Journalist
Kim Dae-sik
swatchsjp@ajunews.com
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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 -
Italian National Day celebrated in Seoul with focus on cultural and people-to-people ties SEOUL, June 04 (AJP) - The Embassy of Italy in Seoul hosted a National Day reception on Jun. 2 at the Italian Ambassador’s Residence in Hannam-dong, bringing together around 1,500 guests, including diplomats, government officials, celebrities, and members of the public and private sectors. The event celebrated the 79th anniversary of the Italian Republic, which was established through a nationwide referendum in 1946. This year’s gathering followed the 140th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Italy and South Korea, with 2024 marked as the Year of Mutual Cultural Exchange between the two nations. In a warmly received opening speech delivered in Korean, Italian Ambassador Emilia Gatto struck a personal tone, expressing her hopes to make the coming year one of deepening “people-to-people exchange.” While acknowledging that her Korean was “not perfect,” her effort to communicate in the local language moved the hearts of many in attendance and was met with heartfelt applause. “Today marks an important celebration for Italy. Seventy-nine years ago, our nation chose the Republic through a universal referendum,” she said. She noted that over the past year, the embassy had worked to strengthen bilateral ties through two priority initiatives: the formation of the Korea-Italy Parliamentary Friendship Association at the National Assembly, and the expansion of city diplomacy. Highlighting new sister-city relationships, Ambassador Gatto thanked the mayors of Chuncheon and Hanam and encouraged guests to attend the upcoming “2025 Ciao Italia” festival in Chuncheon. Touching on shared values and interests, she emphasized that Italy is a founding member of the European Union, a member of the United Nations Command, and a like-minded partner to South Korea in areas ranging from strategic cooperation and business to national safety and science and technology. “First of all, the goal of the business sector is further growth!” she said. “Italy is no longer just ‘3Fs’ plus Ferrari. We have added the F of Future.” Ambassador Gatto highlighted Italy’s long-standing leadership in space innovation, reminding the audience that Italy was the third country in the world to launch a satellite, after the USSR and the United States. “The two countries share so much in common. Geomorphology, population, love of culture and beauty,” she said. “So, I like the people of both countries! I think Koreans are the Italians of Asia.” She closed with a vision of mutual exchange. “I want to promote not only Italian wine in Korea but also Makgeoli in Italy. I want to promote not only Italian art and history in Korea but also Korean heritage in Italy. A combination of Korea and Italy. That is my dream.” 2025-06-04 15:19:00 -
Kim Moon-soo concedes presidential race, congratulates Lee Jae-myung in early-morning remarks SEOUL, June 04 (AJP) - People Power Party presidential candidate Kim Moon-soo acknowledged his projected defeat early Wednesday morning, offering congratulations to rival Lee Jae-myung and expressing gratitude to his supporters. Speaking around 1:30 a.m. on Jun. 4 at party headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, Kim appeared before reporters and campaign staff following a night of sobering exit poll results and early vote counts. His remarks came shortly after major broadcasters projected Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party as the winner of South Korea’s 21st presidential election. According to the joint exit poll released at 8 p.m. on election day by KBS, MBC, and SBS, Lee held 51.7 percent of the vote, compared to Kim’s 39.3 percent. As of late Tuesday night, early ballot counts continued to show Lee in the lead. Though the final results have not yet been officially confirmed by the National Election Commission, Kim’s brief speech signaled a formal concession. --- Below is the full text of Kim Moon-soo’s statement: “To the people of the Republic of Korea, I humbly accept the will of the people. I congratulate candidate Lee Jae-myung on his election victory. I will never forget the strong support I received from so many citizens throughout this campaign. I am especially grateful to my colleagues in Gangwon Province, whose dedication carried me forward. No matter what crisis this country faces, the Republic of Korea has always advanced through the power of its people. To those who gave their support to someone as lacking as myself, I offer my heartfelt thanks. Jun. 4, 2025, Kim Moon-soo, presidential candidate of the People Power Party. Thank you.” 2025-06-04 01:53:43 -
Lee Jae-myung declares intent to lead as president in early morning address amid projected victory SEOUL, June 04 (AJP) - Democratic Party candidate Lee Jae-myung addressed supporters in the early hours of Wednesday, Jun. 4, delivering what sounded like a de facto victory speech, even as final vote counts in South Korea’s 21st presidential election were still underway. Speaking shortly after 1:15 a.m. in front of the Democratic Party headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, Lee acknowledged that he had not yet been officially confirmed as president-elect but said he felt a strong sense of responsibility as the projected winner. Earlier in the evening, exit polls released by public broadcasters KBS, MBC, and SBS showed Lee with 51.7 percent of the vote, ahead of conservative rival Kim Moon-soo of the People Power Party, who had 39.3 percent. As of late Tuesday night, Lee was maintaining a lead in the ongoing ballot count. Major broadcasters had declared him the "projected winner" based on the wide margin. Lee used the speech