AJU PRESS ASIA FIRST NEWS AGENCY

Journalist

SONG SEUNG HYUN
  • Jeon Hyun-hee Appointed Head of Seoul Campaign for Local Elections
    Jeon Hyun-hee Appointed Head of Seoul Campaign for Local Elections The Democratic Party announced the appointment of Jeon Hyun-hee, a former Supreme Council member, as the head of its Seoul campaign committee under the central election committee for the upcoming June 3 local elections. Jeon, who currently serves as the chief campaign officer for the party's Seoul mayoral candidate Jeong Won-o, will oversee election strategies and organizational operations across Seoul following her appointment on May 11. In her remarks, Jeon stated, "Seoul is the site of the citizens' 'Revolution of Light' that safeguarded democracy," expressing her determination to achieve victory in Seoul to completely resolve internal strife and ensure the triumph of democracy. She added, "I will work vigorously with the citizens of Seoul to ensure that the wave of change that began in the alleys leads to the realization of a 'true Republic of Korea' where the people are the masters." Previously, on May 10, the Democratic Party launched a party-wide election committee named 'Normalization of the Republic of Korea' in preparation for the local elections, transitioning into an election system. At that time, Jeon joined the alley campaign committee, taking a frontline role in the party's election efforts in Seoul, where she is expected to drive the party's success in the local elections.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-11 08:55:11
  • Lee Hoon-ki Calls for Government to Lower Communication Costs for Citizens
    Lee Hoon-ki Calls for Government to Lower Communication Costs for Citizens Lee Hoon-ki, a member of the Democratic Party, held a discussion at the National Assembly on May 8, urging a paradigm shift in government communication cost policies to better reflect citizens' experiences. During the "Discussion on Reducing Communication Costs Felt by Citizens," Lee expressed disappointment with the recent announcement from the Ministry of Science and ICT regarding a 20,000 won 5G plan. He stated, "I had high hopes after seeing the press release, but upon reviewing the actual details, it became clear that the government is merely increasing service offerings to claim a reduction, without providing any substantial benefits for citizens." He emphasized that, similar to how amendments to corporate law have boosted stock prices, a fundamental restructuring of the market is necessary for genuine cost reductions in communication fees. The discussion also highlighted concerns that the government's proposed fee restructuring plan, announced in April, would have minimal impact on actual service quality or household financial relief. Moon Hyung-nam, president of Sookmyung Women's University, pointed out, "According to the government's figures, the average monthly savings per person is 488 won, but when accounting for the decrease in telecom company revenues, the actual savings felt by users is only about 180 won." Cho Soo-hyung, head of the Korea Consumer Protection Center for Telecommunications, noted that excessive penalties for two-year contracts create significant barriers to consumer choice, stating, "We need to go beyond simple fee reductions and implement measures to alleviate the actual cost burden, including reforms to the penalty system." Criticism also arose regarding the government's annual announcements of communication cost reduction policies, which some labeled as mere token gestures. Lim Hyung-do, a special professor of computer engineering at Kyung Hee University, remarked, "It would be better if there were no negotiations between the government and the three major telecom companies regarding fee reductions. Such negotiations lead to delays in policy announcements until the telecom companies feel pressured to propose reductions." The discussion included a structural analysis of why communication costs remain high, citing Japan's Rakuten Mobile, which offers unlimited 5G service for around 30,000 won. Kim Hyup, vice president of the Korea Policy Forum, explained, "Japan has achieved a 30,000 won unlimited plan by lowering infrastructure investment costs through cloud-based virtualization technology. We need competitive policies that fundamentally change the market structure, rather than just fine-tuning existing conditions." However, Song Cheol, head of external relations at the Korea Telecommunications Operators Association (KOTA), countered that comparing Rakuten's pricing to domestic budget phone services is inappropriate. Kim quickly responded, stating, "Dismissing Rakuten's pricing as budget phone rates prevents a fair comparison with domestic telecom companies. Rakuten Mobile is a fourth mobile carrier approved by the Japanese government, and categorizing it as a budget service is misleading."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-08 17:02:05
  • Ruling Party Criticizes Opposition for Rejecting Constitutional Amendment
