Han Duck-soo sees split public opinion amid rising support for Lee Jae-myung SEOUL, April 18 (AJP) - Acting President Han Duck-soo is facing divided public opinion over his job performance, according to a new Gallup Korea poll released Friday. The survey found that 41 percent of respondents believe Han is doing well in his role, while 50 percent said he is not. Nine percent reserved judgment. Han received strong backing from supporters of the ruling People Power Party (PPP), with 88 percent offering a positive evaluation. In contrast, 90 percent of Democratic Party (DP) supporters viewed his performance negatively. Among politically unaffiliated respondents, 37 percent rated his performance favorably, while 32 percent were critical and 31 percent withheld opinion. The survey also measured public preference for future political leadership. Lee Jae-myung, a presidential contender from the DP, received 38 percent support, his highest rating to date. Lee maintained a comfortable lead over other figures, with former Daegu mayor Hong Joon-pyo, former labor minister Kim Moon-soo, and Acting President Han each polling at 7 percent. Former justice minister Han Dong-hoon followed with 6 percent, and Reform Party lawmaker Lee Jun-seok received 2 percent. About 26 percent of respondents did not name a preferred figure. Gallup noted that Lee’s popularity has steadily increased since mid-December, when his ratings began exceeding the 30 percent range. Among DP supporters, 82 percent backed Lee. Ideologically, Lee dominated among progressives with 74 percent support and led among centrists at 40 percent. Support among conservatives was more fragmented. Han Duck-soo led with 17 percent, followed by Hong at 15 percent and Kim at 14 percent. Lee also topped regional rankings. He received 66 percent support in Gwangju and the Jeolla region, 32 percent in Seoul, and 27 percent in the Busan, Ulsan, and South Gyeongsang area. In Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province, he was tied with Hong at 19 percent. The poll was conducted by Gallup Korea from Apr. 15 to 17 among 1,000 adults nationwide. The margin of error was plus or minus 3.1 percentage points at a 95 percent confidence level. Full details are available on the National Election Survey Deliberation Commission’s website. 2025-04-18 14:35:44

Lee Jae-myung outlines regional pledges ahead of first televised debate SEOUL, April 18 (AJP) - Lee Jae-myung, a leading presidential contender from the Democratic Party (DP), pledged Friday to relocate the ocean ministry to the southern port city of Busan to strengthen South Korea’s maritime competitiveness. Through a social media post, Lee said he would move the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries to Busan to make the city “the undisputed center of South Korea’s maritime leadership” and to ensure “field-oriented policymaking.” He also vowed to relocate public institutions related to shipping and logistics, establish a specialized maritime court, and provide customized financial support for regional industries, startups, and manufacturers in the southeastern part of the country. For the Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province, Lee promised to create an industrial belt focused on battery production and build a cluster for next-generation auto parts. He also pledged to promote a bio industry belt in the region and turn it into a national hub for biotech and vaccine development. Later in the evening, Lee is scheduled to join fellow candidates Kim Kyung-soo, former South Gyeongsang Governor, and Gyeonggi Governor Kim Dong-yeon in the DP’s first televised presidential primary debate. The 80-minute broadcast will feature a broad policy discussion on domestic politics, the economy, foreign affairs, and national security. It will offer candidates an early opportunity to contrast their visions ahead of the June 3 election. Lee enters the race as the clear frontrunner. According to a National Barometer Survey released Thursday, Lee received 45 percent support in hypothetical three-way matchups against rival conservatives, including former labor minister Kim Moon-soo, former Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo, and former justice minister Han Dong-hoon. In terms of overall presidential suitability, Lee led with 39 percent, far ahead of other contenders, each polling in the single digits. 2025-04-18 10:29:37

