AJU PRESS ASIA FIRST NEWS AGENCY

Journalist

Lee Da-hui
  • Jang Dong-hyuk: A Loss by One Vote is Still a Defeat, Urges Voter Participation
    Jang Dong-hyuk: A Loss by One Vote is Still a Defeat, Urges Voter Participation Jang Dong-hyuk, chairman of the People Power Party, called for voter participation on May 29, the first day of early voting for the June 3 local elections, stating, "A loss by one vote is still a defeat." Speaking at a campaign rally at Jochiwon Station in Sejong, Jang emphasized, "If we do not take action or go to the polls, nothing will happen." He expressed concern about the party's momentum, saying, "Every time I hear that the atmosphere for the People Power Party is improving and the election mood is changing, I feel heavier. Losing by one vote or even 1% is more painful and frightening, as it could lead to greater disappointment for us." Jang criticized the political climate, stating, "Everything is being used politically, and the president is directly intervening in the election by posting on social media even at this moment. If we fail to overcome this barrier, there will be no future for South Korea. In the remaining five days, I urge you to give everything you have to save our country." He also addressed the recent collapse of the Seosomun overpass, saying, "It is right to thoroughly investigate the cause of this tragic incident where citizens lost their lives and to punish those responsible if there are issues. However, as early voting began today, the police raided Seoul City Hall." Jang questioned whether this was a coincidence or a pre-planned action, urging voters to judge the situation politically at the polls if they believe there is a political motive behind it. He further criticized Lee Jae-myung, stating, "On the night the Seosomun overpass collapsed, Lee was at the Jagalchi Market in Busan hosting a sashimi party. This is the same president who was seen on a cooking show during a fire at the National Intelligence Resource Management Agency. Lee has a habit of hosting food shows during disasters."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-29 14:52:00
  • Candidates Cast Votes, Urge Action Against Lee Governments Overreach
    Candidates Cast Votes, Urge Action Against Lee Government's Overreach 6.3 local elections began early voting on May 29, with Oh Se-hoon, the People Power Party candidate for Seoul mayor, Han Dong-hoon, an independent candidate for the National Assembly in Busan, and Lee Jun-seok, leader of the Reform Party, all voicing the need to prevent the overreach of the Lee Jae-myung government as they cast their ballots. Oh arrived at an early voting site at the Hanam-dong community center in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, around 8 a.m. with his wife, Song Hyun-ok, a professor at Sejong University. After voting, Oh told reporters, "Seoul stands at a crossroads: will it move toward the future or regress? Will democracy in South Korea advance or slide into dictatorship? This important election has now begun." He added, "If the Lee Jae-myung government wins this election, we may see a return to unchecked power, including the cancellation of the special investigation into the prosecution. I hope voters will deeply consider how to encourage President Lee to lead the country with greater humility after this election." Oh emphasized, "The Seoul city government has only just begun to recover from over a decade of darkness before my return. Now is a critical moment for a significant leap forward. I urge everyone to envision a bright future for Seoul through this election." Han cast his vote at the administrative welfare center in Busan's Mandeok 2-dong and told reporters, "The election in Buk-gu is historically significant for revitalizing a district that has stagnated for 20 years and for rebuilding conservatism to stop the overreach of the Lee Jae-myung government. I voted with a sense of urgency and determination." Regarding voter turnout, he stated, "Regardless of the circumstances, turnout must be high. That is democracy. South Korea has overcome crises and set its direction through citizens' votes. I urge everyone to participate in the election." Lee Jun-seok, leader of the Reform Party, also voted in his district in Dongtan, Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province. He remarked, "I believe that voting at a nearby polling place through early voting is a good system that shows public sentiment. I hope candidates from the Reform Party will have many opportunities to serve the community in this election." He added, "The current atmosphere suggests that there is a strong sentiment against the failures and unilateralism of the Lee Jae-myung government. I hope this local election demonstrates that the public will not accept one-sidedness and arrogance. Voting is essential for political change, so I encourage everyone to exercise their voting rights, which are their greatest power."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-29 10:38:00
