Lee confirms presidential watch plan, puts tradition back on track SEOUL, June 11 (AJP) - President Lee Jae-myung on Wednesday addressed recent speculation that he might do away with the time-honored tradition of presidential watches, saying a new edition will be made with an emphasis on value and purpose. “After listening to various suggestions, I decided a meaningful and practical gift would be most appropriate," Lee wrote on Facebook. "I’ve instructed that a cost-effective presidential watch be produced.” The announcement came after reports surfaced that Lee had cast doubt on the need for presidential watches during a recent dinner with ruling party leaders. When asked if there would be a “Lee Jae-myung watch,” he reportedly replied, “Is that really necessary?” That offhand comment led some to believe he planned to skip the tradition altogether. Since the days of President Park Chung-hee, South Korean presidents have handed out wristwatches or pocket watches bearing their name or signature. These gifts, often given on special occasions, have become coveted items among collectors, with prices ranging from about 25,000 won (18.2 dollars) to over 550,000 won. Lee explained that after his remark was reported, many people reached out to express disappointment, emphasizing that the presidential watch is among the most symbolic and cost-efficient gifts available. "Given its role as a symbol of the Republic of Korea, we’ll prepare it with care so it can be something people take pride in," he said. "I think it’s something worth looking forward to." Presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung also addressed the rumors on Tuesday, saying, "It’s not true that President Lee decided against producing the watches. He asked for popular gift items, including watches, to be identified, and they’re being prepared for production." 2025-06-11 12:41:42

President Lee invites public to help select top government officials SEOUL, June 10 (AJP) - President Lee Jae-myung has invited Tuesday South Koreans to help select key members of his new administration, opening a one-week nomination period for senior government posts including ministers, vice ministers, and heads of public institutions. The initiative announced on Jun. 10 is part of the president’s broader push to build what he calls a “citizen-led government.” The public can submit recommendations through a dedicated website run by the Ministry of Personnel Management. South Koreans can also make recommendations through Lee’s official social media accounts and email. In a statement posted to X, formerly known as Twitter, Lee wrote, “True democracy begins when the people become the owners, actively participating and driving change. I now ask you to choose the workers who will truly lead the Republic of Korea.” Lee explained that the campaign will display a shift in how power is exercised, saying it marks a “meaningful first step” towards giving citizens a direct role in shaping national leadership. Recommended candidates will be filed into a database and screened by the presidential office’s personnel vetting team. The process includes both internal and public review. Those deemed suitable will move on to formal appointment procedures. Lee emphasized the importance of uncovering talent from all corners of society. “Please help identify individuals who have quietly devoted themselves to public service and are ready to lead with integrity and competence,” he said. He also pledged transparency and fairness throughout the process, adding that the aim is to select people who live up to the public’s expectations. Presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung described the program as part of the administration’s core philosophy. “We’re launching the ‘Real Workers Project,’ a system to back the principle of a citizen-led government,” Kang said during a briefing. “The Lee administration will do its utmost to identify individuals who serve the people, through a transparent and fair process.” 2025-06-10 10:22:30

President Lee agrees with Japanese PM to strengthen bilateral ties through phone call SEOUL, June 09 (AJP) - President Lee Jae-myung has agreed Monday with Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru through their first-ever phone call that it is important for South Korea and Japan to strengthen bilateral ties and accelerate cooperation. The 25-minute call, held around noon, marks the two leaders’ first official conversation since Lee’s inauguration five days earlier. The Presidential Office’s spokesperson Kang Yoo-jung said that Lee thanked Ishiba for his congratulations and emphasized the growing strategic weight of the bilateral relationship. Lee expressed hope that the two countries can “respond to future challenges together and seek a path toward mutual prosperity, based on shared national interests.” The two leaders agreed to build what Kang described as a “more mature and resilient relationship,” grounded in mutual respect, trust, and responsibility. According to the spokesperson, Lee and Ishiba also recognized the significance of this year, which marks 60 years since the normalization of diplomatic relations, and agreed to further expand exchanges between citizens of South Korea and Japan, as well as to strengthen communication between governments. A discussion on regional security also took place during their phone call. Lee and Ishiba acknowledged the progress made under the trilateral cooperation framework with the United States and agreed to continue working together within that structure to address various geopolitical challenges. The conversation ended with both leaders pledging to meet in person and further extend their discussions on bilateral issues and shared interests, Kang said. The call with Ishiba came three days after Lee’s first leader-level phone conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump on Jun. 6. 2025-06-09 15:39:12

