AJU PRESS ASIA FIRST NEWS AGENCY

Journalist

KWONKYUHONG
  • Former National Intelligence Service Deputy Chief Hong Jang-won Appears for Special Investigation
    Former National Intelligence Service Deputy Chief Hong Jang-won Appears for Special Investigation Hong Jang-won, the former Deputy Chief of the National Intelligence Service (NIS), who gained attention as a whistleblower during the December 3 martial law, appeared before the special investigation team to face charges of insurrection involvement. On May 22, the special investigation team summoned Hong to its office in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province, to investigate his alleged significant role in insurrection-related tasks. According to the special investigation team, Hong is accused of being deeply involved in efforts to promote the legitimacy of the martial law by contacting foreign intelligence agencies, including the CIA, immediately after the declaration of martial law on December 3, 2024. The team previously obtained a "foreign explanation document" during an April raid on the NIS. This document was prepared to explain the background of the martial law to foreign entities, and it is understood that the National Security Office sent a Korean-language version of the document to the NIS the day after the martial law was declared, requesting overseas promotion. Subsequently, the overseas department under Hong translated the document into English under the direction of former NIS Chief Cho Tae-yong and reportedly explained its contents directly to CIA officials. Contrary to the investigation's findings, Hong has completely denied the allegations. Speaking to reporters, he stated, "I have never received any orders from former Chief Cho to deliver a message. Consider whether it was even possible for him to give me such orders at that time." Regarding the document secured by the special investigation team, he added, "I cannot specify what it refers to, so I do not know. I was suddenly summoned and do not understand the context, so I will go in and find out." A graduate of the Army Academy, Hong served as a company commander in the 707th Special Mission Battalion under the Army Special Warfare Command. He was specially recruited by the predecessor of the NIS, the National Safety Planning Agency, in 1992 and worked as an NIS agent for approximately 32 years until he was dismissed by former President Yoon Suk Yeol for opposing the martial law in December 2024. Hong is known to have worked as a black agent (operational agent) at the NIS, primarily focusing on North Korea-related operations. He was the first black agent to rise to the position of Deputy Chief of the NIS due to his contributions in rebuilding human intelligence in areas where many casualties occurred, which black agents were reluctant to support. After the martial law was declared, Hong gained widespread recognition as a whistleblower during the investigation and impeachment proceedings. He testified before the Constitutional Court and the National Assembly, alleging that he received orders from former President Yoon to arrest politicians, which he reported to Cho, but claimed that Cho intentionally ignored it. Following this, the insurrection special investigation team successfully indicted Cho on charges of dereliction of duty based on Hong's statements. However, there are concerns within the legal community that the comprehensive special investigation team's decision to charge Hong with insurrection involvement may negatively impact future investigations and trials. Meanwhile, the comprehensive special investigation team is also investigating Lee Seung-oh, the former head of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Operations, as a suspect in connection with insurrection-related tasks.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-23 17:34:18
  • Police Transfer Former Lawmaker Tae Yong-hos Son to Prosecutors for $12 Million Fraud
    Police Transfer Former Lawmaker Tae Yong-ho's Son to Prosecutors for $12 Million Fraud The son of former lawmaker Tae Yong-ho has been transferred to prosecutors on charges of cryptocurrency investment fraud totaling approximately 16 billion won (about $12 million). According to police on May 22, the Gangnam Police Station in Seoul sent Tae's son, identified as Tae Mo, to prosecutors on May 13 while he was in custody. Police had arrested him on May 7. Tae is accused of defrauding acquaintances by promising them returns on cryptocurrency investments, leveraging his father's prominent political name. Investigations revealed that he allegedly swindled around 16 billion won from seven victims. Additionally, Tae is reported to have embezzled 300 million won from a publishing company run by his mother, author Oh Hye-sun. Born in Pyongyang, Tae followed his father, a former North Korean diplomat, abroad from a young age and defected to South Korea with him in 2016. He attended Pyongyang Medical University and later completed his studies at Korea University after their defection. In response to the fraud allegations against his son, Tae Yong-ho expressed regret during a parliamentary audit of the Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee in 2024, stating, "I apologize for causing social controversy."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-23 16:12:38