  • Song Eon-seok Warns of Tax Burden After Local Elections Amid Economic Concerns
    Song Eon-seok Warns of Tax Burden After Local Elections Amid Economic Concerns Song Eon-seok, the floor leader of the People Power Party, stated on May 29 that if the administration of Lee Jae-myung continues its reckless policies, the public will face a tax burden, along with soaring rents and interest rates, following the local elections. During a press conference at the National Assembly, Song expressed concerns about the increasing burden of interest rates and the stagnation in the construction sector, which he said has significantly reduced the supply of new apartments. He warned that the decline in rental listings and the surge in rental costs could push the lives of ordinary citizens and young people to the brink. He noted that the Bank of Korea's monetary policy committee decided to keep the base interest rate at 2.5% and pointed out that this effectively signals an impending rate hike after the elections. Song also highlighted that since the inception of the Lee Jae-myung administration, the exchange rate has soared from the 1,400s to the 1,500s. He remarked that prices are rising, oil costs are increasing, and national debt has surpassed 1,000 trillion won. He expressed concern not just about the current economic reality but also about the government's perception of it. He criticized Kim Yong-beom, head of the Presidential Policy Office, for framing the high interest rates, high exchange rates, and high inflation as a new normal, calling it a fallacy of success. He argued that the government, which should be warning about the economic crisis and proposing solutions, has instead dismissed the public's suffering as a given, revealing its focus on political calculations and populism. Song added that the interest burden on citizens is reaching its limits, and while warning signs are emerging throughout the economy, the government remains fixated on populism and pro-labor policies, even suggesting the introduction of dangerous anti-market measures. He also criticized Labor Minister Kim Young-hoon for mentioning the redistribution of excess profits from large corporations, calling it a declaration of intent to pursue policies that directly contradict the market economy and constitutional principles that underpin Korea's remarkable economic growth. He noted that while competing nations are investing heavily in research and development and financial support for advanced industries, the current government is stuck in outdated ideologies, attempting to undermine the market. He emphasized that the upcoming June 3 local elections should be a referendum on protecting the economy and the lives of the people, urging voters to send a stern warning against the government's misguided economic policies and arrogant governance.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-29 09:50:00
  • Lee Jun-seok Endorses Yoo Yi-dong in Pyeongtaek Election, Emphasizes Semiconductor Industry
    Lee Jun-seok Endorses Yoo Yi-dong in Pyeongtaek Election, Emphasizes Semiconductor Industry Lee Jun-seok, leader of the Reform Party, urged voters on May 28 to support Yoo Yi-dong, the People Power Party candidate running in the Pyeongtaek by-election, one day before early voting for the local elections and by-elections begins.In a Facebook post, Lee stated, "As the leader of the Reform Party, I ask you not just as a party leader but as a member of the National Assembly who must protect the semiconductor industry in southern Gyeonggi and the rights of engineers and researchers."He continued, "Yoo, who has shared the same concerns for over a decade with the development of the Godeok International New Town and Dongtan, deserves another opportunity to work in the National Assembly. He is someone I have trusted for a long time and whom I personally recruited as the chair of the policy committee. He has consistently spoken the truth without bearing any responsibility for the military regime or the failures of the Yoon Suk-yeol administration."Lee also targeted Kim Yong-nam, the Democratic Party candidate, and Cho Guk, the Justice Party candidate, saying, "There are individuals with allegations of operating illegal loan businesses and controversies surrounding their children attending foreign language high schools while being listed as authors on engineering papers. I hope those with such controversies are eliminated from consideration, as they tarnish the pride built on the hard work and research ethics