Court postpones Lee Jae-myung's trial citing presidential immunity SEOUL, June 09 (AJP) - President Lee Jae-myung will not face trial during his presidency in a key election law case, as a high court in Seoul postponed proceedings indefinitely on Monday, citing constitutional protections for a sitting head of state. The Seoul High Court announced on Jun. 9 that it had canceled a hearing previously set for Jun. 18 in Lee’s ongoing retrial. No new date was set. The court said the decision was made “in accordance with Article 84 of the Constitution.” That clause states that a president may not be prosecuted while in office, except in cases of insurrection or treason. While the Constitution does not clearly state whether this includes ongoing criminal trials, the court’s move suggests it interprets the immunity broadly, applying it not only to new indictments but to active proceedings as well. In South Korean legal terms, the trial now enters what is known as “to be decided later,” a limbo in which no further hearings are scheduled, and the case effectively stalls. Courts often use this designation when a case cannot move forward for legal or procedural reasons. The trial in question involves allegations that Lee violated the Public Official Election Act during the 2022 presidential election. It is one of several high-profile cases he has faced over the past few years. But with the court now invoking constitutional immunity, it is unlikely this particular case will proceed before the end of his term. This marks a turning point for Lee. The legal obstacles that dogged his path to the presidency, including court appearances, pending rulings, and ongoing investigations, have now largely been pushed aside, at least temporarily. Attention is now turning to the other courts where Lee has pending cases. These include trials over allegations tied to urban development scandals in Daejang-dong, Baekhyeon-dong, and Wirye, corporate sponsorships connected to the Seongnam FC football club, unregistered foreign transfers to North Korea by the Ssangbangwool Group, and misuse of a government-issued corporate card. An appeal in a separate witness tampering case is also underway. With the latest court decision, however, none of these cases may move forward while he remains in office. For now, President Lee is free to govern without the immediate weight of courtroom battles hanging over his presidency. 2025-06-09 14:26:41

Most S. Koreans expect new president to do well and see economy as top priority: survey SEOUL, June 09 (AJP) - About six out of every ten South Koreans believe that President Lee Jae-myung, inaugurated last week, will do a good job in the office, according to a new survey released on Jun. 9. The South Koreans also selected as the economic recovery as the country’s top priority among a list of challenges which the Lee administration must tackle. The survey, commissioned by Energy Economic News, was conducted by pollster Realmeter on Jun. 4 and 5, asking 1,012 adults nationwide about their expectations for the new president. 58.2 percent had said that Lee is likely to perform well, while 35.5 percent said he will not. In the June 3 election, Lee won the presidency with 49.42 percent of the vote, defeating conservative rival Kim Moon-soo, who garnered 41.15 percent of the vote. The latest Realmeter survey suggests that public expectations align similarly with Lee’s actual electoral support, indicating a stable political footing as he begins his term. The pollster analyzed that while the numbers are largely positive, they are lower than early-term ratings for Lee’s predecessors. Former President Lee Myung-bak had a 79.3 percent approval rating at the start of his term, followed by Moon Jae-in at 74.8 percent, Park Geun-hye at 64.4 percent, and Yoon Suk Yeol at 52.7 percent. President Lee’s figure is 5.5 percentage points higher than Yoon’s but trails well behind others. Regionally, Lee’s support was strongest in Gwangju and the Jeolla region at 85.3 percent. His lowest rating came from Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province, South Korea’s conservative stronghold, where 39.6 percent said he would perform well. In the capital area, approval was 57.6 percent in Seoul and 59.9 percent in Gyeonggi and Incheon. Support also varied by age. The most optimistic group was those in their 40s, with 76.6 percent expecting him to do well. They were followed by people in their 50s (70.0 percent), 30s (57.1 percent), 60s (50.9 percent), and those aged 70 or older (48.9 percent). Meanwhile, people in their 20s showed the lowest optimistic expectations for the new president. Only 41.3 percent expressed confidence in the new president. When asked what Lee should prioritize, 41.5 percent pointed to economic recovery and stabilizing daily life. Prosecution and judicial reform came next at 20.4 percent, followed by national unity and easing social divisions (12.8 percent), political reform and bipartisan cooperation (8.3 percent), and measures to tackle low birth rates and an aging society (4.6 percent). Realmeter said the results show that recent economic instability, including rising prices, slow growth, and broader uncertainty, is weighing heavily on the public. The strong focus on justice reform and national unity also reflects accumulated frustration with political investigations, deepening social rifts, and weakened trust in the system. The survey was conducted using automated phone interviews (100 percent wireless). It has a margin of error of ±3.1 percentage points at a 95 percent confidence level, with a response rate of 8.0 percent. Full details are available on the National Election Survey Deliberation Commission website. 2025-06-09 10:52:30

