, and considering the damage pattern from the explosion pressure and the hemispherical penetration shape, the likelihood of a mine or torpedo strike appears low."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-11 04:16:59