Journalist

Won Eun-mi
  • Kim So-young Denies Charges in Motel Murder Trial
    Kim So-young Denies Charges in Motel Murder Trial Kim So-young, 20, has reiterated her denial of charges in a trial related to a series of motel murders. On May 7, video footage was shown in court for the first time, depicting Kim leading a man who appeared to be under the influence of drugs. The Seoul Northern District Court held the second hearing for Kim, who is facing murder charges. She appeared in court wearing a prison uniform. While witness testimonies were conducted behind closed doors, Nam Eon-ho, the lawyer representing the victims, shared details on social media after the proceedings. Nam stated that when the court asked Kim if she had any questions for the victim, she expressed a desire to ask, "Did the victim ever make unwanted physical contact with you in the past?" Nam argued that this suggested Kim wanted to claim she offered the drugged drink as a means of self-defense against unwanted advances from the victim. Victim A testified that after taking a sip of a vitamin drink offered by Kim, he found it bitter and refused to drink more, but Kim insisted he finish it. After the witness testimonies, the court reviewed CCTV footage showing Kim and the disoriented man entering an elevator at a café in Namyangju. The footage showed the man struggling to stand and being guided by Kim, who appeared to be conversing with him while showing him her phone. This behavior elicited murmurs of discontent from the courtroom audience. The prosecution had additional footage prepared but could not present it due to technical issues. Kim is accused of administering drinks laced with benzodiazepine to three men between mid-December and February, resulting in the deaths of two and one losing consciousness. She was indicted in March. On April 30, she faced additional charges for injuring three other men using similar methods. The court plans to decide whether to consolidate the two cases at the next hearing, scheduled for June 11 at 4:30 PM.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-07 23:51:07
  • Weather Forecast: Cloudy Nationwide with Rain in Gangwon and Jeju Mountains
    Weather Forecast: Cloudy Nationwide with Rain in Gangwon and Jeju Mountains On Friday, May 8, most of the country will be cloudy, except for the capital region. According to Yonhap News, rain is expected in the inland and mountainous areas of Gangwon, eastern North Jeolla, North Gyeongsang, South Gyeongsang, and Jeju Island early in the morning. Light rain of less than 0.1 mm is forecast for the inland and mountainous regions of Gangwon in the morning, with some areas in Gangwon receiving rain in the afternoon. Expected rainfall in the mountainous areas of Gangwon and Jeju is around 5 mm. Strong winds of up to 55 km/h (70 km/h in mountainous areas) are anticipated across most regions, necessitating caution for facilities and safety. A strong wind advisory may be issued for Jeju Island due to very strong winds. In the waters off Jeju, excluding the northern and southern coasts, waves could reach 1.5 to 3.5 meters in height, prompting a possible wave advisory in the early morning and afternoon in the central and northern parts of the East Sea. Morning temperatures are expected to range from 7 to 14 degrees Celsius, with daytime highs between 18 and 22 degrees. Air quality is forecast to be 'good' nationwide. Waves in the East Sea are expected to be 0.5 to 2.0 meters, in the West Sea 0.5 to 1.5 meters, and in the South Sea 0.5 to 1.0 meters. In the offshore waters (about 200 km from the coastline), wave heights are predicted to be 0.5 to 3.5 meters in the East Sea, 0.5 to 2.5 meters in the West Sea, and 0.5 to 2.0 meters in the South Sea.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-07 23:49:22
  • Iranian Media Claims Physical Action Against South Korean Vessel
    Iranian Media Claims Physical Action Against South Korean Vessel Iranian state media reported that Iran has taken "physical action" against a South Korean vessel. According to Yonhap News Agency, Iran's Press TV stated on May 6 that targeting a South Korean ship for violating newly defined maritime rules signals Iran's commitment to defending its sovereignty. While the specific name of the vessel was not mentioned, it is believed to refer to the HMM Namoo. The column also claimed that the U.S. halted its "Project Freedom" not out of goodwill, but due to Iran's asymmetric military deterrence and calculated responses. This contradicts the Iranian government's assertion that it was not involved in the explosion and fire on the HMM Namoo in the Gulf region. In a statement on May 6, the Iranian embassy in South Korea firmly denied any military involvement in the incident involving the South Korean vessel in the Strait of Hormuz. While the column did not specify the military as the actor behind the alleged physical action, it contrasts with the embassy's claims of non-involvement. The embassy warned that ignoring operational realities in a tense military environment