Lee Jae-myung leads in three-way race with 45 percent support SEOUL, April 17 (AJP) - Lee Jae-myung, a presidential contender from the Democratic Party (DP), is currently leading by a wide margin in hypothetical three-way matchups for South Korea’s next June 3 presidential election, according to a new poll released Thursday. The National Barometer Survey (NBS) shows that Lee received 45 percent support in all three matchups tested. In a virtual race against former labor minister Kim Moon-soo of the People Power Party (PPP) and Lee Jun-seok of the Reform Party, Lee recorded 45 percent support, while Kim trailed with 22 percent and Lee Jun-seok followed with 9 percent. In another scenario, where former Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo was the conservative candidate, Lee maintained 45 percent, while Hong received 24 percent and Lee Jun-seok 7 percent. In a third matchup against former justice minister Han Dong-hoon and Lee Jun-seok, Lee again led with 45 percent, with Han at 17 percent and Lee Jun-seok at 8 percent. When asked more broadly about presidential suitability, Lee remained the top choice with 39 percent support. He was followed by Hong Joon-pyo and Kim Moon-soo at 8 percent each, Han Dong-hoon at 6 percent, and both lawmakers Ahn Cheol-soo and Lee Jun-seok at 3 percent. Among DP supporters and the Rebuilding Korea Party, Lee’s support was overwhelming, standing at 83 percent and 73 percent respectively. Within the PPP base, preferences were more divided. Hong Joon-pyo garnered 23 percent support, followed by Kim Moon-soo at 21 percent and Han Dong-hoon at 18 percent. The survey also reflected a growing public desire for a change in government. Fifty-four percent of respondents said they believe a new party should take power in the next presidential election, up six percentage points from the previous week. Only 33 percent said they wanted the current ruling party to stay in office, down four points. According to the NBS, the percentage of respondents calling for a change in government is now at its highest level since the beginning of the year. The survey was conducted jointly by Embrain Public, Kstat Research, Korea Research, and Hankook Research from April 14 to 16, with responses from 1,001 South Korean adults aged 18 and over. 2025-04-17 16:03:06

Pyongyang condemns US and S. Korea's joint aerial exercise involving supersonic bomber SEOUL, April 17 (AJP) - North Korea’s defense ministry has condemned Wednesday the United States and South Korea for rolling out a joint aerial drill involving B1-B supersonic heavy bombers on the previous day. “The U.S. reckless bluffing military demonstration is a futile act of increasing the security threat to its mainland only,” Pyongyang’s state-controlled Korean Central News Agency reported on Thursday, citing a press statement released by North Korea’s defense ministry. According to South Korea’s military, the exercise aimed to enhance the regular visibility of U.S. extended deterrence, with participation from South Korea’s F-35A and F-16 fighter jets, as well as U.S. F-16s. North Korea expressed strong discomfort over the presence of the B-1b bomber flying in South Korea’s airspace. The B-1B Lancer is a U.S. long-range, supersonic heavy bomber capable of carrying the largest conventional payload of guided and unguided munitions in the Air Force inventory. It combines high speed, maneuverability, and low-level penetration capabilities, making it a key asset for global strike missions. “The continuous appearance of B-1B serves as an occasion of highlighting once again the fact that the U.S. and its vassal forces are the only ones that unilaterally escalates the military tension nowadays while inciting the hostile atmosphere of confrontation in the Korean peninsula,” KCNA reported. Pyongyang strongly warned that the U.S. military action poses a serious danger to the sovereignty of North Korea and will “exercise the overwhelming deterrence and continue to make the U.S. recognize that its unannounced deployment of strategic means is a reckless and unnecessary abuse of strength, and get the U.S. realize by itself that the higher the level of provocation against the DPRK is, the greater the level of danger returning to the U.S. will be.” 2025-04-17 14:27:50

Lee Jae-myung sparks momentum in DP primary, urges victory for hope and progress SEOUL, April 16 (AJP) - Lee Jae-myung, a Democratic Party (DP) presidential contender, described the upcoming June 3 election as a critical junction in South Korea’s political history, calling it “a turning point between the past and the future.” Speaking at the DP’s fair election pledge ceremony held at the National Assembly on Wednesday, Lee stressed, “We must win, whoever the final candidate is, not for personal gain, but for the future of the country.” He emphasized that the DP must act as a political force that channels the people’s sovereign will and do its best to improve lives. “The Democratic Party must give everything it has for a better country and the lives of its citizens,” he said. Praising fellow candidates Kim Dong-yeon and Kim Kyoung-soo, Lee said, “Both are exceptional individuals in terms of capability and character. I am honored to run alongside them.” The April 16 event marked the official launch of the DP primary race. Meanwhile, Lee’s campaign hit its fundraising goal of 2.94 billion won ($2.05 million) in just one day, demonstrating strong grassroots support. Former South Gyeongsang Governor Kim Kyoung-soo, also running in the primary, called for unity within the party. “It is an honor to compete with Lee Jae-myung and Kim Dong-yeon for a decisive transfer of power,” he said. “The Democratic Party has historically won when united and lost when divided.” He added, “Let this primary be a chance to establish a culture of gracefully accepting the result and committing fully to the final campaign.” Former Gyeonggi Governor Kim Dong-yeon, who was assigned number 3 on the ballot, said, “I’m honored to have this opportunity. I will do my best to be selected as a capable economic leader and serve as an economic president.” He added, “I will work toward real change that goes beyond just a power shift—toward transformation through bold unity.” All three candidates are expected to jointly attend a memorial event for the 11th anniversary of the Sewol ferry disaster. The Sewol ferry tragedy occurred on April 16, 2014, claiming 304 lives, most of them high school students. The incident triggered national grief and led to widespread criticism of the government’s disaster response. It remains a powerful symbol of public demand for safety reform and accountability in South Korea. 2025-04-16 13:48:34

