AJU PRESS ASIA FIRST NEWS AGENCY

Journalist

SONG SEUNG HYUN
  • National Assembly Leadership Concludes Term; Woo Won-sik Emphasizes Unity
    National Assembly Leadership Concludes Term; Woo Won-sik Emphasizes Unity The leadership of the 22nd National Assembly, including Speaker Woo Won-sik and Deputy Speakers Lee Hak-young and Joo Ho-young, officially concluded their terms during a retirement ceremony on May 29. Speaker Woo reflected on the past two years, stating, "The National Assembly must always prioritize the people." During the ceremony held in the National Assembly, Woo remarked, "I believe we have worked to protect democracy and, through that democracy, to safeguard the lives of the people." He emphasized the need for the National Assembly to continuously operate for the benefit of the public, stating, "There are many barriers in the National Assembly, including conflicts, political strife, and partisanship. If the Assembly becomes stalled due to these barriers while the people's lives continue without pause, it will only make life harder for the public and widen the gap between the Assembly and the people." Woo added, "I will return to being a regular member starting tomorrow. I will persistently work to ensure that democracy, proven through the lives of the people, becomes the strongest weapon for those who are weak. It has been a great honor to serve as Speaker during such a complex and critical time over the past two years." Deputy Speaker Lee expressed gratitude, saying, "Speaker Woo led us exceptionally well over the past two years. We faced historical challenges together and overcame them. It has been a tremendous honor for me, and I sincerely thank everyone who shared this honor with us." Deputy Speaker Joo noted, "The first half of the National Assembly has seen many events, but as the opposition, there were many regrets. I question whether we have properly checked the executive branch under the principle of separation of powers, as the ruling party has unilaterally supported the government." He added, "Successful democracies are based on tolerance and restraint. I have worried that we might be going astray due to ignorance and arrogance."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-29 16:27:00
  • Early Voting Kicks Off for Local Elections Amid Calls for Housing Solutions
    Early Voting Kicks Off for Local Elections Amid Calls for Housing Solutions On the first day of early voting for the June 3 local elections, the early voting site at the Yeouido Community Center in Yeongdeungpo, Seoul, was bustling with voters during lunchtime. Many citizens voiced their concerns, calling for solutions to the housing crisis as they participated in the voting process. Located in Yeouido, where many office workers are employed, the community center saw long lines forming outside the polling station by 11:30 a.m., reflecting the high interest in this local election. Office workers arrived wearing their employee badges or dressed in business attire and work uniforms. Additionally, military personnel, visually impaired individuals, and seniors received assistance to cast their votes. As noon approached, the line stretched approximately 150 meters from the entrance. Some voters, upon hearing that the wait would exceed 30 minutes, decided to leave and return after lunch. The unusually hot weather prompted many to use umbrellas, hand fans, and portable fans to stay cool. After voting, citizens uniformly expressed their desire for the next mayor of Seoul to address the housing issue. A man in his 60s, who voted for Jung Won-oh of the Democratic Party, stated, "The most important issue in this election is real estate," emphasizing the need for more opportunities for younger generations. A woman in her 20s who supported Oh Se-hoon of the People Power Party echoed similar sentiments, saying, "I hope a living environment can be created for those in their 20s to live alone in Seoul. The burden of rent and housing prices is too high." A man in his 40s who also voted for Oh remarked, "While we need to expand housing supply through reconstruction and redevelopment, it should be done in a balanced way to avoid price instability." He noted that the political discourse has been overshadowed by allegations and conflicts rather than policy competition. Interestingly, despite earlier polls favoring Jung, there were signs of momentum for Oh among voters, who cited his experience as a four-term mayor as a reason for their support. A woman in her 30s, identifying as undecided, said, "There aren't any standout candidates, but I chose Oh. It's important whether he can check the Blue House and the ruling party. I hope he works for the country." Both the woman and the man who supported Oh highlighted his current position as mayor, believing he has a better understanding of city governance, and praised his extensive administrative experience. By 12:30 p.m., the long lines that had extended outside the entrance had noticeably diminished. A polling station official reported that approximately 1,600 people had voted by that time, an increase of about 300 from 11:42 a.m. According to the National Election