Lee Jae-myung and Kim Moon-soo offer different visions for constitutional reform SEOUL, May 19 (AJP) - With South Korea heading to the polls on Jun. 3 for a snap presidential election, constitutional reform has emerged as a key dividing line between the two leading candidates, Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party and Kim Moon-soo of the People Power Party. Both agree the Constitution needs to change, but their proposals reflect fundamentally different priorities and political philosophies. The snap election was triggered by the impeachment and removal of former president Yoon Suk Yeol, who declared martial law on Dec. 3 last year. Yoon cited threats from “North Korean communist forces” and “anti-state elements” to justify his actions, including the deployment of troops to block the National Assembly and restrictions on civil liberties. The Constitutional Court ruled on Apr. 4 that Yoon had abused his power and violated the Constitution, ending his presidency and setting the stage for the upcoming vote. Through a social media post on May 18, Lee Jae-myung said that he supports a four-year presidency, paired with reforms aimed at reinforcing democratic checks and balances. He stressed that any amendment would not apply to the sitting president. “Under our Constitution, amendments do not apply to the president in office at the time of the revision,” he said. Under current law, South Korean presidents serve a single five-year term. Civic groups have long pushed for a two-term system, arguing that one term is too short to carry out long-term policy agendas. But Lee maintains that the focus should not be on extending presidential power. “Now is not the time to debate term limits,” he said during a press event on Sunday. “What we need are clear safeguards that make it impossible for a president to abuse power like Yoon Suk Yeol did, whether through martial law or violating civil rights.” Lee also expressed regret over missing the opportunity to advance reform during the current election cycle, pointing to delays in revising the national referendum law. “We missed the moment,” he said. “But now is the time for each candidate to clearly present their constitutional reform plans so the next president can act quickly to begin discussions and prepare the groundwork for the ‘Seventh Republic.’” Kim Moon-soo, a former labor minister and the PPP nominee, is calling for more radical change. In a written statement released the same day, Kim proposed shortening the next president’s term to three years to synchronize presidential and parliamentary elections. “To make bold political reform possible, I propose reducing the term of the president elected in this race to three years,” he said. Kim supports moving to a four-year two-term presidency as well, but his plan goes further. He is calling for the abolition of presidential immunity, the elimination of legal protections for lawmakers, and the introduction of a public recall system for National Assembly members. He also emphasized the need for politically neutral appointments to the judiciary. While Kim welcomed Lee’s overall support for reform, he voiced skepticism about Lee’s intentions. “He must clarify whether the phrase ‘two-term presidency’ includes the possibility of long-term rule,” Kim said. “And given his past flip-flopping on constitutional reform, it’s time to put it in writing. I propose we sign a formal agreement on the reforms immediately.” 2025-05-19 11:18:28

K-pop boy band BoyNextDoor's new album hits 1mln sales in five days SEOUL, May 18 (AJP) - K-pop boy band BoyNextDoor’s latest mini album "No Genre" has surpassed one million in sales just five days after its release, setting a new record for the group. According to Hanteo Chart on May 18, the album, which dropped on May 13, recorded a total of 1,074,316 copies sold as of the previous day. The figure marks a sharp rise from their previous release "19.99," which sold 759,156 copies in its first week and became a million-seller about six weeks later. The group’s agency, KOZ Entertainment, expressed confidence that the momentum will continue. "As the group continues to perform on music shows and live stages, we expect album sales to keep increasing," the agency said. No Genre has also made a strong impact overseas. It topped Japan’s Oricon daily album chart for two days in a row and saw both the title track and other songs enter the “rising chart” on China’s largest music streaming platform, QQ Music. BoyNextDoor is currently promoting the title track "I Feel Good" through appearances on various music programs. 2025-05-18 17:46:03