of the engineering community in both cities."He emphasized the importance of the semiconductor belt in southern Gyeonggi, stating, "Geographically, with Dongtan at the center, the semiconductor belt includes Samsung Electronics' Hwaseong campus, Pyeongtaek campus, SK Hynix's Icheon and Cheongju campuses, and the soon-to-be-operational Yongin Nam-sa and Won-sam cluster. This semiconductor belt is the heart and future of South Korea's industry. Ensuring these massive production bases operate smoothly is essential for maintaining and enhancing Dongtan's value."Lee noted, "Recently, when meeting with Dongtan residents, I often hear their concerns. Some members of the Democratic Party have suggested relocating the semiconductor belt to Saemangeum or Jeollanam-do. However, the reality is that there are not enough colleagues in the National Assembly to counter such attempts in southern Gyeonggi."He concluded, "I hope that at least the National Assembly members representing Dongtan, which houses the Samsung Electronics Hwaseong campus, and Pyeongtaek, which houses the Pyeongtaek campus, can work together to protect this issue. If the residents of Dongtan persuade their colleagues in Pyeongtaek, and vice versa, we will have two National Assembly members who can solve the issues facing both Dongtan and Pyeongtaek together."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-28 18:28:00
  • Candidates Clash in Negative Debate for Busan North District
    Candidates Clash in Negative Debate for Busan North District Busan's North District by-election candidates faced off in a televised debate that was marked more by negative exchanges than policy discussions. Ha Jung-woo of the Democratic Party and Park Min-sik of the People Power Party launched concentrated attacks on independent candidate Han Dong-hoon regarding the controversy surrounding the party's member board and his involvement in the investigation of former President Park Geun-hye.During the debate organized by the National Election Commission at Busan MBC on May 28, Ha questioned Han about the 30-year prison sentence sought for Park, asking, "Even if you did not directly influence the sentence, can it not be said that you contributed significantly?"In response, Han acknowledged his role, stating, "I worked as a dispatched prosecutor in the team led by Yoon Seok-yeol at that time and was involved in that trial. I do not deny it," adding, "I fulfilled my duties as a public servant. I have also served as a prosecutor under other administrations and faced oppression during the Moon Jae-in administration." He expressed regret, saying, "While I did what I had to do, I feel sorry for former President Park. I appreciate the encouragement and advice she gave me during the last general election."Ha also questioned Han about the member board controversy, asking, "Is the news about identity theft true? If not, why haven’t you filed a complaint?" Han retorted, "I have been accused of spreading false information," and added, "While I would expect Park to raise the issue of the member board, I did not expect you to bring it up."Park joined in the criticism of Han, calling the member board controversy "a significant wound to the conservative support base" and questioned the legitimacy of the 30-year sentence sought for Park Geun-hye, asking, "Do you think that was justified, especially when compared to heinous criminals like Yoo Young-chul?" Han replied, "I feel personally sorry for former President Park," and criticized the debate for focusing on a former president instead of discussing the future of North Busan.Han then turned to Ha, referencing the controversy over President Yoon's decision to drop charges against Lee Jae-myung, asking, "Do you support or oppose the dismissal of charges? The citizens of Busan have already expressed their opposition to granting such authority, so what more needs to be said?" He also criticized the Busan Global Hub City Special Law, stating, "When President Yoon called it populism, you did not dare to oppose him."Ha shot back, saying, "Is this a prosecutor's interrogation room? This is why people say you can't shake off your prosecutor habits." He emphasized that regarding the dismissal of charges, he would focus on gathering public opinion in the National Assembly and concentrate on the residents of North Busan.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-28 17:56:00
  • People Power Party Reports Competitive Races Ahead of Local Elections
