AJU PRESS ASIA FIRST NEWS AGENCY

Journalist

SONG SEUNG HYUN
  • Seoul Mayoral Election Spirals Amid Allegations of Missing Rebar
    Seoul Mayoral Election Spirals Amid Allegations of Missing Rebar As the Seoul mayoral election, often referred to as the "flower" of local elections, approaches, tensions between candidates are escalating, leading to a potential crisis. The Democratic Party, alongside candidate Jung Won-o, has intensified its attacks over allegations of missing rebar in the GTX-A line, prompting Oh Se-hoon of the People Power Party to demand an official apology from Jung and the Democratic Party, further escalating the conflict. At a press conference on the morning of May 19, lawmaker Ko Min-jeong, co-head of the "Oh Se-hoon 10-Year Judgment Headquarters" within Jung's campaign, increased pressure regarding the rebar allegations. "This construction failure is not merely a construction defect but a reflection of the Seoul city's administrative safety management capabilities and the overall public oversight system," Ko stated. "Oh must take clear responsibility for the allegations of poor construction and cover-up. If he attempted to conceal this, it would be a dereliction of duty that disregards citizen safety." Ko emphasized that during Oh's four years as mayor, incidents such as sinkholes, the Itaewon tragedy, and safety concerns regarding Han River buses have surged, asserting, "Oh, as the final safety manager of Seoul, is the source of safety negligence." The Democratic Party also ramped up its attacks during a parliamentary strategy meeting, with floor leader Han Byeong-do stating, "He knew about the missing rebar but failed to properly inform the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. Is showcasing his achievements more important than the lives and safety of Seoul citizens?" He added, "Oh, who hides failures and neglects safety, is unfit to be responsible for Seoul." In response, Oh claimed during a policy meeting that he learned about the missing rebar through news reports, asserting that the deputy mayor also had not received any reports regarding the issue. He accused Jung and the Democratic Party of exploiting the allegations for electoral gain and called for a public apology. "I learned about this issue from the news, and the deputy mayor has stated he received no reports on it," Oh said. "Jung and the Democratic Party should sincerely reflect and apologize for inflating the allegations and spreading them to the level of rumors for electoral purposes." Oh emphasized the importance of resuming construction quickly to ensure that operations scheduled for August 8 proceed without disruption, stating, "The operation of the GTX-A line is my top priority, and I will ensure it is managed properly." Additionally, Oh's campaign issued a statement describing the situation as a blatant "political maneuver" involving the mobilization of investigative and administrative powers for electoral purposes. They asserted that the city had recognized the issue in advance and had taken necessary actions through proper procedures. They warned the Democratic Party, saying, "Lacking confidence to compete for citizens' votes, they are attempting to eliminate opponents by borrowing the sword of power agencies. Investigative and administrative powers are not electoral tools for the ruling party. The citizens of Seoul will deliver a stern judgment against this undemocratic and arrogant behavior."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-19 17:16:26
  • Kim Yong-nam Apologizes for Assault and Verbal Abuse Controversy
    Kim Yong-nam Apologizes for Assault and Verbal Abuse Controversy Kim Yong-nam, the Democratic Party candidate for the Pyeongtaek re-election, issued an apology on May 19 in response to allegations of assault against his aides. He expressed deep regret, stating, "I sincerely reflect on my past immaturity and mistakes." He emphasized that the situation was entirely his fault and pledged to approach the citizens of Pyeongtaek with humility as he continues his campaign. In a statement, Kim said, "Regardless of the circumstances, I bow my head in sincere apology. I feel a heavy sense of regret and responsibility for the deep wounds caused by my harsh words and actions." He explained that the incident stemmed from the pressure he felt during his first term as a lawmaker to achieve results, admitting, "My inability to control my emotions and my outburst of anger were entirely my immaturity and mistake." Kim acknowledged that he failed to consider the feelings of his dedicated colleagues who worked tirelessly alongside him, vowing to reflect on himself strictly and to listen to