Robotaxis proposed as elderly crashes rise SEOUL, June 08 (AJP) - A year after a deadly crash in central Seoul left nine pedestrians dead, new data show a sharp rise in traffic accidents involving elderly drivers, adding urgency to discussions about mobility alternatives like driverless robotaxis. According to a June 8 report from the Korea Insurance Research Institute, drivers aged 65 and older were responsible for 20 percent of all traffic accidents in 2023. That figure is up dramatically from 6.8 percent in 2015, reflecting a demographic shift that has yet to be matched by policy solutions. During the same period, the share of elderly license holders nearly doubled, from 7.6 percent to 14.9 percent. “Among all licensed drivers, the number of traffic accidents per 100 people is second-highest for the elderly, after drivers in their twenties or younger,” said researcher Kim Hae-sik, author of the report “Elderly Driving: Technological Change and Insurance Systems.” “While accident numbers are falling in other age groups, they continue to rise among older drivers,” Kim said. The statistics come in the wake of a tragic incident near Seoul City Hall on July 1, 2024, when a 68-year-old man behind the wheel of a Genesis G80 drove into a crosswalk, killing nine and injuring several more. The driver claimed unintended acceleration, but forensic investigators later concluded that the accelerator had been pressed 90 percent of the way and that there had been no attempt to brake. Since then, police have shortened the license renewal cycle for older drivers from ten years to five and tightened aptitude screening. Local governments have also encouraged drivers aged 65 and older to surrender their licenses voluntarily. Even so, just 2.2 percent did so in 2024. A public survey conducted last July suggests there’s strong support for further measures. Out of 500 adult respondents, 26.5 percent favored mandatory safety systems for elderly drivers, 23 percent supported stronger incentives for voluntary license return, and 19.9 percent called for stricter physical and cognitive testing. Still, as Kim pointed out, the gap between public opinion and real-world action remains wide. “Despite strong public support for policies like incentives to return licenses, the low rate of actual returns shows that older adults have few reliable ways to get around after giving up driving,” he said. Kim believes that driverless robotaxis could be the breakthrough. First showcased at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) this January, autonomous vehicles are designed to operate without human input and could allow seniors to travel independently without relying on private cars. Unlike conventional taxis, robotaxis are being developed as personal-use vehicles, replicating the convenience of car ownership without requiring anyone to drive. Boston Consulting Group and other firms expect the technology to be commercially available before 2030. But the arrival of fully autonomous vehicles raises difficult questions around insurance and liability. “In a fully autonomous environment, the owner and operator of the vehicle may not be the same, making it difficult to assign responsibility under the current system, which ties liability to the driver or vehicle owner,” Kim said. “This calls for a structural overhaul of the current automobile insurance framework.” For robotaxis to succeed, he argued, public institutions need to step in. Not just to support the technology, but to protect the people using it. “We need to guarantee mobility access for non-driving seniors through services like robotaxis, spread out risk through public insurance, and secure social trust through a new legal framework that clearly defines liability,” he said. “Insurance products should be designed in a way that society supports seniors’ safety during robotaxi use.” 2025-06-08 17:34:17