    Ruling Party Criticizes Opposition for Rejecting Constitutional Amendment The Democratic Party has warned that the People Power Party will face judgment from the public and history for its refusal to participate in the parliamentary vote on a constitutional amendment on May 7. During a meeting of party lawmakers on May 8, Democratic Party leader Jung Cheong-rae criticized the opposition for labeling the proposed phased constitutional amendment as hasty. He pointed out that the People Power Party was absent during the crucial parliamentary session where the amendment was first discussed. "The People Power Party was not there to fulfill its historical responsibility," he said. Jung added, "The opposition's rejection of the amendment does not align with the expectations of the public or history. The people will not forgive this. History will not forgive such actions either. I believe the People Power Party will be judged in the upcoming local elections." Han Byeong-do, the Democratic Party's floor leader, also criticized the People Power Party for making its decision to abstain from the vote a party line, thus suppressing individual lawmakers' conscience and judgment. "By doing so, they have deprived the public of their opportunity to make a choice," he said, urging the opposition to recognize their shame. He further noted that following the constitutional amendment, the opposition has requested unlimited debate on 51 livelihood-related bills. "While opposing the amendment, they have hindered the future of South Korea and declared a strike against the processing of these bills," Han stated. "There is no sense of responsibility for the nation or the people's livelihoods. We will take all possible measures to address the issues that the People Power Party has neglected."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-08 15:33:40
  • Democratic Party Strategically Nominates Lawyer Kim Young-bin for Local Elections
    Democratic Party Strategically Nominates Lawyer Kim Young-bin for Local Elections The Democratic Party announced on May 8 that it has strategically nominated lawyer Kim Young-bin for the Gongju, Buyeo, and Cheongyang districts, completing nominations for all 14 by-elections. In a ceremony held at the National Assembly, the party officially welcomed Kim as a new member. Jeong Cheong-rae, the party leader, praised Kim, stating, "He has dedicated nearly a decade to correcting societal injustices and establishing justice. He has made significant contributions to prosecutorial reform while assisting the Minister of Justice. He has shown unwavering support for the underprivileged and has firmly opposed corrupt high-ranking officials. We are grateful for his joining the Democratic Party and hope he will actively contribute to local development." In response, Kim expressed his commitment, saying, "I will dedicate all my abilities to advance the greater future of Gongju, Buyeo, and Cheongyang, the places that nurtured me. I aim to be a capable worker who meets the party's needs and collaborates persistently with the central government to drive substantial support." He specifically mentioned Park Soo-hyun, who resigned from his parliamentary position to run for governor of South Chungcheong Province, stating, "I will push policies forward seamlessly in perfect synergy." Following Kim's recruitment, the Democratic Party convened its Strategic Nomination Management Committee to expedite the nomination process. Chief Spokesperson Kang Jun-hyun told reporters after the committee meeting, "We have decided to strategically nominate Kim, who graduated from all levels of school in Gongju, for the Gongju, Buyeo, and Cheongyang electoral district. He has worked diligently to create a judicial system that meets the public's expectations while assisting the Minister of Justice and has laid the groundwork for the prosecutorial reform bills currently being pursued by the Democratic Party." He added, "With his experience in public office focused on the people's livelihoods and his well-honed expertise, Kim Young-bin is the ideal candidate to overcome the crisis of local extinction and revitalize the economy of Gongju, Buyeo, and Cheongyang. With this, we have completed nominations for the by-elections. The Democratic Party will do its utmost to ensure that candidates with vision and capability receive the people's support."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-08 15:02:46
  • Ruling Coalition Calls for Legislative Reform of Criminal Procedure Law