the citizens of Pyeongtaek with the utmost humility. The candidate's campaign team also released a statement denying the allegations, asserting that no one in the camp has experienced or witnessed the violence or abusive language described in the reports. They stated, "As the election approaches in two weeks, the attacks will become sharper, but our staff and volunteers will remain steadfast. There is no top-down management style in our campaign that supports one politician over another." Earlier that day, a media outlet reported on the allegations of assault and verbal abuse against Kim during his first term as a lawmaker. An aide claimed that Kim kicked him in the shin with his shoe and subjected him to various verbal abuses, leading to the controversy.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-19 12:43:48
  • Ruling Party Condemns Starbucks Tank Day Marketing as a Social Crime Against Human Rights
    Ruling Party Condemns Starbucks' 'Tank Day' Marketing as a Social Crime Against Human Rights The Democratic Party of Korea has condemned Starbucks Korea's 'Tank Day' marketing campaign, launched on the 46th anniversary of the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement, calling it a "social crime that tramples on human rights and democracy."During a party meeting on May 19, Han Byeong-do, the party's floor leader, stated, "Yesterday, Starbucks unveiled a truly bizarre event," adding, "Before the atmosphere of mourning could settle, they drove another nail into the hearts of Gwangju citizens. I am filled with anger beyond despair."He continued, "This is neither an expression of freedom nor a legitimate event. It is an inhumane act that shakes the foundations of our community and denies the values of democracy," expressing strong suspicion that this was not merely an act of thoughtless individuals. "We will not overlook this anti-historical behavior," he declared.Ahn Do-geol, another party member, emphasized, "Any act that trivializes the sacrifices of those who gave their lives for democracy in South Korea, turning them into a commercial event, is unacceptable for any reason." He called for a comprehensive overhaul of the historical and human rights sensitivity verification system, internal reviews, and accountability regarding this incident.He added, "The history of democracy is not a subject for mockery. The sacrifices of Gwangju should not be used as marketing material, and we must not take this matter lightly."Additionally, Lee Joo-hee, the party's spokesperson, hinted at forthcoming discussions within the party regarding the controversial event. After the meeting, she told reporters, "While we have not yet discussed specifics within the party, as emphasized by our leadership and members today, we are viewing this matter seriously. I believe there will be discussions within the party."She reiterated Han's statement, describing the issue as a significant matter that undermines the spirit of May 18, suggesting that various responses and considerations will follow.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-19 12:39:24
  • Ruling Party Criticizes Oh Se-hoon Over GTX-A Steel Shortage and Han River Bus Issues
    Ruling Party Criticizes Oh Se-hoon Over GTX-A Steel Shortage and Han River Bus Issues The Democratic Party criticized Oh Se-hoon, the People Power Party candidate, on May 19, over allegations of missing steel reinforcements in the GTX-A project and issues related to the Han River bus service. They stated, "He is unfit to take responsibility for Seoul. He should resign and take accountability," and emphasized, "We cannot entrust citizen safety to someone who shifts blame." During a National Assembly meeting, Han Byeong-do, the party's floor leader, highlighted three major administrative failures that threaten citizens: the 20 billion won spent on the audit of the Han River bus service, the 150 billion won wasted, and the 2,570 missing steel reinforcements in the construction project. Han added, "It seems Oh prioritizes showcasing his achievements over the lives and safety of citizens. Similar to the free school meal incident, why not step down and take responsibility now? Oh, who hides failures and neglects safety, is not qualified to lead Seoul." Han Jeong-ae, the party's policy chair, pointed out, "Oh claims the construction company is at fault, but the bidding documents from the Seoul city government list him as the responsible party. This is no different from the Han River bus incident, where he shifted blame to human error after safety accidents occurred." She stressed, "This is shameless evasion of responsibility. We cannot entrust the safety of citizens to someone who prioritizes their own security and shifts blame." Cheon Jun-ho, the party's deputy floor leader, also criticized Oh, stating, "He is characterized by a lack of concern for safety and blatant arrogance. He must take responsibility and apologize first. The most important value a mayor should uphold is the safety of citizens."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-19 12:10:35