BTS' Jin thanks fans, debuts new solo track at album showcase SEOUL, May 18 (AJP) - BTS member Jin expressed heartfelt thanks to fans and premiered songs from his new solo album during an offline event held Saturday in Seoul, his agency Big Hit Music said Sunday. The 32-year-old hosted the event in Seongsu, a trendy neighborhood in eastern Seoul, to celebrate the release of his second solo mini album “Echo.” He performed three tracks, including the title song "Don’t Say You Love Me." "The support from fans has truly stayed with me. It left a lasting impression in my heart. I was genuinely happy," Jin told the crowd. "Because of ARMY, I’m able to be a singer, make music, and stand on stage. I’m just really thankful you're here." He also gave a glimpse of his upcoming solo fan concert tour, set for June 28 and 29 at the auxiliary stadium of Goyang Sports Complex. "I plan to keep it light and fun, without getting too caught up in formalities," he said. The fan meeting event was broadcast live via Weverse and TikTok Live, reaching fans worldwide. Upon release, "Don’t Say You Love Me" recorded 3.62 million streams on Spotify, debuting at No. 9 on the platform’s Daily Top Songs Global chart. It also topped Japan’s Oricon Daily Digital Singles Ranking. 2025-05-18 16:34:24

State institute KAIST partners with Naver to develop app for autistic children SEOUL, May 18 (AJP) - South Korea's leading science and technology institute, KAIST, has joined hands with Naver Cloud AI Lab to develop a smartphone application designed to help children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) communicate more effectively with their parents. KAIST announced on Sunday that the newly developed app, called “AAcess Talk,” was created through a collaboration between its research team and the artificial intelligence lab under Naver, the country’s largest web portal operator. ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder marked by restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, and activities. Some individuals with ASD experience difficulty in verbal communication, and a small number show signs of minimally verbal autism (MVA), making it difficult for them to express their thoughts through speech. Children with ASD often rely on illustrated word cards to communicate with their parents. However, these cards often fall short of conveying the child’s emotions or real-time interests, limiting the depth of interaction. To address this issue, the KAIST team developed an AI-based system that operates on tablet PCs and suggests appropriate communication cards in real time. The app allows children to initiate and end conversations and even ask their parents for opinions, offering a more dynamic and personalized form of interaction. “Creating an environment where children can express their own voices is the most important thing,” said Professor Hong Hwa-jung, who led the KAIST research team. “We will continue to develop UX-based technologies and practical tools to support social minorities.” The research was recently honored with a Best Paper Award at the ACM CHI 2025, a leading conference on human-computer interaction held in Yokohama, Japan. 2025-05-18 15:29:33

Lee Jae-myung builds commanding lead as Kim Moon-soo trails, Lee Jun-seok stays in single digits SEOUL, May 18 (AJP) - One week into South Korea’s snap presidential election, Democratic Party (DP) candidate Lee Jae-myung is beginning to break away from the pack, a survey showed Saturday. Lee’s campaign, steady and cautious, is gaining traction even in regions once considered hostile ground. People Power Party (PPP) candidate Kim Moon-soo remains stalled in second place, while Reform Party candidate Lee Jun-seok stays in the single digits, aiming to position himself as a third option. A poll released by Gallup Korea on May 17 shows Lee Jae-myung with 51 percent support nationwide, marking the first time he’s crossed the halfway mark. He holds strong numbers in the capital region, 50 percent in Seoul and 55 percent in Gyeonggi and Incheon, and is making surprising inroads in conservative strongholds, polling at 34 percent in Daegu City and North Gyeongsang Province and 41 percent in Busan City, Ulsan City, and South Gyeongsang Province. He also holds a solid majority among centrists, with 52 percent support. Lee reportedly told aides to “keep their heads down” and stay humble, trying to keep his posture low even as his numbers climb. Within his camp, there’s growing awareness of a potential backlash or late conservative surge, particularly among so-called “shy” conservative voters. Kim Moon-soo, who emerged as the PPP’s nominee after a drawn-out internal battle, is struggling to build momentum. He sits at 29 percent support, with 48 percent in Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province and 39 percent in South Geyongsang Province including Busan and Ulsan, numbers far below what the party had expected. His backing among conservatives (58 percent) also trails the 84 percent support Lee enjoys among