could lead to unintended incidents, placing responsibility on those who disregard such considerations while navigating the area. Although the Iranian military did not initiate an attack on the "innocent" HMM Namoo, it suggested that the vessel may have disregarded Iran's navigation rules, implying a potential justification for a physical response. Press TV operates as a state-run English-language outlet aimed at conveying the Iranian government's perspective to the West. The column also justified Iran's recent attacks on the United Arab Emirates (UAE), stating that a serious ultimatum delivered to the UAE shattered any illusions that war would be confined to international waters. It noted that redefining the Strait of Hormuz to include UAE territorial waters, particularly the Port of Fujairah, was a strategic move. The column warned that this shift would come as an unexpected shock to the U.S. and its allies, as Fujairah, located outside the Strait, had long been considered a safe rear base, a role that has now fundamentally changed.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-07 23:47:53
  • Police Reapply for Arrest Warrant for Bang Si-hyuk After Prosecutor Rejection
    Police Reapply for Arrest Warrant for Bang Si-hyuk After Prosecutor Rejection Police have refiled an arrest warrant for Bang Si-hyuk, chairman of HYBE, who is accused of deceiving investors into selling shares ahead of the company's IPO. This comes just six days after prosecutors rejected the initial warrant, citing insufficient justification for detention. According to reports on May 7, the Seoul Metropolitan Police's Financial Crime Investigation Unit submitted the warrant application on April 30, targeting Bang for fraudulent trading under the Capital Markets Act. The police initially filed the warrant on April 21, but the Southern District Prosecutors' Office returned it on April 24, requesting further investigation. Prosecutors stated they found a lack of compelling reasons for detention at that time. Following this, police reinforced their case by highlighting concerns about potential flight, evidence destruction, and recidivism risks. Bang is accused of misleading existing investors and venture capitalists by claiming there were no plans for an IPO during the 2019 listing process, subsequently persuading them to transfer shares to a private equity fund he was connected to. Police suspect he received about 190 billion won from this arrangement, totaling illicit gains of approximately 260 billion won. Current capital market laws prohibit obtaining financial benefits through false information or fraudulent schemes during investment transactions. If the illicit gains exceed 5 billion won, penalties can include life imprisonment or a prison term of five years or more. The police began their investigation based on internal tips, conducting searches and summons since last year. They raided the Korea Exchange and HYBE in June and July 2022 and placed a travel ban on Bang upon his return from the U.S. in August. He was interrogated five times from September to November 2022. Additionally, police have secured pre-indictment asset preservation measures on Bang's HYBE shares, valued at approximately 156.8 billion won. During the initial warrant application, police cited the severity of the case, noting that the amount involved exceeded 100 billion won, as well as evidence suggesting Bang replaced his mobile phone shortly before the investigation. If prosecutors proceed with the refiled warrant, a pre-arrest hearing may be held in court.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-07 23:25:57
  • Special counsel resumes raid on prosecutors’ e-Pros server over Shim Woo-jung martial law allegations
    Special counsel resumes raid on prosecutors’ e-Pros server over Shim Woo-jung martial law allegations A second comprehensive special counsel team investigating unresolved allegations after the three earlier special counsel probes said it will resume a search and seizure of the Supreme Prosecutors’ Office’s e-Pros server, focusing on allegations that former Prosecutor General Shim Woo-jung was involved in the Dec. 3 martial law episode. The team, led by Special Counsel Kwon Chang-young, said it will restart execution of the warrant at 2 p.m. on May 7 at the National Information Resources Service’s Gwangju Center, under on-site direction by Assistant Special Counsel Kwon Young-bin. The move continues a warrant execution that began April 24 and was halted late at night. It is the first time, the report said, that a search-and-seizure warrant has been executed covering the entire e-Pros server. Investigators suspect Shim, during the martial law period, reviewed sending prosecutors to a joint martial law investigation headquarters at the direction of then-Justice Minister Park Sung-jae. They are also examining allegations that Park spoke by phone with Shim several times around a Justice Ministry senior staff meeting. The special counsel is expected to secure internal prosecution messenger records and reports from that period to confirm how the prosecutor-dispatch review was handled and who directed it. The team is also looking into how prosecutors in March last year decided to forgo an immediate appeal of a court decision canceling the detention of former President Yoon Suk Yeol. Shim cited possible constitutional issues and directed that no immediate appeal be filed, leading to Yoon’s release.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-07 14:12:40