  • Kwangjang Law Firm Hosts Transfer Pricing Practical Forum with Korean International Tax Association
    Kwangjang Law Firm Hosts 'Transfer Pricing Practical Forum' with Korean International Tax Association The Korean International Tax Association, recognized as the leading academic organization in international taxation, announced on May 22 that it will hold a monthly international tax forum on May 28 at 2 p.m. at Kwangjang Law Firm in Jung-gu, Seoul, focusing on the topic of "Recent Issues in Transfer Pricing Practice." This forum, organized by Kwangjang, aims to address international tax and transfer pricing issues faced by multinational corporations both domestically and internationally. Experts from academia, law firms, and accounting firms will discuss critical issues and provide practical advice for multinational companies. The opening remarks will be delivered by Professor Park Hoon, the chairman of the Korean International Tax Association and a faculty member in the Department of Taxation at the University of Seoul. The closing remarks will be given by Kim Jeong-hong, a foreign attorney and the next chairman of the association. The forum will consist of an urgent diagnosis session and two main sessions. In the urgent diagnosis session, Kwangjang foreign attorney Kang Kyu-bin will present on "California Corporate Tax Reform and Korean Companies." The first main session will take the form of a panel discussion on "Practical Trends in MAP and APA Related to Transfer Pricing." Kwangjang foreign attorney Kim Min-ho will moderate, with panelists including Jeon Hye-jin, a partner at Samil Accounting Corporation; Park Joo-won, an executive at Anjin Accounting Corporation; Park Jae-seok, an accountant at Kim & Chang Law Office; and Kim Sang-hoon, an executive at Samjeong Accounting Corporation. The second main session will focus on case studies related to the increasingly applied "DEMPE Regulations," with Kwangjang attorney Jo Pil-je presenting. Panelists will include Ha Dong-hoon, an executive at Han Young Accounting Corporation; Kim Tae-hyung, a foreign accountant at Yulchon Law Firm; and Heo Si-won, an attorney at Hwawoo Law Firm. The forum will conclude with closing remarks from Kim Jeong-hong, the next chairman of the Korean International Tax Association.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-23 14:39:21
  • Seoul Police Investigate Starbucks Tank Day Incident Involving Shinsegae Chairman
    Seoul Police Investigate Starbucks 'Tank Day' Incident Involving Shinsegae Chairman On May 18, the 46th anniversary of the May 18 Democratic Movement, Jeong Yong-jin, chairman of Shinsegae Group, was reported to the police over the controversy surrounding Starbucks' 'Tank Day' promotion. According to police on May 21, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency initially assigned the case involving Jeong and former Starbucks Korea CEO Son Jeong-hyun to the Gangnam Police Station but later reassigned it to the Public Crime Investigation Unit. The Seoul police had originally designated the case to the Gangnam Police Station's Investigation Division 2, but due to the seriousness of the matter, they transferred it to the special unit within half a day. The special unit is known for its expertise in investigations, comparable to that of the prosecution's special department, and is set to begin a thorough investigation starting with a witness interrogation on May 29. Previously, the civic group People's Livelihood Countermeasures Committee filed a complaint against Jeong, Son, and other Starbucks Korea executives, claiming that the company's promotion of the 'Tank Tumbler Series' and phrases like 'Tank Day' and 'Tap on the Desk' on its event page were insulting and defamatory to the families of the May 18 victims and the citizens of Gwangju. In response, a boycott of Starbucks has been launched across the country, including in Gwangju, and President Lee Jae-myung and the ruling party have criticized Starbucks repeatedly. The incident has gained international attention, escalating the situation further. Additionally, Jeong's past remarks and far-right actions have come under scrutiny, leading to a decline in the stock prices of E-Mart and Shinsegae Group.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-21 21:18:22
  • Park Jong-jun Acquitted in First Trial Over Deletion of Secret Phone Data