    People Power Party Reports Competitive Races Ahead of Local Elections People Power Party officials classified Daegu and Gyeongbuk as strongholds and identified Seoul, Daejeon, Chungcheong, Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam as competitive regions on May 28, one day before early voting for the June 3 local elections and National Assembly by-elections. For the by-elections, they deemed Daegu's Dalseong County a stronghold, while Ulsan's Nam-gu and Chungnam's Gongju, Buyeo, and Cheongyang were seen as competitive areas.Jung Hee-yong, the party's secretary-general, held a press briefing at the party's headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, stating, "The official campaign led by Representative Jang Dong-hyuk, which began with support rallies in Daejeon and Chungnam, was primarily focused on targeting public sentiment in the central region and spreading that momentum nationwide."He added, "The passionate campaigning by our candidates, combined with recent support from former President Park Geun-hye, has led to a consolidation of our base, resulting in highly competitive races in various areas."Jung categorized the gubernatorial races as strongholds in Gyeongbuk and Daegu, while labeling Seoul, Busan, Gangwon, Chungnam, Daejeon, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam as competitive regions. For the National Assembly by-elections, he reiterated that Dalseong County in Daegu is a stronghold, while Ulsan's Nam-gu and Chungnam's Gongju, Buyeo, and Cheongyang are competitive areas.He emphasized, "Our candidates will do their utmost to regain the support of the public in every region until the very last moment. Each vote from our supporters can create a turning point for us." He also urged voters to participate in the upcoming elections, stating, "Voting begins tomorrow. Please support the People Power Party candidate, number 2, and rest assured that we will meticulously oversee the entire early voting process."Regarding candidate unification in Pyeongtaek, he mentioned, "I heard that candidates Yoo Yi-dong and Hwang Kyo-ahn communicated yesterday. If there is a role for the central party to facilitate finding common ground between the two candidates, we will approach it with a flexible and open attitude." On the Ulsan mayoral election, he called on independent candidate Park Maeng-woo to respond to the citizens' wishes and urged for unification.On the candidate unification in Busan's Buk-gu Gap, he stated, "The central party respects the candidates' positions and will work closely with the candidates for district chief, city council, and district council, including Park Min-sik, to conduct a vigorous campaign together."He concluded, "The essence of this election is clear. It is a battle to uphold the spirit of the Constitution and the rule of law against attempts to cancel the trial of the president's crimes, and to protect my home, my property, and my salary from the arrogant Lee Jae-myung administration. It is also an election to defend our regions from morally and incompetently unqualified candidates."Jung criticized the Democratic Party's candidates, stating, "The candidates presented by the Democratic Party, such as the candidate who avoids debates in Seoul, the candidate involved in power abuse allegations in Busan, the candidate facing allegations of prostitution in Ulsan, the parachute candidate in Gangwon who is unfamiliar with his own region, and the candidate linked to loan sharking in Pyeongtaek, are at a level where basic qualifications for public office are hard to expect." He urged voters to check the arrogant Lee Jae-myung administration and to deliver a stern judgment on the unqualified Democratic Party candidates through their votes.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-28 12:18:00
  • Candidates Clash Over Development Strategies in Jeonbuk Governor Debate
    Candidates Clash Over Development Strategies in Jeonbuk Governor Debate Lee Won-taek of the Democratic Party, independent candidate Kim Kwan-young, and Yang Jeong-moo of the People Power Party engaged in a heated debate over regional development strategies and each other's political and legal vulnerabilities during a televised debate on May 22 at KBS Jeonju Broadcasting. During the debate, Kim criticized Lee's "internal development strategy," stating, "While I agree with the idea of nurturing local businesses over attracting external companies, the reality is that local firms have limitations in their assets and capabilities to grow on their own." He emphasized the necessity of attracting external capital and large corporations, pointing out that Jeonbuk's competitiveness index was among the lowest in 2019, indicating that the internal development strategy had already failed. In response, Lee argued that the weakening of local businesses was due to insufficient support for the economic ecosystem and stressed the importance of preparing for future industries while focusing on nurturing local enterprises. "It's not that we shouldn't pursue future