progressives. Kim’s early campaign has been marred by a string of challenges, including the delayed departure of former President Yoon Suk Yeol from the party and unease over the presence of hardline figures in his camp. While some in the PPP believe Yoon’s exit will help consolidate their fractured base, others argue it came too late to change the dynamic. Meanwhile, Lee Jun-seok, polling at 8 percent, is pressing his case as the only real alternative to both Lee and Kim. He’s hoping to attract conservatives disenchanted with the PPP and moderates wary of Lee Jae-myung’s return to power. But with the election drawing closer, many voters are expected to return to the familiar camps of the two main parties. Calls for a conservative unification have largely lost steam. Kim’s early plan to build a broad right-wing coalition collapsed when talks with former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo broke down. Now, with Lee Jae-myung pulling ahead, there appears to be little incentive left to pursue an alliance with Lee Jun-seok. Lee is expected to sharpen his attacks on Kim, framing him as a "far-right insurrection candidate" for refusing to cut ties with Yoon Suk Yeol. Lee Jun-seok also criticized Kim, saying, "Any candidate with shared responsibility must step down with Yoon." With just over two weeks to go, the race is entering a critical phase. Lee Jae-myung is focused on protecting his lead without overreaching. Kim Moon-soo is under pressure to find momentum. And Lee Jun-seok, despite low numbers, is holding his position in hopes of a late break. The Korea Gallup poll cited in this article was conducted from May 13 to 15 among 1,004 respondents aged 18 or older. The survey has a margin of error of ±3.1 percentage points at a 95 percent confidence level and a response rate of 16.4 percent. For full details, refer to the National Election Survey Deliberation Commission. 2025-05-18 13:45:19

Firefighters bring major blaze at Gwangju Kumho Tire plant under control SEOUL, May 18 (AJP) - A large fire at Kumho Tire’s Gwangju plant is nearing containment, prompting fire authorities to consider scaling back the emergency response level as of Sunday. The National Fire Agency said that as of the morning of May 18, the blaze was about 80 percent contained. A total of 462 firefighters and 168 pieces of equipment have been deployed in an ongoing effort to fully extinguish the flames. The fire broke out around 7:11 a.m. Saturday in the mixing area of Plant 2, located in the western section of the facility. The Gwangju plant is divided into two sections: Plant 1 to the south and Plant 2 to the west. The mixing process, where raw rubber is combined with chemical agents at the start of tire production, is believed to have been the ignition point. Investigators suspect sparks from an industrial oven used to preheat the rubber set off the fire. Due to the scale of the incident and the release of toxic smoke, the fire agency had initially issued a national firefighting mobilization order. However, with containment efforts progressing, officials are now weighing whether to lower the response level. Kumho Tire has halted all production at the plant while damage assessment and recovery are underway. Nearby residents were affected by the smoke and dust, prompting evacuations. A total of 183 people from 98 households across four adjacent apartment complexes have taken shelter at a temporary evacuation center set up at Gwangju Women’s University gymnasium. Firefighters bring major blaze at Gwangju Kumho Tire plant under control A large fire at Kumho Tire’s Gwangju plant is nearing containment, prompting fire authorities to consider scaling back the emergency response level as of Sunday. The National Fire Agency said that as of the morning of May 18, the blaze was about 80 percent contained. A total of 462 firefighters and 168 pieces of equipment have been deployed in an ongoing effort to fully extinguish the flames. The fire broke out around 7:11 a.m. Saturday in the mixing area of Plant 2, located in the western section of the facility. The Gwangju plant is divided into two sections: Plant 1 to the south and Plant 2 to the west. The mixing process, where raw rubber is combined with chemical agents at the start of tire production, is believed to have been the ignition point. Investigators suspect sparks from an industrial oven used to preheat the rubber set off the fire. Due to the scale of the incident and the release of toxic smoke, the fire agency had initially issued a national firefighting mobilization order. However, with containment efforts progressing, officials are now weighing whether to lower the response level. Kumho Tire has halted all production at the plant while damage assessment and recovery are underway. Nearby residents were affected by the smoke and