    Ruling Coalition Calls for Legislative Reform of Criminal Procedure Law On May 8, the ruling coalition, led by the Democratic Party and the Innovation Party, argued for the need to reform the Criminal Procedure Law during a discussion forum. They expressed concerns that if prosecutors lead the reform, they might regain investigative powers, emphasizing the necessity for proactive legislative measures by the National Assembly. Democratic Party lawmakers Kim Yong-min and Kim Young-ho, along with Innovation Party lawmaker Park Eun-jung, held a forum titled "Direction of Criminal Procedure Law Reform" at the National Assembly, highlighting the importance of legislative leadership in this process. Kim Yong-min stated, "If the government proposes a revision after the local elections, it will likely be led by prosecutors, who may create mechanisms to regain supplementary and direct investigative powers. Therefore, our party should proactively draft a desirable reform proposal. I have repeatedly suggested this to our leadership, but it has not been accepted yet." He added, "I have started discussions with fellow lawmakers, including Kim Young-ho and Park, as well as those passionate about prosecutor reform, such as Legislative Judiciary Committee Chair Seo Young-kyo and lawmaker Choi Hyuk-jin, to draft a proposal based on the ideas raised in today's forum. We aim to create a beneficial law for the public by aligning it with the government's proposal." Park emphasized that the Criminal Procedure Law falls under the jurisdiction of the National Assembly's Legislative Judiciary Committee, stating, "It is inappropriate for prosecutors, who have previously abused their powers, to draft the reform proposal." He further noted, "There is no provision in the Criminal Procedure Law that states prosecutors conduct investigations. If they lead the reform, they may seek to designate cases like arrests and those nearing the statute of limitations through presidential decree to regain investigative powers." Kim Young-ho also remarked, "The corruption displayed by prosecutors during the Yoon Suk-yeol administration underscores the urgent need for prosecutor reform. The Lee Jae-myung administration must ensure that legislative measures are tightly woven to firmly root out the issues in the prosecution system." 2026-05-08 12:20:13
  • Funeral of Former Prime Minister Lee Hong-koo Concludes
    Funeral of Former Prime Minister Lee Hong-koo Concludes The funeral for former Prime Minister Lee Hong-koo, who passed away at 92 on May 5, concluded with a farewell ceremony and burial. On the morning of May 8, a solemn farewell ceremony took place at the Seoul Asan Medical Center, followed by the burial at Cheonan Park Cemetery, marking the end of the funeral proceedings. The ceremony was led by Lee Jae-seung, head of the Korea University Institute of International Relations, and included tributes from Hong Seok-hyun, chairman of JoongAng Holdings; Chung Mong-joon, chairman of the Asan Social Welfare Foundation; and Yoo Hong-rim, president of Seoul National University, among others. In his tribute, Hong expressed, "Today, we gather in profound sadness to bid farewell to our esteemed mentor and elder statesman, Lee Hong-koo. He was an intellectual who criticized the system, far from the image of a chosen elite. He declined offers for ambassador and foreign minister positions during the Yushin era and the Fifth Republic due to his uncompromising spirit." Chung reminisced about his time as a student under Lee, recalling, "As a freshman at Seoul National University, I remember the large crowds drawn to his humorous lectures. His teachings provided invaluable insights into international affairs and the direction of our nation, imparting wisdom beyond mere knowledge." Yoo also reflected, stating, "Lee was my mentor since I entered Seoul National University in 1980, and I feel a deep sense of loss sending him to the eternal world. Remembering his profound teachings is how we can repay his kindness." Born in 1934, Lee entered the Seoul National University College of Law but dropped out the following year to study in the United States. He earned a degree in philosophy from Emory University and a master's and doctorate in political science from Yale University before returning to Korea in 1968 to join the faculty at Seoul National University. Lee began his political career in 1988 as the Minister of Unification, later serving as a special advisor to the president, ambassador to the UK, and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Unification under the Kim Young-sam administration, before becoming the 28th Prime Minister in 1994. Notable attendees at the funeral included former Prime Minister Jeong Un-chan, former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, Minister of the Interior and Safety Yoon Ho-jung, former Bareunmirae Party leader Son Hak-kyu, People Power Party lawmaker Kwon Young-se, British Ambassador to South Korea Colin Crooks, Japanese Ambassador to South Korea Koichi Mizushima, and Kim Hyun-chul, chairman of the Kim Young-sam Foundation. 2026-05-08 11:37:17
  • South Korea’s Democratic Party Vows June 3 Local Election Win to Back Lee Jae-myung Government