  • Prosecutors, firms clash in court over alleged $677.6 billion won KEPCO GIS bid-rigging
    Prosecutors, firms clash in court over alleged $677.6 billion won KEPCO GIS bid-rigging Prosecutors and power-equipment makers clashed in court over whether a Korea Electric Power Corp. gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) case amounts to a long-running, structural cartel, as a trial over alleged bid rigging worth about 677.6 billion won moved forward. The Seoul Central District Court’s Criminal Division 32, led by Presiding Judge Ryu Kyung-jin, held the first hearing Tuesday for eight companies — including Hyosung Heavy Industries, HD Hyundai Electric, LS Electric and Iljin Electric — and current and former employees charged with violating the Fair Trade Act. The court discussed the trial schedule and evidence procedures and also held bail hearings for some defendants indicted in custody. Prosecutors allege the defendants coordinated expected winners and bid prices in advance in 145 KEPCO tenders from 2015 to 2022, forming a cartel involving about 677.6 billion won in contracts. Prosecutors estimate illegal gains at at least 160 billion won. GIS is a key device used at power plants and substations to cut excessive current and protect electrical facilities. Prosecutors say major suppliers, including the four companies, controlled about 90% of the market and divided up orders over an extended period. The companies deny collusion and argue the indictment does not specify the alleged agreements in sufficient detail. A lawyer for Hyosung Heavy Industries said prosecutors claim there was an overarching agreement but have not identified when or how it was reached. In a bid-rigging case, the lawyer said, prosecutors must specify who communicated in each tender and how winners were decided. The lawyer also said the indictment includes tenders Hyosung did not participate in, arguing it is hard to accept treating nonparticipation — due to production issues or sanctions — as part of collusion. Other companies likewise said they submitted bids normally based on their own standards and judgment and did not preselect winners or prices. Prosecutors countered that the case was brought to cover an overall collusive structure under the Fair Trade Act and involves dominant firms restricting competition for years. Prosecutors also said they found indications of defendants reversing statements after acknowledging collusion and argued there remains a risk of evidence destruction. At the bail hearings, defense lawyers for detained defendants said the case is expected to take a long time, the defendants have fixed residences, and most objective evidence has already been secured, asking that they be tried without detention. Prosecutors opposed bail, citing the scale and seriousness of the alleged conduct and arguing the risk of evidence destruction remains, including because defendants are responding jointly through the same lawyers. Some defendants also raised questions about the legality of the investigation. Iljin Electric said materials covered by attorney-client privilege were included in searches and seizures and said it would challenge their admissibility. The Fair Trade Commission last year ordered corrective measures and imposed a total of 39.1 billion won in fines on 10 companies, including Hyosung Heavy Industries, HD Hyundai Electric, LS Electric and Iljin Electric. Six of the companies were referred to prosecutors. An administrative lawsuit over the FTC’s measures is also pending at the Seoul High Court. How the criminal court defines the scope of collusion and each defendant’s involvement is expected to affect related civil and administrative cases. 2026-05-06 15:15:18
  • Judge in former first ladys corruption case found dead in Seoul
    Judge in former first lady's corruption case found dead in Seoul SEOUL, May 6 (AJP) - The presiding judge of the Seoul High Court who oversaw the appeals trial on corruption charges involving former first lady Kim Keon Hee was found dead on Tuesday, according to legal officials. Police found judge Shin Jong-oh's body at around 1 a.m. near the court compound in southern Seoul, after receiving a report from his family that they had been unable to reach him about an hour earlier. The 55-year-old was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Police, who are investigating the exact cause of his death, believe Shin jumped, as no foul play is suspected and a suicide note was also found at the scene. His handwritten message reportedly included an apology but made no mention of Kim's case or any trial-related matters. The Seoul High Court, presided over by Shin, sentenced Kim last week to four years in prison on multiple charges including accepting luxury handbags and jewelry in return for favors, as well as involvement in stock manipulation. The sentence was much harsher than the 20-month prison term handed down at the first trial. Shin, a graduate of Seoul National University, passed the bar exam in 1995 and served at courts nationwide including in Daegu, Uijeongbu and Ulsan. 2026-05-06 15:07:04