dust, prompting evacuations. A total of 183 people from 98 households across four adjacent apartment complexes have taken shelter at a temporary evacuation center set up at Gwangju Women’s University gymnasium. Firefighters bring major blaze at Gwangju Kumho Tire plant under control A large fire at Kumho Tire’s Gwangju plant is nearing containment, prompting fire authorities to consider scaling back the emergency response level as of Sunday. The National Fire Agency said that as of the morning of May 18, the blaze was about 80 percent contained. A total of 462 firefighters and 168 pieces of equipment have been deployed in an ongoing effort to fully extinguish the flames. The fire broke out around 7:11 a.m. Saturday in the mixing area of Plant 2, located in the western section of the facility. The Gwangju plant is divided into two sections: Plant 1 to the south and Plant 2 to the west. The mixing process, where raw rubber is combined with chemical agents at the start of tire production, is believed to have been the ignition point. Investigators suspect sparks from an industrial oven used to preheat the rubber set off the fire. Due to the scale of the incident and the release of toxic smoke, the fire agency had initially issued a national firefighting mobilization order. However, with containment efforts progressing, officials are now weighing whether to lower the response level. Kumho Tire has halted all production at the plant while damage assessment and recovery are underway. Nearby residents were affected by the smoke and dust, prompting evacuations. A total of 183 people from 98 households across four adjacent apartment complexes have taken shelter at a temporary evacuation center set up at Gwangju Women’s University gymnasium. Firefighters bring major blaze at Gwangju Kumho Tire plant under control A large fire at Kumho Tire’s Gwangju plant is nearing containment, prompting fire authorities to consider scaling back the emergency response level as of Sunday. The National Fire Agency said that as of the morning of May 18, the blaze was about 80 percent contained. A total of 462 firefighters and 168 pieces of equipment have been deployed in an ongoing effort to fully extinguish the flames. The fire broke out around 7:11 a.m. Saturday in the mixing area of Plant 2, located in the western section of the facility. The Gwangju plant is divided into two sections: Plant 1 to the south and Plant 2 to the west. The mixing process, where raw rubber is combined with chemical agents at the start of tire production, is believed to have been the ignition point. Investigators suspect sparks from an industrial oven used to preheat the rubber set off the fire. Due to the scale of the incident and the release of toxic smoke, the fire agency had initially issued a national firefighting mobilization order. However, with containment efforts progressing, officials are now weighing whether to lower the response level. Kumho Tire has halted all production at the plant while damage assessment and recovery are underway. Nearby residents were affected by the smoke and dust, prompting evacuations. A total of 183 people from 98 households across four adjacent apartment complexes have taken shelter at a temporary evacuation center set up at Gwangju Women’s University gymnasium. 2025-05-18 10:27:57

Lee Jae-myung calls for pragmatic diplomacy and phased peace with North Korea Editor’s Note: This article is the second in a series examining the leading presidential candidates and their positions on diplomacy, security, and North Korea. SEOUL, May 16 (AJP) - As South Korea prepares for a pivotal snap election, Democratic Party candidate Lee Jae-myung is putting forward a foreign and security policy that contrasts sharply with his conservative rival Kim Moon-soo. At the center of Lee’s approach is a push for pragmatic diplomacy, a gradual shift toward peace on the Korean Peninsula, and a more balanced engagement with the world’s major powers. Lee has repeatedly emphasized that diplomacy should serve the national interest and adapt to the realities of a changing global order. While reaffirming the importance of the United States–South Korea alliance, he has cautioned against an overly one-sided approach. Instead, he argues for broadening South Korea’s diplomatic reach to include more strategic cooperation with China, Japan, and Russia. His so-called “New Asia Strategy” aims to restructure past outreach efforts like the Moon Jae-in administration’s New Southern and New Northern Policies to better fit current geopolitical dynamics. Lee also advocates for closer ties with the Global South, pointing to emerging nations in Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America as important diplomatic and economic partners. This multipolar approach, he says, is necessary for securing South Korea’s