Commission, the national average voter turnout by 3 p.m. was recorded at 8.15%, which is 0.9 percentage points higher than the early voting rate of 7.25% at the same time during the 2022 local elections. Early voting will continue for two days, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., at 3,571 locations nationwide. Voters aged 18 and older must present a government-issued ID that includes their date of birth and photo, such as a resident registration card, passport, or driver's license. Mobile IDs are also accepted, but screenshots or image files are not valid. Voters casting ballots at polling stations in their registered districts will receive a ballot, mark it, and place it directly into the ballot box. However, voters at polling stations outside their registered districts must receive both a ballot and a return envelope, mark the ballot, place it in the envelope, seal it, and then submit it into the ballot box. Detailed locations of early voting sites can be found on the election commission's website or by calling their hotline at 1390.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-29 16:24:00
  • Ruling Party Warns Opposition Candidates of Serious Consequences Amid Election Controversies
    Ruling Party Warns Opposition Candidates of Serious Consequences Amid Election Controversies On May 29, the Democratic Party issued a warning to the opposition amid ongoing controversies surrounding the local elections, specifically addressing allegations of deepfake video production and distribution linked to Park Wan-soo, the People Power Party's candidate for Gyeongnam governor, and accusations of online comment manipulation involving Oh Se-hoon, the party's candidate for Seoul mayor. The party asserted that these issues would lead to serious consequences for the opposition. Kang Jun-hyun, the party's spokesperson, spoke to reporters at the National Assembly, emphasizing the importance of active voter participation on the first day of early voting. "We urge the public to exercise their valuable right to vote," he said, noting that problems related to the People Power Party candidates continue to emerge. Kang highlighted reports from May 28 that raised concerns about illegal AI deepfake election videos being created and distributed by Park's campaign, as well as indications of election interference by Gyeongnam provincial officials. He stated, "If true, this constitutes a serious violation of the Public Official Election Act and is one of the most severe election crimes." He further remarked, "This is also an instance of administrative power being mobilized for electoral purposes. Elections are a stage for the people's choice, not a mud fight where one can win through crime and rule-breaking." Regarding the recent controversy surrounding Oh's alleged comment manipulation, Kang noted, "There are reports that malicious posts were created and systematically disseminated with the intent of causing the defeat of candidate Jeong Won-ho. A representative from Oh's camp even mentioned that they had previously changed the game during the 2021 by-elections through a comment campaign." Kang criticized the People Power Party, questioning whether they take pride in manipulating public opinion. He recalled the remnants of similar tactics from the Lee Myung-bak administration, warning that the unethical approach of prioritizing electoral victory over political integrity would now face severe scrutiny. Additionally, Kang pointed to recent polling data indicating that Lee Won-taek is leading Kim Kwan-young in the race for the Gyeongbuk governor position, suggesting that public sentiment in the region is rallying behind the Democratic Party. He concluded by stating, "What Kim should do now is not to dream of an unrealistic return to the party but to show integrity by apologizing to party members and resigning. I urge the voters of Jeonbuk, who support President Lee Jae-myung, to choose him."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-29 15:45:00
  • Jung Won-oh Urges Early Voting, Promises to Prioritize Citizens Safety
    Jung Won-oh Urges Early Voting, Promises to Prioritize Citizens' Safety Jung Won-oh, the Democratic Party's candidate for Seoul mayor, focused on voter outreach on the first day of early voting, stating, "This election is about choosing who will take responsibility for citizens' lives. Change the standards of Seoul through early voting." He highlighted recent safety concerns, including allegations of missing rebar in the GTX-A project and the collapse of the Seosomun overpass, pledging to create a safer Seoul for its residents. During a meeting of his central campaign committee, Jung said, "This election is about choosing who will take responsibility for citizens' lives. What Seoul needs now is not political slogans but action." He encouraged voters to change the standards of Seoul through early voting, which runs for two days. He criticized Oh Se-hoon, the candidate from the People Power Party, stating, "To create tangible change that citizens can feel, we must work hand in hand with the central government. However, Oh seeks to drag Seoul into political strife instead of