  • Special Counsel Team Inspects Yeonpyeong Island Military Sites Cited in Noh Sang-won Notebook
    Special Counsel Team Inspects Yeonpyeong Island Military Sites Cited in Noh Sang-won Notebook A second comprehensive special counsel team investigating allegations of prior planning for the Dec. 3 martial law declaration began an on-site inspection of military facilities on Yeonpyeong Island to verify locations tied to alleged roundup and detention plans written in the so-called “Noh Sang-won notebook.” The special counsel team said it was conducting the inspection Tuesday at military sites on Yeonpyeong Island. Investigators are focusing on whether notes in the notebook referring to a “collection point” match actual facilities. They are also examining whether the sites have structures that could be used as detention facilities, according to reports. Assistant Special Counsel Kim Chi-heon told reporters Monday that the team had obtained and would execute a warrant to verify locations linked to the notebook. “The special counsel, the assistant special counsel and the investigative team will go together,” he said. Kim said the team first sought and received warrants from a judge in connection with what was written in the notebook. He declined to identify the inspection targets, citing security, but said there are existing facilities that could be seen as having enough space to be used for detention. The inspection is part of the special counsel’s broader effort to corroborate the notebook’s authenticity and how it was written. The team is also reviewing indications that the Defense Counterintelligence Command prepared for martial law from the first half of 2024, including site visits to military facilities and plans for troop operations. The notebook, kept by former Defense Intelligence Command chief Noh Sang-won, is reported to list prominent politicians, judges and civil society figures as “targets for roundup,” and to include terms such as “collection point,” “follow-up measures” and “discarded after use.” Some media outlets have reported suspicions that facilities on Yeonpyeong Island and in the Hwacheon area of Gangwon Province are connected to the locations described in the notebook. Aju Economy previously reported, citing a tip, that Noh also considered ways to eliminate agents deployed in a martial law operation, along with allegations tied to the “discarded after use” memo and the use of special operatives. The special counsel team has also reportedly secured statements during recent questioning that, shortly before martial law, a military intelligence unit checked the Yeonpyeong Island facility in advance. However, in February, the first-trial court in former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s case on charges of being the ringleader of an insurrection said it was difficult to determine when the notebook was written and that some parts do not match actual facts, limiting its evidentiary value. The special counsel team said it will continue to determine whether the notebook is connected to actual martial law preparations through the on-site inspection and additional witness statements.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-06 11:27:06
  • Judge in Kim Keon Hee Appeal Case Found Dead Near Seoul High Court
    Judge in Kim Keon Hee Appeal Case Found Dead Near Seoul High Court Shin Jong-oh, a presiding judge at the Seoul High Court who oversaw the appeal trial in first lady Kim Keon Hee’s case involving alleged Deutsch Motors stock manipulation and other charges, was found dead early Tuesday. He was 55. According to legal circles, police were dispatched around midnight after Shin’s family reported they could not reach him. Officers found him about 1 a.m. near the court complex in Seocho-dong, Seocho District, Seoul. He was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Police said they believe Shin jumped and are investigating the exact circumstances of his death. They said no signs of criminal activity have been found so far. A note was also found at the scene, according to reports. It was said to include an apology and a statement to the effect that he was leaving on his own. It reportedly did not mention Kim’s case or the trial. Shin’s panel, the Seoul High Court’s Criminal Division 15-2, on April 28 sentenced Kim to four years in prison and fined her 50 million won on appeal on charges including violations of the Capital Markets Act. The sentence was sharply increased from the first trial’s prison term of one year and eight