    South Korea’s Democratic Party Vows June 3 Local Election Win to Back Lee Jae-myung Government The Democratic Party on May 7 reaffirmed its determination to win the June 3 local elections, saying victory is needed to “end the insurrection” and ensure the success of the Lee Jae-myung government. The party also urged its candidates for Incheon mayor, Gyeonggi governor and Jeju governor — Park Chan-dae, Choo Mi-ae and Wi Seong-gon — to give their all. At a nomination rally for Incheon, Gyeonggi and Jeju held at KINTEX in Goyang, the party said voters should deliver a stern judgment against the People Power Party, accusing it of repeatedly making “Yoon Again” nominations, and said an overwhelming win would help support the Lee government’s state affairs. Party leader Jung Cheong-rae said, “Winning the local elections and ensuring the success of the Lee Jae-myung government is the spirit of the times and a mission for those living in 2026.” He added, “The embers of the insurrection are still stirring in places,” and said the People Power Party, which he said has not yet reflected on the insurrection, would face “the people’s stern judgment.” Jung said the election would be “another challenge” to fully realize what he called President Lee’s agenda of locally led growth, balanced national development and the Lee government’s governing philosophy. He said he hoped the party’s pledge to build a country where people “live well across the board” would be reflected in an election victory. Jung called for strong support for the party’s candidates, saying, “With Choo, we can trust Gyeonggi’s future,” and that Park would reopen Incheon’s “growth potential,” while Wi would make Jeju’s future “brighter than ever.” He added, “The Democratic Party will also mobilize all its capabilities to support the candidates. I ask you to win without fail.” Choo responded, “Only a desperate mindset and effort can protect democracy and subdue the insurrection forces,” adding that winning in border areas would be “more valuable” than any other victory. Park said he was campaigning with the resolve to “win without fail” and show the Lee government’s philosophy and competence in Incheon. “With that sense of responsibility and expectation of victory, we will win,” he said. Wi said, “Today we came here for the Lee Jae-myung government and a Republic of Korea where everyone is happy,” and urged a united push to win the local elections and build a country where “everyone lives well.” The candidates adopted a resolution calling for: uniting as “one team” by region to promote national unity; acting as responsible ruling-party candidates to drive the Lee government’s success and national development; and winning a landslide in the local elections to support state affairs by following “the people’s command.” Also attending were by-election candidates Lee Kwang-jae (Hanam-gap), Kim Yong-nam (Pyeongtaek-eul), Kim Nam-kuk (Ansan-gap), Song Young-gil (Yeonsu-gap) and Kim Nam-jun (Gyeyang-eul). Song and Kim Nam-jun reiterated their determination to win, saying they would work so “everyone can win” as Democratic Party candidates, and, “Kim Nam-jun will keep Lee Jae-myung’s promise.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-07 15:16:57
  • Ruling Party, Government Say 80% of High Oil Price Aid Paid Out; Price Cap Helped Curb Inflation
    Ruling Party, Government Say 80% of High Oil Price Aid Paid Out; Price Cap Helped Curb Inflation The ruling party and the government said May 7 that relief payments aimed at easing household strain from high oil prices triggered by the Middle East war have been carried out at about the 80% level. They also said a price cap helped offset a significant share of inflation pressures. The Democratic Party’s special committee on economic responses to the Middle East war held its fifth meeting with the government at the National Assembly on May 7 to review measures including the high oil price relief program and the price cap. Rep. Ahn Do-geol, the committee’s secretary, told reporters after the meeting that about 3.8 trillion won of the 4.8 trillion won budget had been executed through the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, or roughly 80%. He said the key issue is whether the money is reaching eligible recipients, and by that measure 1.4 trillion won has been paid out, adding that the rollout appears to be proceeding smoothly. Ahn said that as tensions in the Middle East continue to push prices higher, the price cap on petroleum products and fuel tax cuts helped keep April’s inflation rate lower. “Without the price cap and fuel tax cuts, April’s inflation rate would have been 3.8 percentage points, 1.2 points higher than the 2.6 points actually recorded,” Ahn said. He added that the measures are helping reduce about one-third of the rise in prices. He said the government’s swift response to stabilize oil prices, which affect production costs and consumer prices, is helping keep living costs steady. The party and the government also said they received a briefing from the Financial Services Commission on lowering card transaction fees for gas stations. Ahn said card companies, gas stations and the Korea Petroleum Distribution Association presented sharply different positions and no conclusion was reached. He said further talks are needed and that the Democratic Party decided to work to mediate.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-07 11:27:31
  • Democratic Party urges People Power Party to join vote on constitutional amendment