Han Duck-soo considers independent presidential bid as parties close primary registration SEOUL, April 15 (AJP) - Acting President Han Duck-soo is weighing an independent run for the presidency after deciding not to join the People Power Party’s (PPP) primary race. While he has not confirmed his candidacy, political observers say he is keeping the option open. On Apr.15, both the PPP and the Democratic Party (DP) closed registration for their presidential primaries. The PPP plans to announce its final candidate by May 3, and the DP will select its nominee on April 27. The PPP’s lineup includes nine figures: former labor minister Kim Moon-soo, former justice minister Han Dong-hoon, former Daegu mayor Hong Joon-pyo, lawmakers Ahn Cheol-soo and Na Kyung-won, North Gyeongsang governor Lee Cheol-woo, Incheon mayor Yoo Jeong-bok, and former lawmaker Yang Hyang-ja. The PPP will review documents on April 16, hold debates from April 18 to 20, and announce four finalists on April 22 based on public opinion polls. A final candidate will be named after a second vote on April 29 or during a party convention on May 3, if needed. The DP accepted registration for one day. Three candidates signed up: former party leader Lee Jae-myung, former South Gyeongsang governor Kim Kyung-soo, and Gyeonggi governor Kim Dong-yeon. The party will hold regional votes from April 19 to 27, with the winner chosen through a mix of party member votes and a public poll. Han, who has been serving as acting president since Yoon Suk Yeol was removed from office on April 4, is drawing attention as a possible independent candidate. Though he did not enter the PPP race, many believe he may step forward later, positioning himself as a moderate alternative in a divided political landscape. 2025-04-15 17:59:05