long-term strategic autonomy. On North Korea, Lee has called for a shift away from confrontation and toward phased engagement. His campaign envisions a gradual easing of military tensions, the restoration of inter-Korean dialogue, and the pursuit of denuclearization in step-by-step stages. He has pledged to pursue humanitarian exchanges such as family reunions and to resume cooperation projects aimed at building mutual trust. Although Lee has not ruled out a strong national defense posture, he has rejected calls for tactical nuclear weapons or independent nuclear armament. Instead, he supports enhancing missile defense systems and maintaining deterrence through conventional capabilities within the framework of the U.S.–South Korea alliance. In terms of defense reform, Lee is proposing a hybrid conscription system, what he calls a “selective volunteer service.” Under his plan, men who must fulfil their conscripted military service could choose between short-term conscription and longer-term professional service as non-commissioned officers or military specialists. The goal, according to Lee, is to improve military efficiency and offer young people meaningful career paths. He has also pledged to expand the defense industry’s global competitiveness by setting up a dedicated export control tower and holding regular defense export strategy meetings led by the president. Lee’s foreign policy vision centers on what he calls “realistic diplomacy based on national interest.” In a recent televised debate, he noted that even long-standing allies like the U, S. are turning inward with protectionist policies, arguing that South Korea needs to act in its own best interest while maintaining strong ties. He pledged to launch an emergency task force on trade negotiations and to take a more proactive role in managing tensions with Washington on economic issues. “The U.S.–South Korea alliance remains a pillar of our diplomacy,” Lee said, “but we can’t afford to follow unilaterally. We need to manage relations with all major powers, including China, Russia, and even North Korea, practically and carefully.” While many experts question the feasibility of reviving inter-Korean cooperation under current conditions, Lee maintains that diplomacy and gradual engagement are South Korea’s best path forward. 2025-05-16 10:37:25

Kim Moon-soo pushes nuclear option, calls for tighter U.S. alliance Editor's Note: This article is the first in a series examining the leading presidential candidates and their positions on diplomacy, security, and North Korea. SEOUL, May 15 (AJP) - Presidential candidate Kim Moon-soo is drawing a firm line in South Korea’s snap election, positioning himself as a staunch advocate of military strength and nuclear deterrence. Representing the conservative People Power Party (PPP), Kim has made clear that his foreign and security policy will be grounded in a stronger alliance with the United States, and a long-term vision for South Korea to acquire its own nuclear capability. As tensions with North Korea persist and questions grow over regional stability, Kim has argued that Seoul can no longer rely solely on American protection. One of his key proposals is to revise the U.S.–ROK Mutual Defense Treaty to explicitly include a clause that guarantees protection in the event of a nuclear attack. He also wants U.S. strategic assets, such as bombers and submarines, deployed in South Korea at a level approaching permanent presence. In a recent televised debate, Kim took his stance a step further, suggesting that South Korea and the U.S. jointly develop nuclear-powered submarines capable of carrying tactical nuclear weapons. These submarines, he said, could patrol near the Korean Peninsula until Pyongyang agrees to dismantle its nuclear arsenal. A joint declaration outlining this strategy, he added, would be a clear signal of resolve. But the most controversial part of his platform is the idea that South Korea should build up its own nuclear capability. Kim has called for amending the U.S.–South Korea nuclear cooperation agreement to allow uranium enrichment and plutonium reprocessing, technologies that would bring Seoul closer to becoming a latent nuclear power, similar to Japan. He also said South Korea should accumulate the technical expertise to design nuclear weapons, if necessary. He hasn’t ruled out the reintroduction of U.S. tactical nuclear weapons to the region, either. One option he raised was deploying them in Guam with the understanding that they would serve South Korea’s defense. Kim also floated the idea of a NATO-style nuclear sharing arrangement with the United States. While his policy on North Korea leans heavily on deterrence, Kim has shown little interest in engagement or dialogue with Pyongyang. Instead, he’s focused on improving defense infrastructure