  • Han Byeong-do Urges Cooperation for National Assembly Session Amid Tensions
    Han Byeong-do Urges Cooperation for National Assembly Session Amid Tensions Han Byeong-do, the floor leader of the Democratic Party, emphasized the need for a National Assembly session on May 19, urging the People Power Party to cooperate in electing the next leadership. "The clock of the National Assembly must not stop. I call for significant cooperation," he stated, reiterating the importance of convening the session.During a meeting at the National Assembly, Han noted, "We must complete the election of the leadership before the local election campaign period from May 21 to June 2," and requested the People Power Party to assist in holding the session on May 20.He added, "The new leadership must be in place by May 30 to begin their duties normally. The National Assembly Act stipulates that the new leadership should be elected five days before the expiration of the previous leadership's term. The People Power Party is violating the law," he said.Han further stressed the urgency of preparing emergency measures for the prolonged situation in the Middle East and expediting legislation to support the KOSPI 8000 era. He also called for the completion of prosecutorial reforms and the normalization of the real estate market.In response to Jang Dong-hyuk's criticism of the upcoming Japan-Korea summit, Han remarked, "It is clear what the intention is behind holding a summit right before the elections. The level of awareness from the leader of the main opposition party is truly disheartening."He added, "It seems he has quickly forgotten the international embarrassment of returning empty-handed from his visit to the U.S., where he couldn't even meet with a minister or vice minister. The Yoon Suk-yeol administration is doing its utmost to restore South Korea's international standing, which was undermined by his administration. I hope he will exercise restraint."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-19 11:34:03
  • Ruling Party Criticizes Opposition Leaders Comments on Gwangju
    Ruling Party Criticizes Opposition Leader's Comments on Gwangju The Democratic Party harshly criticized Song Eon-seok, the floor leader of the People Power Party, for his comments made after he did not attend the 46th anniversary ceremony of the Gwangju Uprising on May 18, stating, "He has no right to mention the spirit of Gwangju, akin to 'Biden Season 2.'" Kang Jun-hyun, the party's chief spokesperson, spoke to reporters at the National Assembly on May 19, saying, "It is a day to remember the significance of May 18, yet yesterday, Song made a remark during a meeting that he did not attend because he did not want to go to Gwangju, saying, 'I don't know what might happen there.' He later corrected it to 'I didn't go because I was sad.' This is akin to 'Biden Season 2.'" Kang continued, "Whether it was because he found it dirty or sad, his attitude of acting as if he is a victim for not going to Gwangju is problematic. The constitutional amendment to include the spirit of May 18 was likely hindered by the People Power Party. They have no right to mention the spirit of Gwangju." He emphasized, "It is appropriate to sincerely acknowledge and apologize for past actions. What significance does it hold to make excuses?" Earlier, Song faced backlash after responding to a question from reporters about why he did not attend the May 18 ceremony by saying, "I didn't go because it was dirty." Following the controversy, he clarified that he meant he did not go because he was sad. Additionally, Kang warned against negative campaigning by People Power Party candidates ahead of the June 3 local elections and by-elections. He stated, "The issues surrounding People Power Party candidates Oh Se-hoon and Park Hyung-jun are serious. They have not adequately addressed concerns regarding the missing rebar in the GTX-A line and allegations related to LCT. The recent controversy surrounding candidate Kim Yong-nam should not be treated as a casual campaign tactic of 'let's just throw it out there and see what sticks.'"* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-19 09:30:00
  • Conflict Erupts Between Jeong Cheong-rae and Jang Dong-hyuk at 5·18 Commemoration