President Lee taps veteran lawmaker, journalist, and prosecutor for top secretariat posts SEOUL, June 08 (AJP) - President Lee Jae-myung named Sunday three new senior secretaries to lead political affairs, public communications, and civil affairs, reinforcing his early message of unity and reform. The appointments include Woo Sang-ho, a four-term National Assembly member from the Democratic Party, as Senior Secretary for Political Affairs, Lee Kyu-yeon, a longtime journalist and former broadcaster JTBC executive, as Senior Secretary for Public Communication, and Oh Kwang-soo, a former high-ranking prosecutor, as Senior Secretary for Civil Affairs. Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik announced the selections at a press briefing at the presidential office on June 8. “President Lee has consistently stressed his commitment to serving all citizens,” Kang said. “These appointments reflect his intention to bridge divides and focus on the challenges people face in their everyday lives.” Woo, a familiar face in progressive politics, previously led the Democratic Party as floor leader and as acting chair of the emergency leadership committee. His experience in both parliamentary strategy and party leadership appeared to weigh heavily in the decision. “Senior Secretary Woo is someone who holds a firm philosophy of communication and coexistence,” Kang said. “Based on his long experience in the legislature, he brings a deep understanding of state affairs, rational judgment, and excellent political instincts.” Lee Kyu-yeon’s appointment signals the administration’s intent to sharpen its messaging. Lee began his career at the JoongAng Ilbo and went on to serve as editorial writer and later as head of JTBC’s news division and content operations. He was the first South Korean journalist to receive a special award from the United States-based Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE). “Senior Secretary Lee is a journalist known for his objective and insightful analysis of social issues,” Kang said. “He is the right person to communicate the new administration’s reform agenda and will always prioritize dialogue with the public.” Oh Kwang-soo, a former classmate of the president at the Judicial Research and Training Institute, built his career in the prosecution service with stints as chief of special investigations at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office and later as Daegu’s chief prosecutor. He is widely seen as an expert in handling high-profile and complex cases. “Senior Secretary Oh, a former prosecutor, is widely respected both inside and outside the prosecution for his strong drive and integrity,” Kang noted. “He has a deep understanding of President Lee’s philosophy on prosecutorial reform and will support the president’s commitment to it.” The appointment of a figure with a background in special investigations drew some questions from reporters. Kang responded directly. “President Lee is one of the most affected by political prosecution. Judicial reform is carried out through legislation, and we have confirmed Senior Secretary Oh’s commitment to that reform. We will make sure that the concerns raised do not actually happen.” Kang wrapped up the announcement by stressing the larger vision behind the personnel picks. “President Lee has made it clear that his leadership is not about conservatives or progressives. It’s about the people and the Republic of Korea,” he said. “He has asked the secretaries to focus on solving livelihood issues through national unity and communication.” 2025-06-08 15:02:46

Seoul's birth and marriage rates climb for a year: Data SEOUL, June 08 (AJP) - Births and marriages in Seoul have been on the rise for a full year, with new data showing a steady rebound in both areas. March saw the highest number of births for that month in three years, marking a notable shift in the city’s demographic trend. According to Statistics Korea and the Seoul Metropolitan Government, 3,786 babies were born in Seoul in March, up 8.7 percent from the same time last year. It was the largest figure for March since 2022, when 4,027 babies were born. That marks 12 consecutive months of year-on-year growth in the city’s birth numbers—an encouraging sign in a country long grappling with declining fertility. Marriages have followed a similar trajectory. In March, 3,814 couples tied the knot, a 20.0 percent increase compared to the year before. Like births, marriage numbers have risen each month since April 2023, when they jumped by 27.8 percent. Seoul’s total fertility rate for the first quarter of 2025 rose to 0.65, up 8.3 percent from the previous year. Officials credit a combination of post-pandemic social recovery and expanded city support programs for the uptick. Since 2023, Seoul has offered fertility treatment subsidies to all couples, regardless of income. Pregnant residents are also eligible for a 700,000-won ($514) transportation stipend, which can be used for taxis and public transport. To ease the cost of child-raising, the city recently launched a discount mall for childcare products, offering essential items at half price. More significantly, a new housing initiative rolled out in May targets non-homeowning households that give birth while living in Seoul. The program offers up to 7.2 million won in rent subsidies over two years, helping families afford to stay in the city despite high housing costs. Eligible families can receive up to 300,000 won per month. “Marriage numbers have increased since the end of the pandemic, and births are following that trend,” a city official said. “We plan to continue supporting policies around marriage, childbirth, and child-rearing.” 2025-06-08 11:20:33