industries and investment attraction; the internal development strategy must be at the core," he asserted. Lee also launched an attack on Kim, raising allegations of his complicity in the "insurrection at the provincial office." He questioned Kim's compliance with illegal directives on December 3, stating, "The documents from the provincial office indicate that you followed the Ministry of the Interior and Safety's orders to restrict access to the office." Kim countered, saying, "The second comprehensive special investigation concluded that there were no charges against me. Why should I apologize when that conclusion is not acknowledged?" He challenged Lee's claims, stating, "If the allegations of complicity in insurrection against me and the Jeonbuk provincial officials are false, I would stake my political life on it." Lee rebutted, saying, "During the night of the insurrection, the Yoon Suk-yeol government's illegal martial law should have been opposed, not complied with. I pointed out that you acquiesced to it. I never said I would take political responsibility if the special investigation found no charges." Yang also targeted Kim's political history and legal issues, questioning his ability to address Jeonbuk's pressing issues as an independent governor after changing parties six times. "Can you really resolve many of Jeonbuk's challenges as an independent governor?" he asked. Kim clarified, "I only left the Democratic Party once and returned. This time, I was expelled against my will. To call this a party change or defection is misleading." Yang further raised concerns about allegations of cash payments for a chauffeur service, labeling it a serious crime that could invalidate the election. "If you are elected governor and the judiciary deems your election invalid, it would paralyze the administration and incur huge costs for a re-election," he warned. In response, Kim stated, "It has been clarified that the payments were made to young people for chauffeur services, and I took immediate action to recover the funds. As a legal professional, I have thoroughly reviewed this, and I expect a reasonable outcome from the prosecution and the courts."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-23 20:03:31
  • Jang Dong-hyuk Appeals for Support for Yang Hyang-ja in Gyeonggi Province
    Jang Dong-hyuk Appeals for Support for Yang Hyang-ja in Gyeonggi Province Jang Dong-hyuk, chairman of the People Power Party, visited Gyeonggi Province on May 22 to urge voters to support Yang Hyang-ja, the party's candidate for governor. He called for overwhelming support for a "clean and capable candidate who will shape the future of Gyeonggi Province." During a campaign rally at Beomgye Intersection in Anyang, Jang criticized Choo Mi-ae, the Democratic Party candidate, stating, "While Yang was on a hunger strike to prevent a strike at Samsung Electronics for the future of South Korea, Choo was nowhere to be seen. How can such a candidate be trusted with the future of Gyeonggi Province?" He further accused Choo of being a key player in damaging the country for the benefit of Lee Jae-myung, saying, "Choo knows nothing about Gyeonggi Province. She proved her ignorance during the internal party debate, yet she became a candidate by securing votes from the 'Kkaedal' (a strong support group for the Democratic Party)." Jang praised Yang as a "high school graduate who made a name for herself at Samsung Electronics," emphasizing her qualifications as the true capable candidate to lead Gyeonggi Province, the heart of the semiconductor industry. "Yang is the one who understands semiconductors and can best drive the future advanced industries," he asserted. He also endorsed Kim Dae-young, the candidate for Anyang mayor, describing him as a "true worker who has dedicated over 30 years to Anyang City," stating that he knows the city well and has devoted everything to its betterment. In response, Yang addressed Choo, saying, "I don't want to talk about a candidate who viewed Gyeonggi Province as just a stopover for two years. Gyeonggi is my life, my everything. The People Power Party will unite to take care of the lives of each citizen in Anyang." Yang announced her campaign slogan, "A Profitable Gyeonggi Province," pledging to create a region where young people do not struggle with finances, delaying education, marriage, or housing. The rally included Jang and other party leaders, such as Kim Min-soo, Jo Kwang-han, Choi Ji-ye, and Park Jun-tae. After the event in Anyang, Jang continued campaigning in Suwon and Ansan.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-23 18:45:26
  • Jo Eung-cheon Calls for Yang Hyang-ja to Clarify Stance on GTX Suspension