    Conflict Erupts Between Jeong Cheong-rae and Jang Dong-hyuk at 5·18 Commemoration Jeong Cheong-rae, leader of the Democratic Party, and Jang Dong-hyuk, leader of the People Power Party, attended the 5·18 Democratic Movement commemoration on May 18, expressing condolences while engaging in a heated exchange. Jeong stated, "We must judge the insurrection nominations," to which Jang retorted, "5·18 has become a tool for power expansion." Jeong arrived at the national cemetery at 8:40 a.m. and paid his respects for about 20 minutes before speaking with reporters. He reiterated the need to resolve the insurrection through victory in the upcoming June 3 local elections. "Seeing the insurrection party's nominations that still advocate insurrection and shout for Yoon Seok-youl, I prayed to the spirits of the Gwangju democracy martyrs to judge them," Jeong said. "If there is a will from heaven, the insurrection nominations will be sternly judged in the name of history, the constitution, and democracy." He emphasized the historical significance of the 5·18 Gwangju Democratic Movement and reiterated plans to include its spirit in the preamble of the constitution. "If it weren't for the 5·18 Democratic Movement, the current constitution, created through the June struggle of 1987, would not exist. The martial law of December 3 would have succeeded, and many citizens would still be suffering in a dark tunnel of dictatorship. I deeply thank the spirits of 5·18," he said. Jeong also expressed regret for failing to include the spirit of 5·18 in the constitution's preamble, stating, "I feel ashamed and sorry to the spirits of Gwangju. However, I will do my best to ensure that the spirit of 5·18 is included in the preamble and that we can never dream of martial law again." Jeong made remarks seemingly directed at Jang, who was also attending the commemoration. During a campaign meeting earlier that morning, he asked, "It seems that officials from the People Power Party will also attend. Even if you are unhappy and angry, please remain silent." Jang, who attended the ceremony, acknowledged the significance of May 1980 in preserving South Korea's liberal democracy but criticized the policies of the Lee Jae-myung administration and the Democratic Party. He stated on Facebook, "The true meaning of the 5·18 spirit is noble sacrifice for freedom and human rights, but to them, it is merely a tool for power expansion," labeling the judicial reform proposals pushed by the Lee administration and the Democratic Party as 'bulletproof' and 'removal of political opponents.' After the ceremony, Jang remarked, "It is truly strange and inappropriate for a president who seeks to eliminate his own trial to read a commemorative speech at the 5·18 site. The spirits were crying out that even the president must face trial if he commits a crime. Lee Jae-myung's speech could not even fill the 5·18 square." He added, "Our citizens will no longer tolerate the destruction of democracy by Lee Jae-myung. The People Power Party will fight alongside the people with our lives on the line," hinting at a struggle against the ruling party. Despite Jeong's request for silence during the ceremony, attendees shouted and criticized Jang upon his arrival.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-18 17:07:32
  • Jung Cheong-rae Calls for Judgment of Insurrection Forces in Upcoming Local Elections
    Jung Cheong-rae Calls for Judgment of Insurrection Forces in Upcoming Local Elections Jung Cheong-rae, leader of the Democratic Party, emphasized on May 18 that the upcoming local elections must serve as a judgment against insurrection forces that threaten constitutional order. He expressed his determination to restore democracy during the 46th anniversary of the May 18 Democratization Movement. Speaking at a central election campaign committee meeting in Gwangju, Jung stated, "Without the experience of the May 18 Democratization Movement, there would be no current South Korea. The Lee Jae-myung administration and the Democratic Party will do our utmost to bear the historical weight and responsibility." He pledged to write a victorious history that judges the insurrection forces and restores democracy in the local elections. Jung further noted, "If it weren't for the May 18 Democratization Movement, we would not have been able to prevent the December 3 martial law." He highlighted the historical significance of the May 18 movement. He explained, "During the December 3 martial law and insurrection, if the current constitution had not existed, we would not have been able to prevent the martial law. The democratic struggle of 1987, which created that constitution, was possible