    Democratic Party urges People Power Party to join vote on constitutional amendment The Democratic Party on May 7 again urged the People Power Party, which is maintaining a party line opposing a proposed constitutional amendment, to cooperate by taking part in a floor vote. The party also said that if a vote cannot be held at the plenary session because the People Power Party does not attend, it will move to convene another session soon and try again. The Democratic Party made the request at a policy coordination meeting held at the National Assembly on Thursday morning. Floor leader Han Byung-do said, “The only party opposing a constitutional amendment that has built social consensus and is supported by a majority of the public is the People Power Party.” He warned that, as President Lee Jae-myung has said, those who oppose the amendment could be seen as “defenders of an illegal martial law.” Addressing People Power Party lawmakers, Han said, “If you have even a shred of conscience and conviction, I hope you will participate in the vote.” He added that if the party “evades the historic responsibility of constitutional reform,” it will face “the people’s judgment.” Cheon Jun-ho, senior deputy floor leader for parliamentary operations, said a vote is scheduled on an amendment aimed at enshrining the spirit of the May 18 movement in the Constitution. “The National Assembly should not be ashamed before the fallen and the bereaved,” he said, urging the People Power Party to enter the chamber and vote. Cheon added that lawmakers should not “take away the public’s chance to choose the amendment directly,” and said that if they do, they cannot avoid criticism, as Lee has said, of being “defenders of an illegal martial law.” He urged them not to “commit another wrongdoing in history.” After the meeting, Kim Han-kyu, senior deputy floor leader for policy, told reporters that because a constitutional amendment requires approval by two-thirds of lawmakers, it cannot pass without attendance. He said that if the vote is not established, National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik, who has the authority to convene and place items on the agenda, will set another plenary schedule. Senior spokesperson Kang Jun-hyeon also said that if the People Power Party does not come to Thursday’s plenary session, the vote cannot proceed. He said he understands the floor leadership is pushing to hold another plenary session as early as Friday if the measure is rejected.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-07 10:51:16
  • DP Floor Leader Han Byung-do Urges Vote on Constitutional Amendment, Calls on PPP to Join
    DP Floor Leader Han Byung-do Urges Vote on Constitutional Amendment, Calls on PPP to Join Han Byung-do, the Democratic Party’s floor leader who won a second term, said May 7 he would push for swift passage of a constitutional amendment, move quickly to form the National Assembly’s second-half leadership and complete the Lee Jae-myung government’s legislative agenda. Speaking at his first policy coordination meeting since taking office again, Han warned the People Power Party, which has adopted opposition to the amendment as its party line, that it would face “irreversible public judgment” if it continues to block the measure. Han said the National Assembly would convene a plenary session later in the day to vote on the amendment drafted jointly by the Democratic Party and five opposition parties. He said the proposal would add the spirit of the Bu-Ma Democratic Protests and the May 18 movement to the Constitution’s preamble, strengthen parliamentary control over declarations of martial law and spell out the state’s duty to pursue balanced national development. Responding to the People Power Party’s claim that the proposal is an election-driven pledge, Han challenged the party to specify which provisions it considers political. He said giving the Assembly stronger authority over “illegal martial law” is intended to prevent dictatorship, and added that, as President Lee Jae-myung has said, the public would view opponents of the amendment as defending illegal martial law. Han urged People Power Party lawmakers to take part in the vote, saying those with “even a shred of conscience and conviction” should not stay away. If the party avoids what he called a historic responsibility, he said, it would face “irreversible public judgment.” Han also said the second-half organization of the 21st National Assembly took 54 days, and warned against wasting time while neglecting people’s livelihoods. He said he would prepare the new Assembly lineup without gaps to avoid even a brief constitutional vacuum. He said the Assembly would complete the election of the second-half speaker and deputy speakers at a plenary session on May 20, then promptly choose standing committee chairs to begin legislation aimed at addressing the Middle East crisis and stabilizing livelihoods. Han said he would also work to complete the Lee government’s major policy agenda through legislation by the end of this year.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-07 10:06:44