addressing discomfort and insecurity." Jung urged voters to make a wise decision on whether to allow incompetence and irresponsibility to continue or to start a new Seoul that transforms citizens' daily lives. Jung reiterated his commitment to prioritizing citizen safety, referencing the recent safety incidents. He stated, "Life and safety are values that cannot be compromised. I will make citizen safety the top priority of my administration, shifting to proactive governance that predicts and prevents risks before accidents occur." He proposed establishing a Life Safety Committee under the mayor's office to oversee safety inspections across Seoul. He concluded, "The mayor is responsible for the lives of citizens. During Oh's decade in office, what citizens have experienced are repeated accidents, housing insecurity, and neglected livelihoods. Change the standards of safety, housing, and livelihood recovery in Seoul through early voting. Choose Jung Won-oh, a capable mayor for Seoul."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-29 10:08:00
  • Jung Cheong-rae Urges Supporters of Lee Jae-myung to Vote for Jeong Won-o
    Jung Cheong-rae Urges Supporters of Lee Jae-myung to Vote for Jeong Won-o Jung Cheong-rae, the head of the Democratic Party, encouraged all citizens supporting President Lee Jae-myung to vote for Jeong Won-o on the first day of early voting for the local elections on May 29. He emphasized, "If you support President Lee and want this government to operate more stably, please vote for the Democratic Party." During a meeting of the Central Election Countermeasures Committee at Jeong's campaign headquarters, Jung stated, "Voting is stronger than a bullet. Power does not come from the barrel of a gun but from the ballot box," urging citizens to come out and vote. He added, "If you vote, you can win. I appeal to all citizens supporting President Lee and the people of Seoul to go to the polls." Jung described this local election as a chance to empower President Lee, urging those who believe he is doing a good job to support Democratic candidates. He also continued to express the need to check the opposition party, People Power Party, as early voting commenced, marking the start of the election phase. He criticized the People Power Party, saying, "Seeing them still dreaming of a revival of Yoon Seok-yeol and shouting 'Yoon Again' makes me wonder what era they belong to. Is it a nomination for rebellion or rebellion for nomination? They continue to show a regressive attitude, trying to turn the water wheel with water that has already flowed away." Jung pointed out that the commonality among Yoon Seok-yeol, Lee Myung-bak, and Park Geun-hye is that they are all imprisoned. He stated, "The people will never tolerate attempts to reverse the history of South Korea by these three. The Democratic Party is not finished until the end. We will conduct our campaign with humility and a low profile until the last moment."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-29 10:00:00
  • Conflict Escalates Between Kim Kwan-young and Democratic Party Over Election Issues
    Conflict Escalates Between Kim Kwan-young and Democratic Party Over Election Issues In response to the results of the Democratic Party's primary for the Jeonbuk governor race, independent candidate Kim Kwan-young's camp criticized the leadership of Jeong Cheong-rae on May 28, stating that their negative tactics resemble a low-quality drama. The Democratic Party has retaliated by labeling Kim as someone who was expelled for allegations of cash distribution, intensifying the conflict between the two sides. Kim's election campaign committee released a statement claiming, "The negative tactics of Jeong Cheong-rae's leadership, in an attempt to counter the Kim Kwan-young surge, evoke images of a low-quality drama that cannot be tolerated. It is not too late to reflect on why the public sentiment in Jeonbuk is shifting against the ruling party." They further asserted, "The slander and distortion tactics employed by Jeong Cheong-rae's leadership have reached an intolerable level. The individuals responsible for turning this election into a mudslinging contest are the candidates like Lee Won-taek, who were accused of colluding with insurrectionists, along with Jeong Cheong-rae's leadership." Regarding recent speculation about prior communication between Kim and President Lee Jae-myung, the committee stated, "Kim has never claimed to have spoken with the president. We question who is manipulating the situation by dragging the president into the election." In response, the Democratic Party issued sharp remarks through spokesperson Han Min-soo and Secretary-General Jo Seung-rae. Spokesperson Han stated, "The act of cash distribution committed by Kim is a serious violation that cannot simply disappear. It is time to stop gambling the future of Jeonbuk on Kim's political maneuvers. Apologizing and resigning today would be the right thing to do for the people of Jeonbuk." Secretary-General Jo also addressed reporters in the National Assembly, asserting, "Kim is a person who was expelled by the Democratic Party for distributing cash. He continues to act as if he is a political victim while rationalizing his independent candidacy by leveraging President Lee."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-28 16:16:00