to thank voters and outline the priorities of what would be his incoming administration: restoring democracy, reviving the economy, safeguarding public safety, building peace on the Korean Peninsula, and promoting social unity. --- Below is the full transcript of his speech: “Fellow citizens of the Republic of Korea, I thank you with all my heart. Although I have not yet been officially confirmed, I am Lee Jae-myung, likely to become the 21st President of the Republic of Korea. I will never forget the mission you have entrusted to me. I will fulfill it with precision and conviction. Since the night of the December 3 insurrection, many of you endured hardship and stood firm. Through your vote today, you have proven that this country belongs to ordinary citizens and that all power exercised by the president comes from the people, not for personal gain, but for the betterment of this nation’s future. Thank you. Your first mandate to me is to ensure we overcome the attempted coup and prevent any future abuse of arms entrusted by the people. I will restore democracy and build a republic in which citizens are respected, not divided by hate. Your second mandate is to rebuild the economy and restore everyday life. If I am confirmed as president, I will begin work immediately to improve the hardships many of you endure, as swiftly and surely as possible. Third, the Korean state must protect its people’s lives and safety. In recent years, the public has had to question whether the state even fulfills its basic responsibilities. Disasters have taken too many lives. I will build a country that takes this duty seriously. Fourth, I will pursue a stable and peaceful Korean Peninsula. Strong national defense is essential, but true security means winning without fighting—and ideally, preventing the need for conflict altogether. Through dialogue, communication, and coexistence, I will reduce tensions and minimize Korea risk so people’s lives are not further burdened. Finally, we are all fellow citizens in this shared community. I will not allow society to split into factions of hate—between men and women, regions, age groups, or workers and employers. We will not be perfect, but we can build a community where neighbors do not feel like enemies. Politics may divide, but the people need not. You are the owners of this country; politics serves you, not the other way around. The president’s job is to unite the nation, not to rule over it, but to bring it together. Let us work together for a fairer, more just Korea. Whatever challenges lie ahead, I believe the great strength of our people will carry us through. Let us move forward with hope and confidence. Though we may have disagreed during the campaign, those who did not support me are still citizens of the Republic of Korea. We wore different colors, but we are all part of one nation. Let us go forward together. Thank you.” 2025-06-04 01:42:12 -
Lee Jae-myung projected to win S. Korea's snap presidential election, signals end of conservative rule SEOUL, June 04 (AJP) - Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party is projected to win South Korea’s 21st presidential election, setting the stage for a return to liberal leadership just three years after conservatives took office. The Jun. 3 snap election was triggered by the impeachment and removal of former President Yoon Suk Yeol, who declared martial law on December 3, 2024. Citing unspecified threats to national stability, Yoon ordered the military and police into emergency readiness without legal process. The move drew widespread condemnation as unconstitutional. On April 4, the National Assembly passed an impeachment motion, and the Constitutional Court unanimously upheld it. Under South Korean law, a new president must be elected within 60 days of a vacancy. According to a joint exit poll released at 8 p.m. by KBS, MBC, and SBS, Lee secured 51.7 percent of the vote, with People Power Party candidate Kim Moon-soo at 39.3 percent. Lee Jun-seok of the New Reform Party was projected to receive 7.7 percent. The 12.4 percentage point margin prompted all three broadcasters to project Lee as the winner just before midnight. As of 11:18 p.m., with 31.5 percent of votes counted, Lee was leading with 48.32 percent, followed by Kim at 43.40 percent and Lee Jun-seok at 7.24 percent. While the official count continues, early returns and exit poll data strongly indicate a decisive outcome. Voter turnout reached 79.4 percent, the highest in a presidential race since 1997, reflecting strong public engagement after months of political turmoil. This was South Korea’s second-ever snap presidential election, the first having followed Park Geun-hye’s impeachment in 2017. Lee, 61, campaigned on a platform of economic revival and democratic restoration. A former factory worker who became a human rights lawyer, he built his career advocating for labor rights and social equity. His campaign pledged to shorten the workweek to 4.5 days without reducing pay, expand protections for unions, and invest 100 trillion won in artificial intelligence. His AI initiative includes the development of a Korean version of ChatGPT, free for public use, and the acquisition of more than 50,000 high-performance GPUs to boost innovation in tech, defense, and cultural industries. Lee is expected to take office immediately once the National Election Commission finalizes the count and certifies the result. If confirmed, his victory would end conservative rule and usher in a new political chapter amid heightened calls for reform, accountability, and stability. 2025-06-04 00:43:43 -