because of the May 18 Democratization Movement." Jung added, "The strength that allowed us to overcome the current December 3 martial law and insurrection comes from Gwangju in May 1980. We are alive today thanks to the spirits of Gwangju." Additionally, the Democratic Party hinted at plans to reintroduce a constitutional amendment to include the spirit of the May 18 movement, which was recently blocked by opposition from the People Power Party. Jung expressed, "I deeply apologize for not being able to include the spirit of May 18 in the preamble of the constitution. Including the spirit of May 18 in the constitution is the aspiration of the majority of the people who defended democracy. We will do our utmost until the end." Han Byeong-do, the floor leader, also stated, "The Democratic Party wanted to include the spirit of the May 18 movement in the preamble of the constitution, but it could not be realized due to opposition from the People Power Party. I promise before the spirits of May that the Democratic Party will promptly reintroduce the constitutional amendment to ensure that the spirit of May 18 is included in the preamble of the constitution."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-18 12:39:31
  • Jeong Cheong-rae Calls for Judgment on Insurrection Nominations at 5.18 Memorial
    Jeong Cheong-rae Calls for Judgment on 'Insurrection Nominations' at 5.18 Memorial Jeong Cheong-rae, the leader of the Democratic Party, stated that the People Power Party's nomination process ahead of the June 3 local elections will face severe judgment from the public for its support of insurrection. Speaking to reporters after attending the 46th anniversary ceremony of the Gwangju Uprising at the 5.18 Memorial Park, Jeong said, "I came here to plead for the spirits of the Gwangju martyrs to judge the insurrection nominations of the party that calls for insurrection. I believe that if there is a will from above, the insurrection nominations will be judged harshly in the name of history, the constitution, and democracy." Jeong also expressed regret over the failed constitutional amendment aimed at embodying the spirit of the Gwangju Uprising, which was thwarted by the People Power Party's lack of cooperation. He said, "I cannot help but feel ashamed and sorry to the spirits of Gwangju. However, we will not stop here." He declared, "We will do our utmost to ensure that the spirit of the Gwangju Uprising is included in the preamble of the constitution and to eliminate any thoughts of emergency rule by figures like Chun Doo-hwan and Yoon Suk Yeol." Additionally, Jeong paid tribute to the martyrs who participated in the Gwangju Uprising, stating, "I know very well that the existence of today's Yoon Seok-yeol government and the Democratic Party is thanks to the sacrifices of the democratic martyrs who fought for democracy. I express my deep gratitude to the democratic spirits."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-18 11:58:48
  • Jung Cheong-rae Urges Democratic Unity for Jeonbuks Development
    Jung Cheong-rae Urges Democratic Unity for Jeonbuk's Development Jung Cheong-rae, chairman of the Democratic Party, called on May 17 for a unified Democratic presence in Jeonbuk's upcoming gubernatorial election, targeting independent candidate Kim Kwan-young. He emphasized that having a Democratic president, governor, and lawmakers is essential for effective development in the region, particularly highlighting the importance of collaboration on projects like the Saemangeum development. "For Jeonbuk to thrive, we need to be united as the Democratic Party," he stated. Speaking at the opening of Park Ji-won's campaign office for the National Assembly by-election in Jeonbuk's Gimje, Jung argued that a cohesive Democratic presence is necessary for progress. He reiterated, "With the president, governor, and all lawmakers from the Democratic Party, everything will function smoothly like a well-oiled machine." Jung also addressed the need for collaboration on regional development, stating, "Shouldn't President Lee and Jeonbuk work together for development?" He stressed that unity within the Democratic Party is crucial for successful initiatives. Earlier that day, after attending a mass at Nabawi Cathedral in Iksan, Jung spoke with reporters about Kim Kwan-young's independent candidacy after leaving the Democratic Party. He asserted that the government and party must operate as one team to ensure efficiency in all matters. "If any of these roles are not filled by the Democratic Party, it could create challenges in working together effectively," he noted.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-17 15:42:30