and boosting military morale. His pledges include restoring military bonus points for veterans, enhancing food and living conditions for enlisted troops, and repositioning military service as a professional advantage rather than a disruption. On the diplomatic front, Kim wants to pursue a wide-ranging investment pact with the U.S. that spans defense, semiconductors, shipbuilding, and nuclear energy. He has also vowed to meet with the U.S. president immediately upon taking office and to cultivate a new generation of 100,000 trade specialists. Free trade agreements with India and Middle Eastern countries are also part of his agenda. Kim’s positions have sparked concern among some experts, who warn that a move toward indigenous nuclear weapons could isolate South Korea and provoke regional instability. Still, his message is clear. In a world of shifting alliances and growing threats, he believes strength is the only reliable safeguard. “Peace doesn’t come from hoping for the best,” he said. “It comes from power.” 2025-05-15 14:57:45

Kim Moon-soo promises science-focused presidency in aerospace hub SEOUL, May 14 (AJP) - Kim Moon-soo, the presidential candidate of the People Power Party, pledged Wednesday to become a president who prioritizes science and technology, as he toured Jinju and Sacheon, cities in South Gyeongsang Province known for their concentration of aerospace and defense industries. In a campaign speech in Jinju, Kim urged voters to back his vision of transforming South Korea into a global leader in aerospace. “Let’s raise our aerospace technology and industries to the top level worldwide,” he said. “If I am elected as president, I will be a ‘science and technology president.’” He drew parallels with the legacy of former President Park Chung-hee, saying, “Some might ask, ‘What do you know about science and technology?’ President Park wasn’t a scientist, but he knew the importance of those sectors and trained some of the world’s best experts. He built POSCO, the automobile industry, shipbuilding, and K-defense.” Kim also proposed bringing in top talent from overseas. “We need to recruit the best minds from abroad and create a Korea, especially Jinju, Sacheon, and the whole of South Gyeongsang Province, where practicing science and raising a family are both ideal,” he said. Mentioning the major shipyards in nearby Geoje, Kim added, “Korea’s shipbuilding technology is the best in the world. We need to keep expanding this strength.” He also spoke about the symbolic value of Jinju, invoking patriotic and civic pride. “Jinju has always stood firm for the country,” he said. Kim also visited the Korea Aerospace Administration in Sacheon and received a policy briefing from Commissioner Yoon Young-bin. Kim also engaged in discussions with staff and experts. 2025-05-14 15:56:24

Lee Jae-myung urges Busan voters to hold PPP accountable in election SEOUL, May 14 (AJP) - Democratic Party (DP) presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung called on voters in the southern port city of Busan to deliver a clear judgment on the People Power Party (PPP), taking direct aim at the conservative bloc for its support of former President Yoon Suk Yeol. Speaking at a campaign rally in Seomyeon on Wednesday, Lee described Busan as a city with a proud democratic history and urged its citizens to reflect on the PPP’s role in backing Yoon, who was impeached in April following his controversial declaration of emergency martial law. “If the People Power Party truly respects the constitutional order of liberal democracy, it must immediately expel the ringleader of the military coup, Yoon Suk Yeol,” Lee said. Turning to the crowd, he continued, “Isn’t this the sacred ground of democracy? Isn’t this the political hometown of Kim Young-sam, a fighter for democracy? I ask you once again to hold the PPP accountable.” Busan, South Korea’s second-largest city, has long been considered a conservative stronghold. Lee’s campaign stop there follows earlier visits to Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province, also known for their conservative leanings. Lee also called on his supporters to stay vigilant and participate fully in the June 3 election. Quoting former President Kim Dae-jung, he said, “A conscience without action sides with evil.” He added, “Abstaining from voting isn’t neutrality. It’s choosing their side.” While some experts have projected a comfortable lead for the DP, Lee struck a cautious tone. “This will be a close contest,” he said. “Our goal isn’t a landslide — it’s to win for certain.” He also urged his supporters to act as if the race could come down to just a few votes. “I’m doing everything I can to win even by a single vote,” he said. “Please help us by thinking we’re short by three votes and secure three more each.” 2025-05-14 15:01:35