Democratic Party celebrates as exit poll shows Lee Jae-myung ahead with more than 50% SEOUL, June 03 (AJP) - The Democratic Party broke into cheers Tuesday night after exit poll results showed its presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung taking over 50 percent of the vote, putting him more than 10 percentage points ahead of conservative rival Kim Moon-soo. At the vote monitoring room set up in the main conference hall of the National Assembly Members’ Office Building, campaign staff and senior party officials began trickling in just after 7 p.m., an hour before the exit poll results were released. The mood was cautiously hopeful, buoyed by a higher turnout than in the last presidential election, but no one let their guard down. When the clock struck 8 and the joint exit poll from public broadcasters KBS, MBC, and SBS flashed across screens, the room erupted. Lee’s projected lead sent dozens of party members to their feet, clapping and shouting. Some pumped their fists in the air. Others joined in a chant of “Lee Jae-myung!” While the reaction was jubilant, senior figures including Yoon Yeo-joon, Park Chan-dae, and Jung Eun-kyeong kept their composure. They exchanged handshakes, a few hugs, and quiet words of encouragement, acknowledging the effort that had brought them to this point. The energy in the room spiked again when regional exit poll results rolled out. Lee was shown to be leading comfortably in the capital region, including Seoul, Gyeonggi Province, and Incheon, prompting another wave of applause. 2025-06-03 20:48:06 -
Liberal candidate Lee Jae-myung projected to win S. Korea's presidential snap election SEOUL, June 03 (AJP) - Liberal candidate Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party is projected to win South Korea’s snap presidential election held Tuesday, with exit polls showing him ahead with 51.7 percent of the vote. His conservative rival Kim Moon-soo of the People Power Party follows with 39.3 percent, according to a joint exit poll survey by public broadcasters KBS, MBC, and SBS. This marks South Korea’s first presidential snap election in eight years, following the one held after the impeachment of former President Park Geun-hye in 2017. The vote was called after former President Yoon Suk Yeol was impeached and removed from office for declaring martial law on December 3, 2024. The Constitutional Court upheld the National Assembly’s decision on Apr. 4, and under South Korean law, a new president must be elected within 60 days of a vacancy. Lee, 61, began his life in poverty in Andong, working in factories as a child to help support his family. After passing a high school equivalency exam, he studied law and became a human rights lawyer. He later served as mayor of Seongnam City and governor of Gyeonggi Province, building a reputation for progressive policies and welfare reforms. The Democratic Party already holds 171 of the 300 seats in the National Assembly. A victory for Lee would further strengthen its political standing and mark a clear rejection of the previous conservative administration. Kim, despite his credentials, struggled to overcome the backlash from Yoon’s impeachment and divisions within the conservative bloc. Voting took place from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. at 14,295 polling stations across the country. The National Election Commission reported a turnout of 77.8 percent as of 7 p.m., with about 44 million people eligible to vote. The official result is expected early Wednesday, and the new president will take office immediately. 2025-06-03 20:10:06 -
Turnout reaches record 65.5 percent by 2 p.m. in South Korea's presidential vote SEOUL, June 03 (AJP) - South Korea's snap presidential election drew an unprecedented level of voter participation by Tuesday afternoon, with turnout reaching 65.5 percent as of 2 p.m., according to the National Election Commission (NEC). It marks the highest voter turnout at this time of day in any presidential election in the country’s history. Of the 44.39 million eligible voters, more than 29 million had cast their ballots by 2 p.m. The figure includes those who voted early, as well as overseas, absentee, and shipboard voters. Early voting, held on May 29 and 30, brought out over 15.42 million voters, making up 34.74 percent of the electorate. Compared to past elections, participation is notably higher. Turnout is 0.7 percentage points above the same time in the 2022 presidential race, and 5.6 points higher than in 2017. South Jeolla Province reported the highest regional turnout at 76.0 percent, followed closely by Gwangju at 74.0 percent and North Jeolla at 73.8 percent. The city of Sejong also saw 70 percent turnout. While in-person voting in some areas appeared lower, strong early voting numbers in the Jeolla region, over 50 percent in all three locations, boosted the overall figures. The southern port city of Busan had the lowest turnout at 62.1 percent, with Daegu and Jeju both at 63.3 percent. South Chungcheong Province saw 63.4 percent turnout. In the greater capital area, turnout stood at 64.9 percent in Seoul, 65.3 percent in Gyeonggi Province, and 63.7 percent in Incheon. With such high turnout, attention is now on whether final participation could top 80 percent for the first time since the 1997 election. That year, before early voting was introduced, turnout stood at just 47.3 percent by 1 p.m. The final turnout was 77.1 percent in 2022 and 77.2 percent in 2017. This year, high early voting participation, second only to the 2022 record, appears to have pushed figures higher overall. As of 2 p.m., voter turnout for election day alone, not counting early ballots, stood at 30.8 percent. "Given this is a by-election caused by a vacancy in the presidency, the high public interest appears to be reflected in the turnout," an NEC official said. The NEC updates turnout figures every hour based on data collected 10 minutes prior. With polls set to close at 8 p.m., vote counting at the 254 counting stations nationwide is expected to begin between 8:30 and 8:40 p.m. 2025-06-03 15:05:42