    Park Jong-jun Acquitted in First Trial Over Deletion of Secret Phone Data Park Jong-jun, the former head of the Presidential Security Service, was acquitted in a first trial on charges of deleting information from secret phones used by key figures during the martial law period, including former President Yoon Suk Yeol. On May 21, the Seoul Central District Court's Criminal Division 32, presided over by Judge Ryu Kyung-jin, ruled in favor of Park, stating that the evidence for the charges of evidence destruction was insufficient. The court explained that the prosecution's claims were not substantiated, noting that the screen of Hong Jang-won, the former first deputy director of the National Intelligence Service, was publicly revealed, exposing the secret phone ID of the president. In this context, the court stated that the head of the security service's support headquarters and others acted based on their best judgment to consider and report the deletion of accounts. Furthermore, the court indicated that just because the actions taken afterward might have been inadequate or that better methods could have been employed does not imply an intention to destroy evidence. It emphasized that Park's decision was made after consulting with the National Intelligence Service director and considering the advice of staff, leading to a lack of evidence supporting the claim of evidence destruction. The court also pointed out that Park did not take similar actions regarding other individuals, such as former Police Chief Jo Ji-ho, which further weakened the argument for intentional evidence destruction. Previously, the special prosecution team had uncovered that Park deleted information from the secret phones of Yoon, Hong, and former Seoul Police Chief Kim Bong-sik during their investigation last year. The secret phones, managed by the security service, can be operated remotely, and the service deleted the information from these phones using a remote logout method. The special prosecution team charged Park with intentionally deleting evidence related to the martial law. During the sentencing hearing, they sought a three-year prison term for him. The team plans to review the ruling in detail before deciding whether to appeal.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-21 19:05:41
  • Former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun Sentenced to Three Years for Evidence Tampering
    Former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun Sentenced to Three Years for Evidence Tampering On May 19, a South Korean court sentenced former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun to three years in prison for obstructing official duties and instructing evidence tampering. The Seoul Central District Court's 34th Criminal Division, led by Judge Han Seong-jin, found Kim guilty of using his position to undermine the legitimate judicial process, deeming his actions a serious crime against the state. The court affirmed all charges brought against Kim by the special prosecutor's office. It specifically noted that Kim's directive to destroy evidence made it difficult to uncover the truth surrounding the declaration of martial law. "The defendant (Kim Yong-hyun) committed the crime by exploiting his significant position as Defense Minister, and his actions through evidence tampering hindered the discovery of the substantive truth regarding the martial law declaration," the court stated. The court also ruled against Kim's actions in delivering a secure phone to former Army Intelligence Commander Noh Sang-won, emphasizing that handling security equipment is a legitimate duty of the presidential security service. "Noh, at the time, was a civilian and had issues with his qualifications, yet the defendant deceived the security service into believing the phone was necessary for investigations," the court pointed out, indicating a clear intent to obstruct the security service's official duties. Additionally, the court rejected Kim's defense team's claims of prosecutorial abuse of power, stating, "Considering the investigation period and the suspension of the investigation under the insurrection special prosecutor law, it cannot be concluded that the prosecution abused its power. While the charges may seem somewhat broad, this is unavoidable given the nature of the actions and does not impede the defendant's right to defense." The court also largely dismissed the defense's arguments against the admissibility of evidence collected during the search and seizure, recognizing it as lawful. However, the court took into account that Kim had no prior criminal record at the time of the offenses, which was a mitigating factor in his sentencing. Kim is accused of deceiving the presidential security service to deliver a secure phone to Noh on December 2, 2024, the day before the martial law was declared. According to the special prosecutor's investigation, Noh used the secure phone as the head of the 'Second Investigation Team,' which was formed immediately after the martial law was declared to investigate allegations of election fraud. Furthermore, Kim is also charged with instructing his civilian secretary, Yang, to destroy key documents related to the martial law, including a public address and printed proclamations, two days after the martial law was declared on December 5. This case marks the first indictment following the establishment of the special prosecutor's team led by Jo Eun-seok, which was formed shortly after Jo's appointment on June 12 of last year. The special prosecutor's office charged Kim with obstructing official duties and instructing evidence tampering just seven days after Jo's appointment.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-19 17:12:00
  • Experts Discuss the Future of Constitutional Justice in Asia at AACC Conference in Seoul