    Jo Eung-cheon Calls for Yang Hyang-ja to Clarify Stance on GTX Suspension Jo Eung-cheon, the Gyeonggi governor candidate from the Reform Party, urged Yang Hyang-ja, the People Power Party candidate, to clarify her position regarding the suspension of the GTX-A construction at Samsung Station, which was recently mentioned by Jung Won-o, the Democratic Party's candidate for Seoul mayor.During an emergency press conference at the National Assembly on May 22, Jo asked, "Do you agree with Jung's statement about halting the GTX-A construction at Samsung Station?"He emphasized that the GTX Samsung Station is crucial as it connects the GTX-A and C lines, affecting over 6 million residents in nearby areas. He stated, "Both lines link northern and southern Gyeonggi Province, which is vital for all Gyeonggi residents. Jung's unilateral decision to halt the construction is a reckless statement that would cut off access for Gyeonggi residents."Jo criticized the previous Moon Jae-in administration's promise of 'transportation first, housing later,' questioning the fate of Gyeonggi residents who had invested in new towns based on that assurance. "What happens to their dreams?" he asked.He further described Jung's remarks as an imperial mindset, suggesting that the mayor of Seoul can do anything, and accused him of betraying the promises made by their former president. Jo also suggested that Jung's comments might be an attempt to divert attention from his political troubles stemming from a past assault incident.Addressing Yang, Jo noted, "In a recent media interview, you stated that the omission of rebar is 'unacceptable,' yet you have remained silent on Jung's suspension of the GTX construction. Are you really a candidate for Gyeonggi governor? Are you part of the opposition? Or are you perhaps on the same team as Jung?"He questioned the rationality of overturning the entire project based on some errors, asking, "What is the reason for your silence in the face of such ignorance and excess? Do you know nothing about issues outside of semiconductors and have no position on them?"Jo concluded by stating, "If you continue to remain silent, it would be an admission that you are not the People Power Party candidate, but rather assisting Jung and effectively acting as the Democratic Party's campaign chair, which is why people refer to you as 'Jang Dong-hyuk's avatar.'"* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-23 18:18:00
  • People Power Party Calls Editing of Kim Tae-heums Remarks a Clear Violation of Election Law
    People Power Party Calls Editing of Kim Tae-heum's Remarks a Clear Violation of Election Law People Power Party officials criticized Daejeon MBC on May 22 for omitting candidate Kim Tae-heum's opening remarks during a televised debate for the Chungnam governor position, calling it "a clear violation of election law and deliberate electoral fraud," and announced plans for legal action.Jang Dong-hyuk, the party's representative, stated at a central election committee meeting in Yeouido, "I hope the Election Commission and police will immediately investigate MBC and thoroughly uncover the truth."He added, "The 'M' in MBC seems to stand for the Democratic Party," questioning how a technical error could occur when election laws prohibit editing broadcast debates. "Editing should not be possible in the first place, so how could there be a technical accident?"Jang also called for a thorough investigation into any directives or involvement from higher-ups, as well as connections with the Democratic Party, asserting, "If such manipulation continues in election broadcasts, it will lead to even more frightening election manipulation than the Druking scandal."Jung Hee-yong, the party's secretary-general, described the complete omission of Kim's opening remarks as a serious issue that clouds voters' judgment and undermines the integrity of the electoral process. He pointed out that this editing directly violates Article 82, Section 1 of the Public Official Election Act, which states that broadcasts must not be edited.He further noted that the debate was conducted in a one-take format, making separate editing unnecessary, and argued that the selective editing of Kim's remarks cannot be dismissed as a mere technical error. He criticized Daejeon MBC's apology as evasive and inconsistent with the facts.The People Power Party plans to collaborate with Kim's team to file a complaint with the Election Broadcasting Deliberation Committee and the National Election Commission, as well as pursue criminal charges.Earlier, on May 21, Daejeon MBC aired the debate without Kim's one-minute opening remarks. The network later explained that the omission was a mistake made during the editing of outtakes from the recording process.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-23 17:28:52