  • Democratic Party Claims Lee Won-taek Surpasses Kim Kwan-young in Polls
    Democratic Party Claims Lee Won-taek Surpasses Kim Kwan-young in Polls The Democratic Party stated on May 28 that a recent poll showing Lee Won-taek with higher support than independent candidate Kim Kwan-young reveals the latter's ongoing portrayal as a political victim. The party also criticized former Presidents Lee Myung-bak and Park Geun-hye, asserting that the public would likely view them unfavorably due to their legal troubles and impeachment. During a press conference at the National Assembly, Cho Seung-rae, the party's secretary-general, introduced a poll conducted over two days starting May 26, which indicated that Lee Won-taek was leading Kim Kwan-young. "It is clear that Kim Kwan-young is someone who was expelled from the Democratic Party for distributing cash," Cho said. "He has been pretending to be a political victim, and this essence has now been revealed." Cho further noted that Kim even attempted to justify his candidacy by invoking President Lee Jae-myung, despite an official denial from the Blue House. He expressed concern that anger among residents of Jeolla Province might be growing over the situation, suggesting that support for Lee Won-taek would increase as voters prioritize regional development. Additionally, Cho addressed the recent campaign activities of former Presidents Lee Myung-bak and Park Geun-hye, stating, "The majority of the public will likely evaluate them very harshly." He pointed out their past legal issues and the disappointment they caused during their presidencies, implying that their involvement in the campaign may not be well-received. Cho also expressed skepticism about the possibility of unifying with the Justice Innovation Party in the Pyeongtaek constituency, stating that discussions had concluded with the realization that unification was not feasible at this time.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-28 16:16:00
  • Han Byeong-do Promises Support for Daegus New Airport and Administrative Merger
    Han Byeong-do Promises Support for Daegu's New Airport and Administrative Merger Han Byeong-do, the floor leader of the Democratic Party, visited Daegu on May 28 to pledge full support for the campaign promises of mayoral candidate Kim Boo-kyum, including the integration of the Daegu-Gyeongbuk new airport and a previously stalled administrative merger. He also committed to creating a Daegu that retains its youth through industrial transformation. During his visit to Kim's campaign rally, Han expressed, "I am here to convey my urgent hope that you will elect Kim. We will surely change Daegu's difficult issues through administration, not politics, with the strength of the ruling party." Han emphasized that if Kim is elected, he will work with President Lee Jae-myung to realize the new airport project and the administrative merger of Daegu and Gyeongbuk. "Regarding the airport issue, the most challenging core problem is the financial aspect. We will secure the budget for this within the year," Han stated. He added that the administrative merger would receive 20 trillion won over four years, with 5 trillion won allocated annually, which he believes will significantly transform Daegu and Gyeongbuk. He concluded, "The only candidate who can overcome Daegu's crisis and make this transformation a reality is Kim. If you elect him, we will turn these promises into reality alongside President Lee. We will show that through industrial transformation, we can create hope in Daegu, where young people are leaving due to a lack of jobs. Please lend your support so we can work for Daegu."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-28 10:57:00
  • Candidates Present Plans for Gyeongnam Governor in TV Debate
    Candidates Present Plans for Gyeongnam Governor in TV Debate In a televised debate ahead of the June 3 local elections, Gyeongnam Governor candidates Kim Kyung-soo of the Democratic Party, Park Wan-soo of the People Power Party, and Jeon Hee-young of the Progressive Party outlined their visions for the region's development while also engaging in negative campaigning over military service and hiring favoritism allegations. The candidates participated in the debate held at Gyeongnam MBC on May 22, emphasizing the need for cooperation with the central government, consistent policies, and the dismantling of factional politics to garner support. Kim stated, "The current crisis cannot be overcome by Gyeongnam alone. We must work together with the central government," challenging Park by asking, "How can a governor who fights against the central government overcome a crisis?" Park responded, "I was born and raised in Gyeongnam and know it better than anyone. I have worked solely for the residents of Gyeongnam. Currently, Gyeongnam leads in all economic, population, and living indicators." Jeon added, "Labor rights must be guaranteed, and the rights to life and survival must be