INTERVIEW: Brazilian envoy highlights cooperation, trade challenges, and hopes for upgraded South Korea-Brazil ties SEOUL, April 15 (AJP) - For more than 60 years, Brazil and South Korea have steadily built a strong partnership that now spans diplomacy, business, and culture. In 2023, the two sides signed a Trade and Investment Promotion Framework (TIPF), reinforcing their collaboration in green energy and digital technology. South Korea is a key partner for Brazil in Asia, both as a major investor and a destination for industrial goods and consumer technologies. In a conversation on Apr. 10 at the Brazilian Embassy in Seoul, Ambassador Márcia Donner Abreu spoke about the progress made in bilateral ties and explored new opportunities for cooperation. She highlighted shared goals in sustainability, green energy, and pharmaceuticals, but also raised concerns about lingering challenges in trade negotiations. As her time in South Korea draws to a close, she also reflected on the personal and professional significance of her posting. "We clearly have opportunities to work together in green energy. Brazil brings abundant natural resources and renewable energy experience, while South Korea brings advanced technologies. This is one of the most promising areas for bilateral cooperation," Ambassador Abreu said. Hydrogen featured prominently in the discussion. According to the state-operated Korea Electric Power Corporation, South Korea is expected to import up to 580,000 tons of green and blue hydrogen from overseas sources by 2030 as its first step in the global RE100 program designed to reduces dependency on fossil fuel and emission of carbon dioxide. The ambassador said Brazil’s renewable energy capacity makes it a strong candidate for future collaboration. "The World Bank once said Brazil has the most potential in green hydrogen. We have wind, solar, and hydropower capacity that is unmatched," she said. She added that while logistical challenges exist, pilot projects are underway, and Brazil already has one operational hydrogen production facility near a wind-powered harbor. Ethanol is another pillar of Brazil’s sustainability strategy. Ambassador Abreu described it as a "very green energy," noting Brazil’s long-standing use of flex-fuel vehicles that run on ethanol, gasoline, or a mix of both. She pointed out that the model has been successfully exported to India, Indonesia, and Japan. "You already have a flex-fuel car model made by Hyundai in Brazil. If there's willingness, ethanol and flex-fuel cars could be introduced to South Korea," she said. She also praised growing cooperation in the pharmaceutical sector, citing Brazil’s partnerships with South Korean companies like Samsung Bioepis. Under Brazil’s product development agreements, South Korea supplies biosimilars while Brazil gradually builds the capacity to produce them domestically. But despite those success stories, she was frank about the difficulties in expanding trade. A major sticking point remains South Korea’s continued ban on Brazilian beef. The ambassador expressed frustration over stalled sanitary inspections and lack of communication. "If there's no progress on sanitary protocols, there's no sense in negotiating an FTA," she said. "Beef is essential for Brazil, and trade deals must include sectors where both sides are competitive." She emphasized that Brazil has been free of foot-and-mouth disease for years and has met international standards. Yet a promised inspection visit by South Korean officials has been delayed repeatedly. "It is not appropriate that a legitimate, high-level request for dialogue is met with silence," she said. Despite the setback, the ambassador said an FTA could bring real benefits, if the beef issue is resolved. "A South Korea-Brazil FTA could help us upgrade the relationship to a new level. But first, we need a minimum sign of commitment." As she prepares to wrap up her three-year term, Ambassador Abreu showed confidence in the bilateral relationship between her home country and South Korea. "I'm confident that the relationship between our two countries will continue to grow stronger," she said. "There is so much more we can achieve together. " The Brazilian Ambassador also shared her experience in Seoul. "Beyond the smart cities and advanced technology, it's the warmth and resilience of the people that touched me the most," she said. "The everyday greetings in the park, the quiet strength of elderly citizens, and the spirit of resistance I've seen in South Korea will stay with me." 2025-04-15 17:08:53

City data shows aging sewer infrastructure linked to sinkholes and ground settlements SEOUL, April 15 (AJP) - Seoul’s aging underground infrastructure is drawing attention after newly released data linked deteriorating sewer systems to a series of sinkholes and ground settlement incidents across the city. According to figures submitted to Democratic Party (DP) lawmaker Jin Sun-mi, 3,300 kilometers (2,050 miles), roughly 30.4 percent, of Seoul’s total 10,866 kilometers of sewer lines had been in use for over 50 years as of December 2023. The data, provided by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, was made public on Tuesday. The lawmaker also revealed data submitted by the transport ministry that showed 394 sinkhole or ground settlement cases (45.5 percent) out of 867 cases reported during the last five years were caused by deteriorated or damaged sewer pipes. “Sewer pipes typically last between 30 and 50 years,” Jin said, stressing that a significant portion of the capital’s network has long passed that threshold, especially in older neighborhoods and busy areas. She called for stronger inspections and faster replacement of vulnerable sections, warning that the outdated system is a major factor behind repeated ground collapses. Public concern has been growing since a deadly sinkhole incident occurred in Gangdong District on Mar. 24. A massive hole, about 20 meters (65 feet) wide and 18 meters deep, opened up near a construction site. A motorcyclist fell in and was killed; another person was injured. However, officials later said the collapse was caused by ground settlement, likely tied to nearby excavation and weaknesses in underground facilities. City officials said they are conducting emergency checks in high-risk zones and reassessing long-term replacement plans. In a separate announcement last week, the Seoul Metropolitan Government confirmed that 59 sinkhole and ground settlement cases were reported across the city over the past three years—underscoring just how widespread the problem has become. 2025-04-15 10:54:23