months. The appeals court reversed part of the lower court’s not-guilty finding and convicted her on some allegations of involvement in the Deutsch Motors stock manipulation. It also found her guilty of receiving money and valuables from the Unification Church side in connection with alleged solicitation. Shin, who was from Seoul, graduated from Sangmoon High School and Seoul National University’s law department. He passed the 37th bar exam in 1995 and served at courts including the Uijeongbu branch of the Seoul District Court, the Ulsan District Court, the Seoul High Court and the Daegu High Court. ※ If you are struggling with depression or have concerns that are difficult to talk about, or if you know a family member or friend who is having a hard time, you can reach the suicide prevention hotline at 109 for 24-hour counseling by professionals.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-06 10:35:52
  • Kim Keon Hee case heads to Supreme Court as special counsel appeals partial acquittals
    Kim Keon Hee case heads to Supreme Court as special counsel appeals partial acquittals Special Counsel Min Jung-gi’s team has taken to the Supreme Court the case of Kim Keon Hee, who was sentenced on appeal to four years in prison over allegations including Deutsche Motors stock manipulation and receiving valuables tied to the Unification Church. The special counsel said the appeals court misunderstood key legal issues in acquitting Kim on parts of the case. Kim’s side has also appealed, setting up a final round of arguments over guilt and sentencing. According to the legal community on Monday, the special counsel filed its appeal with the Seoul High Court’s Criminal Division 15-2, which heard Kim’s second trial. Kim’s attorneys filed their appeal on April 30. In a separate notice, the special counsel said it is challenging the court’s not-guilty ruling on parts of the Capital Markets Act charge, where the panel said some counts could not be proven because illicit profits could not be calculated. It also disputed the acquittal on the Political Funds Act charge, saying the court erred in its factual and legal assessment of Myung Tae-kyun’s provision of opinion polls. The special counsel said the ruling contained violations that affected the judgment, including a misunderstanding of legal principles and breaches of evidentiary rules and common experience. On April 28, the appeals court sentenced Kim to four years in prison and fined her 50 million won on charges under the Capital Markets Act, the Political Funds Act and influence-peddling bribery under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes. The court ordered the forfeiture of one seized Graff diamond necklace and imposed an additional 20.94 million won in collection. The prison term was increased by two years and four months from the first trial’s sentence of one year and eight months. A central point in the appeals ruling was partially overturning the first court’s acquittal on the Deutsche Motors stock-manipulation allegation. The panel found Kim provided Black Pearl Invest with a securities account holding 2 billion won in October and November 2010 and sold 180,000 Deutsche Motors shares, concluding those acts amounted to participation in price manipulation. It also said she had at least accepted the possibility the account could be used for manipulation. The court also expanded the scope of guilt on the Unification Church-related influence-peddling bribery charge. It found Kim guilty of receiving, from April to July 2022, two Chanel bags, a Graff necklace and Cheonsusam concentrated tea along with requests to support church-related issues. However, the court again acquitted Kim of violating the Political Funds Act over allegations she received opinion polls worth 270 million won for free from Myung and used influence over nominations. The panel said it was difficult to conclude she gained a property benefit, noting Myung provided polls to multiple people. That acquittal is expected to be a key issue at the Supreme Court. The special counsel is contesting the Political Funds Act acquittal and the partial acquittal under the Capital Markets Act, while Kim’s side is expected to deny the findings that she took part in stock manipulation and accepted valuables. The appropriateness of the sentence will also be reviewed. The special counsel has also appealed in related cases. An appeal was filed April 30 in the case of Yoon Young-ho, a former Unification Church world headquarters chief, who was indicted on allegations including providing valuables while seeking favors on church issues involving Kim and People Power Party lawmaker Kwon Seong-dong. Yoon was sentenced on appeal to one year and six months in prison. In addition, the case of Kim Ye-seong, described as a key figure in the so-called “butler gate,” will also go to the Supreme Court. The appeals court acquitted Kim and dismissed part of the prosecution, and the special counsel appealed that ruling.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-04 16:19:39