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

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