    Experts Discuss the Future of Constitutional Justice in Asia at AACC Conference in Seoul Experts in constitutional law from across Asia gathered in Seoul to strengthen the values of human rights, democracy, and the rule of law in the region. On May 19, the Asian Constitutional Courts Consortium (AACC), led by Chief Justice Kim Sang-hwan, held the opening ceremony of its 5th International Conference at the Westin Chosun Seoul, marking the beginning of a two-day official agenda. The conference featured over 50 experts, including Chief Justice Kim, Justice Kim Hyung-doo, and AACC Secretary General Son In-hyuk, who represented major domestic institutions and member courts from 15 AACC member organizations. In his opening remarks, Chief Justice Kim highlighted the remarkable growth of the AACC, stating, "What began as a small initiative with a memorandum of understanding among four institutions in 2007 has now evolved into a global regional consortium with 22 member organizations. This is evidence of how deeply Asia has cooperated to uphold universal values." He further emphasized the importance of maintaining democratic principles and the practical value of the rule of law in the face of recent international developments, stating, "In a rapidly changing international environment, our most pressing mission is to uphold democratic principles and implement the true value of the rule of law. I hope the insights gained from this conference will serve as a foundation for further protecting the fundamental rights of Asian citizens." Following him, Son In-hyuk, Secretary General of the AACC, introduced the specific goals and session structure of the conference. Son explained, "Since its establishment in 2017, the research office has laid a solid foundation for constitutional justice in Asia through annual international conferences and research reports." The main theme of the 5th conference is 'Recent Trends and Issues in Constitutional Law.' The agenda includes three sessions and a comprehensive session. The AACC aims to enhance collaborative responses to constitutional challenges faced by Asian countries based on the research outcomes accumulated during this conference. In particular, the Constitutional Court of Korea plans to continue supporting the academic and practical efforts of member institutions through the activities of the research office, reinforcing its role as a center for cooperation in the rule of law in Asia. After two days of intense discussions, participants will consolidate their discussions in a comprehensive session to derive future values that Asian constitutional courts should pursue. This conference is expected to serve as a significant milestone in forming a constitutional community in the Asian region, going beyond mere academic exchange.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-19 13:57:30
  • Plastic Surgeon Charged with Drug Violations Linked to Porsche Crash
    Plastic Surgeon Charged with Drug Violations Linked to Porsche Crash Police have referred a plastic surgeon to prosecutors for allegedly supplying propofol to a driver who crashed through the guardrail of the Banpo Bridge while driving recklessly in February. According to police on May 19, the Yongsan Police Station sent a 40-year-old male surgeon, identified as A, to prosecutors on May 15 for violations of drug control laws. Investigations revealed that A had excessively administered propofol to over ten patients visiting his clinic since August of last year, and had instructed a nurse to administer the drug even when anesthesia was unnecessary. He is also accused of neglecting the management and supervision of controlled substances at his clinic. The clinic is known to be the workplace of a former nurse, identified as B, who allegedly supplied propofol to a 30-year-old woman, identified as Hwang, the driver involved in the Banpo Bridge accident. In March, police conducted a search of the clinic and secured relevant documents, including prescriptions and records of drug inventory. Prosecutors have charged Hwang with violations of drug control laws, driving under the influence, and causing injury through reckless driving. B was also indicted in March for violations of drug control laws. On February 25 at around 8:44 p.m., Hwang was driving a Porsche on Banpo Road when she crashed through the guardrail and fell below the bridge. Her Porsche collided with a Mercedes-Benz traveling along the riverbank below the bridge before plummeting onto the Han River embankment. Both Hwang and the Mercedes driver sustained minor injuries, and their vehicles were severely damaged. Other vehicles on Banpo Bridge were also affected by the incident. Responding to reports of the crash, police discovered a large quantity of propofol, medical syringes, and tubes in Hwang's vehicle, prompting an investigation. Subsequent inquiries revealed that Hwang had been driving under the influence of propofol, leading to her emergency arrest for drugged driving.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-19 09:11:08
  • Samsung Electronics and Labor Union Begin Second Round of Negotiations Ahead of Strike