Yoon to appear in court for 6th insurrection hearing following Lee Jae-myung's inauguration SEOUL, June 08 (AJP) - Former President Yoon Suk Yeol is set to return to court on Monday for the sixth hearing in his trial on charges of insurrection and abuse of power. It will be his first public appearance since the country elected a new president last week. The hearing will take place at 10:15 a.m. in Seoul Central District Court. Yoon is expected to enter through the courthouse’s main ground-level entrance, where reporters will be stationed. As with his previous three appearances, he is likely to head directly into the courtroom without responding to questions. The trial will continue with testimony from Brigadier General Lee Sang-hyun, who led the Army’s 1st Airborne Brigade under the Special Warfare Command. Lee was deployed to the National Assembly on Dec. 3 last year, the day martial law was declared. In his earlier testimony on May 26, he said he was told by then-commander Kwak Jong-geun, “The president said to break down the doors if needed and drag the lawmakers out.” Yoon’s trial resumes just days after South Korea held a snap presidential election on Jun. 3, following his impeachment and removal from office over the December 3 martial law declaration in 2024. The Constitutional Court upheld the National Assembly’s decision on Apr. 4, setting in motion the legally required election within 60 days. Democratic Party candidate Lee Jae-myung won the race with 51.7 percent of the vote, defeating People Power Party candidate Kim Moon-soo, who polled at 39.3 percent, according to exit polls. Lee was sworn in as South Korea’s 21st president on June 7. On election day, Yoon and his wife cast their ballots at a polling station in Seoul’s Seocho District. He declined to answer reporters’ questions, including whether he had anything to say to the public following his impeachment and the early election. 2025-06-08 10:12:42

President Lee says sacrifice for the nation deserves special recognition SEOUL, June 06 (AJP) - President Lee Jae-myung on Friday called for stronger recognition and support for those who have sacrificed for the country, saying, “A special reward should be given for a special sacrifice made for all.” Speaking at the 70th Memorial Day ceremony at Seoul National Cemetery, Lee paid tribute to fallen patriots and emphasized that remembrance must go hand in hand with responsibility. “We commemorate Memorial Day each year to remember, to record, and to take responsibility,” he said. “There are people who willingly dedicate themselves when the nation and its people are in danger.” Lee reflected on South Korea’s path through colonization, war, and dictatorship, crediting the country’s growth and democracy to those who gave everything. “Thanks to their noble dedication, we were able to regain light,” he said. “Thanks to their sacrifice, we overcame the scars of war and rose to become a top 10 global economy. Thanks to their courage, we escaped long years of dictatorship and rose as a model democracy admired by the world.” He also touched on the need to reshape the country’s historical narrative. “The saying ‘If you fight for independence, your family suffers for three generations. If you collaborate, they prosper for three’ must now disappear,” he said. “We must become a country where sacrifice for the nation and community is honored with due reward, and where devotion for all is the highest badge of honor. The Lee Jae-myung administration will fulfill its responsibilities and duties.” Lee pledged practical improvements for veterans and their families, including better support for surviving spouses and improved access to healthcare. “We will raise honors and deepen support,” he said. “We will eliminate blind spots so that the surviving spouses of war veterans do not suffer hardship, and we will build a seamless system so that national patriots can conveniently receive the healthcare they deserve.” He also promised fairer compensation for discharged soldiers, saying, “We will ensure that veterans and discharged soldiers receive treatment worthy of their dedication.” Lee made a point to recognize those still serving today—soldiers, firefighters, and police officers working to protect lives and communities. “It is thanks to the dedication of soldiers guarding the nation overnight, firefighters risking their lives at disaster sites, and police officers tackling crime on the ground that the public can live in peace,” he said. He pledged to improve their working conditions, adding, “The Republic of Korea will, in turn, protect them. We will improve working conditions so they can focus solely on their mission to safeguard the nation and its people.” Lee ended his address by calling on the public to carry forward the legacy of those who came before. “The country defended by our fallen heroes must shine even brighter,” he said. “Building a peaceful nation free from the fear of war, and a safe society where daily life is not shaken. This is the most responsible response to their sacrifice.” “Let us repay their devotion with a nation where democracy and prosperity blossom atop solid peace, where pride and dignity flourish,” he added. “If the Korean people’s strength, which has always placed ‘we’ before ‘me’ in times of national crisis, holds strong, I firmly believe we can do it. Once again, I extend my deepest respect and gratitude to our fallen heroes.” 2025-06-06 12:06:09