protected. I will end the era of impoverished residents. Gyeongnam needs new figures for new politics." When asked how they would share benefits from the Jinhae New Port and the Gadeok New Airport with Busan, the candidates provided differing responses. Jeon emphasized the need for careful examination of whether these projects would genuinely improve residents' lives, citing the climate crisis and marine ecosystem as critical issues. Park outlined his vision for maximizing Gyeongnam's development, which includes expanding transportation infrastructure, increasing industrial institutions, broadening free economic zones to attract businesses, and fostering international business. Kim asserted, "The new port should be developed into a core of high-value-added logistics integrated with manufacturing, which also requires cooperation with the central government." In response to another common question about securing stable water resources, all three candidates agreed on the need to improve the Nakdong River's water quality. The debate saw intense exchanges, particularly between Kim and Park. Park criticized Kim for the 'Druking incident,' stating, "As a result of stepping down during his term, Gyeongnam's economic growth rate fell to the lowest. His pledge fulfillment rate is also the lowest." In defense, Kim countered, "I facilitated the exemption of the KTX preliminary feasibility study, passed the special law for Gadeok New Airport, advanced the national project for smart industrial complexes, and established the current defense industry framework. During your term, the delinquency rate of corporate loans tripled, and industrial household income ranked 15th out of 17 cities and provinces." Park then raised concerns about Kim's alleged increase in assets amounting to approximately 1.1 billion won during his imprisonment and questioned his military service. Kim responded, "That property was inherited after my father-in-law's passing, and the military service issue was handled according to regulations." Kim also challenged Park regarding allegations of hiring favoritism involving his nephew during his tenure as CEO of Incheon International Airport. He noted that the Board of Audit and Inspection stated there was 'reasonable suspicion' regarding Park's involvement in hiring during his time as mayor of Changwon and as Gyeongnam governor. In response, Park maintained, "All hiring was conducted through legal and proper procedures, and investigations concluded there were no issues."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-23 19:42:00
  • Democratic Party Targets Voter Support in Chungbuk and Gangwon Regions
    Democratic Party Targets Voter Support in Chungbuk and Gangwon Regions The Democratic Party intensified its campaign efforts in Chungbuk and Gangwon provinces on May 22, the second day of the official election period for the June 3 local elections. This push comes after the opposition People Power Party won control of local governments in these regions during the last election. Jung Cheong-rae, the party's chief election strategist, is focusing on regaining voter support. The campaign kicked off in the morning with greetings at the SK Hynix Cheongju campus, where Jung, along with Shin Yong-han, the candidate for Chungbuk governor, and Lee Jang-seop, the candidate for Cheongju mayor, shook hands and took photos with commuters. Later, Jung visited Chungju Public Market, where he promised full support for Shin and Maeng Jeong-seop, the candidate for Chungju mayor, alongside former Chungbuk governor Lee Si-jong, who is now a campaign committee member. "For Chungbuk to develop, we need a Democratic president, a Democratic governor, and Democratic lawmakers," Jung stated. He added that a pledge implementation team would be formed around Chungbuk lawmakers to ensure that candidates' promises serve the public interest. Jung emphasized that Shin and Maeng are the best candidates to significantly advance Chungbuk and Chungju, pledging that the Democratic Party would fully support their efforts. He highlighted key promises, including the swift establishment of a civilian runway at Cheongju International Airport and the development of a national railway network along the Gangho axis. After concluding the campaign in Chungbuk, Jung traveled to Gangwon in the afternoon to support Woo Sang-ho, the candidate for Gangwon governor. In Gangneung, Jung urged support for Woo and Kim Jung-nam, the candidate for Gangneung mayor, stating, "The Democratic Party and the Lee Jae-myung administration have focused heavily on Gangwon. We will lead the necessary laws and budgets to ensure that your needs are met promptly." Jung also praised Woo's background as the first chief of staff under the Lee Jae-myung administration, saying, "He is someone who can communicate directly with the president. He is not just a well-known name; he is a capable candidate who can truly make a difference." Additionally, Jung and Woo visited Donghae and Samcheok to support candidates Lee Jeong-hak and Lee Jeong-hoon, wrapping up the second day of their campaign activities.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-23 19:30:00