    Samsung Electronics and Labor Union Begin Second Round of Negotiations Ahead of Strike Shinsegae Group CEO Fires Starbucks Korea Chief Over Controversial Marketing Shinsegae Group Chairman Jeong Yong-jin has dismissed Son Jeong-hyun, the CEO of Starbucks Korea (SCK Company), following a backlash over an inappropriate marketing event held on the anniversary of the Gwangju Uprising. On May 18, Shinsegae Group officially announced that Chairman Jeong had notified Son of his termination. Jeong reportedly expressed outrage upon learning of the marketing controversy on the Starbucks Korea app and website, instructing that the strongest disciplinary actions be taken against those responsible. President Lee Criticizes Starbucks for 'Tank Day' Marketing as 'Mockery of Democracy' President Lee Jae-myung strongly condemned the 'Tank Day' marketing campaign by Starbucks Korea on May 18, stating it disrespected the sacrifices of Gwangju victims and the citizens' struggle. Following the dismissal of Son Jeong-hyun, President Lee publicly criticized the campaign. He posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account, questioning how such an event could be held on a day commemorating the historic Gwangju Uprising. He expressed anger over the lives lost that day and the damage to justice and history, condemning the inhumane actions of those who deny the values of the South Korean community and democracy. Samsung Electronics and Labor Union End First Day of Negotiations Without Progress With a strike looming just three days away, Samsung Electronics and its labor union met for the first day of the second round of negotiations at the Central Labor Relations Commission but concluded without significant progress. On May 18, representatives from Samsung and the joint labor action committee convened at the commission in Sejong City starting at 10 a.m. The meeting wrapped up around 6:20 p.m., about 40 minutes earlier than scheduled. After the negotiations, Choi Seung-ho, chairman of the Samsung Electronics branch of the Samsung Group's labor union, told reporters they would reconvene at 10 a.m. the following day to continue discussions. The negotiations were divided into morning and afternoon sessions, with the morning focused on presenting each side's positions and demands, while the afternoon involved more contentious discussions. The union has stated that if negotiations fail, they will proceed with the planned strike on May 21, despite government threats to invoke emergency mediation to halt the strike. Drunken Marine Corps Soldier Found with Blank Ammunition During Leave, Military Investigation Underway A Marine Corps soldier on leave was reported to police while intoxicated, leading to the discovery of blank ammunition in his possession, prompting a military investigation. The military suspects the soldier may have smuggled the ammunition out during training. According to the Marine Corps, on May 16, police received a report about a man passed out near Yongsan Station in Seoul. Upon arrival, they identified the man as a Marine Corps soldier on leave. During a search of his belongings, police found multiple rounds of blank ammunition. Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, they transferred the soldier's custody to the military police. Special Prosecutors Seek Arrest Warrant for Former KTV Director on Sedition Charges The second special prosecutor team, led by Kwon Chang-young, has sought an arrest warrant for Lee Eun-woo, the former director of KTV (Korean Broadcasting), on charges of sedition for promoting the legitimacy of martial law shortly after its declaration on December 3. On May 18, the special prosecutor's office announced it had filed for the warrant, citing Lee's alleged actions of repeatedly broadcasting news that justified the martial law and selectively blocking or deleting news critical of it from December 3 to December 13, 2024. The special prosecutor's office explained that upon reviewing records from a previous investigation that did not lead to charges, they found evidence that Lee had failed to uphold the media's role in monitoring state power, supporting and protecting seditionists during and after the martial law period. This led to the decision to reopen the investigation under the comprehensive special prosecution law.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-18 23:55:07
  • CJ Group Employee Personal Information Leaked via Telegram
    CJ Group Employee Personal Information Leaked via Telegram CJ Group has reported a leak of employee personal information through a Telegram channel. According to industry sources, the channel, established in 2023, contained the mobile phone numbers, job titles, internal phone numbers, and photos of over 330 female employees of CJ Group. Immediately following the leak, CJ Group initiated an investigation, suspecting that the information was accessed by an insider rather than through external hacking. The company is also preparing to report the incident to relevant authorities and request an investigation. A CJ Group representative stated, "We recognize the seriousness of the situation and plan to take necessary measures to prevent further harm."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-18 23:54:00