Police to step up protection for presidential candidates amid rise in political threats SEOUL, April 14 (AJP) - South Korean police are preparing to strengthen security around presidential candidates ahead of the June 3 election, responding to a sharp rise in threats and politically motivated incidents following the impeachment of former president Yoon Suk Yeol. Authorities say they are reviewing plans to increase the number of officers assigned to each candidate’s security detail, noting that recent months have seen an unusual spike in extreme acts such as arson, assaults, and even attempted self-immolation tied to political unrest. "We are considering expanding the number of security personnel compared to the last presidential election," a senior police official said Sunday. "We are preparing educational programs that address the growing number of threats surrounding candidate protection." During the 2022 presidential race, the police deployed 150 officers for candidate protection. This time, officials are considering raising that figure, though a final decision has yet to be made. Those selected will receive additional training from the police special forces unit. Under current rules, official security is deployed once each political party formally nominates a candidate. In previous elections, up to 30 officers were assigned per candidate, but that number is expected to grow this year. The level of protection, known as “Eulho” (Type B) security, is similar to what is provided for the prime minister or speaker of the National Assembly and remains in place until the election outcome is confirmed. The renewed focus on candidate safety follows the near-fatal stabbing of Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung in January 2024. The attack, which occurred during a public event in Busan, left Lee with life-threatening injuries and prompted widespread concern over the vulnerability of high-profile politicians. The suspect was arrested at the scene and later charged with attempted murder. The incident became a turning point in public debate over political security, prompting calls from across the political spectrum for stronger protections, especially during campaign season. Lawmakers and civil society groups warned that deepening political polarization and volatile public sentiment had created an environment ripe for violence. Lee, who announced his candidacy for the upcoming election earlier this week, is among those expected to receive enhanced protection as campaigning ramps up. Police are also preparing to coordinate more closely with local governments and campaign organizers to manage crowds and monitor protest activity around major events. 2025-04-14 18:03:57

Namwon kicks off countdown to Chunhyang Festival with press day SEOUL, April 14 (AJP) - Namwon City hosted a press day and ambassador networking event on April 10 in Seoul to mark 20 days ahead of the opening of the 95th Namwon Chunhyang Festival, South Korea’s longest-running local cultural celebration. Held at Park Hall in the Peace & Park Convention Center in Yongsan-gu, the event brought together travel journalists, foreign correspondents, influencers, and cultural figures to preview this year’s expanded festival lineup and global ambitions. The Chunhyang Festival is rooted in Chunhyangjeon (The Tale of Chunhyang), one of Korea’s most iconic folktales and a cornerstone of the Pansori storytelling tradition. It tells the story of Seong Chunhyang, the daughter of a lowborn Gisaeng, a female court entertainer, and her steadfast love for Lee Mongryong, the son of a nobleman. Despite separation, social boundaries, and the abuse of power by a corrupt magistrate, Chunhyang remains loyal—her story enduring as a symbol of integrity and resilience. The press event unfolded in two parts. In the first, Namwon officials laid out the highlights of this year’s festival, themed “The sounds of Chunhyang open the world.” Attendees were invited to explore more than 150 programs spanning Korean traditional music, global collaborations, and fusion performances that combine sound and technology. The festival will run from April 30 to May 6 in Namwon. The session was hosted by traditional musician and 1992 Miss Chunhyang winner Oh Jung-hae, who guided the audience through a promotional video on the festival’s legacy before introducing a live showcase. Jung Myung-hee, representing the Jo Gap-nyeo Traditional Dance Conservation Association, performed Seungmu, a meditative monk’s dance. Oh then followed with a performance of Sori, a traditional Korean vocal style. One of the most anticipated moments came with a Hanbok fashion show featuring past Miss Chunhyang titleholders and Namwon Mayor Choi Kyung-sik. The models wore designs by master Hanbok designer Kim Hye-soon, offering a striking visual tribute to Korean elegance and tradition. The second session focused on global outreach. Namwon City introduced plans to expand the Chunhyang Ambassador program through new networking opportunities with former and current Miss Chunhyang winners. A roundtable discussion is expected to follow, as part of preparations for the festival’s centennial in 2030. Launched in 1931, the Namwon Chunhyang Festival celebrates the love story of Chunhyang and Lee Mongryong. This year’s edition includes 100 performances featuring the sounds of Korea, international fusion, immersive cultural experiences, and the city’s signature Gugak showcase. The official Miss Chunhyang pageant will take place on April 30, and for the first time, contestants from the United States and Canada will join the competition. Other highlights include the return of the Theborn Zone and Barbecue Zone in partnership with celebrity chef Baek Jong-won, expanded venues across Gwanghalluwon Garden, Yocheon streamside, Guemam Park, and the Canola Flower Garden, as well as new additions like a 300-person community concert titled Life Is But a Dream and a Chunhyang Festival Archive Exhibition. 2025-04-14 16:36:42